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"So, that watch is what allows you to travel through time?"
The dingy cantina is abuzz with nervous chatter. People from all walks of life come and go, some tuning into the news, others simply chatting amongst themselves. Anakin stands against the bar top, his leg jerking up and down with anticipation. His current companion, a sturdy man with auburn hair and a clean-cut beard, took slow, steady sips of his cheap beer, seemingly deriving enjoyment from Anakin's intense interest.
"No, it simply tells me what timeline I'm in."
Anakin could hear the obnoxiously loud news broadcast playing in the background. He didn't hear anything of note– not that he could focus on anything besides his current drinking buddy– but he had the feeling whatever was playing out on screen had captured the attention of most of those around him. The man– Ben, held out his wrist to display his strangely intricate watch. It emanated a subtle blue light, not enough to be grossly oppressive, but just enough to reflect off Ben's disgustingly attractive face.
Anakin glared at the thing skeptically. "Sounds like some Jedi osik to me..."
Ben shoved him playfully, with a light chuckle giving away his amusement. Anakin found himself basking in the sound.
Ben now held his beer glass in two hands, gearing up to take yet another sip. "Yes, well, it did help me steal the Darksaber, so that's not exactly a bad thing."
Anakin stared at him, dumbfounded, while Ben sent him a drunken smirk. Was this guy serious, or was he pretending to be a times traveler, some new pickup technique he doesn't know about? Because if it is, he thinks it might be working.
He let out a disbelieving huff. "Are you serious...?"
The world suddenly faded, leaving nothing but the staticky audio pouring from the nearest holo screen.
"This just in! After the shocking disappearance of The Darksaber, The Duchess of Mandalore, one Satine Kryze, has since laid her claim to the holy weapon. She has also announced plans to launch a fierce campaign against the infamous terrorist group, known as the Death Watch, who have declared their staunch distaste for the Duchess and her ideals..."
The world snapped back in an instant. Anakin immediately looked to Ben, who stared wistfully at the screen, his beer glass having never moved from his mouth. He watched as Ben's loud smirk morphed into a soft grin.
"At least now, she'll have an easier time sorting out those terrorists..."
It didn't take a genius to figure out Ben held a soft spot for the Duchess– especially with the stealing The Darksaber thing– but how exactly that came to be is a mystery. His dedication to her ran deep, that's for sure, and it left him wondering what it would be like to be on the receiving end of such intense feelings. The thought sent a sharp pang in his heart.
He could feel Ben softly nudging his shoulder. "So....do you believe me now?"
Anakin didn't know why he suddenly burst out laughing, but it was worth the boisterous grin Ben sent his way. Something about this man was so frustratingly familiar; from his laugh to his smile, he felt like he'd seen them dozens of times. It left him wanting to know as much about the man as possible. Where was he from? What's his favorite color? Did he like pod racing?
The last question was pure self-indulgence, but even with their brief (albeit drunken) time together, he felt Ben was a man with opinions on almost anything you could think of.
It was as if they were scattered across a galaxy of memories -- of which he'd never know-- where, at a certain point in time, they'd come to know each other as more than just a welcome face left sitting at the bar. That somehow, someway, he was something special to Ben, someone as important as the Duchess, and he'd gladly do something insane to help him out. If there are multiple timelines, he'd like to find the one where he and Ben were together, perhaps as friends, maybe more. He wanted to know as much as he could about this man.
Finally, he signaled to the bartender before asking for another round...