hadriel | [Video]

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[Video]

[Anakin is nursing a burned leg - thanks, fire - looking like his usual peppy, happy self.]

Eclipse, leave it alone. [He shows a curious cat sniffing said leg and coaxes it into his lap. Another cat, one that is smaller, with a face that is almost too adorable for words follows in Eclipse's dainty footsteps, laying over Anakin's leg. There. That's better, right?]

Thank you, Ravager. [No, really. This is the terrifying Darth Vader. With a pair of sweet cats.]

I swear this is the last I do for you, Hadriel. Unless there is a burning building filled with cats, you are on your own.

[Cats > People. Obviously.]

Hux? Are you alive? [That's a nice way of checking on someone, right?] Maedhros? Fingon? What about you?

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When did you grow so wise? {Maedhros musters enough to tease, affection touching voice and eyes.

They've come to know each other rather well. They understand the need for affection and touch that doesn't involve pain.

He shrugs.}

I know what you feel like. Appearance will not hide you from me. Still, would you describe this suit to me?

It's just something I've experienced too. [He's not wise; he won't pretend to be. Not this time, at least.

Anakin runs his fingers through Maedhros's hair thoughtfully, eyes unfocused as he recalls his dreams.]

It's all black. You might seen lights or buttons on the chest and I will be wearing a helmet over the mask.

[He searches for a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Upon finding the items, he draws a sketch.]

You'll know if you see him...me.

{Maedhros leans into his hand, soaking up affection.

The description doesn't push him away, and when Anakin sketches the suit, he leans in to study it.}

You will be in a cage. Cages are meant to be opened. If I have to break the lock to free you, I will.

[Anakin is happy to give him small gestures of affection. They can really make a difference after a tough day and he knows Maedhros keeps a lot to himself. His thumb brushes against a pale cheek before he sets himself the task of sketching the figure from his nightmares.]

Open the cage and I will physically die. But maybe that's a mercy?

{Brushing and braiding hair, embraces, spending quiet time together, all help in their own special ways. Maedhros is grateful to know Anakin, and to know he can lean on him when he needs to to avoid shattering. He doesn't need to be strong around this Man.

He frowns at the harsh lines of the suit. So much was machine, even his inexperienced eyes could see it.}

Then keep the physical cage and open the mental. What you choose to do once that is done is up to you.

[He is terrible at braids - poor Leia would have missed out or he would have learned for her - but the rest he enjoys giving and receiving. Maedhros can shatter and Anakin won't run. They both have ugly parts to them and they can't be avoided: they need to be faced head-on and understood without judgement.

Case in point: Darth Vader and his suit. Suit isn't even a totally correct word. He lives in a machine.]

I guess I'd kill the Emperor, seek out my kids and try to make things right. Eventually this set-up - [He motions at the life-support suit.] would be tiring. I'd be sick of it. At least I could say goodbye to Luke and Leia.

{Maedhros doesn't mind messy braids! Any playing with his hair is soothing, especially when it's from someone he trusts.

He shifts until he can rest his chin on Anakin's shoulder, curling an arm around his waist.}

But, you would have time with them that you would not have if you did not break free of this cage. They would get the chance to know you, not just the Emperor's pet.

[He can try? All talents surely have some use and so they should be honed, right? Anakin likes that he can give Maedhros some peace. He notices how the Elf is very rarely in a poor mood when they speak. It's contagious, really.

The last description could rile him. His muscles tense, yet the solid, kind weight of Maedhros quiets his offense.]

He has a lot against me. [He touches the sketch, brow furrowing.] You're right. I'd rather die sooner having known them.

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