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“You going to try for the job, Skyguy?”
“I feel like I have no other choice.”
Anakin looked at Ahsoka, phone shared between them. The Coruscant Symphony Orchestra was holding auditions for a concertmaster. Anakin had just finished four years of college, freshly looking for a violin job. Ahsoka was both his student and good friend, and had shown Anakin the listing for an audition at Coruscant. Anakin’s eyes kept reading the listing, over and over.
Coruscant Symphony Orchestra - Concertmaster
The Coruscant Symphony Orchestra is seeking applicants to audition for concertmaster. Applicants will be sent audition excerpts to be selectively performed at an in-person audition. Interested persons can submit an application to the Symphony’s website.
“You grew up there, right? You can see that guy you studied from again! Does he play there?” Ahsoka looked at Anakin, trying to motivate him. Anakin understood she was trying to encourage him, but he had complicated feelings about going back to Coruscant. That didn’t even bring up his first teacher - the man who inspired his love for violin. Obi-Wan Kenobi, associate concertmaster for the CSM. While Anakin grew up there after the passing of his mother in Tatooine, Anakin didn’t leave Coruscant on good terms. Him and Obi-Wan had fought about what Anakin did next. Anakin went to college for violin, it was his only passion. Obi-Wan supported him, but not where Anakin wanted to go. Anakin had been accepted to a prestigious music school, known for its legacy of amazing students; he would study under famed violinist Dr.Palpatine. Obi-Wan did not want Anakin to study under Palpatine, not telling Anakin why. It ended with Anakin yelling at Obi-Wan, leaving his lesson and never showing up again.
Anakin shook his head, trying to dissuade his anxiety. “Yeah, Mr.Kenobi plays there. I’m just not sure about it, Snips. It’s a hard spot to win, and you know I didn’t exactly leave on the best terms.”
Ahsoka put her hand on Anakin’s arm. “You went to an amazing school! You’ve won competitions, Mr. ‘Violinist With No Fear.’ I think everyone else should be worried about you. ” Ah. The nickname Anakin got from his attempts at numerous competitions with huge age ranges. Young Anakin, only 23, had already won numerous adult-level competitions, competing with people twice his age, and winning.
Anakin chuckled, appreciating Ahsoka’s support. “I guess I can submit an application. I do need a more stable job, after all.” Anakin smiled, small and barely there. Honestly, it would be nice to reconnect with Obi-Wan. When he started school, he realized why Obi-Wan didn’t want him to study from Dr.Palpatine. The professor was demoralizing, tearing his students down until they felt little self-worth; he pushed them all past their limit, and drove competition within his own violin studio. Anakin only stayed because of his scholarship - he couldn’t afford to audition and transfer somewhere else. Maybe, if Anakin could see Obi-Wan again, he could tell his old teacher sorry, and that he was honestly right.
Anakin steeled his nerves. “Alright, Snips. I’ll go fot it. But you know, you’re about to audition for college yourself.” Anakin smirked, looking at his student.
Ahsoka laughed. “Worry about that later! I have a few months to decide, worry about your audition for now.”
Anakin smiled, clicking the link to CSO’s website. He was seriously going to audition. If he thought about Obi-Wan while filling the application out, it was his secret.
Anakin’s leg shook with anxiety as he sat outside Coruscant’s concert hall. He had spent the previous hour warming up, in a room full of other violinists going for the same position. Inside the hall was a panel of judges; the first round was blind, with the judges behind a screen. Anakin gripped his violin just a little bit harder, and ran a hand through his wavy hair. Was Obi-Wan on that panel? Would Obi-Wan even recognize his playing now? Anakin didn’t want to think too hard about that. Anakin felt his phone vibrate, and glanced down at the screen.
Snips: Kill it Skyguy!! You got this!!!
Anakin smiled. He was grateful for Ahoska’s support. He would miss her greatly if he got this job and had to move back to Coruscant.
“Number 37!”
This was it. Anakin stood up, music, violin, and bow all in hand as he stepped into the concert hall. On the stage was a black curtain, the judges presumably behind it. Only one other person was outside the screen, aside from Anakin.
“Hello, there. I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi. I will be the proctor for your audition. On the stand, you will find the list of excerpts for this audition. Later this evening, we will reach out if you will be called back for the final round.”
Holy Shit. Anakin looked at Obi-Wan, eyes wide. While Obi-Wan was just reciting a generic list of instructions, Anakin felt the world cave from under him. Obi-Wan surprised himself, Anakin noted. It had been four years, and those four years had been very kind to Obi-Wan. His slightly ginger hair fell nicely on his face; his beard had gray at the sideburns.
Anakin said nothing, walking up to the stand. The excerpts he had to play, he knew well, having played them many times in college and before. Anakin looked at Obi-Wan once more before bringing his violin up to his shoulder. He felt both more nervous and more invigorated. He wanted to convey emotion to Obi-Wan, not the audition panel. Anakin’s fingers moved deftly while he used his bow to drag out as much emotion as he could in his excerpts. He dared not to look at Obi-Wan until he was done.
When Anakin finished, he put his violin down, breathing a breath of relief. Shaking, Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan’s face was shocked, looking in awe at Anakin. He coughed. “Thank you. We will let you know if you are to be called back tomorrow.”
Anakin smiled, leaving the concert hall. He wanted desperately to talk with Obi-Wan, and would make sure he got to.
Anakin was lounging on his hotel bed when he received an email.
From: Coruscant Symphony Orchestra
Subject: Audition Call Back
Dear Mr.Skywalker,
We are writing to inform you you have been selected to audition in the final round tomorrow. As this is the final round, the judging panel will be unblind. Judges will consist of conductor Maestro Yoda, assistant conductor Maestro Windu, and associate concertmaster Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Thank you for your effort,
The Coruscant Symphony Orchestra
Anakin did it! He made it to the final round. Anakin grinned, calling Ahsoka. It barely rang before his student picked up.
“Snips! I got to the final round!” Anakin’s voice sounded more energetic than it had in so long.
“That’s great, Skyguy! How’d today go, besides the great news?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” Anakin paused for dramatic effect, “The proctor was Mr.Kenobi, my old teacher.” Anakin was still in awe of how good Obi-Wan looked.
“Really? Did you guys talk? What did he think?” Ahsoka fired off questions to Anakin.
“Slow down, Snips. We didn’t get to talk. He’s great, really great. I really want to catch up with him, and apologize.” Anakin smiled, hoping his tone over the phone didn’t reveal his newfound attraction.
“Awwe, it sounds like Skyguy might like him a little bit more than he thought.” Damn it.
“I haven’t talked to him in four years! He just…aged so differently.” Anakin looked in the distance, imagining Obi-Wan before shaking his head. Bad thoughts. Obi-Wan was one of his judges tomorrow. “Anyways, I need to get going. Gotta sleep up for the big day tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Skyguy. You got this tomorrow.” Anakin could hear Ahsoka’s smile through the phone.
“Goodnight, Snips.” Anakin hang up the phone, staring at the screen. Seeing Obi-Wan today was honestly great. Anakin has always been brash and impulsive, but even more so when he was younger. He wished he hadn’t walked out on Obi-Wan then. While he was his teacher, Obi-Wan was also a very important friend to Anakin. Anakin had studied with Obi-Wan since he was only 9, just having moved to Coruscant. Obi-Wan only just graduated from college. The two grew close as Anakin aged, confiding and sharing stories with each other. Anakin smiled fondly at the memories. He missed Obi-Wan, honestly. He hoped tomorrow he could convey all those emotions to Obi-Wan, no walls between them. Just Anakin and his playing.
Anakin set his phone down, turning over in the covers of his hotel bed. He closed his eyes and drifted to sleep, thinking of his ginger-haired mentor.
Anakin felt his anxiety build up as he was yet again seated outside the concert hall. There were far less people, as it was the final round, but he had to do more to stand out. He knew Obi-Wan would be in the hall, and he knew Obi-Wan’s opinion mattered this time. Anakin had thought all morning what this position would mean. He would play alongside Obi-Wan, instead of studying with him. They would work together, being close and sharing duties. Anakin ran an anxious hand through his hair. At first, he only auditioned to potentially get a job after school. Now, though, this job meant more to Anakin than just a paycheck. The chance to be with Obi-Wan again outsold everything else. Anakin sighed. He picked at a thread sticking out from his old blazer.
“Anakin Skywalker!”
This time, the voice calling him was a woman. Anakin looked up, trying to dissuade his nerves. The woman was Padmé. Anakin knew her very well; the two had a brief but passionate fling when Anakin was in high school, before breaking it off. Her long brown hair was tied in some ornate style, just as she used to do. Anakin had no idea she played here too. Anakin shook his head, trying to focus on what was to come. Deep breaths. It’s what Obi-Wan taught him. You can’t do better than your best. Anakin sighed, getting up, his legs shaky. He followed the woman into the concert hall.
Padmé looked at Anakin, right before the two walked on to the stage. “Ani, I know it’s been a while. You’ll do great. We need to catch up, and I know Obi-Wan wants to, too.” Padmé smiled at Anakin. He didn’t trust himself to speak, nerves running high, just nodding at Padmé appreciatively. She understood. Padmé opened the big velvet curtains to the stage, succumbing Anakin to his fate. He trembled, just a bit.
Inside, the hall lights were all lit, bright and shining down onto the stage. A lone stand stood in the middle. Anakin looked out into the audience, barely able to make out the judges in the dark seating area. Obi-Wan was right there, eyes peering into Anakin’s soul. Anakin gulped. This was it, his years of long work playing the violin led him to this. Anakin desperately hoped Obi-Wan would understand his feelings, his admiration, devotion, and apology in his playing.
Anakin broke out of his thoughts when Padmé spoke. “Good morning, I’m Padmé Amidala, flutist for the orchestra. On the stand are the excerpts you are to play. The judges may speak to you, good luck!” She moved to the back of the stage, watching Anakin intently.
Anakin took confident steps to the middle of the stage, trying to mask the anxiety he deeply felt. Before he brought the violin to his shoulder, Anakin took one last glance at the judges. All three sat on the edges of their seats in anticipation for what Anakin was to play. Had Obi-Wan told the maestros about him? Did Obi-Wan think highly of him still? Anakin wanted his praise badly, to be told what an amazing musician he is; it would mean more than any of the awards he’s received.
Anakin took a steadying breath, bringing the violin to his shoulder, preparing his bow to play. He knew the excerpts well, preparing them both in college and before the audition. With the music on the stand, Anakin’s fingers cleanly and elegantly moved across the neck of the violin, technically playing each note with perfection. He infused as much musicality and emotion into his playing as he could, wanting to draw the judges in. Wanting to draw Obi-Wan in. The music rose and fell like waves, sound reaching the audience with a bright, light sound. Anakin smiled, feeling as if he was floating. He snuck a glance to the judges, still sitting on the edge of their seats. Anakin looked back at his music, finishing the last excerpt in a flurry, sound reverberating in the hall. He felt breathless, gasping for air. His playing felt magical, Anakin had never played like this before; he hoped Obi-Wan understood what he was trying to say. I miss you. I want to talk to you. I’m sorry.
Maestro Windu coughed. Anakin looked to the judges, heart beating out of his chest. Obi-Wan looked at Anakin, gaze piercing. “Thank you, Mr.Skywalker. We will let you know whether or not you win the position this evening. Have a good day,” Maestro Windu said curtly.
Anakin nodded, still trembling. He walked toward the back of the stage, nodding at Padmé. She followed him out to the lobby.
“Ani! That was amazing, you’ve really improved the past few years,” Padmé spoke animatedly to Anakin, captivated by his playing. Anakin smiled. He was happy to have the chance to catch up with Padmé. Even though they haven’t spoken in four years, Anakin still valued her as someone important in his life.
“Thanks, Padmé. We’ll see how it goes, though.”
Padmé smiled. “I have to go soon, but you really did do great. I know I’m biased, and shouldn’t be, but I hope you get the spot.”
Anakin chuckled. He was grateful for Padmé’s support. “See you, Padmé. We should catch up sometime.”
“Yeah! Let me know, my number hasn’t changed.” Padmé waved to Anakin before leaving the lobby.
Anakin sighed, being alone again. He really felt as if his audition went well. If anything, he wanted a chance to catch up with Obi-Wan before he had to return home. Hopefully, Anakin would be moving out here for a job. He ran a hand through his hair, pulling out his phone to text Ahsoka.
“Anakin.”
Anakin recognized that voice. His eyes widened, and he looked behind him. “Mr.Kenobi?” Anakin felt his heart pound wildly in his chest. He was face to face with his former teacher and subject of his recent thoughts.
“Please, Anakin. You can call me Obi-Wan now. We’re equals,” Obi-Wan said in his slight accent. Anakin loved Obi-Wan’s voice, with its lower, relaxed sound. It made Anakin feel at ease, even while his heart beat erratically.
Anakin swallowed, taking in the sight in front of him. Obi-Wan was in a button-up shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, showing off his toned arms. Anakin felt parched. No longer was Obi-Wan his teacher from childhood, but a man, someone Anakin was on par with.
“Mr-Obi-Wan. I’m sorry. I think about the way I left you so much, I shouldn’t have fought.” Anakin looked into Obi-Wan’s eyes, begging for forgiveness. He felt as if he needed closure to move on, to really be equal with Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan just smiled. “I understand, Anakin. I didn’t really give you a reason why I didn’t like Palpatine, but I guess you figured it out yourself.” Obi-Wan looked away, as if trying to avoid Anakin’s gaze. Anakin wanted to grab his face and turn it to face Obi-Wan. He didn’t. “You know, I have kept up with your achievements. I’ve watched so many of your performances online. You’ve turned into a remarkable musician, young man.” Anakin thought he saw blush on Obi-Wan’s cheeks. He preened.
Obi-Wan thought of him. Saw him, kept up with him, even the last four years. Anakin felt like crying. “It means a lot, old man,” Anakin grinned. Truly, it did. Anakin always sought out Obi-Wan’s praise. The feeling of it after so long left Anakin with a warmth settling in his stomach, writhing and blooming. He hadn’t felt anything like this since his high school fling with Padmé.
Obi-Wan glanced down to his watch, pulling Anakin out of his moment. “I’m sorry, but I have to go,” Obi-Wan said while starting to walk away. “Anakin,” he paused for a moment, looking into Anakin’s bright blue eyes. “You did great today, honestly.” With this he turned, walking away from Anakin. Anakin watched his retreating back until it was fully out of sight.
He truly felt at peace now. Obi-Wan and him talked and reconciled, and Anakin even got his former teacher’s praise. All that was left were the results of the audition. Anakin smiled, pulling out his phone to call Ahsoka. She wouldn’t believe a single thing that happened.
Anakin once again was laying in his hotel bed when he received an email. From the CSO. His mouth felt dry, hands trembling as he went to open it.
From: Coruscant Symphony Orchestra
Subject: Audition Final Results
Dear Mr.Skywalker,
We are delighted to offer you a contract for concertmaster during the next season of Coruscant Symphony Orchestra. The judges were greatly impressed by your performance. A meeting will be scheduled with how to proceed forward. See the attachments below outlining the meeting, and what the CSO expects of the concertmaster.
Congratulations,
Coruscant Symphony Orchestra
Holy shit. Anakin did it. He really did! Anakin felt light as he got up and danced around the room. He won a job, he would make money doing what he loved, and he would get to do it beside Obi-Wan. Anakin smiled. He opened his phone, right away going to call Ahsoka.
“What’s up, Skyguy?”
“Ahsoka! I did it! I got the job!” Anakin sounded like he had more energy than he’s felt in years.
The line was silent for a moment before Ahsoka responded. “Really? That’s great! I knew you’d get it,” Ahsoka said. Anakin could hear her happiness through the phone.
“We’ll have a lot to talk about later, but we’ll worry about it when I get back.” Anakin knew he’d have to leave Ahsoka to move back to Coruscant, at least for the time being. “I, for one, am exhausted. I’ll have to let you go for now, Snips.” Anakin yawned.
“Goodnight and great job, Anakin,” Ahsoka said, sounding genuinely grateful.
“Goodnight.” Anakin hang up, hugging the phone to his chest. He really did it. He would be playing with Obi-Wan, as equals. Anakin smiled, eyelids feeling heavy, before his phone vibrated in his hands.
He had no idea who it could be, unless Ahsoka needed something, which was unlikely. He held the phone up to his face, squinting. The contact was one he hadn’t seen in years, one he didn’t even know he still had saved. Obi-Wan Kenobi.
“Hello?” Anakin said as he answered the phone. His gut felt warm at the thought of Obi-Wan calling him. He was in deep now and knew it.
“Congratulations, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said. His voice was like honey even over the phone. Anakin melted into the sheets of the hotel bed. “I am very much looking forward to playing with you.”
Anakin felt warmth envelop him in Obi-Wan’s praise. “Me too,” Anakin said. He felt bare and honest, wanting Obi-Wan to be sure of what he felt. “I really mean it.”
Obi-Wan chuckled over the phone and Anakin’s mind went nuts at the sound. He wanted to hear it everyday, when he woke up, when was going to bed, when they were in rehearsals. Anakin coughed. He needed to stop there. They had just reconnected. No need to be super impulsive now.
“We need to catch up sometime. I am eager to hear of your feats from yourself, and what I was not able to see publically,” Obi-Wan said. He sounded so happy, it made Anakin feel similarly.
A date? No no no no- Anakin needed to stop himself there before he let that train of thought depart. “Like a date?” Anakin really wanted to slap himself. Maybe his impulsivity hasn’t changed.
The line was silent. Anakin wanted to go back in time before he made a fool of himself. “If you’d really like to, I’d enjoy that. It was great seeing you the past couple of days.”
Anakin felt like his world was spinning. Obi-Wan said yes. He said yes to a date. Anakin couldn’t believe it. He grinned, kicking his feet on the bed. The warmth in his stomach flared strongly.
“I can’t wait, it was great seeing you too,” Anakin said, trying to keep himself together. He probably was failing dramatically.
Obi-Wan laughed. “Great, Anakin. I can text you details. I cannot wait.” Obi-Wan yawned. Anakin wished he was right next to him. “I’m afraid I must let you go, though, as I am very tired. I just wanted to congratulate you on your new position.”
Anakin smiled softly. “Goodnight, Obi-Wan.” His voice was soft, almost a whisper. He hoped one day he could say it with Obi-Wan laying next to him. For now, his voice over the phone was a warm comfort.
“Goodnight, Anakin.” Obi-Wan’s voice was equally soft. “I’m proud of you.” With that, Obi-Wan hang up. Anakin sank deeper into his sheets. He felt like liquid from his conversation with Obi-Wan. He couldn’t believe he got a job and a date on the same day. His heart felt light as he put his phone up, finally settling in for bed. Later, he’d return home to move back to Coruscant. He’d have to plan for what comes next, and prepare for a new job. Anakin would worry about that tomorrow, wanting to bask in the happiness he felt at this moment. He drifted off to sleep, dreaming of Obi-Wan and orchestra concerts, spending time together and being at peace.