Star Wars The Clone Wars: Forgotten Stories of the 501st

Chapter 1:"New Day, Same Life-Threatening War"

 Anakin had just awoken from one of the best nights he ever had with his secretive wife Padme Amidala, who was still resting with the Coruscant sunshine seeping through the blinds of their bedroom apartment. The previous night was truly a highlight in their relationship thus far, with Anakin preparing a wonderful meal from the ingredients in which he had picked up from the Mon Calamari salesman in the Coruscant market that afternoon. Anakin seldom ever found the time to be able to be with his wife, considering the new and emerging conflict of the Clone Wars having commenced just a few months ago, so it was truly a treat to finally spend time with the one had loved since they met all that time ago on Tatooine.

*Anakin glanced over in Padme's Direction*

"She's still the same angel that entered  Watto's shop that day"  Anakin repeated in his consciousness 

Anakin slowly leaned over to Padme and graced her with a gentle kiss on the cheek, being mindful not to wake her from her slumber.

He then proceeded to arise from the bed and prepare himself for the day ahead, procuring his War garment attire, complete with the Jedi emblem on the shoulder armor plate.

He entered the living room and gazed out towards the Coruscant skyline. The planet city sprawling with activity, never ceasing to amaze him just as it had 10 years ago when arriving with Obi Wan and Qui-Go-

Anakin's expression then shifted to one of somber and recollection.

"Qui-Gon"  Anakin repeated to himself

He still remembers the short time they had spent together and had frequently thought of him as of late, particularly wishing for guidance and advice on how to cope and manage with the new brand of warfare he was not fully acquainted to. Anakin had hoped to forge a father-son like bond with Qui-Gon, but fate and the force would see it differently.

As he contemplated about the past, a warm presence was soon felt by him, a small, smooth, and gentle hand had extended and touched his shoulder.

Padme: "Good morning Ani, I wanted to thank you for last night, I never knew how great of a cook you were! Did the Jedi Temple ever provide cooking lessons? 

Padme's joyful and exuberant expression and demeaner soon shifted to one of concern as she gazed upon Anakin's face as he turned to face her

Padme: "What's wrong Anakin?"

Anakin, who was hesitant at first, finally mustered the courage to express his feelings with her.

Anakin: "I was pondering on the past once again Padme, more specifically Qui-Gon."

Padme: "Anakin, I truly miss him as well, if not for him I truly doubt my home planet of Naboo would have ever been liberated from the separatist blockade, but the process of reconciling with your feelings of remorse and regret will only make you stronger as a person and progress you further to becoming a wiser Jedi"

Anakin: "He was so wise Padme, he really understood what it meant to be a Jedi, the council are too solitary and nomadic in their approaches sometimes...he told me that becoming a Jedi involved risks in order to help those less fortunate and vulnerable, but the council contradicts that notion time and time again and I truly wonder if they will ever think beyond the code. The more I play it over and over in my head, the more I see why he had such untrusting sentiments of the Jedi council".

Padme quickly gave him a warm hug of embrace, surprising the young Jedi at first, but then he quickly wrapped his arms around her.

Padme: "Anakin, I believe Qui-Gon would be so proud of the man you are becoming and I am too, but please try to find the rationale behind the Jedi Council's ways. The war has completely changed perceptions of how we view the galaxy and its decisions, and we are all trying to adapt to it, no matter how difficult it can become".