|| Uninvited || An Anakin Skywalker Story

Chapter Twenty Five

I woke up to the feeling of Anakin gently twirling a lock of my hair in between his fingers. My head was still nestled in his chest, and I felt the tendons in his forearm twitch against my cheek ever so slightly with the movement.

I remained still for a few moments, enjoying the sensation of Anakin's tender touch and the sound of his deep, steady breathing. In that moment, I felt such an overwhelming sense of comfort and safety. I decided this was my favorite place in the galaxy to be, cozy and half asleep in Anakin's arms.

With a soft sigh, I buried my head further into Anakin and was content to let sleep take over once again. However, Anakin's rough morning voice broke the tranquil silence.

"Nope" he said, I could hear the smirk in his tone. He gently shook me, rousting me from my slumber. "Rise and shine, Remlik"

"Ten more minutes." I mumbled into his chest. I could feel the vibrations of his chuckle on my cheek.

"Sorry...duty calls." He said in low voice, but the way his arms tightened around me made me think he'd prefer to stay here like this too. 

However, he was right, I had a mission to attend to. So, with a groan, I rolled over, tearing myself away from Anakin's warm hold. Staring up at the ceiling, I rubbed my eyes and allowed my brain to shed the hazy layer of sleep. As the realization of what today held hit me, I felt nerves surge through my gut.

"You can still back out." Anakin said from beside me. I turned my head to face him and saw he was propped up on an elbow, studying me. He held a sliver of hope in his expression.

"I'm not backing out." I replied, giving him a pointed look. He furrowed his brow as the hope in his gaze disappeared and was replaced by deep worry. He opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it, clenching his jaw instead.

"I don't like this." He eventually said.

"I know, Anakin. You have made that very clear." I replied, shooting him a side-eyed smirk. He returned a soft glare but then scooted closer so that I was once again pressed into his body.

"Promise me you'll keep your mental shields down?" He asked, gently stroking my arm with his finger. Looking down, I realized he was softly drawing lines between the freckles that peppered my shoulder, it made my heart surge. I hesitated slightly, concerned that without my mental barrier, Anakin would be exposed to how I truly feel about him. But I also knew it would be the fastest, most efficient way for him to know if I was in danger. He'd be the first to detect fear, shock or worst case...if my emotions suddenly went silent.

"I promise." I whispered. Anakin nodded, and when he flicked his eyes towards my face, I saw gratitude written across his features.

"I promise I won't be far...if anything happens." He said firmly. Almost to ease his own concerns more than mine.

A few more moments of heavy silence filled the air. Nerves, anticipation, and words left unspoken hung between us. I suddenly felt to urge to have the conversation. I wanted to understand what was going on his head before I left this morning.

"Anakin, about what you said last night, I-" I began to say.

"After, Kels." He cut me off, turning away to lay flat on his back. "When you're back. Please."

Anakin has never been super forthcoming with his emotions. And having a sensitive conversation before I head off into a very real threat all alone, was probably just too much for him. It was easier to leave things unsaid until this mess was behind us. Better to focus on the mission. So, I didn't push it.

I watched him. With his eyes pressed shut and eyebrows draw into a deep v, he almost looked to be in pain. Without thinking, I reached my hand over and gently tried to smooth out the worry lines forming in between his eyes with my fingertips. His eyelids fluttered open, and he looked at me through the corner of his eye.