|| Uninvited || An Anakin Skywalker Story

Chapter Twenty Eight

Another one! Let me know what you think :) 

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When we arrived back to Coruscant, my heart felt heavy.

With each passing moment as we approached our home, Anakin grew more distant. I could feel him keeping an eye on me, making sure I was okay after the whole ordeal. But as the days passed, his jokes, his touches, his smiles became fewer and far in between. And he didn't sleep a wink. As if he was transitioning back to the somber war general most people knew him to be. I already missed the spirited, attentive man I had grown accustomed to.

Once we had landed back in the temple's ship bay, the four of us stood at the ready waiting for the ramp to open so we could descend back onto temple ground. Not even seconds after the ramp touched down onto the floor below, Anakin strode forward. However not before allowing his hand to brush against mine gently as he passed by, sending tingles up and down my arm. I watched as he subtly shook out the flesh hand that had made contact with mine. But he didn't turn around to say anything to the rest of us. I stood there with a small frown, watching him disappear into the depths of the temple.

"Oh, the angst is palpable." I heard Ahsoka say sarcastically from next to me. Her eyes were also following her master with a smirk as she nudged me with her shoulder. "He tends to get like this when we come back to the temple. Don't worry."

Obi-Wan then approached and placed a large hand on my shoulder. "Well, I suppose this is it, Kels. Thank you again for your help. We could not have done it without you." He said with a smile that caused the skin around his eyes to crinkle.

"Thank you." I replied, returning his warm smile. "Hopefully....it won't be the last time." I added in a hesitant voice. Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, giving me a look that neither confirmed nor denied my optimism. I saw Ahsoka smirk from the corner of my eye as she looked at Obi-Wan with a knowing expression.

"Well, I am certain this will not be the last time we cross paths." He said with a wink. "Now, if you'll excuse me, there is much to discuss with the council." The warmth in his features dropped. I knew it was due to the unsavory allegations against the banking federation. He then gestured towards Ahsoka, beckoning for her to follow him.

"Bye, Kels! See you around." She chirped with a quick smile and two finger salute. I chuckled and returned the gesture.

"Bye...good luck." I called after them softly, feeling my heart sink as they walked away. On to the next adventure.

Meanwhile, I had nowhere to be.

I slowly descended the ramp, watching Obi-Wan and Ahsoka disappear in the same direction Anakin went. With a deep sigh, I scanned the room. Various temple guards were milling about, directing incoming and outgoing ships. I noticed a group of senators discussing in the corner, waiting for a silver ship next to them to fuel. Business as usual.

With nowhere else really to go, I decided to head back to my living quarters. When
I eventually made it my room, I tossed my bag on a vacant chair and looked around. It was as if I had never left. There was even still the pile of clothes on my bed from when I frantically tried to pack. I sighed to myself, realizing I hardly even wore anything I had crammed into my bag. I'd have to figure out a way to return the clothing Ahsoka had given me back to her.

I sat down on my bed, gnawing at the inside of my cheek as I considered what to do now. It felt strange to just carry on as usual after the past few days. Doing so would almost make it feel like none of it ever happened. Like I had imagined it. A figment of my darkest nightmares and brightest dreams.