The Shadows Star: Book 2

31: Unresolved Tension

Anakin took a deep breath, stepping onto the balcony. She turned to face him, surprised, and pulled the blanket tighter in mild embarrassment as she realized she was still in her sleep clothes.
"Mornin blue eyes," she greeted, a small smile playing on her lips.

Anakin, feeling the weight of the previous night's unresolved tension, tried to initiate conversation but found himself stumbling over his words. "Uh, morning, Sombra. I, um, hope you slept well?"

She chuckled, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks. "As well as one can on a mission. You?"

He nodded, grateful for the attempt at normalcy. "Yeah, same here. Listen, about last night..."

She raised an eyebrow, inviting him to continue, her eyes curious but guarded.

"I just wanted to say... I don't regret it," he admitted, his gaze sincere. "But if it made things complicated, I understand. I just want things to be okay between us."

She nodded, her cheeks reddened once again. "Anakin, it's not that I regret it either. It's just..." She glanced out at the mountains, then back at him. "I don't know what it meant...what I want it to mean. I'm not ready to talk about it just yet."

His heart screamed at him to tell her how he felt, to let her know just how much he ached to hold her again and never let go. But he knew that wasn't the way to her heart and nodded solemnly. "That's okay, angel. I just wanted you to know where I stand."

She gave him a small, grateful smile before clearing her throat, changing the subject and hoping to divert his attention. "We've got a long day ahead. I'll meet you in the common area when you're ready. We can grab something and check in on Maé. I'm sure she has plans for us."

Anakin smiled, "Sounds good. I'll be there in a bit."

With that, he retreated into his room, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She entered her room again only to find Padmé rustling through the closet.

She rubbed her face and groaned, "Maé, how long have you been there?"

"Long enough," her muffled voice comes from behind clothes. "So what happened last night?!"

She pops her head out from behind two dresses, a bright smile on her face.

Sombra sighed and sat down on the edge of her bed, looking at her friend, embarrassed and amused. "Well, you see, Maé... Anakin and I..."

Before a single word could escape her lips, Padmé's eyes lit up with excitement. She darted across the room, landing on the bed beside Sombra. "Tell me everything! Have you and Mr. Blue Eyes finally declared your undying love?"

Sombra couldn't help but laugh at her friend's infectious enthusiasm. "Hold on, Maé. It's a bit more complicated than a love confession."

Padmé swooned, clutching an imaginary string of pearls. "Complicated? Pray tell."

With a mischievous glint, Sombra launched into the tale of the previous night, from the boat ride to a dramatic balcony encounter—all the romantic and awkward moments in between. Padmé soaked it up, gasping and giggling at the rollercoaster of emotions.

When Sombra wrapped up her narrative, Padmé clapped her hands together with glee. "This is better than a holo-drama! I've always known he made you happy. So, what's the grand plan now?"

Sombra shrugged, a touch of seriousness clouding her expression. "Honestly, Maé, I'm not sure. What if it was just a moment? I don't regret it, but I can't think clearly around him. I want to jump into his arms, and at the same time, I want to run."

Padmé laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Oh little sister, love is never straightforward. It's messy, complicated, and sometimes downright confusing. But it's also beautiful. You are the bravest person I know, don't you dare let fear decide your fate." She grinned and brought her in for a tight hug. "And if things get too overwhelming, just remember I'm here for advice, scheming, or simply to lend you a listening ear."