|| Uninvited || An Anakin Skywalker Story

Chapter Forty Eight

Hello there! Here is a little update for your holiday season. 

Unsure if i'll be able to update for the rest of the month, but wanted to give ya'll a little something. 

This one largely sets up what's to come. But expect a drunken night at the cantina, angst, arguing, and passionate making up in the future. 

Also, fun little bit of personal news...my boyfriend proposed to me this past weekend! I hate the word fiancé, but I can't believe I have one :) <3 We are over the moon!! 

Love you all & I hope you all have a wonderful end-of-year. This story has been one of my highlights of 2023 and this community is so special. Thank you for all the love and support!

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Anakin was true to his word. Not even an hour after we parted, he found me again.

I was meandering my way through the temple halls, feet leading me towards my room but my mind lost in daydreams about a certain Jedi. Just as I was rounding a corner, I felt an arm wrap around my bicep and pull me behind on of the large marble pillars lining the grand hall. Suddenly, I was face to face with the man who had been occupying my mind. I couldn't help but smile as he shielded me from any passersby with his broad shoulders.

However, the Anakin that stood before me now was not the same Anakin who left this morning. The tension that had worked its way from his muscles had returned with a vengeance, leaving him seemingly about to snap. The hard worry lines I had spent the morning kissing away had resumed their position etched onto his face. His eyes, so bright and clear this morning, were now shadowed in darkness.

"Where you headed, Remlik?" He asked, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"I was just going back to my room. Figured I could use some clean clothes." I said, tilting my head to the side. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He said, further forcing his unnatural smile. His eyes were wildly searching my face until he bent his head forward and brought his hand up to tilt my chin towards him. And while butterflies bloomed to life in my chest, I was all too aware of the public setting we were currently in. Regardless of the pillar shielding us.

When his lips brushed against mine, I tensed and pulled my head back. "Anakin, not here." I whispered, standing on my tiptoes so I could attempt to peer over his shoulder as I checked to see no one was looking our way. He shifted to the side to block my view and I saw a subtle smirk pull at the corner of his lips.

"Yes, here." He countered in a hushed tone; an authentic smile finally appeared.

I shook my head slightly in disbelief and brought my hand up to cup Anakin's jaw, dragging my thumb along his bottom lip to create a barrier between our mouths. "What's going on with you?" I asked with a soft chuckle. He groaned softly and brought his hands to my hips and pulled me close to him as he rested his forehead on mine.

I was tempted to take a peek inside his head, but I could already feel the walls shielding his mind. They've been more rigid than usual, even for me. But beyond that, Anakin and I had reached an unspoken agreement to not pry into each other's minds unless absolutely necessary.

"I need more time with you." He whispered. As he closed his eyes, I finally felt a flicker of emotion from him: fear.

"Anakin, you have all the time in the galaxy with me." I said gently, unsure of where this sudden unease was coming from.

He let out a deep exhale and brought his hands up to cup my face. Despite the persistent tremble, his hands brought warmth to my cheeks and by reflex I lifted my hands to rest on his.