- CASTLES CRUMBLING (A.S.) -

- 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐓𝐖𝐎 -

take you to the other side

REGINA SAT PERCHED on the side of the bed she shared with Anakin, watching him repair a loose wire on R2-D2. C-3P0 was off running errands, and the flat was quiet. Neither Regina nor Anakin was speaking, and other than an occasional chirp from the astromech, there was complete silence.

These moments together in between being sent off to various strenuous and life-threatening situations were valuable to the couple. More priceless than all the credits in the galaxy and both Regina and Anakin knew it. 

"Got it," Anakin exclaimed, patting R2-D2 as he stood to his feet. "Good as new." R2 chirped appreciatively before rolling out of the bedroom. After the droid left, Anakin made his way over to Regina who was still sitting on their bed.

"Are you certain Ahsoka isn't losing her mind, wondering where you are?" Regina asked as he came to a stop in front of her, taking her hands in his.

"You make her sound like a nervous wreck."

"Well, she does take after you, doesn't she?" Regina smirked causing Anakin to chuckle. "I'm joking, but personally I would be worried if my master didn't show."

"I think you're the nervous wreck, Genie." His eyes sparkled mischievously contrasting with his scar.

"No, I'm just responsible." Regina slid off the bed so she was standing close to Anakin. "We've been in this war for almost two years now, Ani." Regina closed her eyes.

"Which means we've been married for almost two years," he replied quietly. They just stood together, holding each other much like they had during the time that they'd been together. "And we've hardly seen each other enough for one." Regina knew he was right. Even though they'd been sent on missions together, more often than not, they'd been split up, reassigned, and a million other scenarios, by the Council. They hardly had enough time to see each other. That was why it didn't seem like they'd been together for two years.

"And during that time," Regina added,  "we've both been wounded, you've been captured, both of us have barely survived numerous times..."

"And here we are," Anakin murmured. "Still alive after two whole years. Still together like nothing has changed." Regina closed her eyes, feeling him, his arms around her, his warmth, his heartbeat.

"And yet we have a Council meeting in thirty minutes," she sighed, not opening her eyes.

"Forget it."

"Anakin."

He was silent for a moment.

"Fine."

"This is your briefing." She rolled her eyes with a smile.

He shook his head. 

By now they knew each other so well that a simple word or gesture signaled something between the two of them. Regina was surprised at how well she knew and understood him. And she knew she was the only one who ever could.

"No, it's Plo Koon's." 

"Yeah but you came up with this mysterious plan, right?"

He chuckled.

"You're not getting it out of me, Sitara. No matter what you do."

She pulled away slightly and shot him a mischievous look. "Usually I'd take you up on that offer but right now we really have to go."