(Star Wars) ~ Alice

XVI

Alice's green eyes cracked open a bit at the sound of his voice. "Dak?" He came over to her bedside, taking a knee near the top portion. "Please tell me this isn't a dream..." Dak shook his head; she could see his eyes looked a little watery. Despite her overall sluggish feeling, Alice pushed up onto her elbows and slowly sat up. "Bunny, lay down... We need to get you better befo-" He stopped talking the moment she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I missed you so much..." She murmured, her face buried in his shoulder. Tears filled her eyes as his arms locked around her waist. "I missed you so much more, baby." Dak's fingers ran through her her hair. He rocker her slowly as though afraid to let go of her again. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you; it's all my fault." He murmured into her shoulder. Her thin hand came up to stroke the back of his head. "Shh, we're together now right? Let's just leave it at that." She said, sounding far wiser than her years.

"I'm never letting you go again." He stated firmly, standing up with her in his arms; Dak joined her in the bed, letting her use him as a pillow. She coughed a little but already looked better just by being near him. She snugged closer and sighed in contentment. "If this is a dream, please gods, don't ever let me wake up." He shushed her, rubbing her back soothingly. "I'm right there with you, Bunny."

"Do you still have Fluff? You didn't throw him away, did you?" She asked suddenly, remembering her friend. "Hell No. He's waiting for us in our room; we'll go straight there once we reach Tatooine..." Dak sighed heavily, pulling her even closer. "Right now, I just want to hold you..."

"And I just want to be held." She said softly, closing her eyes. He had one arm wrapped securely around her waist while the other rested along her side. One of his hands reached her cheek, guiding her forehead to rest against his own. "Alice... Oh Baby, please let me kiss you..." He didn't wait for an answer; Dak pressed his lips over hers. Alice pulled away for a moment. "I don't want to get you sick..."

"Screw it, Love."

He pressed his lips to hers again, this time keeping a hand behind her head so she couldn't pull away so easily. She finally gave up and moved her hands to his shoulders, using soft rubbing motions while she kissed him back. Dak groaned; he'd wanted to kiss her before but he'd never of imagined it being so amazing. His lips were dry and slightly rough while hers were soft and warm. Alice allowed herself to be pulled flush against him, completely surrendering to his wills. As much as he wanted continue, he remembered that he couldn't rush things with her. He broke the kiss but kept her in place, bringing her head to rest on his shoulder; Dak could feel her soothing breaths against his neck.

"That was... Force, I have no words, baby."

She giggled a little, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck. "Me either." He groaned, the sensation feeling wonderful on his skin. "As soon as we get home, there's going to be some changes." She looked up, a little worried. "What kind?" He brushed a hand over her blonde locks, overwhelming comfortable with her there. "I need to find a way that no one can take you from me again... I don't know how yet. Also, I'm breaking any bonds you have to the cartel; that way their rights to you will be waived..."

"You can do that?" She asked surprised. "Yes. Even if I can't, I'll force them to." He kissed her temple, taking a deep breath. "You're stuck with me, Alice."

"I like that." She told him with a smile.

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A little while later, Anakin and Padme dropped off the reunited couple at Dak's palace before returning to their own home. Dak carried Alice bridal style inside to their room, the little woman sleeping against his shoulder. She shifted a little as he gently deposited her in their bed, feeling the difference as she stretched out and snuggled into the blankets. He smiled, grabbing Fluff from the end of the bed. He softly slipped the plush animal beneath her arm, seeing her still asleep for the most part. Even with her eyes closed, she pulled the rabbit close to her, giving a soft sigh as a small smile graced her relaxed features. He brushed some hair away from her forehead, pressing a kiss there before leaving their bedroom.

She needed her rest and he needed to get to work; he had to make sure no one could take away his precious Bunny ever again. Dak was hard at work in his office for so long, he didn't realize how much time had passed until two familar little hands came and traced his shoulder blades gently. "Good Evening, Little One." He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as the familiar hands trailed down his chest. "I thought you left me alone in the palace... I've been looking for you." She crawled into his lap, her stuffed animal still with her as she cuddled in close to him.

"I'm sorry, I was just trying to get ahead on some of this paper work. You needed your rest so I left you in our room..." He cradled her to his shoulder, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Well I was lonely." She said, smiling into his chest. "I'm sorry for leaving you lonely, baby." He kissed the top of her head. "This is just as good anyway." She answered tilting her head upwards to look at him. "Are you sure there's...nothing I can do to make it up to you?" He cupped her cheek, looking deep into her green eyes. "Well, I want to go back to the bedroom but I want you there too..." She told him playfully.

"Bunny..!"

She raised her eyebrows. "What? I'm still tired!" Dak sighed, shaking his head. "Good... Such a good little thing, you are." He stood up and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her out of his office and back to their room.