Broken Beginnings (A Star Wars: Clone Wars fanfic)

Chapter 26: Waking Up

Disclaimer:  I don't own Star Wars.

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Alexa POV

Rendal and I continued to hold on to each other for what felt like an eternity, or possibly even longer, and even though I have now calmed down, that doesn't mean I am ready for this to end....  Actually I don't think that I ever want to let go of the boy in front of me....  Which is why I panicked as Rendal went to pull away and headed for the door.

'No! P-Please.... I.... I don't want to have another nightmare....! W-Will you stay with me? Please!' I pleaded desperately, not wanting to be left alone to face my terrible fears as a flash from the nightmare!  He must have seen how much I needed him because he nodded and came back to my bed side.  He then gently took my hand in his and held it, all the while giving me his small, caring smile.

'Alexa, you know I don't want to leave you here by yourself-'

'Then don't.'  I cut him off.

'But how can I sleep here?' He asked.  It was then that a though came forth through the haze in my head and, while I knew I must be crazy to even think of this, I moved over towards the wall, pulled the blankets back and patted the mattress in front of me, inviting him to sleep in my bed.

For a moment he just looked at where my other hand lay, as if it was some kind of gem sitting in front of him, waiting- no!  Daring him to take it and accept the offer.  However, the look didn't last long and despite how insane this is, he nodded and actually climbed in with me!

'Thank you.'  I smiled as we resumed our earlier embrace, with his arm around my shoulders and I laid my head in the crook of his neck.

I knew that if the Council, or Anakin, ever found out that I had let a boy sleep in my bed we would both be toast, but right now I couldn't care less!

With that thought in mind I snuggled into my friend and soon began to feel myself become sleepy.... Slowly my eyes began to close and I heard Rendal whisper in my ear.

'Sleep well Alexa.'

Anakin POV

I stood outside Alexa's room, glad that I could finally sense her fears easing.  It broke my heart to see her like this again and I swore to myself I wouldn't try to sleep again until I knew she was alright.... Unlike Obi Wan who had gone back to bed already.... Right now though, I must have been so focused on trying to feel how she was doing that I didn't even realise I had company until I heard a voice from beside me.

'How is she?'

I jumped and turned to see Ahsoka looking at me with concerned eyes.

'She's been better.' I replied sadly.

'I feel sorry for her, I know it's hard to get rid of those nightmares....'

'What do you mean?'

'Not long after I became your padawan and I began to see the horrors the war was creating I started having nightmares.... About the people that were dying, the amount of blood that was being spilt and the innocents that were being slaughtered.... It took me a long time to get over, but I managed. Of course my dreams were nowhere near as frightening as this, but.... I know she'll get through it.' She nodded confidently.

'Ahsoka I had no idea.... Why didn't you ever tell me?' I asked shocked.

'I knew such things were natural, I was only fourteen at the time, Anakin. But this isn't about me, this is about Alexa, and right now I think she is in safe hands. If you want to help her then go and get some sleep, then be ready to help her get on with life tomorrow.' I nodded.