Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

16.

"Why do I get the feeling your going to be the death of me?" - Obi-Wan Kenobi

With Obi-Wan and the rest of the council occupied with the search for Grievous, Rain and Anakin found themselves with some rare downtime. Rain had been struggling with the early stages of her pregnancy, the bouts of dizziness leaving her bedridden for most of the day. She could feel her body changing, her stomach growing a little each day, and with it, the increasing difficulty of hiding her condition.

Every day brought them closer to the inevitable moment when someone would notice. She dreaded the thought, not for herself, but for Anakin. If anyone discovered the truth, it would be him who bore the brunt of the consequences. She could handle whatever came her way, but the idea of Anakin being punished for their love filled her with dread.

One evening, as they shared a quiet meal in their apartment, Anakin's eyes kept drifting to Rain's growing bump, a mixture of awe and worry etched on his face. Rain noticed the faraway look in his eyes, the way he seemed to be wrestling with something deep inside.

After dinner, Rain suggested they take a walk in the nearby gardens—a secluded spot they often visited when they needed to clear their heads or simply enjoy each other's company without fear of being seen. The gardens were bathed in the soft glow of Coruscant's evening lights, the air cool and refreshing as they strolled hand in hand along the winding paths.

As they walked, Rain tried to distract him with light conversation, but she could sense his mind was elsewhere. Finally, she stopped, pulling him to a halt beside a small fountain. The water bubbled softly, the sound soothing in the stillness of the night.

"Anakin," Rain said gently, turning to face him. "What's on your mind? You've been distant all evening."

Anakin hesitated, his eyes dropping to the ground. He was quiet for a moment, then he sighed, as if the weight of his thoughts were too much to bear. "It's just... everything," he admitted, his voice laced with frustration. "I feel like I'm constantly on edge, like I'm waiting for something terrible to happen."

Rain reached up, cupping his face in her hands. "Ani, you don't have to carry this burden alone. We're in this together, remember?"

He nodded, leaning into her touch. "I know, but... I can't help it. I keep thinking about the future, about our child. What if something happens to you? What if something happens to us? I couldn't bear it."

Rain's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. She knew he was struggling to reconcile his fears with the love and joy they shared, and she wished she could ease his mind. "Ani, we've faced so much together already. Whatever comes our way, we'll handle it, just like we always have."

He looked down at her, his eyes softening as he took in her words. Anakin leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss, his hands resting on her waist, drawing her closer. The kiss deepened, filled with a desperate need to connect, to remind each other of the strength of their bond. Rain melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pressed herself against him, seeking comfort in his warmth.

As the kiss grew more passionate, Anakin's hands slid up her back, his touch gentle yet possessive. Rain felt a familiar heat rise within her, the spark of desire igniting between them. It had been so long since they had been able to simply be with each other, to indulge in the love they shared without the weight of the galaxy pressing down on them.

Without breaking the kiss, Anakin guided her toward a secluded alcove, hidden from view by the dense foliage of the garden. Rain's heart raced as he backed her against the wall, his lips trailing down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She arched into him, her hands tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.