[hiatus] ¹ 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍 ━━━ star wars.

𝗜𝗜. words hung above.

words hung above.
━ CHAPTER TWO,
people from our past.

WEEKS HAD PASSED SINCE ANNIKA ESME HAD ARRIVED ON TATOOINE. During that time, her and her aunt had gotten closer than ever before; Lori taught her how to be herself, to be a child, to live out her childhood the way she was supposed to. Annika Esme was grateful for her aunt and how caring she had always been towards her.

Annika Esme was also grateful for the friend she made in Anakin Skywalker. He worked often, but that didn't stop him from being around his newfound friend. He brought Annika Esme to Watto's shop often (in secret, of course), and the two of them spent most days talking about anything and everything. Anakin also took to teaching the young princess a variety of languages that he knew (Annika Esme didn't have the heart to tell him she knew them already, due to her title of princess, soon to be Queen).

"Annika Esme, come on!" Anakin yelled from outside her aunt's door. She rolled her eyes as she finished applying the sunscreen oil her aunt had given her ("Esme, you're going to burn out there! You'll ruin your skin if you don't put this on before you leave the house!"), sharing a look with her aunt.

"Give me one second, Ani!" The young girl yelled back. She failed to miss the smile that graced Lori's features as she watched her apply the last of the 'holy oil', as her aunt had so affectionately named it. "I'll be back soon!" Lori waved her off. "Just stay safe, is my only wish."

Annika Esme smirked. "When have I ever ignored my dearly beloved aunt's wishes?" Lori rolled her eyes and shooed her away.

Annika Esme ran outside and met Anakin at her door. "So, what are we going to do today, Ani?" Anakin smiled up at her. "Oh, you know. The usual." Annika Esme giggled and the two were off to Watto's shop.

Annika Esme blinked as a thought came to mind. "Why do you call me Annika Esme anyways?" Anakin flushed red at the girl's inquiry.

"Well, I think both of your names are beautiful," he spoke softly, and it was her turn to blush. She smiled, "Ani, you can call me Esme. My family and my friends call me that, and you are my friend."

Anakin grinned at the girl. "Well, then, Esme, wait out back while I talk to Watto."

Esme smiled and nodded, and Anakin rushed off.

"OKAY, ESME, YOU CAN come in now!" Anakin whispered, albeit loudly, and Esme grinned. She made her way quietly into the shop, and what she saw in front of her filled her with surprise and joy all together.

"Padmé?" Esme exclaimed, and Padmé looked up. "Esme!" The two ran to embrace each other, laughing. Anakin moved to sit on the counter, watching confusedly. Esme never told him about Padmé.