Ahsoka POV:

"Hello Master, it's been a while." I crossed my arms over my chest proudly. Beneath my nonchalant attitude, was an anxious beating heart. Even after all this time, I wanted to impress Anakin as if I was still his Padawan.

I expected a simple greeting in return, but instead I was taken by surprise as he pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm so happy you're safe, Ahsoka." He breathed out a sigh of relief.

I chuckled at his amicable protectiveness, and patted his back affectionately. We both pulled away and he looked at me seriously, "I wasn't sure if you were even alive after the rise of the Empire. A lot has changed since we saw you last." He smiled softly and chuckled, "Obi-Wan and I were able to sneak out of Palpatine's meeting last year before he could jail us with the rest of the Jedi." He sighed.

I nodded sympathetically, "I thought by now he would've killed them all on the spot."

Anakin nodded before leading me inside the lake house. I practically gasped at the inside, and how elegant it was. The outside made the structure seem like a normal cabin, but the inside could easily be mistaken for a mansion. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't envious, considering the conditions (y/n) and I have been living in.

"I agree. He must be keeping them alive for a bigger reason. But I can't figure out what." He sighed, plopping down onto a couch in the main room, where a fire was currently kindling in the fireplace.

I shrugged, "Maybe he doesn't want to seem like a cruel dictator. He's probably waiting for one of us to attack him so that he can turn it on us, making it look like we're the bad guys."

That's my theory, anyways. He has no reason to keep the imprisoned Jedi alive, aside from gaining support from the rest of the world. If he lets them live, he'll be considered 'generous'. But if we try to take him down, I have no doubt he'll alter the situation so that it seems like we're the rogue oppressors. And after that, is when he would kill all the Jedi. To further prove his point that they've been plotting against him since the beginning.

If Palpatine knows that (y/n) is alive, then this must be the reason he's keeping the other Jedi alive. So that she'll attempt to kill him again, where everyone will be able to see. And if that's the case, then how will we take him down?

Anakin's eyes drooped, and his expression suddenly made me wonder if he's been getting any sleep at all lately, "Who knows." He muttered.

I furrowed my brows at his sudden drop in excitement, "Are you alright, Anakin?" I asked softly.

The skin on his forehead creased as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "Not really." He sighed, and looked back up at me, "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see you, Ahsoka. But I'm in a bit of a rough patch right now." He paused and blinked, before averting his gaze to the floor. "Well, by rough patch I mean since the beginning of the Empire. I feel as if I'm a broken vessel, living out my days with no sense of direction. I'm exhausted, and my hope is fading day by day." His voice cracked.

I could sense he was on the verge of a breakdown, one that I imagine he's been holding in for a long time.

I stayed silent so that he could continue. He wiped the knuckle of his index finger under his eye, "Obi-Wan has been trying to help me, to comfort me through it all. But I keep pushing him away; I keep pushing everyone away. I'm just..." He groaned, placing his head in his hands, "I'm embarrassed. I didn't want them to see me so vulnerable and depressed." He sniffled inaudibly, "I just miss her so much, and it's all my fault." He murmured so quietly that I almost couldn't hear it. Maybe I wasn't supposed to.

He paused for a few seconds, and the atmosphere became almost too heartbreaking to bear. I've never seen him like this, and I didn't know what to do. In the past, it's always been me falling apart, and him picking up the pieces. If there's one thing Anakin is known for, it's his resilience. But that also means he contains his emotions; his sadness, his fears. I thought back to when (y/n) told me all those times that she thinks he hates her, and doesn't want to see her. But from what I'm looking at now, it's abundantly clear how wrong she is.

Anakin cleared his throat, bringing me away from my thoughts, "Sorry, I didn't mean to dump all of that on you right as you got here." He chuckled quietly, still keeping his head hung low.

I stayed quiet for a moment and chewed the inside of my cheek. I want to tell him that (y/n) is alive. I know it'll definitely change his mood; for better or worse, I'm not sure. He has a tendency to be blinded by his short temper most of the time. But seeing him like this—internally suffering from holding himself together for months—is killing me.

"Anakin...." I started hesitantly, "There's something I have to tell you—"

"Ahsoka?" Another voice questioned, making me turn my head in its direction. My eyes brightened when I saw Obi-Wan entering the main room from what I guessed was the kitchen. Following behind him was Padmé and another man who I didn't recognize. They all eyed me with curiosity.

I smiled and nodded once respectfully, "It's great to see you all, though I wish it were under happier circumstances."

Padmé stepped forward and engulfed me in a gentle hug, "I agree, but an opportunity to see an old friend makes any troubling circumstances better." She smiled sweetly at me. I couldn't help but grin back, Padmé always has been and still is one of the kindest people I have ever known. And a great friend, too.

"As much as I would also love to catch up, may I ask what you're doing here in Naboo?" Obi-Wan asked. "I assume you traveled all the way from another planet, which I'm sure you know can be very dangerous during these times. Especially since you used to be a Jedi."

I nodded, "I was just about to explain why I'm here to Anakin, but since we're all in the same room, I suppose now would be a good time so that everyone is on board with a....plan—I would say—that I have." I looked between all of them to see if they were following along, but I noticed that the air grew thick when I mentioned Anakin's name. He wasn't looking at any of them. Obi-Wan wasn't looking at him either, he was just staring down at the floor.

Padmé and the other guy—who's name I still don't know—glanced between each other. I remember Anakin telling me that he and Obi-Wan weren't on the best of terms since he's been rejecting his friendship. It seems like everyone is aware of that as well.

Padmé cleared her throat and gestured for everyone to sit down, "Why don't you tell us your plan, Ahsoka?" She smiled once more and sat in a quaint, beige cushioned chair.

Anakin scooted to the far end of the couch he was on, still not looking at anyone. Obi-Wan sighed quietly and sat at the other end. The other guy sat awkwardly in between them, and fidgeted with a loose piece of cotton on his shirt.

I nodded slowly, narrowing my eyes at the overtly petulant behavior of my former mentors, "Okay....well, I actually want to start with some news that I think all of you will want to hear." I tried to sound cheerful to lighten the mood.

I know for a fact that they'll be happy that (y/n) is alive, but the tough part is going to be getting her to actually talk to them. I practically had to drag her here, which was hard enough. It breaks my heart that she doesn't want to see or talk to anyone from her past, but I also understand why. She's been through more than anyone I've ever met.

I sighed and swallowed nervously. The words I had woven in my brain had a hard time leaving my lips. They would be happy, but there may also be shock and anger. Revealing this won't be easy.

"Do you all remember when Palpatine said that (y/n) attacked him last year? And how she killed herself shortly after?" I purposely kept my eyes on Anakin the whole time as I spoke. He winced at the mention of (y/n). His lost love. From the pain in his eyes as he finally looked at me with full attention, I saw a years with of sorrow and grief, probably spent in denial, or trying to find answers to her strange disappearance.

"Well, that was a lie." I declared. "She found out that he was a Sith and tried to fight him, but was unsuccessful. She didn't jump off of the Temple roof; he threw her off in hopes of killing her, so that she wouldn't be alive to tell anyone the truth." I explained briskly.

Anakin scoffed quietly. His chin rested in his hand as his head faced the other direction away from everyone, "How do you figure that?" He mumbled.

"Because she told me." I revealed straightforwardly.

This time Anakin whipped his head towards me, his eyes narrowed as if he had just seen a ghost. Everyone else's lips parted in both shock and bewilderment. "You don't mean...." Obi-Wan trailed off, and I knew exactly what he was trying to say.

I nodded, offering a cordial smile, "She's alive. I saved her the day she fell from the Temple. And we've been living together in hiding ever since."

A glimmer flashed in Anakin's wide eyes. I instantly recognized it; hope. Hope that the future he envisioned with (y/n) long ago could still be restored. Hope for another chance. But that hope faded within a second as he abruptly stood up from the couch, startling everyone including me. His eyes blazed ferociously, "Liar!" He snarled.

I backed away slightly, shocked by his outburst. Why does he think I'm lying?

Obi-Wan stood up and tried to calm him down, "Anakin, you're scaring her." He reached for his shoulder.

Anakin recoiled and gripped his hair in his hands, turning away from the group once more. But from the side I saw tears beginning to stream from his puffy eyes. "No, I-I...." He muttered shakily. "I can't do this." He sniffled and all but stormed out of the room.

My eyes were wide, I was speechless as I watched him leave without another word. That had escalated so quickly. I knew he was probably holding in a lot of anger and pain, but I had no idea it was affecting him this much.

Obi-Wan's expression dropped sadly, and he slowly sat back down next to the guy on the couch, who in turn rested his hand on Obi-Wan's thigh. I blinked in confusion, making a mental note to ask about it later.

"I'm sorry you had to see that, Ahsoka." Obi-Wan sighed. "Anakin hasn't been himself for a while. He and (y/n) were....close, as I assume she must have told you. The loss took a great toll on him, and I believe the revelation you made overwhelmed him."

Guilt tugged at my chest, making me wince. "I-I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention. I just thought you would all want to know the truth." I rubbed my arms self-consciously.

"We know you were just trying to do the right thing, and we're glad you told us." Padmé reassured. "How is (y/n) doing?" She asked, concern and curiosity sparkled in her eyes.

I shrugged, "Not great. She's been getting better recently, but things were rocky at the beginning when I first saved her. Life in hiding has proved difficult for the both of us. Most times I'm unsure of how to help her through her breakdowns, but she's endured all of them, so I must've done something right." I chuckled. "She was depressed for a few months. At first it wasn't anything too serious, I just spent most of the time with her so that she was never alone. But it became difficult when her period of grief transitioned to anger. She was angry at everyone and everything, practically condemning the whole galaxy for the pain it caused her."

I couldn't put words into what she's been through this last year, but I assumed the message was clear when I saw Obi-Wan's eyes become glassy. He inhaled deeply, and exhaled silently, "She's angry with us, isn't she? Anakin and I?"

I nodded, giving him a sympathetic look.

The guy next to Obi-Wan—who's hand was still resting over his thigh—used his other hand to pull out a tissue from the pocket of his coat, and handed it to him. Obi-Wan smiled, "Thank you, Elijah." He murmured quietly.

So that's his name, got it.

"Yes. She's been holding in a lot of anger from even way before the Empire. After you both abandoned her when she needed you, she assumed you wanted nothing further to do with her." I spoke in response to Obi-Wan's question. I didn't mean for my tone to sound bitter, but I started to relive my own experiences from the Jedi. But I quickly shook it off and sighed, "It's hard for her to control it, and many times I've had to talk her down from starting wildfires, earthquakes, floods; all sorts of disasters that are the result of her growing powers which have spurred from her strong emotions."

I'm not exaggerating either; there was a time once in the middle of the night where she was hellbent on setting fire to the now Empire-inhabited Jedi Temple. I didn't understand why at first, but I soon remembered that that was the place which held her most recent negative memories. That was the place where Palpatine came to her, the place where she was abandoned by her loved ones. And if I'm not mistaken, this wasn't the first time she's wanted to watch the Temple burn; to erase all of her distressing memories by doing so.

Obi-Wan nodded and slowly stood up, ambling towards me, "Is she here?" He asked softly.

With a small smile, I inclined my head once, "She's meditating outside. But she isn't ready for the welcoming committee just yet." I warned.

(y/n) told me that she needs time before seeing everyone since it may be overbearing. I respected that, and want it to be very clear to them. The last thing we need is for her to burn this house down or start a flood from the lake out of anger or stress. So I told her to come in when she feels comfortable.

Obi-Wan nodded in understanding, "That is completely fine. I should go check on Anakin anyways, though I'm not confident he'll talk to me since he hasn't any of the other times I tried. At this point, he's equivalent to a brick wall, and has put up every barrier possible." He sounded unsure of himself, and his ability to get Anakin to open up.

I shook my head, "Anakin may be stubborn, but I know he'll talk to you now that he knows (y/n) is alive. And besides, you know him in ways that no one else does. You're his brother." I reassured him. He beamed at my words.

Convincing (y/n) to talk to Anakin and Obi-Wan is definitely on my list of top priorities, as well as finalizing our plan and going over it with everyone, but that will have to wait. Right now, Anakin just needs his brother. I only hope that he won't push him away this time.

Anakin POV:

I gripped the sink of my washroom mirror, sobbing pitifully. Months. Months of bottling up my pain have now led to this moment. The bottle was going to overflow someday, and I guess today is that day.

I feel horrible for snapping at Ahsoka like that, especially considering she just arrived. I didn't stay to hear more, but I remember her saying she even had a plan of sorts to help us. And what did I do? I took my temper out on her. In the moment I was overtaken by my frustration and disbelief to such a vast extent. I want (y/n) to be alive, anyone with a blind eye could see that. But to think that I've spent interminable days searching for her, only for her to be alive and in good hands with Ahsoka, makes it all seem for nothing. Does she even care? Has she thought about what this has done to me?

Hot tears fell from my cheeks, dripping into the sink below me. It burned my skin, sending near excruciating pangs all throughout my face.

My eyes widened in fear when I suddenly heard the sound of my bedroom door opening. I quickly locked the washroom door and began wiping all the tear stains from my cheeks.

"Anakin?" Obi-Wan's voice sounded.

I internally groaned. Why does he keep trying to help me? I don't deserve Obi-Wan's friendship; he's been so kind and patient, and I've just given him the cold shoulder. He shouldn't have to see me like this, I'll be too humiliated to look him in the eye ever again.

I tried coming up with an excuse on the spot. "I'm fine! Just uh.....about to meditate. In the washroom." I called through the door, hoping my voice didn't sound scratchy or stuffy. I cringed at my subpar excuse.

I heard more shuffling and soon I could tell he was leaning against the door outside. He sighed, "I know you're not fine. Please talk to me. You know I'm more than happy to listen." He said softly.

A pang tugged at my heart. I leaned the side of my head against the door, "What's the point?" I asked in a quiet voice. But loud enough for him to hear.

I was tired of pushing him away; I wanted to confide in him, and tell him how overwhelming this all is. But I felt so small and vulnerable like this. Part of me was crushed that (y/n) never thought to come to us, or tell us herself that she was alive. Another part of me was furious for the same reason. But most of my anger was masking the tremendous guilt I felt. I remember the promise I made to her long ago, that I would protect her and be there for her. But instead I failed.

He responded after a moment, "I know expressing your emotions isn't something you're too fond of, but I promise you'll feel better doing it rather than continuing to conceal them. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about." He said, like he was responding to my thoughts." You're my brother, Anakin. Brothers don't let each other fight through their storms alone."

I exhaled a breath I was holding in. 'Brothers don't let each other fight through their storms alone.' The same goes for partners. But I didn't do that. (y/n) fought through her own storm all alone, because of us. The guilt I felt was beginning to consume me even more.

Obi-Wan is right. That's not something I admit often, but the longer I keep this in, the more it'll tear me apart.

I slowly unlocked the washroom door, and let it creak as my former Master came into view. His eyes softened immediately as they met my red, puffy ones. "Oh Anakin...." He reached forward, and this time I didn't hesitate as I let him pull me into a hug. I choked out a painful sob as I began to cry again, "Why hasn't she come back to me?" My voice cracked. "I've been searching and searching for months, only to learn that she's been perfectly fine this whole time. It's all been for nothing." I sobbed into his shoulder while he patted my back, rubbing circles into it every now and then.

I finally let go of all the pain I've been holding onto; the heartbreak I felt when I first heard that (y/n) was 'dead.' I've been directing my anger towards anyone and everyone, when in reality it's myself that I'm angry at. The fact that she's been safe with Ahsoka means that she's chosen to not see me. And I know I'm the reason.

"Not for nothing, Anakin." He reassured gently. "All this time she believed we didn't want to see her. We cannot change the past, but you and I have the chance now to try and make up for the pain we caused her."

His words stirred memories of all our declarations of love and all our intimate moments, and they flashed through my mind in discord. I then remembered my last words to her, I called her a hypocrite. Our last encounter ended with me abandoning her. I wasn't there for her when she needed me. She had to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders alone. The pain of that memory was almost unbearable, to think that she was suffering all alone because of me. It all came back to me with the reminder that I screwed up, badly.

(a/n): Sorry this was such a sad chapter🥺 I wanted to expand upon Anakin's feelings, though I feel like the way I wrote it is really confusing. Basically he's been feeling so guilty as well as heartbroken for months about (y/n)'s 'death', and when he learned she was alive, he was angry with himself that she didn't come back to him, thinking he permanently ruined their relationship. I hope it at least is a little clear, and I promise things will start to pick up and get more lighthearted in the next chapter !❤️