(a/n): This chapter made me realize how much I love shy Anakin hehe, so here you go! A wholesome chapter after a long wait❤️

(y/n) POV:

It's been an interesting week so far, to say the least. I've spent more time practicing my new water bending meditation technique, which has really been helping me curb my temperamental issues. I've been holding onto so much stress and anger, but I think I'm finally starting to let it all out the right way.

And to be honest, I feel a little embarrassed now thinking back to every outburst I've had so far. It's not like I can take it all back, but I'm mainly hoping that they don't think I've become some sort of lunatic.

But luckily—as bad as this sounds—we have bigger issues to worry about.

The unspoken tension anytime all of us are in a room together is about our half-strategized plan for what to do with Palpatine. But if I'm being honest, I really don't see an easy or logical way to kill him. I haven't verbally said it, because I don't want to rain on everyone's parade and diminish their hope for victory. But it's becoming a gnawing issue at this point with me. How do they think we're going to win this? Obi-Wan has this idea that I could train some more when Yoda arrives, and try using my powers with the talisman bracelet. But that doesn't seem right to me. If anything, it's only caused me problems and was a huge factor in my near-death experience.

Thinking about it gives me migraines. I'm sure Anakin and Ahsoka have their own little plan that they're concocting together, but haven't really shared with anybody else yet. And I say that because of the amount of times I've seen them whispering or talking privately about something that's clearly serious.

Anakin. The thing I've found the most interesting recently, and quite enigmatic, is Anakin's attitude. Every time I'm around him, or whenever we make some sort of eye contact; his cheeks flush, he starts fidgeting and can't seem to sit still, and he often becomes clumsy. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was an adolescent who was having his first crush.

And I know he already said that he still loves me, which I've been trying to not think about too much, because I don't know why he feels that way. How can he still love me, especially after how awful I was to him the other day? I hurt him. He shouldn't want to be with someone who hurts him. He deserves better than that, better than me.

But I'd be lying if I said it wasn't pretty adorable. I've never seen Anakin shy like this before, not even back when we were dating. And because of that, I have to say that I enjoy watching him get so flustered around me. It's both amusing and endearing, and it helps me to forget about all the poor choices I've made in the past, as well as the internal torment I've suffered.

Ever since I allowed myself to let my guard down with him, and to start trusting him again, I've felt more at peace. His presence is very calming, and it's slowly beginning to remind me of what our lives were once like before we lost each other, and before the galaxy fell into a state of catastrophe.

I sighed at that thought, and left my spot at the docks of the lake to go inside the house. Now I'm really starting to grow agitated. If we don't come up with a plan soon, we're as good as dead. Palpatine must know I'm alive by now, especially since I've started getting back in touch with the force. Though, maybe when Yoda arrives, he'll be able to offer some insight on our options.

Anakin POV:

"You're pressing it too hard." I grumbled, pulling my head away from Ahsoka who was trying to tend to a reopened wound on my cheek from one of the times (y/n) threw a punch at me during our sparring session.

This wound in particular isn't the worst I've ever had, but it's located on a sensitive part of my cheek, so the bruise surrounding it is easily irritated. And not only that, but the smallest touch, or even if I start scratching it subconsciously, causes it to reopen and bleed again.

"Because you keep moving backwards. And I'm being as gentle as I can, you're just getting too old for the pain, skyguy." Ahsoka retorted while smirking. She grabbed the back of my head to stop me from moving, and slowly reached forward to apply bacta on my bruised skin.

I winced when her fingers pressed into my skin. I swear, Ahsoka always thinks she's being gentle when in reality, she doesn't even know her own strength. That was something I always had her work on back when she was still a Jedi.

I scowled at her when she kept pulling my head back every time I tried to push it away. Normally I would have Obi-Wan help to fix up any of my wounds, but today he's with Elijah and Padmé in town gathering more groceries and supplies.

I could've asked (y/n) to do it as well, but there are two reasons why I didn't. The first being that I know how horrible she's felt since our little sparring session, even though I've reiterated many times already that I forgive her and am not holding anything against her. So if I asked her to tend to my wound, I'm afraid it would just be a reminder and make her uncomfortable. And the second reason—which I'd consider the primary one—is that I know I'll get flustered if she's that close to me. It feels humiliating to admit, even if it's just inside of my own head.

I can't explain why I'm so timid around her now; it was never like that in the past. If anything, it's the opposite now. She used to be shy around me when we first started dating, and now I'm the one who doesn't know how to act around her at all. It's still (y/n), the same girl I fell in love with. But she's changed, too. She's tougher, more fierce. And it's only made her more beautiful in my eyes than she already was before.

And the worst part is, it's not hard to notice that she finds this amusing. She'll purposely brush against my arm when walking by, and it seems that she always inches closer to me whenever I become flustered, just to tease me more. I can tell by the familiar glint in her eyes.

And maybe this wouldn't be so bad if we were still in an official relationship, but we aren't. I told her that I still love her the other day; all but putting my heart on the line in my most vulnerable moment. And we haven't talked about it since, so I genuinely don't know how she feels. Just last week, she still hated me. But then that storm seemed to settle after she let me apologize, so now where does that leave us?

Well, I wouldn't know, because she hasn't told me anything. And I don't believe I'll be able to make myself as vulnerable as I was that day on the grass with her, when I allowed myself to cry. I'd be too fearful to bring it up or confront her about it for an answer, in the event that she doesn't feel the same as I do and is teasing me just to be cruel.

That's what the paranoid voice in my mind is assuming, at least. Even though I know she would never do something like that.

"Ahsoka." I growled, pulling my head harder out of her grip when she dabbed the bacta on my wound too hard, causing it to fling off of her fingers and into my eye. "You're not even doing it right." I scoffed.

I've read in past medical notes from the Temple that it wasn't recommended to apply bacta with bare hands—whether it's on yourself or someone else—because it could cause an infection on a wound.

"Because you can't sit still!" Ahsoka scolded, crossing her arms indignantly.

I sighed and stood up from the stool that she practically forced me into, then began walking into the kitchen of the lake house.

"Where are you going?" Ahsoka asked while following me; her snippy attitude visible in her voice.

"To find Padmé's medicine kit." I grumbled irritably. "I'll take my chances with whatever medical contraptions she has in there." The last time I used her medicine kit many months ago, I didn't have a single clue what any of the tools or devices did.

Padmé was more familiar with medicine and surgery than an average person, so it made sense. But if I didn't know any better, I would've assumed she had just taken them straight from the local medical center.

Even now I still don't know what any of the tools and devices do, but I might have better luck with that than with Ahsoka. As much as I love her, she is not meant to be in the medical field. She would probably get fired on her first day as a doctor for accidentally killing one of her patients.

Ahsoka scoffed from behind me, "Well I'm sorry for trying to help." She snapped, surprising me with the dramatic change in her tone. What started off as our usual bickering is now something much less lighthearted.

Concerned, I turned around towards her to see her glowering with her arms crossed. "Hey, what's the matter with you?" I questioned softly. In the past, she would usually get moody like this if she was dejected or frustrated about something.

Ahsoka sighed and turned away from me, "I'm sorry. It's nothing." She shook her head and left the kitchen briskly, while I remained in my spot and watched in bewilderment.

After a moment of processing what just transpired, I turned my attention back towards looking for the medical kit. I'll check on Ahsoka later; it seems now that she just needs some alone time to think about whatever's bothering her.

But I stopped in my tracks when the realization hit that I don't actually know where Padmé keeps her medical supplies. Sure, I've tried using them in the past, but only when she's given it to me. And this lake house is practically a mansion; there are probably hundreds of cabinets and drawers all over the house, some of which I know for sure are filled with other miscellaneous items that I can't identify either.

I sighed, grumbling to myself as I crouched and began slowly searching the bottom drawers one by one.

It better not be in the very last cabinet I search, I thought to myself, feeling vexed.

"Looking for something?" A familiar voice asked from behind me.

Instantly knowing who it was, I turned around quickly but stood up from my crouching position too fast, only to hit my head against a cabinet door I had left open. I quietly hissed in pain, gingerly rubbing the spot on my head that was hit. I chuckled nervously, miserably attempting to hide my embarrassment, "Oh uh...just looking for an afternoon snack." I lied with an innocent grin.

"In the utensil drawers?" (y/n) asked, cocking an eyebrow, and very obviously holding back a smile.

I glanced behind me to see that I was in fact searching the utensil drawers. Already off to a great start, dumbass. I mentally scolded myself. I need to get out of here before I make things worse for myself.

"Of course, isn't that where everyone gets their snacks?" I joked while fiddling with the drawer handle, before clearing my throat and preparing to stealthily slip out of the kitchen. "But uh, I just remembered that I ate an hour ago, so I'm not hungry anymore." I came up with that excuse off the top of my head, which definitely wasn't the best one since I'm always hungry.

I nearly scurried to the kitchen doorway, only for the door to shut on its own before I could leave.

I blinked in surprise and turned my head towards (y/n), whose fist was held up as she shut the door, and slowly brought it back down. She was looking at me with a concerned expression. "Did I do that?" I realized she was referring to the wound on my cheek which still hadn't been fixed up yet, and was probably starting to protrude.

I quickly brought my hand up and held it over my cheek, "What, this?" I chuckled, "It's just a scratch."

She sighed and shook her head, "No it's not. You need a healing poultice and a bandage to keep pressure on the wound." She walked past me to the far corner of the kitchen, reaching up to open a large cabinet and grab what I assumed now was the medicine kit. At least now, I'll know where it is for the future.

"(y/n), that isn't necessary." I tried reasoning that it wasn't a big deal. I could tell she was already beginning to feel guilty again, and it pained me to see her so worried.

"Shut up and sit down, Anakin." She said firmly, using the force to move a stool by the dining room table next to me.

I exhaled quietly and complied, taking a seat on the stool and resting the heels of my boots on one of the bars holding the legs together so that my knees were bent as I sat. I'm a fool for thinking I could easily get out of this. And since she's going to be the one treating me—which is the last thing I wanted—who knows how much of an idiot I'll make of myself.

(y/n) and I were about eye level with me sitting on this stool, and it was only when she moved to stand right in front of me that I realized just how close we had gotten so quickly. Her legs touched my knees as she leaned over slightly to get a better look at the wound on my cheek. My force signature rapidly became erratic, and I'm sure she could feel it as well.

"I'm so sorry, Anakin." She apologized softly, her features shifting into a clear look of hurt and guilt as her fingertips grazed over my bruise. They were cold, and tickled the nerves of my cheek. But the coolness felt nice in contrast to my inflamed bruise.

"I keep telling you, it's alright." I reassured her, grabbing her wrist and gently pulling it away from my cheek. "I forgave you, so now you need to forgive yourself."

She sighed and smiled softly, "I know. I just don't like seeing you hurt." I was glad she became busy rummaging through the large medicine kit, because she would have otherwise seen my cheeks become dusted with a pink color.

There's no way I'll be able to make it through this encounter.

"Uh, how long do you think this will take?" I asked nervously as (y/n) leaned forward once more, this time with a cloth and what I assumed was a poultice healing gel applied to it.

A smirk slowly appeared on her lips as she gently applied pressure to my wound with the cloth, holding it against my cheek. The gel instantly engulfed my inflamed skin like a cool breeze, making me relax and almost forget about the pain that was there.

"Have somewhere you need to be?" She teased, inching her head closer to mine. Since her other hand was holding the back of my head to keep good pressure on my wound with the cloth, I couldn't even lean back or turn my head away. I was virtually forced to look at her, which only made my dilemma worse. Much to my chagrin, I was becoming more flustered with each passing second.

Oh, she knows what she's doing.

She knows the effect this has on me, and is clearly enjoying it. But what does this mean her feelings are? I don't believe she would be teasing me if she didn't at least have some reciprocated feelings for me. This last year has made her very closed off and untrustworthy, but recently those walls have been slowly crumbling. And I've noticed small changes; how she's been smiling and laughing more. But something is still holding her back.

"Just wondering, is all." I responded to (y/n)'s question, gulping down a hard lump in my throat.

How can one human do this; make me, Anakin Skywalker, so shy? I've fought countless fateful battles, survived many undercover missions, endured difficult Council meetings, all with confidence. And now, all those years of my ego being boosted are thrown out the window. I can't be arrogant with her, not anymore.

She just continued smirking at my response and slowly removed the cloth, wiping excess gel from the edges of my cheekbone. While she stepped back to throw the cloth into a waste bin, I decided to try and make conversation that diverted from me.

"So, Ahsoka is in a weird mood today." I began. "Any thoughts on why that is?"

Sighing, (y/n) nodded, much to my surprise. I didn't expect her to say yes; I had simply just asked that as a conversation starter.

"As you know, Ahsoka has spent all these months looking out for me and keeping us both out of trouble." She started to unravel a small bandage and slowly spread bacta gel onto the cushioned area. "Even though she tries brushing it off, I know it's taken a big toll on her. And now, with a potential battle with Palpatine on the horizon, she's the most anxious of all of us. She wants all of us to be safe, and has spent so much time taking care of everyone else, but has hardly focused on herself."

I felt a pang of guilt hit me hard at the weight of her words. I didn't even think of that, because I've spent all this time focusing on getting closer to (y/n), which Ahsoka has actually been helping me with. How could I have been so selfish? She's worked twice as hard to be there for us, and we've barely done the same.

"I'll talk to her about it later." I promised. "She needs to know that we're here for her, just as she is for us." I feel horrible for not realizing how heavy the weight is that's been placed on Ahsoka's shoulders. But I know now, and that's what matters.

(y/n) smiled brightly. "You're right, she does." She then began applying the bandage over my wound as gently as possible, and within seconds, the bacta that was on it quickly began working its magic.

"Thank you." I sighed in relief, leaning back against the counter that was behind me. The pressure from the bandage along with the bacta gel was already making a huge difference, and the pain had mostly subsided.

"You're welcome. It's the least I could do." She shrugged and closed the medicine kit, making sure everything in it was tidy and organized. "And besides, it was pretty adorable seeing you blush like that." She smirked at me while I froze for a moment, horrified at her bluntness. I can't be here for another second, or else I'll completely fall apart.

I attempted to keep my head down so I could subtly move off of the stool and exit the kitchen without looking her in the eye. But that immediately failed as she brought her hand up to cup my unbruised cheek, preventing me from ducking my head. My heartbeat increased due to our close proximity, and the fact that I now couldn't avert my gaze from hers.

"You don't have to be nervous around me." She chuckled softly.

I smiled bashfully, and let out a short laugh. "Well, no offense, but you're making it pretty difficult to not do that." My cheeks darkened at how close her face was to mine again.

She shook her head and I noticed a shift in the atmosphere as her tone suddenly became dismal, "But you shouldn't be. You shouldn't feel that way about me at all."

I furrowed my brows, "What do you mean?"

Her (e/c) eyes turned glassy and crestfallen, "Even if I forgive myself, it doesn't change the fact that I hurt you. Why would you want to be with someone like that?" She questioned, growing frustrated. "And you saw my eyes change color the other day, and how quickly I lost my temper. Why would anyone want to be with someone like that?" She asked, sighing.

I leaned into her touch as much as I could, "Because you're amazing." I mumbled. "I don't care what color your eyes are; you're a badass, you're courageous in adversity, you're kind to those in need. Yes, you've made mistakes. But everyone has. What matters is that you recognize them and learn from them, which you've already been doing." A smile slowly rose to my lips the more I spoke.

"And of course, you're so beautiful." I murmured. I felt my heart glow when (y/n)  began to smile shyly at my words. "Any guy would be lucky to be yours." I added quietly, darting my eyes away from hers as much as I could; by now I must've been redder than the blood from my wound.

The thumb of her hand that was cupping my cheek began rubbing my cheekbone softly. I exhaled happily and all but melted into the blissful touch, was very glad to be sitting. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to hold myself upright.

But my short lived happiness was replaced with sorrow when she sighed sadly, prompting me to look up to see the forlorn look on her face. "Anakin, I just...." She trailed off, but those three words were enough to disperse anguish into my heart.

Holding back tears that threatened to fall, I sniffled, "If you don't feel the same way as I do, then just let me go. Please." I felt compelled by her touch, and entranced by her gaze. In this moment I won't have the willpower to walk away, not after putting my heart on the line for the second time. But I'm tired of not knowing how she feels, and getting these mixed signals from her.

In response to my words, she looked at me with a fearful expression and took my face in both of her hands, "I—"

(y/n) was cut off by the sound of a loud crash right outside of the lake house. Our attention was ripped from each other as we scrambled to the kitchen windows to see what in the world was going on that could've caused such an enormous commotion.

"What the hell?" I muttered, squinting as a wave of dust and dirt clouded our vision of the outside world for a few short seconds. As it dissipated, we noticed a badly damaged ship lying in the grass.

"Who could be in that?" (y/n) asked, her eyes wide with shock. I was about to say that whoever it was couldn't have survived that landing, until I was suddenly overwhelmed by a familiar warm, and wise presence and saw a small, old Jedi with a green lightsaber stepping out of the debris.

(a/n): Hope you all liked it!❤️ Only over a month later but I STILL GOT THIS CHAPTER DONE🎉 Go me haha, I had serious writers block for this story for a very long time but now I'm hoping I have a more solid path for it. I know I've already said this but the end of this story is approaching (for real this time!) I would estimate at MOST about eight more chapters, give or take. Don't take my word for it but that's the plan as of now (: Even though I'm excited to write the ending, I'll also be sobbing at the same time when this story is finished; I love it so much and it's my first Anakin story🥺