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(y/n) POV:

Anakin chewed the inside of his cheek, and then inhaled deeply as he thought of an answer. The way he paused only made me more nervous, and the searing pain in my forehead wasn't ebbing at all. I clenched my fists and wriggled my toes to distract myself from the feeling of fire in my brain. It was taking everything in me to not cry in front of Anakin; he's the one person I won't allow myself to break down in front of.

He finally exhaled and pulled out a small cloth from the first-aid kit, and poured some of the liquid from the small bottle onto it. "You'll be fine, but I have a feeling that there'll be a scar just above your eyebrow, like mine." He shrugged.

I scoffed in disbelief and stretched my legs out on the ground from where I held them against my chest, as he closed the small bottle and set it down beside himself, "So not only will I have a scar, but now I'm going to look like you?"

This day really is a nightmare.

He smirked without looking at me, "You should be happy, (y/n). If you look like me, then maybe you'll actually be attractive."

I narrowed my eyes and was about to fire back at him, when he suddenly moved one of his legs over both of mine, and sat on his knees over my shins. I instinctively scooted backwards only for my back to forcefully hit the wall, "What do you think you're doing?" I asked skeptically.

He rolled his eyes as I felt his weight settle lightly on my shins, "Relax, moron. I'm just trying to get a better angle of your cut so I can see if you need stitches."

I nodded but stiffened as he got closer to me, scrutinizing my forehead intently. This is the closest distance we've ever been to each other, and it was so awkward. If anyone walked in the training room right now, they'd probably have so many questions about the position we're in. I could feel my features scrunch uncomfortably as I stared up at him, carefully watching his every move. Tensing my body didn't exactly make the burning in my cut go away, so I squinted my eyes slightly to alleviate it.

He glanced down at me for a moment and then huffed, looking back to my forehead, "Stop looking at me like that." He grumbled, breaking the silence.

I blinked a couple of times in confusion as my posture relaxed slightly, "Like what?"

He took the small cloth that was in his hand and began gently dabbing it on the burn above my eyebrow, making me wince and slightly hit the back of my head against the wall. "Like I grew three heads." He muttered irritably.

I scoffed at his response but didn't say anything back. He shuffled closer to me on his knees so that he was now hovering over my quads, and his chest was almost touching my nose.

It's bad enough being in the same room as him, but being this close was torture. "Can you hurry up? This is getting weird, and from here I can smell your cheap vanilla cologne more than usual." I complained while tilting my head back to look at him. Even though his scent was actually pretty nice, it was way too strong from where I sat.

His attention broke from my wound and he looked straight down at me, almost making me shrink back when I realized how much bigger and taller he was than me, especially in this position. Maybe I shouldn't have said that.

"Oh? Are you giving me orders now, Padawan?" He rose an eyebrow, practically daring me to say yes and see what happens.

Feeling intimidated, I shrugged lamely and leaned my head back down to it's original position where it was aligned with his chest. Normally I would've shot him another remark, but I'd rather let him win this one so we can speed this process up without him getting angry and slowing it down.

He didn't say anything else, used the last clean part of the cloth to wipe small spots of blood that lingered on the edges of my cut. But he did it a bit more roughly this time, probably because the blood had began to turn dry at this point. I let out a pithy squeal of pain from how roughly he was dabbing my wound, "Be more careful, will you?" I snapped and swatted his gloved hand away from my forehead, "And quit digging your knees into my thighs."

I tried moving out from under him but he roughly placed his free hand on the wall beside my head, startling me as I instinctively jumped back. "Does the poor little princess need her pillow fluffed as well?" He sneered, glaring down at me with utter contempt.

Princess? As if!

No offense, Avery.

It's almost comical how clueless he is, how he has no idea who he's talking to. But it's more annoying than humorous that I can't even threaten to have his head cut off. One day, maybe.

For now though, I have to continue to act as if I'm just another Jedi. But that thankfully doesn't mean I can't sass him as much as I'd like. I smiled sweetly up at him, "I do, actually. Thanks for the kind offer." He still glared at me resentfully and then huffed, "Fine, I'll be gentler for oh-so-sensitive skin." He mocked, exaggerating my request.

"But hold still this time, I can't get it done properly if you keep wiggling." He grumbled, bringing his gloved hand back up to wipe the rest of the extra blood away.

Surprisingly, my body relaxed at his gentleness and I was impressed with how careful he was being. The pain was still there, but I was instead focused on Anakin's every move, and how his cool breathing caressed the contradicting heat on on my wound. As strange as it was, I found myself reveling at the feeling of his cold breath on my forehead, as the air expelled evenly through his nose. I unconsciously lifted my forehead towards him, just slightly, to feel more of the comforting cold air being released through his nostrils.

Even if he's just doing this because he's worried about getting in trouble, I was still amazed that he was taking the time to get me cleaned up when he could've just left me to do it myself. I know he doesn't actually care about my well-being, but I was impressed with his commitment right now.

That reminds me...

"I thought you had another commitment tonight?" I asked, leaving my head back so I could look up at him. I know he said he wouldn't tell me what it is but I was still curious as to what it was that made him want to shorten our practice.

He rolled his eyes without looking at me, "I told you that it's none of your business." He said harshly.

I sighed and wiggled around slightly underneath him so I could sit more comfortably, "Well, if you don't tell me then I will assume that you went on a date with Obi-Wan, and I'll tell everyone in the Temple." I declared, smiling innocently as I crossed my arms. I wasn't going to stop bugging him until he told me.

He growled and suddenly pulled back from me, throwing the cloth onto the ground and wiping away the blonde curls that stuck to his forehead, "You are impossible." He seethed irritably, glaring at me with fire in his blue eyes.

"I know." I smiled cheerfully at him.

One of the many things my mother taught me over the years of our private lessons is that Queens never back down from getting what they want, even if it's something as trivial as this. Her lessons are pretty much the main reason I have such a big attitude with Anakin, because I sometimes use him as practice in case I have to deal with people like him in Alderaan. That is, if I decide to go back there permanently.

Anakin harshly grabbed his robe from the ground and put it back on himself, "If I tell you, will you stop saying that?"

I laughed and nodded, sitting up cross-legged as Anakin moved backwards and sat down to look through the first-aid kit. He sighed and began rummaging through the box, "I was going to meditate alone. I've been.....having nightmares about my Mom." He mumbled solemnly.

"Oh." Was all I could say. That's not at all what I was expecting, and now I felt like a complete jerk for joking about it. To be fair though, he didn't tell me anything so all I could do was assume.

I knew all about his late mother, and how she was killed by the Tusken Raiders. I also knew that he killed all of them, and was forever changed by his mother's death. He never really talked about it with me. Granted, he never really talked about any of his personal life with me anyways. But losing his Mom was something that I knew was a touchy subject, especially since he was so close to her.

"I—I'm sorry." I stuttered, not knowing what else to say to break the tension. He shrugged and took out a bandage from the box. My heart ached slightly, because I knew how he felt. Even though I despised Anakin, I empathized with him at the loss of a parent. It's something we both know all too well. Though I never really knew my father, I know his accomplishments, what he left behind for me, and the kingdom he built with my mother. I've heard all sorts of tales about him over the years, some from Yoda, others from Youngling classes. Hearing those stories was the closest I've ever felt to him.

When Anakin didn't say anything else, I went on, "You know, I know what it's like to lose a parent." I said, hoping I could lift the mood. I know that I probably shouldn't reveal that part of my past, but it's not like I have to tell him how or why it happened.

He rose an eyebrow in surprise and turned fully towards me on his knees, still holding the bandage in his hands, "Really?" He sounded genuinely curious but also unsure, as if he thought I was just tricking him. I don't blame him for thinking that, since ninety nine percent of our conversations are just mockery or sarcasm.

I nodded, "My Dad was killed when I was young. It's uh....it's a long story but, all you need to know is that I understand some of how you're feeling." I twiddled my thumbs together, feeling awkward at the dramatic tone shift from our usual bickering to a normal conversation. I didn't even realize it before, but we both had something in common through this, which I didn't think was possible since we can't relate to each other at all.

Anakin stared at me, no clear emotions were visible in his expression, and I wondered if I had overshared. He didn't look angry, but he didn't look happy either, so I didn't know if I should say anything else or not.

But before I could decide, he leaned over me again and took the bandage out of its wrapping, "You don't need any stitches, but you should keep this on for a while." He gently pressed it on my forehead and made sure that it was secure.

Ignoring how he abruptly changed the subject, I nodded, "Thanks." I said, the word feeling foreign since I'm saying it to him. He didn't acknowledge my thanks and just went back to the first-aid kit. I signed and felt the spot where the bandage was with my fingers and flinched as the contact caused a spasm of pain to shoot through my head.

I sucked in through my teeth at the throbbing pain I felt from touching the bandage, and I could tell Anakin watched the whole thing because I could hear him chuckling at my reaction.

I used the hand that I touched my wound with to rub my temple, "What are you laughing at, bonehead?" I snapped.

He shrugged while smirking down at me as he kneeled in front of me on one knee, resting his elbow on the other, "Just your misery, which I have to say, has been the highlight of my night. Clumsiness isn't a good look on you, my Padawan." He mocked my words to him from earlier today, "You should really learn to be more attentive when practicing with me, or maybe I won't go so easy on you next time." His condescending tone was back, making it seem as if I was a youngling who was learning how to use a lightsaber for the first time.

Is he trying to ridicule me, and make it seem like I lost to him a battle?

All feelings of empathy I had for him washed away as I glared up at him. All the familiar anger and annoyance seeped through my bones, causing my mood to escalate faster than I was prepared for. I could've died if I'd been in contact with his lightsaber for even a second longer, and now after he's fixed it, he's just going to gloat since he knows he won't get in trouble? This arrogant bastard can't ever help himself; whenever an opportunity strikes to make me miserable, he takes it without any hesitation. I guess I'm not really in a position to judge, though, since I do the same thing.

But regardless of that, he has the audacity to call me clumsy for his own mistake? He's the one who's clumsy, since he did this to me by accident. Of course, he'd never admit that, because he never admits when he's wrong.

"I hate you." I declared, each word weaved with poisonous revulsion for this snobby Jedi. I didn't care that he was my Master, and that I should be treating him with respect. He doesn't get any respect from me, because he's never earned it.

That's something else my mother taught me; no matter who it is or how powerful they are, a Queen doesn't freely give respect to anyone who hasn't made an effort to earn it.

Anakin's smirk never faltered, he was unfazed by my venomous remark. If anything, my comment just amused him more, and that only fueled the fire in my temper.

"I hate you more." He said in a low, and quieter voice. Though he was still smiling deviously, I could tell he meant every word.

Before I might do something I'll definitely regret, I shot up from my sitting position and stormed out of the empty training room. Despite the dizziness I felt from standing up so fast, I kept my head held high and maintained confident strides as I left Anakin behind. I didn't care if I was overreacting, he can walk back to our quarters by himself.

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For once I woke up before Anakin, and that was because I needed to make another call to my family about my decision. I had way too much 'Anakin-ness' yesterday, and today I just wanted to get away from him and focus on making a plan to protect Alderaan.

I threw on my regular Jedi clothing and quickly fastened my utility belt, wanting to hurry before Anakin wakes up. I fumbled with my boots and slipped them over my socks, then swiftly put my hair into a ponytail like yesterday. I grabbed my robe that was currently lying on the ground where I tossed it yesterday, and checked to see if the holo-communicator was where I left it.

"Yes." I whispered to myself as I pulled it out. I quickly but quietly tiptoed out of my room, and all the way to the door of the small living room. Thankfully, I could tell Anakin was still asleep because none of his senses were active. It was funny; I felt like I was breaking out of prison by how I was sneaking around, even though really I just didn't want to deal with him.

I was able to make it out of the room, and carefully jogged down the empty hallways to the nearest washroom, where I typically contact my mother or someone in the palace. It was still exceptionally early in the morning, so not many Jedi would be up now. We weren't really required to be awake and out of our rooms until about three hours from now.

Everything was completely silent and still, and I became happier about it as I got closer to the washroom. But as I turned a corner, I crashed straight into someone's chest, causing both of us to stumble backwards and grunt in surprise.

"Oh—I'm so sorry, I should've watched where I was going." I apologized, nervously meeting the eyes of whoever I just bumped into.

But I mentally exhaled as I realized it was only Obi-Wan, and not another Jedi who could potentially be more strict about me lurking the halls so early in the morning. Still, I'd need to get past him and hope he doesn't ask too many questions.

Obi-Wan brushed himself off and fixed his robe, "That's quite alright, my darling. I'm the one that should've been more alert." He sighed and smiled amusedly.

I nodded quickly, not really listening since I just wanted to get past him. I still had to finish doing all of this before more Jedi awaken, I can't risk having someone else walk in on a conversation with my mother.

"It's okay, consider it forgotten." I chuckled and bowed politely before walking around him.

"(y/n), wait." He called from behind me.

I stopped in my tracks and held back a groan. As much as I care for Obi-Wan, I'd like to be able to make it to the washroom without anymore detours.

I spun around and crossed my arms, curling my toes in my boots impatiently, "What's up?" I asked with a forced smile.

He gave me a sincere look, not seeming to sense my impatience, "Did you and Anakin get along at all yesterday? And what happened to your forehead?" He pointed to where my bandage was.

My eye twitched at his question, and I had to stop myself from screaming at him to not talk about Anakin. I swear, he's somehow become the center of my life as a Jedi, no matter how often I try to stay away from him or the topic of him in general.

I sighed and rolled my eyes at the memory of last night, "Sort of, but we ended up just being annoyed with each other again. And this is just because we got a little rough during practice." I pointed to my bandage.

Obi-Wan's expression dropped slightly and he shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose, "My goodness, what are we going to do with the two of you?" He asked, probably more to himself than to me. He and Yoda are always cooking up subpar suggestions for Anakin and I to get along, and evidently, none of them have worked.

I shrugged even though he wasn't looking at me. I didn't really know why this was such a big deal to him, but I'm assuming it's because Anakin is his best friend, and he wants him to have the best experience. As he stood in deep thought, I was becoming more impatient by the second, looking out of the windows to see the sun slowly rising. People would be waking up eventually, including Anakin, so I needed to speed this conversation up.

"I'm sure you'll think of something." I gave Obi-Wan a brusque smile and started walking backwards, considering excuses for why I had to leave, "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to take care of a.....lady problem."

I turned on my heel back down the halls before he could reply, jogging to my destination and determined to make it without being stopped again. I was ready to finally direct my attention to important issues rather than trivial Jedi drama.

I discreetly stepped inside of the echoey, white-tiled washroom, and checked to see if anyone was there. When I knew that the coast was clear, I pulled out my holo-communicator and took a deep breath, thinking about what I would say, and letting it sink in that things are going to be different now. This won't just be another call to check in, or to be updated on our trade routes. I'm basically going to be telling my Mom to prepare for potential war. My rejection to the marriage could cause the most dangerous turn of events since the day my father died. The question now is: was I going to be able to save everyone?

I sighed and pressed the button that lit up the hologram screen to life, and waited as it stayed empty for a few seconds. Finally, a figure appeared in hologram form and I set the device down on one of the sinks so my full body could be in view.

I waved casually but with a big smile at the most wonderful woman in front of me, "Hi Mom."

(a/n): I hope you guys liked this chapter, and are still bearing with me on this story haha💕 I'm still very excited for my plans for this, and I wanna do a good job of introducing characters and their backgrounds so that you guys have a good idea of it before the bigger stuff starts to happen❤️

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