Hiiiii! Back with another chapter. 

As always, please tell me what ya think! 

I finally have mapped out how this story will end. And there may or may not be a sequel in the works (lol @me sounding like a movie producer or some shit). 

You guys are the best <3 

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Kels's POV

Her voice cut through the training room, severing the Anakin-induced haze in my mind. Fear prickled across my skin, and I swear my heart skipped to a momentary stop.

It was a bad look to be found alone, in the training room, in each other's arms. Even a youngling would be able to deduce that something was happening between Anakin and me. And we both knew how imperative it was to keep our relationship a secret. Lest Anakin be forced into a decision he didn't want to make.

And I could tell she already had her suspicions.

So, when I turned around to face Padme, I was afraid of what I might see.

When I finally worked up the courage to look at her, she was staring straight at me. Her soulful brown eyes brimming with confusion and hurt.

Shit.

"Padme..." I hard Anakin say, taking a hesitant step towards her, holding a hand out in an effort to placate her.

"We've been looking for you." Padme replied, her voice sounding far away as she snapped her gaze to Anakin.

We?

That's when I noticed Obi-Wan step out of the shadows and stand next to Padme. He was giving Anakin a hard look and crossed his arms over his chest. I gulped involuntarily and flicked my gaze to Anakin who let out a deep sigh at the sight of his master. But he stood straight, pulled his shoulders back and crossed his arms to mirror Obi-Wan.

"Well, this is quite the surprise." Obi-Wan said, his gaze narrowing on Anakin. However, his tone made me think Obi-Wan's response was more a result of irritation over surprise.

"Nothing wrong with training the staff, Obi-Wan." Anakin said in a careful tone.

The staff. I tried not to cringe.

"You yourself said we should be prepared for an attack on the temple." Anakin continued.

My eyebrows furrowed at the comment. An attack on the temple?

"And do preparations include private, midnight training sessions with every staff member then, Anakin?" Padme asked, a sharp edge to her voice.

Anakin stiffened but didn't reply. Just as she was about to continue pressing, Obi-Wan placed a gentle hand on Padme's shoulder. With a frustrated huff, she shut her mouth. I could see the muscles straining in her jaw from where I stood.

We all stood still, suffocated by the heavy silence that surrounded us. Until the older Jedi let out a deep sigh.

"Kels, please go back to your quarters." He said in a soft yet authoritative voice. On instinct, I nodded and began to take a step forward before Anakin shuffled to the side and stood in front of me, blocking me from exiting.

"You don't get to just fucking dismiss her like that." Anakin spat, a surge of anger pulsing from him. "You have no authority over her."

"Anakin, it's fi-" I began to mumble, not wanting to draw any more attention to our obvious transgression.

"He's right." Obi-Wan cut me off. "I apologize, Kels." He bowed his head slightly in apology.

Anakin turned to face me, tension pulling at his features. "You can stay." He whispered.

Confliction pulled at my heart. On one hand, there was nowhere else I'd rather be than with Anakin. I didn't want to leave him. But I also did not want to risk further pushing Obi-Wan who was clearly already angry with the situation. I wanted to show him that I could comply, I could play by their rules. There was nothing to worry about here.

"It's okay Anakin." I said softly, giving him a warning look. "I need to get some sleep anyways." My jaw clenched as I restrained from pressing a kiss onto his lips which were pulled into a tense straight line. This was a delicate moment, and I needed to make sure Anakin wouldn't add fuel to the fire...something easier said than done when it comes to him.

Quickly, I projected a pulse of gentle calm to the vexed Jedi in front of me. Upon impact, his eyes softened ever so slightly, and he gave me a tight nod. He returned a soft surge of warmth that had the tension in my jaw easing. The silent conversation between us gave me the reassurance needed to step to the side and face Obi-Wan. I still had trouble meeting Padme's cutting gaze.

"It's alright, Obi-Wan," I said, mustering a smile. "I was just heading back anyways."

The corners of Obi-Wan's mouth pulled into a soft smile as he gave me a slow nod. With a shallow breath, I nodded in return and began to walk towards the hallway. But not before allowing my hand to brush ever so slightly against Anakin's. A small, but soothing action. For both of us.

"Goodnight, Kels." Obi-Wan said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as I passed him and stepped into the hallway. I smiled in return but kept my eyes forward, eager to escape Padme's sharp stare and unable to look at Anakin without betraying my emotions.

"Goodnight" I called out softly, forcing my feet into a casual forward rhythm.

As much as I wanted to stay and I was sure the curiosity would eat at me all night, I knew it was best that I leave Anakin to handle this conversation. I wasn't nearly as well-versed in the Jedi code and customs, and I realized my presence might prevent Obi-Wan from saying what he was  truly thinking. I trusted Anakin to do or say what he needed to in order to protect us.

The nerves were still tingling against my skin, and I gently shook out my arms in an attempt to dispel some of the anxious energy. I was so focused on getting back to my room, I didn't even hear the slight footsteps following me.

"Kels." I heard Padme's voice call from behind me. "Wait, please."

Oh no. 

A sharp exhale escaped past my lips, and I immediately came to a halt, turning to face Padme who had followed me down the hallway. Her pained expression pulled at my heart; it was obvious she was hurt. 

"Padme, it's not what you th-" I wanted to reassure her, even if it was with a lie.

"Please do not lie to me. I am not blind." She said in a pleading tone as she stopped just a few steps from me. We stood in the hallway, just out of earshot from the training room which I'm sure was done intentionally. Swallowing hard, I nodded but kept my mouth shut. I didn't know where to go from here.

Padme stared at me, her eyes scanning my face as she seemed to search for answers. With a dejected sigh, she opened her mouth to speak but quickly clamped it shut. Ever the senator, she was carefully considering her words.

"We were never formally introduced." She then said, straightening her posture as she maintained her composure. However, her statement caught me off guard.

"I-I don't think introductions are typically made between senators and temple staff." I stated the obvious, waiting to see where she was going with this. Making sure to stay on guard, I didn't want to give away anything that would land Anakin and I in hot water.

"Which is a shame, truly." She replied in a soft, genuine voice. Taking a hesitant step forward, she clasped her hands together tightly. "I won't bother with pretense here...how long have you and Anakin known each other?"

And there it is.

I took a deep breath, contemplating my response. I decided to stick as close to the truth as possible without yielding the more intimate details of Anakin and I's relationship.

"We've both lived in the temple since we were kids, but we only really became friends last year." I explained.

"Friends." Padme repeated softly, evoking a slow but sure nod from me.

"While he was recovering from injury, he had free time and agreed to train me basic self-defense." I continued, trying to satisfy her clear intrigue.

Padme let out a stiff chuckle, shaking her head ever so softly. "That is entirely out of character for him." She mumbled, seemingly to herself.

I couldn't help but feel a flash of jealousy at her insinuation of knowing his character. I never asked for details of her relationship with Anakin, but I know they were obviously once very close. The thought made the back of my throat burn.

"Apparently not so out of character." I replied, my tone sounding tighter than I wanted it to. Padme's eyebrows pulled together as her shoulders slumped.

"Of course," she said quickly. "I suppose it's been a while since Anakin and I were also friends." The way she emphasized the word "friends" caused a pit to form in my stomach.

"Padme, why don't you just ask what you so obviously want to ask." I said in a clipped tone, lifting my chin ever so slightly. She recoiled; eyes wide at my blunt suggestion. My cheeks began to heat. I have never been one for confrontation, but I wasn't good at playing the politician's game of insinuations and hidden meanings. And I didn't want to make the wrong move here.

If I was going to navigate this correctly, I needed her to be straight forward with me.

"Alright..." she said softly, staring down at her feet and clearing her throat. "Woman to woman, Kels. I want to know what you have that I don't."

Now it was my turn to be surprised. I didn't think she would actually expose herself like that. It oddly made me respect her more.

"What do you mean?" I asked softly.

"I am sure you are aware that Anakin and I once shared a bond." She said, carefully watching my face as she spoke. "However, when he ended it, it was because of the code. He told me he couldn't be in love while he was still a Jedi. The code always has to come first. No matter what." Her face fell as she recalled the memory of their breakup.

The silence was heavy between us. And as much as I hated thinking about Anakin's past relationship with Padme, I understood where she was coming from. Because Anakin so nearly crushed me in the same way. He resisted for so long, citing his dedication to the Jedi as a reason. Padme and I could have so easily had our hearts broken by the same man.

Yet, he didn't break my heart. In fact, he seems dead set on protecting it.

Padme possesses the qualities most women strive for: success, intelligence, beauty, power. She beats me in almost every single category that typically matters. But I have one thing she doesn't...Anakin. And I know it pains her.

Why would Anakin choose someone like me over her? She didn't even need to ask because it was a question that already frequently echoed through my mind.

"Padme, I-" I stuttered.

"The way he is around you...I only need to see mere glimpses. But he is different around you." Padme pressed, she locked eyes with mine and I took note of the tears that brimmed along her waterline. "You know Anakin never even acknowledged me in front of Obi-Wan, wouldn't even look at me. But he seems ready to rip off Obi-Wan's head for just speaking to you slightly out of turn. And in the hospital, he kept calling for you, he wouldn't rest until you were in the room. And despite his numerous injuries, and trust me, there were many, he never once requested my presence by his bedside. He's throwing caution to the wind, Kels. It's almost as if he can't even control it. You are too...important." The tears had now begun to trickle down her delicate cheeks.

My breath hitched in my throat. I hadn't realized how different his behavior had been with me. Whether it was kissing me while still on a mission, provoking a potential bar fight in my honor, or lashing out at those around him to defend me. I assumed Anakin was simply being his usual, defiant self. I never once considered he couldn't control it.

A small flicker of fear sparked in my gut. Was I putting him at risk?

"I didn't realize." I whispered, biting my lip and averting my eyes to the floor. I bit my tongue, still not wanting to confirm anything definitively about Anakin and I'd relationship.

"Of course not," Padme replied with a dark chuckle. "And I bet you don't even have to ask. Meanwhile, I begged him to show me even just a kernel of affection beyond our apartment walls. Even just a glance in my direction during a council meeting would have made my week." She paused for a few moments, quietly collecting herself before she continued, "Please don't mistake this as me trying to interfere with you and him. I know that chapter has ended. I just...I just can't stop wondering why I wasn't enough for him." 

I found her gaze again, and her demeanor practically crumpled when we made eye contact. It caused my heart to hurt for her. It was obvious she never got the closure she so desperately needed. I know what it's like to be haunted by the unknown, constantly wondering why you weren't good enough. Parsing through every mistake and flaw, completely ripping yourself apart.

I wanted to say something to make her feel better. How surely Anakin was just being careful. But I knew it would hurt even more hearing that from me. Someone who he has been so decidedly reckless with.

"I'm sorry, Padme." I whispered, not knowing what else to say that wouldn't cause more pain.

Padme let out a sound that sounded like both a laugh and a sob. She brought her fingers up to wipe at her face, smearing a black line of makeup across her cheek. "I am babbling on about my past relationship with your boyfriend and you are apologizing to me?"

Boyfriend. The word sounded so foreign in my ear. Anakin and I hadn't discussed labels.

"He's not my boyfriend." I said softly. This earned another sad chuckle from Padme.

"Well, he may not be your boyfriend per say, but he is definitely yours." She said quietly, her voice quivering.

Her words sent a wave of warmth through my chest, and I had to grit my teeth together to stop a smile from forming on my lips. Padme was being so vulnerable with her pain; I didn't want to give the impression I was enjoying seeing her like this.

"I know he cares about you." I said gently, taking a step forward to rest my hand on her shaking arm. And I believed that to be true. I know Anakin wouldn't revel in the thought of Padme suffering. However, my touch only seemed to spur on the tears as her face pinched. I quickly retracted my hand, not sure what to do next.

"You know he ended it over a hologram." She whimpered, her walls completely coming down. "While he was off world. A gods damned hologram. We were in the middle of strategizing for a senate vote, and he just completely shut himself off from me. And then he would hardly speak to me. He claimed it would be easier that way."

There was a sympathetic tug at my heart. Despite how much I love Anakin, I wasn't too blind to realize he had been unfair and inadvertently cruel to Padme in the aftermath of their relationship.

"Men are idiots." I muttered before really thinking. She looked up at me with her wide, glassy brown eyes. And to my surprise, the edges of her eyes crinkled, and she laughed. The undertone of sadness was still there, but she was laughing, nonetheless.

"They are, indeed." She said through her laughter. I smiled hesitantly in return.

This certainly was not how I expected this conversation to go.

"Thank you," she said softly, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket to dab at her face. "For being kind."

"I know what it's like to not feel good enough." I whispered softly. She swallowed hard but gave me an appreciative look. She eventually reached out to squeeze my hand.

"I won't tell your secret. No one will find out about you and Anakin from me." Padme said firmly after a few moments of silence. She nodded decisively to herself as if to seal her promise.

Again, my breath caught in my throat. I believed her. The relief crashed through me.

"Thank you." I whispered in a tight voice, giving her a sincere look. Padme gave my hand one last squeeze and inhaled deeply before plastering a smile on her face.

"Now, if you'll excuse me. I did come here for a reason other than accosting you with my emotions." She said with a pitiful chuckle. "I need to speak with the council to deal with these underworld riots."

"Riots?" I asked, my curiosity immediately piqued.

"Yes," she confirmed with a tired sigh. "We had to enact another tax. And the civilians below the surface are understandably upset. However, they refuse to approach the senate for a discussion. And even if that were of interest, without an appointed representative, it is difficult to speak to the right person. So, in the meantime, they opt to burn and defile everything in their path."

I was immediately reminded of the conversation I had with Blake's friends after the speeder race. The disdain and frustration they had with the government was so apparent. And they seemed willing to talk about it.

"I don't mean to overstep..." I began cautiously. "But I might know someone who would be willing to speak with you."

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Anakin's POV

It was a herculean effort to keep my fucking mouth shut as I watched Kels walk out of the training room.

She smiled politely and bid Obi-Wan and Padme a goodnight. I wished she would have instead told Obi-Wan to fuck off after he dismissed her like some sort of insignificant padawan. 

But that's not my Kels. She's smarter than that. So, she left the room with her usual grace and quiet strength intact. Meanwhile I was doing everything in my power to not fly off the handle.

Once Kels was out of my view, I narrowed my eyes on my former master who was beholding me with an equally aggrivated expression.

"What are you playing at, Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked in a low voice.

"You are making assumptions, Obi-Wan." I countered, holding his icy stare.

A frustrated sigh escaped Obi-Wan's mouth, and he took a step forward, ready to engage in what could either be a calm conversation or a heated argument. It could really go either way.

But movement in my peripheral vision drew my attention. Padme let out an exasperated sigh and spun quickly on her heel to follow Kels down the hallway.

That's not fucking good.

"Padme!" I called out as I strode forward with every intention of stopping her. But Obi-Wan held out his arm to halt me in my place.

"Anakin, we need to talk about this." He said in an authoritative voice that I hadn't heard since I was a padawan. For a split second I considered brushing him off and following Padme, not wanting Kels to put in another uncomfortable situation.

But I knew I had to be careful. And Kels can handle herself.

So, despite every instinct telling me to go to my girl, I stepped back and forced myself to look at Obi-Wan.

"Then talk." I snapped. "Clearly you have come to some sort of baseless conclusion here."

"I don't think I am being rash, Anakin." Obi-Wan said in a calm tone that irked me even more. He eyed me carefully before continuing, "there is obviously something happening between you and Kels."

I took a step backwards and ran a frustrated hand through my hair. "There's nothing going on." I said, intending to sound much more convincing than I did. I always had a hard time lying to Obi-Wan.

"You are playing with fire. You know attachments are forbidden." Obi-Wan pressed, ignoring my pathetic attempt at dissuading him.

I scoffed and crossed my arms over my chest. "You didn't care when I was fucking a senator." I replied in a sharp voice.

When Padme and I were together, there were many times Obi-Wan picked up on something between us. He knows me too well. Despite my best effort to conceal our relationship. I was terrified the council would find out. But I knew Obi-Wan knew. And he knew that I knew he knew.

It was a mind fuck. But he never said anything. Not once.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan cautioned. "This is different."

I wasn't going to confirm shit, so I just stared at Obi-Wan. Clenching my jaw and waiting for him to continue.

"You are different." Obi-Wan continued. "I have never known you to be this reckless."

"Yeah, well if you haven't noticed, things are getting pretty fucking bad out there." I replied, throwing an arm up towards the sky light, hoping my behavior could be misattributed to the failing war happening just beyond the atmosphere.

"You know that's not what I'm talking about." Obi-Wan said in a smooth voice. "What are you doing with Kels?"

"I'm training her." I repeated.

"Why?" Obi-Wan asked, his irritation causing his volume to increase.

"Because I had the time." I replied with a shrug.

"You have a Padawan to train." Obi-Wan countered.

"Ahsoka is still receiving more than enough training." I stated.

"Anakin...why?" Obi-Wan repeated in a pleading tone.

The silence between us was charged, and as I beheld my former master, I could sense his frustration. Obi-Wan had always supported me, even when others didn't. But when it comes to Kels, I couldn't risk it. I could never give someone the ability to take that information to the council and force me into a choice I didn't want to make.

A choice he wouldn't want me to make.

"Careful, Obi-Wan." I warned in a low voice, setting my features into a hard, unwavering expression.

Obi-Wan's eyes widened ever so slightly, and he tilted his chin upwards as he exhaled deeply. I didn't need to say it. Obi-Wan knew that once I said those words out loud...if I admitted to loving Kels, there was no going back. His loyalty would be tested, and we both know he'd succumb to the code.

The Jedi would lose their precious chosen one. And he would lose me.

But if I said nothing, he could feign ignorance and continue upholding his precious code.

"I will say this only once." He began in a quiet but grave voice. "If you have fallen to an attachment, you must end it. It will only result in disaster."

I swallowed hard to keep myself from lashing out. He was telling me to end things with Kels and the thought alone caused a panic to root in my gut. 

There was no fucking way.

"Noted." I replied in a clipped tone, watching Obi-Wan as his solemn expression dropped and was replaced by one of surrender.

"But regardless, I am your ally, Anakin." He said with resolve.

I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding, and we held each other's gaze, making a silent agreement.

Obi-Wan would keep my unspoken secret.

I nodded in acknowledgment, allowing the relief to relax my shoulders.

"Why are you even awake?" I asked, my brain finally registering that it was fucking weird Obi-Wan and Padme would be wandering the temple together at night.

"I was looking for you. You're being assigned a mission." Obi-Wan said, crossing his arms over his chest. "On Naboo."

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Kels's POV

My mind was absolutely racing as I lay in bed. Despite my best effort, it was impossible to sleep.

Tossing and turning, I kept replaying my conversation with Padme.

On one hand, it made my heart soar to hear how unique Anakin's feeling were for me. But on the other hand, the way he ended things with Padme didn't sit right with me. He had hurt her, and he probably didn't even realize how deeply.

Anakin never claimed to be perfect. In fact, he'd argue he was far from it. But he still had the ability to do the right thing when it comes to Padme.

I'm sure it sounds odd, being so concerned with Anakin's ex-girlfriend's feelings. I know I should just leave it be. But I also know, deep down, the relationship scarred him too and perhaps closure would do both of them some good.

The thoughts continued to swirl around my brain when I heard a soft knock on my door. At first, I thought maybe I was imagining it, but when I heard it again, I leapt up to my feet and crossed my room, opening the door to reveal my handsome Jedi.

"Hey, love." He whispered in a clearly exhausted voice. It seemed as if the conversation with Obi-Wan took it out of him.

I grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled him into my room, allowing the door the slide shut behind him. As soon as there was no possibility of anyone seeing us, I stood on my tip toes and pressed my lips onto his.

He sighed deeply into the kiss and brought his arms up to wrap around my torso and pull me close. He kissed me slowly, allowing me to absolutely melt into him. I eventually pulled away and smiled up at him.

"Hey." I said, giving him another peck on the lips. "You okay?"

"Yeah," he replied with a dark chuckle. "Are you?"

"I'm fine." I whispered. "Let's go to sleep."

Now that he was here, the fatigue began to weigh heavy on my eyelids. We had a lot to talk about, but it could wait until tomorrow. Right now, all I wanted to do was curl up next to him and sleep.

Anakin opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it with a sigh. I intertwined my fingers with his and pulled him gently towards my bed. He obliged and lazily removed his shirt and pants, leaving him in his boxers as he crawled under the sheets next to me.

Pulling me towards him, he wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled into the back of my head, inhaling deeply. I allowed myself to sink into his familiar warmth and finally my mind went quiet. However, one thought wouldn't let up.

"Anakin," I mumbled softly. He hummed in response, clearly on the verge of sleep too.

I felt the heat rising to my cheeks before I even asked. "Should I call you my boyfriend?" I whispered.

I could feel Anakin smile against the back of my neck in his half-asleep state, "You can call me whatever you want, baby. I'd marry you tomorrow if that's what you wanted." He said in a voice laced with exhaustion. His tone told me it was meant as a lighthearted joke, but the way he pulled me even closer told me he meant it.

I fell asleep with a smile on my face.