Anakin didn't show up to training that night.

And then he didn't show up the next night, or the night after that, or the night after that.

By the fifth night with no sign of Anakin. I found myself lugging the dummy out into the center of the training mat by myself. Frustrated and perturbed, I told myself I didn't need him to keep training. I let out a huff when I finally set up the dummy and took a step back, eyeing the faceless mass that vaguely resembled a human body.

I began to gently shake out my arms, warming them up and getting prepared to take out my irritation on the unsuspecting dummy in front of me.

The aggravation was certainly enough to fuel me, however the real reason I needed an outlet was because of the fear that clawed at me. I couldn't focus on anything else.

I knew I had gone too far by invading both Padme and Anakin's privacy during the senator banquet. Anakin was correct to be angry at me. However, was he so angry that he wanted nothing more to do with me?

When he had left the conversation, I didn't get the sense that he was so pissed off he didn't want to see me. But perhaps with more reflection, he saw more clearly and didn't feel quite so forgiving. I wished I could explain myself, express my true regret, beg for forgiveness.

I cringed internally at how pathetic I felt by Anakin's lack of presence and attention. This was the unfortunate result of me allowing my heart and happiness to depend on time spent with him. Without Anakin in my life, I found I had nothing to look forward to. I was flung back into a life of monotony and meaningless tasks. I couldn't bear the thought of reverting back to this painful normal. I mentally scolded myself for becoming so pitifully attached.

What if he never speaks to me again? The rising panic burned through my stomach at the thought as I wrapped my hands the way Anakin had shown me, preparing to hit something. I needed a way to channel the anxiety away and out of my body.

So, I let my fists fly. With a flurry of jabs, hooks, uppercuts and blocks, I focused on my target. Hitting and hitting until my arms felt like jelly. And even then I kept going, enjoying the physical burn which eventually overrode my mental anguish.

Sweat began to trickle down my forehead, I wiped away at it quickly and began to incorporate footwork. Shifting my weight and rolling from one side to the next as if to avoid my imaginary foe. I kept going until I was doubled over, gasping for air.

I felt my legs wobble beneath me, so I leveled myself down to the floor and leaned back up against the dummy. I sat there, staring forward at nothing in particular, allowing my breath and heart rate to return to a more stable pace.

I wasn't even sure how long I had been going at it. It could have been five minutes; it could have been over an hour. My body seemed to override my mind. And I was grateful for the momentary reprieve.

But now as I sat here, with nothing but the sound of my ragged breaths filling the room. I was reminded of how painfully alone I am. I squeezed my eyes shut to prevent the tears that were pricking at the corner of my eyes. Why did everyone I care about end up either dead or gone with no explanation? My parents, Payto, and now Anakin.

It wasn't fucking fair.

I brought my hands up to my head as my fingers raked through my hair, pulling at the roots in frustration.

"Five days. It's only been five days." I muttered, trying to ground myself in the reality that Anakin truly hadn't been gone that long. It's too early to jump to conclusions...right?

I hated that I had no way to contact him or even figure out where he went. But I didn't even see him around the temple during the day. It was as if he had just vanished into thin air. My logical brain tried to explain it away...perhaps he was called back onto a mission, or maybe he was needed elsewhere in the more restricted areas of the temple, or maybe he just wanted to catch up on sleep. I knew I wasn't necessarily owed an explanation, but stars I wish I had one.

However, and chalk it up to my clear abandonment issues, I couldn't help but think this was permanent and I had managed to piss Anakin off enough to push him away forever. And it broke my fucking heart.

I remained seated on the training mat, staring into oblivion for who knows how much longer. Focusing on keeping my fragile sanity in one piece. I refused to allow myself to fully drown in the self-pity and the sorrow that was my very existence. A no one with nobody.

Pushing the palms of my hands into my eyes, I tried to physically stop the tears from falling. I clenched my jaw and let out a frustrated exhale. It was no use. I was so tired. I missed my parents, my heart ached for Payto, and I just wanted to see the Jedi whom I held so many unrequited feelings for.

What a fucking mess.

Through my tears, a dark chuckle erupted from my throat. What a sad, pathetic sight this was. I loathed it.

I decided right then and there that I was finally going to do something about it. Keep Fighting I heard Anakin's voice echo in my head. I wasn't going to just resign to living this life, I am going to get out of here. With no one's help but my own. And I knew exactly what needed to be done in order to do that.

Moments later, I was back in my room, sweat still glistening on my skin as I tore through one of my drawers. Fingers frantically searching until I felt them brush against a familiar shred of material. I swallowed as I lifted the thin fabric from the drawer and held it in the palm of my hand.

I don't know why I kept it. I'm not even sure I meant to keep it.

But starting down at the makeshift red choker in my hand, I was glad I didn't throw it away.

Call it desperation, call it sheer stupidity...but as I tied the crimson piece of fabric around my neck, I felt empowered. My weak plan was to either make enough money to purchase a ticket off this planet and start somewhere new, or if I was lucky, I'd meet someone with a ship who took enough of an interest in me to take me with them.

I didn't give myself enough time to even think through the details or truly consider the potential consequences, as I quickly forced myself into the shower and then proceeded to make myself as presentable as possible. I didn't allow any room for my brain to talk me out of this.

My heart pounded with adrenaline as I applied a berry-colored lipstick with shaking hands. I exhaled deeply as I snapped the lipstick lid back onto the tube. Not bad I thought as I took in my appearance. My hair was straight and pushed behind my hears, with dark kohl emphasizing my gray eyes. I had picked the shortest black dress I own and paired it with fishnets and chunky heeled boots. The red fabric around my neck stood out against the dark ensemble. Especially after last time, I wanted to look like anything but an innocent, vulnerable girl.

Without giving myself a moment to pause, I was out the door and making my way through the temple and towards the city center. When I was met with the cool city air, goosebumps covered my bare arms and my heels were already rubbing uncomfortably at my ankle, but I pressed on. I wished I had brought a jacket, but I wasn't going to turn back. Fueled by sheer determination and what might be described as a slight mental breakdown, I was singularly focused on my destination.

Anakin had mentioned that if I were to do this again, 79's is the place to go. And although I am sure he meant that mostly in jest, I was going to heed his advice. So, I hopped on the transit and impatiently waited until it reached my stop.

79's was different than the Outlander Club. The entrance was on a raised platform that was lit by a massive orange and pink screen. The rose-gold hues actually made the scene seem much more inviting and pleasant. However, the closer I got the more I took notice of the drunk clientele milling about the entrance and the familiar scent of alcohol and other illegal substances fill the air. I was surprised by all the clone troopers I saw hanging around. But I suppose they deserve to blow off steam more than anybody.

I smiled softly at a few clones who were studying me as I made my way to the entrance. I hadn't really interacted with clones apart from seeing them occasionally at the Jedi temple. But they always seemed nice enough.

I stood in line and hesitated once I was face to face with the bouncer. I wasn't sure what to do next. I hadn't thought through what I would do once I actually got here.

"Wait here." The large bouncer said to me before I even opened my mouth. I noticed him eyeing the red fabric around my neck. I nodded and did as he said. This was when I was hit with a jolt of nerves. What the fuck am I doing?

However, before I could change my mind, the bouncer returned with a small woman following him. She was dressed in trendy clothing, but the wrinkles etched across her face told me she wasn't new to the scene.

"Follow me." She said in a throaty voice. Turning quickly, she walked through the entrance and into the crowd. I jogged slightly to keep up with her.

"Hi, I'm Kels." I shouted over the music, feeling like I needed to say something to this woman.

She disregarded my introduction and launched into the rules. I had to angle my head down to be able to hear her as we wove through the crowd of clones and off-worlders. The rules were similar to the Outlander. I dance, I make money, I give half of my earnings back to the house when I am finished. However, here at the 79's they require the red-ropers to dance on raised platforms so security can keep an eye on them.

I eyed a pretty twi'lek girl dancing atop a platform as we passed by. She had her eyes closed as she moved her hips sensually to the beat of the music. The red fabric around her neck gleamed in the club light. A crowd of men watched beneath. I saw one call out to her and hand her a fistful of credits which she gladly accepted and blew him a flirty kiss.

"You are not to leave this spot under any circumstances," The small woman said as we stopped in front of an empty platform. My eyes snapped back in her direction. "Don't let these men trick you into joining them in a private room. We can't help you there."

I felt a chill wrack through my body as I pushed down the painful memory of the last time I had been so naïve. "Understood." I called back to the woman.

"Oh, and only accept drinks from the droids, they're on the house. Got it?" She asked.

"Got it." I replied.

"Good luck, kid." She said with a sigh and then turned to vanish back into the crowd.

As I watched her disappear into the sea of bodies, the nerves returned and ignited a fire in my veins. I had to physically shake my arms out dispel some of the energy. My eyes scanned over the small platform in front of me, it was more like a large, elevated disk with a pole shooting up from the center and room for no more than one person. I gulped as my eyes followed the pole up to the ceiling. When I brought my gaze back down, I noticed a small set of stares to the side.

Just as I was about to make my way over to the stairs, a droid zipped in front of me holding a tray of shooters with a blue liquid inside.

"Something to drink?" It asked in an overly feminine programmed voice.

"Please," I said and tried to muster a smile, I reached my hand out to grab a shooter but then hesitated, "Actually, I'll take three if that's okay?"

"Whatever you want, sweetheart." The droid replied. I nodded and collected three shooters in my hands. I quickly knocked back the liquid courage and tried not to grimace at the burn in my throat. Whatever that was, it was strong. As the liquid warmed its way through my system, I ascended the stairs up onto the platform.

As I stepped onto the platform, a spotlight swung in my direction. Out of pure reflex I felt my hand jerk up to shield my eyes from the intense light. However, after taking a shaky breath I lowered my hand and looked into the crowd. I was met by a sea of faces, staring back up at me as if to say alright, shows us what you got.

I took a small step back and felt my back run up against the pole. There was nowhere to hide.

"You can fucking do this." I muttered under my breath, trying to hype myself up.

The music was loud (Editor's Note: Think "Move For Me" by Kaskade or something like that). With an energetic yet sultry beat, I could see the entire club practically move on que with the DJ. I knew I had only seconds to do something before I lost the interest of the crowd assembled before me, so I began to slowly shift my hips from side to side.

"Don't look so scared beautiful, we don't bite!" I heard a voice shout out from below, followed by a slew of catcalls. I snapped my head in the direction of the voice but couldn't discern who had said it. I shoved the desire to jump off this platform and run out this club deep down and instead forced a giggle.

Taking a note from the Twi'lek girl, I then closed my eyes and began to move my shoulders in time with my hips. Then I focused in on the music, and just the music. I found I actually enjoyed the track and imagined I was just dancing in my room with Payto. With that, I felt my shoulders loosen and allowed my hips to roll along with the beat. And perhaps it was the alcohol kicking in, but I then mustered up the confidence to reach out and grab the pole behind me, slowly shimmying downwards.

I heard cheers from below and had to bite down on a smirk. I noticed a Nautolan man step forward and hold his hand out to me. I bent down and watched as he dropped a credit into my open palm.

"You look good up there, gorgeous." He said in a slurred voice. I smiled softly in return and dipped my head in thanks as I tucked the credit into my boot.

Was it really going to be this easy? Men are so simple.

Emboldened by the initial positive reception, I held onto the pole and swung my body around ending in a slow, sensual dip towards the floor. The commotion below me continued and I saw two hands reach out clutching credits.

As I bent down to collect the credits, I noticed the drink droid pass by. Without really thinking, I snatched a few more shooters from its tray and downed the content in seconds. And after a few moments, a cozy haze coated my vision as the alcohol warmed my insides. I felt the last remaining knots of tension ease in my chest, and I found that it became easier to surrender to the beat and just allow my body to move. This was actually kind of fun.

I threw my head back, allowing my hair to fall into my face as I slid down the pole. A smirk creeping across my face at the crowd's enthusiastic reaction. I spent the next few songs just dancing and collecting credits. I was spurred on by this influx of funds and wanted to see how much I could get from this crowd.

I took the time to scan the crowd beyond who was gathered directly below me. The dance floor was completely packed with people, moving along to the DJ's thrumming playlist. Patrons surrounded the bar, yelling out to the bar tenders and holding out their hands to exchange credits for unnaturally colored drinks. It was madness, but from up on my platform, I felt free and safe. So, I continued dancing and rolling my hips to the music.

Suddenly I felt a wave of intense energy. I threw a glance over my shoulder in the direction of the strange sensation and had to grab onto the pole to make sure I didn't stumble at the sight.

Anakin.

I had to blink a few times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. But there he was, leaning against the bar in the far corner. With his arms crossed in front of his chest, he towered over the beings around him. Despite the chaotic movement everywhere else in the club, Anakin remained still. His eyes glued on me.

For a moment, I forgot to breathe. Clutching onto the pole for balance, I felt trapped by his stare. I couldn't look away. In the low lighting, I could still make out his dark expression. And even from here, I noticed bruising and cuts scattered across his beautiful face. And wow, did he look gorgeous. I swallowed hard to collect myself and resisted the urge to jump off this platform and run towards him.

No, I thought to myself. I would not go running straight back to him after he left without a single word.

I decided I would show him just how much his presence didn't affect me. Even if it was a lie.

Holding his intense eye contact, I slowly lifted my arms above my body and wrapped them around the pole behind me. With a wicked smile, I slowly lowered myself to the floor, grinding my ass into the pole as I did so. Then I dipped my body forward and rolled back into an upright position in a sinfully slow, smooth movement, bringing my hands down to graze over my chest and hips.

The crowd below me exploded, and although I could see hands reaching out in my peripheral vision, I kept my eyes set on Anakin who remained unmoved by the bar.

However, I could feel the energy between us intensify and it caused the hairs to raise on the back of my neck. Despite the stuffy interior of the club, goosebumps peppered my arms and legs.

We remained staring at each other for a few more moments until a clone trooper stepped in front of Anakin and offered him a drink. I was surprised that Anakin accepted the drink and quickly downed it as he shifted his focus to the group of clones now surrounding him.

I tried not to show my disappointment as I kept dancing. I turned away so that my back was facing him and focused on the men in front of me. Wasting no time collecting their credits as I continued moving to the music. Eventually, I ran out of space in my boots to store them. Looking around, I noticed many of the girls wore clothing with pockets or small pouches, I took a mental note for next time.

I did a quick scan of the room and felt my shoulders sag when I could no longer see Anakin. He had moved from his spot at the bar. Sighing, I bent down just as the drink droid came by. I took the opportunity to consume a few more free drinks before hopping off the platform. Figuring now was a good time to settle up with the house and get out of here, I stood on my tip toes to try to find the woman who had led me here. However, that proved to be useless.

I ignored the advances of the men around me as I descended the platform. A flurry of drink offerings, requests for private shows, or even just asking where I'm going next.

"Sorry, not interested." I repeated as I shoved my way through the crowd. I decided to just head towards the door and ask the bouncer what to do next.

Finally, the crowd had lessened up slightly as I wandered past the bar. I began to see a somewhat clear path to the entrance. With an exhale, I made my way over to the door until I felt a hand roughly grab my wrist. I was then jerked around and faced a strange man looking at me with a clearly impaired expression.

"Where you going, baby?" He asked me. I cringed at the smell of alcohol on his breath.

"I'm leaving." I said and tried to jerk my arm away. However, his grip only tightened, and he pulled me in close to his body. Immediately, panic flooded through my system. And for a moment I was back in the Outlander, unable to escape a man with sinister intentions.

"Not yet." He said and leaned his head down towards me. I felt my stomach churn in disgust as his lips grazed my ear.

"Get off me." I demanded, squirming in his grasp and trying to keep my voice from shaking. He just laughed in response and brought his other hand up to stroke along my cheek.

I was not going to let this happen again. I refused.

So, without a moment's more hesitation, I quickly grounded my feet onto the floor and twisted my body before launching my free fist straight at the man's face. I felt his nose crunch as I made contact and he let go with a howl, stumbling back. Blood seeped through his fingers as he grabbed his nose.

Partially in shock, I was frozen in place. However, the man's eyes then filled with wrath, and he took a step forward, raising his fist in return.

"You bitch." He seethed. I planted my feet, ready to take him on. However, before he could make another move, a gloved hand reached around him from behind and enclosed around his neck, halting him in his place.

"If you touch her again, I will break your fucking neck." I heard a familiar voice hiss in a deadly tone.

Anakin Skywalker then stepped out from behind the man and jerked him around so that they were now face to face. A small crowd had now assembled as a result of the commotion. However, Anakin kept his icy stare on the man. Keeping the man in his grasp he slowly stepped forward so that he was now standing in between me and my assailant.

My heart was still racing as I took in the scene. The man looked terrified and crumpled beneath Anakin's hard stare. He stuttered out apologies and clawed at Anakin's hand firmly around his neck. However, Anakin's grip only tightened. The man's face was starting to turn purple, and his eyes rolled back in his head.

"Anakin!" I exclaimed, reaching out to grab his shoulder. As much as I disagreed with the man's behavior, I didn't think he deserved to die. I saw Anakin hesitate at my contact, and he shot me a look over his shoulder. I was sure he could see the panic and fear written all over my expression.

With a sharp exhale, Anakin dropped his hand from the man's neck. He fell to the ground in a heap and practically crawled away, trying to create as much distance between him and the furious Jedi before him. When the man disappeared into the crowd, Anakin turned to face me.

"Are you okay?" He asked, eyes glancing down towards my wrist. I didn't realize I was cradling it against my body. It felt tender from the man's rough grip, but I didn't think it was anything too serious.

"Yes." I replied quickly. Anakin swallowed hard and nodded his head.

"That was quite the right hook, Remlik." He said after a few moments, a soft smirk cracking his hard expression.

"I learned from the best." I replied with a shrug. But now that he was here, standing in front of me, I immediately launched into the question that has been plaguing me. "Where have you been?" 

The smirk dropped form Anakin's face and I was able to take in the details of his face. Just under his right eye, he sported a fresh purple bruise. An angry cut sat on the bridge of his nose, and I saw his bottom lip had been split. He definitely looked worse for wear. I felt my hand twitch by my side with the instinct to reach out and gently brush over his injuries. But I kept still.

"Away." He said simply, as if that would do anything to satisfy my curiosity.

"Away? Away?" I repeated in a vexed tone and took a step towards him. He held up his hands.

"Kels, please. I've had a shitty few days. Can we talk about this later?" He pleaded before I saw a glint appear in his eye and nodded towards the empty platform, "Plus, I liked it better when you were up there dancing for me."

Butterflies erupted in my stomach, and I felt blood rush into my cheeks.

"I wasn't... that wasn't-" I began, totally flustered.

"You were." He cut me off with a smirk and leaned forward. "You looked good up there" He whispered.  My heart skipped a beat.

"Anakin, stop." I said firmly shaking my head, unable to look him in the eye. "Answer my question." I could tell he was trying to distract me from the reason behind his very obvious absence.

"I was in the outer rim. They put me back on a mission. It didn't end well." He finally said and clenched his jaw.

Knowing better than to push it at this moment, I nodded. I couldn't deny the relief I felt knowing he was off-planet for Jedi business and not simply avoiding me. For now, this answer would be enough. However, I was determined to get more details from him some other time.

"I have to settle up with the house." I said with a sigh and nodded towards the bouncer. Anakin shot me a grateful look for not pressing the issue. He gently nodded his head and held out his hand as if to say proceed.

I began walking towards the entrance and noticed the crowd was parting easily for me. Confused, I spun around and saw Anakin was following me closely, shooting daggers at anyone who got too close. I gave him a questioning look.

"What?" He asked.

"I don't need a chaperone." I said, still irritated by his absence.

"Oh, I know you can handle yourself," He replied with a smirk, "But we're not done here. I need your help with something."

Oh, nowthat's a first.