❝ hey, im here, im here, im not
going anywhere. ❞

―

CARINA GLANCED OUT THE window as the speeder bus came to a halt, she turned to grab the luggage as Anakin took care of the others.

The doors slide open and the Jedi Knight made way for Senator Amidala to step onto the great courtyard that was truly a sight to behold. Plants and flowers decorated the concrete columns and Carina smiled in awe, "I forgot how beautiful Naboo was."

Padme sighed softly, "I've missed it here."

Carina glanced over at a small passageway, her thoughts now wandering to the moment when she had first rescued Padme and her people with Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon. A frown began to tug at her lips as memories of her old mentor flushed through her mind.

So long since his passing, yet to the young Jedi, it felt like she had lost him yesterday.

Anakin noticed Carina's drastic mood change and gazed down at her whilst Padme waltzed a few feet ahead of them.

"Everything okay?" the padawan gently whispered as he caught the brunette's attention. Carina plastered on a smile as she nodded, "Yes, of course."

Anakin narrowed his eyes at her, clearly not buying her act but let it go. He would not force her to speak if she did not wish to.

The trio continued down the courtyard as R2 let out a few beeps in Carina's direction, to which the girl gave him a small smile, "C'mon, R2."

―

Carina held her hands clasped together as she lingered a few feet behind Padme with Anakin at her side as the Senator began to speak with Queen Jamilla with Sio Bibble and a few guards as well as handmaidens circling them.

"We've been worried about you." The Queen took Senator Amidala's hand as a relieved smile spread across her lips, "I'm so glad you're safe, Padme."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I only wish I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote." Padme held a regretful tone to which Sio Bibble chimed in, "Given the circumstances, Senator, you know it was the only decision her Highness could have made."

Carina suppressed a yawn as Anakin continued to steal glances at the brunette.

Queen Jamilla pursed her lips, "How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the separatists?" Padme thought for a small moment before replying, "About two hundred. And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war."

Bibble held an agitated expression, "It's unthinkable. There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic."

Carina silently hummed a tune as she tapped her nails against her utility belt. A smile etched its way onto Anakin's lips as he heard the brunette hum, he gazed over at her, raising a curious brow.

The Jedi Knight tilted her head innocently, "What? I'm bored." she softly whispered. The padwan let out a gentle chuckle, "Sounds like you'd be a good singer."

Carina bit back a laugh, "You've clearly never heard me when I'm without an audience."

A smirk snaked its way onto the Skywalker boys lips, "Allow me the honor of hearing sometime then."

Carina narrowed her eyes at him whilst huffing, "Nice try, lover boy."

Carina turned away from Anakin as Queen Jamilla spoke, "We must keep our faith in the Republic. The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it." Padme pressed her lips into a firm line, "Let's pray that day never comes."

"In the meantime, we must consider your own safety."

Sio Bibble turned to gaze at the Jedi before questioning, "What are your suggestions, Master Jedi's?"

"Anakin's not a Jedi yet, Counsellor. He's still a Padawan learner." Padme corrected to which Anakin frowned. Carina licked her lips before speaking up, "I thought of discussing this with the Senator, I assume she would know where it's best to lay low considering this is her home planet."

Padme smiled at the Jedi Knight before nodding in agreement, "I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."

"The Lake Country is the most remote part of Naboo. Not many people and a clear view of the surrounding terrain." Sio Bibble informed Carina and Anakin who merely nodded.

"The Lake country it is then." Padme stated as Queen Jamilla turned to leave but not before uttering something to the Senator, "Padme, I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening. He hopes you will visit your mother before you leave... your family's very worried about you."

―

Carina surveyed the streets before them, adjusting her robe as they began to approach Padme's house. The Jedi diverted her attention elsewhere, catching Anakin gazing at before quickly glancing away.

The brunette shook her head in amusement as Padme abruptly stopped, a wide and bright smile plastered on her lips, "That's my house."

Carina inspected the home just as shouts erupted from two little girls who sped towards Padme, "Aunt Padme!"

"Ryoo! Pooja!"

Padme kneeled down, engulfing the two girls in a tight hug as they squealed. Padme let out a breathy laugh, "I'm so happy to see you." the Senator turned to the two Jedi who had watched the interaction, "This is Carina and Anakin." Padme gestured towards her nieces, "This is Ryoo, and this is Pooja."

Carina gave the small girls a kind smile, "Hello."

Ryoo inspected the Jedi Knight, "You're really pretty." Carina looked taken back by the sudden compliment before sputtering out, "Thank you."

Anakin shyly waved as the girls looked over at R2 and gasped rather loudly, "R2!"

―

Carina took a seat at the table just as Padme's sister, Sola, emerged into the room carrying a rather large bowl of food. The Senator's father stepped into the room as Sola set down the food.

Padme glanced between the two Jedi before introducing her family, "This is my sister, Sola."

The woman smiled at the two as Carina bowed her head ever so slightly, "Hello."

"Hello." Sola smiled at the girl before taking a seat herself whilst Jobal, Padme's mother, stepped into the main room with a heaped bowl of steaming food, "You're just in time for dinner, I hope you two are hungry." Jobal gazed at Carina and Anakin.

Carina gave the woman a shy smile, "Only a bit." Padme rolled her eyes before speaking up, "She's being polite, mom. We're starving."

The Senator's father grinned at the Jedi's, "You've come to the right place at the right time. Enjoy."

Everyone took a seat at the table, Anakin sitting across from Carina as the Jedi Knight sat beside Padme. Food began to get passed around as Jobal spoke to her daughter, "Honey, it's so good to see you safe. We were so worried."

Padme gave her mother a look as her father sighed out, "Dear."

"I know, I know... but I had to say it. Now it's done."

Sola darted her eyes between Carina and Anakin before speaking, "This is so exciting. What's your reason for visiting?"

Carina spared a glance at Anakin as Padme chimed in, "They're Jedi that were assigned by the Senate to protect me."

Jobal's eyes widened significantly upon hearing this, "Two bodyguards? Oh, Padme. They didn't tell us it was this serious."

Padme reassuringly shook her head as Carina ate her meal in utter silence. Senator Amidala gazed at her mother, "It's not, mom. I promise. Carina and Anakin are friends, I've known them for so long now." Padme smiled at the Jedi Knight before turning to look at her mother once more, "Remember the two small children that were with the Jedi during the blockade crisis?"

Carina's smile fell from her face as she recalled the event, Anakin quickly caught sight of this and pursed his lips in concern for her.

The brunette gazed down at her plate with a blank expression.

"They grew up."

Carina swallowed down a lump in her throat as she blinked a few times before placing a small smile on her lips once more.

Jobal let out a heavy sigh, "Honey, when are you going to settle down? Haven't you had enough of that life? I certainly have."

Padme pursed her lips, "Mom, I'm not in any danger." Her mother gazed over at the two Jedi, "Is she?"

Anakin nodded, "She is."

"But not that much." Padme quickly sputtered out. Carina leaned back in her seat, before catching Anakin's eye.

The two gazed at each for longer than needed. An unspoken understanding happening between the two. A gesture that did not escape anyone's attention.

―

Carina paced around the small hallway where Padme's room was. Senator Amidala was in the midst of packing her belongings as they were getting ready to leave. The Jedi Knight turned to see Anakin approaching, "How did the talk with her father go?"

The young padawan shrugged, "He was just concerned for her safety and I reassured him."

"Mhm, how thoughtful of you."

Anakin inspected the girls expression, "I am also concerned about you." Carina knitted her brows together in confusion as she faced him, "Me?"

The padawan took a step towards her, never breaking eye contact, "You don't have to grieve alone. Obi-Wan told me how Qui-Gon was practically your father. I wasn't there for you before when you had to deal with his loss but, I'm here now. So please, talk to me."

Carina's lips parted as she saw the sincere glint in Anakin's eye, "I'm fine, Ani. Really." Anakin was quick to shake his head, taking another step as he reached for her arm, holding her gently by the forearm, "Don't lie to me. You don't have to pretend to be okay with me, I want to help you."

Carina was couldn't help but relish in the comfort his touch brought her, the way he was intensely gazing into her eyes, his hand caressing her arm and his close proximity. The young Jedi Knight felt as if she was about to burst with emotions.

Carina licked her lips and Anakin's eyes followed the movement. The girl inhaled sharply but before she could get a single word out, a door opened and Padme stuck her head out, immediately regretting the decision as she caught sight of the current position the Jedi were in.

Carina quickly took her arm back as she tore her gaze away from Anakin, looking anywhere but at him. Anakin held a disappointed expression as he retreated a few steps backs.

Carina nervously smiled at the Senator, "Padme, all done?"

―

Anakin watched in amusement as Carina dropped all the luggage in the center of the living room. They had just arrived at the Lake Lodge.

The Jedi Knight rolled her shoulders as she let out a sigh, "That was exhausting."

Padme hummed before turning to face the two, "I need a nice nap so I'll be excusing myself into my quarters. Carina." The Senator turned to face her and the Jedi straightened up, "You will be allowed into my room and R2 will keep track of surveillance."

Carina gave her friend an approving nod and Padme turned before disappearing into a hallway. The brunette let out a yawn before looking over to see Anakin moving the luggage into a corner.

An involuntary smile snaked its way onto her lips, she quickly caught what she was doing and mentally smacked herself.

Carina glanced around before walking out onto the balustrade where the view was breathtaking. The lake had it's own sparkle as the sunset began to come into view, the girl rested her elbows on the cement rails, gazing out at the lake.

Anakin watched the breeze blow through Carina's chestnut locks and admired the view of her. The padawan slowly approached the girl, slipping into her side as he watched her turn to look at him.

Carina smiled at him before gesturing at the lake, "Beautiful view, don't you think?"

Anakin continued to gaze at Carina, not bothering to look at the lake as he held an entranced glint in his eyes, "Yeah, absolutely breathtaking."

The twenty-year old girl turned to meet his eye, "What?"

Anakin shook his head, "You've completely bewitched me." Carina tilted her head chuckling softly, "Me?"

The padawan nodded, "Yes you. Take responsibility for your actions." The Jedi Knight let out a heavy sigh, "Yes, how dare I commit such a crime."

Anakin let out a soft laugh and Carina found his laughter captivating. As the sound alone provided her with such comfort she was not accustomed to feeling.

Carina pressed her lips into a firm line, "I wish it could always be this peaceful." Anakin reached up, tucking a strand lock behind the girls ear as he searched her eyes, "As do I."

Carina turned her head away, clearing her throat before speaking, "How are the nightmares?"

Anakin took his hand back as he now looked out at the water, "There. I'm just worried about her." Carina gave the padawan a small smile, "It's okay to be. Do you know why you keep having them?"

The Skywalker boy shook his head, "No, I wish I did though. It's so— confusing."

Carina didn't know what possessed her when he she reached over, taking the padawan's hand in her own, "I wish I could something to help."

Anakin felt his pupils dilate as he merely gazed into the brunette's eyes, "Just being with you is enough. You help me more than you think."

Carina hummed, softly sighing as Anakin caressed her hand. The boy's gaze flickered down to her lips, "My mind is no longer my own when I'm around you."

Carina felt herself begin to lean in, Anakin following. Before their lips could even brush, Carina's eyes snapped open, as if she had finally come to her senses. The Jedi Knight snatched her hand back as she stumbled away, relationships were strictly forbidden.

Carina breathed heavily, "I shouldn't of— I should go." she didn't leave him with any time to reply as the girl sped back into the Lodge, leaving Anakin on the balcony.

The young padawan gazed down at the ground, all he wanted was her. But of course, even that prohibited.

―

AUTHORS NOTE, i cannot thank you guys enough for 11K reads like truly thank you !! and i do hope you loves are enjoying the story and thank you for commenting, going through them is one of my favorite things to do xx

-b