01 | AOTC

AFTER BEING DISMISSED from the Queen's presence, the two allowed Padmé to get changed into something that was more her. Her gorgeous style being something that Pandora was jealous of, as she was limited to the Jedi robes, which she adored, but they were kind of boring. Especially because she tended to lean towards the darker colors, focusing on the idea of blending in at night, but also allowing the idea of something larger than herself to take control. She knew that she had a fate, one that had been written in the stars the moment she was born, but she had no idea what it was, simply allowing her gut to control her ideas. Her gut was the one thing she could count on whenever she was out on a mission, no matter what was happening or who had come up with a plan, her gut would control her and bring her to her fate.

They wondered through the streets of the outskirts of the capitol, which were just as gorgeous as the city myself, leading them was Padmé. She took them around the streets, as if she had it carved into her mind, no matter how long she had been gone, she would always be able to find her way back home. Home was a strange concept to Pandora and Anakin, the Jedi temple being something that they could call safe, but never home, they didn't have a home. Anakin did, but that was his mother and he hadn't seen her in years, but Pandora had never known what a home was. They constantly craved something that they could call their own, not knowing they were standing side by side and the overwhelming sense of peace that was flowing through them meant that they were each other's home.

The small town in the outskirts of the city made Pandora feel welcomed, from the bright colors of the flowers, to the warm vibrant roofs, to the stone that was so lived in, vines growing from every aspect. She could understand why Padmé loved where she was from, even if she had moved to the outskirts when she was in the running for Queen. Padmé led them to a small home that shared a wall with multiple others, giving Pandora the feel that everyone knew everyone, especially in a neighborhood like this. "We're here," Padmé said, opening her arms as the sound of children running was growing louder, a large smile crossing her face when she saw her nieces. "Ryoo, Pooja," she stated, her arms wrapping around her nieces for a small second, then instantly letting go, the girls racing to see R2.

Pandora's face lit up at the sight of the girls, knowing she had longed for the idea of a family, but the Jedi had taken away that choice. She would never be able to get to choose, especially when it came to the possibility of her being able to have one. Anakin was watching her from the side, noting the way her eyes lit up at the very thought of children being around her, as if there was nothing else for her. He knew he would give them to her if she asked, but he also knew she would never have them, the Jedi and the code coming before anything else, even love. Pandora watched with a smile as R2 beeped happily, playing with Ryoo and Pooja, twisting around to follow both of the girls and their energy. Anakin placed his hand on her lower back, pushing her towards the staircase, knowing they had to go inside, following Padmé.

Inside was just as bright and welcoming as Padmé was, the bright colors clashing against the dark robes of Pandora and Anakin. She ran towards her sister, greeting her with a large hug, which was different to the both of them. They had never had very intimate moments, Anakin being tipped away from his mother young love, Pandora thrown into a world of praise as a form of love. "Pandora, Anakin, this is my sister, Sola," Padmé said, unable to fully wipe the smile off her face. "This is my mother." Both woman said hello, a warm welcoming smile crossing their faces as they took in the two young Jedi.

"You made it just in time for dinner."
"I hope you're hungry."
"A little."
"He's being polite."
"I could eat a farmer out of stock."
"Well, you've come to the right place at the right time."

"Honey, it's so good to see you safe. We were so worried," Jobal, Padmé's mother, said. Her hands started reaching out, trying to ensure that everyone got a piece of food, making sure to add a lot to the plate that was heading towards Pandora. Pandora sent the woman a grateful smile, not even bothering with manners, diving straight into her meal. Ruwee made a comment about Jobal jumping straight into the topic of Padmé being in danger. "I know, I know, but I had to say it, now it's done."

"I must say, this is the most delicious meal I have ever had," Pandora said, stopping eating for a brief moment. "Can I move in with you guys?" Anakin let out a small chuckle next to her, causing the girl to turn around and point her fork at the boy. "Watch it. I'm extremely hungry and me hungry causes me to be angry, so one wrong move, and this," she gestures to her fork by waving it around, "will be going in your eye."

Anakin raised his hands in surrender, picking up his own fork and diving into his meal, continually peering out the corner of his eyes to check on the girl. Not for any other reason than to make sure there wasn't a fork coming for his face. "Are you guys together?" Sola asked, causing Anakin to choke on his food. Pandora ( who was mid chew, and hated him for ruining her meal ) raised her hand and started slapping him, much harder than necessary, on the back.

"Hey! Hey! Cut it out," Anakin said to Pandora, smacking her hand away. "I'm not choking anymore."

Pandora let out a laugh, causing the boy to turn his eyebrow up, turning towards Sola. "No we aren't not together. I am simply the reason he may die at a young age," she said, glaring at the boy who had a frown on his face. She didn't understand why he was so upset at the idea of them being together? Or was it the idea of her killing him? "We are simply here to protect Padmé."

"A bodyguard? Oh, Padmé, they didn't tell us it was that serious."
"It's not, I promise. I'm not in any danger, mom."
"Is she?"
"I'm afraid she is, sir."

( ...☄️... )

ANAKIN HAD DECIDED in the dining room of the Amidala's house and then again when they arrived to the lake house, that he was going to marry Pandora. He didn't care how long it took him, but he was going to. He was sold again when her hand slipped into his as he helped the two women out of the boat, wishing he could wrap his fingers around hers and never let go. Padmé had decided to go inside right away, convincing the two Jedi that she would be safe, no one would ever assume to come to the lake district. That left Pandora and Anakin alone, the two of them utterly confused as what to do in a place that was so vast, but would allow them to keep in distance of Padmé. "I love the water, everything about it, the way it can always cleanse itself. It feels as though it's calling in a way, one that's soothing, as if I can move on from the past I never knew and live life the way I should," Pandora said.

Anakin's eyes nearly popped out of his head, not understanding as to why she was suddenly opening up. Pandora knew she had to let the boy in, having coming to the conclusion when she was allowed to rest her mind during the journey to the lake district, hoping that it would only further allow themselves to connect and build trust. Force knew she needed it with the boy, especially how he jumped head first into everything without even pausing to think. They were both leaning up against the small fence that separated them from the water, both of them taking in the small silence, Anakin choosing to take her extended olive branch, hoping to turn it into something more. "I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere."

"Well, that is something I didn't expect for you to say, especially because you are from a sand planet, Sandboy," Pandora teased, tilting her body so her side was leaned up against the barrier, while staring up at Anakin. "Would've thought you would enjoy rolling in it." She noticed from where she stood that his eyes seemed bluer than normal, as if they sparkled, especially when it came to him enjoying the moments he wasn't constantly on alert.

"You know me, constantly fighting to be the one who gets to go in the sand," Anakin said, trying to search for any hesitation that could be filling Pandora's eyes as his hand inched closer to hers, wishing for her to touch him. His fingertips played with the side of her arm, her eyes widening slightly, but not pulling away from him.

"What exactly are you doing?" she whispered. Pandora was seemingly intoxicated by his touch, unwilling to move, frozen in time. His hand had moved to her hand, toying with the one possession she truly had, the ring Windu had given her.

"Trying something," Anakin said, his head moving closer to hers, allowing her the choice to back away from him if she needed to, if she wanted to.

"This is a bad idea," she said, leaning in as well, "but fuck the code." Pandora leaned in, pressing her lips to Anakin, her mind going blank at the feeling of his lips on hers. She knew this was wrong, but she couldn't help but feeling as if something was connecting inside their very souls at that moment.

— authors note

literally anakin to pandora in his head EVERY SECOND. that man adores her. but hey! they finally kissed. i also miss writing my sassy man obi-wan with everything in me and just want my KING back on the screen. also while writing this im rewatching the movies ( well duh kayla ) but i keep forgetting about certain scenes. but anakin the rizzler in a different font bc i can't watch the whole awkward eye contact plus i think pandora would always have something to say