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WARNING: Shit tons of fluff. Slight slight dirty talk... I don't even remember but it must be there.

A/N: I may have cried writing this... We'll never know. This is such a special chapter... ITS FINALLY THE DATE!!! God I really took my time, didn't I? I wasn't joking when I added the "slow burn" tag! lmaoo Enjoyyyyyyy! ❤️

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Phoenix's POV

Anakin and I arrived in Alderaan the next morning with the facade that we were on a diplomatic Imperial mission, to check that everything was in order. Obi-Wan helped us convince Qui-Gon that we were following Mace Windu's trail, as Senator Organa was old friends with him and may be helping the rebellion. Along that, Obi-Wan unnecessarily added that Anakin and I were driving him crazy and he couldn't stand having us nearby anymore; that he preferred to send us away on our own to kill each other than hearing our bickering yet again.

"I had to sell the act!" Obi-Wan excused himself. "And you're lucky I said bickering. Because in case you two haven't noticed, you are in fact driving me crazy with other stuff."

But, hey, it worked. Qui-Gon agreed under the condition that we had to pay for any damage that our visit may cause and that we were not able to come whining to him. He already had his hands full in the Death Star to continue playing babysitter with us.

Anakin not only picked Alderaan as our travel destination because of the easy excuse, but because he said it one of the most beautiful planets he had ever visited and that he thought I may like it too: he was so right. The contrast between the modern city and the snowy mountains was something I'd never seen before and I was so impressed by its beauty. The cold environment didn't even bother me that much.

Luckily, the Empire had some apartments and houses on different planets for imperial visits and we were able to use the apartment tower in the middle of the city, where we had the best view of the skyscrapers and the distant rocks.

Anakin and I had picked different rooms to get ready before our date (my request), which started at 7pm with the location still unknown to me (his request).

Stepping out of my closet, I twirled around in my heels to exhibit my outfit.

—Okay, how about this?

"Mmmm." R2 hesitated.

—Too slutty? —I looked at the mirror, checking the backside of the short dress in case it was too revealing.

"Maybe it's better for another time." R2 beeped in a lower tone.

—Where are we going in the first place? —I asked him, getting frustrated and entering the closet for the sixth time, looking for another thing to wear.

"It's the best restaurant in town. Very fancy." His beeps were more excited this time.

—Okay... so how about... this one? —I dragged the words as I zipped up, showing R2 the other option. This was an outfit I would probably wear to a business dinner but I was running out of ideas.

"Too formal." He shook his head.

—Ugh! You are killing me, buddy. —I pointed at him with squinted eyes. I took out my coat and put it back in its place. My wardrobe was scattered all over the floor on my search for the perfect outfit. —Give me a hint or something!

"Do you have a simple dress? Nothing too elaborate. It's better if you feel comfortable!" R2 wheeled inside the walk-in closet, trying not to trip on my things. "Where did you pack all this crap? Your suitcases were not that heavy..."

—What do you think of this one? —I showed him a dress on a hanger. He spinned his head from side to side and strolled to the other side of the room. —This one? —I grabbed another hang. He did the same thing. —Okay, how about these pants with this blouse?

"Are you even trying at this point?"

—I'm just going to stay here and cancel. —I dramatically threw myself on the little couch in the middle of the closet.

"There, there..." R2 tried to console me by standing near me and his mechanical claw brushing my hair. "How about that dress over there?"

Turning around, still upside down, I tried to focus my view towards the direction he was pointing at. —Wait. —I supported myself on my palms and turned around to see better. —R2, you crazy bastard. You got it! —And I ran to the isolated corner where the black dress was storaged.

It was a simple, yet elegant black dress that I bought way back. It was purchased with my first allowance after I started to work on undercover jobs with my grandfather. After spending all day eavesdropping on conversations and pretending to be a diplomat, I ran away from the Senate building and spent the afternoon walking the finest streets of Coruscant. Because I was still in my attire, they thought I was someone important from the Senate and gave me the best of attention; my obsession with shopping started that same day.

I had saved this dress for a special ocassion, one that never seemed to arrive: until now.

—Yes! This may actually work! —I screamed, taking the dress out of its confinement. It had been waiting for so long I had forgotten all about it. 

"I'll be waiting outside!"

I picked a pair of high heel sandals, along with some shiny earrings. My hair was already styled into long curls and makeup was done, the last thing I needed was a green light from the sass king himself.

—So- —I opened the doors at the same time, revealing the final product to him. —What do we think? —I improvised a runway and catwalk for him only to spin at the end. —Is this it? (As always, options are available at Phoenix's Wardrobe Vol. II!)

R2's head started to spin and he took out both of his mechanical claws to simulated applause.

"That's the one!"

—Finally! —I screamed out of joy, throwing myself on my bed. Looking at the alarm on my nightstand, I saw that Anakin was going to be here any minute.

[6:59pm]

—Fuck! — My purse was not packed and I still had to put perfume on, and a knock was heard on the door. I snapped my head to the clock and the digits have already changed.

[7:00pm]

It was time.

—R2, could you get it, please? —I yelled, running to the bathroom to apply the scent.

"Already on it." He replied.

I was retouching my makeup and putting perfume on the back of my ears when I heard Anakin's voice on the front door.  Anyone was entitled to call me lame, but the mere sound of him made my whole body tingle.

—Good night gorgeous- Wait, R2, what are you doing here?

"Good night to you too, handsome. Are those flowers for me?"

—No. And that doesn't answer my question, I've been looking for you!

"I had more pressing matters! I was busy being a fashion advisor."

—I've been calling you for over an hour, R2. I needed you too!

—I apologize for hovering R2, but he did save the night. —I came out from behind R2's back, making Anakin's gaze shift from the astromech droid to me in a heartbeat. Like a couple of fireflies, his eyes shone the second he had me in his sight.

That white buttoned shirt was doing unholy stuff to me, especially when his sleeves were pulled up. But it was the softness of his factions, the obvious joy from his orbs that melted me like a puddle and reassured me just how infatuated I was for this man.

How did I have him all for myself?

—Thank you for all the help, buddy. — I patted him on the head as a thank you.

"You're welcome, Phoenix." He beeped before rolling away.

—So I must forgive R2. He did a wonderful job. —Anakin smiled at me before handing me the bouquet of flowers.

—Thank you. —I smelled them before turning around and gently putting them on a desk in my temporary room. —But he only did 50% of the job.

—It's truly all you, baby. —He grinned and leaned in to kiss me when I returned to the door frame. I sighed on his lips when I breathed in the smell of his cologne; so fresh, so masculine.

—Oh, wait! I forgot my camera! —I asked him to wait while I ran down to my room to pick it up, excited that I was able to take it with me.

—That dress is stunning. —He took me by my hand and spinned me around to see it better, kissing it when we were face to face again.

— You look very handsome too. —I praised his outfit.  —Is this shirt new?

—Oh, you know, something I had laying around. —He started to walk with me playing with my fingers as we held hands.

—You still have the tag on, honey. —The white paper was sticking out of the back of his neck.

—Shit! Where?

—I got it, don't worry. —I cut it and handed it to him, chuckling. —So, where are we going? I interrogated R2, but we wouldn't budge.

—Oh, that's a surprise. —He acted all mysterious and kept leading me through the long aisles. —But I think you'll like the place.

He made a little vow and directed me to the outside of the apartment, where there was a speeder platform. Anakin took me to his speeder, helping me to get inside without spraining an ankle. He then turned around and jumped in, turning on the engine.

—Ready? —He asked me, already pressing on the gas.

—Ready. —I nodded enthusiastically, holding on tight to the handles on the seat.

—Let's go. — He beamed and we soon raced to the traffic.

Anakin driving was no myth. He twisted and turned like a maniac, the speed making everything feel a thousand times worse. But I trusted that we were able to sense his surroundings and prevent us from crashing. So I just limited myself to laughing like crazy and keeping the hair out of my face to appreciate the lightning zooming around us.

Anakin took the highway and stepped on the throttle, making my hair fly with the wind. Still with the seatbelt on, I managed to get on my knees and put my arms up, feeling the rush of the air hitting me on the face. Anakin turned up the music, contributing it to the already liberating feeling. It was almost like the city was shining just for us, time a combination of acceleration and slow motion. 

He maneuvered to the right, making the speeder get out of the heavy traffic to a more isolated route. This new path had a pronounced drop and then almost immediately a high hill.  I almost fell on my ass at the sudden drop, but I managed to hold on, thanks to Anakin's hand on my back.

When we reached the top of the hill, the view that welcomed us was a perimeter photo of Aldera at night; the lights of the cars passing by, the stars smiling at us and the shimmering illumination of the buildings.

I felt high and mighty, having the most breathtaking city under me: I must have looked like a fascinated child. Because of our position, I was able to see the Royal Palace of Alderaan and the Alderaanian Cathedral from afar, the whole skyline coming together. It looked almost like a postcard: so much green around, totally different from my adored Coruscant.

Anakin parked long enough for me to soak in the majesty of the view.

—This is so... —I was in trance.

—Beautiful. —He whispered, looking at me.

—Yes. —I smiled widely, hiding the heat from my cheeks. —How do you know of this place?

—It's one of my favorite spots on the planet. Pretty cool, huh?

—So cool. —I replied, looking around to see every detail. —Is this where we are going to eat?

—No. I just thought it was a quick little detour. Did you like it?

—Now it's one of my favorite places in the city. —I sat down again to be at his eye level.

—Great to hear. —He kissed me, cupping my face with one hand. —Now we can really go to dinner. —He spoke with utter confidence. Anakin turned the engine on again, and soon we were flying again. We cut through the sky at dangerous velocities, but I didn't care. It was too damn fun.

This time he took me through the middle of the city, which meant we had a bigger chance of crashing, but Anakin's expertise never faltered. I could feel his stare as I glued my eyes to the store's windows and displays and the magnificent architecture of the skyscrapers. Before arriving at our final destination, Anakin took me for a few fun turns that completely destroyed my hairstyle.

Finally, Anakin parked on a landing platform in a faraway villa, almost by the side of the lake. Not many other constructions were around us, giving me the impression that this place was reserved for the most elite people. It was clearly an expensive zone given the type of houses constructed there. The one we parked in front of definitely intimidated me with the luxury.

—We have arrived. —Anakin got out of the speeder.— Welcome to Glarus Lagoons.

After getting out of the speeder and opening a few automatic doors, Anakin walked me to a balcony with a view of the natural site, little lotus flowers swimming with magical lights inside and warm lamps floating above the body of water.

Tall and small candles were lit all over, a low, wooden table very delicately arranged with a couple of cozy cushions on the floor and a fluffy rug underneath everything. The same type of flowers he had given me earlier were carefully placed as a centerpiece, in the middle of the different cups and plates. He even made the effort to hang lights over the entrance arch and they dropped all the way to the floor. There was soft music playing in the background and the scent of the candles was already flooding up my nose; it was lavender.

—When did you- How? —I couldn't even speak as I stepped inside.

—R4 and R3 helped R2 put it together. —Anakin explained, picking up my purse and giving it to R4 who was dressed as a waiter. All the droids were dressed up with little suits, actually. —But I designed the whole thing. —He shrugged his shoulders.

—So this is the best restaurant in Alderaan? —I crossed my arms, checking every little detail out.

—That's what R2 said? —Anakin laughed behind me. —He flatters me way too much.

—You cooked? —I gasped, looking at him.

—I told you I knew how to cook. —He winked at me. —It's time for me to walk the walk.

—Impressive, Skywalker. —I nodded and made my way to him, surrounding his shoulders with my arms. He chuckled on my lips and went in for a kiss, but a little beep interrupted us.

"Master Skywalker?"

—Yes, R3? —He sighed tiredly, still holding my waist.

"We need you in the kitchen. R2 is getting bossy."

—I better go. —Anakin told me when we heard R2 squealing.

—I'll go with you. —I said back when a couple of pots crashed into the floor.

—R2! What are you doing, buddy?

"R3 is too slow and the sauce is reducing too much." He explained, moving exasperatedly from between points in the kitchen.

—There, let me do it. —Anakin took the spoon out of his reach and moved it in circular motions on the pot. —Sweetheart, can you pass me the salt over there?

—Sure. —I handed him the item, appreciating how he expertly knew how much to put in.

—Come, taste, let me know if it's any good. —Anakin offered me his finger dipped in sauce.

I timidly got close to his hand, my tongue licking the liquid. I was unsure how it would taste, but I discovered that it was deliciously sweet and creamy.

—Oh wow... that's really good. —I licked my lips, cleaning the remnants.

—Yeah? It goes with the lamb. —He signaled me to the closed oven, where a juicy portion of meat was cooking.

—And what's that? —I pointed at the mysterious content.

—So, along with the lamb, the chef has prepared a succulent plate of pasta in a three cheese sauce. —He opened up another plate to show me the other sauce burning up.

—Well, that just smells amazing.—I breathed in.

—And some fresh arugula, pineapple and almond salad to accompany everything. —He pointed at my kitchen island, where R3 and R4 were shaking some bowls, green leaves spilling everywhere. —Well, if there's any left. —We laughed at the scenery.

—Can't wait to try everything, Chef Skywalker.—As he kept cooking and moving around to check if everything was alright, I couldn't help but ask. —Have you cooked for anyone before?

Anakin looked up from chopping the lamb and gave me a condescending smile.

—Does Obi-Wan count?

—No. —I chuckled.

—Then no. —He shook his head, pouring the sauce on top of the ribs and arranging the plate.

—So what do you typically do on dates? —I tilted my head curiously. My foot moved nervously while I sat on one of the stools, the perfect spot to see him in action.

—Mmm, you know, everyone has their own formula. —He shrugged his shoulders kind of nervously, burning himself with a disk. I took his wounded thumb and kissed it, taking his mind off the pain.

—Their own formula? —I pressed further.

—You know, things they do to make the date work...

—To score at the end of the night? —I cocked my right eyebrow.

—Exactly. —He pulled the cloth to dry his hands after washing the wound.

—And what do you do? —I wondered, expecting to see the great Anakin Skywalker in action.

He laughed, avoiding my eyes.

—I can't show you... —He shook his head, and then asked R4 for a plate to put the pasta in.

—Why? —I chuckled, sitting to lean further on the kitchen island.

—Nah... they are dumb moves to impress meaningless flings. They are designed to fool the simplest of minds. —He shook his hand, mixing up the pasta with the cheesy sauce.

—And I'm not simple?

—Not at all. You would see right through my bullshit. —Anakin stopped for a moment to see me better, supporting himself on the edge of the island.

—I want to see them, see how you would have treated me if we had met each other in different circumstances. —I bit my lip, a mischievous glint was surely popping from my eyes.

Anakin hummed for a while, staring at my eyes as he drank water.

—Well, I would have taken you to a nice little bistró in Downtown Coruscant. That's my spot for dates. —He revealed, a little insecurely, as if he was hurting my feelings.

—So no home made dinner?

—Home cooked meals are reserved for very special people. —He clarified, finishing up the last details on the plates.

—And I am special?

Anakin smirked, catching up to my little game.

—The most special person.

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After Anakin made sure the meal was ready to be served, he walked me out to the terrace to sit down on the comfortable pillows.

—So, you want me to treat you like any other girl I've asked out?—Anakin began to speak as he walked behind me.

—Yes. —I looked over my shoulder excitedly.—It'll be fun.

—Your wishes are my command. —He gestured a dramatic bow and used the Force to push the pillow so I could sit.

—Thank you. —I beamed, taking a seat.

R2 came out wheeling with his little suit and his bow tie.

"Good evening, my name is R2-D2 and I'll be your server today. May I start you with some wine?"

—That sounds nice. —My claps enlightened Anakin's eyes.

R2 handed Anakin the expensive bottle of wine and went away with the promise of starting us with some salads. My attention was deviated from the adorable astromech droid to the bottle of expensive wine levitating in the air, the liquid falling straight up to my cup.

—This would normally drive girls crazy. —Anakin smirked, dropping the bottle gently to our side.

—Levitating shit was all it took? —My eyebrow arched.

—Well, it is impressive. — And suddenly, I was the one floating in the air.

The blue-eyed man was having the time of his life watching me twirl in the air as my dress was trying to be kept in place. He was laughing his ass off, and unnaturally, instead of being angered by not being in control, I found out how fun it was to fly. But that didn't stop me from threatening his sake if he didn't put me back down. Anakin brought me back to my place in time when R3 came in with the bowls of salad.

—There, there... —Anakin finished laughing at me. —I'll let you eat.

—I can see the Force being an absolute chick magnet. — I admitted, taking a bite of the appetizer. Damn, the wine and the salad were divine.

—I consider my cooking a better strategy though. —Anakin winked.

—I don't know, R3 and R4 really gave their all with this salad. —I pointed at the food in front of me enthusiastically. —I love the crunchiness of the almonds.

—Well, finish that up, I'm bringing the big guns. —He warned me and we ate the rest of our entreés speaking of fun droid stories: Anakin relentless attempts for me to like them.

—R2 was a serious exception, Ani.

—I can assure you they'll grow on you!

— Do you bully girls into liking droids on every date?

—Only the ones I really care about. —An adorable grin grew on his face.

—You are as pushy as ever. —I rolled my eyes.

—And you are stubborn to no end. —He squinted his.

—You knew it from the beginning, golden boy. No take backs. —I put my arms in defense.

— Wouldn't dream of it.

Maker, that made me blush.

"Are we ready for the main course?" R4 wheeled from the shadows and asked us, pouring more wine.

—Yeah, bring them on. —And we made space on the table to fit the new plates.

—So... question 5. —Anakin drummed on the table and I put my hand up, doing the number. —How old are you?

—What? You don't know my age?! —He cackled in disbelief.

—Baby, I don't even know your birthday! —I scoffed.

—Why?!

—You never told me!

—You never told me either!

—Well, now I'm asking.—I crossed my arms in victory and he tilted his head, squinting his eyes.

—I'm 26. April 19th.

—Noted. —I nodded firmly, memorizing that fact. — Aren't you going to ask me?

—I know your birthday, sweetheart. —He drank confidently from his glass. — And I know you are 25.

—How?

—Because I pay attention. —He replied cockily. — My turn...  what would you be if you weren't... this? —Anakin signaled around him with his finger.

—This? A Sith lady, you mean?

—Exactly. —He scrunched his nose.

—I would like to be... mmm. —Resting on my palm, I looked at the sky, wondering what I would've liked to be in an alternate reality. —This is tougher than I thought! —I chuckled, my mind going blank. —What would you like to be? Maybe you inspire me.

—I don't know... maybe fix ships in a nice little cabin on a far away planet. —He shrugged his shoulders. —I don't dislike my current life. I like being a General.

Oh, the shudders that word would send down my spine.

—And I think you like it too. —He crunched over with his elbows on the table to tease me with a mockery smirk.

—You are alright. —I tried to sound cool.

—Mhm, whatever you say, princess.

We were caught in a staring contest, imitating each other's gesture when the droids paraded in with tons of plates on them. They carefully deposited them in front of us and gave us some privacy by leaving.

The lamb was indeed juicy and savory, the sauce enhancing the culinary experience. The home made pasta was to die for, the cheesiness melting in my mouth. I couldn't hide how much I liked the meal he prepared, humming in delight every time the fork touched my mouth. Just the thoughtfulness of the act got me blushing, but the fact that the food was actually delicious topped it up a notch. Was there anything he couldn't do?

—Did you like it? —Anakin peered, checking on me with curious eyes.

I was mesmerized.

He had no idea how many layers of me he had melted. How his bright, amazing smile and ocean eyes had touched the deepest part of my soul, one I thought was unreachable. He had engraved himself in the most profound corner of my heart and he was so clueless.

Adorable.

This feeling inside of me...it was, simultaneously, my greatest weapon and my biggest vulnerability.

A smile broke out of me when I saw a bit of sauce sprinkled over his chin. Even his imperfections were perfect to me.

—Yes, I really liked it, baby. — Bending over the table, I cleaned it up with my thumb.—Thank you so much for everything, Ani. — Using the leverage I already had, I took the opportunity to give him an appreciative kiss. But I couldn't stop at one, so I just kept on giving him pecks on and on, even when he started giggling.

"Are we ready for desser- Oh, Maker, not again." R2 beeped scared, about to turn around to leave.

—No, no, come back, buddy. I think it's the perfect time for dessert. —The former Jedi beamed on my lips.

"It's not what I think it is, right?" I talked to him through the Force to not alert R2.

"No, no, I'm not a lunatic." He widened his eyes and winced. "That's for later." Then winked flirtatiously.

"Coming right up." R2 announced and went for our treats.

—What is this place anyway? Another imperial facility? —I asked, looking around. It was too damn pretty.

—I mean, kinda. —Anakin shrugged his shoulders. — They're selling it and I asked the realtor to lend it to me tonight to see if I wanted to buy it.

—Fuck, you're so lucky. —I scoffed, staring at the tall ceilings and honey wooden floors. —And are you going to? —Maybe if he didn't, I could get it.

—Dunno... —He rested his palms behind his back, dangling his head. —What do you think? Do you see yourself living here?

—Are you fucking crazy? Absolutely. —I huffed, staring at the lake. I loved the privacy.

—Really? You wouldn't miss Coruscant?

—I mean, of course, I love Coruscant. —I crossed my arms, the air getting a bit too chilly for my liking. — But this could be like a vacation house, you know? Where you come when you need a vacation, or steam off... —I shrugged my shoulders. — This is the type of place you grow old in... Coruscant is way too crazy for that.

I was finalizing my argument when the droids came to the table and left the plates of chocolate cake on the table, R3 choppily dripping chocolate sauce on top of it. Nonetheless, it was still adorable and we both let it pass for the sake of the droid's feelings.

—Hey, R2, you could keep this up at home, you know, serving us our food and stuff. —I joked with the little droid. —Especially cleaning my kitchen.

"You don't even use it." His snap back hurt.

—That was low. —I frowned at him but he left before actually giving a shit.

—I agree with you. —Anakin said after a while, taking a bit of his cake. I was giving him a puzzled look as he nodded slowly. —This is a house to grow old in.

—Will you lend it to me when you buy it? —I asked with mockingness.

—I'll have to see... you'll have to be nicer to me from now on, sweetheart. —My fake shockness made him laugh, throwing his head back just in time to align with the lightning of more lamps.

—Stay still! —I yelled softly at him, positioning my camera. —I wanna capture these moments. —I beamed, taking his picture. The print came out in no time, the piece of paper being dried by the wind. —It's not every night you have your first date, you know?

—You're right about that, doll.

—I'm right about everything. —A sighed blew out of me as I fanned at me with the polaroid.

—Is that so? —He cocked an eyebrow and he pulled me by my ankles to make me hit the ground with my back.

—Anakin!

Anakin caught me, laughing, as I avalanched myself on top of him, in an unsuccessful attempt to hover over him and fight him. We ended up rolling outside the blanket onto the floor, little dots of white splashing on my dress and white petals attaching to our hairs from the flowers who would fall from the trees. Anakin neutralized my wrists and placed himself over me, celebrating victoriously.

He looked so pretty.

His winning smile with white teeth shimming in the nightlight, his shirt unbuttoned enough to let me see the beginning of his pecs (the ones I adored to sleep on top of), but nothing, nothing was as adorable as his golden strings decorated with tiny flowers on the ends. It would be such an interesting contrast from the intensity in his eyes, such delicate elements softening and framing his face.

He was so pretty.

How could someone be this pretty?

—For being the fearest woman in the galaxy, you sure are naive, princess.

Even his sarcastic smirk was pretty.

How could it not? Sarcasm made his eyes sparkle.

— Sweetheart?

—Huh? —I came out of my mental conversation. Though he already noticed my focus had drifted.

—Giving up so soon? Fighting with you used to be more fun.

I scoffed a dry laugh and in a quick motion, I had locked my legs around Anakin's leg to turn us around and steal his advantage. He dropped on the ground, his curls waving due to the impact and the petals drifted positions, making him more messy.

—So you brought me here to brag about your new house and make fun of me? —I crossed my arms, Anakin stabilized me enough by grabbing me by my hips.

—Among other things. —He raised his shoulders and moved his chin up. —Look at the sky.

I voiced an inevitable "wow". Everything was so clear from down here; no busy clouds, no artificial lights. Just the spark of galaxies away shining upon us. Not even the moonlight had a spotlight so bright as the stars tonight.

It was like the stars were dancing just for us.

Existing just to light up this moment.

—They're beautiful, aren't they? —Anakin mumbled, mesmerized by the picture in front of us.

So I gazed down on him and that's when I knew the true purpose of stars: They existed just to be compared to his eyes.

And lose.

—I can think of things more beautiful.

That came out way faster than my brain could process. But it was so worth it, just to see Anakin's genuine and honest smile appear on his handsome face. The type of smile he would only give me.

Wanting to capture that moment, I hurried up to get my camera again.

—Stay still, please, baby. —I pleaded with him, adjusting the lens to get a clear image.

His curls, the petals, his indulging and playful smile, his sparkling eyes; everything was coming together to create the perfect picture. His gestures made up an embellished mask, a soft look I had never seen on Anakin.  I was about to click on when...

— I love you.

Click.

The photo slipped out of my reach, the camera following not far behind. Gladly, Anakin clumsily caught it before it broke.

Suddenly, the world was a whole different place. It wasn't the same as a couple of seconds ago.

Anakin Skywalker loved me.

Now I was living in a world where I was loved.

Loved by Anakin Skywalker.

Why was that not computing? Why was I not reacting? Why was my breath so intense?

I was not able to say a peep. Just stare with open eyes.

—I'm sorry if it's overwhelming... I know we have our boundaries a-and I'm not asking you to say it back. I... I just... I just couldn't hold it in. But the thought of holding it any longer was... torture. I can't see my life without you.—He explained to me with soft eyes as his hands calmly squeezed my waist. — I didn't mean to say it... not today at least. I'm sorry.

—Don't be. —I finally spoke, getting my thoughts in order. —As long as you meant it.

Anakin Skywalker loved me.

I tried to knock out the voice in my head that insisted on putting a question mark at the end of that sentence.

Anakin loved me.

It unlocked a piece of me I was trying to ignore for so long and now everything was making sense.

—Of course. —He smiled widely.

And as sad as it was, the alarms in my head also went off. My throat closed in when I tried to say it back. My tongue became heavier when I tried to open up my mouth to express the feelings in my heart. Feeling frustrated, I cursed the day people messed me up so badly that I couldn't reciprocate the only person that has ever made me feel happy. But it was too much, too soon. No matter how consuming the feelings inside of me were, it was too overwhelming to digest.

—Please give me time. —I said with a gentle voice, playing with the collar of his shirt. —It's not that easy for me... it's complicated. —Tears started to form on my eyeballs, but I managed to make them invisible to Anakin's perception.

—Shh, shh, nothing like that, sweetheart. Don't apologize. It was me who put this weight on you. —He tried to rock me to calm me down. —We can forget all about it. I'll keep it to myself if it helps you.

—Thank you, Ani. —I pressed our foreheads together and kissed the tip of his nose. —But... Can you say it one more time?

Anakin beamed so brightly that the magnificent stars were no competition to him.

—I love you. I love you so much.

He hugged me tightly and kissed me so passionately and emotionally enough that no words were necessary to make me know how he felt. How I felt but couldn't say. So I just absorbed the moment in, not overthinking and appreciating the fact that:

Anakin loved me.

Like it was the will of the Force, a song boomed through the radio, a song he immediately recognized. It was from the movie we saw the other day, the one Obi-Wan said it was a replica of us.

—Would you grant me this dance, m'lady? —Anakin dramatized, to loosened up the moment.

Maybe I was drunk in love... or drunk for real, but I said yes in a heartbeat.

(This scene is loosely based on the dance between Diana and Charle's of "The Crown" Season 4. I can't paste the link :( The song choice is a magnificent coincidence!! I tried my best to describe dancing, but in case I don't make myself clear, you can watch it! Song: Can't take my Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli).

—I can't sing even if my life depended on it... but I'm not such a lousy dancer. —Anakin said as he walked up to me, extending his hand for me to take.

Quick on my feet, I took his hand on mine a second later, not wasting the opportunity to dance with him after I've taken off my shoes.

"You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off of you".

Timidly, I got close, him putting his gloved hand on my waist and the other one taking my free hand to start swinging us.

"I want to hold you so much."

He grabbed me closer, pressing me against his chest until his breath was hitting directly at me. We laughed at the craziness of us dancing randomly, the site so unexpectedly romantic.

"Pardon the way that I stare,

there's nothing else to compare."

He brought our foreheads together, his eyes never leaving mine.

"But if you feel like I feel, please let me know that it's real."

Anakin gulped and my mouth dried as the lyrics were sung. Our gazes glued to each other like magnets, like we didn't want to let go.

"Can't take my eyes off of you [beat drops]"

He gently started to lead me, showing me the simple, yet adorable dance sequence. He took both my hands, pushing me to get away from him, expecting me to twirl to him. Instead, moving my hips and legs side to side, I approached him laughing.

"I love you baby..."

As the voice of the singer got stronger, our movements would get quicker, Anakin spinning us around all across the spontaneous dance floor, making us giggle. Careful we wouldn't trip, we were able to dodge the things on the picnic spot. We were exploding into laughter every chance we had, thinking how silly we looked dancing all around underneath the starry night.

"Don't bring me down I pray."

When he saw I was getting the hang of it, Anakin held me out for me to twirl, creating distance between us but our fingers still connected. When he tugged my arm as a signal to let go, I spinned until my side hit his chest.

"Now that I've found you, stay."

Our breaths were agitated, and not only because of the exercise; the lyrics were too personal, even though we were only dancing because it was the song from the movie we saw the other day.

"Let me love you...."

We captured our lips immediately, the action of pressing them together rapid, but the movement of the kiss itself was impossibly slow, drinking in the sweetness of each other.

Our lips were communicating what words never would: What my courage couldn't dream of speaking, but my heart was shouting.

"Can't take my eyes off of you..."

We carefully separated, not actually wanting to stop the gesture, but it was necessary for us to regain our breath. We stayed there for a second, swaying and slow dancing to the music in the background, drinking the remnants of our intimate session.

I would look at him, with shyness on my features, concentrated on holding off his staring. He may have sensed the depth of the moment, because he extended the arm which was still holding my hand and pulled it out to twirl me again, however, this time letting go of me so I would land on his arms. Gasping because of the unexpected drop, Anakin chuckled as I hit him in the arm.

"Oh pretty baby... Trust in me when I say..."

The melody faded away, now the only noise that I was able to hear was my heart pumping fast and hard inside my chest, the blood rushing to my face. Anakin and I stayed in that position as we both waited for the moment to end, although it was almost like we were grasping it with our fingernails so it never would.

—Trust me when I say... I've never felt anything like this. —Anakin whispered, his fingers clutching to my waist firmly.

Maybe I couldn't say I love you yet.

But our hearts knew. And that was enough for now.

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We arrived at the apartment an hour later and like the gentleman he was, Anakin walked me to my room after dropping off the speeder.

—I had a wonderful night, Ani. Thank you. —I pressed my back against the door.

—Was the waiting worth it? —He put a string of hair on the back of my ear.

—Totally. —I affirmed, pulling him by his neck so I could kiss him as a token of my appreciation for his effort tonight. Maybe it was naughtier that it should have been, but he deserved the treat.

—Good night, Ani. —Giving him one last peck, I turned around to open the door and drop my shoes off.

—So... we're calling it a night? —He put his arm up, leaning on the door frame. I opened my mouth without saying anything, simply impressed at his bravery. —I was kind of hoping you would invite me in. — There was that cheeky smirk again.

—Oh, I never have sex on the first date, sorry. —I forced a smile, opening my door even more to back off. Anakin's eyes widened with amusement. —Maybe next time. Nice try, though.

Anakin was half way into his argument when I closed the door, his voice going through the thick wood. Using my hand as an obstacle for my laughter to come out, I pressed my ear to the door to hear when Anakin finally shut up. When I heard utter silence and some steps, I opened it again. Anakin had begun his path to his room, but that didn't stop me from grabbing his arm and pulling him inside.

Maybe I could show my love in some other way.

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A/N: No thoughts, just a full heart ❤️ writing this made me so happy, I think I captured their essence, it was a very "them" way to navigate the topic :)

Comments are welcome! What did you think? What was your favorite part? I need to receive feedback, specially for this chapter!

Is there something else you would like to see?

Have an incredible week! I'll be busy with some stuff, but I hope you find something exciting to do every day!