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WARNING: Fluff and a bit of angst. But it's like together, so I guess it's angst with a happy ending! And some dirty talking!

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who replied on the last episode! It was so helpful and I did take note of your recommendations! She will remain as Y/N for private spaces and Phoenix for public ones :)

Also new clones' casting on the Cast chapter!!!

With you... the newest chapter of Phoenix! Fresh out of the oven ;)

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Phoenix's POV

The little red dot on the holo-map disappeared after beeping continuously, after 6 parsecs of following Windu's and my secret alliance's journey. I had been glued to the monitor ever since we got out of Yavin 4 and into the mothership, while I was as impatiently waiting for Obi-Wan and Anakin to wake up from their bacta tank bath. As the pair was heavily damaged, we couldn't wait until we got to Coruscant to take action on treating their wounds.

So my anxiety levels weren't only due to my uncertainty of my target, but because of Anakin's state. My heart shrunk when I remembered the way his condition quickly plummeted on the bridge. He started to lose his balance and his sight was blocked with partial blindness, not to mention the already leaking wound on his abdomen. I did my best to try and hold him, carry him myself to the transport. However, his weight was too much to handle and I screamed for help in no time. Soon Hunter and Jesse were picking him up, as they could (they were pretty beaten-up as well) and carrying him to the transport.

Since then, I was isolated in a corner of the cruiser, making myself busy in front of the holo-map, thinking my job could help me not to spiral. A desperate attempt not to think about the damage made to his nervous system, the muscular trauma he received...

—Hey, how are you hanging on? —Fives got close to me, offering some friendly support.

—Hi Fives. —I smiled weakly. —You know, just worried about them. I went to see Obi-Wan and he is doing so much better, thanks to the Force.

—That's good news... —He rubbed my arm, tranquilizing me. —Nothing on General Skywalker?

—Not yet. —I exhaled all the air in my lungs.

—Don't worry, it's going to be okay. —He reassured me. —I'm here for whatever you need. He's probably fine, but you know... you never know for sure.

—Fives-

—I'm just saying, I'm here for you. Always will be. —He nodded, emphasizing the "always". Then he arched his eyebrow cockily.—We clones are designed to survive-

—General Phoenix, he is awake. —One of the nurses called me in, in the middle of the commotion happening on the bridge of the cruiser. Quickly, all the heads turned to me, flooding the space in silence.

Immediately, I snapped and basically ran to meet the trooper that would guide me to Anakin's room. As we walked the long aisles and skip corners, my blood pressure rose dramatically, preparing myself for the scenery that was waiting for me.

—Here it is. —The trooper pointed at the door, writing something in the chart and clearing me to enter.

—How is he? —I asked, not daring to turn the knob.

—We should keep him in observation, but we took care of the abdominal cut and the blindness is gone. He has recovered mobility on his legs and it's able to stand up; our final prognosis is that all of those were consequences of extreme dehydration and severe damage to his nervous system. —Oh, not the tears again. I was tired of crying. —Luckily, he's a strong man. That would've killed anyone, but after the test we have run, he just needs to take it easy for a couple of days. Complete rest will do.

I sighed in gratitude, thanking him for the update, before opening up the door and finding Anakin with closed eyes and a pair of light blue/hospital-like pants.

—Hey, baby. —I whispered, stepping in and sitting down on the chair next to his bed.

His blue irises answered my call as soon as he heard my voice.

—Hey... —He smiled, scrunching his nose when he tried to get up. I gently helped him put his back on the pillow and brushed his hair with the same softness.

—Do you want some water, yeah? —After he nodded, I reached down for a plastic cup and a straw to help him drink. — Those cuts seem like they need cream. Didn't the doctor take care of them? —I hissed, examining his injuries.

—He wanted to, but I convinced him to leave them alone in case you came in, so you could heal them yourself. — Cheeky as always.

— Good to know your personality didn't take a hit. —I frowned, only to end up chuckling. —And why would you assume that I know how to cure these? —I asked as I damped the cotton ball in alcohol.

—I highly doubt you have been working for Qui-Gon as long as you have and do not know how to handle some wounds. —He winced at the end when I pressed the fluffy ball against his left eyebrow.

—That's true. —I reasoned with him, moving to clean another wound on his lip.

—So... —He started to talk with my hand still on his lips, however, I lifted my eyebrows as a way to signal him to keep going. — What should I call you now?

I froze immediately.

—I-I- —The cotton fell out of my hand, my clumsy figure crunching down to get it. Once I was back in my early position, Anakin was giggling at my messy hair and flushed cheeks. —About that-

—You do look like a Y/n. —He nodded with a smile. —Phoenix suits you... but I like Y/n. It feels... real. It's lovely.

—Thank you. —I shyly beamed, putting my hair behind my ear when I turned to get the cream. —You can call me whatever, really... Phoenix is as much my name as Y/n.

— Y/n... Y/n... —He made a test to see how it felt rolling out of his lips. —It feels nice, I have to admit, I like having something else to moan in bed.

I laughed so hard at that, spreading my joy to him to laugh as well. Nonetheless, he struggled due to his bruised abdomen.

—Hey, take it easy, baby. —I dialed down my laughter.

—... I'm still biased to sweetheart. —He finally said, staying still for me to apply the balm.

—I prefer sweetheart. It feels like you. —I murmured, before giving him a peck and putting the spot of the liquid.

—Then it's settled. —He grinned, taking my hand to rub it. My commlink then beeped and it was an incoming message from Taaray: we were about to arrive to Coruscant.

—I gotta go. We are about to land. —I brushed his hair. —I'll meet you in the medbay, okay?

—Okay. —I was walking to the door to leave when he mumbled something that momentarily stopped me. —Love you.

So it was officially a thing.

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In front of me lay the heavy doors to Qui-Gon's office, standing big and proud, firmly protecting the Emperor's cave. Qui-Gon, as the paternal figure that he was, never inflicted fear on me, nor did I ever feel concerned about going to him. Until today, until right now. Goosebumps erupted from my spine when I thought about what I was about to face; the inevitable rage of a very hurt Sith Master.

Of a very hurt Qui-Gon.

—How did it go? —Qui-Gon asked me coldly. He had me standing up in the middle of the room, not allowing me to sit down to give him the debriefing. It was so dehumanizing to be there, alone and vulnerable, counting down the seconds until his ticking anger finally popped.

I cleared my throat, trying to sound as confident as possible. —We successfully managed to take down the rebel base and extract the hostages-

—Windu, Phoenix. Did you catch him? —He spat with distance in his words, his sight focused on the window behind his desk.

He was royally pissed.

—Not exactly-

—It's a simple yes or no. Did you or did you not fail me? —He growled, standing up and looking down on me with his terrorizing eyes.

—No. —I slowly pronounced, biting my lip in shame.

—No, you did not fail me or no, you did not catch him? —He spoke much louder this time, making me shudder.

—No, I-I did not catch him, master. —I breathed out anxiously, forcing myself not to react to his rude mannerisms.

—So you did fail me. —Qui-Gon spat with a disappointed face. So devastating that was making me shrink in my spot. —Of all people... you failed me, young one.

His new found hatred towards me was killing me, mortifying me to the very depth of my soul. He had never looked at me like that, expecting so little of me... being so let down by something I did.

— And that's not even the worst part. —He shook his head, walking around the desk, all the way to be closer to me. His taller posture obliged me to look up, making me feel smaller, diminute in his sight. —What was my number one rule when I brought you to the team? Care to remember?

A bucket of cold water fell on top of me, I gulped before speaking up, my voice failing me. —N-no attachments.

—No attachments. —Qui-Gon repeated way harder, the furiousness of his voice booming in my ears. —Could you explain to me why I chose that rule?

—Because attachments make us weak? —I guessed, fighting not to flinch at his harsh words.

—Exactly. — The menacing pace of his steps was heavily triggering my trauma response, because he was imitating my grandfather's strolling. —And not only did they make you weak enough to cave under pressure, but they made you reckless. So reckless that you chose to betray me, to go over me. And you? You were the only person here who would always support me and be by my side. —He finalized with reddened eyes, his yellow orbs slightly watering.

—Qui-Gon, I am by your side-

—No! —He pointed at me. — The moment you went against my direct orders showed me how your priorities have changed. Now I don't even know if the person who I have in front of me is the exact person I brought in two years ago. I don't recognize, nor do I like this version of you. —He looked at me with a burning tiredness, almost like he didn't want to see me.

—Qui-Gon, I am. —My voice came out weakly, struggling to not fracture. —The team was at risk. You have to understand-

—I appreciate that you have taken my family as your own, Phoenix. But I never thought you would choose them over me. I'm so disappointed in you. So very disappointed in the person I saw yesterday... and who I see today. —He shook his head, looking at the floor. —Never expected this from you.

—Qui-Gon, please, hear me out- I have eyes on Windu, please- —The crying was inevitable at this point.

—You're on probation. —He finally said, turning around to see his desk. Cold as the beginning. Distant as ever. —You'll have to earn my trust again. Maybe this time will help you get your priorities straight. Until then, you're dismissed.

—Qui-Gon, I swear-

—You're dismissed, Phoenix. — He never called me that. It was always a sweet nickname like "little one" or "young one".

—Yes, sir. —I bowed, even though he couldn't see me. —And for what it's worth... I'm sorry. I really am. —I murmured, before walking away.

—Yeah, yeah... —He merely said back, not making the effort to look at me. —Heard that before.

I was opening the door to leave his space once and for all when he called me at the last second with a deep voice..

—Phoenix?

—Yes, master?

—Call Obi-Wan in. It's urgent.

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Qui-Gon's POV

Obi-Wan and Anakin had received their scolding before Phoenix. I thought that even after yelling at that pair my anger would have diminished, but when I saw her, the memory of my apprentice talking back to me and disobeying my direct judgment came back to me. So I was way harder than I intended to be, softer than I actually imagined I would be. But she needed to know how wrong he had screwed up by doing what she did.

As infuriated I was with Obi-Wan for letting the mission go south, he was my advisor by excellence. Yet in the most tense moments, his wisdom wouldn't fail to enlighten me.

—You called me, master. —Obi-Wan presented himself.

—Sit down, Obi-Wan.

—Are you going to tell me off again? Because I get it, Qui-Gon, we messed up big time-

—No, I think you all learned your lesson. — Brushing my beard, I mumbled, distracted by the horizon. —I need your input.

—On what matter, master? —Obi-Wan crossed his arms.

—Don't you think it's weird Phoenix took over the mission without my permission? —I asked him, piercing the truth out of his eyes.

—Well, it is unusual, but someone with her character? It's not that hard to believe. —Obi-Wan cleared his throat as he crossed his legs.

—It is unusual. It's very unusual for her. —I stated, remarking the words to highlight the severity of them. —There's something keeping her off focus.

—That's exaggerat-

—You think? —I sat down on my desk. —Are you telling me she doesn't seem different to you?

Obi-Wan kept his gaze fixated on me, like I was ambushing out of nowhere. Instead of agreeing with me, he quickly got into a defensive mode.

—She is. She is happy, Qui-Gon. —Obi-Wan crunched his face, maddened. —You're so blinded by this revenge quest that, that-

—That what? —I repeated, with a deeper voice.

—That you are not seeing who you're hurting with your attitude. That girl would follow you to the ends of the world- Hell, she did! We all did! And for once that things are not working out, you're treating us like dogs!

—Because you deserve it! —I spat. —How much time and resources have we been wasting on this hunting, huh? Are you aware that the voice is spreading about Windu being alive and flying right under our radar? Do you know how humiliating is it to me, being questioned by every single Imperial leader? Huh?

—C'mon, not everybody knows-

—They know, Obi-Wan! —I threw a bunch of different newspapers in his direction. The rebels have made sure to spread the word about Windu, given that we already knew he was alive. They managed to change the discourse of the media's speech, targeting the Empire on their "route to self-destruction" and "under the shadow of a retired giant". —We are losing credibility! I'm sorry if I'm being harder on you, but they're breathing down our necks. Everything we have worked for is at risk and it's because of these continuous mistakes. Do you get it now?

Obi-Wan remained in silence as he inspected the headlines, seeing for himself the cruel reality that they were not aware of. We were being eaten alive; the rebel organization gaining more popularity and allies every time a new story about our failures came out.

—The Empire is at danger and I cannot allow myself or either of you to crack under pressure. You gave up everything for this path... what would it mean to you to see it crumble apart? Change your whole life for nothing? —Obi-Wan stared at the floor, the troubling confusion swirling on his eyes; I knew I had hit a delicate spot. —So... Do you know anything that would be causing our team to lose direction?

Obi-Wan licked his lips, thinking in silence. He then opened his mouth to speak:

— I...

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Phoenix's POV

—Hey, how did it go with Qui-Gon? —Anakin asked me as I fluffed the pillows for him to lay down.

—I don't want to talk about it. —I whispered, discreetly wiping a sneaky tear that escaped.

—Okay... —Anakin mumbled from behind me, sitting on the bed as I ran to the bathroom to distract myself from the earlier conversation. —He wasn't nice to us either. —Anakin hissed the last words when he crunched down to lay down in my bed. —You can tell me, sweetheart.

—No, it 's fine. I promise. —I lied, washing my face to mask my wet face, at the same time that the water would disguise my struggling voice.

—You don't have to hide things from me, you know that right? —Anakin spoke up with tenderness in his words, and even when I couldn't see him, I knew he was looking for me.

—I know... —I replied, drying my face and getting into my pajamas; my old sweatpants and a cozy sweatshirt. — I just... don't want to talk about it. That's it.

Anakin's face fell a little when he saw me get into the room without his clothes, a little bit more distant than he was expecting after our lovable moments from before. But he understood that I was in a weird place, that I was silently but not subtly fighting my own internal battle, even when he knew nothing about my meeting.

—Are you comfortable enough? Do you need more pillows? —I asked him, still not directing my face to him, hiding how broken I felt, how isolated from my own self I was.

My skin didn't even feel like my own.

—No, I just need you here with me. —Anakin's response swelled my chest, however, the guilt in me made the words itch, instead of letting myself be swooned by them.

I walked towards the bed, climbing among the infinite comfy covers, looking for my own pillow to hold, insisting on keeping a certain distance between us: not only because of his bruises, but for my own comfort. I needed my space, I needed to clear my head. To think for once and not be led by my emotions; something I was incapable of since Anakin showed up in my life.

Silence drowned us for what felt like an eternity.

—You need your space, I get it. —Anakin spoke after a while. — But I don't want us to step back, I like where we are. —He shyly whispered. —If there's a part of you willing to talk tonight... I would appreciate it if we could just... communicate.

Gaining the courage, I turned around after being almost five minutes in silence; Anakin was about to give up and go to sleep. Once facing him, his blue sapphires smiled at me, speeding down the pace of my heart in just a matter of seconds.

—Anakin, this is new for me. —I admitted, stiffening my posture at my vulnerability. —And I'm scared. Scared of how these feelings... —Those blue orbs shined more intensely. —... make me behave. I...I don't know what to do with all these emotions pouring out of me. —I let go of the air on my lungs, finally caving in my inner fight.

Grabbing my hand delicately, Anakin brought it to his heart and held me tightly. He kissed my fingers as he saw my face starting to crumble down.—Give them to me. I'll protect them with everything I am.

— Ani... I can't even say it. —I finally allowed myself to cry in front of him, the salty drops falling from my eyes, cascading into rivers all the way to my chin. — I'm terrified of what would happen if I say it.

To fully embrace Anakin meant turning my back to my life; the one I fought with teeth and nails to build up. It meant choosing someone over Qui-Gon... and I was not ready to lose the person who rescued me from hell and did everything in his power to help me grow, to see me bloom not only as his apprentice; but as his own.

But above all:

— Saying it means I have another thing to lose... —I sobbed, shaking my head against the damped pillow. I wanted to explain myself further, to give him more valid reasons to understand my confusion and forgive my indecision.

And I can't lose you, Anakin. You're the last thing I could lose.

Although I didn't say anything, not even through our mental bond, it seemed like he understood me.

—You'll never lose me, sweetheart. Because I'll choose you, every damn time. —He beamed lovingly at me, his grasp not letting go of my hand as a way to let me know that he was there, no matter what.

To hold me when I couldn't. To remind me that this was forever. That he was not backing down on his promise.

—I feel awful that I can't say it. I need time, I know it'll only take time- —I rushed to excuse myself, feeling so guilty and drained of not being enough for anyone.

—Shhh, shhh, calm down, princess. —He pulled me by my waist, embracing us in a little warm cocoon. —Please stop pressuring yourself like this. I didn't say it to make you feel miserable. —He chuckled, trying to brighten up the mood. —I said it because I want you to know the space you hold in my life. How important you are to me. You are everything.

That brought back my smile.

—Is it enough for you... to know that I feel it too? —I mumbled lowly, feeling my heartbeat let go the second our foreheads touched.

—Baby, I'm the happiest man alive with just that. —He smiled, dropping a peck on my lips. —Having you, Y/n, here in my arms makes me happier than anything.

Confirmed: My name sounded so much better coming from him.

—Thank you, Ani. —I hugged him tightly, watching out not to press too hard in a wounded area. The injuries were looking good after his second bacta tank bath, only one left to go.

—It's nothing, really. —He inhaled deeply the scent of my hair, scratching my back to relax me. —You can just say I'm your favorite human ever and we're even. —He proposed, kissing my temple. I hissed loudly, waking up Anakin's curiousness. —What?

—Do you want me to lie to you? —I joked, pulling my blanket under my armpits and my head on my pillow.

—Who is it, if not me? —He scoffed unnecessarily loudly.

—Obi-Wan. —I shrugged my shoulders and in one second, a fluffy wall was hitting me in the face. —Auch!

—That's what I say! —He huffed, turning around. —Good night, Lady Phoenix.

—Oh, c'mon babyyyy, I was joking! —I cuddled against him as a backpack, taking the hit and being the big spoon tonight. — C'mon, Ani.

—No, no, you made your choice. —Anakin grunted with closed eyes, pretending to already be asleep. —You can go and sleep with him then.

—Okay, I just might- —And when I tried to get up, the Force pushed me back down to the mattress.

—Don't you dare. Just hug me. —He ordered me, getting annoyed at my laughter.

—No sweetheart? Someone's pissed. —I provoked him further, putting my leg on top of his hip.

—You're lucky I don't call you worse.

—That's only because we can't fuck. —I giggled, knowing I was right. He wasn't allowed any physical activity until his bacta tank baths were done and complete rest was a must.

—Shut up and go to sleep, princess. —He caressed my arm as I looked for that special spot on his neck where his fragrance was, to sniff in and nibble.

Long enough for him to be asleep, I called him. —Ani?

—Mmm? —He hummed when he was about to start snoring.

—Just because I can't say it doesn't mean you shouldn't.

I felt his muscles tensing up a smile.

—I love you, sweetheart. Good night.

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The next morning, Anakin and I couldn't have our usual morning ritual, due to the fact that he needed to be at his third bacta tank bath and I couldn't wait for him to be okay. While he was dunking down the water tank, I fled to give my contact a call and confirm their location. They assured me that they were following Windu closely and were stranded in a deserted town in Corellia. After confirming to me that they were keeping tracts on the Jedi's secret encounters, we said goodbye with the promise of a new update in a couple of days.

Hanging up, I saw an upcoming notification on my datapad: it was a message from Qui-Gon calling the three of us to his office. I instantly stiffened, terrified that it would be another meeting like the one from yesterday.

—Just like new. —Anakin announced himself from behind me and I turned around to see him beaming joyfully with wet hair.

—Hey, you don't have any marks left! —I grinned, inspecting his naked chest: not a single scar in sight.

—That's right. —He messed around, flexing his muscles.

—That's a shame, I like scars. —I pouted while my nails grazed the one on his eyebrow.

—This is definitely not the last time I'm gonna get beaten up. —He laughed, going to pick up his robe from the dressing room.

—Adore your enthusiasm, honey. —I replied, focused on Qui-Gon's cryptic message. He didn't even explain what the reunion was about.

—What's going on? —Anakin asked me in the distance.

—Qui-Gon is summoning us up to his office as soon as possible. —I caught him up to speed.

—Does he say what is it about?

—No... —I began walking to the door, so I could go and get changed to my room. Being in my pajama attire wasn't appropriate enough and having an armor on would help me feel more protected. But as I was walking out, I saw one of the most distinctive clones walking in. —Hey, Fives. —I saluted politely at him.

—Oh, hey, Phoenix! —His face suddenly changed, from being all serious and glaring at the floor to an excited one, eyes shining when he saw me. —Why are you in the medbay? Are you okay? Are you hurt?

—Oh, no, no. I'm alright. —I smiled. —Are you hurt?

—Oh, no, no. Regular checking after a mission.—He said, smiling coyly.

—Got it, got it. —I nodded in affirmation. — That's great. I like some survival marks, but you know, glad you're okay. —Okay, I'm sorry, but the mock flirting was too much fun to stop.

—I have some! —He blurted, putting his hands up. — Some battle scars from Yavin 4... —He leaned over the door frame trying to act cool. — Yeah... I definitely put myself out there, just shooting rebels, risking my life... —He nodded, overconfident.

—Yeah? —I asked, holding off the laugh when I saw the minimum bruises on his body.

—Yeah, just... —He awkwardly pointed at some parts of his body, acting tough. —Just some true battle marks.

—Totally, you're so brave. —I complimented with sweetness, making sure his feelings were protected. —Thank you for your service, soldier.

I swear I saw his body shudder the moment I said those words, which made me widen my eyes.

—Oh, it's nothing really. Doing my job, you know... — He mumbled nervously, scratching his hair. I observed him with a curious face, my mouth open in a wince trying to understand his words at such a fast pace. —It's not like I need a bacta bath, I'm strong enough. —Oh Maker, please don't let Anakin hear this. —My doctor told me that I needed to get some rest and vitamin C, so I thought we could go for a walk-

—Morning, soldier. —Anakin's menacing presence came from behind me. I wasn't even looking at him, but I felt goosebumps at the sudden dark aura that flooded the space. Anakin's figure radiated with protectiveness, no doubt his eyes expressing the same intense and dark energy.

—Morning, General Skywalker. —He abruptly stiffened, lifting his chin to salute his leader.

—What are you two talking about? —Anakin inquired, looking at both of us.

I raised my eyebrows towards Fives, giving him the pass to speak up.

—Just telling General Phoenix about some of my battle scars. —He cleared his throat, totally ashamed that he got caught trying to flirt. He was evading looking back at Anakin, but he eventually had to, gulping when he did.

—You should really have those checked out, Fives. —Anakin suggested with the deep voice that came out whenever he was jealous. —Before you get more.

My breath hitched at my throat, my body reacting to the threat. It was so wrong to get turned out by someone intimidating such a sweet creature, but this side of Anakin... Force, it drove me wild.

—Sure, sir. Right away. —Fives nodded.

—Good. Glad you don't have to use a bacta tank. —I could see Anakin's crooked smile. — Unfortunately I had to take some. Phoenix couldn't cure all of the wounds in the shower.

Fives jaw dropped.

Fucking Anakin.

—Goodbye, Fives. —Anakin waved, starting to walk away. Instead, I stayed in front of Fives dying of embarrassment, hiding the excitement that grew on me with the way Anakin stood his ground. So dated... but so hot.

Fives stood there with me, both of us finding a way to go back to normal after Anakin was long enough to not listen.

—I'll let you know about those sacks of sand. It may be earlier than I expected. — I joked, making him chuckle too.

—Okay. —He breathed out in relief for the environment to go back to our usual casualness.

—See you later, 'kay? —He nodded shyly and I clasped his bicep in a friendly manner. —Take care.

When I got to my room to get dressed I noticed Anakin was already there, changing into his usual robes for the meeting.

—You didn't have to be such an asshole with him, you know? —I told him off, walking to my closet to put on a suit.

—Will you ever tell me what's going on between you two? —Anakin asked, putting his belt on. —Has he told you something that I don't know about?

—Why? You jealous I may trade you for a trooper? — I put on the bottom part of my suit, fixing my hair into a ponytail so I could finish zipping up the rest.

—Oh, that's not a concern of mine. —He chuckled, looking at how I finished getting ready. —I just wanted to see how much you are raising Fives' expectations. I heard that he was already prepping my tombstone while I was in recovery.

—Oh, c'mon. —Yeah, that was probably right. —He has a minor crush. It'll pass.

—Mhm, you tell that to yourself. —Anakin got close from behind me, putting his chin above my head as I stared at myself in the mirror.

—You were kind of harsh on him, babe. —I said, connecting eyes through our reflection. —You should be kinder.

Anakin smirked down on me. —Look at you, saying that as if it didn't turn you on.

—Conceited much? —I huffed, faking indignation.

—Baby, you didn't put your shields up. —He winked at me, kissing my shoulder blade before he zipped up the rest of my suit. I shivered under his touch, especially when his nose grazed the sides of my neck, his hands slipping on the side of my hips. —You keep playing with your trooper. I know you forget all about him when it's me who takes care of that slutty cunt of yours.

I involuntarily whimpered when he said the vulgar words, Anakin grinning pleased at the sound.

—Yeah, that sounds about right. —He started to walk to the door as I stared at him like I was dumb. —You coming?

Shaking off the subspace of my mind, I began to move my feet to Qui-Gon's office, Anakin and I leaving a prudent distance so it didn't look like we arrived together. We got to the office and no one was there, so we looked at each other with concern. Then Obi-Wan arrived, his beard with bread crumbs from his breakfast.

—Obi- —I signaled him the area, alerting him of the food.

—Oh, thank you, darling. — He quickly cleaned them off. —So, any news?

—Anakin is in a childish dispute with a trooper. —I rated him off, quickly being shot with a glare from his part.

—That fits Anakin's profile. —Obi-Wan remarked with a little laugh.

—It's not a dispute if he's no competition. —He huffed, shutting up when Qui-Gon came in.

—Please- Don't stop on my account. —Qui-Gon put his hands in a sign of peace. —I gathered you all today, because something has been brought up to my attention. —He said very seriously. —And I'd like to dismiss any rumors before someone gets hurt. —He stated with crossed arms.

We lied there in expectation, Qui-Gon, unnecessarily, elongated his speech to see our reactions.

—I would love for his rumors to be untrue. —He kept going, looking directly at Obi-Wan, then at Anakin and finally, me. — They mean the end of the Empire as we know it. —That made me freeze, feeling the room tensing up. —It's been brought up to my attention that I have not been a good leader in the past few days... and I know my ways have been radical. But you need to know the motivation behind them.

Just when I felt like my life was about to fall apart, my master filled us in on the mean things the media has been putting out there about us, the Empire in general. How we were in the verge of falling into political disgrace, given that Imperial planets were thinking of retiring their support and how critical our successes were at this point.

—I hope you may understand and most importantly, forgive me, for the way I had reacted. I know you suffered back in Yavin 4, but men of your caliber cannot be making this sort of mistakes. —Qui-Gon sighed and then looked at me, like he was finding the words. —I have my reasons. I hope you see them too.

I gently nodded, letting him know that I did understand.

—This is a family. —He pointed at all of us in a circle motion. —But trust and hard work is its foundation, we must not forget our north. —He smiled teethless. — Because, otherwise, you force me to be the Emperor, not Qui-Gon. Okay?

He waited for all of us to nod before explaining his plan to us.

— So, as a final part of your punishment, to leave all of this behind, I have something planned for you. —He gave us a condescending smile. — The PR team and I are starting a campaign to reinforce the Imperial values and make people remember who they answer to. And that starts with the internal leadership of each planet. Especially when we need to reinforce our alliance with some first class planets; after all, they are our providers of certain materials. So... we have arranged an event for us to promote the Empire basically. Convince the important people to stay with us and for them to then convince the little people to root for us. —Qui-Gon clapped, excited with the idea. —I mean, it was us who brought peace, justice and security to the galaxy.

—And what is this event we are going to? —Obi-Wan asked.

—Oh, not we. You. —He signaled all of us with a wicked smile. —It's a very fancy ball, so over the top. I'm not going because: A) I hate politicians. B) I have to go to the Death Star... I must think some things over. —He mumbled that last part. —And I know you hate them too, so I think it's a good disciplinary measure. It's not like you are not used to these people.

—And who are we convincing? —I dared to question, still confused at this whole situation.

—Senators.

There it was.

The aura of the room filled with tension again, suddenly the moods changing and becoming heavier. I looked around, seeing how Obi-Wan and Anakin's figures were immediately rigid. Would you look at that? Exactly their public of choice.

I hummed with a certain irony, biting my inner cheek. —And where's this ball again?

—Naboo.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◈◇◆◇◆◇◆

CLIFFHANGER. DROPPED.

The way my heart was shrinking while I wrote that little angsty scene. Ooof, it's my own book, why does it affect me this wayyyyy? God, I love their love. Pls let me live in their universe!!!! One of my favorites for sureeee.

Let's see what happens in the next episode... it may be tense. It may be funny. It may be heartbreaking. Who knows???

Will an OG character appear? WHO KNOWSSSSS

Oh, the winners of the little activity I did on my previous author's note are:
mary-kenjisbestie @TheOGFulcrum
marta_swagggg angelktr

(Sorry if you are not tagged properly, my wattpad is acting up!!!)

(Not to influence you, but I love writing appearances and I think there is a perfect space in the next chapter!)

Thank you all so much for commenting! This is not the last activity I'm doing, so you will have your chance later on! :)

You can message me with the option you'd like: A little shoutout in the story or a little request on the story (I will have to approve the final idea, but I'm sure we can work together!). I'm thinking about starting a different book, like a spin-off of Phoenix. So it will have short one shots with scenes or prompts I want to create with Phoenix and Anakin, but because of the rhythm of the book I can't do them. So maybe they'll fit there!

Happy weekend everyone! Stay safe and until next timeeee <3