"I simply wish to talk: when the transmission suddenly cut off I was concerned, then I heard of the explosion, and, well I had to see for myself that you were alright." Dooku spoke as though him being there was completely reasonable. It wasn't, Obi wan and I both seemed to agree on that and I'm sure had Anakin been there he would've felt the same. So, with Obi wans lightsaber still pointed towards the count I narrowed my eyes and clutched at the sheets in frustration.
"I'm fine." I spoke with as much venom as I could muster glaring directly towards the man. I swear if he so much as dares to lay a finger on my daughter I'll do something drastic and won't forget it. Dooku's eyes lowered and he gave a slow nod.
"I understand your malice towards me my child: it is only fair you should hate me," he began to say in a tone of sorrow as his brown eyes lifted to meet mine once more with a deceivingly realistic look of care. For a moment I was drawn back to that meeting we had a couple of months ago, the one we're he opened up to tell me about my mother. Perhaps things could've been different had they only stayed together. "(Y/n): I know you don't trust me but you must believe me when I say you are in grave danger, Sidious will have you killed the moment opportunity arises and with Skywalker immobilised I fear that time will come soon." He spoke in addition with a look of worry in his eyes as he looked across to me. At my side Obi wan lowered his lightsaber down and listed just as I was, I look of concerned concentration across his features. I frowned actually finding some truth in his words. It was almost sweet that he risked coming here to tell me this. Almost.
"I know that: that's why I'm pretending to have lost my memory, he can't kill me over a secret I don't know." I replied though I didn't have complete faith in my own words. If Palpatine was indeed the Sith Lord then he likely wouldn't take any chances. He killed my mother for knowing to much: and I have no doubt he was behind my second kidnapping either, I recognised his colder presence to be the one that tormented me for the first of those months. He had a devious plan that seemed to centre round Anakin, one he wasn't going to let me interfere with. Dooku seemed to have the same doubt as me since he shook his head.
"A fine plan that would be if my master was up for taking risks: however I happen to know he's waited to long for this opportunity, years of preparation as led up to where we stand to day and even should you pose the tiniest of threats he shall not hesitate to cut you down," My father spoke confirming my fears. I lowered my gaze in a defeated fashion, if this plan wasn't to work then there was no saying what would, I simply wasn't important enough in Palpatines eyes to keep alive. No one would bat an eye at another dead Jedi during this time of war, and I have no doubt my death would make whatever sick twisted plan he had for Anakin easier. Lying there feeling utterly hopeless I listened as Obi wan turned off his lightsaber and stepped over to place a supportive hand on my shoulder. "...there is however another way that may provide you security." Dooku added after a few moments quiet, seeming hesitant to speak up whatever this preposed plan. However my eyes quickly darted to him with hope, eager to hear anything that may allow me to stay at Anakins side.
"And that is..?" I asked sitting up slightly on my elbows with Obi wans help, my eyes never leaving that of my father as I awaited to hear his idea. Even if it was just a slim chance of survival I wanted to know, I wanted to know how I could protect the love of my life from the monster that lived among us. Dooku sighed and offered a small reluctant smile, staying spinet again for quite a few moments as his eyes scanned over my hand. Over my engagement ring to be precise...
"You get married."
Two weeks later
Anakins pov
I groaned in discomfort: shifting the best I could, trying to become aware of my surroundings again, twitching my fingers just to try and feel them again. I had no way of knowing how long I'd been lying here, all I could remember was I'd been trying to save (y/n), after that things went blanked. I guess I must've blacked out, over exerted myself just like Obi wan warned me could happen. Still, if I managed to even ease her pain then I'd be proud of my actions.
Grimacing from an ache in my head I pushed myself to move but found the strain to much on my weakened muscles. Slowly the ringing in my ears faded and was replaced by a rhythmic bleeping that resembled that of a hospital room. Well that would explain the pain and the discomfort to the back of my wrist. Rolling my shoulders I tried to open my eyes and was immediately blinded by the bright lights above. Silhouetted in a blurry haze of shadow by the lights was a figure, but strangely enough one that didn't look like the delicate frame of my love.
"...A-Angel..?" I murmured in a strained stutter, hoping I was mistaken and it was in fact her. My one and only.
"No."
'Oh kriff I know that voice'
"Snap to it Skywalker: you have a lot of explaining to do." The forever pissed voice of Mace Windu boomed at a startling volume that made me flinch in my bed. Biting my lip I blinked a few times until I could make up the ugly scowl upon his face. Giving an irritating groan I tilted my head to the side and looked away from him trying to pick a reason from the long list of possible as to why he'd be yelling at me while still in a hospital bed. It had to be bad if it made him actually come to me for once, stupid lazy Jedi master...
"...what do you want..?" I mumbled closing my eyes again to try and get some further rest. Mace growled beside me which just led me to roll my eyes. Which was a mistake since that very much hurt to do.
"The truth: is (y/n) (y/l/n) really your fiancé?" The man asked in a firm tone with a glare that brunt right through my back. Immediately my eyes widened and I choked on my own breath out of fright. Though it's true nothing scares me and this man is no accepting I knew how worried (y/n) was of our relationship being found up. It was one of the first conditions of us being together, I swore to her no one would ever no. Well yes Padmè found out quickly: then Obi wan...then the girls and the clones. But the council was meant to remain oblivious, that was how we were to stay secure and safe.
This was bad: either I deny it like hell and pray he believes me, or I find a good place to dispose of a dead body.
"W-what?" I internally cursed myself for stuttering as I rolled in the bed to face him again. "She, she's not my fiancé Master Windu, we're, we're just good friends." I spoke though being honest, I wouldn't of believed me. And by the looks of how Mace was still scowling down at me he didn't believe my either. That or the wind changed and his expression was stuck like that for life.
"Then explain this to me." He spoke demandingly picking up something from the side and for a moment I swore he was about to whack my with the newspaper. Thankfully he didn't and instead opened it dramatically before me to show the front page. I squinted and strained to read the letter in bold shouting across the front page.
"...Republics hero to be wed states anonymous source - master you can't seriously believe this? It's obviously just idol gossip," I spoke looking from the page back up to him while thinking of which friend I may have to scold for letting this one slip. My first thought was Fives but even he wasn't this foolish. Maybe I have a crazy stalker to worry about, maybe (y/n) does even. Still I should be thankful this is all he's got. "Seriously master Windu: it's not my fault the papers are obsessed with me." I added feeling a little smug as o relaxed back again and gave him one of the cocky smirks I knew he hated. Sure enough Mace narrowed his eyes and flicked the paper, looking down and thumbing through the pages.
"Then how do you explain this photograph?" He persisted to question flicking open a page. My heart instantly dropped as I saw the hazy but identifiable image of (y/n) and I making out just outside our apartment complex. So that's why you or make out in public. Chewing at my lip I stared at the picture for a good few minutes relishing in the memory but also mentally kicking myself for being so reckless. Slowly pulling my eyes from the picture I trailed them up to meet his and gave a sheepish smile.
"...there was something on her lips..?" I replied in the sarky way I'm sure he was already expecting. Though I didn't think it possible Mace's frown worsened and he gave a low growl, looking at the image with disgust before tossing the paper to the side.
"And down her throat according to the placement of your tongue it would seem," he responded finally stepping back and giving me room to panic in peace. I couldn't help but laugh at his words, it was an incredibly good snog. "This isn't funny Skywalker: in fact you're facing expulsion from the order, now what do you have to say about that?" Mace asked in that same firm commanding way. I lay back and closed my eyes, to tired to deal with this nonsense right now. I just wanted to snuggle up with my sweetheart Angel and darling daughter.
"...great...where do I sign..?" I sighed in response staring up and the ceiling and relishing in the feel of his irritation through the force. It was fun toying with him...even if the nature social security of mine and my loves life was at stake.
"...Hence forth you are suspended from the order: you will be stripped of your rank until a doctor clears you to attend a trial before the entire council, there your fate shall be decided, until then you are confined to this room under guard," he spoke, actually seeming to enjoy hearing the words leaving his mouth. I bet deep down he's feeling pretty smug right now. I listened as he turned and headed for where I had to guess the door was, that's when I had an ideas of how to further irritate him.
"Hey Windu?" I called after him shifting my gaze to catch the back of his head as he stood in the doorframe. I paused as a grin spread across my lips, watching as he looked back over his shoulder. "I've got a kid to." I spoke with a small chuckle, loving the look of shock and disapproval that crossed his face almost immediately after the words left my lips. He swiftly gave a huff after that and marched out the door away from me. I lay there and looked back to the ceiling, chuckling to myself even though this could be the end of my private little live life.
However as soon as the door closed my anxiety heightened. I was worried for (y/n), for what the council may be putting her through during all this. There was no easy way of knowing exactly how long I'd been here, for all I knew, she'd been going through hell for weeks now. Or maybe she was still unconscious, in which case I should be even more concerned.
Groaning I reached up and rubbed my palms over my face before pushing myself up so I was sitting in the hospital bed. A spell of dizziness washed over me but I tried to push it aside and instead reached to the tube in the back of my wrist. Giving a swift tug I pulled it out, wincing at the sting and letting out and annoyed hiss. Next up I detached all the various monitors from across my body, ignoring the machines as they began to bleep wildly thinking I was dying. I rubbed my temples to try and push away the headache, swinging my legs over the edge and ignoring the medical droid as it walked over.
"Just; shut up..." I muttered shoving the machine to the side with the force before pushing myself up from the bed and seeking support from the nearest wall as I stumbled forward. My legs seriously wanted to give out from under me, which led me to assume I'd been out for at least a week. It's going to take some serious gym sessions to work up those muscles again. My knees shaking I looked round for my clothes but didn't see them around so rolling my eyes in frustration I just headed for the door instead, slamming my hand on the open switch before almost falling through as it slid away.
"Whoa easy there general." I heard a familiar voice say as I near blacked out heading towards the floor. Feeling hands grip at my sides I gave a chuckle and shook my head. Of course he'd sign up to guard me.
"Rex...my gods you're a sight for sore eyes." I chuckled while swinging my arm round his shoulders as he helped me stand more steadily upon my own to feet. The man remained close to support me, amour pressed into my side as guided me down the hall. I love how the 501st have adopted my reckless tendencies.
"Well when I heard the news I thought it'd be best before some other commander signed up," he responded while leading me down the hall away from that medical room Mace had said I'd be stuck inside. Idiot, he should know by now my lot's bust me out of anything. "Now: Fives is guarding (y/n) and we've arranged to get the both of you back to your apartment, there's a lot of press around there so we don't think the Jedi council will try tearing you away, not unless they want a very public scene, not mention Senator Amidala's been working on something to get you both off the hook. I'm sure you have nothing to worry about, this'll all be over soon according to her." Rex explained and I couldn't help but grin. These guys always had my back even when I didn't realise I needed it, they were the best brothers a man could wish for. I should've suspected Padme would be on the case, she always seemed to know what to do. Always had a plan opposite to me.
"Wow you're seriously the best Rex: I mean it, I owe you big time for this." I replied as we wandered along towards one of the hospitals back doors, receiving a few funny looks from the passing nurses and doctors. Rex gave a chuckle and pulled a blanket from his shoulder, unwrapping it and pulling it over my shoulders before reaching over and placing his hand on the handle of the door before us.
"Ah: you may want these commander, things are about to get a little busy." He spoke offering me a pair of shades. I furrowed my brows but placed them on all the same, giving a small shrug as I wondered wether he was just joking around with me. Then his pressed down on the doors handle and pushed it open. For a brief moment nothing happened: then it started, the bombarding blazes of flashes and questions, reporters seaming around like vultures in search of a scrap to sell on. It was hard not to smirk, sure I got attention for being a republic hero but never anything this fancy. I'm sure Mace would hate this.
"Wow...well this is new." I chuckled to myself and Red began to guide me past the enthusiastic onlookers and towards a gunship waiting not to far away. All around I began to notice a few other members of the 501st clearing a path and holding back reporters so Rex and I could pass by. Honestly, if I didn't feel like I could collapse any second I probably would've stopped to let them take a few decent pictures, I know (y/n) likes to keep all the best ones in a little box under our bed.
Once on the gunship I reached up and held onto one of the handles, giving the crowd a little salute as we took off. If Mace thought he could ruin my life he had another thing coming, (y/n) and I have the public on hour side, she has to be one of the most loved Jedi in the republic thanks to all the good deeds she's played a part in. I know together we'll get through this, it's just another one of the many bumps in our road. Besides if the Jedi want to win this war they'll need us and the 501st, so if (y/n) still wants to be with them it's simple enough. Plus the Chancellor will have my back.
Arriving at our apartment building Rex and I were faced with a similar crowd to the hospital only this time larger. Luckily our apartment hand a balcony and with a little help I could enter the building that way. That's when I saw her: my heart suddenly as light as air, stunned still in joy as I gazed at her merely seated on the couch flicking through a catalog. Then she noticed my presence and looked up, offering my one of those smiles that shone with delicate star dust. Without saying a word I rushed over and locked my arms around her with a hand to the back of her head, kissing her forehead then trailing light pecks all the way down to her neck. She giggled and reached up to cup my face.
"...am I dreaming?" She asked so softly it just screamed perfection. This woman is my universe no doubts about it.
"No my love, I assure you this is real." I spoke while caressing her cheek with my thumb as I stared into her perfect eyes. She was everything I needed, I didn't care that the whole universe knew, in fact I wanted them to know. I want them to know how much I adore this goddess sat before me.
"Oh Anakin," she squealed with what I can only assume was pure delight, leaping forward and embracing me tightly as though she never wanted to let go. I chuckled and caressed her hair as she lay her head to my chest. "...I'm sorry: I did everything I could but someone must've found the tapes and now-
"Ssh ssh, it's alright my love, so long as you're safe I don't care," I gently hushed, pushing her lightly back by her shoulder so I could gaze into her eyes once more. A smile tugged at my lips again as I stared upon her perfection. "In fact...come with me, I have a statement to make to the press," I spoke having a fun little idea of how to clear up a number of the public's questions about me and my fiancé. She nodded and laced her fingers between mine as we both up, following me back out onto the balcony which was still being guarded by clones. But beyond them lay the drones and speeders of the most note worthy new channels on Coruscant, and far below I could make out a small crowd gathering that must've heard the news. I gave (y/n) a smile before stepping forward into view, hand still holding hers.
"I have a statement to make!" I declared and though my voice was still hoarse I raised it as loud as I could for all to hear. But I had no more words to say, instead once I had their attention I turned to (y/n) and place a hand to the back of her neck. "I love you and only you my Angel." I whispered before crashing my lips down upon hers, ignoring the flash of nearby cameras and instead melted again the soft touch of her lips. As our lips moved in harmony I rose our interlocked hands showing off proudly the pair of engagement rings we both wore to honour our love each and every day.
If we're going down, then we're going down swinging.
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This wasn't planned and yet I LOVE this chapter, hope you guys like it too!