~

"It has never truly bothered you?" Anakin asked as you walked next to him on the soft sand of the lakeside. Anakin was very reluctant at first, due to his deep hate for sand. But the twinkle in your eyes from the excitement of a sunset walk on the sand, he gave in and agreed. You both were in another deep conversation. Your left arm was linked with his right as you both walked closely to each other. Your left hand rested on his bicep as your other carried your flats. Anakin refused to take off his shoes. He rather not feel the sand on his skin and deal with it in his shoes instead.

"Nope." you answered. "Nor have I really questioned it if I am being honest."

"Never?" Anakin repeated.

You were discussing with him about being adopted again. You knew he had questions still and you were very open to answering them. You nodded your head to answer his question before speaking.

"I have always known my truth and who I am. That's all I need to know. I could care less about the people who abandoned me." you said as Anakin felt your disgust for the 'parents' who left you.

"Have you ever thought about looking for them?"

"I have my family and friends. A life I am proud of. What more could I want? I don't think I'll find anything if I search for them. If I ever get the need or want to look for them, then I am open to the idea of searching for them. But I don't think that will ever happen."

Anakin nodded his head in understandment. "Well, if that day ever comes, you will have me by your side to help you through it."

You smiled affectionately at him. His heart swelled at your smile and he bashfully looked at his feet. You knew you shouldn't have, but you allowed yourself to lean your head against his arm. His presence was all too soothing and comforting. Anakin smiled at your display of affection as you both continued to walk.

"I know." you replied

~

You found yourself and Anakin in the sunroom of the Lake House, but it was the moon that lit the room. It was growing late and dinner was long over. You and Anakin decided to eat your desserts and tea in the sunroom. The glass roof and huge windows proved enough light into the room. Eventually, the desserts were long forgotten and you were sitting on the white velvet couch with Anakin's head resting in your lap. You subconsciously played with his hair as he did the same. He had reached up and started to twirl his finger around your long Padawan braid that had fallen out of your updo. Anakin started to tell you more about his life before meeting you. After all, it was only fair when he asked you so many questions about your life.

"Then I worked for Watto until I met you all." Anakin finished explaining. He had explained to you how he was born into slavery and he and Shmi were originally owned by Gardulla the Hutt until she lost them to Watto in a pod racing bet. You felt his disgust, almost hatred, for slave owners. You helped ease him into contentment as he proceeded to talk more.

"I've always had extraordinary piloting skills ever since I could remember." Anakin bragged a little.

"I beg to differ." you laughed as Anakin looked up at you and gave you a fake hurt expression. "Ani, you nearly had me and Obi-Wan killed when we were chasing after the assassin."

"But did you though?" Anakin countered playfully. "The key word is nearly, ____."

"Nearly is still close enough, Skywalker." you huffed as you stopped playing with his hair. Anakin smirked at your pout as he reached above his head for your hand. He placed it back where you had it. You couldn't help but smile as you ran your fingers through his hair again.

"You should know, Amidala, that I will never let anything happen to you." Anakin said thoughtfully as you softly laughed.

"I do know, but I would appreciate it if we keep my near death experiences to a minimum." you remarked.

"Heard." Anakin chuckled. A comfortable silence took over as Anakin closed his eyes and took in the moment with you. You smiled down at him, happiness filling your heart.

~

Anakin walked you back to your room. His room was on the opposite end of the hallway from yours. You both stopped in front of your door and you turned to look at him.

"Thank you for today, Ani. This was the most fun, joyous day I have had in a long time." you thanked. But Anakin smiled softly before shaking his head.

"I should be thanking you. You've helped me more than you have known." he replied. You looked up at him with concerned eyes and his smile flattered. You knew something was bothering him, something about his mother. He was deeply troubled by it. But throughout today when you tried to ask, he would brush it off.

"Anakin." you started. "You know you can talk to me about what is troubling you, right? All day today, you have been reassuring me that you are here for me and will protect me. I want you to know it's the same for you. I'll always be here for you and never let anything happen to you."

"Thank you, ____." Anakin answered gratefully.

"But I am okay right now. I promise to come to you if I need to."

Still not convinced, you nodded your head. He was brushing you off again, but you didn't let him feel your disappointment. You knew Anakin trusted you and you trusted that he would come to you. Feeling your unsureness, Anakin pulled you into a hug.

"Truly, I am okay. I promise." he reassured you as you wrapped your arms around him.

"I believe you." you gave in. You released each other and you put your hand on your door knob. "Goodnight, Ani."

"Goodnight, Princess." Anakin said. You could hear the teasing tone in his voice. You playfully rolled your eyes as you lightly hit his chest.

"Anakin, we have been over this. I'm not a princess anymore." you reminded.

"And I've told you, you will always be a princess to me." Anakin said with a small smirk, the one that always makes you a little flustered.

"Goodnight, Anakin." you repeated before opening your door and walking into your room. You knew your cheeks were getting red as you felt them get hot. You turned around and give him one last smile.

"Goodnight." Anakin said gently as you closed the door.

Anakin stood there for a few seconds, making sure you were okay before he returned to his room. It was just something he always did. He wanted to be sure you were safe and didn't need him right away.

But a part of him didn't want to return to his room just yet. He didn't want another night of nightmares to ruin his sleep. He knew he should have been more open to you about it and it hurt you a little that he wasn't. But Anakin didn't want to add to your plate of worries. Anakin let out a soft sigh as he turned around and went back to his room. Perhaps, he would actually get some rest tonight. However, Anakin didn't hold his breath. Despite what the night would bring, tomorrow would come and he wanted to make it as great as today was.