A/N: So, hey! I'm still alive and doing things. I know I don't post a lot, but I don't write much anymore either. Between work and double majoring in college and just not having the motivation, I don't often find time to do things like this. Regardless, I seem to be pretty attached to this story and can be pretty certain I'm going to be working on it for a LONG time.

Anyway, I wrote these next, like, six pages several months ago and never got around to posting them. I'd apologize for all the angst if I didn't love it. As usual, thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did! :)

One Month Later

Had it been possible, I would have been back to normal by now. I should have been going out to night clubs, shopping, seeing friends. Instead, I'm in the middle of a desert on Jakku, no civilization for countless miles and my only company is Maul, who usually pretends I'm not there. I've decided to resort to drastic measures.

This morning I found myself waking up with the sun. Instead of sleeping my day away again-naps have become a common passtime-I decided to drag myself out of bed. After a little freshening up, I made my way outside. It was hot, as always, but the breeze was surprisingly cool. As I climbed the dunes, my bare feet pressing into the soft sand, my hair swept into my face and my robe billowed, tripping me up more than once.

When I found Maul he was sitting crosslegged, eyes closed on the highest point for miles. I tried to pretend I wasn't winded as I crawled up next to him.

"So," I spoke softly, as not to startle him, though I'm sure he knew I was there. "What do I do? Clear my mind? Think happy thoughts?" His shoulders slumped slightly and a familiar frown settled on his peaceful face.

"Don't look like that. You won't even know I'm here," I insisted as I mimicked his position and straightened my back as much as possible. Sitting in a rigid position for hours was nothing new to me. Not after so many dinners with political figures of high standing. I just don't see why anyone would choose to do it.

Maul opened his eyes and gave me a sideways look, probably willing me to go back home. I challenged him with a raised eyebrow, which he didn't react to.

"Think nothing," His eyes slid back to the horizon and he squared his shoulders. "Focus on your breathing," He closed his eyes again and I took the opportunity to study him.

Despite the complete lack of excitement, he hadn't changed any. He hadn't relaxed or dropped his guard. He didn't smile or sleep in or skip out on his training. If it weren't so comforting it would be annoying.

I took a deep breath as I cast one last look at the rising sun. It was hard to shut it off. All those thoughts racing through my mind.

This is so boring. What is this even accomplishing?

Remember to breathe. Deep breaths. Think about that. Just that.

I could really use a drink. Something cold and fruity. God, when was the last time a had a drink. I would have had to be before...No, stop. Breathe. Focus.

It took so long to relax. Or at least it felt that way. When nothing is happening five minutes feels like thirty. Eventually, I was only aware of my breathing, the breeze pushing past me, the sand under me, and the sun warming my skin as it rose. The ache in my back reached a peak and then faded as I fell into a sleep-like trance. I became a permanent fixture of the desert, rooted so deeply I could feel it's pulse beat with mine.

A shift in the atmosphere drew me out of it. Opening my eyes took effort and the sun burned my eyes. I blinked hard and turned to look at Maul. He had twisted his body to look at me fully and seemed very tense, like he was ready to jump at a moments notice.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice coming out croaky and underused.

He stared at me for another moment before seeming to relax. "Nothing," He got to his feet and held out a hand for me to take. I didn't believe him. Something important was clearly on his mind. He wasn't the type to do things without reason. Nevertheless, I took his hand and chose to let it be.

"I'll make us something to eat," I decided as I took the lead back to the hut.

"Where are your shoes?" Maul asked, clearly annoyed.

"I don't like shoes," There were very small windows in which I could go barefoot here on Jakku. With the sand burning my feet it was clear that window was closing.