Little Warmth

Her gaze unfocused, she shrank away as Anakin's shadow fell across her, she struggled to take in the appearance of the young Skywalker.

The other Jedi was more intent on flicking switches, twisting dials and adjusting thrust. The result was a tremble of engines beneath her.

Reflexes sharp as ever, Anakin caught her as she attempted to dart past him, catching her wrists in mid-motion. Exerting little effort into steering her toward the safety of padded seating, he let his gaze travel over her for a moment - Robes torn and tattered, faded grey and soiled with dirt, hands scratched and bleeding - she was in a state of shock.

'What's your name?'

No answer.

He tried again 'I'm Anakin. Anakin Skywalker. I'm a Jedi' those glassy hazel eyes were fixed on an invisible point beyond him.

'Anakin. Leave her and help me pilot this ship!'

Headquarters was stationed in the outer rim and, amidst the battle of storms, they landed their craft with great difficulty in harsh sleet and hail. It was at this point that Obi-Wan finally voiced his complaint. 'You could have jeopardized the mission'

'Maybe… but I couldn't leave her'

'She could lead us into more danger… listen to me Anakin. You must learnt to think before you act'

'I made a decision. I have dedicated everything to be of service to the Republic and the council. It would be nice if they backed me up for once'

Obi-Wan drew himself up with a reprimanding look, crossing his arms over his chest as he always did, contemplating his young apprentice. 'You should learn to watch your tongue Anakin. That is another habit that will get you into trouble'.

This was not the first time Anakin had doubted his masters' attitude, and he could not understand why every move he made was met with a voice of extreme caution, it almost made him nervous. Almost.

And speaking of nervousness, it was with a strange sense of awe that he lifted the once again unconscious form of the girl, who seemed to have fainted at some point during their journey, and slung her over his shoulder.

Of course, Obi-Wan had no time for such random observations, yet it was true that he had noticed the strength his apprentice possessed. Many had noticed the blatant masculinity overpowering the boyishly good looks. Particularly Anakin's sworn secret love, the senator of Naboo, the very beautiful and inquisitive Padme Amidala.

Yet Anakin thought of her less and less now, so far away from him, so adamant that their love would ruin them both if found out. Anakin was not one for quiet liaisons, and it was all he could do to remain unnoticed, he could bury his feelings only for the promise of seeing her again - or so he thought. The outer rim was a dark and dense atmosphere, with little warmth or light, and Obi-Wan was sure to keep a distance of formalities with Anakin. For which Anakin resented slightly. Maybe a little more than slightly.

The mechanized door slid open to permit the two Jedi, shutting against the harsh weathering and pitching them in darkness once more. 'She can come with us… I see no harm in keeping an eye on her for tonight' Anakin purposefully strode forward, hastening to lower the girl this time onto a long stretch of padded mattress, standard furnishings being all that was required for the two Jedi.

'She is the one I heard. She called to me-'

'Do not excite yourself Anakin' Obi-Wan shot at witheringly him as he unfolded his own regular mattress, eyeing it with some distaste.

'I know I'm right. I'm pretty-much always right' With that, Anakin resignedly unfolded his own stretch of mattress, complete with plastic covered sheet. He positioned it perhaps closer to the girls' bed than Obi-Wan would have thought acceptable, and flung his over-robe to the floor in such an adolescent gesture that his master was forced to raise an eyebrow. However, in the dimming artificial light, Anakin did not see.

His stomach contracted with the thought of the girl once more, and he allowed himself a small grin as he slid beneath the stale sheets.