28: I'll Always Be There

The following morning, the room is gently illuminated by the soft morning light as Padmé and Qui-Gon enter, their footsteps quiet. Their eyes fall upon the scene that greets them – Sombra sitting up in bed, her fingers running through Anakin's hair as he sleeps, his head nestled against her shoulder.

A small smile graces Padmé's lips as she looks at the affectionate display. Qui-Gon's expression is one of knowing amusement as he watches the interaction between the two young friends. Sombra's voice breaks the silence, carrying a playful tone as she giggles, "He won't let me go."

Curious, Qui-Gon and Padmé exchange a glance and settle in to observe the situation further. Sombra demonstrates her point, pulling away gently from Anakin's grasp. But even in his slumber, Anakin instinctively reacts, his arms squeezing her as he whines, "No...angel. Don't go."

A warm chuckle escapes Qui-Gon, and Padmé covers her mouth to stifle her laughter. Sombra blushes, her cheeks tinted pink as she leans closer to Anakin. "Goldie, it's time to wake up."

Slowly, Anakin stirs, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal bright blue eyes. Confusion briefly clouds his gaze before recognition sets in, and his lips curl into a sleepy smile. "Angel," he mumbles, his voice still heavy with sleep.

Qui-Gon and Padmé exchange amused glances once more as they watch the exchange. It's clear to them that the bond between Sombra and Anakin runs deep, a connection forged in the Force.

As preparations for the race unfold, the excitement in the air is palpable. Anakin and Sombra eagerly discuss their strategy for the race, pouring over the technical details of the podracer and fine-tuning their plans. They share a camaraderie that goes beyond words, a connection that seems to extend even to their racing partnership.

In a quiet moment, Shmi takes Sombra aside, her eyes warm with affection. She presents a tunic, meticulously crafted in shades of blue and gold, a gesture of care and support. Sombra's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at the beautiful gift, deeply moved by the kindness and motherly warmth that Shmi extended to her.

With Shmi's gentle assistance, Sombra dons the tunic, feeling a mixture of gratitude and a sense of belonging. As she packs up her belongings, folding the robes her father made for her and tucking them into the knapsack, a range of emotions sweep over her. Thoughts of her father fill her mind – the memories of his singing, the comforting moments swaying in his arms, and the love they once shared.

But her heart aches as she remembers the recent events and the rift that has formed between them. She thinks about the Scimitar and their home on Batuu. Her thoughts turn to C-1, her loyal droid companion, and the worry he'll experience when Maul returns without her.

As Sombra traces her fingers over her necklace, a pang of sadness hits her. The horn that once held significant meaning now lies abandoned in the sand somewhere. The weight of the situation overwhelms her, and tears begin to flow down her cheeks. Alone in the room, her emotions spill over, and she allows herself to grieve the loss of the family she once knew, uncertain if she'll ever see her father or her home again.

As Sombra sits alone, overcome by her emotions, she feels a presence approaching. Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her, offering solace and comfort. Anakin's presence envelops her, and he gently wipes her tears away, his voice a soothing balm to her wounded spirit. "Angel? It's okay, don't cry, please. I'm here with you. I promise."

In her despair, she's surprised by the sound of a song, one she knows all too well. Anakin hums the tune that Maul would sing to her, a melody that once brought her comfort and reassurance. She looks at Anakin with wide eyes, a mix of astonishment and wonder.

Anakin continues to hum, his voice steady and tender as he rocks her gently. The weight of her emotions begins to lift, replaced by a sense of comfort. And as the last notes linger in the air, Sombra looks up at Anakin with gratitude. She wipes her eyes and looks at him in astonishment. "How did you know that song?" she asks, her voice trembling with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Anakin shakes his head, his expression genuine. "I don't know the song," he confesses. "But something just told me you needed to hear it. It was in your head and it felt like your heart whispered it to me."

Sombra chuckles softly, amazed by the mysterious ways of the Force. "Well, I'm glad it did," she admits, her voice a whisper.

Curious, Anakin gently asks, "Why were you crying?"

Sombra hesitates for a moment before letting out a sigh. "I had to leave my father to come here," she admits, her voice tinged with sadness. "And... I miss him. I miss home."

Anakin's heart aches for her, their bond making him feel her pain. He looks at her with a determined expression. "I promise, I'll do anything to make you happy," he declares earnestly. "One day, I'll be the best pilot in the galaxy and I'll fly you anywhere yopu want to go."

Sombra's gaze softens as she looks into Anakin's eyes, seeing the sincerity and determination there. A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. "Thank you, Ani," she says softly.

Anakin returns her smile, his gaze is unwavering. "I'll always be here for you, Angel."

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