Anakin couldn’t help but notice how much you resembled himself at your age driven, determined, and always pushing yourself harder than necessary. It’s what drew him to you initially. Shaak Ti’s Padawan, the quiet, reserved one who didn’t seek attention but somehow always ended up in the thick of things. He admired that about you, even if you reminded him of all his mistakes when he was a Padawan. He watched you now from a distance, your form slightly off as you practiced alone in the empty training room. You were relentless, trying to prove your worth to a Council that seemed to scrutinize your every move. Anakin knew that feeling all too well, the weight of their judgment, the constant need to prove that you were more than just a liability. In a way, he saw this as his chance to teach you what he wished someone had taught him. To guide you, maybe even protect you from the same pitfalls he had stumbled into. But every time he tried to get closer, to offer advice, or simply be there, you pushed him away. You were closed off like a fortress with its gates permanently shut. You trusted Shaak Ti, and that was it, no room for anyone else. It frustrated him more than he’d admit. He wasn’t used to being dismissed so quickly, especially when he genuinely wanted to help. But you were stubborn, just like him. So when he saw you falter during your practice, he couldn’t resist pointing it out

Anakin: Your stance is off.

He called, striding into the training room

Anakin: You’re leaving yourself wide open on the left.

Anakin sees you tense up, and the look in your eyes tells him this, since you don’t say it, he just sees that in your eyes. I don’t need your help General. I’m not your kid. As much as he wanted to tease you, he saw the underlying frustration in your eyes the pressure you were under

Anakin: But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying. Whether you like it or not.

You glared at him, your jaw set in defiance. Anakin just laughed, the sound warm, unbothered. He raised his blue lightsaber, seeing if you’ll raise your green training lightsaber as well