Title: Leaving On A Jet Plane

Genre: Modern AU, Romance/Humor

Rating: T

Characters: [Padme Amidala, Anakin Skywalker]

Synopsis: Anakin Skywalker is traveling to Seattle on a business trip. At the airport, he notices the most beautiful woman he's ever seen ahead of him in line to check-in. What will happen when this mystery woman ends up seated next to him all the way to Seattle?

Author's Notes: (1) More modern Anidala fluff, my fave! I do the best I can to try and research to make my stories seem as realistic as possible, but y'know, Google only can help so far...and then, it's up to imagination! Hey, sometimes, you just gotta make stuff up! And, for those who may not know (and those who may have guessed) this idea came from the song title, 'Leaving On A Jet Plane,' by John Denver. Plus, this is my very first multi-chapter story. So, I'm kinda testing the waters here for some future things I have in mind! Also, I am not British, so I asked a Brit I know for help with Ben's slang, and she delivered! Thanks, Girlfriend! And, I sincerely thank my beta for ALL her incredible help on this one! You Rock, Master Jedi! Happy Reading! :D

(2) Don't own, never will. I just play here.

(3) Any reference or inference to/of real individuals or specific circumstances or similarities to other fan fiction storylines is entirely unintentional.

(4) Characters may be OC. No flaming, please.

Chapter 1

*~o0o~*

It was Wednesday. It was drizzling rain. It was 6:35 in the morning, and already traffic was horrible heading for the airport. Why me?, he thought with resignation. Well, at least he wasn't having to drive himself this time. Ben had, thankfully, offered to pick him up at his apartment building and drop him off at Logan Airport this morning on his drive into the office. Saves me a cab ride at least, he smirked, trying to find some humor in this situation. It didn't work. Damn, I need coffee. But, sadly, they hadn't had time to swing by Starbucks, if he wanted to get to the airport with enough time to check-in and get through security. Figures.

And, it was so friggin' early in the morning, dammit!

His nonstop flight to Seattle was due to depart at 9:15 am. He wasn't even supposed to go on this trip; Ahsoka was. But, at the last minute, she'd come down with the flu, and so their boss, Qui-Gon Jinn (the firm's CEO), had asked that either he or Ben fly out for the second round of meetings with their client. Unfortunately (for him), Ben's tenth wedding anniversary was this weekend, and he and his wife, Satine, already had plans to go out of town for a romantic getaway...which left Anakin to the unexpected travel task. He grimaced, rolling his head to look out the front passenger window of Ben's car. Anakin didn't know why he wasn't looking forward to this trip. Well, actually, he sorta did. He just didn't want to admit it. At least, not out loud. It was pathetic, he knew, but no sense in trying to deny it. Privately, anyway.

Simply put: He had no life.

And, it was depressing as hell to think about. Traveling alone to Seattle on business (even though it was a really cool place to visit, he had to admit) wasn't going to miraculously perk him up. With Ben and Satine privately celebrating their anniversary this weekend, Ahsoka in bed sick, Rex and Cody back home in Australia for a month to visit their family, Kit and his girlfriend, Aayla, off on a Caribbean cruise, Kitster down in Florida doing the whole Disney / Universal Orlando thing with his family, and Qui-Gon and his wife traveling to Cape Cod for a few days, Anakin was left at loose ends with literally nothing else to do this weekend but his laundry. He didn't want to go to the movies by himself, he disliked shopping in general, and he had no one to play pickup basketball with at the gym or hit the links with for a round of golf either. So, really, this trip gives me something to do this weekend at least, he smirked wryly. Even his mother, Shmi, and stepfather, Cliegg, were in central Massachusetts visiting his stepbrother Owen and his wife, Beru, at their family's apple orchard and wouldn't be back until a week from Saturday. So, that axed going to their house for a visit.

And, worst of all, he didn't even have a girlfriend. Or a wife. Not even an ex-wife.

Nope, all alone...Loser, he berated himself with a grimace.

Of course, after the disastrous ending of his last relationship, he'd not been too keen to just jump back into the whole dating scene anyway, no matter how much his mother and his friends had encouraged him to do so. Yeah, just 'get back in the saddle' my ass! Besides, it all seemed too forced, too...artificial...nowadays, and the club scene was nothing but one giant meat market from what he could tell.

No, thank you!

Anakin sighed. Is there something wrong with me?, he wondered for about the gazillionth time in the past few months. After all, his last girlfriend had just up and unceremoniously dumped him without an explanation, and he hadn't heard a peep from her in more than six months, and his girlfriend before that, he'd found out, had been cheating on him the entire time they were together (which thankfully wasn't all that long).

I'm twenty-six, exceptionally smart with dual college degrees, witty, athletic, have a great job and an amazing sense of humor, and Ahsoka's always telling me I'm 'gorgeously hot.' So, what gives? Why can't I find an honest, caring, intelligent woman who will love and appreciate me for who I am? That's what I want...a loving, committed, permanent relationship. Is that too much to ask?

Hmm. Maybe so.

Frowning at his internal musings, Anakin was jolted to the present when Ben suddenly slammed on the brakes and started cursing at the driver in front of him, "Awww, bloody hell! Come on! You could've made that light, you idiot!" Anakin had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing. When Ben was stressed, his British accent (slang and all) tended to become a bit more pronounced, which never failed to amuse him.

"Well, guess it's a good thing we didn't have time to stop at Starbucks after all, especially with you driving like that," Anakin couldn't help but tease his friend. Ben rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, making Anakin snicker even harder. "And, obviously, I'm not the only one grumpy from being java-less this morning!" Ben slowly turned his head and shot his best friend a glare. Nonplussed, Anakin simply grinned all the wider.

"Hey, not my bad! That idiot," Ben huffed, pointing with his right index finger at the car in front of them in traffic, "could've made that light! I thought they were going to make it. Then he ups and slams on his brakes at the last minute! Dammit! Honestly, some people just don't know how to drive!"

"Present company included," Anakin quipped with a tip of his head and an arch of one brow, earning him a withering scowl from Ben. Anakin just smirked and shook his head as the light changed to green, and they began to move forward again with the flow of traffic. Turning his head to stare out the window, he started to sink back into his own thoughts when Ben spoke up suddenly.

"Listen, Anakin...Thanks for taking this trip for me. Satine would've been crushed if we'd had to cancel our plans at the last minute. I really appreciate this, my friend."

Nodding absently, Anakin shrugged, "Hey, I don't mind...It's not like I had anything better to do anyway." He winced at the note of bitterness he heard in his own voice. Ben snuck a quick glance at his best friend and sighed.

"Anakin, look...I know it's been...rough...for you the last eighteen months, but try to look at the positives in all this. Neither of those women were right for you. They didn't love you. Be glad you're not stuck in either of those toxic relationships. Trust me. You'd have been miserable."

Anakin tilted his head back against the headrest and sighed, setting his right elbow against the window ledge of the car door and bracing his forehead with his hand. "I know, Ben...I just…," he fell silent and wondered for a moment if he dared voice his own concerns, but then realized, this was the perfect opportunity to seek some much needed advice, man to man, from his very happily married best friend. "...I just wonder sometimes if there's something wrong with me, y'know? Like...Are my expectations too high? Or my standards? Am I even man enough to capture a woman's heart...let alone keep it for the rest of our lives?...I mean, yeah, I've been told ad nauseam that I'm charming and funny, and that I'm 'hot'...I've even been told how great I am in…"

"Don't finish that sentence. Please."

"Come on, Ben! I'm being serious here! I don't know what else to do! I refuse to do Tinder or any of those other online dating sites. I'm not a clubber...I feel like a piece of meat on display in those places and all the women want is a night in the sack. It's so...Ugh! I don't want just sex! I'm not a twenty-year-old in college anymore! I've been there, done that. I mean...I'm ready to settle down now. Move on with the rest of my life. Y'know?...It's time for me to start thinking about finding a wife and having a family to raise. But, it's so hard out there! It's gotten so bad in the last...oh, three months or so, that just about every woman I see who looks to be between twenty-one and say...forty...I check her ring finger first! Automatic! That's like...pathetic!," he whined in exasperation.

Frowning, his voice dropped to a near whisper when he voiced his real fear, "I sometimes wonder if I'm just meant to be alone for the rest of my life, y'know. That I'll never find 'The One,' because she's not really real. That true love is nothing but a fantasy that's meant for other people to have and to hold and not me."

Ben pursed his lips and nodded in sympathy, "I agree. Finding that one special woman is a daunting task in this world. One could even compare it to that old adage about a 'needle in a haystack,' but the flip side to that coin, my friend, is that there really is a needle in said haystack...just like there really is that one special woman for you out there somewhere, Anakin. Don't lose hope. You'll find her. Just be patient."

Anakin sighed in frustration, "Patience isn't one of my strong suits, Ben. You know that."

Ben smirked, "You're telling me. Anakin, love isn't something you can just...run out to the grocery store and pick up like you would a steak for tonight's dinner. You can't rush it."

"So says the man who's been happily married to the love of his life for ten years now."

Shaking his head in amusement, Ben signaled and turned off on the exit headed for the airport entrance. "I'm going to give you some very sound advice, my friend. But, you might find it a bit...radical."

"What's that?"

"Stop looking."

Anakin furrowed his brows and cast Ben a bewildered look, "Stop looking? Did you just say, "Stop looking?!"

"Yes, I did. Ever heard the old saying that "a watched pot never boils?"

Anakin nodded his head slowly, wondering what his friend's cliched point was. Ben nodded and continued, "Well, love is like that pot. My mother-in-law used to tell Satine and her sister, "If you look for love, it will flee from you. When you stop looking and wait for it, then it will come looking for you."

"Huh."

"Yep. So, my point is this...Enjoy your life as it is now. Focus on being happy today...and then let love and fate do the rest. Make a conscious decision to stop looking for love, and I guarantee you, my friend, that it won't be long at all before love comes along looking for you, bringing the future Mrs. Skywalker with it, and knocks you flat." Ben shot a pointed look at his friend.

Anakin considered his friend's advice, "And, you really think that'll work?" His look was skeptical.

"Sure do. That's what Satine did...and two weeks after she decided to stop looking for 'Mr. Right,' she and I met, quite by accident, too...and six months later, we were married. Trust me, Anakin. I'm living proof of that which I speak."

Anakin nodded and sighed, "Alright. Fine. I'll do it...Starting now, I'll stop looking. I mean, nothing else has worked. So, maybe a radical approach is what I need."

Ben chuckled but nodded his head, "Good plan."

As they pulled up to the front curb of Terminal C five minutes later, Ben held out his right hand for Anakin to shake, "Good luck with all the meetings. Have a safe trip. Qui-Gon's going to pick you up on Monday when you return. Remember what I said. Stop looking! Let love come to you. I'll see you Tuesday."

"Thanks for everything, Ben. I'll text you Monday and let you know how the meetings went. By the way, Happy Anniversary. Give my love to Satine. I'll see you Tuesday." Ben nodded as Anakin shook his hand, got out of the car, and opened the back passenger door to get his luggage. Anakin then watched for a moment as Ben pulled away from the curb before he turned and entered the terminal to get checked in for his flight.

There was already a rather long line waiting to check-in. Sighing, he headed for the back of the line to wait his turn. Glancing around, he noticed the flight board. Good. My flight's showing on time. Looking at the wrapped line moving slowly but steadily forward, he figured he would still have time to stop and grab a cup of coffee and maybe a quick breakfast sandwich on the way to his departure gate before his flight.

"...Last call for Jet Blue Flight 133, departure gate C9, nonstop service to San Francisco…"

Heaving a sigh, Anakin absently listened to the announcements droning over the intercom while he moved forward in line. As he rounded the first turn in the passenger queue directly behind an elderly couple who were arguing about whether or not they had left their garage door unlocked, he scanned the line of passengers ahead of him, and his breath suddenly caught in his chest, his eyes widened, and his mouth fell open.

There in line about fifteen people in front of him was the single most stunningly beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life! Petite with flawless creamy skin and pink luscious looking lips, her long, curly, dark mahogany tresses were pulled back into a simple high ponytail. She had the most incredible brown eyes…they looked like liquid pools of melted dark chocolate framed by thick sweeping lashes. She had an alluringly feminine figure, casually dressed for her plane trip in dark blue straight leg jeans with a black leather belt, a pair of white and light blue New Balance sneakers on her feet, a light blue, gauzy, buttoned up collared shirt with the top three buttons undone and a white t-shirt underneath tucked into her jeans paired with a fitted navy blue jacket. Despite the casual look of her outfit, she carried herself with an easy elegance and poise that was clearly discernible from where he stood. Anakin was immediately intrigued.

All he could do was watch her in surprised awe as she maneuvered her medium sized, burgundy rolling suitcase forward in line. She was carrying a matching burgundy leather computer bag over her shoulder along with an expensive looking black leather purse. She had her phone out and appeared to be texting someone. Probably her boyfriend or her husband. The random thought soured his mood immediately for some reason, especially when he couldn't get a clear enough view to see if she wore an engagement or wedding ring. Hey! Stop that, SkyGuy! You agreed to stop looking! He sighed but continued to watch her move forward in line over the next ten minutes, his masculine instincts admiring the view immensely. When she finally approached one of the agents at the ticket counter, he felt his stomach lurch with nervous excitement as a smile graced her features. He was shocked when he felt an immediate corresponding desire to kiss her senseless nearly overwhelm him.

Whoa, SkyGuy! She's a random total stranger, and she's leaving on a jet plane to head off to who knows where! You'll probably never see her again. So, chill out! You just told Ben you'd stop looking!

Yeah, he'd told Ben he'd try his radical approach, but that was before he'd laid eyes on her! Of course, it was just his luck that the single most beautiful woman on the planet was right in front of him...and about to fly away into the wild blue yonder, never to be seen by him again.

Honestly, sometimes life just sucked.

Positive that both love and fate were laughing their heads off at him, all he could do was watch dejectedly as Ms. Beautiful Beyond Words to Describe walked away from the counter - and him - headed toward the line for security. Well, there she goes. Back to not looking, I guess, he thought with a shake of his head and a wry twist of his lips. He finally made his way up to the counter ten minutes later after the arguing elderly couple had checked in for their trip to San Diego to visit their son (which he overheard them tell the ticket agent). He smirked. He was secretly thankful they weren't going to Seattle.

With his own bags now checked, Anakin noted his seat assignment for his flight, seat 8E, as he headed for security. Frowning, he was annoyed, as this was a middle seat. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, he had rather long legs, and he'd asked the agent if there were any aisle seats open, but the agent had said the flight was heavily booked and no aisle seats were available but that this particular row did provide extra leg room.

Well, it'll have to do, I guess.

He slowly made his way through the backlogged line at security, and when he'd finally made it through, he swept his gaze around the terminal but was disappointed to realize the beautiful woman was nowhere in sight. Dammit! Shifting his small computer bag more comfortably on his shoulder, he set off down the hallway toward his departure gate, C32. Glancing at the signs overhead, he noticed there was a Starbucks up ahead on the left. Yes! Coffee! Perfect! He quickened his pace, arriving at the coffeehouse and getting in line. It was busy, but the smell of the coffee was like a soothing balm to his rattled nerves this morning.

When he reached the front of the line, he smiled kindly at the barista and ordered his usual Grande dark roast black plus two of the hot ham and cheese croissants and one cream cheese danish. Paying for his order, he waited about five minutes and was then quickly on his way with his coffee and food in hand, heading to the end of the hallway and then turning left for his gate, which was at the far end of the terminal. Finding an empty seat in the departure lounge near the window, he settled down to eat his sandwiches and sip his coffee while perusing the news on his phone. He put his cheese danish inside one of the pockets in his computer bag for later. He also pulled out his Ipod and popped his earbuds in his ears, turning on a shuffled playlist of several of his favorite artists.

After finishing his food and coffee, he turned off his Ipod and put it away, then checked his email and idly watched some clips on ESPN on his phone while he waited another thirty minutes before the gate agents announced boarding for his flight. Then, he texted his mom to let her know he was checked in and about to board while ignoring the crowds that jumped up and rushed to try and board the plane first. Assigned a middle seat, he wasn't that keen to rush on board.

So, he hung back, waiting for the crowd to thin out somewhat. Finally, he moved to the gate after the third boarding call and walked up the enclosed ramp to board the plane. Making his way onto the aircraft, he maneuvered down the aisle to his section of seating. When he arrived at row 8, he stopped short in his tracks, his feet frozen on the spot, shock ricocheting through his whole body...For there, sitting in seat 8D (next to his assigned middle seat 8E), in the aisle seat he'd wanted, was none other than Ms. Beautiful Beyond Words to Describe!

As she lifted her head up to look at him, he felt his heart begin hammering in his chest, and he swallowed nervously. Suddenly, she bestowed on him the most breathtaking smile he'd ever seen, and his lungs stopped working and his brain ceased functioning normally. Immediately, one thought crystallized in his consciousness...

Holy Shit! Maybe Ben's radical idea really worked!

"I'm sorry. Are you sitting in this row?"

Wait, what? For a moment, Anakin could do nothing but blink at her. His mind hadn't resumed functioning since he'd come to a halt beside row 8, and found the woman from the terminal, the woman of his dreams, sitting there smiling up at him. Staring at her, he watched dumbfounded as a quizzical look crossed her lovely features.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Jolting from his stupor, Anakin shook his head, "Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry." He noticed his voice sounded husky and breathless, and he briefly wet his lips but still found his feet rooted to the spot, unable to move. He continued to stare at her, completely oblivious to the last passengers waiting patiently in line behind him in the aisle to get to their seats. Grinning up at him, her eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Uhm, I think you should probably sit down then. You're causing a bit of a traffic jam here," she nodded her head toward the front of the plane and pointed to the people lined up behind him. "After all, we don't want to mess with the airlines' schedules and get out of here late because your feet are glued to the floor." Her nose wrinkled in the most adorable fashion, as she chuckled softly at her own joke.

Anakin felt warmth flood his face and knew he was blushing, which, he noticed, made her grin even wider. Perfect! She probably thinks I'm an idiot now. Nodding his head, he quickly put his computer bag in the overhead storage bin and then motioned toward the middle seat. "Sorry, but I'm in the middle seat." There was an elderly gentleman sitting in the window seat already. Nice. I'm going to be squeezed in here like a sardine. He forced a small smile and waited politely for her to move to allow him to sit down.

"Oh, sure. Sorry. Just a sec," she quickly stood up and moved into the aisle in front of him to allow him to maneuver into the row and plop down in the middle seat. She then moved back into her own aisle seat, allowing the last of the straggling passengers to proceed down the aisle toward their own seats further back on the plane. As soon as he sat down, Anakin couldn't help thinking the ticket agent had somehow misled him about the extra leg room on this row.

Yeah, 'extra leg room' my foot!

Glancing over at him, a frown suddenly marred the woman's lovely features. She was looking at his long legs, which were scrunched up in a rather uncomfortable position, knees almost touching the seat back in front of him. Sweeping her eyes further upward, she noticed him shifting in his seat, trying (unsuccessfully) to find a more comfortable position. Tilting her head, her eyes softened with a look of compassion, and she bit her lip for a moment before she quietly spoke, shocking Anakin with her friendly offer.

"That looks really uncomfortable. Why don't we switch seats?"

Anakin whipped his head around, gaping at her in surprise. He blinked and opened and closed his mouth several times before wetting his lips again, and speaking softly, "Really? You don't mind?" He felt a warm fuzzy feeling permeate him as she quickly nodded her head and offered him a soft smile and a half-shrug.

"Sure. I mean, you're so tall you obviously need the extra leg room that someone like me who is, uh, more vertically challenged, shall we say," Anakin couldn't help but grin at her comment, "really doesn't need, y'know." She grinned back at him. Gazing into her warm brown eyes, now froth with mirth, he found himself thinking he could drown in those dark orbs and die a happy man.

Anakin nodded his head in agreement, gratitude written all over his face, "Well thanks! Me and my legs appreciate it."

She offered him another dazzling smile as she stood up and stepped into the aisle to allow him to stand up and move into the aisle himself before she scooted back into their row and plopped down in the middle seat. As Anakin gratefully sank into the aisle seat and stretched his legs out straighter on a sigh of relief, they exchanged a grin, and his own eyes twinkled in amusement when she pointed to her own legs, now kicking up and down in front of her seat with plenty of room between her seat and the one in front of her. "See," she looked at him, eyes wide and sparkling, and whispered conspiratorially, like they were in on some private secret only they two knew, "No scrunched knees!" She raised her eyebrows and beamed at him, causing him to smirk.

"So, I see. Good thing you're vertically challenged, like you said." Anakin pursed his lips and arched his eyebrows almost comically, and she burst into giggles. He thought her laughter was the most beautifully melodic sound he'd ever heard in his life. He suddenly had the insane thought that he'd like to make her laugh just like that everyday forever.

Anakin softly cleared his throat, smirked, and raised his eyebrows questioningly, "Y'know, normally, it's the knight who's supposed to come to the rescue of the fair damsel in distress, but it seems the reverse is true in this instance. Milady, may I ask the name of my rescuer?" He held out his right hand toward her, palm up, in a friendly gesture. He was rewarded with another burst of soft tinkling laughter and sparkling eyes before he felt the weight of her tiny hand placed in his own much larger one. When their skin touched, he felt all tingly, like tendrils of electricity had raced up his arm, and he had to stifle a gasp.

"Sure. My name's Padme Amidala. What's yours?"

"Skywalker...Anakin Skywalker."

"Well, Knight Skywalker, I am pleased to meet you...and to have rescued you from such a tight spot! "

Anakin couldn't help chuckling as they shook hands. Honestly, she had an amazingly quick wit, which he found incredibly refreshing. I think this flight might turn out to be fun after all, he thought as he released her hand (rather reluctantly). They each fastened their seatbelts and turned their attention to the flight attendants in the aisle demonstrating the safety procedures that were being delivered over the intercom, as their plane backed away from the gate and began making its way toward the runway for takeoff.

They sat in relative silence for awhile, but twenty minutes after takeoff, Anakin turned to her and asked, "So, Padme...You live in Boston? Or, are you from Seattle?" He found himself hoping she lived in Boston, but managed to show only mild curiosity in his gaze.

She smiled, "Boston. I live in East Cambridge now, just a few blocks from the river. What about you?"

Smiling at the surprising surge of elation he felt that she didn't live all that far from him, he replied, "I was born in Boston but raised on my stepfather's apple orchard in central Massachusetts, out near South Lancaster. I live in the Back Bay area now."

Another radiant smile graced her lips, "Back Bay, huh? That's not too far from East Cambridge either. So, what takes you to Seattle today, Anakin? Business or pleasure?"

"Business. You?"

"Same. So, what do you do?"

"I'm a mechanical engineer at Jinn Engineering. You?"

"Impressive," She pursed her lips and nodded her head, a look of admiration on her face, "I'm in PR in the Boston mayor's office. I'm meeting with my counterparts in Seattle to coordinate a few things between our respective cities."

"Nice. How long you staying?"

"Till Monday. You?"

"Same here. Monday. Ever been to Seattle before?"

"Nope. Closest I've ever been is watching 'Sleepless in Seattle'," she grinned, and Anakin laughed, before she asked him, "What about you? Is this your first trip to Seattle?"

Anakin shook his head, "No. My second. Both times for business, but it's the first time I'll be able to go sightseeing." He watched her nod her head and couldn't resist glancing at her left hand. No rings! Good! Still, that didn't necessarily have to mean anything. Best to find out, promise to Ben or not. Swallowing, he decided to test the waters a little and ventured to ask, "So, Padme...Where you staying this trip?" He watched her closely for her reaction, hoping he wasn't being too pushy or nosy.

"Oh...At the Executive Hotel Pacific downtown. Are you staying downtown, too?" She smiled kindly at him, her expression open and friendly.

"Yeah...The Crowne Plaza. Y'know, that's not too far from your hotel...Uhm, how 'bout sharing a cab downtown? We could split the cost if you want. That'd be easier - and cheaper - than gettin' our own taxis. We could drop you off first. Whatcha think?" He found he really wanted her to agree with his suggestion, but still managed to appear nonchalant. I don't want to freak her out, make her think I'm some kinda weirdo or something.

She tilted her head, bit her bottom lip, inhaled deeply and looked up at the ceiling for a moment, considering his offer. Then, she turned and beamed at him, "Sure. That'd work. Thanks."

"No problem."

"So, mechanical engineering. You must be some kinda math whiz, huh?"

"Yeah, guess so,' he shrugged. "I was always really good at math and science in school, and I liked fixing things, y'know? Trying to figure out how things worked. So, it seemed like the best field of study for me. I've got a secondary degree in Physics as well."

"What school'd you go to?"

"MIT. And, you? What's your degree in?"

He watched her eyes widen and a look of near awe crossed her face, and she let out a low whistle, "Wow! That's amazing!" He beamed at her, a warm fluttery feeling settling in his chest at her praise. "I did a double major, political science and communications at Harvard."

This time, he was the one in awe. Harvard? Cool! She was obviously as intelligent as she was witty. He liked that. He liked it a lot. "Wow yourself! A double major? That's an amazing accomplishment...and Harvard.Very nice." She blushed and gave him a soft smile, ducking her head at his own praise. Just as he was thinking that he couldn't believe they'd never crossed paths before now, she changed the subject.

"So, you mentioned sightseeing this trip. Whatcha wanna see?"

"Oh, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market. Maybe take a cruise round the harbor. I really wanna see if the Mariners are playing at home. If so, I'd like to go see a game. What about you? Got any free time to sightsee this trip?" For some reason, Anakin really hoped she did.

She smiled, "Well, I'm free Sunday. So, maybe then. Shame I'm solo this trip, though. Sightseeing alone isn't the most fun in the world." She tilted her head back against the headrest and sighed.

Anakin nodded his head in understanding but felt his pulse speed up just a little bit all the same. It sounds like maybe she'd like some company, and I'm free on Sunday. Hmm...I wonder...Taking a deep breath, he fought back a wave of nerves (and momentary nausea. Honestly, those weren't butterflies in his stomach...It felt more like a swarm of killer bees maybe) and decided to broach the subject. "Well, I'm free Sunday...Want some company?...I mean, that is...if your husband or boyfriend wouldn't mind." He tried to sound like it was no big deal, but he was really afraid he sounded more desperate than anything...and it wasn't helped, he knew, by the flood of warmth he felt in his cheeks. Still, when he flicked his gaze up to hers, he was pleased to see a friendly smile on her face...and in her eyes. Not only that, but she was actually blushing!

"Oh, I'm single. No boyfriend or hubby back home to get jealous." Her smile widened in genuine amusement, and then she quirked an eyebrow at him and dryly said, "What about you? If I join you on Sunday, will any screaming banshees be baying for my blood back in Boston?" Anakin felt his heart start to race in his chest.

She's single!

Still, Anakin's face reddened even more, as he shook his head. "Nope. I'm single. Don't worry. You're safe. No female assassins will be after you on my account." He was relieved when they both started to laugh, and the look they exchanged was somewhat shy and almost endearing before he continued speaking in a rush, "But, that's great then! Wait, uh...Sorry, I just meant, great that you're free on Sunday...Not that you're single...I mean, I guess I'm glad that you're single...and free on Sunday...but, I mean, certainly if you'd prefer to be married or in a relationship, then I'm sorry you're not, of course, but…" he trailed off, his face flaming from his embarrassed stuttering, feeling like a total idiot.

Way to go, Dumbass! She basically agrees to spend Sunday with you and what do you do? Open mouth and insert foot. Smooth, reaaaal smooth.

He nervously reached up and raked his hand through his hair and let out a huge sigh. Shaking his head, he opened his mouth to apologize for his stammering when he felt her gently touch his forearm. Looking up quickly, he noticed the most adorable grin on her face and her eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's okay. I know what you meant. Listen, I hope this isn't too forward or makes you uncomfortable, since we've just met, but would you like to exchange numbers? It'd make sense keeping in touch, right? To set up times and things for Sunday?" Her cheeks faintly pink, she arched her eyebrows questioningly and waited for his response.

She's asking for my number? Really? Yeah, Baby!

He smiled and nodded his head calmly, betraying none of the excitement that had exploded in his gut at her suggestion, "Sure. Good idea. We can text or call or whatever." She beamed at him and then pulled her phone out of her purse, thumbed open her contacts, and went to hand him her phone, taking his at the same time. They each typed in their contact info and saved it, then handed their respective phones back to each other with another smile.

"You mentioned a Mariners game. I take it you like baseball then," she said, as she put her phone back in her purse.

Anakin nodded and grinned, "Yeah. I like most sports, actually. Typical guy, I guess. ESPN's in my blood. You like sports?"

"Well, I'm not crazy about basketball, but I like baseball, football, and hockey."

Anakin arched his eyebrows in surprise, "You like hockey?! Really?"

Padme smirked, "Sure do. Love the Bruins. Why's that so surprising?"

He pursed his lips and shrugged, "Dunno…It's just such a violent game at times, really rough, y'know. I just wouldn't have expected that. But, you like football and baseball, too? Cool. Got any favorite teams?"

"But, of course! Hometown girl! I pull for the Patriots and the Red Sox. What're your favorite teams?"

"Same as you. But, I'm also into basketball and pull for the Celtics, of course." Anakin felt a little thrill of delight sweep through him at her disclosure. They shared a love of sports...and pulled for the same teams apparently! He'd never met a woman before who really shared his passion for sports. Mentally, he started a running tab. Check 1: Beautiful; Check 2: Highly intelligent; Check 3: Quick witted and funny; Check 4: Compassionate and selfless; Check 5: Likes sports…This is good!

Pros 5, Cons 0.

Then, she knocked him for a loop.

"Nice. Y'know, when we get back home, would you like to go to a game sometime? My dad gets season tickets for the Bruins and the Celtics every year; though, I only go to the Bruins games."

Anakin's jaw gaped open just a little bit. This was progressing so much better than even he'd hoped when he sat down next to her. "Sure! That'd be awesome! Thanks!" He practically bounced in his chair, he was so giddy with excitement, both from the invitation...and, more importantly, the woman doing the inviting. He could feel his attraction to her already beginning to blossom and grow and strengthen. He hadn't felt like this in...well, never, if he was honest.

She chuckled again. "No problem. Honestly, Dad'll enjoy having an extra guy to go with him. Usually, he takes either my brother-in-law or his next door neighbor to the Celtics games...doing that male bonding thing, y'know, but normally, he has to drag my mom to get her to go...and both my sister and I just outright refuse." She shook her head, "I don't watch basketball on TV, so forget me going to watch it in person!" Padme rolled her eyes and scrunched her face up in mock disgust, causing Anakin to burst into laughter. As he did so, he noticed a soft smile and a thoughtful look suddenly cross her features.

Then, she started to snicker, and she shook her head, putting her hand over her mouth for a moment as she looked over at him, merriment dancing in her eyes.

"Alright, what is it? What's so funny?" He couldn't help smirking at her obvious amusement.

"I dunno...It's just...has anyone ever told you that you kinda look like that actor...what's his name?...the tall hunky one from that movie, 'Jumper?' Because you really sorta do, y'know."

Anakin couldn't hold back a bark of laughter at that comment, "Oh, I think I know who you're talking about, and uhm, no, actually. You're the first, but you've got it all wrong," he smiled slyly as she gave him a questioning look.

"Oh, really? How so?"

"He actually favors me...but, even so, I am still way better looking than him any day," Anakin sighed dramatically with a roll of his eyes, as if to say his statement was the most obvious fact in the world. He watched with delight as her face lit up with a grin a mile wide, her shoulders shaking with silent laughter, and his own corresponding grin turned positively wolfish.

"Sorry! My bad!"

"You're forgiven. I realize you're just star struck," he shrugged nonchalantly.

More gurgles of tinkling laughter met his statement, and she shook her head again before she gasped out, "Can I have your autograph?" She turned her head toward him and actually batted her eyelashes at him! The minx!

His grin feral, his eyes dancing merrily, his reply was smooth as melted butter, "You don't need it. You've already got something better."

Arching her brows in mock surprise, she smirked, "And, what's that?"

He winked at her. "My number."

They simply stared at each other for a charged moment before they each burst into laughter, much to the vocalized annoyance of the peeved elderly gentleman in seat 8F by the window. He shot them a glare through his horn-rimmed glasses, "Hey, can you two keep it down, please? You've been talking nonstop since you sat down, and I'd like to watch this movie in peace, if you don't mind!"

Their heads whipped round to stare at the man, whose face was pinched in an annoyed grimace, before they each mumbled an apology, which the man nodded at sharply and then put his earphones back on and turned his attention back to the screen in front of him. Anakin and Padme slowly turned to look at each other, eyebrows raised, lips twitching and a look of oops!, on their faces before silent laughter shook them both.

The rest of their flight passed uneventfully, as they continued to talk and get to know one another. They chatted all through lunch, and Anakin had kindly gotten out his leftover cheese danish from earlier that morning and split it with her during their meal. Honestly, he couldn't remember the last time he'd enjoyed himself this much in a conversation. It was as refreshing as a summer rain shower! They were so engrossed in their discussion, they didn't even bother watching the movies available for viewing or listen to any music. Anakin was beyond delighted to discover they shared common interests in more than just sports; though, they did get into a very robust discourse about the upcoming NHL hockey season and the Bruins' chances for making the playoffs this year, which whetted his appetite for her game invite even more. Especially if she is coming, too!

The longer the flight went on, the more Anakin was attracted to Padme. They shared a love of music, including liking many of the same artists. She played piano; he played guitar. She had been in the choral group in high school and sang soprano; he couldn't carry a tune vocally if his life depended on it ("I only sing in the shower," he declared, as she snorted). They both liked movies and enjoyed a wide variety of genres; though, he admittedly enjoyed a good horror flick once in awhile, which she found appalling, and her penchant for political thrillers made him grimace and gag in mock disgust. They talked about their family backgrounds and discovered they each shared a strong bond with their respective families. And, with each passing mile, Anakin grew more and more impressed with her, and his mental tally continued to mount. Check, Check, Check! ...This keeps getting better 'n better!

Pros 10, Cons 0

They discovered they liked the same types of food, especially Italian and Mexican cuisine ("Do you speak Italian or Spanish?," she asked; his reply: "Do the words 'Chef Boyardee' and 'Taco Bell' count?" ). She loved to cook and bake, having learned from her grandmother and mother growing up; he couldn't cook worth a diddle and ate takeout most of the time ("But, I can boil water...I think," he'd jovially stated, much to her amusement). Both drove a Toyota vehicle (she a Camry; he a Highlander), and they both loved to travel; although, Anakin's rather sheepish revelation had left her nearly speechless...

"Are you serious? For real?," Her face basically was one of amused shock, as it were, eyes wide, mouth agape, and trying hard to hold in her laughter. "You're kidding me, right?"

"Nope. Not kidding. I really don't like it."

"How can you hate sand of all things?!"

Anakin blushed slightly and shrugged, his reply one of mild defensiveness,"Hey, it's gritty and abrasive, and it gets everywhere."

She just gaped at him for a moment, then started to chortle, "Well, no building sandcastles for you then! Engineer or not! Man, that's too funny!" She had to cover her mouth with her palm to try and stifle it, casting a quick glance toward their ornery elderly seatmate to make sure she hadn't disturbed him from the nap he was now taking. Anakin just smirked and rolled his eyes at her, his blush deepening. Once she managed to stop giggling, she couldn't help asking, "So, if you don't like sand, then I take it you're not much into water sports either, huh? I mean... Do you swim or water ski or anything like that?" She tilted her head back against her seat and watched him, her gaze genuinely curious.

"Well, I've never been water skiing, but I did go jet skiing and windsurfing once while I was in college. Some of my buddies and I went down to Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break our senior year, and I got to try those then. It was fun. And, yeah, I like swimming. It's good exercise. What about you?"

"Oh, I love the water! My family has a beach house in Harwich, out on Cape Cod. So, I grew up spending tons of time at the beach, especially in the summer. I also swam competitively in middle and high school."

"That's nice...Well, except for the sand part of it."

"Y'know, I'm thinking...maybe I should get you a sand dollar as a souvenir next time I hit the beach." The grin she shot him was feral.

"Ha...Ha...Ha...Very funny," Anakin just rolled his eyes at her, and her response was to grin even wider.

On and on their conversation went, and before they both knew it, they were landing in Seattle, arriving at their gate, and then departing the plane, Anakin kindly allowing her to exit in front of him. They headed to baggage claim together, still chatting, and when the carousel started up, Anakin very kindly grabbed both their bags for them. He hailed a taxi, and she gave her hotel address first after they climbed in. They quietly sat, enjoying watching the cityscape out their respective windows all the way downtown. When they pulled up outside her hotel, she handed their driver cash for half of the fare, then Anakin helped her out of the car and grabbed her suitcase for her as well.

"Well, thanks, Anakin. This has been the most enjoyable start to a trip I think I've ever had," Padme said, as she stared up into his smiling face.

"Yeah, I agree," he said softly. They stood for a moment, and then they both spoke at once.

"Listen, ca-"

"I'd real-"

Laughing once more, Anakin shook his head, his cheeks tinged pink yet again, and said, "Ladies first." He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and waited. She nodded, took a deep breath, and then surprised him again with her reply.

"My hotel has a wine reception nightly from five to six. If you're not busy tonight, would you care to join me for it? It's free booze."

Anakin perked up immediately. She wants to see me again...Tonight? Yes! "Sure! Sounds great. How about dinner after? On me. There's a great Italian place, Tulio's, literally just round the corner from here that I've been to before. Their food's phenomenal. Wanna go?"

Her eyes lit up immediately and a huge breathtaking smile was his reward, as she gushed, "Yeah, I'd love to! Thanks!"

Score! Our first real date!...Of which I hope there will be many, many more, he couldn't help thinking, as elation coursed through him.

He fought the masculine urge to pump his fist in the air, and instead grinned like a fool, stating, "Great! So, I'll meet you here for drinks at five, then Tulio's for dinner after. Uhm...It's more upscale, so you probably should wear something a little dressy for dinner. Not formal, just...y'know, nice."

She nodded her head in understanding, "Ok. Will do. Uhm, the mayor's chief of staff is picking me up at 12:30 to take me to City Hall, so I better get going. See you at five?"

"Yeah. See you then. I'll text you when I get the reservation."

"Ok."

They both hesitated, and then she tentatively reached up on her toes and softly brushed her lips against his cheek. As she did so, he felt heat swirl in his gut, and his stomach seemed to drop down to his toes. Her perfume, a sweet, yet light, floral scent that suited her perfectly, wafted in the air between them, and he inhaled deeply, appreciatively, with his nose. He knew that, as long as he lived, he'd never forget that distinctly feminine scent she was wearing right now. Pulling back, she smiled at him, grasped the handle of her suitcase and turned to enter her hotel. Anakin stood watching her, a wide grin on his face, utterly captivated by the sensual sway of her hips, her jeans showcasing her perfect posterior as she went.

As she walked inside the front entrance and disappeared from view, he sighed happily and climbed back in the taxi. Shutting the door, he said to the driver, "The Crowne Plaza, on 6th,please."

"Yes, Sir," the driver replied, moving the car forward on the street, heading on the short drive to his hotel. "If you don't mind me saying so, Sir...She's quite the beauty, isn't she? Seems really nice, that one," Anakin met the driver's reflection in the rear view mirror and smiled.

"Yes. She certainly is."

"Tulio's is a nice choice for dinner, Sir. Very nice."

"I agree. I hope she'll like it."

"I'm sure she will, Sir...Y'know, I've been driving in this city a long time, and I've seen couples come and go, but I can honestly say that, in all the years I've driven this taxi, I've never seen two people who seemed so...perfect together. I've got a really good feeling for ya, Sir. Real good," the driver nodded his head and pursed his lips, his eyes crinkling in the corners, before catching Anakin's gaze one more time in the mirror as they pulled up out front of the Crowne Plaza.

"Me, too." Anakin felt a dopey grin spread on his face as he paid the driver, thanked him and exited the taxi with his luggage. Oh yeah, he was thinking the exact same thing himself.

He couldn't wait to tell Ben.

*~o0o~*

A/N: Ok, it's fluff. I know. But, I adore fluff, and if any two characters ever deserved fluff, it's A&P. So, let the teeth rotting begin! Uhm, don't expect any angst this trip. K? Enjoy! And, please review! Thanks! :D