Steamy Gratitude

It was night when Anakin docked at the penthouse in his small fighter, a time pre-arranged by secret code. *She* was walking out from between the columns, her silken nightgown fluttering in the breeze like angel wings.

Anakin stood on the veranda, taking in the sight of his beloved Padmé. She rushed toward him as he took two long strides toward her, both of them beaming with joy. Here she was, real and in the flesh, warm in his arms and against his body.

It was bittersweet to see her in holo form in Jabba's palace, so close yet light years away. So achingly beautiful. The fact they had to hide their feelings in front of everyone made it that much more difficult.

"So good to have you home," she said, looking up into his eyes. He could feel her fingers stroking his hair.

"It's so good to be home," he replied, leaning forward to kiss her. The warmth of her lips made him feel as though life had been breathed back into him. Artoo's beeping and whistles as he ejected himself from the fighter broke the spell.

"Let's go inside," Padmé said with a smile, taking Anakin's hand in hers. His heart skipped a beat. Even though he was a man now, a full-fledged knight accustomed to battle, a general, and married for over a year, he felt the same as he did on his wedding night. They made their way back into the darkened sanctuary of the bedroom.

"At last," Anakin whispered in between kisses, "I can show you my undying gratitude in person." He began nuzzling her neck.

"When I heard you were in trouble," Padmé gasped, "I was so worried for you, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing." Their lips met again, hungrily, as Anakin lowered her onto the bed. There would be time to talk further about his adventures and his new padawan, who was safely at the Temple. For now, this was all he desired. He wanted to smell her favorite perfume, taste her lips, and feel the luxuriousness of her robe's fabric. All of those things were a galaxy away from war, death, and destruction. He certainly was a born warrior but here was where he felt renewed.

Little by little, they'd shed their clothing until silken gown lay beside Jedi robes and armor in a pile on the floor. They explored one another for several moments, becoming reacquainted with the other's body. Soon Anakin was cradled between Padmé's legs, the two of them rocking rhythmically.

She caressed his shoulders and reacted with delight to their lovemaking. She pulled her legs around his waist, bringing him deeper into her. He lost all control as his instinct took over. He felt her pleasure physically, and in the Force, driving him to his own climax. He fell into her arms as she kissed him on his neck and cheek, whispering her love for him.

For that moment, Anakin knew nothing but joy. And yet again, he wondered why these moments couldn't last forever.

Th'End