Anakin almost sprinted to his speeder, so full of excitement to see Padmé.

When he finally made it to her apartment, he decided it would be best not to enter through the balcony, considering all of the people who could be watching. When he came to the front door, he took a quick look down the hallway, only to be relieved that there was not a person in sight. So, he decided to enter on his own and surprise her.

When he entered the apartment, Anakin noticed that the lights were off, all except in the kitchen, from which the sound of washing dishes could be heard. With a devious smile, he walked to the kitchen as stealthily as possible, ready to scare Padmé.

He jumped in and shouted, and heard the terrified shriek of...Threepio. Anakin's look of delight quickly changed to one of utter disappointment.

"Master Ani! You gave me quite a fright just now. Why, I thought you were a threat. You are quite lucky that I didn't attack you, might I say. I could have seriously injured you, or maybe even killed you! You know, this reminds me of the time when-"

"Threepio! Where's Padmé?" said Anakin.

"Oh. I do believe Mistress Padmé was not expecting you tonight. She has been with the Senate all day. She may not return until late in the night, I'm afraid. I'm sorry, Master Ani."

Anakin sighed. "It's alright, Threepio. I guess I'll...just wait here for her then." And with his shoulders slumped and his head down, Anakin collapsed on the sofa and waited for his wife to return.

And waited.

And waited some more.

'Maybe if I just close my eyes for two seconds, I'm exhausted,' thought Anakin.

️-

Padmé quietly crept into the apartment and shut the door behind her. Unlike normal behavior for an organized, distinguished senator, she kicked off her shoes and let her hair down, letting the thick curls flow down her back.

As she went to set down her bag on the caf table, something caught her eye. More like someone. It was Anakin, fast asleep on the couch. As much as she wanted to wake him so she could hug and kiss him and never let go, she knew better. He must have been so tired.

Padmé stared at his peaceful, handsome face for a few more seconds before she headed to bed herself. Though she would much rather have Anakin lying beside her, she decided it would be best to let him sleep.

"Goodnight, my love. Sleep well," Padmé whispered.

...

"Anakin...wake up. Please? For me?" said a soft, gentle voice.

Anakin's eyes slowly opened, and when they saw Padmé's face, he smiled. They were open for about three seconds, then he quickly shut them and pulled the blanket that Padmé had provided over his head and pretended to go back to sleep.

"Anakin! That's not funny! If you don't get up, I'll-"

Anakin cut her off by pulling her on top of him and squeezing her tightly. "I missed you so much, Padmé. I could think of nothing but you for the past three weeks."

"I missed you too. You have no idea how lonely it gets around here without you."

"Well, I guess I'll have to make up for that." And then he kissed her. It was a kiss that proved that they didn't need words to express how much they loved each other. But like all good things, it soon came to an end, much to Anakin's reluctance.

Padmé stood up and smoothed out the fabric of her dress, and it was then that Anakin noticed that she was dressed for work. Why did something always get in the way of the very precious time they could salvage to be together?

"Where are you going?"

Padmé sighed sadly. "The Senate is voting on whether or not to let the Chancellor take over the federation banks. He has too much power, Anakin. I don't like it one bit."

"Well, I trust him. He's been like a mentor to me for years. Maybe all of that power is a good thing. Maybe he can end the war." At the look on Padmé's face, Anakin quickly changed the subject. "So, what am I supposed to do while you're gone? I mean, Threepio's a nice guy, but not much of a conversationalist. At least not the kind of conversation where two people talk."

Padmé suppressed a giggle. "Well, you could go to the Jedi Temple. I'm sure Obi-Wan or Ahsoka could keep you busy."

"Fine. But just promise that you'll be back for dinner, ok?" said Anakin with a look of disappointment.

"Huh, usually I'm the one asking you to be back for dinner. And almost every time, you aren't. Maybe I should give you a taste of your own medicine, Mr. "Duty Comes First." said Padmé with a playful smirk.

"Uh-huh. I guess that means that you don't want a goodbye kiss, then." He turned to walk away. "Bye, Padmé."

"Oh. Well, goodbye," Padmé said sadly as she started for the door. She hadn't walked two steps when her husband ran over, grabbed her gently by the shoulders, and kissed her.

"Back by dinner?" Anakin asked with hopeful eyes.

"Back by dinner."