A/N: Finally chapter two is here! If I didn't get to your review of the first chapter, I'm so sorry! I got so busy that it really came down between answering reviews or writing and I thought you'd all prefer an update.
It's quiet as they sit down, not nearly empty by any means but somehow not full enough to lose the intimate feeling the entire shop carries. When he mentioned getting coffee, Padme imagined being taken to the local Starbucks, surrounded by writers tapping away at their laptops or tablets, teenagers giggling loudly over their lattes and the constant shout of orders and when they're ready to be picked up. Instead, he brings her to a small, independent coffee shop that has the feeling of one of those old bookstores her grandmother took her and Sola to as little girls. The moment they stepped inside she felt her nervousness fade (at least a little) and a feeling of comfort and warmth wash over her. She can't pin down if it's from the store itself or the warm smiles from the elderly couple in the back or even the sensation of Anakin's hand on the small of her back… Whatever it is, she's glad they came here.
"So have you always been a mechanic?" She asks then sips her tea. He's full of questions about her, her job, how she copes with all the kids and parents who always think they know better and he's genuinely interested in her answers. It's so refreshing. Most people ask about her job only to become condescending when she answers… "Oh kindergarten! So not real teaching then?" Padme loves both her job and her students so there is nothing worse than smiling politely through thinly veiled jibes directed at either of them. Anakin smiles and shrugs keeping his gaze on the table for a moment before he looks at her and answers.
"Pretty much… I kinda fell into the job when I was a kid. There was this mechanic's place just 'round the block from where my mom and I lived and well, my kind of fun was sneaking in and playing with the tools." He grins and Padme finds herself matching it. She can't imagine a child actually sneaking into a mechanic's just to play with the dangerous equipment just for fun. "The first time the owner – Qui-Gonn – caught me, I thought for sure he was going to give me a hiding." Her eyes widen involuntarily at the thought and he laughs.
"What did he do?"
"Well, the first time he put me in his car and drove me home." He smiles again, softer this time; it must be a fond memory. "The second time, he rolled his eyes and threatened to call my mom if he found me in there again…" He trails off, chuckling quietly with a small shake of his head.
"And the third?"
"He put me to work. Figured I was gonna keep coming back so he may as well teach me a thing or two. He taught me most of what I know today." Smiling, Padme's fingers play with the rim of her mug as she listens to the story. His experience is certainly a unique one… She can't possibly imagine breaking into anywhere as a child and yet for him it was seemingly a normal occurrence! There's an aura of recklessness that radiates from him, not that she believes in auras or anything like that, but there's certainly something. He was probably the bad boy in school, she can tell.
"And your mom was alright with you doing that?" She asks, frowning. Her parents weren't happy when she started volunteer work at thirteen never mind doing something like helping out at a mechanics all day. Her dad would have thrown a fit! Maybe it's just her parents though… She loves them but God knows they can be a little… Traditional at times. In their eyes Sola is the perfect daughter… Married her high school sweetheart after college, bought a house and had children. Padme just… That is not the life for her. How can she settle for either a career or a family? It would be like living half a life. She fully intends to find a way to successfully do both somehow.
"Actually she encouraged it. I've always been good at fixing things… Even way back then. I was constantly messing with toasters, TV's, anything I could get my hands on. She thought it was great that I was learning a skill, or putting 'my curiosity to good use' as she called it." His smile quickly becomes something closer to sad and wistful than fond, she watches his face closely as just like the other day at the conference with Leia, he swallows nervously. Part of her wants to ask what's wrong, but she knows better… He'll talk to her in his own time, or change the subject to something he's more comfortable with. Either option is fine; she's willing to move on if that's what he wants. However he surprises her, and meets her gaze sheepishly, "she uh, she died when I was nineteen."
Oh… Oh god. No wonder he was so hesitant to speak! Sliding her hand across the small round table, Padme covers his with her own. The action comes as naturally as breathing; her desire to comfort him overrides any nervousness or worry. "I'm so sorry…" She can't begin to imagine losing her mom now, much less at nineteen! He was only a teenager really, barely an adult. It's too horrible to even think about. She can tell just from this, his clear heartbreak just from the memories alone just how much he loved her, how much pain her loss causes even now. Anakin swallows again, tries to smile and gives a little shrug. He probably doesn't want to talk about this. She can't blame him. It must be so painful to relive… To even think about.
"No, it's alright…" His fingers lace through hers suddenly, and she can't resist squeezing a little because it's only the first date, and this is the best comfort she can offer right now. Anything else would be… Well it would be inappropriate, right? Too quickly given… But she really wants to hug him right now. "I like talking about her." Glancing at their joined hands sends a smile too powerful to fight across her lips. The simple contact sends the strangest shivers along her arm and tingling down her spine. It never felt like this with Palo… Then again, there were many things lacking in that relationship, least of all shivers.
"Tell me more about this work experience of yours then." He half-laughs, glancing down at his lap for a second before speaking.
"It's not exactly the most interesting subject…" And this time its Padme's turn to shrug. He does remember where she works right? Her day is filled with hearing overly detailed nothing stories about the most mundane activates. At least this won't include trailing off multiple times and forgetting the subject half way through. Or at least, she really hopes it won't.
"Well, the owner – Qui-Gonn – his son and I became fast friends. Ben – or really, Obi-Wan, and I are still close today actually." Frowning, Padme lifts her mug up with her free hand and sips again while he speaks. Wait, so his friend has two names? How did that happen? She supposes it's almost like the brief period in college where she dropped her last name in favour for the middle… Padme Amidala… Sounds rather pretentious now that she thinks about it. However back then, well she thought it was more… Refined. Professional.
"He changed his name?" Anakin laughs again, so genuinely amused that she smiles though she has no idea what he's laughing at… His humour is infectious, she can't help it.
"Yes, well he goes by either to an extent. He prefers Ben though, says Obi-Wan makes him sound like something outta Flash Gordon". She can't help it, her free hand flies to her mouth to cover her lips as she giggles because he's right, it does! No wonder he goes by Ben now… Anakin laughs along with her. She feels guilty, for laughing at this Ben's expense when she doesn't even know him, but she can't fight it. When their laughter subsides, somehow their hands part and the loss of contact stings… It's very bizarre. If Anakin feels it, he hides it well, and she follows his lead. The last thing she wants to do is freak him out by over analysing everything, that's what she's doing right? These weird feelings, they're just… She's probably still nervous.
As is the case with most first dates, the conversation eventually shifts to the tricky topic of ex's… Padme isn't even sure who brought it up, or how it came about, it just did. And now she's wondering how much to say. What's appropriate to talk about on a first date exactly? Is there some kind of unspoken rule here, one she isn't privy to? Damn her inexperience with these things! Anakin, sensing her discomfort smiles kindly, gaze flicking between her eyes and her fingers playing with her long empty mug. "Your ex that bad?"
"How could you tell?" She smiles thinly, somewhat relieved. Is she really that obvious?
"Well for starters you've spun that poor cup around at least a hundred times in the past ten seconds…" Oh… She immediately stops, embarrassed. God, she must look like a complete idiot right now! Pushing the mug away, just out of arms reach, Padme meets his eyes for a moment then looks at the table. It's not that Palo was that bad… She just… She doesn't usually talk about these things. Not to Dorme or even her sister and certainly not the ridiculously cute date across the table. Anakin laughs and it's so effortless that she can't help but join him. "You know, if you don't want to talk about it, I'll understand."
Oh he's so sweet… She has to actively try to keep herself from just staring at him. Maybe she shouldn't talk about it, even now the memory stings, reminding her of what perhaps comes close to being the worst time of her entire life. She did nothing wrong, that's what Sola says, so why should she be ashamed? If anyone involved should feel guilty and reluctant to talk about what happened, it should be him not her! Screw Palo, she's talking about it. "No, no, it's alright. Well, don't laugh…" At once the corners of his lips twitch and she tips her head warningly. If he laughs at her she'll pour what's left of his coffee over his head… Still… He's trying, and oh god now she's laughing too. "I mean it!" She giggles while he tries to hide his chuckling by looking down at the table.
"Okay, okay… No laughing. I promise." He holds up his hands to aid his pledge but Padme narrows her eyes anyway.
"Alright… My last relationship was…" She pauses, hesitating for a second before taking a breath. "Well, it was back when I was in college and-"
However the words about to leave her lips never finish their journey as Anakin's eyes widen in shock and he interrupts suddenly. "Wait, you've been single since you were in college?" Well, he's shocked but at least he isn't laughing… That's something right? Oh god this is so embarrassing! Burying her face in her hands, Padme almost wishes she hadn't said anything at all. "Wait, that didn't come out right – sorry I just…" Anakin stutters and she lowers her hands, watching him curiously. "I mean, you're stunning… And amazing and so nice, it's just…" Despite her humiliation she surrenders easily to the smile his words create. Well she's never had a guy ramble about her positive attributes before… He stops and grins, flashing his teeth and if she's not mistaken even blushes a little… "Sorry…" He chuckles, shaking his head, avoiding her gaze for a second.
"Thank you…" She means it. It's not often that she gets complements that aren't from children these days, and though she appreciates every one of them, it's nice to hear something kind come from a grown up every now and again too. He called her stunning… Not pretty or hot or even just good-looking… He said stunning. No one has ever called her stunning before. While Padme knows she isn't unattractive, the complement still heats her cheeks much like his and it strikes her how odd they must look, two adults sitting here bushing at each other. "Now, Mr Skywalker, please keep your interruptions to yourself while I speak." She commands, easily slipping into the teacher persona.
His eyes widen for a second before something playful comes across his face. It's alluring; she wants to know exactly what's going through his mind right now. He gives her a half-laugh then says, "I'll certainly try my best." Something tells her this is the most she can expect from him. Alright… The nerves strike her again as she begins to reopen that old wound for re-inspection, something she hasn't done in a very long time. She opens her mouth for a long moment but no words leave her lips. Where is she supposed to begin? Maybe a more summarised version of events will do?
"His name is Palo… We dated for around three years in college, his dad is my dad's best friend so us getting together was music to their ears. I'm sure my mom already had a hat for the wedding…" Her whole family loved Palo, how could they not? He was so charming, very talented, a real up and comer in the art world. Her dad doted on him most of all, referring to him as "his future son in law" constantly. Thinking back to it only makes Padme want to roll her eyes. With hindsight she thinks her parents loved Palo more than she ever did. She meets Anakin's gaze again and smiles wryly. "But um… Well, he wasn't very good at staying faithful."
"He cheated on you?" Anakin asks, and for a second all she can give him is a nod. Reliving the memories of broken trust and betrayal isn't easy, especially when she hasn't allowed herself to think of such things in years. She had loved Palo… Perhaps not in the mad, passionate, I can't live without you kind of way that you see in the movies, they had something calmer, more… Comfortable than desperate. But she would have settled for what they had, she knows she would. Maybe she would even have been happy with it. Honestly, Padme half convinced the other kind of love doesn't really exist.
"From the start." She manages, and then shakes her head. Yes, she would have settled for Palo if he hadn't betrayed her trust, probably would have married him after college too and God knows what would have happened to her life then. The memory hurts, but Palo cheating on her with half the campus was the best thing that could have possibly happened to them. "But it was a long time ago, I've moved on with my life and so has he." Despite everything Padme wishes him nothing but the best, Sola says she's too kind, but she prefers to think of it as… Forgiving.
"Well, if you don't mind me saying this, he's an idiot." Anakin's hand slithers across the table just as hers did before, and covers her own, and this time she's the one lacing their fingers together. Somehow despite what she's been talking about she manages to smile. It's as if a weight has lifted off of her tired shoulders from talking about Palo and she wishes that she'd done it sooner if this is how it feels. She's finally free of that old ghost hanging over her and suddenly the air in the room feels fresher, easier to take in despite the aroma of coffee surrounding everything.
"Yeah," she laughs, "he is." His thumb moves along her finger gently, up and down, so slowly that she wonders if he's aware he's doing it. Somehow, such an innocent little action manages to tear a shudder from her. They've talked a little too much about her for her liking, so Padme smiles at him tipping her head just slightly to the right as she speaks, "well now you know all the sordid details of my love life, or lack thereof really, it's only fair that I get hear about yours."
Anakin's free hand flies to the back of his neck, rubbing as a nervous smile blooms on his mouth. "Well I, uh… After Leia' mom, I dated around a little. But nothing ever came of them." He laughs again and gives a light shrug. "Sorry to disappoint you, my life's a little boring in that department." She laughs as he does because they make quite a pair… And he was shocked she hasn't dated since college! He's wonderful and gorgeous and so far very kind and sweet, it's a miracle he hasn't been snatched up by someone yet. Part of Padme supposes that it's just as well for her he hasn't.
"That's it; follow along with your fingers. Winter, turn it the other way sweetie… Perfect." Once she's content they're all doing what she's asked, Padme glances back down to the book in her hands. Very brightly coloured pictures of a dog surrounded by diverse children cover the page with very little words. "Trixie barked, and barked, and barked." She reads aloud, gaze flicking up to make sure everyone is still paying attention, good, so far nobody has strayed. Almost naturally her eyes flicker over to little Leia Skywalker and as she expected the girl looks bored. She's always is during reading lessons, but until the rest of the class catch up to her level, there isn't very much Padme can do. Part of her wants to just give the girl new books, to challenge her and spark her interest, but in the long term, she'd master them and grow bored all over again by the time the class starts the same ones. "Silly dog, Wilma said." Before she can continue, a quiet clearing of the throat catches her attention.
Oh. Standing in the door way watching is the Principal himself, Sheev Palpatine. What's he doing here? He almost never drops by classrooms during the school day much less hers… She has a bad feeling about this. "Dorme, can you take over please?" The classroom assistant looks up from where she's sitting pretending to follow along with the book, but Padme knows behind the book she's hiding her phone. Wordlessly, the woman stands and comes to take her place as Padme walk toward the door. More than one of the students glance back to see where she's going and in different circumstances, she might have smiled. "Children, say good morning to the Principal." She instructs.
"Good morning Principal Palpatine." They all chant, loudly and somehow completely in tune with each other. Sheev raises a hand to quiet them and smiles thinly. It's not a friendly smile, it serves only to make Padme nervous, and so she cannot imagine how the little ones feel when it is directed toward them.
"Children." He nods curtly, "back to work please." They do as they are told and she hears Dorme ask where they left off, pretending it is to quiz them, but she knows the woman just hasn't been paying attention. Frankly she can't blame her, reading lessons can be taxing sometimes.
"Sheev, what can I do for you?" She smiles politely, because despite how she feels about him, this man is still her boss. And she cannot say she isn't a little curious as to what has brought him down here… He's usually almost always hauled up in his office with his assistant, door closed while they work. It's odd to see him out and about like this. Once more he smiles thinly, but this time it is much less forced than before… Odd. Whatever it is, she has a sinking feeling she isn't going to like it.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news my dear," he begins, confirming her suspicions. Oh God, what is it? Has something terrible happened? "They've slashed the funding, again. Things are about to become much tighter around here." What? That's not possible! How can they do that?
"Surely they can't do that? We're already running on fumes as it is!" More and more over the past year she's been forced to begin supplying classroom essentials out of her own pocket if she wishes the students to have access to them. But there's only so much she can do. She doesn't understand any of this, this isn't a bad school. They're in a lovely area; they have a full body of students of all ages in attendance and a waiting list a mile long… Why can't the school board see that by trying to save money this way they're only running them into the ground?!
Sheev's cold gaze drifts behind her to look at the children for a moment before it returns to her. "Yes, pity isn't it? Such bright young minds… Such potential being wasted… It's a sorry sight." What are they supposed to do now? She's doing the best she can to provide the extra's so the lessons don't boil down to simply arithmetic and language… Those are important, especially at this age, but children need more than just that. They need music, games and art… Their minds have to be kept stimulated or else they grow bored and restless. Education should be well rounded, not strict and ridged. What are the higher uppers at the school board thinking? Palpatine turns to leave once more, as silently as he came until he pauses by the door, looking back at her over his shoulder. "Perhaps we should strike off a teacher's wage or two… Combining classes shouldn't be too much of a bother. Especially with the younger students." Then he is gone, leaving her staring at the door, wide eyed and shocked. She must have misheard him somehow… He didn't just… Did he just threaten her job?
Lunch has not come soon enough today. Not that she's particularly hungry, but the peace it brings her is something Padme is in desperate need of right now. Having asked Dorme to take the children up to the cafeteria on her behalf, she sits at her desk, alone in the classroom with fingers rubbing her aching temples. She just doesn't understand. What has she done to deserve these constant backhanded complements and threats from Sheev? How could she have possibly offended him enough for all this? It's been getting worse and worse over the past year or so. It feels like… He's just looking for a reason to fire her now. And these damned budget cuts look like the perfect way to do it. If she does lose her job, she'll be alright, financially at least, for a while. But she'd miss her students here, her colleagues and friends not to mention she potentially would have to move somewhere else for a new job. She'd have to start all over again.
"Have you heard?" A familiar voice cuts through the quiet, startling her out of her thoughts. Her eyes fly open to see Bail storming into the classroom and beginning to pace before her desk. She should have known the quiet was too good to be true. At least Bail is a friend, someone she trusts unlike the Principal. She can talk to him about these things and not have to worry about it getting back to Sheev; however the same cannot be said for all staff members here she is afraid. He's talking about the cuts, he must be. What else could have gotten him so worked up? With a sigh, she merely nods, not trusting her own voice for the moment. She feels exhausted, weighed down heavily by the day's events and they're barely halfway through. Maybe this is a movie kind of afternoon for the students? "I cannot believe the school board could do this! They know we're getting by, by the skin of our teeth! How could they approve such cuts?" Leaning back in her seat, Padme shakes her head, fighting back another sigh.
"It's times like I'm glad I teach the class I do. I'm grateful they have no idea anything is happening, I've been purchasing the extras to keep everything same for them so they haven't noticed a difference. It must be different for the older kids… How much do they know?" She's always admired him for taking on a class each year despite his active role as Vice Principal. It must be exhausting, balancing both jobs but never once has she heard him utter even one word of complaint. With a long, tired sigh, Bail grabs one of the plastic chairs and sits down opposite her. Usually she finds the sight of adult squeezing themselves into these little chairs funny – for a moment she thinks of Anakin, long limbs far too big for the chair looking equally ridiculous and adorable but she quickly dismisses such thoughts – but not now.
"Enough to tell their parents. I've had countless worried phone calls this month alone. They think the school's on the verge of closing down – there's been talk of withdrawing students before that happens." Pursing her lips, Padme wants to groan. That'll only make the issue worse! If the number of overall students reduces, the budgets will only be slashed further. This is a complete and utter disaster. There must be something they can do about this… Surely they can't just take this lying down?
"What if we get other teachers together? We could plan something out, maybe petition Palpatine to go to the school board and ask them to reconsider… I'm sure if they sent a representative they'd see this school more than others deserves it's funding." It could work… The more she thinks about it, the more she thinks it could work. She understands what the school board is trying to do, saving money in any way they can is what they're renowned for. But if they can be made to understand things from every one here's point of view, they may change their minds. Bail is quiet for several long moments; until she's almost afraid he'll shoot her down and reject such an idea.
"I'll make some calls."
The entire walk is filled with excited chatter though none of it is from her. All around her the children are glad to be done with school for the day, happy at the prospect of seeing their parents and telling them all about what they've learned. They're so enthusiastic at this age, it's one of the reasons she chose to teach at this level in the first place. Padme walks ahead of everyone, while Dorme is at the back ensuring there are no stragglers. In each of her hands are the much smaller hands of Joseph Trainer and Leia Skywalker, though she's come to expect the latter by her side at this point. It's strange being around the girl now, after going on a date with her father. She isn't quite sure how to act around her anymore… Carefully, she leads the children down the stone steps and into the school yard where the majority break away and take off to find their parents. Beside her Dorme yawns loudly, leaning back against the black fence where the janitors keeps the balls and toys at this time of the day.
"Thank God today is over huh?" Her friend mutters, barely suppressing a second yawn and any other time Padme would have rolled her eyes and laughed. But today… Well thank God indeed. She watches parents leave, waving back when the children shout goodbyes until one of the little boys, Kieran Tess, comes running her way,
"Miss Naberrie I can't find my mom." Oh, alright. This happens all the time. Maybe she's late, or he just can't see her. Carefully she squats down beside the boy letting him slip his hand into hers. She looks around the yard for a few seconds until she spots the boy's mom, over by the gate, chatting away to one of the dad's. Good… She hates taking the little one to the office to wait; they always get worried and look so small and sad that she can never resist waiting with them until one of their parent bursts in, apologising profusely for being late.
"There she is." She points, and the boy's face lights up when he spots her. He calls out thanks as he runs off, and Padme watches him go… Such a sweet little boy. The yard is almost empty now with only a few stragglers waiting behind to chat to each other while the kids play, it happens every day, but it doesn't mean she has to wait around for them to leave. All she wants is to go home, have a long bath and forget this day ever happened. About to get up, she's surprised by a hand appearing out of nowhere, a silent offer to help her. Looking up, she swears her heart stops for a second when she sees who it is towering above her. Anakin… Oh God, for some reason she hasn't even thought of seeing him out here today! They haven't spoken much since their date, a phone call here or there and a few texts throughout the week. Now here he is offering to help her up and with a smile she slips her hand into his and lets him pull her back to her full height. Once she's standing, she takes a step back, glancing around them. The last thing she needs is anyone growing suspicious of what's happening between them.
"My Skywalker." She says loudly, keeping things formal as best she can, Anakin, however refuses to play along.
"Padme." She glares at him and he only smirks. Is he trying to make people suspicious? It certainly feels that way right now. Narrowing her eyes in warning only serves to make him smirk even more so she gives up. He's impossible she decides, completely impossible. "So, just like you suggested, I'm shipping Leia off to a sleepover this weekend." His blunt phrasing makes her laugh because that is not how she put it at all! That's a terrible way to put it. "And I was wondering if you'd want to come over. I can cook for us." Immediately her brain screams, yes! Say yes! She's been hoping for a second date, torn between waiting for him to ask her or just taking initiative and asking him herself… But the other part of her wins over.
"You can cook?" Thankfully he doesn't take offence, but instead laughs. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Dorme talking to one of the moms she calls "Yoga mom" and has to fight back a smile. She'll be furious about being caught by that woman. She's constantly attempting to draw people into her yoga classes and Padme's afraid there's only so many excuses in the world before she'll have to attend the damn things.
"With a daughter like mine? I'd have to have a death wish to offer her something less than perfection on a plate." The daughter in question sprints around them, squealing as her friend almost catches her. She watches Anakin's gaze follow the girls, how he smiles at the mere sight of Leia and laughs as she uses a tree to avoid being caught. He really loves that little girl… It's not like she hadn't known this before but it really hits home just what kind of a dad he is. Fiercely loving, probably very over protective… Just an all-round wonderful guy.
"I can't wait to see what perfection on a plate looks like."