Disclaimer: It's George's galaxy. I just created my own little alternative universe sandbox to play in. :)

AN: Here's part 2! Thanks for all the great reviews! Enjoy this latest installment and let me know what you think! :)

Honeymoon Interlude: A Forever Destined Vignette

Part 2

Alderaan was beautiful, especially with the breathtaking back drop of mountains. The ship had docked this morning at the space port and they had set off to explore Aldera. Being a bit of a history buff, Padme was excited to see the Galactic Historical Museum. Alderaan had one of the most comprehensive collections of artifacts and elaborate displays. After spending the entire morning at the museum, they found a quiet café for lunch and were served promptly. They had opted to try two Alderaanian dishes in order to experience the culture and were enjoying them immensely. Padme giggled, as he guided another piece of the sweet, spiced bread into her mouth.

"So, are you for our next adventure, milady?" he asked.

"Most definitely. What exactly did you have in mind, Master Jedi?" she asked, as she took another bite of the delicious meat dish they had ordered.

"Well, they have this ski lodge not far from here up in the mountains. They rent out snow skimmers and I thought we could go up and spend a romantic afternoon in the mountains. And then we can get something hot to drink when we return to the lodge," he said, as he brushed a stray curl from her beautiful face.

"Sounds intriguing. But you must promise me one thing," she said, as she speared another piece of the meat with her fork.

"You know I'd promise you anything," he replied.

"You have to promise to keep me warm," she replied. He smiled, as she fed him a piece of meat.

"Oh that can be arranged," he replied, as he chewed. She smiled back, as they went about finishing their meal. Once they were done, they paid the check and flagged down an air taxi to take them to the lodge in the mountains.

Steph was in a sour mood, as she and her partner sat at the other end of the café, watching the Skywalker's leave. Ethan was happy, being that they had done nothing but prove him right so far.

"Give it up, Steph. There's no dirt to be had with this one. Why don't you go after that Johnny whatever-his-name is on the ship. He's some big holomovie star and a big, conceded ass from what I've seen. Get your dirt on him and I'll handle the puff piece on the Skywalker's," Ethan said.

"You haven't won yet, nerfherder, so stop gloating. I haven't struck out yet," she refuted. He rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. Remember, I like expensive seafood and lots of desert," he reminded her smugly. He was so going to win this one...

Anakin and Padme arrived at the Aldera ski resort and paid the air taxi driver, before walking inside the lodge. Padme wore a thick, fluffy white cloak, white gloves and a white thermal hat. She waited for him, as he approached the desk and rented a snow skimmer for the afternoon. He took her hand and led her out back, after he received the key card from the desk clerk. He wore his favorite black cloak and put his black leather gloves on, along with black thermal cap she was making him wear. They found their skimmer and Anakin climbed on.

"Ready angel?" he asked, as he took her hand. She nodded, as she climbed on in back of him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

"Hang on tight," he said, as he revved the engine. Padme yelped in excitement, as they took off over the snowy landscape.

It was a thrilling ride and the scenery was awe-inspiring. Anakin took them to the highest peak he could find and parked the vehicle under a large tree. They hopped off and Anakin took her hand, as they walked near the edge of the cliff for the breathtaking view. Padme wrapped her arms around his waist and cuddled close to his chest.

"I do believe that you have found a very romantic spot, my love," she cooed. He chuckled, as she shivered. He wrapped her inside his cloak and held her close to his body.

"It is quite beautiful, albeit a little cold," he said.

"Yes it is. But I have no doubt that you'll keep me warm," she replied. He smiled, before leaning down and pressing his lips against hers. He gently moved them over hers, slowly deepening the kiss, until their lips were moving together in a passionate rhythm. He angled his mouth over hers and feasted on her sweet lips, his tongue dueling own with the tender grace of a skilled lover. Padme moaned into his kiss, as her knees went weak. Her lungs burned for air, but she never wanted his lips to leave hers. As they eventually did, her pleasure was only compounded, as they drifted to the nape of her neck.

"I love you," she whispered breathlessly. He smiled.

"I love you too, beautiful," he replied.

"I'm very warm now, by the way," she said, as she snuggled against him, resting her head in the nape of his neck, as they gazed out at Alderaan's snowy beauty together.

"Really? Just warm? Because I'm on fire," he replied, making her giggle. She untangled herself from him and leaned up against the nearby tree, after pecking him tenderly on the lips. Anakin smiled at her and gazed out over the cliff, observing the frozen valley below. His attention on nature was suddenly interrupted by a very cold object pelting him on the back. He turned to his wife, looking at her incredulously, as she collapsed into a fit of giggles.

"You said you were on fire. So I thought I'd cool you down," she teased.

"Oh...this is war, star nymph," he announced, as he scooped up a bunch of snow in his hands. Padme squealed, as she ran from him, as he tossed a snowball at her. He gave chase, as he watched her hide behind a tree.

"You know, at the museum today, we learned all about ancient Alderaanian myths and I remember one in particular about the young prince who found amusement in chasing after beautiful little forest nymphs. And if I remember correctly, he caught the one he wanted, which was the most beautiful one of all," he said.

"Well my prince, this is one nymph that will not be so easily captured," she teased, as she threw another snowball at him. He was ready this time and halted it in mid air. She yelped, as it hit her instead.

"Oh, you are such a cheater!" she called.

"Jedi don't cheat," he replied.

"Uh huh, sure they don't," she pouted, as she gave him chase again. With his longer legs, he caught up to her. Pulling her into his arms, he flung her over his shoulder victoriously. Padme huffed, as she stared at his back.

"Fine, you win. Now let me down," she demanded. It pained her to admit defeat.

"Nope," he replied.

"Excuse me?" she protested.

"When the prince caught his nymph, she forever belonged to him," he replied.

"Well, what did the prince do with her?" Padme played along.

"He carried her back to his...lair," Anakin teased.

"Oh really? And what did he do with her?" Padme asked. He smirked and turned her upright, carrying her bridal style.

"He had his way with her, of course," he replied.

"Really? She just surrendered to him willingly?" she teased. He nodded.

"Uh huh. Then he married her too and loved her for all eternity," he replied.

"Well in that case, handsome prince, I do expect to be carried off to you...lair," she whispered to him. Their lips met in a searing kiss, as he mounted the snow skimmer. Padme straddled the seat in front of him, facing him, as her lips moved to the nape of his neck.

"You really expect me to drive with you doing what you're doing?" he questioned.

"I'm sure you can handle it," she whispered seductively, as she nibbled at his throat. He revved the engine, as she snuggled close.

"Man, it's hot out here," he said, making her giggle, as he took off back toward the lodge.

After leaving the lodge, they caught an air taxi back to Aldera and spent their last couple hours shopping at the local markets and shops, picking out souvenirs. Then, it was soon time to return to the ship. They boarded and were greeted by Tyler.

"Master Skywalker, Milady Skywalker, I managed to reserve one of the quiet back tables for evening meal for you tonight in the dining hall," he said. Anakin smiled.

"Good work, kid. The less interruptions, the better," Anakin replied, as he tipped him. They went to the desk to check back in and waited patiently for their turn.

"Anakin and Padme Skywalker," Anakin told the droid clerk.

"Starwalker," the droid chirped. Anakin suppressed a growl.

"No...Skywalker," he repeated.

"Skyrunner," it blipped weirdly, indicating something was off with its wiring.

"Skywalker, you bucket of bolts," he growled.

"Ani," Padme chided.

"There's no need for name calling, Mr. Starkiller," it chirped rudely.

"It's Skywalker!" Anakin replied in exasperation.

"Ha, here it is. Anikan and Padame Skyjumper," the droid chirped.

"You've got one too many loose wires, bolt head. But I think I have a permanent fix," Anakin growled, as he reached for the droid's neck. Padme tugged his arm, stopping him.

"Let's just go, Ani. It's just a droid," Padme said. He sighed.

"Fine, but your day is coming, you little rust bucket!" Anakin called, as he let his wife lead him away. By the time they reached their room, Padme was collapsing into giggles, while Anakin pouted.

"You're making fun of me," he said.

"No, I just think you're adorable when you pout," she replied.

"You should have let me rewire that little grease ball," Anakin complained.

"So, you'd rather be torturing some poor droid instead of...being with me?" she asked, mocking his pout with her own.

"That's not what I meant and you're making fun of me again," he replied.

"Oh, I'd never make fun of you, Master Jedi. There's much more entertaining things I'd rather do to you," she said seductively. He smirked, as she swiped the key card to their room.

"Oh yes, I think I was going to carry you off to my lair," he said, as they stepped inside their room. She squealed, as he threw her over his shoulder and carried her off to the bedroom...

Padme sipped at the decadent red wine they had ordered, as she and Anakin finished desert. He smiled at her. She looked absolutely radiant in her long, shimmering black gown, which hugged her curves perfectly. She wore the crystal necklace he had presented to her as an anniversary gift, which only added to her already stunning, alluring beauty. He stood and offered her his hand.

"May I have this dance, milady?" he asked. She smiled, putting her hand in his own

"You may," she replied. They enjoyed a romantic slow dance together. The next few songs picked up the pace and they were having the time of their lives, dancing in each other's arms. And they were the highlight of the dance floor. That's when Steph decided to put her next plan into action...

She carefully approached Johnny Nova, the famous holomovie heartthrob, and casually bumped into him.

"Watch it lady," he snapped.

"I'm terribly sorry...oh my gosh...you're him! Oh, I've seen all of your holomovies!" she gushed, faking every bit of it. He smirked smugly. He was quite attractive, tall and dark haired, but his attitude left much to be desired.

"Sure you have, babe. Everyone's seen me in action," he replied.

"Wow...I can't believe I'm meeting you. You're the third most famous person on this cruise!" she exclaimed.

"Third? I think you mean the most famous person here," he replied smugly.

"Well sure, that is, if you don't count Senator Skywalker and the Chosen One," she said.

"Senator Skywalker is here?" he questioned.

"Yes, she's right over there. I bet she would just be ecstatic to meet you," Steph suggested.

"Yes, perhaps I will go introduce myself to the beautiful Senator," he leered.

Padme laughed, as he twirled her and dipped her again, before lifting her up and spinning her around.

"Wow. All this dancing has made me thirsty," she mentioned.

"Me too. I'll go get us a couple of drinks. Shuura twist?" he asked.

"You know me well," she replied, as she kissed him tenderly.

"Don't be gone long, handsome, because I'm far from done with you," she said sultrily. He smiled and kissed her again, before going to the bar.

"Excuse me, Senator Skywalker," a smooth, male voice purred. She turned and found a tall, dark haired man before her.

"Yes?" she questioned. He caught her off guard when he snatched her hand and raised it to his lips. She snatched it away from him in a flash, shocking him. Usually, he had women falling all over themselves around him.

"Excuse me, do I know you?" she asked shortly.

"Everyone knows me. And I must say you are even more beautiful in person, Senator," he said smoothly.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't recognize you," she said. He blanched in disbelief.

"I'm Johnny Nova," he stated. Padme shrugged her shoulders, looking back at him blankly.

"The famous holomovie star," he said, his voice a little more on edge this time.

"I apologize, but I've still never heard of you," she replied. The actor looked wounded and a little angry, but then turned on the charm.

"Well, I've often been called the sexiest man in the galaxy. Perhaps you'll let me buy you a drink. I only entertain the most beautiful women, you know," he said pompously.

This guy made her skin crawl. He was just another slimy womp rat who thought he was the Force's gift to all women. He was in for a rude awakening.

"Well, they must have been mistaken, because I happen to be married to the most handsome, sexiest man in the galaxy and he is certainly everything you're not. He is gorgeous, kind, caring, and he loves me more deeply than you can even imagine. What he's not is a selfish, conceded, self-absorbed, slimy little womp rat who thinks he's the Force's gift to women, emphasis on the word, thinks," she snapped. The young actor looked at her in disbelief, having just been delivered an effective verbal slap.

"How dare you...you prissy little...witch!" he yelled, completely oblivious to the Jedi approaching him.

"What...did you call her?" Anakin half growled, as he handed their drinks to Padme and grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt.

"I suggest you beat it, sleamo. I don't take kindly to men who harass my wife. You're lucky I don't break you in half," Anakin said, shoving him away. He nervously tripped over his own feet and fell flat on his backside, causing people around them to laugh at the spectacle. He stumbled up and ran off in embarrassment.

"You okay?" he asked, as she handed him his drink. She had thoroughly enjoyed the little womp rat's discomfort.

"Yes, thanks to you, my Jedi hero, as always. Though I probably could have beat up that wimpy jerk myself," she replied, with a smirk. He laughed.

"No doubt there. Now that would have been entertainment," he replied.

"I would just like to know where these disgusting creeps keep coming from. It's sad that wedding rings and vows don't seem to mean much to some people," she huffed.

"Yeah, it's sad. But the important thing is that they mean everything to us," he said, as he leaned down and kissed her tenderly.

"Yes, that is the most important thing," she replied.

"Unfortunately, the galaxy is full of degenerate creeps like him. But I promise to spend my life protecting you...always," he whispered to her, as he kissed her cheek. She giggled.

"I'll hold you to that, my love," she replied, as she sipped at her drink.

"You better. Come on," he said, as he looped his arm with hers.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"I don't know how the kid did it, but Tyler cleared out the loft above the bar for us. It's all ours and we can dance and be together without further intrusions cutting into our alone time," he said. She smiled.

"Well, then lead the way," she replied.

"Stop laughing!" Steph growled, as Ethan was practically rolling on the floor.

"That was your big plan? That was the biggest backfire I've ever seen!" he laughed.

"Oh shut up!" she yelled.

"What were you expecting? That she might fall over that big loser? She's married to the Hero With no Fear, Steph...come on," he half laughed, half scolded.

"So she's not a tramp. But I'll still prove that Ms. Perfect is not so perfect after all," Steph shot back.

"Face it Steph, you can't win this one. But please tell me you got holos of that pompous idiot falling on his ass," Ethan said. She smirked.

"Of course. He'll be all over the gossip pages with that one. And I'm not giving up on the Senator yet. I'll get my dirt," she replied. Ethan sighed.

"What dirt?" he asked.

"Everyone has skeletons in their closet. Hers are just a little more well hidden than others," Steph replied, with a smirk. Ethan rolled his eyes.

"Whatever," he replied in exasperation...