Chapter 4

Even from where she stood, Padme could visibly see how pale Anakin's face had become.

Then it hit her: Tatooine!

Anakin hadn't returned to that ball of sand since his mother died.

Her heart went out to her husband. This was not going to be easy for him. Memories of her time in Tatooine filled her mind: meeting Watto, meeting Anakin's step-family, the range of emotions that played over Anakin's face as he learned of his mother's kidnapping, Anakin crying as she tried to comfort him.

Padme shook her head, trying to press the thoughts away. She cleared her throat, "Well, I suppose I should prepare. Goodnight gentlemen."

The three men bowed and Padme retreated to her room.

"Master," said Anakin, "Should we not prepare the ship for flight?"

"Yes, of course." Said Obi Wan. "Gin-Sol, I'd value you assistance with the ship, Anakin, stay and watch over the Senator."

"Yes, Master" replied Anakin and Gin Sol.

"Padme's guards are just one level below and you know how to reach me if there is any trouble. Gin Sol and I should be back by morning."

With that, Obi Wan and Gin Sol walked silently out of the room. Anakin waited until he could no longer sense their presence within the building, then he walked towards his wife's room.

She was sitting up in her bed, staring at the passing air traffic through her window. Anakin could only stare at how beautiful she was. She looked at him and Anakin could feel her concern. He sighed, it seemed that she spent most of her time being concerned for him. Padme jumped from the bed and ran into his arms.

Anakin held her tightly, pressing her against him. All the emotions that he worked so hard to keep hidden, once again swept through his entire body.

"Anakin." She whispered. "Tatooine?"

"I know." Replied Anakin. He took a breath. He had never imagined that the mission to protect his wife would lead him directly back into his past. A past he had worked hard to forget. He was just as worried as she was. But he didn't want her to see it.

"It will be alright, my love." He whispered, kissing her temple. She shivered, clinging to his shoulders.

Anakin lowered his face to hers and kissed her lightly on the lips. Padme wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

Every emotion within Anakin seemed to double and explode within him. He thanked God with everything in him that this was his wife. She was his.

Raising a hand, he used the force to shut the door to Padme's room.

Anakin woke with a start. Sitting up he looked at his sleeping wife. He rubbed his head. "It was a dream." He mumbled.

He wasn't sure what it had been about. Only that it had been about Padme. Gin Sol had also invaded his dreams. He shook his head and lay back down. He was wide-awake now.

His idle thoughts eventually led him to Tatooine. Tatooine was a painful memory for him. He had been young, vulnerable, and angry.

That anger was what had driven him to slaughter an entire clan of Sand People.

A picture of his mother floated into his head. She had been so weak. So helpless. He had failed to save her. He had failed his mother.

He turned to look at Padme. He stroked her cheek and she smiled in her sleep.

He would never fail her. He would protect her and keep her safe. Always. And he would return to Tatooine if that's what it would take to keep her safe.

Anakin looked out the window. It was still dark, but the sun would be rising soon. He got out of the bed and walked back out into the apartment.

Anakin was sitting on the couch when Gin Sol walked into the room. "The ship is waiting." Anakin stood up. He nodded his head towards Gin Sol then turned his back to him. He hated that Gin Sol had been there to save his wife and he hadn't even known she was in danger. Anakin didn't trust him. He didn't trust anyone when it came to his wife. But Gin Sol was different. The fact that he was feeling things about Padme put Anakin on edge. He hated that he would be assisting on the mission to protect her.

Then, as if summoned by pure thought, Padme walked out of her room. Dorme followed, carrying her bags. Since they were not to draw attention to themselves, Padme wore a simple maroon gown.

Anakin struggled to stop himself from smiling. Even the gown's simplicity could not level her beauty. She wore none of her political makeup, which gave her a more relaxed air. He curls had been woven into an elegant, but simple braid that went down her back. She looked like and angel.

For a moment, Anakin met her eyes and he could see her as she was. He felt her every raw emotion. Trust, concern, fear, love…

He wanted more than anything to just be able to kiss her.

"Senator we must hurry if we are to make the first refugee transport."

Their moment was broken. Padme simply stared at Gin Sol for a moment before realizing she was supposed to respond.

"Very well. I suppose I must go, though I don't believe this is necessary."

Gin Sol smiled. "I'm afraid it is necessary. It would be a shame if anything were to happen to that beautiful face. Milady"

Padme looked down and Anakin stiffened.

"We have a job to do." Said Anakin tightly. It was taking every effort not to punch Gin Sol where he stood.

He walked over to Padme. "Milady." He said, his voice clearly audible. He took the bags Dorme had laid at her feet.

"Come Senator." Said Gin Sol

The three Jedi sat facing the senator. Her droid, R2-D2, was just beyond her.

"Would you like something to eat Senator?" asked Obi Wan. I could send R2 to get you some food."

Behind her, R2 beeped and whistled his agreement.

"No thank you Obi Wan. I'm not hungry."

Anakin looked at his wife and frowned. They had been on the transport for two days and in that time, Padme had barely eaten anything.

"Are you well Senator" asked Anakin. He tried to keep his face from showing too much concern.

Padme waved her hand in the air dismissively. "I'm fine, I just haven't been hungry lately."

Anakin frowned slightly. Padme caught his gaze and looked away.

"So where are we going once we arrive at Tatooine?" asked Padme.

"The plan is to take shelter among the sand dunes…"

Gin Sol couldn't concentrate on what Obi Wan was saying. She was so close. He could smell her. Her every move attracted his attention.

She glanced at him and looked away. He frowned. He hated when she ignored him. He was meant for her and she was ignoring him.

Beside him, Anakin stiffened. Gin Sol could feel is anger. He saw Obi Wan glance at Anakin and frown.

Gin Sol shook his head lightly. Anakin was extremely attracted to Padme. It was painfully obvious. The longing stares, the way he would brush his hand against hers as he walked by. It was a wonder that Obi Wan hadn't picked up on it by now; unless he was choosing to ignore it.

Well, he was the one for Padme, not Anakin. And he would prove it to her.

Anakin rose suddenly. "Excuse me master, Senator." He bowed and walked stiffly from the lunch area and down the hall.

Gin Sol smiled within himself. Anakin was making it too easy. He was a fool who could not control his own emotions.

Soon Padme would realize this and when she did, she would come to him willingly.

Padme stared off into the direction Anakin had gone. She sighed.

Obi Wan noticed and caught her eye. "I'm sure Anakin is fine Senator. He probably just needed some air. You know how Anakin can be."

Padme nodded. She knew all too well how Anakin could be. She also knew that he was angry. That was dangerous because when he was angry, he could also become irrational. But that only made her love him more. And only increased her concern

She glanced at Gin Sol. She was sure that Gin Sol was the source behind Anakin's anger. She could feel it. She could feel him. He was watching her. He had been for nearly the entire trip. She was beginning to actually wish for their descendant into Tatooine where she would be able to escape his prying eyes.

Anakin returned by nightfall. He seemed better, but barely.

Padme had changed into a simple, but modest nightshift. Aware of Gin Sol standing nearby, she pulled her robe tighter around her. She paused for a moment and discreetly placed a hand on her stomach. She looked around. She had been feeling strange the last two days. She had been fighting to stay awake and hadn't wanted to eat any food. The food she did consume was merely so she wouldn't cause suspicion and worry Anakin.

She forced herself to think back to see if she remembered eating any strange food.

She glanced up and saw Anakin working on something. "No." she whispered. "I couldn't possibly be…" She shook her head pushing the thought away. She was fine, probably just a slight stomach flu. She looked back at Anakin and walked over to him. "What are you working on?" She asked innocently.

Anakin smiled. "One of my light sabers I didn't completely destroy. Master has fallen into a habit of making me try to repair the light sabers I've ruined."

He sat back on his heels. "How are you doing Padme? You haven't been eating. Are you alright?"

She sighed. "I'm fine Ani, really. It's you I'm concerned about. Are you going to be alright being back on Tatooine?"

Anakin looked away. "If that's what it takes to keep you safe, then I'll be fine.

"But ---"

"Padme. I'll be fine. Please my love, don't worry about me."

Padme looked away and started to pout which only made Anakin laugh.

"You know," she whispered, her lips close to his ear. "I was hoping to fall asleep to the sound of my husband snoring beside me."

Anakin blushed a rose pink color. Lifting his head to the ceiling, he said, "I wish I could love, but I think it would make Obi Wan and Gin Sol a little suspicious."

He looked at her and frowned. "I don't snore."

Padme laughed. "And how do you know that?"

"I would know if I snored." Anakin said indignantly.

Padme gave him a skeptical look.

"Besides," continued Anakin. "Obi Wan would have informed me if I snored."

Padme just smiled. "Speaking of Obi Wan, where is he? And where has R2 gone off to?"

"He and R2 went to find a quiet place to send the Council and update report."

Just then, Gin Sol walked over. "Is there anything I can do for you Senator?"

Padme smiled, "No thank you Gin Sol. Anakin was just showing my how to fix a light saber."

Gin Sol and Anakin simply stared at each other.

Padme stood. "I suppose I should retire. Good night."

"Good night Senator." Said Gin Sol.

"Sleep well Padme."

Padme smiled and headed in the direction of her sleeping palet. Gin Sol blinked at Anakin, then frowned.

"I didn't realize---"

"Good night Gin Sol." Said Anakin. "You should sleep. We will have reached Tatooine by morning."