She's surprised when she wakes up in his arms. Usually whenever they fall asleep cuddling or just close to each other, they shift during the night, more often than not waking up in opposite sides of the bed… Anakin's arm is still wrapped protectively around her waist, warming her better than any blankets could and she feels his warm breath fanning her neck as he sleeps. Padme never used to be terribly fond of cuddling, especially like this. She and Palo did it once or twice and it always left her uncomfortable and stiff. But that was Palo… She never felt like this in his arms, he never made her feel safe and loved once in their entire relationship. Anakin does and he likes relaxing like this. Being with him means a lot of spooning.
The first time they slept like this was strange for her… It wasn't as comfortable as she would have liked and it was way too hot for her liking. She'd shrugged it off as simply being unused to the position, unused to lazy cuddling in the morning and staying in bed far later than they should. Palo was never into that either… He liked to see the sunrise and drew inspiration from the colours. Whenever he stayed over she'd be woken up at stupid o'clock every morning by his loud fumbling around the room. That's what she was used to. Not this.
This is better; she decided it a while ago. While she may be an early riser by nature, she can't lie and say there's no appeal to enjoying the comfort of her boyfriend's arms and the warmth of their bed… And getting too hot is easily fixed by simply wearing less. She'll never forget the look on Anakin's face the first time she emerged from the bathroom in a little black nightie… Of course there was something quite sensual about the satin on her body, but she'd honestly only bought it for comfort while they slept.
Not that they got very much sleep that night…
Gently, she eases out of his hold and turns over, allowing herself a few minutes to study him, leaning her head on her palm and bracing her waist on her elbow. She's done this before, countless times now. Every time she has an opportunity to admire every inch of him exposed to her greedy gaze, Padme swears falls in love with him all over again. How is it possible to love someone this much? Just thinking of him has the power to make her heart flutter madly – sometimes she's like some kind of giggling school girl stealing an eyeful of her crush.
She may not have been open to his sweet efforts last night, but with the cold light of day shining through her curtains, she's happy he's here. Her little breakdown would have been very lonely without him here to hold her through it…
Slowly, his eyes flicker as he begins to wake, stretching like a cat with a sleepy groan. He's so adorable like this… Only half awake, and fighting the need to get up. She loves watching him lose the battle every day. When his eyes open slowly, blinking away the lingering fatigue, he greets her with a lazy grin which she's more than happy to return. It's a new day, and now she's even more inclined to believe all his whispered promises… Everything will be alright. She'll figure something out – they'll figure something out together.
"Good morning." She whispers, embracing the smile the words trigger. When they went to bed last night, she expected to wake up feeling horrible and alone… But she doesn't… She's definitely still sad, but things are more in perspective now. The suspension isn't for forever; she'll be back before she knows it. It's like… A little vacation, some unpaid time off… Maybe some good can even come out of it somehow.
Anakin's hand rises from the sheets to stroke his knuckles lightly across her cheek. "You're feeling better…" She definitely is, thanks in no small part to him. In this moment, alone with him like this, it's easy to forget about the rest of the world and their problems… They don't have to face all of that quite yet; hiding away in their own little bubble is intoxicating. She feels as she should, young and hopelessly in love. It's that thought which drives her to lean forward a little, pressing her lips to his and stealing a kiss. Anakin's all too willing to meet her halfway, lips parting to receive her while his hand shifts below her ear, thumb caressing her skin lightly. She loves kissing him, it feels so good and never fails to send warmth tinging across her body. Even sweet kisses like this, merely brushing their lips together again and again leaves her heady, always wanting more.
They break apart slowly, and her eyes start up their exploration of him once more. This time it is his lips which attract her attention, deliciously full and pale… They add to his charm tremendously. Even before they were together, she caught herself staring at his lips countless times. Though as beautiful as his mouth is, it is the feel of them that more often than not has the power to send her mind into sensual intoxication; his kiss can be hard and biting or sweet and soft… It promises love and passion and affection all at once. His lips make him cocky too. The curl of their smirk lights his face in a boyish cheekiness that is either endearing or irritating depending on the mood. But they always make up for it with their softness, in the happy smiles he grants her from time to time. His smile lights up his entire face if he means it, and the sight is something beyond what the word beautiful can capture.
Her gaze travels higher, abandoning his mouth in favour of the faded scar above and below his right eye… She's always been curious about its origins, but too worried to ask in case the old injury carried with it a painful memory. He has so many sad experiences; she didn't want to make him relive another just to sate her interest. He's opened up to her so much recently, bared his scarred soul to her judgment and their relationship is stronger for it – she knows him more, understands him better. Inquisitive fingers reach out to caress the marred skin lightly, trailing up, over his eye as they both flutter shut. Unsurprisingly, the scar is rougher than the rest of his flesh, slightly ragged. It must have hurt quite a bit… "You never told me how you got this."
"You never asked." He chuckles and opens his eyes with a playful smirk. Her fingers fall away, to trace the length of his cheek, and then lower still to skim across his lips, making the bottom one drag slightly in their wake. For his sass, she shoots him a disingenuous glare. The moment may be sweet and tender, but she won't hesitate to smack him upside the head if need be. "I wish there was some amazing story of heroics to tell you…"
"So it wasn't traumatic?" Her fingers slip past his chin and onto his throat, feeling the bob of his Adam's apple as he swallows.
"No, no," he grins, fighting back laughter… And blushing… What is there to blush about? "I, uh… Well, I was twenty and working in this shitty garage after Qui-Gon sold his place. And um, this woman walked in while I was welding without a mask and… She bent down to pick something up and I got a little distracted."
He's got to be kidding…? She can't believe what she's hearing; he scarred himself for life because he was checking someone out? Her fingers still atop his collarbone, and there's no stopping the laughter bubbling its way out of her lips. That's not the heart wrenching story she's been imagining all this time… No tragic accident or life altering experience… Just the allure of a woman's ass. At least he looks appropriately embarrassed!
"Well, I hope her ass was worth your disfigurement…" She giggles as his eyebrow rises curiously. It must have been quite the view to have risked sight in one eye for…
"Disfigurement? I thought it made me look tough." She can only roll her eyes at that. Always so quick to complement himself… "And give me a break; I was twenty with a one year old… It'd been a while…" Oh poor Ani. Such a victim. Her wandering fingers begin their travels again, sliding over his muscled pectorals and, feeling slightly bold, his nipple. She hears his sudden intake of breath and battles down a smirk… He liked that? Noted. "Though lo – looking back, I can say she was distinctly average."
Enjoying a surge of playfulness, she leans closer, practically grinning from ear to ear, "I hope you think my backside is worth maiming yourself for." His bark of amused laughter only adds to her flirtatious mood, especially as his eyes do a little exploring of their own… Who's to say she can't fish for a complement every now and again? Her rear may not be the most curvaceous, but he's never had any complaints thus far, and it's nice to be made to feel attractive every now and again.
His calloused palm recaptures her face, forcing her to meet his determined gaze as the pad of his thumb grazes across her earlobe to the skin behind it, "I'd walk into the flames of hell itself just to lay eyes on such perfection…" Only Anakin could ever pull off such downright cheesy lines. With anyone else it would sound forced and rehearsed, like a phrase stolen from a movie or novel but the dramatic flair comes so easily to him, and somehow, he makes it work. That doesn't mean she isn't tempted to groan a little every now and again despite the sweetness…
"What if I ask you to do just that from now on?" She asks coyly, fingers trailing between hard abs and then lower still to trace the waistband of his black pyjama trousers, drawing a quiet hiss from his parted lips. He's already roused… Her kiss and touches have only added to his morning problem. It's never been difficult to turn Anakin on, he's always ready and eager for sex but this morning has been especially easy. Perhaps there's something in the air… The thought of him aching for her after so little effort on her part sends violent shudders of arousal tearing through her body. Being so wanted by someone else, even when she's entirely sure her eyes are red and puffy from crying last night with the added appeal of dark bags the length of her arm hanging beneath them, is a wonderfully effective aphrodisiac.
"I'd say you're a cruel mistress…" He mutters, breathing heavily as the tips of her fingers dip beneath the elasticated hem. Cruel? Well, being cruel was never her intention.
"Perhaps you're right. Let me make it up to you…" Her hand slips away from her teasing spot at his hemline and slides higher again, climbing his body quickly, enjoying the sensation of him beneath her touch – all hard muscle and soft skin. Once high enough, her hand cups the nape of his neck and drags him to her and kissing him hard. He groans and moves quickly, partially pinning her beneath him as his mouth battles for dominance, kissing her greedily, passionately… Claiming her kiss as his forever. Sadly, it only lasts a few moments before he breaks away, leaving her panting, and begins to kiss a wet trail along her jaw.
She shudders powerfully, making him chuckle against her neck while one hand snakes its way along the length of her body, making sure to trace the swell of her breast on the way. When his fingers reach her hip, he clutches it tightly, holding her in place as his own grind down, letting her feel exactly the effect she's had on him. The result is a sharp gasp, and sparks of lust lighting up between her legs, guarding her mind from any thoughts of yesterday and what's to come. There's none of that… Only Anakin. Only the way he makes her body sing. That's all she really needs, she muses silently, losing herself in the sensation of his lips sucking at the hollow of her throat… Just him, their love and this.
Pawing aimlessly at his chest as her hips move rhythmically over his own, drawing pleasured sounds from both their panting mouths, Padme rides him slowly, lazily, drawing out their bliss as best she can. It's fast and a hard craze of mad lust between them so often that just this once, it's nice to take things slow and enjoy the euphoric sensations their physical connection offers. Anakin's calloused palms wander the length of her body, beginning with her breasts, and then sliding lower, behind her hips to grasp her backside tightly, kneading the firm flesh possessively as she rises and falls above him.
As things grew heated between them, he'd all but torn her thin nightie from her body before discarding it over his shoulder and his pants weren't far behind them. They'd barely managed to wait long enough for Anakin to roll on a condom before he surged inside her.
She watches him now, captivated, as his eyes fall shut, grunting when she squeezes her inner muscles tight around him. Automatically, his hips buck up, seeking that sweet friction again… He's so beautiful, so sexy like this. Anakin is always gorgeous, but watching him pant beneath her, moaning every time she sinks down onto his cock does something indescribable to her. His hands abandon the swell of her backside in favour of gripping her hips, pulling her down harder and her arousal spikes. Falling down over him, chest pressed to chest, Padme takes his mouth in a fiery kiss, the devastation of the previous day temporarily forgotten as they move together faster, the smooth, unhurried pace abandoned for in favour quicker pleasure.
He feels so good inside her, stretching her deliciously around him. She has to tear her lips away from his to cry out as he grazes just the right spot, boosting her pleasure to shocking new heights. "Ohh… Just like that… Uh!"
Desperate arousal and true, absolute love fill the moment until there's nothing else left. Though neither of them say the love words dancing on the tips of their tongues, they don't have to acknowledge what both know to be true. Instead, he draws her lip between his own and suckles gently, before sinking his teeth down just enough to be considered slightly too hard. A small pain explodes across her lip at the bite, but it's nothing in comparison to the heaven their bodies create together.
After freeing her abused flesh from the attack of his teeth, Padme's tongue slips past his own lips, taking his mouth as she takes his body. Her weight is braced on her palms by either side of his head as they move as one, falling easily into a rhythm that guides them both to a near overwhelming crescendo. His hand comes down roughly on her ass suddenly, creating an audible slap and sending a sharp sting racing across her skin. It hurts… But at the same time it actually feels… Good somehow. The slight pain only adds to her lust, encouraging her to ride him faster, to lose herself further in the pleasure only Anakin can give her.
"You like that?" He growls, squeezing her reddening cheek tightly.
"Yes…" It's all she manages to moan against the damp skin of his neck, especially as his hands tighten their grip on her hips, taking some control for himself. Padme never thought she'd enjoy something like… That. Spanking is something other people do, something only the adventurous and well, kinky people do… Not her. But she can't deny the affect the small blow to her skin had.
Encouraged, Anakin's hand comes down on her again, harder this time and her eyelids slam close tightly as the air rushes out of her lungs. Yes, it definitely hurts… And she shouldn't like it, but she does. So much so that when he does it again, she moans and arches into him unabashedly, the small violence turning her on to a near frightening degree. The combined pleasure-pain leaves her lightheaded and inspires her hips back into action, returning to the wet slide over him as her hands clutch his shoulders for dear life.
Nothing can compare to this, to being with him like this… Life has nothing else to offer that is so sinfully pleasurable, that provides the same closeness, or intimacy… She's never felt more devoted to anyone than she does for him like this.
She feels her body tense slickly around him and forces herself to straighten up again, rising above him and when she feels his hands on her ass again, Padme welcomes the assistance to move faster, for him to show her what he needs as the room fills with a litany of "oh gods" and "that's it… yes, yes…". Deep inside her, she can feel him swell and grow, throbbing in his need for her, the desire to let go, but still selflessly holding back as best he can for her pleasure first. He's so good to her, even like this.
But Padme wants to be good to him this time.
"That's it, Ani…" She ghosts her lips across his ear, loving how easily he shudders in response. "Mm… Let go…" His arms circle her waist and back holding her body tighter to his as he thrusts into her uncontrollably, so close to exploding within her. "You feel so good… So big…" Her words come lowly; barely above a whisper as her lips busy themselves kissing a wet trail along the sharp edge of his jawline, praising him, stroking his male ego beyond what his arousal can withstand. If there is one thing that never fails to push Anakin past the brink in the heat of the moment, it is her vocal admiration of him, his body, and just how good he can make her feel.
It works like a charm every time.
Her name falls like a chanted prayer from his lips, as at last, his pleasure explodes and his hips work frantically to carry her over the horizon too. All Padme can do it is clutch onto him as they ride each other madly, bodies wringing every drop of ecstasy they can from one another as her own climax assaults her, leaving her nothing more than a trembling heap above him, gasping his own name over and over until they're both left in a sated and exhausted heap.
Somehow, after several minutes of recovery, she finds the strength to gently free Anakin from her body and collapse by his side instead. Chests heaving, neither bother attempting to speak at first, she isn't sure they're even capable of it right now. She doesn't know what his plans for today are, but Padme would love to pull the blankets up, over their heads and not leave the bed until morning comes again. Unfortunately, it seems Anakin has other ideas and abandons the warmth of the bed to take of a few… Personal issues.
He returns from the bathroom a few moments later and curls himself around her, returning them to the position that started all of this. While she really isn't one to do it, the prospect of staying in bed grows more and more appealing by the moment until the idea of actually getting up at all seems downright impossible. No… She'll just rest her eyes a little and –
"Move in with me?"
For a long few seconds, the bedroom is silent. Padme almost doesn't believe she actually heard what she heard… She couldn't have. Anakin wouldn't say something so crazy right after they just finished having… He – he wouldn't… Yes, he would. He's always had trouble with timing. He asked her out right after Leia's parent teacher conference! As badly as she wants to deny it, this is exactly something he would do. She hasn't once thought about them living together, it just never occurred to her. It's too soon, right? This isn't something he can just spring on her like this! The subject of moving in together should be discussed mutually, when the right time comes.
Almost reluctantly, her eyes drift open as her body turns in his arms so they're face to face. The second their gazes meet, she regrets moving because, what is she supposed to say when he's looking at her like that? Eyes shining with excitement and expectation – he thinks she's going to be happy with the offer… And it's not that she isn't, exactly, it's just… Unexpected is all. Sometimes she needs a little time to process these things and figure out what's for the best.
"Padme?" He murmurs quietly, brushing his free hand through her slightly damp messy curls, "I know it's fast but-"
Fast? It's more than fast it – it's crazy! She can never tell when something is spur of the moment with Anakin, or if he's actually thought out… He's a passionate creature, someone who lives his life thoroughly in the moment and while she does love that about him, there are times when she wishes he were more rational like her. Has he even talked to Leia about this? How would she feel about her moving in? He's about to drop the bombshell of Sienna on the poor girl too, how much change can she take?
"Ani, I…" She trails off, unsure casting her gaze low, to the small space between their chests on the bed. There's no answer she's has to give him right now, she doesn't want to say no but yes just doesn't feel right either. It's not the right time. If it was, his request wouldn't make her question things; it would make her happy, delighted even. Maybe it is the right time for them, but she just isn't ready? "I… I just…"
"You don't want to." Anakin mutters bitterly, and it's heart breaking to know she's disappointed him. How long has he been thinking about asking her? Was it really just a spur of the moment idea? Padme just wishes she knew what she wanted… That would make this so much easier to navigate. At least then there'd be something she could tell him.
"No, Ani don't think that. I do… But I – I don't know if I'm ready for that right now." She reaches up to cup his cheek, needing to replace that disappointment with some kind of understanding. Moving in together is a big step… And so far, the biggest step they've taken together is her meeting Leia. Of course, that went wonderfully and she adores the girl, but this is different. It's terrifying and it's difficult to go back once it's done. There is part of her that loves the idea of waking up beside him every day, of becoming part of his and Leia's daily life and routines but another – the bigger part – is afraid of making such a commitment so soon after her suspension. She isn't sure she can handle two such major changes in such a short space of time…
Anakin, however, has no such qualms. "Why? If you aren't working, then we'll have plenty of time to sort it all out…" He's so clearly nervous and excited and she hates ruining that. But she has to do, moving in right now, it doesn't feel right. Or at least, telling him yes today doesn't feel right. That kind of commitment takes a little getting used to, she can't leap into it the way he can.
"I just told you – I'm not ready!" Isn't that enough of an answer on its down? Why does he need anything more than that? "Anakin, you haven't even met my parents or – or – I haven't met anyone in your life. This is hardly the time to be thinking about moving in together!" Sitting up and tugging the sheet with her, concealing her body from his eyes – the idea of talking about this while naked just feels weird especially if they're disagreeing this way – she huffs a sigh and struggles not to raise her voice as she speaks. The last thing they need is for this to spiral into a full argument…
"You are meeting everyone soon and I already told you I'm happy to meet your family." His argument is right, but until those things actually happen, it's like they're not a real couple, like they're each other's secret or something. Maybe it's an exaggeration, but that's how she feels. They aren't in the right place for living together. Not yet. "Not that those things have anything to do with this. You're just making excuses."
"Excuse me?" Just making excuses? How dare he! She has every right to feel the way she does, even if does interfere with whatever plans he has. "I'm not making excuses – I'm telling you how I feel." Irritation sparks to life in her veins, heating her blood as his words repeat themselves in her mind. She can't believe he'd really say something like that! It's so unlike him, Anakin is usually so loving and understanding… Where did that Anakin go? "But obviously, that doesn't matter to you."
Bored, or perhaps sick of the impending argument already, Anakin swings his legs around the edge of the bed and stands, reaching down for the underwear and jeans he discarded before bed last night and hastily pulls them onto his body with a tired sigh. "That is not what I said."
"You didn't have to! The way you just dismissed me was more than enough on its own."
"I didn't dismiss you – I just told you how I feel." He quickly pulls his shirt on over his head and Padme is suddenly very glad she wrapped her body in the blanket. Being the only one exposed would feel even worse, especially if this deteriorates any further. She'd fetch her robe, but that would involve brushing past him and right now she doesn't feel like moving at all, especially not toward him while he's being so insensitive.
"No, you didn't!" How did his offer of moving in together descend into this? "You just brushed me off and – where are you going?" She demands when he turns toward the door with a heavy sigh, shaking his head. What, he isn't even going to listen to her now? And yet he doesn't understand why she thinks he just dismissed her…
"I need to call Ben to check in with Leia." He snaps back at her over his shoulder and vanishes around the corner of the door leaving her stunned and alone. She can't believe he'd just walk out when she's in the middle of speaking! It's rude and just plain spiteful!
Furious, and more than a little offended by his callousness, Padme is helpless against the venom on the tip of her tongue. "Now who's making excuses? Using your child to get out of an argument is low, even for you!" Irritated and upset, she wastes no time before climbing out of the bed herself and storming over to the wardrobe. She won't just sit around in here and wait for him to come back… If he's that interested in Leia's wellbeing, he wouldn't have come here last night at all!
She opts for comfort over anything else and tugs on a pair of navy yoga pants and a white tank top before storming downstairs, ignoring the muffled voice bleeding out from behind the closed door of her spare bedroom. If she'd realised just how bad this was going to get, she would have just pretended to be asleep when he asked the damn question! Maybe, if they can't work things out this morning, it might be best if he just went home? Obviously tensions are running slightly high… Sinking down onto the cushioned seat built into her bay windows, Padme leans her temple against the cool glass and pulls her knees to her chest, watching her breath become condensation. Anakin was probably just hurt before… He's prone to letting his emotions get the better of him… That's probably why he lashed out the way he did and refused to listen. If she can be the calm one, then maybe they can sort this out before it gets any worse.
A few minutes later, she hears the telltale thuds of him stepping down the stairs and sees him enter the room from the corner of her eye, but says nothing. Padme may be prepared to be the mature one, but that doesn't mean she particularly wants to strike up conversation with him right now. She's just… Tired… It's been a long, long few days and she really just wanted to hide away in bed where the real world couldn't touch her… Apparently, the real word has different plans for today.
There is a thickness in the air, an intensity she doesn't like. With each passing second, the loveliness of earlier, their sweet morning and passionate start to the day feels more and more like the calm before the storm… As if something's about to happen, but she has no idea what it is.
"I still want to know who that was in the school yard." Anakin snarls from the doorway, drawing her attention back toward him. What is he talking about? Oh! Clovis… After everything with Sienna and Sheev yesterday and now this, she'd almost forgotten all about him and what happened. Well, this couldn't be avoided forever… Maybe once he knows the truth, they can just move on and forget all about it?
"He's an old friend, that's all." Assuming her words are enough to quell the confusion, Padme turns back to the window, glancing out at the people walking the streets below her… She'd much rather be one of them right now than in here.
Anakin's response is far quicker than her own, and the words come from low in his throat, more of a growl than anything else. "Who is he?" Why does it matter so much? It isn't as if Clovis walked up and kissed her – at least not on the lips anyway. Isn't she allowed to speak to another man without him growing jealous?
"His name is Clovis – Rush Clovis," she sighs, allowing her heavy eyelids to drift shut. Already, she knows what she's about to say next is not going to go over well… But honesty is always the best option, even when it'll probably only inflame him more. If she didn't tell him now, and he found out later, it would only be worse. "He was my high school boyfriend."
When her eyes open again, she sees the anger dancing in his eyes, even from across the room. She was right, it's only maddened him further, even if she couldn't see his eyes, it would still be obvious. His jaw is locked tightly, and his fingers dig into the hard flesh of his biceps where his arms are crossed… He's angry, enraged even.
The storm has definitely arrived.
"So your ex has been taking you out for lunch, and you didn't think to tell me about it?" Anakin barks indignantly and it takes all her energy not to roll her eyes in response… She tried to tell him all about it, but he couldn't manage to force himself into listening to a word she had to say! Hell, he still doesn't know about her sister's pregnancy even now! But yes, of course it's her fault he doesn't know what's going on in her life.
"My ex? Anakin we were children!" He's unbelievable… Clovis is not her ex! It wasn't even a real relationship… But he's still jealous. Needing to move suddenly as the frustration builds again, Padme climbs off of the pretty window seat and lingers near the wall, not wanting to be anywhere near him at the moment. He'd know all about Clovis if he just listened to her, and even still, he has no right to be so worked up about this. She already told him what's going on, there's nothing more to it than that. Can't he just trust her?
Despite her silent wishes, Anakin crosses the room in a few angry strides so she's forced to step backward until her back presses against the wall. What is he doing? "How would you feel if I were seeing one of my exs behind your back? Hm?" His words are biting, demanding and they only make Padme angrier. How dare he think she'd sink to his level of jealously and pettiness!
"I wouldn't care!" Totally exasperated, she can't help yelling slightly… She's not like him! She has faith in him and this relationship but he obviously doesn't feel the same way about her. If either of them truly had an excuse for being a jealous idiot, it would be her, not him! She was cheated on and had her confidence shredded but that doesn't mean she goes around acting like this. If she doesn't do it, than he sure as hell doesn't get to. "Anakin, I trust you! But apparently, I don't get the same level of respect from you!"
"I don't want you to see him anymore." He pouts childishly, and the surprise makes her reel. He doesn't want her to see Clovis anymore? He does not have the right to ask that of her! She can't believe he would even have the audacity to try it!
"What?" She hisses, completely aghast. Clovis is her friend; he's been there for her, ready and willing to listen to her troubles… Which is more than can be said of Anakin lately! How would he like it if she started demanding he stay away from his friends? But then, she would never do that… That's the difference between them.
By either side of his body, his hands curl into tight fists, turning his knuckles a jarring white against the rest of his skin as he grits out, "I don't like him."
"You don't like him," she spits, narrowing her eyes, "or you don't like that he touched me?" She's goading him and she knows it… Maybe it's a stupid thing to do right now, like poking the bear, but she needs him to see how pathetic he's being about this! "That's what this is about, isn't it?"
"I don't want him around you," Anakin growls furiously, eyes alight with the intensity of his ire, "that's final."
If her back weren't pressed against the wall, she might have stumbled back a few steps. The blow of his words feels like a physical slap across her face. What did he just say? That's final? After a moment, the shock fades leaving only a hot fury of her own in its wake. He does not get to tell her what to do, relationship or no relationship! "Who the hell do you think you are Anakin?!" The only people to ever talk to her like that are her parents, and even then that only happened when she'd acted up… He doesn't get to degrade her like that and get away with it! She doesn't like this side of him, wherever he had it locked away before, she wants it back there, never to see the light of day again. This is not the man she knows and loves… It's a possessive and angry person she doesn't like.
"I'm asking you, as your boyfriend, to stop seeing him." His tone is hard and leaves no room for arguments… As if he truly believes he's doing nothing wrong here, that his demands are somehow reasonable. Too bad. Clovis means a lot to her, she's not just going to cut him out of her life to appease whatever stupid jealously Anakin has.
"Oh, alright then!" She snaps with a snarl of her own this time, "why don't I just call him now? I can tell him my loving boyfriend has demanded I stop seeing him for no reason than his own damn insecurities!" Maybe now he'll actually see how stupid all of this is? If he just backs down and admits he's in the wrong, then maybe today can be salvaged… Maybe. This has given her a lot to think about. Padme's always known he has a tendency to be jealous, she's seen the glares he gives any other man who looks at her, but she always shrugged it off before because never –never – did she see something like this coming. It's just… She'd never thought he could sink this low.
"If that's what it takes." He mutters, straight faced and completely serious. He – he really means it, doesn't he? He'd actually let her call Clovis and say all that if it meant she wouldn't see him anymore. Wow… Just… She can't believe he can be like this. Where is her sweet, loving Ani? This is not him.
"Can you hear yourself right now? Anakin, you're being pathetic!" What is his problem? Yes, Clovis went too far by kissing her hand but that is no reason for all of this! Though, if he'd just hugged her, she has a feeling they'd be in the same position now anyway… He's just… It's pitiful. "You don't just get to tell me what to do, that's not how this works!" That's not a relationship… It's something toxic, unhealthy and she's not interested in experiencing it. What they have is supposed to be love, they're supposed to care about each other and stand together not this! She'd rather anything but this.
His jaw clenches harder, every inch of him absolutely radiates with agitation and she almost rolls her eyes at the sight. No, she thinks, she doesn't like this side of him at all. "I'm not telling you what to do, I'm asking –"
She doesn't let him finish, too tired of this to hear his excuses again, "it doesn't matter what you're asking me to do, or telling me what to do, the bottom line is, I won't stop seeing Clovis. He's an important part of my life Anakin, so get used to it." The final words come hissed from her mouth and the reaction is immediate. The fury in his eyes explodes into something crazed, an anger backed by a fierce ferocity. It's alluring and it is completely terrifying. For a moment, her Ani is gone, replaced by something darker, someone she doesn't know… Some strange monster borne of pure passionate rage. Cold fear seeps through her body, making her fingers tremble slightly and a startled cry falls from her lips as his arm moves quickly, too quickly, the movement almost a blur, slamming his fist into her wall mere inches from her face.
Oh my God.
Fear freezes her to the spot, wide eyed and horrified as her breath comes faster and faster, making her chest heave in panic. He almost hit her… If his fist had been just a little closer, he'd have punched her in the face! Disgust and terror battle one another for dominance as her face turns slightly, just enough to watch him pull back his now blooded fist and exposing the awful dent left behind in her wall… That – did that really happen? The anger in him seems to pass in wake of what he just did, but she can't focus on that. She feels sick. He could have hit her… It was so close, too close. He was so – so violent!
"Padme…" Regret is unmistakable in his voice, but the sound of her name falling from his lips so apologetically only makes everything feel ten times worse. "Padme, I – I…" He has nothing to say, there is no excuse for what just happened and even if there was, she'd be a fool to listen! If he can snap like that over something like this, something so trivial… What if something worse happens? What if next time it is her face his fist meets? She can't even think about that right now.
Today has opened her eyes to a very different side of him; one Padme wants nothing to do with. She never wants to see it or feel like this because of it again… It's humiliating and distressing to feel herself cower like this – to flinch as his arm moves to run through his hair. He always made her feel so safe and loved and adored but now she's afraid of him. Afraid of what he's capable of.
One anxious, shuddering breath escapes her lips and somehow she finds the will to snap out of whatever frightened haze his actions locked her in and push past him… She needs to get away, being so close to him right now makes her feel tainted, wrong… It's not right. Just a little while ago he was asking her to move in with him, and she wanted to, even if she'd said no… But now, she can't stand the sight of him, never mind considering living with him!
There's no stopping the gasp that flees her lips as Anakin's hand grasps her wrist, the fear makes her body jerk back, desperate to put space between them, to get as far away from him as she can, and he knows it. His entire face falls as she tears herself free but she can't bring herself to care, not right now. "Padme, please… I'm so sorry – I just…"
No! She doesn't want to hear this… She doesn't want to be anywhere near him right now. Whatever apologies he can think up mean nothing compared to what just happened… He can't just say sorry and expect her to forget all about it! "Stay away from me!" She hisses, frantic and enraged and he has to look away for a moment. Good! As soon as his eyes are no longer on her, Padme rushes out of the room, up the stairs and into her bedroom, letting the door slam powerfully behind her, making the walls tremble in response.
Downstairs, after a minute or two, the unmistakable sound of the front door opening and crashing shut again resound around the apartment and she sinks down to the floor, wrapping her arms around her knees and tries not to cry.
What is she supposed to do now?
A/N: Please don't kill me…
Next time: Padme considers what to do, and Bail's investigator has some interesting information to share.