Korriban

Rays of morning sunlight peered through the curtains, awakening Padme from her slumber. She emitted a sleepy sigh and rolled over, hoping to meet the warm, firm chest she had slept against all night but soft fur met her. Startled, Padme sat up to see Thoron lying next to her, his tail wagging.

"Good morning, Thoron," Padme said sleepily. Thoron barked in response. Padme looked to the other side of the bed to see the sheets neatly made. On top of Anakin's pillow laid a small note. Curiously, Padme picked it up and read the elegant handwriting.

'Padme, thank you.'

Padme smiled and got out of bed. Looking back at Thoron, she bit her lip and hoped the dog would understand her.

"You don't happen to know where Anakin is, do you?" Padme asked sheepishly. Thoron ran to the balcony and barked. Padme walked over to him and looked out of the balcony and was amazed at what she saw.

Surely enough, there he was, twirling his staff as he dueled with Jayden. His movements were swift and ferocious, showing no signs of pain on his entire torso. Padme couldn't help her eyes travel down his bare chest, marvelling at the muscular perfection. She frowned as she caught the sight of Anakin's scarred back, some of the stitches still in place. Padme laughed as Anakin jumped on Jayden's back, the older Sith Elite struggling to hold the weight and fell, face first, onto the ground. She smiled as Anakin laughed as he pinned Jayden to the ground, glad to see a smile on his face. Drawing herself from the balcony, she walked to the fresher.

"Okay! Okay! I yield."

Anakin laughed and got off Jayden. He crossed his arms as Jayden dusted himself off.

"Was that payback for last night?" Jayden asked. Anakin frowned.

"No, but it would be nice to hear a little apology," Anakin said.

"Anakin," Jayden sighed, "as much as hate to say it, you deserved those fifty lashes. Especially after lying to your father about the senator."

Anakin sighed and pulled his muscle shirt on.

"Why'd you do it anyway?" Jayden asked as he began to polish the blades on his staff.

"You were there when I told father, Jayden," Anakin scoffed.

"True, but there is more you aren't letting on."

"She was kind to me, Jayden. After all my lies and deceit, she still helped me," Anakin replied. Jayden scoffed.

"Why should you care? She was probably trying to coax you into spilling imperial goods. Even though, I know you would never fall for that, it could have been worth a shot for her."

"She's not like that," Anakin whispered. Jayden shrugged.

"I'm just looking out for you, Anakin. So is your father. There's a reason why we fight the rebellion," Jayden said.

"Yeah, sure," Anakin muttered and walked away.

Anakin walked into his room and immediately smelled smoke.

"What the-"

Walking further into his room, he watched Padme as she scrambled to remove the pan from the stove.

"What are you doing?" Anakin asked. Padme jumped at the sound of his voice and struggled to remove the burnt nuna eggs from the pan.

"I am making breakfast," Padme said, "going to a Sith to ask for breakfast wasn't an appealing idea."

Chuckling softly, Anakin sauntered over to her and inspected her overly cooked breakfast. He placed the plate on the floor and Thoron ate the eggs eagerly.

"Here, let me," Anakin said as he plucked the spatula from her hand.

"Sorry about that," Padme said and Anakin smiled.

"No, it's alright. I'm just glad you didn't draw attention to yourself from all of the smoke."

Padme rolled her eyes and sat at the table as she watched Anakin cook.

"How's your back?" Padme asked.

"It's fine," Anakin said softly.

"Are you sure? Those were some nasty wounds. I'm surprised you even got out of bed, much less train outside."

"I'm use to it, Padme. Once I overcome the initial shock I can concentrate on letting the pain go," Anakin replied, "you'd be surprised. My wounds are almost healed."

"I'm glad," Padme responded. As he turned back, she could see his apprehension.

"You wouldn't mind removing the rest of the stitches, would you?" Anakin asked, a small blush tinting his cheeks.

"Sure, not at all," Padme responded, equally flustered. Anakin turned off the stove and sat on his bed, Padme climbing behind him. Slowly, Anakin brought his shirt over his head, his movements tantalizing Padme. Anakin gave her a comforting smile as she began to remove the stitches gingerly. She felt Anakin shudder at her soothing touch, her warm fingers gliding across his skin. He was momentarily distracted as Artoo rolled into the room, beeping to Padme.

"Hi, Artoo," Padme greeted without removing her eyes from Anakin's wound. Thoron approached the astromech and sniffed his dome. Anakin cocked his head to the side as he curiously watched Artoo swing around, waving his mechanical arms at Thoron.

"Artoo, be nice," Padme scolded. Thoron sat down and lifted his paw at Artoo. Both Anakin and Padme laughed as Artoo lifted his mechanical arm and shook Thoron's paw in a show of truce.

"That droid of yours has a lot of personality," Anakin commented. Padme smiled.

"Yes, I got him on Naboo. My family was thrilled when I brought him home with me. My nieces will love it when I bring him back."

Anakin frowned as the guilt filled his heart. He knew after last night, his father will probably arrest the rebel senators soon and most likely sentence them to death, Padme included. 'She won't be able to see her family again,' Anakin thought sorrowfully, 'she doesn't deserve that. I'm so sorry Padme, you need to know.' Padme finished removing the stitches and her fingers gently traced a deep scar. A chill ran down Anakin's spine as she rubbed it forlornly. She reluctantly pulled away and Anakin immediately missed her soothing touch. He swung around before she could leave the bed.

"Padme, there's something I need to tell you," Anakin said and Padme frowned.

"What is it?" Padme asked, worried.

"My father, he found out that you are a rebel," Anakin responded. Padme looked down and closed her eyes.

"I'm so sorry," Anakin whispered.

"What's my punishment?" Padme asked.

"My father will likely sentence you to...death."

"I guess I should have expected this ever since I joined the rebellion," Padme said and fidgeted with her fingers.

"I'm sorry Padme," Anakin said, laying his hand on shoulder, "my father saw the truth. I would have told you last night but I was just too weak."

"No, don't be sorry. You tried and I can't thank you enough for that," Padme said and her eyes locked with his. She couldn't help but feel entranced by their sparkling blue. Anakin was equally enticed by her chocolate ones. Reluctantly, he pulled away.

"Anakin, wait," Padme called and he turned to her. Deciding to take her chances, she raised her hands and cupped his face. Anakin's eyes widened as she pulled him down, his lips planting on hers. Padme cooed as his lips moved over hers. His eyes shut closed as her thumbs stroked his cheeks gently. Anakin raised his hand and rubbed her neck as his lips parted from hers, his breath tickling her flushed face.

"Padme..." Anakin started.

"Shh," Padme whispered, "I know you have your duty but I needed that."

Anakin shook his head and crushed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss. Padme moaned but whimpered as he pulled away too soon.

"Come with me today," Anakin requested.

"Anakin," Padme said and looked down, "it's best if we just confront your father and get this over with."

"No," Anakin said, pulling her chin up.

"If this is your last day alive, let's spend it while we can...with each other. We can just talk," Anakin said and chuckled, "plus, I would really like to get to know the women I'm kissing."

Padme laughed as he pulled her close and kissed her again.

Endor

"Are you sure you wish to return to Alderaan, Senator?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I have to, Obi-Wan," Bail replied as he placed his luggage on the shuttle, "you said Sky-I mean the Red Knight must have sensed our presence on Chandrila. I will just have to take the risk and proceed to return my life to normalcy. Alderaan needs me and my wife is worried."

"Of course, I understand. Just be careful on your trip," Obi-Wan said. Bail sighed as he saw Mon talking to Rush.

"I'm surprised she still here," Bail said.

"How is Chandrila doing?" Obi-Wan asked, concerned. Bail shook his head.

"Not good, I'm afraid. There are imperial troops parading around every street on Chandrila. No one on that planet feels safe any more and Mon is receiving plenty of criticism for not doing anything," Bail sighed, "not that she is."

"I'm glad we managed to relocate here as quickly as we did."

"Not all made it, Obi-Wan. Has there been any news on Padme?" Bail asked. Obi-Wan sighed tiredly.

"We sent scouts back as soon as the Sith cleared the area. I'm sorry, we could find no sign of her," Obi-Wan replied.

"What about Artoo?" Bail asked and Obi-Wan furrowed his brow.

"Artoo?" Obi-Wan asked, confused.

"He's Padme's astromech. He would never leave her side for long."

Obi-Wan thought for a moment.

"I will inform our spies on Chandrila to look for him. He might know where she is but until then have a safe journey, Bail," Obi-Wan said and shook Bail's hand.

"Thank you and good luck setting up the base, Obi-Wan. I can only hope Padme is not suffering at the hands of the Sith."

Korriban

"Where are you taking me?" Padme laughed as Anakin pulled her along.

"You'll see," Anakin merely replied with a smile on his face.

Padme gasped as Anakin brought her to the top of a cliff, the palace and the academy completely in view, hundreds of Sith walking around doing their daily business. Anakin patted the space beside him and Padme smiled, sitting next to him.

"It's my favourite spot in the capital," Anakin said.

"I can see why," Padme responded.

"Padme, I'm sorry about earlier," Anakin said.

"About what? You mean your father finding out or the...kiss?" Padme asked sadly.

"No, no, I'm talking about my father. That kiss was...it was great," Anakin quickly replied. Padme blushed.

"It really was," Padme responded, smiling softly, "but we came here to find out about each other, so let's do that."

Anakin chuckled at her enthusiasm and felt her hand over his. Smiling softly, he entwined her fingers with his.

Through a window at the highest point in the palace, Plageuis watched Anakin as he talked to Padme. He frowned as he sensed something unfamilar from Padme, something himself hadn't felt in a long time...happiness. It radiated off her in waves, ripples melding into Anakin's presence.

"Milord, officers have been dispatched to the rebel senator's planets. They will be kept under watch until we are ready to arrest them," Rayus said as he approached Plageuis.

"Thank you, Rayus," Plageuis said, keeping his eye on Anakin, "we need to do this right. I want to feel the rebel's hope crumble as their leader's are brought to justice."

Rayus nodded and followed Plageuis' trail of sight to Anakin and Padme.

"Looks like your son has started his relationship with the senator early," Rayus quipped.

"It's odd seeing him like this," Plageuis said, "he's never been this distracted from his duty."

"Don't worry, milord. He will be reminded once the rebellion is taken care of, I'm sure of it. But for now, he's helping us by making his relationship with the senator convincing."

Plageuis nodded and continued to watch his son.

"What's my favourite fruit?"

Anakin laughed and thought for a moment.

"Shurra," he responded.

"Right again," Padme said.

"Okay, one last question," Padme said and smirked, "who was your first kiss?"

Anakin smiled sheepishly and looked down.

"You were," he replied. Padme's eyes widened. When she first met Anakin, she immediately found him very appealing. He was young but she was sure he had been with another women before, looking at his muscular physique and chiseled features. She felt a bit giddy at the fact he was a virgin.

"Really?!"

"Why is that so surprising?" Anakin laughed.

"It's just you are attractive," Padme said and bit her lip, "very handsome. I just thought that maybe some female Sith might have come on to you."

Anakin blushed.

"Some have but I never been interested in the opposite sex; I'm always to busy with my training."

"For someone who has never kissed before, you are very good at it," Padme said and Anakin smiled, leaning closer.

"Really?" Anakin asked. Padme nodded.

"Really," Padme said and kissed him. When their lips parted, Anakin tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

"What about you? Who was your first kiss?" Anakin asked.

"His name's Palo," Padme said, "we were twelve, young and it was a small crush. He kissed me and I thought it was a step too far. I didn't feel any...it wasn't..."

"Passionate," Anakin finished for her. Padme looked into his eyes.

"No, it wasn't passionate," Padme said and sighed, "then Rush Clovis came in."

"Oh no, you dated that scum ball," Anakin snorted.

"It didn't last long," Padme quickly defended, "you're right, he was a jerk and I ended it not long after it started."

"You have a history of breaking relationships very quickly," Anakin pointed out.

"Well," Padme said, rubbing his arm softly, "I would hope this one will last longer than a day."

Anakin nodded solemnly.

"So what do you do for fun?" Padme asked, wanting to change the topic.

"Fun?"Anakin asked. Padme frowned.

"Don't you have fun around here?" Padme asked again, immediately feeling sorry Anakin.

"I train with Jayden and other Sith Elites," Anakin responded.

"Anakin, that's not fun. That is fighting and working on completing your duty. Have you lived your whole life on loyalty and commitment? Are you not allowed to love or have fun?"

"We are completely loyal to get the job done. It's our way of life and my father's philosophy. No fun, no distractions," Anakin said.

"Here's my philosphy. When you love, when you have fun, you are happy. And forming a deep bond to something...or someone makes you stronger and even more committed than a dogmatic way of life. Because you find a purpose to protect what you love, and you don't follow someone else's view of life. You find your own," Padme said and smiled hopefully, "c-can you understand that?"

"Yes," Anakin replied and smiled back, "I think I can."

Author's note: It seems like Anakin is swaying a little bit and finally there are together! I hoped you like this chapter and look forward to the next one where Anakin and Padme learn of their betrothal. Thank you for the reviews :)