AN: Hey guys! So this is my first fanfic... let's see how it goes? This story is based on Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 4, 'Senate Spy.' The first couple of chapters are consistent with the episode, but then it's going to take a completely different turn. Hang on!

Disclaimer: I don't own this episode. I don't own Star Wars, either. I'm just a simple writer, trying to make my way in the universe.

The Coruscant sunset was beautiful.

It wasn't as magnificent as the glowing starshine on Naboo, but it was enough, with fiery red contrasting with hot gold and deep blue.

Padmè Amidala gazed out at it, leaning on the veranda of her spacious apartment. Her dark brown eyes focused on an imposing shape in the distance: five tall pillars, four of them squaring the fifth. The Jedi Temple.

Padmè bit her lip as she gazed at the Temple, thinking of Anakin Skywalker. The Jedi she'd married in secret, whom she could hardly ever be with at all because of the war.

If Anakin were here now, on Coruscant, he'd probably be somewhere in that Temple. Training Ahsoka, maybe. Or being briefed for his next mission. There were so many missions.

If Anakin were on Coruscant, she wouldn't be feeling so alone. Because she'd know he was safe. If Anakin were on Coruscant, she'd be waiting for him to come and see her in secret, in the shadow of night, when no one would think to look for him at the Temple. And Padmè would be able to kiss him, and hold him, and fall asleep to the warm pressure of him in bed beside her.

But Anakin wasn't on Coruscant.

And he hadn't been in months.

Her secret husband was due to come home today, but he must have received a new mission at the last minute because he wasn't here. He was probably still somewhere in the Outer Rim, fighting as a Jedi to save innocent worlds from the Separatists. She was proud of him, unspeakably proud of his bravery and his passion for saving others. And yet...

And yet, she was so alone.

Anakin, my love, come home to me. Even if I can only see you for a day, that'll be enough.

Padmè sighed and shook her head. She was being selfish—Anakin had work to do, and so did she.

But that fact brought with it even more painful thoughts because very recently, the Jedi Council had requested Padmè do something that she found scandalous. They'd wanted her to spy on her former boyfriend, Rush Clovis, and though Padmè had powerful feelings only for Anakin, the betrayal to her old friend would have severely pained her. So she'd refused.

Judging by the way the Jedi Council had dismissed her, she had a feeling they hadn't given up on the notion.

Anakin is very often right about the Jedi Council, or even the Jedi as a whole. They... they don't allow themselves to let a friendship become a vow. A vow of trust to the other person. A vow to never betray each other.

Except for Anakin. Anakin forms relationships with others, and that is why he is the only Jedi I could ever love. His partnership with Obi-Wan, his bond with Ahsoka, his friendship with Rex, our marriage...

And then suddenly, from the balcony behind her, Anakin's protocol droid C-3PO spoke. "Master Ani! What a delight to see you! I shall tell Mistress—"

Padmè swung around, her pinned-up hair swinging behind her head. Her dark brown eyes met the deep blue ones of a young Jedi who'd just come in. His blond hair was tousled from the wind, or maybe from whatever space battle he'd just been involved in. His eyes glowed with pure joy and love.

"Anakin!"

Padmè ran towards him, a smile growing on her lips, but paused before embracing him. She raised her eyebrows at the protocol droid hovering uncertainly behind Anakin. "That will be all, Threepio."

3PO, always the worrier, seemed apprehensive at those words. "Are you sure, Milady?"

"Yes, Threepio," she assured him, while Anakin smirked. "Now go."

C-3PO didn't really seem to like that idea, but he obliged, muttering his allowance, and departed the balcony through the same doors Anakin must have entered from.

And then she embraced him, and pressed herself to him, and threw her arms around his neck. Anakin spun her around, whisking her breath away.

His arms were safe and warm, and so full of love. Padmè closed her eyes for a minute, just breathing in the presence of him. Oh, how she loved him. Loved the soft beating of his heart against her breast, loved the warm feel of his breath on her neck, loved the tender caress of his flesh hand stroking her hair.

"I," Anakin said when they, at last, broke apart, "brought dinner."

He held up a carton of delicious-smelling hot food. Padmè raised her eyebrows in surprise. "How… did you manage this?"

Anakin gave her a cocky grin and led her to the couch. "I had to hitch a ride on a cargo freighter."

Padmè gave him a look of concern. "What happened to your military transport?"

"It... blew up," Anakin said awkwardly. He stood there for a moment, then shrugged. "Anyway, the freighter captain was bringing a shipment to a restaurant here, and he gave me something to bring home. We just have to—what?"

For Padmè had stopped suddenly, her heart pounding in her chest as she registered his words.

"You called this..." she said softly, her voice thick with emotion, "home."

"Well, what else would I call it?" Anakin asked, pulling her to him again for a quick kiss. But she could feel when their lips met that he knew exactly why it had meant so much to her.

When they broke apart, Padmè told him, "The Naboo Ambassador gave me something; I think I still have it here somewhere..."

"Must be something good?" Anakin asked her casually, plopping down on the couch.

Padmè laughed and nodded. "It is. It'll be perfect: five-blossom bread. My specialty."

"You..." said Anakin, giving her a look of surprise, "have a specialty?"

"I know how to make lots of things!" Padmè said, in a voice of mock indignance. "When I was little, I cooked every day. I've been saving it for a special occasion."

Padmè sat down next to Anakin on the couch, and he gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "An evening alone with you?" he asked softly, stroking her dark brown curls. "I can't think of an occasion more special."

Anakin gently relaxed her onto his chest, and Padmè closed her eyes, tenderly resting her head on his shoulder. It had been so, so long since he'd been able to hold her like this.

Anakin, my love, how is it we ever live when they keep us apart?

So yeah. I told you it started the same. But don't worry, the story is gonna take a completely different turn in later chapters. Please leave a review; let me know how I'm doing!