Disclaimer: Star Wars and all associated characters, plotlines, and worlds (good and bad) are property and copyright © of George Lucas (aka The Richest Man in Hollywood). This is purely for fan entertainment only.

Summary: Yet another ficlet set between AOTC and ROTS, Padmé and Anakin take a brief respite from the events erupting around them and reflect upon the masks they wear for the public and in private.

Chapter 1

He smirked into the mirror, straightening his posture, pushing his shoulders back. His crystal blue eyes stared back at him, mirth flirting back. He ran his fingers through his hair one more time, playing with the spikes he had carefully crafted out of the mop of curls. He quirked an eyebrow, posing once more in the mirror.

Behind him, he heard an eruption of laughter. Obi-Wan clapped a hand on his shoulder, eyeing the display in the mirror. "What are you getting all dolled up for?"

Anakin smiled sheepishly, a blush rising up his neck and dotting his cheeks. He had no idea Obi-Wan was watching! "I'm getting ready for the masquerade ball." He reminded Obi-Wan, noting the other man's lack of formal attire. "Aren't you coming?"

His Master chuckled at this, "You've got to be kidding me. If my presence is not required, I'm not making an appearance. I hate political affairs-"

Anakin interrupted him, finishing, "Almost as much as you hate politicians themselves. Yes, yes, I know."

Obi-Wan shook his head warily at the younger man, "I don't understand why you're going in the first place."

A slow smile crept across Anakin's lips, "Padmé asked me to escort her."

Obi-Wan snorted, "Escort to a masquerade? What a ridiculous idea!"

Anakin shrugged elegantly, watching his reflection once more. "You're just jealous that she didn't ask you." He turned back to Obi-Wan and grinned. "So, how do I look?"

Obi-Wan took a step back, taking a moment to remember the occasion in which his Padawan took a moment to clean himself up and appear presentable. He corrected himself quickly- more than presentable, he was sure the ladies would appreciate the effort and his close fitting evening attire, the pants highlighting tight thighs. The attire thinly veiled his physical prowess, his strength. "It… works for you." He said softly, apprehension filling him that his Padawan was no longer a meager Padawan but a grown man and a Jedi Knight- another thing to get used to. How fast they grow up… "But where is your mask?"

Anakin pulled it from the table by the mirror, holding it up for inspection. It was a simple white theatrical mask, but it helped complete the sophisticated look Obi-Wan suspected he was going for. "So? What do you think?" he eagerly sought confirmation.

Obi-Wan grinned, his heart touched that his opinion still mattered to the younger man. "You had best remind the ladies that you are not to form attachments as a Jedi."

The Jedi Knight's face lit up in laughter, his mind drawing to the reason he had placed so much effort on his appearance, and the other reason why he was not to form other attachments: Padmé. Would she like it? "I'll be sure to remind them, Master." He teased with the last word.

His Master shook his head once more, "And do try to not stay out too late, Anakin, we still have to be at the Council in the morning." He hated to spoil the moment, but it had to be said.

As predicted, Anakin's expression fell, crestfallen. Obi-Wan half expected him to break out into a whine, ask, Do we have to? Instead, he straightened his shoulders once more, inclined his head, "I remember."

Obi-Wan watched his receding back, followed him to the door and wondered where the time had gone and where he had been when Anakin had grown up.

Her heart fluttered as she heard Dormé escort Anakin into her Senatorial apartment while she feigned preparing the last of her makeup. Every time she saw Anakin again she had to prepare herself for his grin to melt her resolve into puddles, for the last of her self control and will to find its way back into bed as if it had not wanted to get up to face the day.

She smoothed the gown automatically, checking her reflection in the mirror one last time, finally confident she had chosen the right attire, the right mask. The jeweled mask was tied with a silken ribbon to her loose hair, the curls laid across bare shoulders. Finally, she went to the living quarters to join Anakin.

Padmé had to take in her breath as she saw him, the perfect picture of elegance. A grin tugged at his lips as he met her eyes, white gloved fingers drawing her knuckles up for a kiss in greeting. "Good evening, Padmé." He murmured, his voice low.

She shivered involuntarily, her knees weak. "You'll never fool anyone with that grin, Anakin Skywalker." She admonished, trying to save her grace.

Anakin chuckled, laughter lighting his eyes. Oh I could drown in those eyes… "Oh come now, surely you're the only one that notices that." He extended his arm to her.

Padmé shook her head, taking his offered arm. "No, my dear, I'm not so sure I'll be the only one to notice, tonight." She sighed, over-exaggerating the movement, "I'm positive I'll have to beat them back with my clutch once they see the sexy man escorting me." She teased.

He huffed up his chest, but teased back, "We don't have to go."

She imagined the ways they could spend the time instead, allowed her imagination to wonder at the different ways Anakin could find to remove the gown, which she had insured would not be too difficult, but reminded her errant imagination that she was expected by the social scene and her absence would be noted, no matter that no one was supposed to know who she was. "No, we do."

Anakin inclined his head, brought her hand up for another kiss, "As you wish."

Yes, another snippet! And this one is going to just revolve around the two of them, for the most part.

Just fun stuff, not sure how long it's going to be or how involved it will get.