A Date on Naboo
Anakin POV
When Padme agreed with me to go out again, I was ecstatic. I knew I had to take her somewhere good, somewhere romantic. I needed a plan.
"Hey Snips, where is a good romantic place for a date?" I asked as we were walking through the temple.
"Why would I know?" she asked.
I shrugged, "Your a girl."
"So typical. You don't want to think, so you're asking my advice. I should call Padme, and tell her how lazy her boyfriend is," Ashoka fumed.
"You know what forget I said anything," I said.
I finally got away from Ashoka and got back to Obi-Wan's apartment. I went on the HoloNet, and was looking at the fun things to do in Coruscant, but they all looked boring like the opera or a debate. I knew she did not want to go anywhere that would be like a podrace, even though that would be really cool. Then a thought cross my mind, we were both happy on Naboo. She loved her home planet, and it was so peaceful it actually calmed me.
I picked up my communicator and called Snips, after a minute she answered.
"I got it. We go to the planetarium and recreate one of our first dates on Naboo," I said very proud of myself.
"That's great, Skyguy. One problem. Was this supposed to be a surprise?" she asked.
"What?" I asked.
"Hey, Ani," came Padme's voice. "I'm sorry that I ruined the surprise."
"Well it's okay. We can still do the plan if it sounds like a good idea. Meet you there at eight o'clock tonight?"
"Yes," she said.
"Wait. What are you and Ashoka doing together?"
"I have a meeting with the representative from Shili to discuss their trade with Naboo. Ashoka is helping me make a first impression," said Padme.
I raised an eyebrow, but decided to let it slide. "Okay, see you tonight," I said before signing off.
Just then Obi-Wan came in. "Hey, do Naboo and Shili trade?"
"I don't think so, Anakin. So what do you want to do?"
"What do you mean?"
"Anakin, do you know what today is?"
I shook my head. "Its thursday."
Obi-Wan smiled. "It's your birthday, Anikan. Now I know Padme wants to take you out tonight. But I thought Rex and I could take you to the track for a round on me. What do you say?"
Obi-Wan made good on his promise. Rex met us at a sports club that had pod racing from all the different corners of the galaxy. We had a few drinks and I helped Rex place a few bets on some racers. He won and tried to give me some of the cut, but I declined. It was not about the money, it was about being able to tell who was gonna win and who was gonna get blown up.
Anyway, by the time we left, I got a message from Padme that simply said "Planetarium. Upper Level. Hurry Master Jedi." I grinned.
"I got to go," I said as I got into my speeder. They waved bye, and I heard a "Go Get 'em, General."
I drove as fast as the speeder would let me get to the Planetarium. Once I got there, I got out of the speeder and ran through the upper level. Then I let the force guide me to the light that was Padme's presence. I went down a dark hallway and I could tell I was getting closer. When I got to the door, I felt she was right beyond the threshold.
I swung the doors open wide and could not believe my eyes. The Planetarium had a room that could take you to any place in the galaxy, and make it seem like you were actually there provided you did not leave the room. Padme had set it for the Lake Palace on Naboo. We were at the fields by the waterfall where we would picnic when I was protecting her. Only this time it was at night, and there was a full moon. Padme had lit a bunch of candles that were placed all throughout the picnic area.
"I thought we would have a little candlelight dinner," she said.
I smiled and walked over to her. I kissed her hard, and then sat down beside her. She opened the picnic basket that had fruit, wine, cheese, rolled sandwiches, and some nuts. I poured the wine and made a toast.
"To you, m'lady."
She blushed and we drank. I grabbed some sandwiches and then filled my plate. It was all pretty good food.
"How was your day?" I asked.
"Fine, Yours?"
"Boring. Nothing happened."
"Ani. It's your birthday. Nothing happened?"
"Oh, well. Yeah. Obi-Wan and Rex took me out. That was pretty fun. And I am going to call my mom later so that will be nice."
"Good. I'm glad you had a good day. Do you want anything for your birthday?"
"You," I blurted out before I could stop myself.
I could see that I made her uncomfortable. She shifted awkwardly, trying to get away from me.
"No, wait. I did not mean that. I didn't mean now and certainly not sexually. I meant I want you in my life. I want this to continue. Our friendship and maybe a romantic relationship. If you are okay with that. I-"
Suddenly she was laughing. I stopped talking so I could listen to it.
When she finally stopped, she said, "I have been married to you, Anakin. I know what you meant. Just the way you said it made me laugh." After a moment she said, "I want you too Anakin, and you need to know there is no one else. I just can't trust you yet. But I am getting there. I promise."
I nodded. I was scared there would become someone else. There would be a senator who had his head on straight who could keep her safe without going to the dark side. But so far she still wanted me, even after thirty years. If she could wait that long, I could wait however long it took.
We sat there drinking wine curled under the Naboo sky, and I truly felt happy.