Ive been working hard all week to get this out on time, so here you go! It's the valentines day chapter! I thought it would be nice to make a little chapter of some domestic gracekin fluff, so enjoy this little take on valentines day. Or, as i call it, Soulmate Day!

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Chapter Eleven: Soulmate Day

Anakin sat on a couch in Grace's apartment, clutching a small box in his hand. It was wrapped in a ribbon that kept it shut, and he couldn't wait to give it to his wife. He had snuck out of the Temple as early as he could today, making sure he had completed his duties beforehand. He knew he had looked suspicious, but luckily none of them were aware enough of what day it was to connect the dots.

Threepio had left him with a glass of water (Grace always said he should drink more water, it seemed she had made sure her droids bothered him about it too), but he had clearly noticed that the guest was too excited to make idle conversation and left. By now Grace knew not to bring her guards into the main rooms with her anymore unless she knew he wasn't there, all of her staff knowing that a Jedi was probably inside. They would never rat her out, but it was best to make sure they didn't have any real evidence. What they didn't see couldn't hurt them.

The sun would set in a couple of hours, casting this room in a golden glow. But as he heard the door open and the owner of this apartment walk in, he felt like the room was lit up by her presence; far brighter than the system's star could ever get. He jumped up from the couch, turning to greet her with a smile on his face. She looked a little tired, her posture worse than usual, and he walked up to her and gathered her in his arms. She sighed into his chest, melting into him as they hugged.

"Rough day?"

She laughed, a breathy sound. "Yeah, it isn't even done. I have a meeting I have to be at soon."

He tried to hide his disappointment. He had been looking forward to spending the whole night with her. Oh well, they would still have hours when she returned. The important thing right now was to cheer her up.

The General kissed the top of her head, careful not to mess up her elaborate hairdo. It was certainly not too delicate, but he could easily ruin it with too rough of a touch. She hugged him tighter, feeling the stress of her day melting away. His embrace was welcoming, and she felt more at home than she did at her family's house on Naboo. But eventually she had to extract herself, walking deeper into the apartment to pick up some documents she required.

She pecked Anakin on the cheek and headed for the door. "I'll see you after the meeting, okay?"

He smiled, giving her a wave. "Okay."

Grace fought to keep from slouching as she left the meeting. The foreign dignitaries she had spoken with had been less than kind, and were really quite stubborn. She didn't mind it in Anakin, but it was quite frustrating in a workplace environment. Speaking of her husband, however, she could now go home and enjoy a lovely evening with him. She had something special planned for tonight.

It was Soulmate Day on Coruscant; a holiday she was excited to share with him. Soulmate Day was meant to celebrate the intimate connections that bound people. It could be any type of relationship, but was most popularly celebrated amongst couples. It was customary to get your significant other(s) chocolate or flowers, or some other small gift. It was also a tradition to have a fancy dinner and a romantic evening. That was something she intended to fulfill, and had had her cooking droid prep a special dinner for two. She would lead Anakin to the dining room and they would have a romantic evening, and then a… fun night.

That thought helped her stand tall as she headed for the transport to take her home, getting and looking out the window as her guard drove the speeder. She saw couples holding hands, in speeders together, being open, and she felt so, so jealous. She didn't like having to hide the thing that made her happier than anything else, but it was out of necessity for her career, and for his. She knew she couldn't, and shouldn't do politics forever, but she wasn't sure what else to do. It was all she had ever known. She had amassed enough wealth and influence to settle down somewhere with Anakin, but the future was so unknown. She didn't want that, it was scary. She preferred the life that she understood.

Eventually she arrived at her apartment building, guards accompanying her up until she got to the door of her private rooms. At that point they allowed her in alone, and she saw Anakin on the couch, reading news from the holonet. When she opened the door he looked up, his entire face lighting up.

"You're back!"

She smiled, her stress melting away. "I am. And I have something to show you."

He got up, a box in his hand. "I have something to show you first."

He handed the parcel to her, and she unwrapped the ribbon gently. She took the lid from the box to reveal a necklace with a chunky pendant, engraved in symbols.

Her usually confident husband looked a little bit shy now. "It's a japor snippet. They're meant to bring luck and good fortune and they're a common gift for- uh- lovers, and I made one as a kid to give to my future wife. I don't have it anymore, so I made a new one, just like the original." He fidgeted a little bit as she said nothing, staring at the pendant. "It's alright if you don't like it-"

She dropped the box and grabbed the collar of his tunic, pulling him close and kissing him. His eyes went wide for a moment before closing, and he deepened the kiss by grabbing her waist and pulling her closer. Eventually they broke apart, both smiling. Grace fastened the japor snippet around her neck and winked. "Now for my surprise."

She took his hand and led him through her apartments to the dining room, which was set with two plates of steaming appetizers, more courses waiting in the kitchen.

"Happy Soulmate day," she said.

The off-duty Jedi smiled. He took his seat and they clinked champagne glasses over romantic candles. "Happy Soulmates day."

Grace laughed into her hand, the roast game on her fork forgotten.

"Ahsoka was right, Anakin, you are reckless. I'm surprised you managed to get yourself out of that one."

"Well," he responded, leaning forward, "I had something nice to get back to."

She blushed, changing the topic to act less flustered. "You know, you should really get her some armour, like yours."

He looked confused. "Why?"

"Anakin, this is a war. She needs more protection than her current outfit. I'm all for freedom of expression, but this is about keeping her safe."

He sighed, a man used to the gentle reprimands of his sensible wife. "Alright, I'll talk to her about it."

She took a bite of her food, enjoying the juicy game. She had access to some of the nicest food on the planet, so she made sure to spoil her husband when he came over to eat. She wanted to make sure he had a healthy diet and nice things; that was why he always left with some sort of care package. She liked to get him things like soap and shampoo, or a nice exfoliator. He claimed not to need it, but she could tell he appreciated and used all of her gifts. What was the point of being rich if you didn't share it with your spouse?

She noticed that he was watching her, smirking.

"What? What are you staring at me for?"

He chuckled. "You look cute when you're lost in thought like that."

The Senator blushed in a very un-Senatorial way. They finished the main course, and Threepio brought out dessert. He had been instructed not to say anything, so he remained dutifully quiet as he presented two small mousse cakes. They were shaped as hearts, and Anakin raised an eyebrow when he saw them.

"I know they're a little cheesy, but I thought it was cute."

He laughed. "It is. I love you."

"I love you more."

"No, I love you more!"

"No," she giggled, "I love you more!"

He laughed, picking up his dessert fork (Grace had made him memorize what each fork was for in case he had any reason to join her at state dinners). "Alright, you win."

They smiled at each other and ate the dessert slowly, almost full after a hearty dinner. Once it was done Threepio served them wine, and they sipped it together on the balcony, overlooking the bustle of the traffic lanes, less busy now that it was night. One of her handmaidens had created a device that jammed any video or audio recording devices in the area, so nobody could get any records of her secret romance should they be visible.

The Jedi sighed. "I remember when we first met. I was still a padawan, but you looked at me like I was far more important. I fell for you instantly, how could I not."

"I tried to hide how in love with you I was," the Senator responded. "Eventually I just couldn't anymore. I was afraid, then, of loving you. But I know now that I have nothing to fear."

He sipped his wine. "I wish we didn't have to hide, but I have a feeling that that will change one day."

"I hope it does."

The mood was pleasant and light, a little bit drowsy. They finished with their wine, an excellent ice wine that was far higher quality than anything Anakin could get as a Jedi. The only drinks he could get there were watered down and for functional purposes only, like an experiment or a quick painkiller to be brought on missions. The soap there was pretty common stuff, but his wife provided him with top-of-the-line brands and products. He had this one really nice fluffy robe that he pretended he had gotten for himself somehow. He wore it often at night and in reality it was gifted to him by her.

Eventually they emptied their glasses, the food from dinner settled in their stomachs. A gentle breeze washed over them, and they cuddled together on the bench. Anakin wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders, and she laid her head on his shoulder, putting a hand on his chest. Slowly her hand moved lower, tracing over his abs from above the fabric. Her hand stopped at his belt, gripping it as she sat up a little taller. He was watching her, and his eyes gave her all the permission she needed to continue. They had previously established their boundaries in the bedroom, so there wasn't much talking required.

She got in his lap, straddling him. The Senator didn't care at all if anyone saw them, not when Anakin was right in front of her with his seductive smirk and sharp jawline. Her hands rested on his waist and she leaned in and kissed him, trailing her mouth down the aforementioned jawline. His hands rested on her waist, but they circled around to her back and slid lower, cupping her behind. She ran her hands over the armor of his chestplate, tugging at it. In response, her husband lifted her into the air, walking through the apartment with her in his arms, still making out.

Her legs wrapped around him and he brought her to the bedroom, laying her down on the plush mattress. She gasped as his hand traced the collar of her dress, sliding lower to cup her breast. He set to work undoing the elaborate Senatorial outfit, completely ignoring her done-up hair for now. By this time he was well-versed in removing her dresses, so the bodice was off in no time. She reached up to remove his chestplate, but he pinned her wrists to the mattress above her head and kissed her. She kissed him back, taking deep breaths as he withdrew and began to slowly remove his robes. He made a show of it, his abs flexing as he pulled the tunic over his head. She watched as he removed his boots and pants, and finally his gloves. He finally rid them of the last piece of fabric between them: her skirt. It was thrown on the floor with the rest of their clothes, and she finally removed her hands from above her head and Anakin leaned down.

Grace opened her eyes groggily, squinting as she was struck by a beam of sunlight. It filtered in through her windows, basking her in comfortable heat. She had made sure to clear her schedule for this morning so that she needn't get up early or do much, wanting to spend more time with her husband. Speaking of him, she looked over to see him lying on his back beside her, eyes closed. She rolled over to lay her head on his bare chest, breathing in rhythm with his heartbeat.

She snuggled closer to him, moving her leg on top of his under the covers. His metal hand came down on her back, stroking it gently. It came up to play with her hair, and she could hear the gentle whirring of its gears as he stroked her head. He only ever took off his glove for her, claiming she was the only person he was willing to be that vulnerable with. She secretly liked how he reserved his openness for her, though she knew that it was probably unhealthy to be closed off around others. Oh well, it wasn't like the Jedi had therapists he could go to or anything.

"I am so thankful," he murmured, "that I get to wake up to the sight of you every day. I love you, Grace."

She smiled into his chest, putting a hand on his stomach. "And I am grateful," she said, "To have such a nice pillow."

He laughed, a deep and rich sound. "I try."

They laid like that for a while, comfortably sharing a tender moment. It was times like these that Anakin treasured most: moments alone with the love of his life. He reveled in it, in the peace of time away from the battlefied. He liked action, but he loved his wife more. Soulmate Day had been perfect, and he was enjoying the aftermath. He drank up her presence like a man in the desert after finding water. Her presence was still as intoxicating as it had been when they met, and he didn't mind one bit.

Sadly all good things must come to an end, and he sighed. "I have to get up. If I don't return to the temple soon they'll get suspicious. I'll be back tonight."

Grace sighed as well, sitting up. "I suppose I should get up as well. I am a busy woman, I have things to do."

He sat up as well, and she started shamelessly at his abs. He teased, "My little Senator, making the Galaxy a better place one bill at a time."

"Well, I do my best, Ani. Would you like to stay for breakfast? The cooking droid can make us eggs…"

Anakin slid out from under the covers, beginning to dress in his Jedi robes. "I'll cook," he offered, winking. "My treat."

She watched him walk out of the room, presumably to the kitchen, with a raised eyebrow. He may not be a good cook, but she had certainly eaten worse than the eggs he made. Besides, he was learning. Albeit a little slowly.

The Senator took her time getting dressed, opting not to call for her handmaidens to help. She didn't necessarily need them, but the elaborate outfits were quite easier to don with multiple sets of hands. A quick look at her hair led to the decision to leave it undone for now, a truly regal headdress something she should not attempt to put on by herself. She could, however, do her own makeup, and she finished off her signature wings with satisfaction. By now the eggs were surely ready, and she entered the dining room to find her husband in an apron he had found in the kitchen. It looked silly over his masculine robes, but she kind of liked it on him.

"Well well well," she said, sauntering up to the plates of eggs and strips of juicy meat. "This is quite the feast you've cooked up, my little chef."

He bowed jokingly. "Only the best for a renowned Senator such as yourself, My Lady."

He pulled out her chair for her and she sat, smiling at him as she dug into breakfast. The eggs were actually good, the yolk just runny enough to be delicious while still cooked enough not to poison her. The meat was crunchy with just enough grease, and she could honestly say she was satisfied with her breakfast.

"Somehow you managed to make eggs. And they're actually good."

He pretended to be offended. "I cannot believe you would doubt my culinary skills."

Grace laughed. "You haven't exactly proven yourself a master chef…"

Or a Master, but that was besides the point.

Anakin leaned back in his chair. "Well, I really need to get back. I've already stayed longer than I should have."

He got up, pecking her on the cheek and pushing his chair in. "It's off to the Temple with me, but I'll be back tonight, love. I promise."

She watched him walk out the door, touching the japor snippet around her neck. It brought warmth to her heart, such a thoughtful gift. She didn't need money or material possessions, she had many of those. What she loved and appreciated about the man she married was his dedication to her and to them. He was fiercely protective of her and had given her his whole heart. She did not take it lightly, and the japor snippet would forever be her most prized possession.

Soulmate day had been perfect.

End of chapter!
Notes:

-i really rushed to finish this on time, I hope its satisfactory!

-I realized that there was no valentines day in star wars, so i made my own lol

-I was like "hmm,,,, i didnt change the timeline until aotc, so padme has the original japor snippet. Time to improvise!"

-Anakin is the king of thoughtful gifts

-I may or may not be taking huge inspirations from your many rant videos to write anakin, and im lowkey liking it

Tune in next time for another addition to this fic!