Anakin stands next to Ahsoka as Padmé steps out of the airship. She's dressed elegantly, just as a Senator should be. Her handmaidens trail behind her as they always have.

"Senator Organa." She nods to Adleraan's representative, then the rest of the politicians around her. They walk off toward the senate building, leaving the Jedi knight and Padawan to follow.

Even though Anakin tries to act indifferent to Padmé, his eyes never seem to stray far her back. He looks at the dress and it's ornate decorations. He follows the twist of her hair as it's pulled into a fancy headdress.

She is always so beautiful.

There's a break just before they enter the conference building. Padmé bids the politicians well, then walks off with her handmaidens. Anakin turns to follow them, then remembers Ahsoka.

"Why don't you head back to the temple." He whispers to her. When she opens her mouth to protest -it's all she seems to do- he stops her. "Senator Amidala doesn't need us, so practice some of the routines I taught you."

Ahsoka thinks about it, then finally nods. "Don't be late for training this time, Skyguy." She gives him a cheeky smile, then heads away. He frowns, still not used to the little nickname, but he'll live.

She has a lot to learn.

Turning back to Padmé, Anakin manages to catch her just as she sends her handmaidens off. He follows her into a side room.

"Padmé." He breathes, glad to finally be with her again. His hands go to rest on her shoulders, checking her over. "I'm so glad you're okay. I didn't expect the Separatists to attack an unarmed ship, but you know how they are." He doesn't bother hiding his distaste for them.

Padmé looks up at him in surprise, then she begins to laugh. He faulted, not sure what about his concern is so funny. Then, when she speaks, he feels something's slightly off. "I didn't know you two were so close. You'll have to forgive her, then."

"Wha-" he stops, then searches into the force. Her presence is not the same. This isn't Padmé.

Anakin let's go of her shoulders, then groans. "A decoy." The woman -who is definitely not Padmé- nods, her smile a little teasing.

Just then, the door opens and a handmaiden walks in. She's slightly breathless, a little flustered, and very much the right presence.

Anakin crosses his arms. "I thought you were done with decoys." He says it accusingly, though, he can't really be upset. He's the one that fell for it and he's a Jedi.

"I'm sorry, Anakin! I didn't think you'd-" she stops, looking at her decoy. "Um…excuse us, Muuté."

The woman winks as she leaves and Padmé glares at her. Then, she turns back to Anakin. "You didn't-"

"Of course not!" But he almost did. Almost pulled her into a hug. Almost kissed her. Force, that would've been bad. "I didn't give her any kind of proof that we're more than friends."

Padmé nods. Then, as the tension releases, she hugs him. "I'm sorry. That was probably embarrassing."

He looks down at her. "A little." Maybe more than a little, but he doesn't need to share that.

Then, Padmé looks confused. "But how did you not…sense it? Don't Jedi sense people?"

"Well, I didn't think it was necessary. She does look a lot like you, especially with the make up on."

Which is the point, but still. She's his wife. Shouldn't he know her better than that?

He's distracted by a gentle press on his lips. He pulls her closer, wishing they could always do this. That their love didn't have to be so complicated.

She pulls away too quickly but he doesn't chase. "You know, I think we should avoid this in the future."

He blinks, having forgotten what they were talking about. "Hm?"

She blinks right back. "The decoy-"

"Oh! Yes. Yes, we should avoid that in the future." Force knows he would hate himself for kissing the wrong woman. Even if she did look just like Padmé.

Padmé doesn't elaborate more on the subject, which is fine. He'd much rather enjoy his few moments alone with her anyway.


This must've happened at some point.