A/N: Hey guys, I wasn't planning on updating today, but I got excited and this chapter is fun. Plus, I needed to note that the rating on this story has changed to T because I realized that one of the topics that will be reoccuring in this story is borderline K+, so it's better to be safe than sorry and I upped the rating.

Okay, that's all. Hope you are having a good day and enjoy some Anidala.

Summary: Padme Amidala built bridges with people, especially with her 4th grade students. When new student Ahsoka joins her class, she is ready to start building a bridge to the young girl. Anakin Skywalker doesn't trust easily, especially when his little sister is involved. But he's drawn to the 4th grade teacher and willing to trust Padme with the darker battles his family is facing.

Chapter Four

"I haven't seen you this nervous since just before your interview at Coruscant Elementary," commented Sola Naberrie from her spot on the Padmé's bed.

Padmé glanced at her sister with a minor scowl on her face, "I am not nervous now, nor was I that nervous for the interview."

Padmé let out a huff as she held up yet another dress in front of her for her sister to judge. Said sister shook her head at the dress making Padmé groan as she dropped the dress on the floor and not caring enough to pick it up and put it back on the hangar. Too off balance. Her eyes flickered to the clock on her dresser on the right, the green numbers red 5:53. Anakin would be here in an hour which made Padmé's heart start to race and she paced in response.

Saturday had come all too quickly as far as Padmé was concerned, despite the fact that it felt as if she had been waiting for this time to come for ages. Tonight Anakin would pick her up for their date and she was more than anxious about it, though she would continue to deny that. They were two adults going to get a nice meal together, enjoy some food and talk and that was the end of that. Yet Padmé was more than nervous, but still excited by the event coming.

There were just two problems Padmé was currently facing, it had been a while since she last went on a date considering her last relationship had quite literally blown up in her face. The second problem was how he got under her skin in the best way. Ever since he first appeared in the doorway of her classroom, his shining blue eyes, golden brown hair and too kind smile, she set an edge. So in a moment of weakness and panic, Padmé had called her older sister Sola to help her decide on what to wear.

Sola rolled her eyes, "You're quite literally about to wear a hole in your floor with all the pacing. Why are you so nervous about this date? You sounded like a wreck on the phone, I thought you would be more excited."

"I am excited," Padmé said pointedly, she cleared her throat, "I don't know what's wrong or why I'm so worked up."

Sola frowned, her brown eyes full of worry, "Does this have anything to do with you know who?"

Padmé let out a heavy breath, "I shouldn't let one bad relationship turn me away from the possibility of others, I know that."

Sola have her a sympathetic smile, "That stuff is hard to let go, plus it's hardly been a year since it happened."

"Which is all the more reason for me to let it go," Padmé said firmly, "Besides, that isn't the only reason I'm on edge."

Sola studied her sister for a few moments. If there was anyone who she knew like the back of her hand, it was definitely Padmé. One of them many nice qualities of Padmé Amidala was that she was not easily put on edge. Whereas Sola could get flustered at the drop of a dime, Padmé was the perfect embodiment of calm and control. To see her so worried about rhis could only mean one thing.

"You must really like him," Sola said with a slight look of awe.

Padmé never showed much interest in boys or girls. Growing up Padmé only had one or two crushes, then she had a serious relationship in college that went poorly. In the beginning that relationship was sweet, but Padmé never raved about him the way she raves about this Anakin Skywalker. This must be really serious.

Padmé scoffed, though it came out more as a sputter, "What? No, we've only just met."

Sola tilted her head to the side, "Give me a break baby sister. Your body language says it all, you happen to really like this man despite not knowing him that well and it freaks you out."

Padmé opened her mouth to protest, but no words left her. In a manner of speaking, her sister wasn't that wrong. She hardly knew Anakin, yet he was consuming her waking moments and some sleeping moments to. This was a first for her if she was being completely honest. It was troubling her, that she liked him already despite hardly knowing him.

"Paddy, it's okay to like him," Sola told her as she rose to her feet, she grabbed her sister's hands, "Heck if you didn't like him, then I'd be questioning why you were even going on this date."

Padmé let our a laugh, but sobered up a moment later, "I feel crazy."

Sola wrapped her arms around her sister, "Totally normal. See you skipped out on the whole jittery date nights in high school and college, so this is all new territory."

"I was preoccupied," Padmé commented as her chin rested on her sister's shoulder.

Sola snickered as she let her sister go, "Yeah with being an overachiever ms valedictorian."

Padmé playfully hit her, "I was following in your footsteps."

"But of course," Sola said flipping her hair, "Now enough of this, it is 6:02 and we have work to do."

Padmé ran her fingers through her hair, her nerves rushing forward again as Sola dragged her back to her closet to start looking at some more outfits.

"I think you're ready," Obi Wan said admiring his handy work, "To think you willingly put on a suit for this. You must like her a great deal."

Anakin rolled his eyes as he adjusted his tie in the full length mirror, "I wear suits plenty of times willingly."

Obi Wan raised an eyebrow at him in the mirror, "Is that so? Forgive me, I must be remembering all the groaning and complaining about suits from a different Anakin Skywalker."

"Must be your old age," Anakin said with a smirk.

Obi Wan tsked at the insult, but didn't comment on it, "Well, you are all ready to go. Ahsoka is taken care of, you should get going."

Anakin turned away from the mirror to face Obi Wan, his expression worried, "You sure you're onboard with this?"

Obi Wan's brows rose slightly, not in surprise that he asked, but at the concern on his brother's face. While Obi Wan couldn't say he was completely onboard with the idea of Anakin dating, he certainly wasn't against it. The only reason why Obi Wan was hesitant to his brother being in the dating scene was because of their current custody battle. If Anakin was going to gain full custody of Ahsoka, then he needed to show the court that he was consistent and stable. His mental disorder had been a notch against him, but everything else was lined up perfectly enough.

He just needed to keep things steady. Bringing in a romantic partner usually led to trouble and sometimes frowned upon depending on the circumstances. However considering Ahsoka was familiar with the potential partner and trusted her to a certain extent, that meant if it did come up in court, it wouldn't hurt his chances. Still, it wasn't good for them to rock the boat to harshly now. Especially with their grandfather and step father making more appearances as of late.

"I want you happy," Obi Wan said with a warm smile, "If going on this date will make you happy, you have my full support."

Anakin sighed, "How are you able to answer a question, but still dodge it?"

Obi Wan's smile turned into a smirk, "I'm engaged to a politician."

It should have made Anakin laugh, but his expression turned guilty, "You shouldn't keep pushing back your wedding."

"When the matter with Ahsoka is handled, we will get married. Satine understands that," Obi Wan said reassuringly, "Now get going. Do tell Ms Amidala I said hello."

Anakin nodded, "I will. Thanks, for all the help."

"Of course," Obi Wan said softly as Anakin left the room.

Quickly, Anakin made his way down the stairs through the house and into Obi Wan's beige Citroën C4, since Rex and Ahsoka had taken his Jeep and Cody had taken his car to a study group. It wasn't a bad car to be sure, but Anakin would have rathered drive his own car since he was more comfortable with it. Regardless, it would still get him to where he needed to be. Anxiety and excitement swirled rapidly inside Anakin as he followed the GPS to Padmé's home. It had taken some convincing, but she did agree to let him pick her up and drive her around. He wanted to give her the most luxurious treatment possible, it would be only a little bit harder if they had to meet separately.

Twenty minutes later at promptly 6:55, Anakin pulled up to her house. It was a single story home, the walls white and lots of space in the front yard. It was a very nice place. Nerves seemed to settle in Anakin as turned off the car. He must have rehearsed what he was going to say a hundred times, but still felt woefully unprepared. Adjusting his suit one last time, he made his way down the pathway to her front door and rang the bell right as the clock struck 7:00, he hoped being on time would impress her.

A few beats passed, they felt like hours and Anakin told himself to calm down when she didn't immediately answer the door. The door opened seconds later to reveal Padmé in an ombré style dress. The halter top was a light cream color, the middle had a pink band around her waist as the pink bled into purple color that reached the end of the dress which stopped at the middle of her calves and golden shoes. Her brown curls hung freely over her shoulders in a half up half down style. Beautiful angel, that was all that could play through Anakin's mind. It took him a minute to realize he was staring.

"Sorry, I'm being rude. You're beautiful," Anakin said in awe, "Not that you weren't before, you just, right now you look really beautiful."

Padmé let out a sweet laugh, his stomach flipped, "Thank you. And you clean up nice."

Anakin gave her a slight bow, "Why thank you milady. Are you ready to go?"

Padmé reached behind the door grabbing her purse that matched the top of her dress before she answered, "Now I'm ready."

As she closed the door, Anakin held his elbow out to her, "Then let the evening begin."

Padmé grinned at him as she slipped her arm through his. That pulse of electricity went through her again, making her grin widen. After having a long talk with Sola, Padmé has decided to take a new approach to the unknown waters. She had never been one to shy away from the unknown or uncertain things in life, she wouldn't let this be an exception.

The car ride wasn't long at all, filled with pleasant talk and a good bit of laughter from Padmé as Anakin tried his hardest to make her smile. It was paying off. Arm in arm, the pair made their way into the restaurant Bezoria, one of the finer establishments in the heart of Coruscant's flashing and busy city. A city that was more often than not compared to the likes of Atlanta and New York. Anakin and Padmé were quickly seated as Anakin had a reservation which impressed Padmé considering the waitlist for this place was impossibly long and hard to get on. She had tried once before for Father's Day, but they were booked up. Anakin pulled out her chair for her, she took a seat gratefully.

"I must say I'm impressed," Padmé remarked as he took a seat across from her, "This is hard a place to get reservations for."

Anakin chuckled, "You aren't wrong, it definitely took pulling a few strings and having a future sister in law who's acquainted with the owner."

"That definitely helps," Padmé agreed.

"Though Satine- the future sister in law- was not willing to help me at first, as she's above using her connections for frivolous matters," Anakin told her with a smile and shake of his head, "Took some persuading, but she did eventually thanks to my charms."

Padmé rolled her eyes playfully, "I'm going to guess that Obi Wan had something to do with that."

Anakin let out a playful huff, "Nothing gets past you does it?"

"Nope," Padmé replied with a confident grin, a thought struck her, "Wait, you said Satine. Would you happen to mean Satine Kryze?"

Anakin's brows rose slightly in surprise, "The very same. You know her?"

Padmé replied with a far off smile, "Not that well, but she was a grad student assistant at Naboo University in some of my political science classes. Even worked on some projects together. She was brilliant."

"Small world," Anakin said leaning back, "You took a lot of political science courses?"

Padmé nodded, "It was my first major before I added education."

That intrigued Anakin, "That's pretty different from elementary education, what brought you to it?"

Padmé opened her mouth to reply when the waiter came over. He took their orders for drinks and an appetizer, then left the pair back to their conversation. The interruption gave Padmé time to think over why she did leave politics behind. It wasn't for lack of desire, she adored politics and wanted to be a politician more than anything. Things changed though, when she found teaching, she found it called to her just a little louder.

"To answer your question, as much as I loved politics, I found I also really loved teaching," Padmé said with a soft smile, "I always wanted to do something that would help the future generations and found that I could do that with teaching. In the classroom I get to help them with life lessons as well academics that they can carry with them for their whole lives. I was lucky enough to have some great teachers impact my life and I found I wanted to do the same."

Anakin nodded in understanding, "Like your calling."

"Yeah," Padmé replied, "I still do some things with politics though, keeps me in the know and I can still use all those debate classes."

Anakin grinned at her, he had a knowing look in his eyes, "I bet you would have made a wonderful politician. A senator probably… Senator Amidala does have a nice ring to it."

Padmé laughed sweetly at him, "Glad you think so. But enough of me, what about you?"

"Well I studied engineering all through college. As a kid I always loved building things and taking them apart, especially machinery, so it was a perfect fit," Anakin explained simply as their drinks were set down on the table.

Padmé cocked an eyebrow, "That's all you're going to give me Mr Skywalker?"

Anakin chuckled, "What else would you like to know senator Amidala?"

"What do you do now? Ahsoka said you worked at the airport sometimes, but not all the time," Padmé said leaning forward slightly, genuinely curious.

Anakin's expression took on an a-ha look as he spoke, "Ah yes. I work at the airport sometimes helping with maintenance, but most of my time is spent at my mechanic shops."

"Shops," Padmé inquired.

"Shmi's Auto Repair," Anakin told her with a proud grin, "It's not a big franchise, but it has grown over the past few years. We do cars, motorcycles and household appliances, we do hardware and software. You can bring just about anything in and we can fix it."

Padmé took a sip of her drink before she asked, "Can I ask about the name?"

The light in Anakin's eyes dimmed for a moment and his smile faltered. It was gone as quickly as it appeared, but it stuck with Padmé.

"Shmi was my mother's name," Anakin told her with a sorrowful voice, "I named it after her since she always encouraged me to keep learning about mechanics when most people told me to look elsewhere."

Padmé gave him a smile, "That's really sweet. I'm sure she's very proud of you."

Anakin ran his fingers through his hair, "Yeah, it's been a few years since she passed, but having her name out there to honor her makes it seem like she's still around…. Sorry, that's kind of downer."

Padmé rested her hand over his own, "You don't have to apologize. I'm sorry for bringing it up."

"It's okay, I figured it would come up since Shmi isn't a common name and people are bound to ask about it," Anakin told her not bothered, "I get the question often. People tend to think that Shmi is the owner and will sometimes ask if she's there, then I explain it and that's the end of that."

Padmé wasn't sure what she should say in response to that, she could offer further condolences, but was more or less saved as Anakin picked up his menu with his free and gloved hand.

"What do you think you'll get," Anakin asked next, obviously trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Padmé didn't fight him on it and grabbed her own menu as well. The next conversation steered to lighter matters, how their day was and things that were a step above small talk. It wasn't unpleasant, but Padmé found herself wanting the conversation to return to the heavier matters. For the most part it was because she wasn't a fan of small talk or idle chat, getting straight to the point was more her style. The other part of her was genuinely curious to learn more about Anakin's life, his parents and his past. However she was worried.

It seemed that asking what would be seen as a harmless question would turn into something not so harmless. This only added to her nerves that had decided not to leave her alone despite the ease she felt as she spoke with Anakin, still on the lighter matters. When their entrees came out the conversation found its way back to heavier topics. The pair of them were trading stories about their siblings, Anakin told her a hilarious story of the pranks he pulled with Rex and Padmé told him stories of the only reckless times she and her sister Sola engaged in. This lead to Ahsoka.

Anakin took an uneasy breath. "I can't tell you everything about what is going on," Anakin said hesitantly switching gears from the laughter, "But the general point of the matter is that Obi Wan and I are in a custody battle of sorts. And some complications have come up."

Padmé nodded calmly, "I'm sorry to hear that, if there's anything I can do- I would like to help."

Anakin flashed her a pleasant smile, "I appreciate that milady."

A silence settled over them. Anakin internally debated with himself whether or not he should tell Padmé more about what was going on. There weren't many people he could talk to about this, namely he had his brothers and his friend Kixster. Otherwise, he carried the information alone. Bringing in Padmé wasn't exactly what he wanted, at least he didn't want her to be burdened by this if she didn't have to be. However he found he did want her involved because he thought she could help, he believed that she cared about Ahsoka greatly and would want to be there for the young girl as much as possible.

"Listen Padmé, what I tell you, you must swear that you will not tell anyone else of this," Anakin said, leaning forward slightly, tone earnest and serious.

Padmé nodded, her expression just as serious as she understood the weight of whatever he was about to tell her. "You don't have to tell me anything, I understand," Padmé told him, to make sure he wasn't telling her out of guilt.

"No I want to tell you." Anakin took a steadying breath, "To start off with, the reason Ahsoka is in the custody of Obi Wan and I is because our mother is dead, as you know, but her father, my former step father, is in prison."

Padmé blinked one surprise, "That's why she said he was sent away."

"Yes," Anakin said gravely, "He attempted to kill some people, he succeeded in killing one person... I'll spare you the gory details for now. He was arrested, been in prison ever since and should serve his sentence, but..."

"But what," Padmé asked, concerned.

Anakin viably swallowed, "There is a possibility that he could be released. The custody battle I mentioned before? Another family member is trying to gain custody of Ahsoka and if her father is released, that means the fight for her gets harder."

Padmé's brow scrunched slightly, "I may not know everything about law. But I do know that custodial rights are lost when a parent is convicted of any murder."

"It's only in some places and depends on the circumstances around it," Anakin explained, his stomach knotted as he went on, "He hasn't lost all his rights to her, hell we even have to bring her to the prison to visit him."

"Really," Padmé questioned in soft surprise.

Anakin nodded. "Now with the possibility of the charges being lost, the chance that he might be able to walk free, it makes things a lot harder."

"Oh Anakin," Padmé said, at a loss for what else she could say.

Her hand found his again, offering whatever comfort she could. There were no words she had that would ease the burden he was carrying and there wasn't anything she could do to make it better. It sent some anger in her as the helpless feelings settled onto her shoulders. She could only imagine how terrifying it must be for him and his brother, to wonder whether or not they could keep their sister away from a dangerous man. And Ahsoka, how was she handling such news? Her student who was always ready with a sarcastic remark, quick to laugh, determined in everything she did.

"How is Ahsoka taking all this," Padmé asked softly.

Anakin glanced away, "We haven't told her about the possible release yet. As far as she knows, the only custody thing going on is that I'm trying to get full rights."

"I see," Padmé said in a quiet tone, "Will you keep it hidden the whole time?"

Anakin's eyes found hers, "I'd love for nothing more than for her to never know about this. We try to keep her out as much as possible because it's not something a ten year old should be worried about…. but if her father does get out and he files for custody, then a trial is sure to come and she'll have to be on stand. As much I never want to tell her, I know if worse comes to worse, I can't let her be blindsided like that."

Padmé agreed, "No, you can't. If there is anything, I mean anything at all that I can do to help, know I will be there. I know my words may seem empty, but I do believe she will stay with you. Any court can see that you are best for her."

Anakin held Padmé's gaze for a long while, his expression told her that he appreciated those words. It meant more to him than he could ever fully express her words. Ever since the loss of his mother and then his stepfather going to prison, Anakin had been afraid that he was going to fail Ahsoka. That he wouldn't be a good guardian, that he would let her down. He hoped with every piece of him that it wasn't the case, that he wouldn't let her down. He could let her down.

"Thank you Padmé," Anakin told her, his gaze intense and voice sincere, "It means a lot. I'm glad I told you… Ready to run yet?"

Padmé's smile was breathtaking as she said, "Not at all."

The rest of the date went on with an air of peace between them, understanding and warmth. Anakin was more than relieved to have told someone else at least the minimum of what was going on in his crazy life, he was glad it was Padmé. Romance wasn't something Anakin paid much attention to. Sure he had some girlfriends in high school, but they were never serious and tended to shy away from commitment. So the fact that he was really interested in Padmé and wanted to share with her was a little more than bizarre given his track record, but it excited him. He hoped things would work out between them, if even a relationship wasn't the way, then a friendship instead.

When the meal came to a close, he paid for their food and brought her back home. He had planned to take her on a moonlit stroll, but the rain was starting to move in so they decided to do it another time. Anakin walked her to her door, a bit worried about her time there. Wondering if she had a good time, if she wanted to go out again or if the deeper topics had scared off. Though something told him Padmé wasn't scared easily.

"Did you have a nice time senator," Anakin asked, hoping he sounded casual and not as nervous as he felt.

Padmé turned to him with that same beautiful smile that made his heart race, "I had a wonderful time. We'll have to do this again."

Anakin's eyes lit up, he gave her a sideways grin, "But of course milady. Think I could trick you into seeing me again Monday evening? I owe you a moonlight stroll."

"Can't wait," Padmé said, her brown eyes shining.

"Would it be alright if I kissed you," Anakin asked, his nervous showed a bit more, "Because I don't want to make you uncomfortable or come on too strong-"

Anakin was cut off by Padmé's lips pressing against his own. Soft, smooth and they tasted just like strawberries. The kiss was short, way too short in his opinion, but that didn't make it any less sweet. When he pulled away from her, his eyes found her own and he couldn't stop the smile from stretching across his face. Elated, that was exactly how he felt.

"I'll see you Monday night," Padmé told him, her smile almost a smirk, "Try not to be late."

Anakin slightly bowed his head, "As you wish milady."

Padmé watched as Anakin made his way to his car, once he drove off, she made her way inside her home with a dreamy expression on her face. With her back pressed against her door, she stared up at her ceiling and giggled like a school girl. She never knew going to dinner could be so magical or a kiss so sweet. She couldn't wait to kiss him again.

Sola practically shrieked in the next room, "Did my sister just freaking giggle!? Get your butt in here and tell me everything!"

Padmé shook her head, "Have you been here the whole time?"

"Of course, I wanted all the details in person. Now get in here," Sola called back impatiently.

Still laughing to herself, Padme made her way to where Sola was eagerly waiting for her.