Prelude to a Fall (sequel to Prelude to a kiss)1/5

by Anakin's Angel

Retreating to the safety of Coruscant, Amidala discovers something greater than she could have ever expected.

4. Default Chapter Title

Prelude to a Fall
(Sequel to Prelude to a Kiss)

Rated: PG13
Same disclaimers apply

---

Part Four

Anakin wiped the sweat from his eyes and took the defensive against Amidala once again. He knew that she more than likely figured he would make things easy for her; That was just the way her mind worked. Instead, he decided to treat her no differently from anyone else he battled. She was holding her own, and he was genuinely proud of her.

Swinging and turning like she was, he thought immediately of Obi-Wan; His Master's fighting style was one of a kind, and it looked like he'd rubbed off on Amidala. While his mind wandered, she took the opportunity to catch him off guard, and he fell onto his backside. Blushing, but otherwise okay, he shook his head with a smile.

"You must keep your focus, Anakin. How many times do I have to remind you?" She teased him, wiping her hands off on her tunic. They were red and raw from the saber, and he knew she must be hurting all over. Time for a nice hot shower... She extended a hand down to him, and he pulled her down instead.

"You really are doing well for someone who's never done this before." She really, truly was.

Leaning into him slightly, she took his hand in hers covertly. "Thank you. It means a lot to hear it from you." They sat together for a few moments more, observing Obi-Wan and Bant's duel. The two were merciless against each other, and she felt her breath catch in her throat more than a few times.

"Their sabers are on full power." Anakin whispered. Of course, he was well-versed in the usage of a full-powered lightsaber, but some of the Padawans around them were not. Most were watching with the same expression Amidala wore. Wonder, mixed with anticipation.

"Yeah, but they've been doing this for nearly all their life. I would be scared to death!" She winced, remembering Master Yoda's little speech about her and her 'fears'. Anakin smiled sheepishly. "You will overcome them, I promise you that. Until then, what worked for me was trying to find one funny thing about your fears. Focus on that when you become afraid... it usually works."

Genius. She would like to find something funny about being sliced in half by a lightsaber, but... wait... there it was! One half running one way, the other half the other. She giggled.

"You are a sick woman, Padmé." Obi-Wan said from behind them. He smiled at his two charges. "Tomorrow, and not a day later, we need to work on shielding. I'm certain you do not wish for the entire Temple to know your most private thoughts?"

Amidala nodded. "No, I just..." She lowered her eyes. "I've been feeling like I'll never be able to keep up." The admission saddened her, but it was the honest truth. Taking a deep breath, she once again met the eyes of the two people that cared the most about her.

Obi-Wan sat down beside Anakin, and they formed a small circle. "Padmé, please understand that you have done better in one month than some of the Padawans in this very room. I understand your frustrations, you should have seen what life was like with this one," He pointed at Anakin who in turn stuck out his tongue. "I wish there was a way to make any of this easier on you."

She was quiet for a long time, taking in the words. Somehow she knew that he meant just more than the training; Anakin and Obi-Wan would do anything to make what's hurting her go away. "If only's get you nowhere though." She added.

Anakin grabbed her hand. "Hey, come on. What's with all this moroseness? You just kicked my arse back there, and I *did not* go easy on you at all." The jovial quality of his voice made them all smile.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat and placed a hand on both of their shoulders. "Now, from what I've been able to... overhear, there's a small get-together tonight at Den's. I'll... look the other way as long as the two of you promise to behave."

Anakin shot a long look at his friend, who gave him the thumbs up. Den was a little slow sometimes, and figured none of the Master's knew about his little 'get-togethers'. The only question now was, what were their Masters going to be doing tonight. Den only planned these parties when he was certain that they would be uninterrupted for a long period of time.

Interesting, indeed.

"You have my solemn swear, Master Obi-Wan Sir." Anakin intoned, with his most serious expression.

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at his Padawan. "None of that Sir stuff, I'm not that old yet." It was a bit strange hearing Anakin call him that; He hadn't used the 'Sir' title since he was very small.

"Yes, Sir. I mean, Obi-Wan Sir, I mean-"

"Watch it, Anakin. I can easily change my mind about Den's."

Anakin pulled Amidala to her feet and began to walk towards Den and everyone. "We were just going, weren't we Pad?"

************************************

...
'One good turn deserves another'
...

It was dark by the time Den's party began. Amidala was sitting with Gaiya, Kyliene and a young Twi'lek padawan, sipping punch. She could see Anakin from the corner of her eye, laughing it up with all his friends. For a long moment, she thought of Sabé; What evil had led her friend to commit such things against her? She only hoped that Sabé was safe, no matter what the outcome was.

What an interesting month and a half I've had! She mused. Anakin looked up, smiling easily in her direction. Get over here, we have to plot. He nodded at her suggestion and excused himself.

"So, the Masters know about these... parties?" Amidala asked Gaiya.

The other girl smiled, twirling her braid around her index finger. "Yeah, just don't tell Den; He has this idea that this is all some covert operation," Gaiya paused, waving shyly at Hilos. "I think that the Masters use this as an excuse to have a party of their own. Although... no one's really been able to catch them in, force knows how long."

Hmmm. "Now that sounds like the covert mission to me. Haven't you all wanted to catch them? I know I would!" Amidala took another long sip of her punch, incredulous. She sensed Anakin's presence behind her and smiled. "Anakin, sit. I think I have found us a mission."

Anakin leaned down, kissing her on the cheek. "Forget it, Pad. You won't make it five minutes without Yoda finding you-"

"Not if he's at the party as well." Kyliene chimed in, an evil grin forming on her lips.

Looking down at the three females smiling at him, Anakin caved. I am SO weak. "Alright, tell me what you have."

Amidala, the elected leader of the group, sat up onto her heels and began. "Okay, we're going to need a distraction, and a good one. And... well?"

"Well what? C'mon, there has to be more to it than that!" He prodded, handing her a fresh glass of punch.

Amidala hated to admit that she really didn't know what. She was NOT familiar with the Temple, and could not admit that to everyone! Anakin, please. Think about it. Her eyes pleaded with him, but to an outsider it was completely innocent. He took a deep breath. Alright, but you owe me, love.

"Hey, Den. Get your no-good arse over here." He called out behind him. Den, flanked by Hilos and another boy, Maax, joined their little circle.

"Padmé here thinks tonight is the night." Anakin announced, his voice low as to not arouse anyone else.

Den, pervert that he was, slapped Anakin on the back. "Way to go, my man! See, I knew you wouldn't be a virgin forever-OW! What the force was that for?!"

Gaiya shook her head in disgust, while Amidala fought the urge to throttle the guy. "Not that, you wank! You know, to uncover the Temple's best kept secret!" Gaiya explained, her voice cutting and giddy at the same time.

Den apologized profusely to Amidala, who was, by now, fighting a smile. "Well, I suppose I am a wank for that one. So, what's the plan then? Do we even have a plan?"

When nobody spoke up, Den laughed. "So, what's our distraction going to be? I don't want them to find out about-"

Anakin cut in, chuckling. "They already know all about where we all are, Den," He paused. "The question is, where the Sith are they all hiding? This has to be done by us, since some of the others here still don't know that their Masters are on to them and won't risk 'getting caught'."

Hilos took Gaiya's hand, clearing his throat. "Well, count us in. I've been dying for some payback." He thrust their clasped hands into the center of the circle, and they were quickly joined by Kyliene, Anakin, Amidala, and finally, Den and Maax.

It was on.

******************************************

The plan was...well, 'iffy at best' were the words Anakin used to describe it. Maax was to provide the bait, as he was the least likely suspect. Maax, a star student and all-around good guy, was a favorite among those in the Temple. Polite and respectful... it was going to work in his advantage tonight. His mission? Call upon Tamma, Maax's Master and a Healer. Tamma was on-duty, according to the on-call sheet Gaiya and Amidala pilfered from the 'forbidden area'. Amidala's reasoning? 'Anakin, I'm not really a Padawan, so I can go anywhere I please'. Right. And if you believed that, he had some waterfront property on Tatooine he could sell you.

Currently, he was stalking the hallways with Den and Hilos. Poor Hilos was looking a wee bit skittish, considering his bravery back at the party. But, Anakin had to give the kid some credit...he was still here. Amidala and the girls were on the opposite end of the hallway, watching for random students and such. The trick was going to be simple: Have Maax feign injury and call upon his Master. It would work, it always worked.

Anakin would have done it, but knowing Obi-Wan, and he did, his Master wouldn't fall for it. He tried before and ended up spending seven days
scrubbing the Healers floor. No, this had to come from Maax. Seeing as how it would be his first offense, they all HOPED that Tamma would go easy on her Padawan. Well, once Maax was found out to be the lying wank he is, Tamma would MOST LIKELY return to wherever it is the Masters are hiding out.

This is where Anakin's skill at shielding himself would come in. Not anyone in the Temple, Yoda and Mace included, could touch and call upon the Force like Anakin. It swirled around him, shining in his eyes, wraping around his words.

Anakin was the Force.

Well, it sounded good to Anakin and Den. They had yet to explain their plan to the girls......

.

"That's it? That's your big plan?" Amidala exclaimed, her face fixed into a mask of shock. Gaiya nodded, coming to stand directly before Anakin and Den, "And then what? She leads us there -you hope- and what? We crash their little party? Get real, laserbrains!"

Anakin and Den shared glances. "We said it was 'iffy', didn't we?" Anakin added, trying to defend himself. "And why do we have to do all the thinking?"

Amidala started. "It seems you've done none of the thinking! Sure, Tamma would come if her Padawan called her, but then what? Does Maax have it in him to lie to his Master? Would anyone of you? No! And why not? Because... because lying to your Master is an offense in the extreme!" By now, the agitated Queen was waving her arms around, and looked absolutely mad. Her voice had lowered to the timbre she usually reserved for the Galactic Senate and such, and Anakin fixed her with a glare. This isn't the Senate, Pad.

She looked up sharply. Stressed out am I? Think yes I do! She smiled for a split second. Sorry, I just really want to do this!

Anakin bit back a laugh at her Yoda impression. "I guess, I... we didn't really think this out that far, I'll admit. But... if you're so good at it, you think of something." Take that.

Kyliene suddenly slapped her hands together, causing everyone to jump. "I got it! You wanted to get back at Master Kenobi right? Well, does he have any embarrassing details you can recall, Anakin? Does he have his eye on anyone in the Temple?" She spoke with undisguised elation, as was usual for Kyliene.

Shaking his head, Anakin pulled at his bottom lip in concentration. "No, I just.... nothing that would still make him angry now. As for anyone in the Temple, the only one I can think of would be-"

"Bant!" Hilos exclaimed.

Anakin snapped his fingers, laughing. "Perfect, Hilos!"

The younger boys face paled. "No! I mean, coming this way! With Master Windu!"

In an instant, they scattered like scared creche babies. Anakin held steadfast onto Amidala's hands, shielding them both. He was half surprised to find she was attempting the same, even if she didn't know it. Do you still have our data pads on you? He asked her. They hadn't known what the night would bring, so she decided to bring along anything deemed as helpful.

Yes, why?

Quick, write this on one. "My dearest, I have loved you from afar for eons-

Her eyes widened as she typed in the words. Eons? Anakin, what? He grabbed the pad from her, finishing his impromptu love letter. He signed the message 'from your beloved, meet me in the room of a thousand fountains' and addressed it to Bant. With an evil gleam in his eye, he repeated the process on the other one, sending this message to his illustrious Master. A bit of well-deserved embarrasment never hurt anyone, right?

In the darkness of their hiding place, Anakin could see her smile.
Perfect! Never let me call you uninspired ever again! She then stepped out from her hiding place, careful not to alert the presence of anyone else. She bowed to Bant, as was the custom, and held up the data pad. "Master, I found this lying here in the hallway. It was addressed to you so.... but I didn't read it!" She thrust the pad into Bant's hands. Anakin, she could sense, was further down the hall, ready to do what she didn't know. Bant smiled at her, placing the pad in her pocket. "Thank you, Padawan Naberrie."

Amidala bowed once again, unsure of what to do next. Mace nodded in her direction, smiling. "If you'll excuse us, Padawan?"

NO! Keep Bant for a moment, Let Mace go! Anakin's voice called out, urgent. She took a deep breath, thinking quickly. "Um, I mean, Master Windu? May I speak with Master Bant for a moment alone?" She looked pleadingly at Bant. "Go ahead, Mace, I'll meet up with you soon."

The tall Master nodded, turning to walk down towards the end of the hallway. Anakin had carefully placed Obi-Wan's 'data pad' in Mace's path, shielding himself against the wall immediately after. He held his breath as he watched Mace stumble across it, reaching down and seeing whom it belonged to. They can't say I don't act well on my feet. He mused, as Mace placed the pad in his pocket and shook his head. I rule!

Meanwhile, Den and Kyliene were pressed together close enough to border on indecent. Kyliene was close to kneeing Den in the family force, but needed to hang onto her shields. You know you want me, Ky. Den teased her, holding her tight around the waist.

You could be so lucky, Denny. She replied, in obvious disgust. Den wasn't an ugly guy, with his sandy blond hair and green eyes; He was just an extreme jerk with the opposite sex. I love it when you call me pet names, Kylie-OW! That's the second time tonight with that!

Kyliene smiled in spite of herself. Keep it up and you'll be icing your family force all night, loverboy.

Ow? Was Den's meek reply. He loved the way Kyliene used slang. 'Family Force' was putting it nicely; He'd never heard of it, but it made him laugh. He had to admit that he wanted to remain here, pressed up against her, for longer than just the few more moments he sensed this was going to take. He had no idea what Skywalker and Padme were up to, and he only hoped that they were closer to putting this plan into motion.

If he only knew how close they all were.....

*********************************************

Mace strolled down the hall, trying to ignore the sense that something just wasn't right. He suspected that there was more to Amidala's sudden need to speak with Bant, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. Shrugging, he palmed the data pad resting in his pocket. It was addressed to Obi-Wan, but he couldn't quite contain his curiosity. Reaching out in the force, he made well sure that no souls were headed in his direction, and turned said pad on.

"My dearest, I have loved you from afar for eons..."

Well, well, well, Master Kenobi.

He read on to the end of the letter, thinking about how red Kenobi's face was going to turn upon receiving this ode of ador. He would have to make sure Deppa had her holocam ready, this was one for the wall of shame. The Masters did indeed have a 'secret' place away from the Padawans, and all along the North wall of the largest room was a collection of photographs that would embarrass quite a number of Temple residents. The most recent inductee was a color shot of Padawans Kyliene and Skywalker covered in chocolate pudding in the cafeteria.

The shock on Kenobi's face would make a lovely set to that one, Mace mused. Deppa? He called out to the often-times reserved Master.

Mace. Her reply was quick, and he was glad he found her.

Got your holocam? I believe were going to need it when I return. She confirmed that, yes, she did have it and instructed him to hurry up.

..

Now that Amidala had Bant all to herself, she was a loss. What in the name of Yoda's gimer stick was she supposed to say? Oh, I just needed you here so we can set you up with Obi-Wan. No problem there, no sir. She smiled sheepishly at Bant and cleared her throat. "I just wanted you to know that I didn't read what was inside the message. It was marked personal, and that's how it remains." This could turn out better than I expected! She will definitely read it now.

Bant eyed the data pad skeptically. "I trust you, Padawan."

Amidala smiled, thinking she was in the clear.

"But, I also sense that you are trying to hide something from me. Weren't you and Anakin supposed to be at Den's party this evening?"

Poodoo! "Well, we were. I mean, Anakin still is, I guess. I was tired from all that lightsaber work this afternoon and decided to call it a night." A night with Anakin between the sheets, you mean? She told her inner voice to can it and smiled sweetly.

"You and Skywalker apart on your terms? Ha, now that's something I'd never thought I'd see!" Bant's sarcasm brought instant color to Amidala's pale cheeks. "Nevertheless, I really need to get going. I hope you're feeling well, we have a few more fun-with-lightsabers days ahead of us, dear." She squeezed Amidala's hand and walked off in the direction that Mace had gone.

Sinking to her knees, Amidala was quickly surrounded by the remaining members of their motley little crew. Den and Kyliene approached first, and were curiously rumpled-looking. Anakin, Hilos, Gaiya and Maax peered around a corner before exposing themselves. "C'mon! We have to get to the room of a thousand fountains!" Anakin whispered loudly.

"Sounds like a plan." Amidala muttered under her breath.

..

Down the hall, Bant found a quiet bench and decided to see just what kind of 'private message' awaited her. Skimming past the first page and setting the screens brightness to high, she opened the message. "My dearest, I have loved you for eons. You, and only you, complete the man that I am. Without you, the stars are not as bright. Without your smile, I would have no pleasant dreams at night. From your beloved, meet me in the room of a thousand fountains."

She stated at the blue screen for a long moment, distantly aware that her hands were shaking. //Who in the Galaxy could this be?// Obviously it was a mistake, she reasoned. Love had not been easy for Bant, since her appearance tended to be a deterrent to suitors. Anyway, Jedi had little time to carry on in foolish love affairs.

But, she had to admit that she was hoping this was for her. With a sigh, and a healthy dose of courage, she got up and walked towards the room of a thousand waterfalls.

..

Back inside the Jedi Masters' Lair, as Mace liked to call it, Obi-Wan Kenobi waited somewhat impatiently as his own message began to open. Mace was peering over his shoulder, in a most impolite way. "If you don't mind, Mace?"

The words were the exact same as those Bant had read. At first, he suspected Anakin; The boy was capable of pulling a fast one on anyone in the Temple. It's just... this sounded nothing like the language Anakin would use. His Padawan took a more... casual approach with women. More like a 'how *you* doin?' Shaking his head, he looked up.

And was instantly blinded by Deppa and that blasted holocam of hers.

Blinking, he held the data pad up to Mace. "Where did you find this again?" Clearly, it had been delivered to him in error. Hadn't it?

Mace leaned back, elevating his feet on the table. "Oh, in the hallway right outside the initiates' quarters." Smiling, he popped a ripe tangi fruit into his mouth.

Obi-Wan shook his head. Not possible! Who would send this to me? "Well, what should I do?"

Mace studied him for a moment. "Go on, find out who it is! What have you got to lose, my friend?"

True enough. "I swear, if Anakin is behind this, he'll be scrubbing the cafeteria for a month!"

..

Perched up high, Anakin, Amidala, Den and Kyliene had a bird's-eye view of the scene below. Obi-Wan had arrived first, and was pacing around inside the expansive room. It was then that Amidala had begun to have second thoughts. What if Bant was really hoping for a true love? What if Obi-Wan was? It was just so heartbreaking, to her anyway. The others were rubbing their hands together in anticipation.

Kyliene swung her long auburn hair over her shoulders, hitting Den right in the face. "What if she doesn't come?"

Den, spitting out long strands of hair, laughed. "Oh, she'll come. Gaiya went back to make sure the apartment was empty. It was."

Anakin waved his hands at them. "Shut up, will ya? I'm good, but I'm not that good. Trust me, Obi-Wan will pick up on your presence if you don't quiet!"

"Hey, look! There she is!" Amidala whispered, somewhat sadly.

Bant strolled in, not seeing anyone at first. It was then that Obi-Wan turned around.

*****************************************

...
"A kiss is the shortest distance between two."
- Henry Youngman
...

Pale and speechless, Bant and Obi-Wan stared at each other in amazement. Words, unspoken but louder than if they had been, bounced about the room like stray blaster shots.

You? But...

Bant, oh force!

Obi-Wan? My *dearest*?

How could this be?

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and stepped forward. He had expected this to, indeed, be another Anakin prank; It just had to be. But, the look on Bant's face, and they way she was shaking so.... "Bant? Are you... I mean...?" Real eloquent, my friend. He shook his head, as if clearing the confusion.

Bant, for the most part, looked like the proverbial deer in the headlights. Her usually flush skin had paled misserably, and her eyes were filled with unconscious tears at the corners. "Obi-Wan... yes, I... no! I... ah, force!" She tugged on the fraying hem of her cloak before throwing caution to the wind and stepping closer to him.

..

Watching with bated breath, Anakin, Amidala, Den and Kyliene were scared stiff. Was this the wrong idea perhaps? Were they breaking a serious code violation by lying and manipulating the actions of another? Yes, and yes. "We're all in deep poodoo." Anakin hissed, spying Obi-Wan placing his hand on Bant's shoulder.

Amidala nodded, although she'd thought that from the moment they got here. She had played a large part in this well-conceived, albeit wrong plan, and she would pay the consequences along with her mates. "We really should go, there's no need for this, Anakin."

He nodded, turing to Den. "Shield the best you can and make your way down the opposite side." He instructed, closing his eyes for a moment to concentrate the force around them. Den sighed, but complied. He wanted to see more of this, but it was not meant to be. As he and Kyliene quietly made their way to the other end of the ledge, something they hadn't expected at all happened.

..

As foreign as the idea sounded at first, Obi-Wan thought back to the night before. Had it only been a night? Sure, he had to admit, he HAD thought of Bant as more than a friend on more than one occasion. She'd been there for him, as no other save for Qui-Gon, had. She'd suffered with him, laughed with him, cried with him. They were inseparable when they were young, could the same magic still hold true now? Should they even risk it? What would Qui-Gon say?

Keep your mind on the here and now where it belongs, Obi-Wan.

So he took her hand in his own, smiling at its shakiness. She was cutely hopping from one foot to the other, trying her best not to cry. "Bant, my dearest, Bant! Where would I be if not for you?" The words tumbled from his mouth with the force of a waterfall. Unaware that he was paraphrasing the words she'd read on the data pad, he continued. "Never the risk takers, were we? Come now, let's take one chance...."

Bant, smiling and crying concurrently, nodded and there lips met for the first time. Distantly, he was reminded of the ocean breeze, the way the spray feels when it hits your skin: cool, but welcome. She tasted of mirth, of everything he remembered from his youth.

Bringing her hands up to clutch his cloak, she kissed him with all that she had. His lips were warm and soft, as she'd always suspected they'd be. His presence reached out to hers, and the two met as one somewhere in the middle. It was slightly terrifying, actually; What would they do now? Before she had the chance to ponder the thought, the unmistakable presence of someone other than she and Obi-Wan became evident. She pulled away naturally, and smiled at him. "Shh, be quiet, but I think we have guests."

Returning her smile, Obi-Wan nodded. "Oh yes, I've known for some time now. It's Anakin and his little troupe."

Oh, force! This was all an act? Backing up, Bant was speechless. Had he really done this as a joke? She attempted to pull her hand from his embrace, but he held it tight. "Hey, get back here. Not a word I said was a lie, you." He kissed her hand gently and impulsively twirled her around in a wide circle before bringing her close once again. "It's our time to have a bit of fun, wouldn't you say? Watch this." Looking up to where he sensed Anakin to be, he waved, urging Bant to do the same.

..

"SITH! They've seen us! Quickly, we're outta here!" Anakin sputtered, not paying attention to where he was headed. Before he knew it, he was falling like the rain onto the hard marble below. "Aaaaaaaaiiiieeeeeeeee!" He screamed, in quite a girly voice, before slamming into an unconscious heap.

Amidala, screaming as well, was running down the ledge, fearing the worst. She could see Obi-Wan and Bant already there, supporting his head. I KNEW THIS WAS A BAD IDEA! Falling to her knees beside him, she grabbed for his hand. He was limp and pale, never a good combination in her book. "Oh, Ani...."

Obi-Wan placed his hand on Anakin's head, nodding. "He'll be all right." Anakin stirred, rolling onto his side with a great moan. Den and Kyliene arrived then, accompanied by Tamma. Anakin, squinting up at everyone, looked suddenly green.

"Well, zippity-do-dah, look whose arrived!" He slurred, sitting up and holding the back of his head. Looking more nauseous by the moment, he felt he could no longer contain himself and ended up loosing all his dinner on Amidala's clean tunic.

Tamma, used to such.... grit, rolled her eyes and sat beside him. "If you don't mind me saying, it appears you just zippitied all your do-dah onto this lovely young woman." Handing Amidala a cloth, she began to check Anakin's vitals.

Anakin was a mess, but it was poor Amidala who'd gotten the worst of it. Retribution, dear. She mused. It the price she paid for misleading two people she respected greatly. For no reason at all, except perhaps to laugh, she broke out into a fit of uncontrolled giggles. She must have looked mad, covered with greenish puke and laughing, but soon everyone around her, save Anakin, joined in.

"Well, I'm glad you all find this SO humorous! While I'm lying here near death's door-" Anakin started, before Tamma shushed him. "Oh, you go on. You had a fall, but you're otherwise okay. It's what you get for spying on people, Padawan."

Grumbling, Anakin began to see the humour for himself. It really was kind of funny; In a very sad way. "Yeah, yeah. I just..... I apologize, Master, Bant. It was all my idea."

Obi-Wan and Bant nodded, smiling. "Yes, we figured as much, isn't that correct, Bant?"

The Mon-Cal eyed Anakin contemptuously. "That's right, Obi-Wan. And for spying on us, you will.... all of you.... scrub the infirmary for the next month. And you know, Anakin I'm sure, what kind of.... stuff lurks on the floor THERE." She pointed at the four Padawan's gathered around them. "The same goes for my wayward Padawan and Hilos, they were a part of this, I'm certain."

"So, you're not mad about the data pads-Oh, SITH!" Anakin, realizing what he just said, covered his face and waited for the punishment to be handed down.

Bant and Obi-Wan stared at each other for a long moment, shock evident on their faces, before realization set in. At the same time, they each proffered the said pads and exchanged them. Yes, the message was the same, yes it had all been a big hoax.

Had it though? He thought that he felt more than imagined happiness in that kiss. Did it really matter how it came about, if the feelings were there to begin with? No, there was more to it, he knew there was. He held tight to Bant's hand and ignoring those around him, pulled her close again for a kiss.

Amidala gasped, clearly not expecting THAT! Looking up, she saw that Den and Kyliene were sharing lovesick glances as well. Is everyone in the Temple doing the nasty?

Anakin chuckled from his position in her lap. Yeah, but we do it best.

She smiled at that, leaning down to kiss his forehead. Damn straight.

What a night.... again.

**************************************

The next morning, every student in the Temple had heard about Anakin's... tumble, Obi-Wan and Bant's...romance, and the entire sorted story. Amidala cringed at the applause she received as she entered Galactic Politics. This, above all others, was a class she was dreading. She probably knew more about Galactic Politics than the teacher, anyway. But, alas, she was here.

Luckily, Gaiya had class with her, and they shared a bench near the back of the classroom. Obi-Wan had informed her that morning that Master Galia would soon be taking over her training, and apparently, Galia was a stickler for classroom training as well. Great. From somewhere inside, she felt the need to shake her head; What was she doing here anyway? She was no Jedi, she was a-

"Queen Amidala, the leader of the Naboo." Spoke the voice of Master Yari.

Startled beyond belief, she spun around to find a holo of herself illuminating the screen. It was an older picture and, thankfully, looked not too much like her today. Wonderful, I get to take a test on myself. She wondered, with a smile, how much of what Master Yari would say that was true. But, in all reality, how could she prove it otherwise? What would the Padawans around her say if she stood up and taught the class all about Naboo. She was hanging around Anakin and Den too much, she mused; She was getting a sarcastic streak.

"Something humorous, Padawan Naberrie?" Yari asked her, breaking her from her reverie. She looked up, shaking her head. "No, Master." He walked closer to her, pointing towards the screen."Very well, then. Since you were not paying any attention, I will repeat the question," The screen changed then, filling with a beautiful holo of Theed Palace.

Her Palace. My home.

She ignored the white-hot pain in her heart and sat up straighter. "How long has Queen Amidala been Queen of the Naboo?" Yari asked, smiling as if he expected her not to know. Not likely.

"Since she was fourteen years in age, Master." She replied, feeling terribly odd at answering questions about herself in this manner.

Yari nodded, changing the slide yet again. This time, a holo of Chancellor Palpatine filled the screen. Thank the force!

..

By the time Galactic Politics was over, Amidala had passed a test about herself and was now looking forward to sparring with Anakin. She couldn't wait to tell him all about her little test. Walking briskly through the halls, she smiled at the sight of Anakin up ahead. He was chatting with Den, and held his arms out to her as she approached. "Hey, you. How'd your morning go?" He asked, kissing her gently on the top of her head.

She laughed, shaking her head. "Well, I had a test on the Galactic Politics of Naboo, followed by a brief history lesson on the planet's elected leader."

Anakin's eyes widened briefly, while Den managed to look more confused than usual. "Ah, that must have been... an easy A?"

Den snapped out of his... trance then. "Whose an easy lay?"

Anakin smacked him on the back of his head, laughing so hard he nearly fell over. "An easy A, you wank! I swear, it's a wonder you're even alive sometimes, my man."

Amidala was still laughing when Obi-Wan arrived, ready to begin the class. What would I do without you and your friends' warped sense of humor?

Anakin smiled, rolling his eyes at Den. You're becoming as warped as we are, you realize this?

Squeezing his hand, she nodded. Force help me, but you're right! Must be those blue eyes of yours, and the way you kiss me... She was teasing him, he knew.

Later, 'easy A'. He shot back, walking off towards Obi-Wan for his first spar.

She sighed, sinking to the floor beside Den. What, indeed, would she do without these people? She didn't even want to find out.

***************************************

"...Wonderful, Padmé! Now, reach out and..see, there you go!" Obi-Wan's softly-accented voice gave Amidala all the encouragement she needed. She had sparred with Anakin, Den and even Gaiya before Obi-Wan had decided to give her..a different test. Blindfolded now, she was sparring with a remote; And winning, for the most part.

She could feel it, buzzing about, even if she couldn't see it outright. The force. She smiled, reaching out with it, feeling in flow at once around her. It was instinctual, really. She could not recall, now, not ever feeling its presence. Sensing that the remote had deactivated, she pulled the blindfold from her eyes and met Anakin's smiling face. I rule now, flyboy.

Their intellectual sparring session was cut short by a visit from Master Galia. Smiling, the tall Jedi made her way breezily over to Amidala. Out of respect, both she and Anakin bowed, smiling as they rose. "I come bearing good news, I hope" Galia explained, handing Amidala a datapad. "The Council agreed with me that adjusting you to life as a true Padawan should begin as soon as possible. Starting tonight, you will reside with me, Padawan."

Amidala's mouth opened and closed a few times, before it all sunk in. Padawan? Yes, Padawan. Turning on the datapad, she saw that the code for her new apartment was there, along with everything she would need. Convenient. "Yes, Master Galia, that would be... wonderful. Thank you for... for everything, really." Quit babbling!

Anakin nudged her, fighting a smile. Indeed!

Galia seemed oblivious to the mental-speak between the two lovers, instead focusing on Obi-Wan. "You have taught her well, Obi-Wan. Although I do believe she is talented enough on her own," Pausing, she reached out for Amidala's hand. "I heard you had a pop-quiz on "Queen Amidala" this morning. You might find it interesting to know that you actually got one answer wrong." Galia's tone was teasing, but Amidala blushed anyway.

Sure, she had marked one of the answers wrong; It was out of true paranoia! "I...I don't know why I did that." She fibbed, realizing how foolish that was. There was no hiding anything from the Jedi standing around her. "Actually, I do. I just wanted to throw people off track, I guess. There were some people comparing me to the holo of... myself, and I got... paranoid." The explanation stumbled clumsily from her mouth.

Obi-Wan chuckled, patting Amidala on the back. "You will soon learn that lying to your Master, or any Master, is not a wise move," Galia nodded in agreement, as they observed their charges. Anakin was beaming, holding tight to Amidala's hand. I know you can do this! He told her, winking.

I have to, Anakin... I have to. Her smile faded a bit as melancholy crept in. Thoughts of Naboo, Sabé, her people, her... sickness, the betrayal, it was all too much. This was her way to fight back against it. To show the Galaxy exactly what Amidala Padmé Naberrie was made of. "I will be there immediately after supper, Master." She bowed once more, as her Master left them.

Anakin and Obi-Wan were smiling like fools. They are fools sometimes! "What are the two of you grinning at?" She inquired, gathering her stuff from the floor. The training room had cleared out about an hour before, and the sun had already begun to set on Coruscant. It cast an eerie shadow across the room, as well as the rest of the Temple at this hour.

Placing an arm around her, Obi-Wan brought her in for a hug. "You are very brave, Your Highness. I vow to help you in any way I can." He reassured her, tightening before letting go.

She pulled away, smirking. "Is that so? Hmmm, then you won't mind lending your Padawan to me for, say, an hour?" She saw Anakin blushing and giggled; He really needed to get over it already!

One long sigh later, Obi-Wan was shaking his head at them. "I could get into real poodoo with you two, you understand?" He reached over and tugged not-so-gently on Anakin's braid. "Be careful. I will not be pleased if I find you have been sneaking out of, or into Master Galia's apartment. You are to behave as every other Padawan in the Temple." He was shaking his finger at them, acting very much like an old man.

Anakin busted up then, clutching at his sides. "Don't worry, Master. I'll remember to put the sock on the door if you do." Anakin teased, cheekily, before grabbing Amidala's hand and making a run for it.

Obi-Wan stared after them, shaking his head. He thought then of Bant; Surely they wouldn't, I mean really. He wasn't going to sleep with her... was he? Why the hell not? He asked himself. "Yes, indeed..." Turning off the lights, he went about to search for his lady love.

***************************************

Although he was nowhere as nervous as he had been the night before, Obi-Wan felt his heart beat a bit faster as he approached Bant's door. //This is nuts, I'm acting like a frightened Padawan.// He smiled at that, //then again, Anakin certainly has no trouble.//

Taking a deep breath, he lifted his hand to knock. The door slid open, revealing a bleary-eyed Bant. Shaking her head, her lips formed into a surprised "O" shape, and she slammed the door right in his face. //Real smooth, Bant.//

Obi-Wan, lucky to have gotten away with his face, smiled and knocked once more. "Bant, open up!" He shot the hallway a curious glance, making sure no souls witnessed this display he was making of himself. A moment later, the door opened once again. Bant, now dressed and red-faced under her salmon skin, smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, you, uh, caught me as I woke up." She moved aside, allowing him to enter.

Smiling to himself, Obi-Wan took in the familiar qualities of the room. It was laid out the same as his own, only in the reverse. //Funny,// he thought, //I don't always ramble on and on to *myself* like this.// He turned around, taking her hands into his. "I had to see you," He explained, pulling her close for a hug.

Taken back, Bant melted inside his embrace. //Oh, my.// She reached up, lowering his head to hers in a tender kiss. Whatever she'd been expecting when she'd opened the door... this wasn't it. She'd just sent Gaiya to dinner, telling her she'd be down shortly. Coming up for air, she cupped his chin in her hand. "Nice to see you too, Obi-Wan." He smiled down at her, delighted.

"Yes, well. After watching my Padawan flirting madly with his lady love all afternoon, I was longing to be with you," He paused, walking them over to the large couch near the windows. "This is still all so new to me, I cannot believe it-"

She nodded, holding up her hand. "I know. But, think about it; We're hardly strangers, are we?"

"No, not at all." He answered, trying to pull her closer. She giggled, moving further away. "C'mon, I'm not quite through."

He advanced on her, and they melted into the massive, soft cushions. "Oh, I think you are." He teased, kissing her in a crushing kiss. Unable to hold it back, she simply delighted in the moment and moaned softly into his mouth. She didn't miss the tingle that shot up his spine, or the smile that formed. //Score one for the home team!//

"You keep doing that, and we may never leave this room." He whispered, raining kisses down her smooth neck. He couldn't recall ever having this feeling before. Well, certainly *that* feeling, but not this closeness, this ever-present *need* to be with her. And it had only been not 24 short hours ago that they'd first *kissed*. //I am in serious trouble here!//

Bant grinned, trying her best to ignore the kisses. //Right.// "And that would be bad, why?" She purred, twirling her fingers in the soft hair at the back of his neck. He looked positively, force-shatteringly handsome, and she wondered *how* she had not noticed this before?! //Sigh, good things come to those who wait.// "Gaiya's at dinner, and from the small brain-pick I just did, Anakin is quite... busy as well?"

"Brain-pick, Bant? Is that the *official* Jedi terminology now?" He nipped at the tender skin under her chin, unable to control his ever-raging hormones. //I am worse than a thirteen-year old boy!//

Smiling, Bant reached down and gave his backside a firm squeeze. "Force, I hope not." She whispered, commenting on his previous thought.

They were both laughing quietly, when the door activated and slid open.

"Sith!" Bant exclaimed, pushing him to the floor. //Now we are acting like two teenagers!//

She shielded quickly, pulling Obi-Wan down behind the couch with her. They both looked up, and watched as Gaiya and Hilos stood, kissing, in the doorway. Gaiya was smiling giddily, acting very much like a girl in love. Hilos, for his part, was trying very hard to act mature. Smiling, Bant sat back down on the floor. //They have grown up so fast, Obi-Wan!// She mused, thinking of the little kids they just had no less than 4 years ago! Now, they were... growing older... having... sex. //Oh, Force!// She couldn't imagine it!

Obi-Wan seemed to be handling it much better than she. "If it bothers us to think of them, imagine what they must be thinking of us!" He teased, thinking of the horrible image of Qui-Gon having... sex... with someone. No, he could see it *now*, but at 17? No... NO NO NO NO!! It was bad enough that Anakin was already an old pro at 19. //Figures, he's excelled at everything else, why not *that*?//

//I don't think Gaiya has gone that far, not yet anyway. She and Hilos only kissed this morning for the first time, she told me over breakfast.// That, at least, was a comfort. Small as it were.

The door slid shut again, and Obi-Wan saw Gaiya walk over to the couch. Before he could blink, she was leaning over the side, smirking at them. "Ahem! I trust you two have a very good reason for hiding out behind the sectional?" She used her most proper Master-sounding voice, and tapped her hand against the couch.

Bant opened her mouth a few times, but no words escaped. Obi-Wan, when he stopped laughing, shook his head. "No, actually we don't. We were... we were... making out. That's pretty much it, Padawan."

Gaiya giggled madly. "Oh, that much is obvious. But still, what are you doing behind the couch? Shouldn't you be *on* the couch-OW!" Suddenly slammed with a barrage of pillows, Gaiya paid dearly for her cheeky comment.

"That," Bant panted, bopping her once more. "Padawan, is what you get for teasing us old folks. We can still behave like lovesick teenagers can we not?"

Obi-Wan attempted a hurt look. "Old folks? I am not old, I am-"

"Old!" Bant and Gaiya shouted, ducking behind the couch. The pillow fight went on for some time, until all three collapsed into a fit of giggles on the floor.

Looking over at Bant, Obi-Wan had to smile. She was his friend, first and foremost, but he couldn't wait to get to know her better. He couldn't wait to be her lover.

****************************************

Standing in the doorway of her apartment, Amidala surveyed the room she'd called her own for the past month. She'd never completely gotten into personalizing anything, and a single, faded holo of Naboo was all she claimed as her own. With a sigh, she placed it gently into her bag, along with her clothes and toiletries.

Anakin was in the 'fresher, cleaning up after...well, just after. She smiled at the memory; they'd barely made it inside this time. She brought a shaking hand to her lips and noticed that they were still tender. //Animal, that's what I should call him. Animal Ani.//

//I heard that, Amidala.//

Shaking her head, she went into the 'fresher. The room was filled with billowy steam, and she ran her fingers across the mirror. "You should hurry, Ani. We need to be at Master Gallia's before Obi-Wan barges in here." She giggled at the slight authoritative tone in her voice.

"Yes, Master," Anakin teased, poking his soap-topped head out. "You know, you could join me. I bet I'd get cleaner a lot faster."

She shivered at that. "Somehow, I do not believe we'd emerge any cleaner." She pushed him back under the spray, clearing off the mirror with her other hand. A quick look into the water-dappled surface revealed that she was now resembling a drowned womp rat. //Figures.//

Anakin emerged then, wrapped modestly inside a towel. His blue eyes glinted with mischief as he approached her. "I'm really going to miss spending my nights in your arms." He whispered, kissing her softly along the smooth trail of skin from neck chin to throat.

Part of her, a very //large// part of her, wanted to tell Master Gallia to forget it. But, as she thought of Naboo, how could she? She loved Anakin immensely, but sex was one thing...

The fate of her people was something altogether different.

"Yes, well, I'm hardly a child. I honestly cannot see Master Gallia forbidding me to see you. I mean, would she?" Now that she thought about it, how much did she really know about life as a Padawan? Were they allowed to... explore their... sexuality?

Anakin wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Not really, I'm afraid. Sex among Padawans is forbidden, but that's not to say that it doesn't happen. Recent rules have stated that a Padawan may participate, only when permission from their Master is presented to the Council."

Giggling, she exhaled loudly. "Well, that would certainly be rather embarrassing! Tell me that the Council now knows we are having sex?" She cringed even as she said it, and the look on Anakin's face did nothing to quiet her fears.

Finding the Temple-issued soap-on-a-rope hanging from the shower door VERY interesting, Anakin went about drying himself. That was until Amidala smacked him soundly with her hairbrush. "Ow, why'dya go and do that for?"

Pouting, she crossed her arms and tapped the brush against her leg. "You're lucky that's all you got! I asked you a question, Anakin Skywalker!"

//Oh, Sith! Full name alert!// Trying to dance around the glare in her brown eyes, he took her hands inside his own. "I'm afraid they do know-"

She whacked him again with the brush. "How could you-?"

Yanking the brush from her hands, he tossed it out into the hall. "Let me explain! *I* did not tell them, and neither did Obi-Wan! They read your thoughts, my dear."

Redder now than the rouge on her cheeks, she sank to the floor in a pile of giggles. "But... when? I certainly don't remember..."

Dragging her back to her feet, Anakin shook his head. "I don't know. Obi-Wan wouldn't tell me, but that's only because I don't know if *he* even knows. All he told me was, that we should be careful, and that I better be treating you like a lady."

She walked into his open arms, resting her head on his chest. "You've always treated me like a lady. Even when I was horrible to you, even when you were only a little boy," Her whispered words brought a smile to them both, as they stood inside the hug for a long moment. "We should get going, I want to make a good impression on my new... Master." She tugged playfully on the loose knot holding his towel up.

Grinning almost evilly, he let the towel fall around his ankles. "Are you sure you really want to go, right at this moment?" He walked her backwards into the hall. They were inside her room now, kissing and carrying on. "I mean, how can you resist this?" He playfully flexed his arm muscles, puffing out his chest.

A loud groan from behind them, startled them both. "Somehow, Padawan, I think she may not have a problem." Obi-Wan teased, his back to them.

Amidala was wiping her eyes, she was laughing so hard. "Oh, the look on your face was priceless!" She squealed, tossing him his clothes. "Get dressed for Force's sake!"

Frozen in place, Anakin looked from Amidala to Obi-Wan and back before running off back into the 'fresher. Amidala smiled and gathered all her bags by the door. "You sure you didn't drop him on his head when he was a child?"

Obi-Wan returned the smile easily, "No, but it looks like I should have." They shared a laugh, and were still giggling at Anakin's expense all the way over to Master Gallia's.

"Laugh it up, the both of you! Go on..." Anakin's mumbled echoed on inside the hallways, eliciting grins from them all.

************************************

Master Gallia's apartment was a lesson in indulgence, Amidala soon discovered. While the Jedi weren't ones to keep personal treasures, Adi , seemed to think differently. A large display of crystals sat, perched high on a shelf. They glittered in the light falling in through the window, and she caught a rainbow in the palm of her hand. Anakin had left her bags at the door, departing with Obi-Wan to the practice arena.

She was alone.

Tiptoeing around the room, she quickly found her room and started to unpack. It was strange, she thought. She was living the life of a Jedi, she was living the life of a Queen. She imagined that her own life fell somewhere in the middle. The room she was in was pleasant enough, it even showed no traces of Temple-issued anything. No beige sheets, no rough and scratchy duvets. //Must be nice to be a Master.//

Just as she was getting settled, she heard the door slide open. She unconsciously straightened her tunic and walked out to greet her new Master. Adi smiled easily at her, and she relaxed somewhat. "Master Gallia." She bowed slightly, unsure of how to act. With Obi-Wan, it was as informal as one could get.

Adi shook her head. "None of that, thank you. At least, not when we're home. So, I trust you found your room?" She walked around the apartment, turning on lights and ridding herself of her large robe.

"Yes, thank you. I...just wanted to thank you for agreeing to this. I know that I'm not a Jedi and-"

Adi walked over to her, taking her hand. "You are very brave, Amidala. I am honored to have you as my Padawan, for however long you remain so. We will learn very much from each other, I think."

Smiling, Amidala nodded. "Yes, I'm certain we will."

"Well, I have a ton of things to tell you! I'm going to assume Obi-Wan placed you into several classes already?" She handed Amidala a datapad and a comlink.

//Who could forget Galactic Politics?// "Yes, the only classes I'm not in are Relations and Mechanics." She illuminated the datapad and found a revised schedule there. As well as scheduled meditation times and free time. //This is it, this is the real deal.//

"Good, good. I was worried that we'd have to start from the beginning. Now, you'll be in saber training with Padawan Skywalker, will this be a problem?" The smile on Adi's face brought a blush to Amidala's pale complexion.

"No! I mean, uh, we've been training together already and.." She paused, trying to get the image of Anakin nude to leave her mind.

Adi laughed, shaking her head. "You will also need to learn some real shielding skills. I do not think that was a thought you wished to share with me?"

//Sith!// "I'm sorry." She was redder now than the scarlet markings she wore as Queen.

"Oh, and another thing, Padawan? Please learn not to swear..."

Amidala wanted to crawl up somewhere and die. "Yes, Master." She then retreated to her room to linger in her shame. It was going to be fun, being a real Padawan, she just hoped that she could handle it...

************************************

Kneeling before Master Gallia, Amidala was trying her hardest to concentrate. The older woman was trying to show her the proper way to begin meditation, which she quickly discovered was easier said than done. About a dozen Master/Padawan pairs were scattered around the meditation gardens, Anakin and Obi-Wan included. Thankfully, they were on the other side of the pavilion.

She couldn't help thinking about how different mornings were here, when compared to Naboo. Back home, she would have been showered, dressed, fed, and prepped for the days activities by now. Instead, she was learning to release her anxieties into the Force. //That could take all day..//

They remained that way for the better part of an hour. Once, in a moment of fancy, she opened her eyes to find Anakin smirking at her from across the way. A quick jolt in the Force from Master Gallia brought her back to the task at hand. //Thanks a lot, Anakin.// She felt his mental raspberry and bit back a giggle. Finally, she had about all she could take. Her concentration had slipped completely, making it impossible to reach the peaceful place she'd created. "I'm sorry, I-"

Master Gallia waved her off, smiling slightly.
"You're doing well, Padawan. Remember that most students here in the Temple learn meditation skills very young."

"Is there a correct way to block out any... distractions?" //Namely, pesky boyfriends?//

Her Master regarded her with a sly grin. "If you find a way to block out members of the opposite sex successfully, that will be your greatest lesson." Her somewhat cheeky reply broke the small bubble of tension that had formed between them.

Three melodious bells chimed, signaling the beginning of classes for that morning. Amidala, not having a class until second session, found some satisfaction that Anakin had to run off to class. He punkishly stuck his tongue out at her, dodging a slap from Obi-Wan. They were quite a pair, those two. "I haven't found a way yet to get that man out of my head." //Or heart..//

Adi shook her head, offering Amidala a hand getting up. "I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, and I won't be the last, but the Force guides us on this path. Trust your instincts when dealing with Anakin, because the heart can often fool us."

Amidala had forgotten how nice it was to have someone to talk to. Someone...female. Especially now, since heart-to-heart talks with her handmaidens were potentially fatal. //No, do not dwell on that. Not now.// She was trying to formulate a reply, when she felt Adi's hand on her shoulder. "Tell you what. There is little a woman like you will learn in Galactic Politics and Customs. I have so many things I want to share with you, to teach you..."

"Why Master Gallia, are you insinuating that I cut class?" She took a look of mock-outrage, trying to fight a smile.

"There are benefits to being on the Jedi Council, Padawan. Come along, let's see what we can do about those classes."

//Take THAT, Anakin.// She thought with a big smile.

***********************************************

After securing her Padawan's freedom for two hours, Adi Gallia brought her down to the training room. With most students in class, it was deserted. Just as she wanted it to be. Amidala was excited, yet a little unsure about what they were doing down here. "No lightsaber training, not yet anyway. Here, sit down."

Amidala smiled at her Master, wondering just what was going on. Cutting class had been liberating, someting she'd never done before. She suspected that it *was* something Anakin did frequently, however. //Anakin again, Padawan?// She smiled, her cheeks colouring. "Sorry!"

Adi searched her pockets until she came across what she was looking for. The small, brilliantly cut crystal rested in the palm of her hand, and she had to tame down her excitement. She reached for Amidala's hand, and placed the tiny stone inside. "For your lightsaber, of course."

Amidala shook her head. Surely they wouldn't allow her to make her own? Would she even know how? "But, I thought that only...Jedi could build one?" Her astonished reply was just what Adi was expecting.

The crystal was a deep rose color, guaranteed to produce a brilliant pink blade. She'd gone over and over her vast collection, wavering between the one she chose and one resembling her own. But, violet didn't seem to suit the girl's kindhearted personality. "You need a lightsaber, Amidala. Something of your own, so that you can continue your training. Your lightsaber is the one true thing that is comepletely unique among the Jedi. No two are the same, and it becomes an extension of yourself."

Millions of tiny rainbows bounced from the crystal's surface, and she guessed that this had come from Adi's private collection. She didn't know what to say. "Thank you, Master. I will cherish it always. I am a bit...concerned though. I don't know the first thing about lightsabers, other than how to turn one on and swing it around."

Adi giggled at this. "You will. You have been officially liberated from Galactic Politics, and will spend that time with me constructing one."
She smiled at the expression on Master Yari's face when she told him that the *Actual Queen of Naboo* had been in his class. He paled and mumbled something about 'knowing it all along'.

Amidala resisted the urge to pinch herself and instead smiled like a child. "I was actually looking forward to getting good marks in that class!" She teased.

"Yes, Master Yari informed me of your progress. He told me to tell you that he's sorry if anything spoken about you was offensive or intrusive in any way." Adi checked her chrono, wanting to get started soon.

Amidala sensed this and got to her feet. "I hate that, though. I hate that people are intimidated by me." She confessed, following Adi out of the room.

Her Master nodded in understanding. "You need to get used to that. It will only intensify once you become a Jedi." Although they never played up their powers of intimidation, unless grave situations arose, people were always uneasy around them. It was part of the life.

They entered a door into what appeared to be some sort of workshop. A few Padawans were present, some only beginning assembly, like she, and some making repairs. Master Gallia's presence was noted and she noticed that they all stood taller around her. Blissfully unaware, and used to the attention, Adi guided her to a large bin of assorted metal parts. "This," She indicated to the enormous box, "is where you will begin. You will need a hilt, a base, and...Padawan Orina, can you come here please?"

The surprised girl hurried over with the beginnings of her saber. Adi smiled kindly at her. "Thank you, I just wanted to show my Padawan what she needs to be looking for in here."

Orina nodded, clearing her throat. Amidala guessed that the girl wasn't used to being around a Council member. "Sure, I can help you, if you like. I just started this morning, actually."

Amidala and Orina looked expectantly at Adi. "That would be wonderful! There is very little a Master can provide at this stage anyway. I will be back before class, Padawan."

Amidala nodded, and looked into the box with trepidation. Would Orina know that she was absolutely clueless? There would be no hiding it, she was afraid! "So, where to begin?"

Orina, more relaxed with Adi gone, explained everything she would need, and then helped her locate the proper parts. She figured that she would have a very beautiful lightsaber when it was all put together. She estimated that it would take...from the look of all the parts...roughly two years.

Now greasy and a lot more confident, she held up her masterpiece for Adi to see when she returned. "I did it, Master. Well, Orina helped."

"Wow, nice job, Padawan. Now, gather your parts and bring them along. We have to get you to lightsaber class." Adi smiled at the remaining Padawans, and they departed.

Amidala felt bad that she hadn't had a chance to say thank you to Orina, and sent it mentally on her way out. The girls warm reply reflected her understanding. It was then that she realized what she had done. "Master! Can I speak to all Jedi that way?"

Adi, who'd heard her conversation with Orina, nodded. "Those that are open to you, yes. Sometimes you may run into a shield, and this is something that is to be respected. I can get past your shields, but that is the nature of our bond. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master." They approached the training room again, and she spotted Anakin sparring with Den. //Nice form.// She sent over, seeing him falter slightly. Adi smirked at her, shaking her head. "You really shouldn't do that, but it was rather funny."

"I will see you for dinner, Master." Amidala replied, looking forward to this afternoon. And night, if she had her it her way. A bubble bath sounded good right about now, and she knew of one Padawan who looked like he would be really sore later. //Oh, Anakin....// Putting on her best smile, she strolled over towards him.

****************************************

The remainder of the day flew by in a blur for Amidala. Saber training was an experience, but she at least got to brag about her almost-saber. She didn't miss the look of pride in Anakin's eyes as she described what had happened that morning. That was, anyway, until he beat her royally (no pun intended) in a match.

She was now seated in the cafeteria between Anakin and Den. Gaiya, Kyliene and Hilos were still getting their food, and she wished they'd hurry it up already! Anakin and Den were discussing the differences between the JX-300 repulsor engine, and the "weak, but still cool!" JX-250. Spearing a piece of meat with her fork, she rolled her eyes at the two of them.

Finally, Gaiya and Kyliene arrived, and she left repulsor-land with a smile. "I swear, you'd think they were talking about sex, the way they carry on!" Kyliene joked, shaking her head.

Amidala giggled at that. "Well, I'd like to think Anakin would be a little more excited, if that were the case." She whispered, winking.

Kyliene blushed, adverting her eyes from the two. She was *not* going to think about being pressed up against Den the other night. Or about how much she wanted to kiss him. Or about how he would never feel the same. She nervously looked across the table at him, smiling slightly.

"What's this?" Gaiya remarked, following her line of sight. Blushing more that ever, she turned her attention back to her food. "Nothing! Just, thinking-"

"Yeah, about Den!" Amidala whispered, giggling madly. Kyliene, after taking a breath, looked up bravely. "Yeah, so what? He is cute, in case you hadn't noticed!" //Force! What am I saying!?//

Gaiya smirked, eyeing Den appreciatively. "Oh, we've noticed, trust me. It's just...well, he's a bit thick-"

Amidala nearly sputtered juice over everyone. "Speaking from experience, Gai?"

It was Kyliene's turn to laugh now, "Yes, do tell."

"You're rotten, the both of you!" She took a drink of juice, before staring again at the guys. "Face it, we've all got it bad!" Gaiya commented, and they all dissolved into girlish giggles.

..

"Raving mad, the three of them!" Den mused, losing his concentration due to the incessant giggling coming from the girls.

Anakin smiled at the sight of Amidala. It was so good to see her laughing, and happy. Sure, she had the handmaidens back on Naboo, at least, for a time she did. But they were not the same as a person who wanted to be your friend just for the sake of being so. Sabé and the others were there out of duty; Gaiya and Kyliene were there because they wanted to be. //You're beautiful when you laugh.//

She looked up, smiling still. //I have to be with you, Anakin. I miss your kisses...//

A chill ran up his spine, and he shifted in his seat. //Any ideas?//

//I'll get back to you, sexy.// He could see her grin at that, and he returned it. Den was waving his hand in front of his eyes, and he was brought out of his sexual-thought inspired reverie. "You in there, Skywalker?"

"What? Oh, yeah..just talking with Am-uh, Padmé." He said, distractedly.

Den and Hilos exchanged glances, smiling. "Yeah? Anything you want to share?" Den asked, trying to NOT look at Kyliene. //She'd knock me out first!//

Anakin laughed, "Not unless you can give me a good way to liberate Padmé from Master Gallia's tonight."

"Are you kidding? Gallia'll let Padmé do whatever she wants! Now, Obi-Wan..there's your problem." Den went back to his food, free from Kyliene's 'I'm not looking at you' stare.

"Why not just ask him to go...I don't know, see Bant or something? I'm going to be studying with Gaiya tonight, so the place is free." Hilos interjected.

That's not half bad, Anakin mused. Although, he would have to tell Obi-Wan what was...er...up. That was not good. "Right, I'll just tell him to beat it so my girlfriend and I can have wild, force-inspired sex. That'll go over well."

"It wouldn't be the first time, would it, Padawan?" Obi-Wan mused, over Anakin's shoulder. Slumping into the chair next to him, Obi-Wan popped a candy into his mouth and smiled.

"Sith!" Anakin mumbled, burrying his face into his arms. Den and Hilos were laughing hard enough to draw *everyones* attention now. He felt Amidala's presence come closer, shortly before he heard her voice. "That," She slapped him lightly, "is what you get for being so vulgar!"

There was teasing in her voice, even if her expression was serious. "Great. Just..kill me now, would you?"

Obi-Wan wrapped an arm around him, whispering, "We need to have a talk, Padawan."

Anakin followed grudgingly behind Obi-Wan, just until they were away from the others. He knew that Amidala wasn't really mad, but that didn't excuse his behaviour. "I'm sorry, Master-"

Obi-Wan waved him off. "I'm not the one who needs apologizing to, Anakin."

He was right, as always. He shrugged, not sure what to say. Obi-Wan smiled then. One of those "I know something you don't know" smiles. "What?"

"Nothing, really. Just...no, I shouldn't..."

"C'mon, you have to tell me now!" Anakin pleaded.

"Really, I shouldn't, but," He smiled some more, "Bant invited me over tonight, which leaves you free for the evening...and..."

//Has he gone mad?// "You...you're actaully *encouraging* me to-?"

"Encourage? No. But, it's either that or be dragged before the Council when you get caught at Master Gallia's. For that alone, Padawan, I would kill you."

Anakin noticed the almost too-happy state his Master was in. Life must be good with Bant, thank the Force! "For that alone, Master Gallia would kill me!" They shared a laugh before returning to the table. It was filled with the smiles of Gaiya and Hiols, as well as the unmistakable nervousness of Kyliene and Den. Amidala was smiling happily, a certain devious sparkle in her eyes. That could be good, he thought....

*************************************************

Not bothering to hide her wide smile, Amidala skipped down the hall like a child. It had been a good day, and those were few and far between lately. Still, the thought of a night alone with Anakin was what really made her smile. It wasn't just the sex, it was--everything. The kisses, the warm feel of his skin, the closeness she felt. With a giggle, she punched in the code for Anakin's apartment and walked inside.

All of the lights were off, and she nearly stumbled on the couch. "Ani?" He was behind her, she soon found out. "Hey, I was wondering where you were." He reached around, handing her a glass of wine. She took a sip, running her eyes over his bare-chested form.

Turning in his embrace, she tipped her glass back once again. A crystalline drop of condensation hung suspended from the glass, before tumbling onto his chest. He jumped, as she leaned forward to kiss it away. "Jumpy, are you? I have the perfect cure for that, you know." She whispered, releasing her hair from it's thick braid with one hand. It tumbled down her back, a mass of waves, and he leaned forward, inhaling its sweet scent. "Do you now? This I have to hear."

She walked ahead, pulling him along behind her towards the 'fresher. "No more kinky sex-play with that hairbrush, Am." He teased, getting a pretty good idea of what she had planned.

"No hair brushes, but I did bring something kinda kinky." She admitted, pulling the little synth-rubber duck from her bag. It squeaked happily when she squeezed it, and Anakin laughed outright. "You are getting as twisted as the rest of us, you know?"

She smiled, dropping the duck into the empty bathtub. "I know, now get out of those clothes! You all...sweaty!" She turned on the tap, waiting a moment for the water to heat up. With the Temple, there was either SITHLY COLD or SITHLY OUT OF CONTROL HOT. She settled for hot, and poured in her favorite bubblebath.

Anakin watched, transfixed, as the tub exploded into a mass of citrus-scented, pale green bubbles. "Whoa, where did you find that stuff?" It looked thick enough to sit on! She held the bottle out to him, "Naboo. I've been using since I was a little girl. It's made with the finest Naboo lemons." She reached in, gathering some bubbles in her hand. "They last for hours, usually..."

Naked as they day he was born, Anakin stepped into the hot bubbles. "Hours huh? Well, you should get undressed, so we can test this little theory of yours." The water was hot, just they way he liked it. She smiled, already in the process. "Let me get the wine, I'll be right back."

Alone in the hot water, Anakin considered himself a very lucky man. And not just because Obi-Wan and he had a really big bathtub, either. Although, he was sure that it would help..//I am rambling to *myself* now!// Amidala returned a moment later, clad only in a smile. She held out his glass, now refilled to the top. "Roomy tub you have there." She commented, stepping inside, in front of him. The water pinched at her skin some, but she would get used to it.

"I was just thinking the same thing," He took a drink, "This is the same room Obi-Wan stayed in with Qui-Gon, so the tub had to be a lot larger than most." He explained, enjoying the view. She finally sat down, and he felt her tiny feet on his thighs. "You could sit over here, you know." He patted his chest invitingly.

She nodded, swirling the wine around in her glass. "I just wanted a moment to look at you." She replied, matter-of-factly. The smile in her eyes reached his instantly.

"I could look at you forever, and it still wouldn't be long enough." He whispered, pulling her over to him. They kissed, releasing all of the days tensions and worries into the force around them. She was dimly aware of the fact that she was sitting in his lap, feeling the bubbles tickle the soft skin of her back. Coming apart for air, Amidala felt as if she were floating in the water. "Wow."

"Yeah, wow..." Anakin leaned her slightly backwards, kissing the iridescent bubbles from her neck. They were sweet, and he found --with a devious grin-- highly edible. She giggled, repeating the gesture on him. "Did I forget to mention that the bubbles are edible?" She asked, sweetly.

His reply was a well-placed kiss to the hollow of her throat. She shivered, leaning her head back. They were as close as they possibly could get, and she felt those tingles up her spine. *This* was what it was all about. This closeness, this love. "Make love to me, Anakin?" She breathed, kissing him on the side of his mouth. There was a moment of hesitation, before the planet was sent spinning on it's axis around her.

The room spun around in a whirl of pale green bubbles and the heady scent of lemons. Time stood at a pause, yet it appeared to be going very fast. The two glasses of wine she'd had helped, but it was the force around them that took her breath away. Crackling and coruscating, their bond through the force shone like a beacon. Keeping her mind on Anakin, she watched him through half-open eyes. He smiled when he felt her watching him; A gesture she easily returned. "I love you." She breathed, as their world exploded around them.

After relaxing into each others embrace, they shared a laugh. "Not much on foreplay, us two." He mused, pushing a stray strand of hair from her eyes. "We had ten years of unconscious foreplay, my love." She studied a pretty bubble in her hand before popping it into her mouth.

"I love you too, you know," He said, "I've always loved you, I believe I always will." He kissed the top of her head, pulling her closer to him. She looked up, dotting his nose with a bubble. "You better, because always is a long time."

Licking the tiny bubble away, he sat up, reaching for his wine. "Let's make a pact then." He smiled at her, drinking down the entire glass.

"A pact? What kind of pact?"

He studied the water, searching for the right words. Pact wasn't it, but the word was escaping him...//Deep breath..// Nope, there it was. "I meant an agreement, an arrangement... an-"

"Engagement?" She squeaked, her heart beating madly in her chest.

He snapped his fingers, "Yes, that! An engagement." He saw the shocked look on her face and shook his head. "What's wrong? Isn't that what people in love do?"

She waved him off, "Yes, of course. I'm just a little... I mean..*engaged*, Ani? Are you sure?"

He hadn't planned on it, but yeah. "I love you, Amidala, with all my heart. I can make you a promise to love you until the day I die, and then even in death. So, yeah, I'm sure." His steady gaze held hers as a million thoughts ran through her mind. Could she really do that? Could she promise forever, even when *her* forever was so uncertain? Looking into the blue eyes of the one person she'd always loved, she knew. With a nod, she stood up. "Propose to me properly then, Jedi. You know, us Queen's need proper protocol and all that."

He rolled his eyes at her, getting up on one knee. Dripping water and bubbles, he looked rather silly like that, and she giggled. "Queen Amidala of the Naboo, will you do this almost-Jedi the honor of becoming my wife?"

And with that, despite the bubbles, despite the silliness of it all, despite *everything*, she cried like a baby. "Yes...yes... a thousand times yes!" She pulled him to his feet, and they hugged for an eternity. "I will, of course, get you a ring" He told her, holding her tiny hands inside his own. She nodded, wiping away an errant tear. "I know you will..." It came out in a hiccup, and they both laughed.

"Come here, we still have a while before these bubbles disappear." He sat down, and shot up with a great squeak. "What the Sith?!"

Doubled over in giggles, Amidala held out the duck, now dented in on its head. "You...you..sat on this." She sputtered, now crying tears of laughter. He followed her, too damn happy to care about little else. The duck's yellow skin pucked out again with a small, angry squeak; As if to say, 'same to you, buddy!'.

"See, I told you it was kinky!"

"What's so kinky about getting goosed by a duck?"

More laughs, followed by joyous kisses. They remained in the tub, long after the bubbles began to pop. Simply enjoying the sheer joy of being in love.