Disclaimer: All characters (save Keturah Jade) are property of George Lucas. No profit is being garnered by the publication of this story. Chapter title c/o Fiona Apple.
Author's Note: Response to a Fic Challenge on www.soulofthejedi.net: Write about a monumental event that takes place between two scenes (or in this case 2 movies), but is ultimately reversed or forgotten by the next scene/movie. Incidentally, while not a humorous story, this most closely resembles a satire of the Expanded Universe novels. Read at your own risk.
Rated: PG-13, for sexually suggestive content later on.
Love's Dress Rehearsal
Chapter One: The First Taste
Twelve padawan learners between the ages of fourteen and eighteen sat impossibly straight on the pillows that dotted the Council Chamber-turned-classroom. In the middle of the circle stood Master Yoda, leaning on his walking stick as he spoke. The evening lights of Coruscant had been nearly blocked out by the light-sensitive shades, making Anakin wish very much that he had gotten more sleep the night before. Dreams were difficult houseguests to be rid of, however.
She had stood before him as always, long brown hair flowing down past her waist. The only outfit he could place on her was the white shift and fan she had worn during the celebration ceremony on Naboo. With each passing year, she aged just a bit in his mind, but she was always his Padme. And she always welcomed him with open arms.
"Padawan Skywalker," said a rough voice from the center of the room. "Daydream you should not during lessons; pay attention you must."
"Yes, Master Yoda. I am truly sorry."
Master Yoda gave a general hrumph of displeasure and then returned to his lesson plan. The other padawans looked roughly as interested in the finer points of the Gungan mating rituals as he felt, but they at least were keeping their eyes on the teacher. Taking a deep breath, he focused on what Master Yoda was saying.
What little concentration young Anakin had disappeared when she walked into the room. She was, arguably, the most beautiful woman that had ever been created. Thoughts of Padme Amidala floated away into the pools of green light that were this woman's eyes. With her long red hair caught up neatly in a braid, she was the picture of poise and confidence. And the icing on his Corellian hot bun—she carried a lightsabre.
Master Yoda did not acknowledge the young woman when she sat down on the cushion nearest the door. The young male padawans, and even a few of the females, stared in awe at the Padawn before them. The ways of the Force were not as interesting as the vision of loveliness they were all sharing.
"Padawan Jade, returned you have. Successful, your trip was?" Yoda asked, his back towards the group of students.
Anakin immediately began to wonder why he had never seen or heard of this Padawan before. And, perhaps most importantly, why was she so powerful that she could be sent on missions. I want to be sent on missions, he thought, nearly sending himself into a self-pitying spell that might have taken weeks to break.
Padawan Jade bowed her head and a small section of hair slipped out of place. She pushed it behind her ear and Anakin felt a wave of annoyance pass through her. Not so powerful, he thought smugly.
Her voice was even more intoxicating than her looks. "Yes, Master Yoda. Master Windu and I safely returned the children to their families; we even found two toddlers that are sensitive. They'll be joining us here before the end of the month."
Anakin watched the way she held her body; she did not favor one side over the other. She was either very lucky when she went on her missions with Master Windu, or very skilled. In either case, Anakin Skywalker determined that he would indeed like to get to know her better.
Her eyes were on him then, one eyebrow cocked in amusement. He met the green orbs for an instant, but felt his face flush with the embarrassing thoughts she was causing. She sent a ripple of internal laughter in his direction before turning her attention back to Master Yoda's lesson.