The Beginning of the Cracks

By aznJEDI13

Notes: I write this just because I am very tired of seeing so many other kinds of fics involving Padme. I didn't intend when I first wrote this to offend any of those writers who work so hard or diligently to create a surreal world, but I simply was just getting a little annoyed that there were so many. This is just part of my contribution to the fan fiction world. I realize its only fan fiction!

Sorry I never had time to check spelling or grammar or punctuation!!!!

Disclaimer: George Lucas owns everything in this story, Anakin, Padme, Obi-wan and other characters, settings, places, and things. The only thing I own is the plot line.

The Beginning of the Cracks

'…Was there that I realized that forever was in your eyes, the moment I saw you cry…'

I was back where I belonged -- in his arms.

The feeling of complete security, of utter peace came from his arms and overwhelmed me. It was all so intoxicating.

Ani, my heart breathes, sweet Ani.

I pull out of his embrace to look him in the eye. To connect blue with brown, brown with blue and gently I reach up to caress the top of his head. Checking to be sure it is really he. I smile because it's Ani -- my Ani.

He brings his forehead down to rest upon mine and I smile slightly. "Missed you so much Ani,"

He plants a tender kiss on my nose, smiling that charming smile that made my heart swoon and leap at the same time, "The feeling is mutual, love."

My smile brightens and stretches from cheek to cheek, "I know."

He leans down for another kiss, which I gladly accept. We kiss not just once, not just twice, but many times, several times. I sigh against his lips and pull back.

Pulling him close, I rest my cheek against his chest, settling to hear his heart beat in tandem with my own. "We need to talk Ani."

He sighs pulling away to look me in the eyes, "Not now."

I shake my head, knowing his excuses won't mean a thing. "I'm serious Ani, now."

He sighs again, a look of defeat washing over his beautiful features. He kisses me tenderly, softly pressing his lips against my own, "Not here." He whispers and I nod.

With the sweep of his hands, the swift movement of his legs we are away from the hall and have slipped into some hanger bay. In it lies a ship, sleek and stealthy by appearance of his newly christened metal and polished stamps. It's a beauty and I know it belongs to him.

I want to be the first to see them all.

He pulls me inside with a quick movement of his bony frame and once inside he sweeps me into an embrace. He holds me like there's no tomorrow, like he could die today.

I cringe slightly feeling out of place in this alien area.

He tilts my head for a kiss and then pulls away.

The familiarity comes rushing back suddenly. I realize I am not alone. I'm with Ani -- my Ani.

There are tears in his eyes. Tears, salty and glassy falling from those pools of cerulean blue that for as long as I can remember I have loved.

I rush to hold him but he turns away.

"Ani…" I begin, he shakes his head and wipes his eyes with the sleeve of his tunic.

In a monotone voice, separate from any human emotion he begins, "Ask your questions."

I sit back in a chair and sigh.

So many questions.

"Ani," I begin, "There's no where to start."

He nods, "How about the beginning?"

I shake my head sighing and look out the window into the hangers and then turn to face him. I don't have to ask before he moves to the controls and starts the engine.

Yes, the beginning is a good place to start.

As I follow his hands flying over the controls, the ship flies away from the building and away from the lies. There is nothing left to do but leave.

I look at him, watching his expression knowing that maybe things won't change, things won't get better. There are answers out there, but knowing those answers won't do anything. The only thing I could do after knowing those answers would be to cry.

To cry a thousand tears for that will be how many pieces my heart will break.

I begin to feel salty liquid from the corners of my eyes fall.

He reaches out to grasp my hand, "Hey," he sooths caressing the skin on the back of my hand; "It'll be all right."

My heart beats a little slower, knowing he is right. Those answers may keep us apart, but not forever. We, I realize, will have forever -- no matter what.

Forever, I saw once more, once again, in his eyes.

To be continued…