"No! it's not fair! I just got back, let alone, the council has disapproved of my marriage and my love for her in general. I refuse to-"
Anakin's eyes were not the same ones which had just tenderly looked his wife in the face. There was an anger within him as he raged about it to his master.
"I'm sorry Anakin, it will only be a matter of weeks, and you will return here to Coruscant. It will be at least one day before departure, you can explain your leave to her tonight. It's just the way life is, as a Jedi. There is nothing you can do to change that."
Obi-Wan responded, disciplining him before the council of Jedi. Anakin payed little attention to his masters' words as his expression remained uncertain while he stared, caught up in his thoughts, at the floor below.
"We shall figure out the co-ordinate arrangements, along with the Jedi placings. We will also decide on an appropriate time to leave."
Obi-Wan finished, speaking to the other Jedi as well, aside from his padawan.
"Then, may I have your permission to leave?" Anakin asked, regaining his dignity.
Obi-Wan looked back at him, understanding. "Yes Anakin, you are no longer needed at this time."
Once dismissed, Anakin left the Jedi head quarters and used a small transfer Pod to deliver him to the Senate building, not too far away. It had only been a month since they returned, and most of the city had been rebuilt. Upon arriving, Anakin rushed inside the building, in search for Padmé.
"How may I help you master Anakin?"
The guard at the door was firmiliar with Anakin, but did not know of his marriage to Padmé, only of his constant presence in the building.
"I wish to speak with Padmé please sir." Anakin responded, politely.
"I'm sorry master, she has left for the night to her sleeping quarters."
He nodded ad showed Anakin out, but not before Anakin allowed himself back in.
"Well, I can see someone else about my concerns."
He quickly flashed a fake smile, hiding his true feelings that were bottled up inside. He briefly walked past the guard and turned at a corner ahead, he made his way toward the main Senate jury room, incase someone where to see him. When he was sure the coast was clear, he made his way toward the private chambers, which were held for High-powered Senate employees.
After looking over his shoulders, positive he wouldn't bee seen at this time of night, as made his way toward Padmé's room. He was quite used to its locating, having snuck in every once and a while when she was required to sleep there. He stood outside the door way and pressed the door release. A voice startled him as an intercom came on. She looked up when she heard someone at the door.
"Who's there?" she asked, wondering who it was. She wasn't expecting anyone.
"Who is it?" she asked loudly, getting impatient. She thought the guard wouldn't let anyone up there...
Anakin smirked to hear the sound of his wife growing angry, he waited purposely trying to make her impatient, all the more better for him when he got to surprise her. He could picture her hungry expression for him. He got lost in a dream as he fantasized about holding her, and drowning her in his kisses.
"WHO IS IT?" she yelled, now angry. If they weren't going to answer they should just go away, she thought.
"Nabooian Liquor. I hear from valuable sources you've been having a drinking problem lately Senator, which is alright, it fits the bill perfectly." Anakin smiled at himself, and at his brilliant thinking.
"What the hell?" she asked, confused.
Anakin began to laugh, this time, he could be heard from the other side.
"Ahem." He said, hoping she had not heard too much.
"Well, you must be drunk to have fallen in love with that Anakin Skywalker, though i must agree, he is a dashing young man, handsome and talented."
He spoke conceitedly, trying to disguise his own voice.
Padmé laughed quietly to herself, shaking her head. "Are you trying to make a point?" she asked, having the feeling she knew who was there.
"No, of course not M' lady, I just find that Young Anakin fellow to be awfully charming. You're ever so lucky..." he continued.
Padmé laughed again.
"I know. Now if you're done, go away," she said, grinning and picturing Anakin on the other side of the door.
Anakin smiled, then realized the real reason he had come, besides the fact he longed for his wife. It was complicated enough sneaking around to be with her.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, I have a telegram to deliver, and it's impossible to say with words..." He kept his voice down, afraid someone would hear.
She opened the door to find Anakin. "Can I have my telegram?" she asked, smiling at him.
He looked up at her, a comical expression to him.
"I'm not sure, i think it went something.."
He pulled her body against his, how he longed for that feeling, sometimes it was days, even weeks before he could feel it. And each time he did, it drew them closer and felt more intimate. He stared deeply into her eyes, as if they were a whole other person, his love being expressed through hi actions. He smiled as he leaned in to her. "Like this.." he finished off his sentence with a long, intimate kiss as he kissed her deeply. He felt more and more alive as he did so, but felt as if he had been dreaming at the same time.
She kissed him back, thinking that it was the best telegram she had gotten in a long, long time...
He pulled away as he let himself in, pressing the button behind him which controlled the door.
She smiled at him.
"I liked the telegram," she told him.
"Well, the messenger assumed you would.."
He said playfully as he lead her inside, not detaching himself from her body.
"Really?" she said sarcastically, smiling at him.
"Well, I think so, either that, or I've gotten the telegram mixed up, and that would be a shame." He replied, leading on her sarcasm.
"No, I'm pretty sure that was for me... Or as least I hope so"
Just as Padmé opened her lips to speak once more, Anakin silenced her by placing his lips against hers. He kissed her continuously, one he started he was unable to stop. She closed her eyes and kissed him back. He gently pulled away, though not wanting to.
"Wait Padmé, I came here to tell you something.."
her lips were so irresistible, they forced his back to her, he forgot about the entire galaxy at that instant
She pulled away slowly, not really wanting to but wanting to know the news. "What is it?" she asked, looking into his eyes.
"Can't it wait? I mean, I want to hear it, but I'd rather..." she kissed him again, softly.
Anakin smiled as she pulled away, listening to her speak. "I guess it could wait a while.." he was cut off as he soon found her luscious lips caressing his once again, a feeling he could not, and didn't want to, escape. She kissed him for a while, wrapping her arms around his neck, lost in the kiss. His heart took over as he became engulfed in the kiss, the same kind that captured his heart forever, that day on the balcony. It was a mistake, yet at the same time was a play of fate. How long they kissed she didn't know, but finally, they pulled apart reluctantly.
"So, what's the news you had to tell me?" she asked, sitting down.
He was lost in the moment, he stood, staring at her, her beauty attracting him, luring him to her as they had every day. Finally he came to his senses, his love-struck mind now cleared. He sat beside her at the edge of the large bed in the middle of the room. She smiled softly, gazing into his eyes. He encircled his hands around her, making them one, he looked her deeply in they eyes as his face turned to a general expression.
"Padmé, the Jedi...no matter what, they will not approve of us, and I think Obi-Wan is starting to take their side. And it's worse, they want me to leave, not for long, but back to Genosis, they are in search for Dooku. I promise I will take care of myself, but I hate begin away from you, and I hate how they ruin our lives like this. If only there was some other way...I just wish they would change, and see what I feel,..." He shook his head.
She watched him, sensing his anger. "I don't want you to go, but I suppose you have to go if you have to go..." she shook her head and looked back at Anakin.
He continued to focus on the floor. "It's no fair.." his anger now commanding his heart.
"Anakin, it'll be alright, you won't be gone long-" She kissed him softly. "And when you get back, I'll be waiting right here for you," she assured him.
Her words comforted him, he smiled to himself as he slowly gathered himself to look back at her, wanting to apologize for his anger, yet knowing he didn't need to.
"Padmé, I love you." The words were so simple, yet so meaningful and had a way to change anyone's life, positively or negatively.
"But.." he hesitated to finish his question as his eyes remained fixed on her.
"But what?" she asked him.
He continued to her request. "Well, I wonder, what would have happened if we never knew we loved each other, and hid it as we were supposed to?" He shook his head after the words escaped him.
"Everything would be different..." she said slowly, thinking. "I don't know. All I know is what actually happened, and where we are today..." Anakin's face lit up, Padmé seemed to always know the exact words required to make him feel confident.
"In that case, I'm glad that everything has happened, I would rather be away from you time after time, and come back to you, being able to hold you and kiss you. Then to never know you loved me, and live life as a lie, hiding my emotions."
She nodded and hugged him, grinning. He let her trap him within her embrace, allowing her love for him to take its toll as he rested his head beside hers.
"So when are you leaving?" she asked.
The words tormented him, he chose to believe they were not true, but knew it was his life, the only one he could lead to be with her, his angel, the image of beauty itself.
"Tomorrow." The word was short, and it struck him instantly, he hardly had time to be with Padmé.
"So soon..."
She asked, wishing they had more time together. He stared over at her, speechless. Admiring her beautiful features, her lips, eyes, and the radiant colors of her chestnut hair, which flowed over the pillow the two were resting on. He couldn't pull away, it was as if her beauty was overpowering, and hypnotic at the same time. She smiled softly at Anakin, gazing into his eyes.
"How long will you be gone?" she asked quietly.
Anakin moved his gaze from her large, brown eyes as he remembered what he had been told by Obi-Wan.
"Anakin, what's wrong?"
she asked, his slight change of expression clear to her.
Anakin did not reply, he longed for her instead. Rotating himself, now laying on his side, he kissed her, hungrily. He placed his hands on her waist, aggressively, not wanting to let go, as if she were to escape him and his love for her at any moment. He slid his hand up and down her back, caressing her skin through her gown, not releasing his lips from the kiss that had consumed his mind. She kissed him back, intimately, forgetting everything. She realized how much she would miss him while he was gone, but pushed it to the back of her mind. The next thing they knew, Padmé was resting on Anakin's chest, as they were both unclothed. Anakin lay thinking to himself, as he smiled. When the words came back into his head, he fought them, staying positive. But he began to shift beneath the covers. After a minute or so, Padmé realized something was bothering Anakin.
"Anakin, is something wrong?" she asked him.
He couldn't hide it, and it came to him, he had to tell her. "Anakin, we've chosen you...." "You're the strongest Jedi..." "we need you.." "There's one condition.." "this is suicide, it's least likely that you will come back..." "I'm afraid..." "You have no choice..." Each word he remembered clearly, as the small fragments of Obi-Wan's speech remained in his mind.
He looked to Padmé, tears slowly welling up in his eyes, he held them back. He tried to be strong, but he couldn't, not when he knew what was at hand.
"Padmé, I don't know when I'll be back..." He said to her.
She nodded quietly, knowing that could mean any amount of time, but remained positive. "I'm sure it will be soon... and I'll talk to you as often as I can. And I'll be here for you when you get back," she promised. He shook his head as he remembered...
"No Padmé, we're going to find Dooku, and any remains of Sidious' knights. Although, we have already been informed of what to expect. I won't go in to detail but.."
he stopped, the tears once again coming back to him, this was the worst duty ever assigned to him, he knew the chances of him surviving were slim.
"but besides that, I am being sent with many other Padawan's and Master Windu alone. They confirmed this mission as a "suicide mission." Obi-Wan told me that the chances of survival are very small. WE are going there to fight for our peace, our people and for each other. The last time they had a mission like this in the Jedi, only 2 out of 500 came back and they ended up dying from fatal wounds days later."
He felt a cold lump emerge in his throat , as he choked back on tears.
"Oh god...Anakin..."
she didn't know what to say. She had thought she had lost him before, and she had the feeling that this time, whatever happened would be real. She felt tears stinging her eyes and she looked down.
"I wish I could resign, but I am forced to go, since I am a Padawan. If only I were a true Jedi Knight. The only reason Obi-Wan or master Yoda don't have to go is because they are, it's no fair. I am much wiser and stronger than Obi-Wan. Everyone simply thinks the Jedi Knights are more valuable then we are. And instead, I am literally being sent to my death bed. But I promise you Padmé.."
He stopped momentarily to kiss her, gently, on her forehead.
"I promise you, I will come back, even if I do die in a matter of days. Just to see you, just to prove them wrong. Just to live longer, and be able to be with you once again. I won't give up Padmé, not now, knowing that you'll be here waiting.."
He managed a weak smile...She tried to smile back, but she didn't know if she succeeded or not.
"I love you, Anakin. I'll be waiting for you..."
She didn't know what else to say as she held back tears.
"But Padmé, I don't know how long I have, and I want to make the most of our time together...."
She nodded, trying to push the thoughts of Anakin leaving to the very back of her mind, though it was difficult.
He glanced out the window to see the night sky of Coruscant.
"But there's not much we can do now, without being caught by the public"
"Let's just go to sleep..."
He admired her for everything she had said to comfort him, and as sleep dawned upon him, it seemed a good suggestion. Before closing his eyes, he made sure he kissed her passionately.
"Don't forget me Padmé.." He whispered, while closing his eyes.
Anakin's eyes were not the same ones which had just tenderly looked his wife in the face. There was an anger within him as he raged about it to his master.
"I'm sorry Anakin, it will only be a matter of weeks, and you will return here to Coruscant. It will be at least one day before departure, you can explain your leave to her tonight. It's just the way life is, as a Jedi. There is nothing you can do to change that."
Obi-Wan responded, disciplining him before the council of Jedi. Anakin payed little attention to his masters' words as his expression remained uncertain while he stared, caught up in his thoughts, at the floor below.
"We shall figure out the co-ordinate arrangements, along with the Jedi placings. We will also decide on an appropriate time to leave."
Obi-Wan finished, speaking to the other Jedi as well, aside from his padawan.
"Then, may I have your permission to leave?" Anakin asked, regaining his dignity.
Obi-Wan looked back at him, understanding. "Yes Anakin, you are no longer needed at this time."
Once dismissed, Anakin left the Jedi head quarters and used a small transfer Pod to deliver him to the Senate building, not too far away. It had only been a month since they returned, and most of the city had been rebuilt. Upon arriving, Anakin rushed inside the building, in search for Padmé.
"How may I help you master Anakin?"
The guard at the door was firmiliar with Anakin, but did not know of his marriage to Padmé, only of his constant presence in the building.
"I wish to speak with Padmé please sir." Anakin responded, politely.
"I'm sorry master, she has left for the night to her sleeping quarters."
He nodded ad showed Anakin out, but not before Anakin allowed himself back in.
"Well, I can see someone else about my concerns."
He quickly flashed a fake smile, hiding his true feelings that were bottled up inside. He briefly walked past the guard and turned at a corner ahead, he made his way toward the main Senate jury room, incase someone where to see him. When he was sure the coast was clear, he made his way toward the private chambers, which were held for High-powered Senate employees.
After looking over his shoulders, positive he wouldn't bee seen at this time of night, as made his way toward Padmé's room. He was quite used to its locating, having snuck in every once and a while when she was required to sleep there. He stood outside the door way and pressed the door release. A voice startled him as an intercom came on. She looked up when she heard someone at the door.
"Who's there?" she asked, wondering who it was. She wasn't expecting anyone.
"Who is it?" she asked loudly, getting impatient. She thought the guard wouldn't let anyone up there...
Anakin smirked to hear the sound of his wife growing angry, he waited purposely trying to make her impatient, all the more better for him when he got to surprise her. He could picture her hungry expression for him. He got lost in a dream as he fantasized about holding her, and drowning her in his kisses.
"WHO IS IT?" she yelled, now angry. If they weren't going to answer they should just go away, she thought.
"Nabooian Liquor. I hear from valuable sources you've been having a drinking problem lately Senator, which is alright, it fits the bill perfectly." Anakin smiled at himself, and at his brilliant thinking.
"What the hell?" she asked, confused.
Anakin began to laugh, this time, he could be heard from the other side.
"Ahem." He said, hoping she had not heard too much.
"Well, you must be drunk to have fallen in love with that Anakin Skywalker, though i must agree, he is a dashing young man, handsome and talented."
He spoke conceitedly, trying to disguise his own voice.
Padmé laughed quietly to herself, shaking her head. "Are you trying to make a point?" she asked, having the feeling she knew who was there.
"No, of course not M' lady, I just find that Young Anakin fellow to be awfully charming. You're ever so lucky..." he continued.
Padmé laughed again.
"I know. Now if you're done, go away," she said, grinning and picturing Anakin on the other side of the door.
Anakin smiled, then realized the real reason he had come, besides the fact he longed for his wife. It was complicated enough sneaking around to be with her.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, I have a telegram to deliver, and it's impossible to say with words..." He kept his voice down, afraid someone would hear.
She opened the door to find Anakin. "Can I have my telegram?" she asked, smiling at him.
He looked up at her, a comical expression to him.
"I'm not sure, i think it went something.."
He pulled her body against his, how he longed for that feeling, sometimes it was days, even weeks before he could feel it. And each time he did, it drew them closer and felt more intimate. He stared deeply into her eyes, as if they were a whole other person, his love being expressed through hi actions. He smiled as he leaned in to her. "Like this.." he finished off his sentence with a long, intimate kiss as he kissed her deeply. He felt more and more alive as he did so, but felt as if he had been dreaming at the same time.
She kissed him back, thinking that it was the best telegram she had gotten in a long, long time...
He pulled away as he let himself in, pressing the button behind him which controlled the door.
She smiled at him.
"I liked the telegram," she told him.
"Well, the messenger assumed you would.."
He said playfully as he lead her inside, not detaching himself from her body.
"Really?" she said sarcastically, smiling at him.
"Well, I think so, either that, or I've gotten the telegram mixed up, and that would be a shame." He replied, leading on her sarcasm.
"No, I'm pretty sure that was for me... Or as least I hope so"
Just as Padmé opened her lips to speak once more, Anakin silenced her by placing his lips against hers. He kissed her continuously, one he started he was unable to stop. She closed her eyes and kissed him back. He gently pulled away, though not wanting to.
"Wait Padmé, I came here to tell you something.."
her lips were so irresistible, they forced his back to her, he forgot about the entire galaxy at that instant
She pulled away slowly, not really wanting to but wanting to know the news. "What is it?" she asked, looking into his eyes.
"Can't it wait? I mean, I want to hear it, but I'd rather..." she kissed him again, softly.
Anakin smiled as she pulled away, listening to her speak. "I guess it could wait a while.." he was cut off as he soon found her luscious lips caressing his once again, a feeling he could not, and didn't want to, escape. She kissed him for a while, wrapping her arms around his neck, lost in the kiss. His heart took over as he became engulfed in the kiss, the same kind that captured his heart forever, that day on the balcony. It was a mistake, yet at the same time was a play of fate. How long they kissed she didn't know, but finally, they pulled apart reluctantly.
"So, what's the news you had to tell me?" she asked, sitting down.
He was lost in the moment, he stood, staring at her, her beauty attracting him, luring him to her as they had every day. Finally he came to his senses, his love-struck mind now cleared. He sat beside her at the edge of the large bed in the middle of the room. She smiled softly, gazing into his eyes. He encircled his hands around her, making them one, he looked her deeply in they eyes as his face turned to a general expression.
"Padmé, the Jedi...no matter what, they will not approve of us, and I think Obi-Wan is starting to take their side. And it's worse, they want me to leave, not for long, but back to Genosis, they are in search for Dooku. I promise I will take care of myself, but I hate begin away from you, and I hate how they ruin our lives like this. If only there was some other way...I just wish they would change, and see what I feel,..." He shook his head.
She watched him, sensing his anger. "I don't want you to go, but I suppose you have to go if you have to go..." she shook her head and looked back at Anakin.
He continued to focus on the floor. "It's no fair.." his anger now commanding his heart.
"Anakin, it'll be alright, you won't be gone long-" She kissed him softly. "And when you get back, I'll be waiting right here for you," she assured him.
Her words comforted him, he smiled to himself as he slowly gathered himself to look back at her, wanting to apologize for his anger, yet knowing he didn't need to.
"Padmé, I love you." The words were so simple, yet so meaningful and had a way to change anyone's life, positively or negatively.
"But.." he hesitated to finish his question as his eyes remained fixed on her.
"But what?" she asked him.
He continued to her request. "Well, I wonder, what would have happened if we never knew we loved each other, and hid it as we were supposed to?" He shook his head after the words escaped him.
"Everything would be different..." she said slowly, thinking. "I don't know. All I know is what actually happened, and where we are today..." Anakin's face lit up, Padmé seemed to always know the exact words required to make him feel confident.
"In that case, I'm glad that everything has happened, I would rather be away from you time after time, and come back to you, being able to hold you and kiss you. Then to never know you loved me, and live life as a lie, hiding my emotions."
She nodded and hugged him, grinning. He let her trap him within her embrace, allowing her love for him to take its toll as he rested his head beside hers.
"So when are you leaving?" she asked.
The words tormented him, he chose to believe they were not true, but knew it was his life, the only one he could lead to be with her, his angel, the image of beauty itself.
"Tomorrow." The word was short, and it struck him instantly, he hardly had time to be with Padmé.
"So soon..."
She asked, wishing they had more time together. He stared over at her, speechless. Admiring her beautiful features, her lips, eyes, and the radiant colors of her chestnut hair, which flowed over the pillow the two were resting on. He couldn't pull away, it was as if her beauty was overpowering, and hypnotic at the same time. She smiled softly at Anakin, gazing into his eyes.
"How long will you be gone?" she asked quietly.
Anakin moved his gaze from her large, brown eyes as he remembered what he had been told by Obi-Wan.
"Anakin, what's wrong?"
she asked, his slight change of expression clear to her.
Anakin did not reply, he longed for her instead. Rotating himself, now laying on his side, he kissed her, hungrily. He placed his hands on her waist, aggressively, not wanting to let go, as if she were to escape him and his love for her at any moment. He slid his hand up and down her back, caressing her skin through her gown, not releasing his lips from the kiss that had consumed his mind. She kissed him back, intimately, forgetting everything. She realized how much she would miss him while he was gone, but pushed it to the back of her mind. The next thing they knew, Padmé was resting on Anakin's chest, as they were both unclothed. Anakin lay thinking to himself, as he smiled. When the words came back into his head, he fought them, staying positive. But he began to shift beneath the covers. After a minute or so, Padmé realized something was bothering Anakin.
"Anakin, is something wrong?" she asked him.
He couldn't hide it, and it came to him, he had to tell her. "Anakin, we've chosen you...." "You're the strongest Jedi..." "we need you.." "There's one condition.." "this is suicide, it's least likely that you will come back..." "I'm afraid..." "You have no choice..." Each word he remembered clearly, as the small fragments of Obi-Wan's speech remained in his mind.
He looked to Padmé, tears slowly welling up in his eyes, he held them back. He tried to be strong, but he couldn't, not when he knew what was at hand.
"Padmé, I don't know when I'll be back..." He said to her.
She nodded quietly, knowing that could mean any amount of time, but remained positive. "I'm sure it will be soon... and I'll talk to you as often as I can. And I'll be here for you when you get back," she promised. He shook his head as he remembered...
"No Padmé, we're going to find Dooku, and any remains of Sidious' knights. Although, we have already been informed of what to expect. I won't go in to detail but.."
he stopped, the tears once again coming back to him, this was the worst duty ever assigned to him, he knew the chances of him surviving were slim.
"but besides that, I am being sent with many other Padawan's and Master Windu alone. They confirmed this mission as a "suicide mission." Obi-Wan told me that the chances of survival are very small. WE are going there to fight for our peace, our people and for each other. The last time they had a mission like this in the Jedi, only 2 out of 500 came back and they ended up dying from fatal wounds days later."
He felt a cold lump emerge in his throat , as he choked back on tears.
"Oh god...Anakin..."
she didn't know what to say. She had thought she had lost him before, and she had the feeling that this time, whatever happened would be real. She felt tears stinging her eyes and she looked down.
"I wish I could resign, but I am forced to go, since I am a Padawan. If only I were a true Jedi Knight. The only reason Obi-Wan or master Yoda don't have to go is because they are, it's no fair. I am much wiser and stronger than Obi-Wan. Everyone simply thinks the Jedi Knights are more valuable then we are. And instead, I am literally being sent to my death bed. But I promise you Padmé.."
He stopped momentarily to kiss her, gently, on her forehead.
"I promise you, I will come back, even if I do die in a matter of days. Just to see you, just to prove them wrong. Just to live longer, and be able to be with you once again. I won't give up Padmé, not now, knowing that you'll be here waiting.."
He managed a weak smile...She tried to smile back, but she didn't know if she succeeded or not.
"I love you, Anakin. I'll be waiting for you..."
She didn't know what else to say as she held back tears.
"But Padmé, I don't know how long I have, and I want to make the most of our time together...."
She nodded, trying to push the thoughts of Anakin leaving to the very back of her mind, though it was difficult.
He glanced out the window to see the night sky of Coruscant.
"But there's not much we can do now, without being caught by the public"
"Let's just go to sleep..."
He admired her for everything she had said to comfort him, and as sleep dawned upon him, it seemed a good suggestion. Before closing his eyes, he made sure he kissed her passionately.
"Don't forget me Padmé.." He whispered, while closing his eyes.
