Oct 2002
Disclaimer: I don't own any of this, all the characters (Except for Tasha) are property of Lucasfilm etc etc.
Hide Your Love Away
Chapter 19
Ice blue eyes opened slowly at the Force's urging, focusing on the blank wall across the room. Anakin was exhausted, and exhilarated, having spent an unknown amount of time in meditation. His muscles were sore, cramping from the prolonged period without movement. He suppressed a groan as he moved to straighten his legs. He froze, feeling a familiar presence in the room. Looking around carefully and stretching out with the Force, he carefully got to his feet. Ungraceful as a new born gundark, he took two steps and then a smile split his face. Padmé. "Angel?"
She didn't answer, but he knew she was here. Stretching his legs now that he knew there was no danger, he made sure his blood was flowing before he tried to walk again. His muscles protested but not exceedingly so, as he walked into the main room of their quarters. She was stretched out on the couch, datapad in hand, her dark chestnut hair hanging down over the arm. Her breathing was slow and even, her lashes forming half-moons on her cheeks. She was dressed in a pale blue nightgown, the flimsy piece of cloth held up by tiny straps. The fabric was almost sheer, but left enough to the imagination his mouth went dry. Her legs were slightly bent, the nightgown not falling to even mid-thigh. He knew every curve, every valley beneath it, but it didn't change the appeal of her nightwear. A smile curled his lips. She looked like the Angel he'd named her for.
Anakin looked down at himself and grimaced. He should clean up before waking her. Padding slowly from the room he headed for the 'fresher. Five minutes later he was dressed in a clean pair of trousers, his hair curling down his bare neck. Barefoot, he padded back into the main room and gently removed the datapad from her hand. Placing it on the table, he turned back to her and gently picked her up. She looked exhausted.
Carrying her to their room, he placed her on the bed, pulling the light cover up to her chin and tucking her in. Shedding his pants, he crawled in beside her. After his long meditation, he simply wanted to hold her. Pulling her close, he inhaled the scent of her hair, a smile on his face as she curled into his body. Lying awake, he simply held her, his mind going over everything that had happened in his meditations. He felt stronger, more at peace with himself than he'd ever been. Padmé would be proud of him.
Glancing at the chrono, his eyes widened. It was nearing dawn. Closing his eyes, he forced himself to sleep. He'd find something to eat later, for now, he wanted to sleep beside his wife.
Padmé murmured softly in her sleep, snuggling closer to the warmth under her ear. The warmth that had a heart beat. She frowned, shifting her head into the hollow of a very firm pillow. Her eyes slowly opened and she found herself draped across a familiar, muscular chest. Her eyes widened as she realized where she was. Her hand slid across the expanse of skin, tracing the indentations as she tilted her head to look up at her husband. He was still asleep, his hair falling haphazardly across his brow. He sighed as her hand moved up to traced the shell of his ear. She pushed herself up on her elbow and watched him, gently caressing the pulse on his neck.
He murmured her name softly, turning his face into her hand. She smiled down at him, leaning down to kiss him. Her lips were soft, covering his as she cupped his face. The moment he responded, his lips moving beneath hers, she slid her tongue across the seam. She felt his hands slide up her back in a long caress and shivered. Slowly, she pulled back, reluctant to end the kiss now that he was awake.
"Good morning."
He smiled up at her. "Good morning, Angel."
She traced his lips. "When did you come out of your meditation?"
"Last night. Did you miss me?"
She laughed huskily, her hands brushing his bangs out of his eyes. "You've been in deep meditation for a week, what do you think?"
His eyes widened. "A week?!"
She nodded. "Wasn't that your intention?"
"Well, no, not for a week. You should have pulled me out of it."
She grimaced, "Master Yoda warned me not to. The good news is that I used the time to perfect our battle plan."
"Wait a minute. Are you telling me that you've been here for a week? You had me half naked and you didn't do a thing about it?"
She couldn't help it. She laughed. "Don't look so stricken. I wanted to, believe me, but you needed to do that. If I'd woken you up you never would have dealt with yourself."
He rolled her onto her back, pinning her to their bed. "Would you like me to do something about it now?"
She inhaled sharply, her laughter dying as desire hummed through her veins. He bent down to nuzzle her neck. "I believe you have a promise to keep, Skywalker." She gasped as he nipped at her skin.
"I know."
Her hands ran over his chest, exploring the familiar territory before sliding to his back and pulling him down a top her. He raised his head and then froze as his stomach protested loudly. He groaned, bending his head to place it on her chest.
"It seems you're more hungry for food."
He raised stricken eyes to hers, "Never!"
She chuckled softly. "Let's find you something to eat, love. Then you can have your wicked way with me."
He sighed. "If Master Yoda and Obi-Wan don't intrude, you mean."
She frowned. She hadn't thought of that. "I suppose so. Either way I get you to myself tonight."
He bent down to kiss her lingeringly. "Count on it, Angel."
Like newlyweds they were reluctant to get out of bed but Anakin's stomach made sure he knew exactly how hungry he was. Helping each other dress, barely able to keep their hands to themselves, they left the room quickly in hopes that company of other people would temper their desires.
"Anakin!"
Anakin turned, his hand firmly clasped in his wife's, towards the sound of the surprised call. "Obi-Wan. It's good to see you."
Obi-Wan inclined his head in greeting. "Indeed. It's good to see you're finally out of meditation my friend." He sent an inquiring look at Padmé.
"I didn't wake him, honest, he came out of it sometime last night."
Anakin rolled his eyes. "I'm starved. Care to join us for breakfast?"
"I was on my way to the main hall myself. I don't suppose you thought to bring the plans to show Anakin?"
Padmé stopped, blushing. "No, my mind was elsewhere I'm afraid."
Obi-Wan looked from one to the other and chuckled. "I'm sure. Hand me your pass code and I'll go retrieve it."
Padmé handed over the code and Obi-Wan walked back the way he'd come.
"Are you blushing, Angel?"
"Don't look so smug. I can't believe I just admitted that to Obi-Wan!"
Anakin laughed, hugging her. "He knows all about adult relationships I'm sure. He is, after all, some years our senior."
She swatted him on the arm. "So says you, young one."
He looked wounded. "You're not that much older than I am."
"No, but I'm about that much younger than Obi-Wan. I could have very well thought him perfect rather than you."
"Never." he drew her into his arms in the middle of the corridor, not caring who came along. "You're mine. You were destined to be mine, I'd never have let him have you."
She smiled, "You still can't take a joke. I love you, Anakin."
"You too, angel," he dropped a quick kiss on her lips before releasing her and continuing towards the hall. Padmé slipped under his arm, comfortably settling against the side of his body like she fit. And, in truth, she did. His body was made for her. She grinned wolfishly at the thought. Was it ever made for her.
"If you don't stop smiling like that, Angel, I might take a page from Obi-Wan's book and ravish you in the hall."
She choked on a laugh at his softly spoken words. "He didn't!"
Anakin grinned. "Well, no, but he was going to. Tasha had given him that strange drug again. He couldn't help himself, but I don't have that excuse. My only reason is you."
She laughed merrily as they walked into the main room where the public meal stations were. "And that's reason enough?" she asked, pulling away from him to get a plate.
He bent down and swept her hair aside, placing a kiss on the back of her neck that caused her to shiver. "More than enough."
He collected his plate and set about serving them both. They were seated at a chair with three tables when Obi-Wan finally rejoined them. He slid a datapad onto the table before sliding his breakfast onto it. "There, now what'd I miss?"
"Nothing important," Anakin told him blithely.
"Have you seen this yet?"
Anakin shook his head. "Padmé was sleeping when I came out of the trance last night. Mind if I read while we eat?"
"I don't mind, I should have shown it to you this morning."
He grinned at her rakishly. "You were otherwise occupied, love, I understand."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Quit it you two, you'll have time enough to be lovey-dovey when you're alone later."
They shrugged but dug into their food as Anakin perused the document.
They were sipping their drinks when he finally set the datapad down. "I'm impressed, Angel. That's really detailed. Maps and everything."
She shrugged modestly, "I had enough time to myself the last five days. I put it to good use."
"So what's the time frame on this, or have you two talked about that yet?"
Obi-Wan and Padmé exchanged glances. "We were waiting on you," Obi-Wan told him. "We weren't sure when you'd come out of meditation so it's been left open. I've been keeping track of the Chancellor's schedule, so we can strike at almost any time. Do you have a prefered spot?"
Padmé sipped her cafe and pulled the datapad towards her, flipping through the maps. "The Chancellor's office is too well guarded to get us all in there without him sensing the threat. I would suggest his private apartment, but that's too populated for what I have planned. I suggest we grab him while he's in private. Either that, or we wait until he calls us. We have a plan, but by then, so should he."
"So the sooner we strike the better?" Obi-Wan was looking at the maps upside down as he spoke.
Anakin shook his head. "No. I think we should wait until he calls on us. He'll be expecting us to mount some kind of attack before he says so. If we wait, and show patience, he'll work himself into a frenzy wondering what we're up to. What about Tasha? Any word on her whereabouts?"
"She's in the medical lab."
"What?!" Anakin looked at Obi-Wan as if he was insane. "You're keeping her here?"
"Well, no. She's been a willing hostage."
Padmé rolled her eyes. "If you count unconscious, willing."
"She's unconscious?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes. It was necessary to knock her out for a few days when her strength returned."
"Woah, wait a minute, why was she in the medical lab in the first place?"
Padmé looked at Obi-Wan. "This is your story."
Obi-Wan groaned. The look Anakin was giving him promised pain if there wasn't a good reason. And so Anakin learned of Obi-Wan's rescue on the landing pad and, from the voice of his friend, of the emotions involved. Shaking his head at the thought of that doomed relationship, Anakin listened intently to the story.
Several minutes later he was shaking his head. "You saved her life and she still wants to kill us?"
"I'm afraid so."
Padmé made a sound of disgust. "Even after I talked to her?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Even then. She's impossible to reach."
"So, let me get this straight. You've held her in the medical lab for a week and tried to talk some sense into her?"
They both nodded. Anakin shook his head. "A week's not going to do it, I don't think a year would do it. Tasha has a lot of emotional scarring and, let's face it; it's from you and I, Obi-Wan. She can't help being bitter. I would try and talk to her-"
"No."
Anakin blinked at Obi-Wan's curt cut off. "Why not?"
Obi-Wan became really interested in his caf. "I don't want you too. Part of her confinement is, er... keeping her clothes out of the room."
Anakin burst out laughing. "You're keeping the woman who's carrying your child in a medical lab... Naked?!" He swatted Obi-Wan on the shoulder, "I didn't think you had it in you, old man!"
Obi-Wan took a sip of his caf. "It's the only thing that kept her there. Now she's angry enough to leave without them. Hence the sedative."
Anakin continued to chuckle, shaking his head. "You're really creative, Obi-Wan. Ok, so I don't talk to Tasha. I suggest we don't hold her against her will though. She'll only hate you more."
"Adding fuel to the fire?"
Anakin nodded.
Obi-Wan sighed. "Alright, I'll let her go. But the stipulation is that I get to see my child when she's born."
Padmé looked between the two of them. "I'd suggest you check with Tasha before either of you make plans about her future. She'll be even madder if you decide anything without her. Don't give her another excuse."
"Are you saying this is between me and her?"
She nodded. "Yes, Obi-Wan. Anakin and I can't interfere if you want to make peace with her. I don't think she'll ever accept us as part of your life if we do."
He sighed. "Alright, I'll talk to her on my own." His comlink beeped and he reached for it. "Obi-Wan."
"Master Kenobi! This is the Medical lab."
"What's happened?"
"She's... well she's gone, sir."
"Tasha left?"
"Yes sir. We went to check on her and her room is empty."
"Thank you, I'll be right there." He clicked off the comlink and swore. "Dammit! Now I have to find her."
Padmé placed a gently hand on his arm to restrain him. "She's a confused young woman, Obi-Wan. Give her time, she'll come around."
"She won't if she gets lured back into Palpatine's clutches!"
Padmé shook her head. "If she does that's her choice. I know she's carrying your child, but you've got to let her make her own mistakes. Maybe this is the way to reach her."
"Padmé, what are you thinking?" Anakin knew that gleam in her eye and it never heralded anything good.
"Nothing, Anakin. I'm just thinking that Tasha is the one wild card I'd factored into the pot. Someone is out to get her, to kill her. Depending on how the battle goes, I think it will decide her loyalties."
"You're sure?"
She nodded. "Call it woman's intuition if you like. I just have this feeling about her. She's got a lot to work through."
Anakin squeezed her fingers as he linked his hand with hers. "I trust you. Alright, so we now have a wild card in the deck. How long until the Chancellor's date?"
"A couple of weeks, but we expect to hear from him before that. The politician in him won't allow you a month."
"You're sure?"
Padmé's smile was amused. "You're starting to repeat yourself, love. Yes, I'm sure."
Obi-Wan stood. "Alright, then I suggest practice for me and seclusion for you two. Don't look at me like that, neither of you will be any good if you're distracted by all that... extra energy."
They grinned, unrepentant as Obi-Wan left them alone. Like children, they dumped their dishes and drinks and ran from the hall. Their laughter echoed down the corridors as they reached their room and disappeared inside.
The door slid shut behind them and Anakin turned to the lock, taking his time to encode it. Nobody would be getting through that door until he said so. Something hit the back of his head as he hit the last button. Turning at the sound of Pamé's laughter he bent to scoop up the small pillow. "Are you implying something, Angel?"
Her expression was innocent, her eyes dancing. "Implying? Now why would I need to do that?" She struck a come hither stance, cocking her index finger at him. "You owe me one heck of a night, Skywalker. Are you up to the challenge?"
He took a deliberate step towards her, enjoying her teasing. "What, right there? Would you like that?"
She laughed. "Against the wall? My my, aren't we adventurous."
He smiled roguishly, taking another step towards her. "Adventurous? Woman, you've been taunting me since Tatooine, I'm amazed I'm able to keep my hands off you at all."
She smirked. "It must be that Jedi control I keep hearing about." She took a step backwards towards their bedroom. "Should I write a book on how to make a Jedi lose control?"
He stalked her as she ran up against the door to their bedroom. Her eyes widened as she realized it wasn't opening automatically. Anakin took the last few steps towards her and pinned her against the door, his arms on either side of her body. "Care to share your theories with me?"
She smiled, tilting her head to look up at him. "Want to be my test subject?"
His head came down slowly, taking his time to place a gentle kiss on each of her eyes, closing them before placing a kiss just below her left ear. "Is there a benefit package?"
She shivered, her hands lying against the door, her damp palms pressed against the flat surface. "Depends on what you consider a benefit. I'd say yes, for the right candidate."
His breath whispered across her skin as he trailed the tip of his tongue around the shell of her ear. "What qualifications do I need, professor?"
Her breath caught in her throat and she groaned softly as he nibbled on the sensitive skin. He was driving her mad. Why didn't he just kiss her already? What had he asked? Oh right. "Well defined muscles for one." She moved her arms, feeling as if they were leaden, feeling his hands slide up her arms as he held her away from him. Her fingers brushed his chest, tugging on his shirt and yanking it from his trousers.
He laughed softly against her neck as he bent to kiss the smooth column. She shivered, arching into his mouth as he sucked gently on her heartbeat. Her hands slid under his shirt, skimming over the taught muscles of his abdomen, feeling them jump. She continued the trek upwards across his magnificently sculpted chest. His breathing caught for a moment as her cool fingers brushed across the taught peaks of his nipples. He pulled away slightly, bending down to bite her gently on the shoulder.
She cried out, feeling the desire pulsing through her veins explode into a whirlwind of heat.
"Easy, Angel." he murmured, pulling away enough so she could pull his shirt off. She tugged the fabric over his head and let it drop to the floor. His hair was mused, his eyes burning with blue flames the color of a Naboo lake. He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms about her waist as his mouth descended to suck gently on the corner of her mouth.
Padmé made a sound of protest as she tried to turn her head to kiss him and he kept pulling back. Having completely forgotten about their game from before, she ran her hands around his neck, grabbed his face in her hands and tugged it down to hers. His lips slid across hers and she sighed. This was what she wanted, what she needed, for now. She opened her mouth under his and touched her tongue to the seam of his lips.
Still in control, Anakin kept his mouth closed, forcing her to slow down. He hadn't enjoyed teasing her, when he could follow through, in a long time. She made a sound of annoyance in the back of her throat as he pulled away. "Easy, Angel. We have all night."
"We have all night to take it slow, fly boy, I want you now."
He raised an eyebrow, looking down into the molten pools of black that were her eyes. He groaned, his control slipping a little as she shifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She was still fully clothed and all he wanted to do was rip them from her. He resisted, his mouth slanting across hers in a desperate kiss. She could feel how much he wanted her, the evidence was plain against her lower body. Her hands slid down his chest and began to tug at the fastenings on his trousers.
The door at her back suddenly opened, spilling them to the floor in the bedroom. Anakin turned in midair, ensuring she landed atop him, the kiss never breaking as they landed. Caught up in the embrace, she barely noticed when he'd opened the front of her shirt. Skin hit skin and she arched into his body, eagerly demanding more.
Anakin whispered against her lips as he sat up, removing her shirt and throwing it to the side. He didn't care where it landed; it was simply an obstruction. He carefully found his way to his feet, cradling her against him, her legs still locked about his waist, and carried her to the bed. They tumbled down, their hands eagerly seeking, searching and exploring. It'd been a long two months since the twins had been born. Anakin tugged at her slacks, pulling them off and throwing them over his shoulder as she yanked the breeches from his muscular legs.
As the rest of their clothes hit the floor, Anakin spared a hard fought for thought and closed the bedroom door.
Two hours later, Padmé curled around her husband's chest, exhausted but satisfied. Her thoughts going back to their conversation at the beginning of their lovemaking. She smiled. "I think I've found my first topic for my book."
He lifted his head from the pillow to look at her. His hair was mused even more now, from her fingers, and his smile was self-satisfied. He looked as exhausted as she felt. "What book?"
She smiled coyly. "How to make a Jedi lose control."
He laughed, gently running a hand up her bare back. "The only thing you could put in there is your name. It's not what you do, Angel, it's because of who you are."
She hugged him. "I know. I can't imagine being this way with anyone else. Was that really me a few minutes ago?"
He chuckled. "I can show you, if you like."
She shook her head, "I'd love you too, but I don't think I have the energy."
"Did I wear you out?"
She slapped his chest playfully. "I don't know who wore who out, so don't you go taking all the credit." She became serious all of a sudden, very still. "What if I'm pregnant?"
He hugged her, pulling her further up his body under her head lay over his heart. "We'll deal with it if and when it happens. You said you wanted another child, didn't you?"
She laughed softly. "And if we have another set of twins?"
Anakin went very still. "I hope you're joking."
She became serious again, pushing herself off his chest and looking into his eyes, searching. "I'm very serious Anakin. It's happened once, it could happen again."
He caressed her cheek, curling an errant lock of hair behind her ear. Her hair and body were damp from their activities. He smiled. "If it happens, it happens. But if you have another set of twins I will not put you through it again."
She kissed him and lay back down, fitting her head to the spot over his heart. "That works for me."
She felt his hand smoothing her hair, playing with the loose strands, as he caressed her back. "Anakin?"
"Yes, love?"
"Do you want more children?"
He chuckled. "It's a little late to be asking that, isn't it?"
"Well, we don't know yet. We can always take precautions."
"So long as you're not against it, I'd like to have a large family, Padmé. Growing up with just my mom..." he trailed off.
"You loved her."
"I still do. I miss her too, but I know she's still watching over us."
She laughed. "I hope not, she'd be shocked at the sounds you pull from me."
He grinned at her teasing. "She spoke to me while I was in my meditation. She said she was proud of me."
Padmé placed a kiss over his heart before looking up at him again. "So am I. I have no objection to having a dozen children, Skywalker, what do you have to say about that?"
He blinked, surprised. "A dozen?"
She nodded, her brown eyes twinkling as she trailed a finger teasingly down his chest. "Half the fun is making them, are you up to giving it another go?"
He rolled her onto her back, bracing himself above her on his elbows. His gaze was searching. "A dozen? Padmé, why a dozen?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "You have a one track mind. A dozen because I remember what it was like to grow up without a family. I spent most of my time in office remember? I haven't seen my family for a little over two years."
"So you want a large family."
She nodded. "That doesn't bother you does it?"
He cocked his head at her, "This isn't some ploy to let Beru be a mother is it?"
Padmé laughed, looping her arms around his neck. "Ploy or not, you're considering it. We could make it a tradition to have her take the kids at different stages." She toyed with the ends of his hair at the nape of his neck. "Please? Make a baby with me, Anakin."
He bent his head to kiss her, "Or two or three."
She laughed, happily giving herself over to the passion in his touch, and in his kiss.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of this, all the characters (Except for Tasha) are property of Lucasfilm etc etc.
Hide Your Love Away
Chapter 19
Ice blue eyes opened slowly at the Force's urging, focusing on the blank wall across the room. Anakin was exhausted, and exhilarated, having spent an unknown amount of time in meditation. His muscles were sore, cramping from the prolonged period without movement. He suppressed a groan as he moved to straighten his legs. He froze, feeling a familiar presence in the room. Looking around carefully and stretching out with the Force, he carefully got to his feet. Ungraceful as a new born gundark, he took two steps and then a smile split his face. Padmé. "Angel?"
She didn't answer, but he knew she was here. Stretching his legs now that he knew there was no danger, he made sure his blood was flowing before he tried to walk again. His muscles protested but not exceedingly so, as he walked into the main room of their quarters. She was stretched out on the couch, datapad in hand, her dark chestnut hair hanging down over the arm. Her breathing was slow and even, her lashes forming half-moons on her cheeks. She was dressed in a pale blue nightgown, the flimsy piece of cloth held up by tiny straps. The fabric was almost sheer, but left enough to the imagination his mouth went dry. Her legs were slightly bent, the nightgown not falling to even mid-thigh. He knew every curve, every valley beneath it, but it didn't change the appeal of her nightwear. A smile curled his lips. She looked like the Angel he'd named her for.
Anakin looked down at himself and grimaced. He should clean up before waking her. Padding slowly from the room he headed for the 'fresher. Five minutes later he was dressed in a clean pair of trousers, his hair curling down his bare neck. Barefoot, he padded back into the main room and gently removed the datapad from her hand. Placing it on the table, he turned back to her and gently picked her up. She looked exhausted.
Carrying her to their room, he placed her on the bed, pulling the light cover up to her chin and tucking her in. Shedding his pants, he crawled in beside her. After his long meditation, he simply wanted to hold her. Pulling her close, he inhaled the scent of her hair, a smile on his face as she curled into his body. Lying awake, he simply held her, his mind going over everything that had happened in his meditations. He felt stronger, more at peace with himself than he'd ever been. Padmé would be proud of him.
Glancing at the chrono, his eyes widened. It was nearing dawn. Closing his eyes, he forced himself to sleep. He'd find something to eat later, for now, he wanted to sleep beside his wife.
Padmé murmured softly in her sleep, snuggling closer to the warmth under her ear. The warmth that had a heart beat. She frowned, shifting her head into the hollow of a very firm pillow. Her eyes slowly opened and she found herself draped across a familiar, muscular chest. Her eyes widened as she realized where she was. Her hand slid across the expanse of skin, tracing the indentations as she tilted her head to look up at her husband. He was still asleep, his hair falling haphazardly across his brow. He sighed as her hand moved up to traced the shell of his ear. She pushed herself up on her elbow and watched him, gently caressing the pulse on his neck.
He murmured her name softly, turning his face into her hand. She smiled down at him, leaning down to kiss him. Her lips were soft, covering his as she cupped his face. The moment he responded, his lips moving beneath hers, she slid her tongue across the seam. She felt his hands slide up her back in a long caress and shivered. Slowly, she pulled back, reluctant to end the kiss now that he was awake.
"Good morning."
He smiled up at her. "Good morning, Angel."
She traced his lips. "When did you come out of your meditation?"
"Last night. Did you miss me?"
She laughed huskily, her hands brushing his bangs out of his eyes. "You've been in deep meditation for a week, what do you think?"
His eyes widened. "A week?!"
She nodded. "Wasn't that your intention?"
"Well, no, not for a week. You should have pulled me out of it."
She grimaced, "Master Yoda warned me not to. The good news is that I used the time to perfect our battle plan."
"Wait a minute. Are you telling me that you've been here for a week? You had me half naked and you didn't do a thing about it?"
She couldn't help it. She laughed. "Don't look so stricken. I wanted to, believe me, but you needed to do that. If I'd woken you up you never would have dealt with yourself."
He rolled her onto her back, pinning her to their bed. "Would you like me to do something about it now?"
She inhaled sharply, her laughter dying as desire hummed through her veins. He bent down to nuzzle her neck. "I believe you have a promise to keep, Skywalker." She gasped as he nipped at her skin.
"I know."
Her hands ran over his chest, exploring the familiar territory before sliding to his back and pulling him down a top her. He raised his head and then froze as his stomach protested loudly. He groaned, bending his head to place it on her chest.
"It seems you're more hungry for food."
He raised stricken eyes to hers, "Never!"
She chuckled softly. "Let's find you something to eat, love. Then you can have your wicked way with me."
He sighed. "If Master Yoda and Obi-Wan don't intrude, you mean."
She frowned. She hadn't thought of that. "I suppose so. Either way I get you to myself tonight."
He bent down to kiss her lingeringly. "Count on it, Angel."
Like newlyweds they were reluctant to get out of bed but Anakin's stomach made sure he knew exactly how hungry he was. Helping each other dress, barely able to keep their hands to themselves, they left the room quickly in hopes that company of other people would temper their desires.
"Anakin!"
Anakin turned, his hand firmly clasped in his wife's, towards the sound of the surprised call. "Obi-Wan. It's good to see you."
Obi-Wan inclined his head in greeting. "Indeed. It's good to see you're finally out of meditation my friend." He sent an inquiring look at Padmé.
"I didn't wake him, honest, he came out of it sometime last night."
Anakin rolled his eyes. "I'm starved. Care to join us for breakfast?"
"I was on my way to the main hall myself. I don't suppose you thought to bring the plans to show Anakin?"
Padmé stopped, blushing. "No, my mind was elsewhere I'm afraid."
Obi-Wan looked from one to the other and chuckled. "I'm sure. Hand me your pass code and I'll go retrieve it."
Padmé handed over the code and Obi-Wan walked back the way he'd come.
"Are you blushing, Angel?"
"Don't look so smug. I can't believe I just admitted that to Obi-Wan!"
Anakin laughed, hugging her. "He knows all about adult relationships I'm sure. He is, after all, some years our senior."
She swatted him on the arm. "So says you, young one."
He looked wounded. "You're not that much older than I am."
"No, but I'm about that much younger than Obi-Wan. I could have very well thought him perfect rather than you."
"Never." he drew her into his arms in the middle of the corridor, not caring who came along. "You're mine. You were destined to be mine, I'd never have let him have you."
She smiled, "You still can't take a joke. I love you, Anakin."
"You too, angel," he dropped a quick kiss on her lips before releasing her and continuing towards the hall. Padmé slipped under his arm, comfortably settling against the side of his body like she fit. And, in truth, she did. His body was made for her. She grinned wolfishly at the thought. Was it ever made for her.
"If you don't stop smiling like that, Angel, I might take a page from Obi-Wan's book and ravish you in the hall."
She choked on a laugh at his softly spoken words. "He didn't!"
Anakin grinned. "Well, no, but he was going to. Tasha had given him that strange drug again. He couldn't help himself, but I don't have that excuse. My only reason is you."
She laughed merrily as they walked into the main room where the public meal stations were. "And that's reason enough?" she asked, pulling away from him to get a plate.
He bent down and swept her hair aside, placing a kiss on the back of her neck that caused her to shiver. "More than enough."
He collected his plate and set about serving them both. They were seated at a chair with three tables when Obi-Wan finally rejoined them. He slid a datapad onto the table before sliding his breakfast onto it. "There, now what'd I miss?"
"Nothing important," Anakin told him blithely.
"Have you seen this yet?"
Anakin shook his head. "Padmé was sleeping when I came out of the trance last night. Mind if I read while we eat?"
"I don't mind, I should have shown it to you this morning."
He grinned at her rakishly. "You were otherwise occupied, love, I understand."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Quit it you two, you'll have time enough to be lovey-dovey when you're alone later."
They shrugged but dug into their food as Anakin perused the document.
They were sipping their drinks when he finally set the datapad down. "I'm impressed, Angel. That's really detailed. Maps and everything."
She shrugged modestly, "I had enough time to myself the last five days. I put it to good use."
"So what's the time frame on this, or have you two talked about that yet?"
Obi-Wan and Padmé exchanged glances. "We were waiting on you," Obi-Wan told him. "We weren't sure when you'd come out of meditation so it's been left open. I've been keeping track of the Chancellor's schedule, so we can strike at almost any time. Do you have a prefered spot?"
Padmé sipped her cafe and pulled the datapad towards her, flipping through the maps. "The Chancellor's office is too well guarded to get us all in there without him sensing the threat. I would suggest his private apartment, but that's too populated for what I have planned. I suggest we grab him while he's in private. Either that, or we wait until he calls us. We have a plan, but by then, so should he."
"So the sooner we strike the better?" Obi-Wan was looking at the maps upside down as he spoke.
Anakin shook his head. "No. I think we should wait until he calls on us. He'll be expecting us to mount some kind of attack before he says so. If we wait, and show patience, he'll work himself into a frenzy wondering what we're up to. What about Tasha? Any word on her whereabouts?"
"She's in the medical lab."
"What?!" Anakin looked at Obi-Wan as if he was insane. "You're keeping her here?"
"Well, no. She's been a willing hostage."
Padmé rolled her eyes. "If you count unconscious, willing."
"She's unconscious?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes. It was necessary to knock her out for a few days when her strength returned."
"Woah, wait a minute, why was she in the medical lab in the first place?"
Padmé looked at Obi-Wan. "This is your story."
Obi-Wan groaned. The look Anakin was giving him promised pain if there wasn't a good reason. And so Anakin learned of Obi-Wan's rescue on the landing pad and, from the voice of his friend, of the emotions involved. Shaking his head at the thought of that doomed relationship, Anakin listened intently to the story.
Several minutes later he was shaking his head. "You saved her life and she still wants to kill us?"
"I'm afraid so."
Padmé made a sound of disgust. "Even after I talked to her?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Even then. She's impossible to reach."
"So, let me get this straight. You've held her in the medical lab for a week and tried to talk some sense into her?"
They both nodded. Anakin shook his head. "A week's not going to do it, I don't think a year would do it. Tasha has a lot of emotional scarring and, let's face it; it's from you and I, Obi-Wan. She can't help being bitter. I would try and talk to her-"
"No."
Anakin blinked at Obi-Wan's curt cut off. "Why not?"
Obi-Wan became really interested in his caf. "I don't want you too. Part of her confinement is, er... keeping her clothes out of the room."
Anakin burst out laughing. "You're keeping the woman who's carrying your child in a medical lab... Naked?!" He swatted Obi-Wan on the shoulder, "I didn't think you had it in you, old man!"
Obi-Wan took a sip of his caf. "It's the only thing that kept her there. Now she's angry enough to leave without them. Hence the sedative."
Anakin continued to chuckle, shaking his head. "You're really creative, Obi-Wan. Ok, so I don't talk to Tasha. I suggest we don't hold her against her will though. She'll only hate you more."
"Adding fuel to the fire?"
Anakin nodded.
Obi-Wan sighed. "Alright, I'll let her go. But the stipulation is that I get to see my child when she's born."
Padmé looked between the two of them. "I'd suggest you check with Tasha before either of you make plans about her future. She'll be even madder if you decide anything without her. Don't give her another excuse."
"Are you saying this is between me and her?"
She nodded. "Yes, Obi-Wan. Anakin and I can't interfere if you want to make peace with her. I don't think she'll ever accept us as part of your life if we do."
He sighed. "Alright, I'll talk to her on my own." His comlink beeped and he reached for it. "Obi-Wan."
"Master Kenobi! This is the Medical lab."
"What's happened?"
"She's... well she's gone, sir."
"Tasha left?"
"Yes sir. We went to check on her and her room is empty."
"Thank you, I'll be right there." He clicked off the comlink and swore. "Dammit! Now I have to find her."
Padmé placed a gently hand on his arm to restrain him. "She's a confused young woman, Obi-Wan. Give her time, she'll come around."
"She won't if she gets lured back into Palpatine's clutches!"
Padmé shook her head. "If she does that's her choice. I know she's carrying your child, but you've got to let her make her own mistakes. Maybe this is the way to reach her."
"Padmé, what are you thinking?" Anakin knew that gleam in her eye and it never heralded anything good.
"Nothing, Anakin. I'm just thinking that Tasha is the one wild card I'd factored into the pot. Someone is out to get her, to kill her. Depending on how the battle goes, I think it will decide her loyalties."
"You're sure?"
She nodded. "Call it woman's intuition if you like. I just have this feeling about her. She's got a lot to work through."
Anakin squeezed her fingers as he linked his hand with hers. "I trust you. Alright, so we now have a wild card in the deck. How long until the Chancellor's date?"
"A couple of weeks, but we expect to hear from him before that. The politician in him won't allow you a month."
"You're sure?"
Padmé's smile was amused. "You're starting to repeat yourself, love. Yes, I'm sure."
Obi-Wan stood. "Alright, then I suggest practice for me and seclusion for you two. Don't look at me like that, neither of you will be any good if you're distracted by all that... extra energy."
They grinned, unrepentant as Obi-Wan left them alone. Like children, they dumped their dishes and drinks and ran from the hall. Their laughter echoed down the corridors as they reached their room and disappeared inside.
The door slid shut behind them and Anakin turned to the lock, taking his time to encode it. Nobody would be getting through that door until he said so. Something hit the back of his head as he hit the last button. Turning at the sound of Pamé's laughter he bent to scoop up the small pillow. "Are you implying something, Angel?"
Her expression was innocent, her eyes dancing. "Implying? Now why would I need to do that?" She struck a come hither stance, cocking her index finger at him. "You owe me one heck of a night, Skywalker. Are you up to the challenge?"
He took a deliberate step towards her, enjoying her teasing. "What, right there? Would you like that?"
She laughed. "Against the wall? My my, aren't we adventurous."
He smiled roguishly, taking another step towards her. "Adventurous? Woman, you've been taunting me since Tatooine, I'm amazed I'm able to keep my hands off you at all."
She smirked. "It must be that Jedi control I keep hearing about." She took a step backwards towards their bedroom. "Should I write a book on how to make a Jedi lose control?"
He stalked her as she ran up against the door to their bedroom. Her eyes widened as she realized it wasn't opening automatically. Anakin took the last few steps towards her and pinned her against the door, his arms on either side of her body. "Care to share your theories with me?"
She smiled, tilting her head to look up at him. "Want to be my test subject?"
His head came down slowly, taking his time to place a gentle kiss on each of her eyes, closing them before placing a kiss just below her left ear. "Is there a benefit package?"
She shivered, her hands lying against the door, her damp palms pressed against the flat surface. "Depends on what you consider a benefit. I'd say yes, for the right candidate."
His breath whispered across her skin as he trailed the tip of his tongue around the shell of her ear. "What qualifications do I need, professor?"
Her breath caught in her throat and she groaned softly as he nibbled on the sensitive skin. He was driving her mad. Why didn't he just kiss her already? What had he asked? Oh right. "Well defined muscles for one." She moved her arms, feeling as if they were leaden, feeling his hands slide up her arms as he held her away from him. Her fingers brushed his chest, tugging on his shirt and yanking it from his trousers.
He laughed softly against her neck as he bent to kiss the smooth column. She shivered, arching into his mouth as he sucked gently on her heartbeat. Her hands slid under his shirt, skimming over the taught muscles of his abdomen, feeling them jump. She continued the trek upwards across his magnificently sculpted chest. His breathing caught for a moment as her cool fingers brushed across the taught peaks of his nipples. He pulled away slightly, bending down to bite her gently on the shoulder.
She cried out, feeling the desire pulsing through her veins explode into a whirlwind of heat.
"Easy, Angel." he murmured, pulling away enough so she could pull his shirt off. She tugged the fabric over his head and let it drop to the floor. His hair was mused, his eyes burning with blue flames the color of a Naboo lake. He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms about her waist as his mouth descended to suck gently on the corner of her mouth.
Padmé made a sound of protest as she tried to turn her head to kiss him and he kept pulling back. Having completely forgotten about their game from before, she ran her hands around his neck, grabbed his face in her hands and tugged it down to hers. His lips slid across hers and she sighed. This was what she wanted, what she needed, for now. She opened her mouth under his and touched her tongue to the seam of his lips.
Still in control, Anakin kept his mouth closed, forcing her to slow down. He hadn't enjoyed teasing her, when he could follow through, in a long time. She made a sound of annoyance in the back of her throat as he pulled away. "Easy, Angel. We have all night."
"We have all night to take it slow, fly boy, I want you now."
He raised an eyebrow, looking down into the molten pools of black that were her eyes. He groaned, his control slipping a little as she shifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She was still fully clothed and all he wanted to do was rip them from her. He resisted, his mouth slanting across hers in a desperate kiss. She could feel how much he wanted her, the evidence was plain against her lower body. Her hands slid down his chest and began to tug at the fastenings on his trousers.
The door at her back suddenly opened, spilling them to the floor in the bedroom. Anakin turned in midair, ensuring she landed atop him, the kiss never breaking as they landed. Caught up in the embrace, she barely noticed when he'd opened the front of her shirt. Skin hit skin and she arched into his body, eagerly demanding more.
Anakin whispered against her lips as he sat up, removing her shirt and throwing it to the side. He didn't care where it landed; it was simply an obstruction. He carefully found his way to his feet, cradling her against him, her legs still locked about his waist, and carried her to the bed. They tumbled down, their hands eagerly seeking, searching and exploring. It'd been a long two months since the twins had been born. Anakin tugged at her slacks, pulling them off and throwing them over his shoulder as she yanked the breeches from his muscular legs.
As the rest of their clothes hit the floor, Anakin spared a hard fought for thought and closed the bedroom door.
Two hours later, Padmé curled around her husband's chest, exhausted but satisfied. Her thoughts going back to their conversation at the beginning of their lovemaking. She smiled. "I think I've found my first topic for my book."
He lifted his head from the pillow to look at her. His hair was mused even more now, from her fingers, and his smile was self-satisfied. He looked as exhausted as she felt. "What book?"
She smiled coyly. "How to make a Jedi lose control."
He laughed, gently running a hand up her bare back. "The only thing you could put in there is your name. It's not what you do, Angel, it's because of who you are."
She hugged him. "I know. I can't imagine being this way with anyone else. Was that really me a few minutes ago?"
He chuckled. "I can show you, if you like."
She shook her head, "I'd love you too, but I don't think I have the energy."
"Did I wear you out?"
She slapped his chest playfully. "I don't know who wore who out, so don't you go taking all the credit." She became serious all of a sudden, very still. "What if I'm pregnant?"
He hugged her, pulling her further up his body under her head lay over his heart. "We'll deal with it if and when it happens. You said you wanted another child, didn't you?"
She laughed softly. "And if we have another set of twins?"
Anakin went very still. "I hope you're joking."
She became serious again, pushing herself off his chest and looking into his eyes, searching. "I'm very serious Anakin. It's happened once, it could happen again."
He caressed her cheek, curling an errant lock of hair behind her ear. Her hair and body were damp from their activities. He smiled. "If it happens, it happens. But if you have another set of twins I will not put you through it again."
She kissed him and lay back down, fitting her head to the spot over his heart. "That works for me."
She felt his hand smoothing her hair, playing with the loose strands, as he caressed her back. "Anakin?"
"Yes, love?"
"Do you want more children?"
He chuckled. "It's a little late to be asking that, isn't it?"
"Well, we don't know yet. We can always take precautions."
"So long as you're not against it, I'd like to have a large family, Padmé. Growing up with just my mom..." he trailed off.
"You loved her."
"I still do. I miss her too, but I know she's still watching over us."
She laughed. "I hope not, she'd be shocked at the sounds you pull from me."
He grinned at her teasing. "She spoke to me while I was in my meditation. She said she was proud of me."
Padmé placed a kiss over his heart before looking up at him again. "So am I. I have no objection to having a dozen children, Skywalker, what do you have to say about that?"
He blinked, surprised. "A dozen?"
She nodded, her brown eyes twinkling as she trailed a finger teasingly down his chest. "Half the fun is making them, are you up to giving it another go?"
He rolled her onto her back, bracing himself above her on his elbows. His gaze was searching. "A dozen? Padmé, why a dozen?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "You have a one track mind. A dozen because I remember what it was like to grow up without a family. I spent most of my time in office remember? I haven't seen my family for a little over two years."
"So you want a large family."
She nodded. "That doesn't bother you does it?"
He cocked his head at her, "This isn't some ploy to let Beru be a mother is it?"
Padmé laughed, looping her arms around his neck. "Ploy or not, you're considering it. We could make it a tradition to have her take the kids at different stages." She toyed with the ends of his hair at the nape of his neck. "Please? Make a baby with me, Anakin."
He bent his head to kiss her, "Or two or three."
She laughed, happily giving herself over to the passion in his touch, and in his kiss.