Deceptions

Chapter 8 

           Anakin stood at the observation window of his privet quarters, looking out but not really seeing anything. The message that he had sent to Obi-wan had been acknowledged rather stiffly, as if he knew that the time frame of Anakin's arrival had been, well, 'distorted' for want of a better word but at this point, Anakin didn't really care. The three day difference between his 'official arrival' and his actual return to the Capital would buy him precious time with Padmé, and perhaps a little more one on one tutorial time with the Chancellor.

           "There are many more peoples with connections to the force Anakin," the Chancellor had told him once. "On Dathomir, there is rumored to be a cult of force wielding witches. They might find one of your countenance and abilities... Well,  quiet fascinating to say the least..."

            Anakin flushed at the memory, it had been then that he had confessed all to the man he considered a second mentor, that he and Padmé were not only deeply in love, but had exchanged wedding vows on Naboo. To his relief, and admittedly a bit of joy, he was able to share this news at last with someone other than Padmé family.  A man who would not admonish him for his feelings nor his actions, someone who understood at last. Indeed, not only had Palpatine offered hearty congratulations but had promised to do anything in his power to subtly make things easier for them, all Anakin had to do was merely to ask. Also, with an uncanny sagaciousness and without impudence or rancor, the Chancellor had promised to keep Padmé unaware of his involvement.  Anakin had left that particular meeting feeling lighter and freer than he had in weeks, and not even the scolding he had received from Obi-wan later that afternoon for his lack of concentration could dampen his spirits that day...

          "Sir..." came a soft voice over his com. "We are approaching the main landing platform, our ETA is less than 10 minutes, you asked to be notified..."

          "Yes, of course... Thank you..." Anakin signed off and closed his eyes. Lowering his defensive mental shielding (an early lesson from his other mentor) he reached out through the force to try to touch the bond he shared with Padmé. She was down there; waiting for him... hopefully she had received his message and could make time to see him... hopefully...

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            The Jewel of the Republic was one of three ships that were returning to Coruscant laden with returning troops of all species. Anakin placed his bag down on the tarmac, watching the other troops disembark, some of them hurrying to other transports but a few had spouses or other family members waiting for them.  Anakin looked upon them enviously. They seemed so happy to be reunited with loved ones and Anakin couldn't help but to feel a twinge of jealousy. Due to the lateness of the hour, he had missed his initial appointment with the Chancellor, but thankfully, they had already exchanged regrets and had planned a rescheduling for a later date. Sadly, Padmé had probably made alternative arrangements for the evening. Anakin knew that her political career almost demanded that she worked late whenever she could, and he hadn't been able to contact her since sending the initial message saying that he was coming home but yet...

         He was about to pick up his rucksack when his inner alarm went off, but instead of taking his light saber to hand he threw out his arms widely in anticipation.

         "ANAKIN? OH ANI!"

         An unlady-like scream greeted his ears as his normally stoic and unflappable wife threw herself wildly into his embrace. They kissed passionately and Anakin swung her around once, her legs flailing in the air. At last, he set her down and nuzzled her nose tenderly with his own.

         "I missed you too..." he said with a smile as Padmé pulled away to get a better look at him. She wrinkled her nose and then placed her head on his chest, relishing the sound of his heart.

         "You're fuzzy!" she exclaimed softly. "When did you decide to grow the whiskers?"

          He raised one hand to stroke the newly grown goatee thoughtfully.

          "Don't you like it?" he teased her softly. "I thought it was rather dashing myself..."

She raised her face to meet him and gave him a smile of her own and to Anakin, the bright spot of the universe was there in her gaze. She closed her eyes, drawing him closer. 

            "I don't know… Let me test it first..."

             They kissed again, oblivious to the noise of the landing area, and the rest of the world around them...