Crimson Tears

Chapter 20

By aznJEDI13


Disclaimer: George Lucas owns Anakin and Amidala and everyone else. Heck, he owns just about everything in the story. This is purely for fan enjoyment.

Notes: This takes place during the Clone Wars. I must warn you right now that I'm not a big fan of Anakin turning into Darth Vader so it probably won't end with anything like that. I hope you like this; I've been reading too many ami/obi ones I was sooooooooooooo mad. That was completely random and I'm going to write a bunch of stories to rebel against them!

Thanks to everyone who left a review! Please continue to do so. I was so shocked, I've never had so many reviews and I enjoyed reading them over and over again so please continue! I like long reviews too!!!

Sorry I've been so absent. Life is hectic now that school's started! Look hopefully for an update a week.

Once again, Italics means flashbacks or dreams. =D

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'…I'm finding my way back to sanity again
though I don't really know what
…'



Yellow sand between his toes.

Crunching slightly under his coarse feet.

Holding her fragile hand tightly. Afraid she'd slip away.

Encircling her waist with his strong arms.

He tossed that night despite the comfort of her arms and the warmth of her embrace. Images flashed in his mind, images of a life that was cold and distant, awkward and new to what he was now – to who he was now.

Dreams, photographic and visual, sprung to life in the dark, dreary night where tears were shed and embraces given.

Incoherent and distorted, cleared and blurred, blurred and clear -- consistent images reeling unfamiliar memories.

Unpleasant conversation, unavoidable words exchanged.

Depressed sighs, angry talk, maddening words.

Tender embraces with parting good byes.

Gentle kisses on sweet lips.

Leaving; saying words she never exchanged.

When he awoke, his occupied arms were once again empty. His sat up slowly and rubbed his forehead.

Had last night been just a dream? Then he twisted his neck back and forth; he was so stiff.

Suddenly, a wind blew from an open door. The dream had been reality. She was there, in his room, -- outside. He sighed deeply. What to say? What to do?

Self-consciously he ran a hand through his golden curls and swung his legs over the bed, before grabbing his cane and limping over to her.



'…The reason why you left that love behind is hurting me…'


She was leaning on the rail when two arms reached out and held her from behind. She gasped -- for so long those arms had been absent and it was unusual to feel them again.

She sighed deeply.

He turned and looked at her and instantly his arms fell from around her waist.

She sighed once more, even deeper this time.

His pensive expression moved with him as he went to lean against the rail. He licked his lips and brought his arms to steady himself against the marble. He gazed at her and then at the sunrise. He breathed out; "It's beautiful."

Softly and unsure, gentle and naïve, she whispered, "It is."

His hand trembled incoherently as he reached over and placed it on hers, "I'm sorry, Padme."

She turned and placed her finger on his lips, "Don't be. It's not you…it's me."

His eyes lowered before meeting hers, "It's just, I thought you told me so…"

She pressed her finger down on his lips, "Ani…"

He smiled, "I like it when you call me that."

She pulled her finger away and caressed his face with the back of her hand and then just stared at him as if she were memorizing his every feature. His soft golden curls, his beautiful cerulean blue eyes, his gentle and rough lips, and perfect golden brows. He was so handsome.

She closed her eyes and turned away.

He licked his lips and then again placed his hand on her hand, "Tell me about him. Tell me about Anakin."

She looked over at him and creased her brows, "Why?"

He breathed in, "I don't remember…" He paused; "I want to know about him. What was he like? Who was he? Tell me…" He raised his brows innocently, "Please?"

Taking his hand, he used his fingers to make her turn and face him, "What made you fall in love with him? What was it like?"

She smiled, brought her hand up to his cheek, and caressed it lovingly as she spoke, "It was magical."

"Love at first sight?" He questioned, curiously as his eyes burned into hers.

She smiled and looked away, "Yes, but it wasn't just at first sight -- we were destined for each other. We were meant for each other."

He closed his eyes, wishing he could remember, "Does it hurt?"

Silence. A thoughtful and regretful silence.

"Yes…" She took a deep breath, "Every second of every day."

He wiped away a loose tear from her ivory cheek bringing a smile to her face, "If you knew this was going to happen…" His voice trailed off.

"I'd still love him and I'd still fall for him a thousand times."

To be continued…

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