Hi there, readers! This is a series of vignettes inspired by Anakin and Padme's relationship in "Attack of the Clones". My sister Gaby and I loved the movie, but we couldn't resist the temptation to join the universe of Star Wars fan fiction and add our own bits n' pieces to the movie. It's our first Star Wars piece, so don't be too hard on us J . Enjoy!

Padme

Right after the packing scene in AOTC

I have a pile of paperwork to do before I leave.

In the past hour I've begun and hopelessly given up on at least five different projects. I can't concentrate, can't think logically, can't even remember statistics or names that I had at my fingertips yesterday. This is ridiculous. I'm a Senator, and a damn good one at that. I should be better than this. I've been in public service practically my whole life, and this is the first time I've ever, ever been unable to control my emotions.

And it's all your fault, Anakin Skywalker.

Who gave you the right to just come barging into my life like this? I didn't expect it. I wasn't prepared. All it took was one look into your eyes, and now everything I've been telling myself about my duty to my people, my career, and my perfect satisfaction with the lack of romance in my life, has come crashing down at my feet. Why? No, I can't ask myself that question- I might not like the answer. But whatever it is about you, something deep down inside of me recognizes it and won't let it go as I sit here in my apartment, alone with my thoughts, idly fingering the Jappor necklace you gave me all those years ago.

I always thought that when I fell in love- not that this is love, mind you- it would be with someone who was reliable and settled and uncomplicated. But you keep me guessing, Anakin- you're the only unpredictable factor in my otherwise stately and well-ordered life. Oh, the Senate can be pretty volatile at times, but at least I know how to handle it- I've had lots of experience and training. You, on the other hand; you're a totally different story. Seeing you again has made me daydream about all the possibilities, the crazy what-ifs. But there is no room in either of our lives for what-ifs. My attitude probably seems harsh and cold to you, but it's selfish to focus on my personal wants and desires when there's a whole galaxy out there waiting to be saved.

So that's why I can't explore out how I feel about you, at least not beyond a simple friendship. I can't indulge my irrational longing to stare into your eyes for as long as it takes me to figure out what's going on between us, and I have to keep my distance. I'll get over it. I have to.

But you're not making it easy for me.