The Secrets We Keep
Author: LVB
Summary: Back briefly in Coruscant during the Clone Wars, Anakin notices his wife is acting strangely. What is Padmè hiding?
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to GL and LucasFilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
A/N: Thank you once again for the reviews. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and encouragement. I know I don't always personally thank you all but know that I really do appreciate it! So here's the next chapter - and more cookies!
Ch 3: Reunited
Turning around to face her husband, Padme's face lit up.
"Anakin!"
"Padme..."
Anakin laughed as Padme dropped her blaster and came running towards him. Sweeping her up in a bear hug, he planted a soft kiss on her lips.
"Ani, I had no idea you were coming! Why didn't you tell me?"
Anakin frowned slightly.
"Padme, I did. Four days ago I transmitted a Holo here. The signal read that it was accepted so I just assumed you had gotten it."
Padme shook her head.
"No, I didn't….oh wait. Dorme must have set it to auto receive. I'm so sorry, Ani!" she replied, the feeling of guilt tinged on her voice.
At least she didn't forget or purposely didn't show up.
"Wait a minute, Dorme? What's she doing here?" Anakin asked, confusion written all over his face.
Padme cursed silently. She hadn't wanted Anakin to find out about her state of health. But now that he was actually here, she had to tell him.
Leading her husband to the couch in the living room, she motioned for him to sit down. The couple sat facing each other.
"I didn't want to tell you this because I didn't want you worrying about me" Padme started.
Anakin immediately tensed up.
Something's wrong with my angel!
Noticing the alarmed look on her husband's face, Padme continued.
"I've been a little sick for the past week or so. But honestly, it's nothing to worry about, Ani. It's just from stress, that's all." She was obviously trying to sugar-coat the severity of her sickness.
The worried look did not disappear from Anakin's face.
"Just from stress Padme! You're never sick!"
By this time, he had stood up. He began to pace, showing his obvious concern for his wife.
Padme sighed, this was exactly the reason she hadn't wanted him to know. He was obviously blowing things out of proportion.
"I want you to go see a doctor." Anakin stated.
"No, Anakin. That isn't necessary! Look, I've taken my leave from the Senate and…"
Anakin stopped in his tracks and interrupted her.
"Padme, don't you see! You took leave from the Senate – how unlike you is that! You need to see a doctor!" Suddenly, Padme felt a little frightened.
She had seen Anakin angry before. She had even seen him be angry with concern for her – but never to this degree. The look in his eyes was…wild. She could see the anger and the concern clearly in his eyes. His blue eyes pierced into hers and pleaded.
Please, Padme.
"Alright, Anakin," she whispered in defeat.
"I'll go see the doctor. Today if possible," Padme continued.
Anakin strode over to her, embraced her, and held her closely. His hug was tighter than usual but Padme assumed it was just anxiety.
"Thank you, angel." He began to stroke her hair, slowly. She wasn't even sure he knew he was doing it.
"I'd blame myself if anything happened to you." He whispered.
Padme simply buried her face into her husband's arms.
