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: Sorry about the wait, guys. Distractions, you know? Thanks again to all my reviewers! Something funny I noticed when I checked on my stats, I've got more people that have me on their author alert list then on their favourites list! I thought that was kinda funny and cool. Anyways, onto the chapter.


Ch 7: Acting Strangely

Anakin had only been back on Coruscant for two days. It was around this time he really began to notice how strangely his wife had been acting. Ever since she had returned from the doctor's office, there was something different about her. He could tell she was trying to act like there was nothing wrong, but he could sense it.

She was unhappy and confused about something.

He knew for a fact that it wasn't him, he had used the Force to make sure of that. He felt slightly guilty about doing it, but respected her privacy enough not to probe any further. He had noticed the disappearance of some of her symptoms since he had returned, which was good news.

It seemed her time off combined with his presence was already reducing the physical toll the stress took on her small body. Unfortunately for Padmè, the constant stomach sickness had not faded away. Many times during the past two days he had followed her into the refresher to hold her hair back for her.

One time she had collapsed. But there was nothing he could do about it – he had the doctor's orders. Bed rest was what she needed and luckily for her, that's all Anakin had wanted to do.

Tomorrow he had to unfortunately attend to some pesky Jedi business so he wanted to spend the day with Padmè. They had been lucky because this morning, it looked like her sickness had nearly subsided.

She hadn't thrown up all day and was slowly getting into better spirits. As he opened the door to her apartment he grinned as her saw Padmè's nightrobe draped across her living room couch. He began to loosen his clothing as he made his way to her bedroom…their bedroom.

He walked in to see a sleeping Padmè. She was still in her nightgown but had fallen asleep on top of the covers. He gently laid down next to her and began to stroke her bare skin. He remembered doing this before they were married…before she had admitted she loved him. She had kissed him for the first time after doing this.

Now he could do it as he pleased – she was his wife now. Padmè stirred in her sleep. "Ani, you're back."

"Yes, angel."

He gently pulled her towards him and began to kiss her. As his kiss deepened, his hands began to roam. Padmè suddenly pulled away.

Not now. Not with the baby.

"I'm sorry, Anakin. I can't do this." She hurriedly spoke, getting off the bed.

He was confused.

"I thought you were feeling better?"

She shook her head.

"I just don't feel up to it right now, Anakin."

With that, she left the room.

For the first time since their marriage, Padmè had outright refused Anakin. Feeling slightly rejected, Anakin stood up and fixed his clothing. He would leave her alone for now. But soon they were going to have a very long discussion.