Trials Of love

Chapter 8

Coral Candy

The next morning came all too quickly for Anakin; before he knew it he was loading his, Padmé's and Laseo's bags into the speeder. Laseo had said something about it being part of the agreement, Anakin didn't hear all of it, he was far too busy wishing terrible things on him. Padmé had seemed to sense that and had managed to get him away just in time so he didn't hear Laseo's remark about all the other things that were part of the agreement.

"Padmé, be safe dear, I don't want to hear about anymore incidents!" Jobal cried, reaching out for her youngest daughter, she had already cried three times that morning, and it was still fairly early.

"I will, I don't mean to get into trouble, it just happens to me!" She said defensively, she turned towards her father to say goodbye.

He was standing in the entrance to the house, pulling himself up to his full height, which wasn't that impressive. His arms were folded across his chest and he was glaring daggers at Laseo who was busy sorting out the seating arrangements for him and Padmé. Ruwee had been informed of 'The Deal' straight after Obi Wan had left, like Anakin, he was furious at Padmé's childhood friend for blackmailing her like that, but unfortunately there was nothing he could do about it.

"Daddy, don't be too mad or too worried, I'll be fine. Laseo won't try anything when we're not in public." Padmé reassured her father.

"Oh great, so everything he does try will be seen by everyone. He'll ruin your reputation Padmé."

"Dad, think of what'll happen to it if Laseo tells the Jedi Order about my marriage. Besides, I don't care about by reputation." She told him shrugging, it was partly true, she really didn't care what they thought about her marriage to Anakin, but in all honesty, she was rather worried about what Laseo was going to try.

"Okay, but just make sure you stay close to Anakin. I know I don't know him that well, I mean how could I? You only told us you were married a couple of days ago."

Padmé looked sheepishly down at the ground.

"But I know that he is more trustworthy now than Laseo." He hugged his daughter tightly, "I'm glad you've fallen in love, you were so caught up in your studies and work, you never were around boys much when you were young. I was afraid you may never give us grandchildren, of course now that's different and I shall expect children soon!"

"Dad!" Padmé squeaked, she spun around to make sure neither Anakin nor Laseo heard; luckily they were both too busy discussing seating arrangements.

"Well, I better go split them up." Padmé said solemnly, it had been far too long since she'd seen her family like this. She didn't want to go back, and certainly not with Laseo.

"Be safe Padmé, don't come back married to anyone else, or with any other surprises," he told her, hugging his youngest daughter tightly again.

Padmé realized that it was time to go, and looked back at her family that had gathered by the door, she blew kisses to her nieces and waved to her brother-in-law. Her sister had been married for so long and yet she was still so happy, she hoped that she was as happy as Sola when her and Anakin had been together that long. She didn't have any doubts that they would, but everybody has fears.

She climbed up the ramp and carefully stepped inside; Laseo was there and was still arguing about where she was to sit. Once he realized that she was standing, waiting, he quickly wiped off the dirty look he had been giving Anakin and was once again full of fake smiles and happiness.

"Ah, Padmé, come back through here, I've arranged a nice table where we can eat and talk. He told her, taking her by the elbow and leading her towards the back of the speeder. Anakin was quick to jump in and disagree though.

"Look here, you lousy politician, my wife is sitting up front where I can protect her, after all I'm a Jedi, am I not?"

"Yes you are, and if you don't watch your mouth Jedi, a few more people will know about your wife, a few who perhaps you'd rather not have know?"

"Anakin, I'll sit back there okay? I'll be fine, 3PO will stay with us," Padmé assured her husband laying a comforting hand on his shoulder; she could see the anger welling up inside him.

Anakin was at a loss, he couldn't believe this was happening to him, he would leave the Jedi before he let this man come and interfere with their lives, it had only been after Padmé had gone and Laseo had revealed that if they did not go through with it, he would also tell the Senate that it was inappropriate for a senator to marry someone who is not into politics. Anakin didn't know whether he had the kind of power to convince people to do make Padmé choose. Of course he was certain Padmé would choose their marriage, he didn't want her to give up what she really loved doing.

"Okay," he gave in reluctantly, "3PO, tell R2 if anything is wrong."

Laseo sent a smug grin in his direction, oh how he loathed him! Anakin would try and get the speeder into auto-pilot mode as soon as possible, he couldn't stand the though of Laseo flirting with Padmé, as he was sure he was doing. Padmé probably wouldn't even realize though. He started up the engines and quickly took off.

"So Padmé, this apartment that you live in, is it nice?" Laseo asked interestedly.

"Oh yes, it's just by the order, in fact you can see the building from the balcony," She answered politely, she wasn't all that comfortable all out here by herself, even with C3PO.

"And there are two bedrooms, I presume."

"Oh yes."

"Just me and you there then, what with Anakin staying in the order."

Padmé look at him confuse, not entirely sure what he meant by that comment, she pondered his remark for a moment before speaking again.

"No, actually Anakin comes home every night," she told him, talking a sip of the drink ha had just handed her.

"Oh, but that is against the Jedi code, is it not? And while I am there, there is no breaking the rules."

She glared at him and he smirked, she had to agree otherwise he would just tell Obi Wan, she was starting to think that that was a better option to begin with. Just then Anakin walked back cheerfully and sat himself down next to Padmé.

"You have to fly!" Laseo cried.

"Auto-pilot. Now tell me, what are we discussing?"

Authors Notes – I don't even know what to say, I am appalled by my updating, or lack of rather! I am so sorry, I can't apologize enough, I hope you all forgive me and have not given up on this story yet. I kind of got out of the mood for Star Wars! This fic won't be updated as often as it used to be, but I'll definitely be trying my hardest!

The reviews! There were so many, I love you all!

Thanks to, Lioness12, 2008ccampbell LIGHTFIRE GRAYSON, skywalking, jlcleaumus, kitotterkat, TC, vicspolugba, BodomsGirl, Kayla.

Laura xXx