Disclaimer: Star Wars is the property of George Lucas.

A/N: I want to thank all my kind reviewers. I really appreciate the feedback and it keeps the muse fed. Thanks for reading.
BarkingdogBARK: Thanks for the multiple reviews! You have now reached Jedi Master status.
searth05: I dedicate this chapter to you. You'll know why…;-)

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Chapter 9: Dreams of Rain

Padmé awoke to the smell of rain.

As she came to more of an awareness, she let the sound of the rain envelop her. She stretched languidly and took a deep breath of the fragrant air. Her hands then lay on the bodice of the garment she was wearing, and she caressed the soft velvet fabric over her ribcage.

It had been so long ago since she had felt this peaceful. She made to rise and find him. She could feel he was near. She wanted to see him again. Her pulse quickened at the thought.

This feels so real, she thought in bemusement.

Her bare feet touched the smooth stone floor. Dressed in a royal blue velvet evening gown, she stood up and looked around for her husband. As she moved to exit her chamber, she spied her reflection in the mirror and paused.

The neckline of the midnight blue gown was deeply rounded and partially bared her shoulders. The sleeves fit tightly down her arms and ended at the elbow. The unadorned bodice, stiff and flat, showed off her creamy décolleté to an advantage. It nipped in her midsection and ended with a point just below her waist, where a full skirt flowed to the floor. Her dark hair was pulled back from her heart-shaped face into a simple cascade of curls; she looked exactly as she did twenty standard years ago.

The outer door of her room that opened to the vine-covered balcony was slightly ajar. The shutters were open and letting in a warm breeze, which would explain the fresh smell of rain. She slipped through the door and out onto the veranda.

Where was he?

She walked toward the outer door to his room, which she somehow knew was next to hers. Her hand on the doorknob, she was about to enter his room, when she abruptly turned opposite the door, the heavy fabric of her skirt swirling about her ankles.

She saw him in partial shadow leaning on the balustrade, letting the gentle warm rain caress his upturned face. He was dressed in a simple tunic and loose chausses. Both his hair and the tunic were slightly darkened by the droplets. Her heart warmed at the image.

He always was fascinated with the rain and bodies of water, she thought, smiling softly.

Tatooine had been a harsh, desert climate, virtually barren of water, whereas Naboo was lush and always had an abundance. And they were most definitely on Naboo…

A much more inviting place than- she winced faintly at the thought of the bare room that would be there when she really woke up.

She heard him sigh. She did not want to interrupt his revelry.

How many chances does Anakin have to enjoy such moments as –?

She stopped that train of thought; she did not want to even think of his new dark persona.

"Anakin…" she whispered, not really even loud enough for anyone to hear, but Anakin heard her, nonetheless. He always knew when she was near. Just as she always knew when he was near her, too.

He turned his face to her and gave her a wistful smile. He had hoped she would not still be angry with, in his belief, the necessary deception of this dream world. He straightened up to his full height, his dark blonde hair somewhat damp from the rain.

He moved slightly toward her; he wanted to hold her, caress her, but he felt her hesitation. His breath caught in his throat in a painful lump. He closed his eyes again, and turned back towards the balcony railing, hiding his bitter disappointment.

She must to come to me.

Padmé gazed at him intently. She could not let this go on any longer without knowing the truth. She had ruminated over many things while she was alone in her room during the day. And now they were together again, in a manner of speaking…

She had to know.

"Anakin…do you regret anything?" She asked softly, as she approached his side. Anakin opened his eyes and looked at her a moment before speaking, his blue eyes flashing at her. He blinked his eyes rapidly, feeling his emotions stirring.

"Since I found you alive? No," he blurted tersely, with a slight shake of his head. His jaw was set. Then a shadow passed over his face.

She watched him closely as he looked down and frowned…another thought was rising up in his mind. Anakin was suddenly besieged by guilt.

I must tell her.

"No, that's not true. I do regret,' he took a deep breath, "…using the Force on you… in anger."

She was silent as she abruptly turned from him. He could feel the pain emanating from her at the memory. She moved a bit away from him.

How could you, Anakin?

He would be completely honest with her and hoped desperately that she would not reject him. He could not bear that.

Don't leave me, Padmé.

Anakin was struggling with a tempest of fierce emotions. He felt like he was choking with unwanted thoughts and feelings. The old fear of loss surged in him.

"Forgive me," he whispered sadly, "I'm so sorry…."

Padmé's figure remained tense and unapproachable; she kept her back to him as she ground her teeth and fought off her tears. She did not even want to look at him!

I should walk away from him right now. Shut him out. But I don't want to!

"Padmé-" he began awkwardly, "...As the medic droids worked to save my life, all I could think about was you..." he looked at her earnestly, his eyes imploring her to face him again.

"I woke in the medical bay …and…I was told you were dead…and… that…that I had killed you." His voice fell to a thick, anguished whisper.

"I had nothing, Padmé. I had destroyed what I sought to save…"

Trembling with shock and astonishment, Padmé turned back to him, feeling his anguish as if it were her own. All these years he thought he had killed me ? Her eyes glittered with unshed tears. She had wanted to stay aloof, distant.

But the things you have done, Anakin! Horrible, unspeakable, unforgivable things! The younglings! She panted, trying to breathe and opened her mouth to denounce him with that very thought.

"Padmé," he gritted out brokenly through clenched teeth, "I have mourned you every day we have been apart!" She took a deep, shaky breath. She could not bear to hear any more. She had to walk away, but instead faced him again.

He looked at her forbidding face, utterly heartbroken. His eyes pleaded with her.

"Please, Padmé, I love you; I need you with me…" He held out a trembling hand toward her.

"Oh Ani," she murmured painfully, feeling the heavy waves of his sorrow wash over her. She could not bear his anguish; it tore at her own heart.

The tears that ran down his face were her undoing. She reached a hand to touch him, and, feeling the tension in his body, pulled him to her. His arms went awkwardly around her. She caressed his face and wiped his tears.

Gently cupping his face in her hands, she guided him down to her and whispered, "I love you, too, Anakin. Despite it all, I have never stopped loving you." Anakin was suddenly overwhelmed with joy at her admission. Hot tears coursed down his face as he tried to smile.

Tenderly, she kissed his forehead, and then pressed feather-light kisses to his closed eyes, tasting his tears. Anakin moaned quietly in protest when Padmé stopped her kisses to gaze at him. He opened his eyes to look at her with a deep and intense longing.

Love, me, Padmé.

Padmé softly pressed her lips to Anakin's mouth and he closed his eyes at the glorious sensation. He held his fervor in check, though; he would not push her. She had to come to him willingly, as always.

The feeling of Padmé's tongue gently caressing his lips and entering his mouth caused Anakin to gasp due to the powerful heat coursing through his body. He felt intoxicated. He sought to hold back his intense need, not wanting to overwhelm her.

Anakin deepened the kiss, pulling Padmé against his body and allowing her to feel his fierce desire. His hands caressed her back and moved lower, bringing her hips flush against his arousal. Padmé cried out softly in pleasure and she slipped a hand in his tunic to caress his warm muscular flesh. He desperately wanted her. He would show her that he had never stopped loving her or wanting her after all these years.

"I want you, Padmé. Please..."

Moaning softly in response, she clung to him as if she were dying. His hands moved purposefully up and down her body eliciting cries of delight from her. Anakin broke their heady kiss to trail his lips hotly down Padmé's neck, barely noticing that her arms were no longer holding him. She had gone limp in his arms.

He held her slightly away from him with bewilderment, and then groaned in frustration. A stream of foul Huttese curses formed in his mind.

She was falling asleep! How long had they been talking this evening?

He would have laughed through his frustration if the situation was not just so… pathetic. He shook his head in chagrin.

He picked her up in his arms and swiftly took her back to her chamber. Padmé's eyes fluttered open briefly as he gently set her down on the bed. She reached out her hand to him, her arm feeling leaden. He took her hand and held it as she slipped farther away from him. The last thing she felt was Anakin whispering her name and words of love, while tenderly kissing her hand as the darkness descended upon her.