Disclaimer: It's George's sandbox. I just play here.
AN: Here's chapter 13! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Never Gone
Chapter 13: Return to Coruscant
Padme ship arrived back on Coruscant very late that evening. They went straight to Padme's apartment for a good night's sleep. The next morning, Padme woke up early, even though she had been informed that the Senate was in brief recess for a few days. Still, she had several meetings today, though she was happy that she would be conducting them in the comfort of her own apartment. Jar Jar, Bail and Mon Mothma would be by first to brief her of the happenings in the Senate from the past few weeks. Then, Chancellor Palpatine himself had requested to stop by and check with her security, saying he was very concerned for her safety still, being that Nute Gunray and Dooku were still at large. Padme had already cleaned up and left her hair in loose ringlets, before she stood up from her vanity table. She glanced over at Anakin, who was still sleeping peacefully. He looked adorable all sprawled out on his stomach and she decided not to wake him just yet. She donned her blue corded robe and padded out into the living area and then the kitchen. She started brewing her morning caf and then went about starting breakfast for Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Lea. Padme noticed that Obi-Wan was already up and probably had been for about an hour. He and Captain Typho were already checking security, as it probably wouldn't be long before it was well known that she had returned to Coruscant. She hated all the extra security, but at least this time it was Obi-Wan instead of Sev. And he and Lea seemed to get along immensely well, so having him around was just fine with her. Lea strolled into the kitchen about that time, yawning deeply.
"Good morning," Padme said.
"Good morning," she replied, as she accepted the cup of steaming caf from Padme.
"Need any help?" Lea asked, as Padme went about making breakfast.
"I think I've got it. But you could take a cup of caf to Obi-Wan. Goodness knows how long he's been up, he could probably use some," Padme replied, as she poured another cup. Lea smiled.
"I'd be happy to," Lea said, as she took both cups and went out to the living area. Anakin came in not long after that, having smelled the food. He came up and wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his face in her curls. He inhaled and placed soft kisses along her neck. She giggled and turned in his embrace, to kiss him fully on the lips.
"Good morning Ani," she said.
"Morning angel. The food smells wonderful," he said, with a sleepy smile.
"I thought that might get you up," she teased, as she went back to making breakfast. A few minutes later, the four of them sat down to eat together.
"Padme, I took the liberty of leaving one of your extra comm stations with Anakin's mother before I left Tatooine. You two might want to contact her after breakfast," Obi-Wan said.
"Oh thank you Obi-Wan, I was wondering how in the world we were going to get a hold of them. They must be worried sick about us," Padme replied.
"Thank you Obi-Wan, I appreciate that," Anakin told him. Obi-Wan nodded.
"This is delicious Padme, I didn't know you could cook," Obi-Wan teased.
"I may be a Senator, but you don't grow up with Jobal Naberrie as a mother and not learn your way around in the kitchen," Padme replied.
"It is wonderful Padme. You cook as good as mom," Anakin said, in between shoveling bites into his mouth.
"Thank you sweetheart," Padme replied.
After breakfast, Anakin and Padme contacted the Lars family. They were overjoyed to hear that both Anakin and Padme were safe and sound on Coruscant. After a nice conversation with Beru and Shmi, they ended the transmission to contact Padme's family. Lea was there and the celebration was two-fold, as the Naberrie's discovered that the niece they had thought was gone was actually alive. Jobal and Sola insisted that they start planning the wedding soon, so it was decided that they would leave for Coruscant in three days. Anakin would travel to Tatooine to pick up his mother and bring her to the capital too. He was really looking forward to getting her off that dust ball for a while and Padme was excited to get the chance to pamper Shmi a bit, knowing what a hard life she had led. After the lengthy conversations with their families, Lea began helping Padme into one of her formal gowns for her meetings. Soon, Bail and Mon Mothma arrived, along with Jar Jar.
"It's good to see that you're safe Padme," Bail greeted.
"Thank you Bail. You remember my cousin Lea," Padme replied. Bail looked shocked.
"Yes, but I thought she had died?" Bail asked. Lea smiled.
"Long story Senator Organa. It is good to see you again. And it's nice to see you again as well Senator Mothma," Lea replied.
"Likewise," Mon Mothma replied.
"This is my fiancé, Anakin Skywalker," Padme introduced. Bail was shocked again.
"It's good to meet you Anakin, this certainly is a surprise Padme," Bail said, as he shook Anakin's hand.
"Thank you Senator Organa. It is nice to meet you both. Padme speaks very highly of you," Anakin replied.
"When will your wedding take place?" Mon asked. Padme smiled and squeezed his hand.
"We haven't set a date yet, but we are going to begin planning it very soon. We are going to probably shoot for this spring months from now. We'd like to get married sooner, but with the mess in the Senate, I don't think that would be possible," Padme replied.
"Ani, little Ani?" Jar Jar asked. Anakin laughed.
"It nice to see you again Jar Jar," he replied.
"Ani, meesa so happy to see yousa!" Jar Jar exclaimed, as he squeezed Anakin in a bone crushing hug.
Oof, it's good to you too Jar Jar," Anakin replied, after he got his air back. The meeting progressed without any problems, as Bail and Mon Mothma informed Padme of the current situations. As the two Senators were meeting, Chancellor Palpatine was coming.
"Senator Amidala, it does my heart good to see you well. Especially after that horrible ordeal on Dantooine," Palpatine said.
"Thank you Chancellor, please sit and make yourself comfortable," Padme offered. The Chancellor sat down and noticed two people in the room that he did no recognize.
"Padme, you must introduce me to your friends," Palpatine said.
"Chancellor, this is my cousin, Lea. And this is my fiancé, Anakin Skywalker," Padme replied.
"Fiancé? How wonderful! When will this blessed event be taking place?" Palpatine asked.
"We haven't set a date as of yet, but we are aiming for a spring wedding," Padme replied.
"I would love to attend," Palpatine replied.
"Of course Chancellor, we would be honored," Padme replied. The Chancellor had a small briefing for her and needed to leave not long after.
"Senator, I hope you and your fiancé will be at my gala tonight," Palpatine said.
"I wasn't aware that there was a gala tonight," Padme replied.
"Oh yes, to celebrate our grand victories in shutting down the droid factories on Geonosis and Dantooine, thus securing those planets from the Separatists. Your attendance would be most appreciated," Palpatine said. Padme did not look happy, but graciously accepted.
"Of course Chancellor. Anakin and I will be there," Padme replied.
"Good and your cousin is welcome as well," he said, as he bid them farewell and left for his next meeting.
"Senator, I'm not so sure it will be safe for you at the gala," Obi-Wan protested.
"I'm not excited about it either, but I must attend, unfortunately. I'll have Anakin with me and you'll be there as well," Padme replied.
"Senator, while it is not uncommon for Jedi to make appearances at these gatherings, I don't believe it is wise for me make an appearance as your security," Obi-Wan argued, eyeing Anakin for a little help. Anakin shrugged, indicating that he wasn't about to argue with his future wife, not when she was in Senator mode anyway.
"You won't be going as my security. You'll be Lea's escort. Now, if you'll excuse me Master Kenobi, I must be getting ready. Ani, I'll come help you with your attire once I'm done," Padme said, as she excused herself. Lea and Dorme followed her into her bedroom, where they would be preparing for the evening.
"You know, you could have jumped in there and helped me anytime," Obi-Wan scolded Anakin.
"I'm not going to argue with her. Not when she's like that. I'll end up sleeping on the couch if I do," Anakin replied.
"Oh poor little bantha cub," Obi-Wan replied sarcastically.
"This is ridiculous! Jedi do not escort Senatorial aids to grand galas!" Obi-Wan complained. Anakin rolled his eyes.
"Lighten up Obi-Wan. What are you so afraid of? That you'll have a good time with Lea?" Anakin joked.
"Yes," Obi-Wan said silently.
"How do you think I feel? Little former slave boys from Tatooine don't escort Senators to grand galas either, but I'm doing it, because Padme loves me. And who knows, I might have fun too," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan sighed.
"Fine, I'll be there, but only because I have been assigned to your future wife's protection," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin grinned.
"Anakin, since we have some time now, there are some things I'd like to talk to you about, if you don't mind," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin shrugged and nodded, as they went out onto the veranda.
"Master Kenobi, you have a message from the Jedi Council," Typho said, just as they were about to start talking.
"Thank you Captain. I guess our talk will have to wait until later Anakin," Obi-Wan said, as he left to take the message.
Much later, Obi-Wan returned, dressed in his formal Jedi robes. The council had heard of the gala and insisted that Obi-Wan attend. Mace Windu and Yoda would also be attending at the request of the Chancellor as well. Dorme had done Padme's hair first and then she had come to help Anakin dress in his tux. Anakin looked at himself in the mirror with uncertainty.
"Oh Ani, you look so handsome. Not that you don't always," Padme said, as she kissed him.
"I've never worn anything like this before. It feels weird," Anakin replied. She laughed and kissed him again.
"You'll get used to it my love," she said, as she smoothed his unruly, shoulder length sandy blonde hair. There was a knock and Dorme entered.
"Milady, we must get you dressed," Dorme said. Padme nodded and shooed Anakin out.
"You look very handsome Anakin," Dorme complimented. He blushed shyly.
"Thank you Dorme," Anakin said, as he left the room.
"You are a very lucky woman milady," Dorme said. Padme smiled.
"I know, he is very handsome, isn't he?" Padme replied.
"Goodness yes. I would love to see how you're going to keep the other women off him tonight. The female Senators will probably try to eat him alive," Dorme replied.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure to make it clear that he's mine to any of the man-eaters that dare to come near him," Padme replied, with a smirk.
Lea came out of her room in a stunning jade green dress, which was slit on both sides. It was form fitting and the neckline dipped down in a v shape. Her hair was done up in a decorative bun with two ringlets of hair framing her face.
"You look beautiful Lea," Anakin said.
"Thank you Anakin," she replied.
"Yes, you look very beautiful milady," Obi-Wan said, as his eyes locked on her.
"Thank you Obi-Wan," Lea replied. Padme came out next and it was Anakin's turn to be stunned. Her gown was a beautiful royal blue with a full skirt. The collar was low and heart shaped across her bosom and the dress was nearly backless. Her hair was pulled back in an elaborate twist and fastened with sparkling hair pins.
"Padme, you look...wow..." Anakin stuttered. She walked up to him and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you Ani," she replied, as she looped her arm in his. Captain Typho shuttled them to the Senate building where the gala was being help in the ball room...