Chapter 7: A Night Out On the Town

In the late afternoon the rain had stopped, but the cloudiness remained. Padme sat in her bedroom with her handmaiden Dorme, and R2D2 patiently awaiting Anakin's arrival.

"My lady, is there anything else I can help you with before I leave?"

"No thank you Dorme, I'll see you tomorrow evening, Enjoy your time off."

Dorme grabbed her overnight bag. "I will, have a great evening. You look beautiful."

"Thank you, I definitely will."

It had only been a few minutes since Dorme had left, when she heard the sound of his speeder landing on the apartment's small platform.

"Come R2 he's here." R2 beeped in response.

Feeling left out as usual C3PO walked into the bedroom. "Mistress Padme, are you sure you and Master Anakin will not require my assistance?"

"No thank you 3P0, please stay on the other side of the apartment. Anakin and I do not wish to be disturbed." Padme grabbed her evening bag, and headed for the bedroom door with R2 following.

Anakin jumped out of his speeder dressed in his usual formal Jedi attire. He walked from the platform into the main living quarters; a large room with very elegant furnishings, and columns that reached to the ceiling.

His chin hit the floor when Padme walked into the room. Anakin involuntarily licked his lips, his eyes roamed taking in all of her beauty. She looked like a goddess in a gown of sparkling midnight blue that hugged every delicious curve. A thin piece of material hung off of her right shoulder. It wrapped around her slender frame tapering around her breast to make up the bodice. A generous slit ran up her left leg, and on her feet were silver high heeled sandals. Her silky tresses were swept up with soft curls piled at the top of her head. To top off the glamorous look, two glittering stars held her hair in place with a matching thin chain around her forehead. It fell past her ears along with soft locks spilling around her sweet face.

Anakin found himself moving his mouth without any words escaping.
"Wow, you look amazing, incredibly beautiful."

A blush ran down her face to her chest from his intense gaze. "Thank you Anakin, are those for me?" She smiled at him and pointed to the flowers he held in his hands, which he had forgotten all about.

"Yes, do you like them? Oh and I brought this for you as well." He handed her the large fragrant bouquet, and the small white box he held in his other hand.

"Is this a lotus flower?" Padme asked in awe as she stared down at the delicate flower in the box.

Anakin picked up the flower gently taking her wrist in his hand. "It's a corsage you wear it around your wrist." He slipped it on to her wrist admiring how perfect it looked there, and lifted his head to focus on her loving gaze. "Did you know that your name means lotus? When Jedi meditate through the Force we focus on short phrases to ease, and calm our minds. These phrases are called mantras, and one of them is called "Om Mani Padme hum". You are my mantra Padme."

"Oh Ani, how thoughtful, and pink roses too their beautiful. Thank you so much"

"Do you remember the last time we saw pink roses?"

"Yes of course, at the lake country retreat. We walked through the gardens, and I showed you the flowers I had planted. I will always remember that magical night."

Anakin gazed into her eyes and down to her glossy lips. "I will too my love."

Lips and arms desperately clung to each other. The reassuring exhilarating sensation of their tongues playing together, temporarily made their burdens, and worries disappear.

Padme basked in the warming sensation of being in his safe arms. "Umm, it feels like forever since we were alone in a room together."

He inhaled her intoxicating scent. She smelled like wild orchids newly washed in the rain. "It's feels like forever for a lot of things Padme."

Padme gasped for air as he glided his tongue along the soft shell of her ear, nibbled on her lobe, and sucked it into his mouth. "We'd better get going or we'll never get out of here."

His voice was husky and deep. "I wouldn't mind staying right here." He said while running his soft lips over her neck. While his hands moved up and down her slim figure clutching the smooth material.

With his body pressed up against hers, she could already feel he was starting to get excited. "Dorme spent a lot of time helping me get ready besides, I gave her the night off. We have all night, and all day tomorrow to not leave the apartment"

A mischievous smirk broke across his lips. "Really, ok you're right. We'd better get going while I can still think straight." He let go of her in reluctance.

Padme looked fondly at the roses, and smelled them enjoying the sweet scent.

"I'm going to put these in some water. I think I'll put them by my bedside, and then we can leave." Anakin watched her walk off towards the kitchen.

-----

On the top of one of the finest buildings in the business district of Coruscant the wealthiest and most famous gathered in a huge elegant banquet hall. They were there to promote education, and culture for the University and museums residing on the planet.

Senator Amadala and her Jedi protector sat together with R2D2 beside their table. For the duration of the evening Anakin had decided to store his lightsaber in R2's dome. He was the only member from the Jedi Order there, and they did not want to make a point of advertising it. In addition, he could keep his weapon out of the way. The young couple could get as close as they wanted in a public setting, without any barriers. In case there was trouble R2 would eject his lightsaber. But Anakin did not sense a disturbance in the Force, and felt confident in his decision.

"Are you having a good time?" Padme asked him.

"Yeah, but I'm not exactly used to this type of atmosphere. The closest I usually get to a social setting is hunting down criminals with Obi-Wan in sleazy clubs and bars.

The music and crowd are a lot different then it is in here."

Padme let out a giggle. "I'm sure you've witnessed all sorts of sordid behavior."

Anakin winked at her. "Without question my lady."

"Well if you stick with me you'll be attending a lot more of these."

Anakin smirked at Padme. "That's fine with me."

She reached under the table, and gently took his hand in hers. Anakin looked around and noticed all the hobnobbing, and elbow rubbing around them.

"All these rich debutants, it's all about material possession in this room."

"Well that's not all it's about tonight. Everyone's here for a very good cause. I'm afraid that important issues other then this war could be getting lost in the shuffle."

Anakin shook his head. "The Chancellor would never let that happen. I'm sure he'd be here if he didn't have his hands tied with the war."

Padme was about to answer him when she heard a familiar voice. "Senator Amadala I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

Padme looked up and saw Senator Bail Organa standing in front of the table with a woman beside him. "Not at all Senator Organa, it's nice to see you this evening."

"I'd like to introduce you both to my wife Rebecca."

Padme and Anakin got up from the table, and stood beside Bail and Rebecca.

Padme turned to Anakin. "This is Anakin Skywalker he's protecting me this evening."

They all shook hands, introduced themselves, and sat together at the table.

"How long have you been married?" Padme asked Rebecca.

Rebecca smiled at Padme. "A handful of happy years."

"Any children?" There was a gleam in Padme's eyes as she asked the question, and Anakin fought hard not to put his arm around her shoulder.

Rebecca shook her head in sorrow and fought back her tears. "No not yet, actually that's been a problem for us. But we're hoping that soon we'll be blessed. But I guess if it is meant to be it will happen, otherwise we may eventually look into adoption. "

Senator Organa saw the pain in his wife's face, and decided to steer the conversation into another direction. "I'd like to tell you Senator Amadala that I've wanted to speak with you for quite some time now about the state of the Senate. My heart is very troubled over this war particularly this clone army. What it may mean for the future of the Republic."

Great concern was in Padme's voice as she replied back. "I am too Senator Organa.

I have my regrets on not being here when the vote was decided. "

Senator Organa shook his head. "That was not your fault. You must not put blame on yourself for thinking of your safety. There are times when events simply unfold at a certain time and way."

"Senator Organa, I have heard that some politicians in the Senate have lost their faith in the Jedi Order. They say we've lost our ability to help protect the Republic." Anakin had a bit of an agitated tone in the way he delivered that statement.

Bail shook his head again. "But not all Padawan Skywalker, there are many that have immense trust and appreciation for all the Jedi have given and sacrificed. Too many star systems are replacing peaceful communication for armies and weapons."

Padme smiled nodding in approval. "Yes, the Senate must continue to press for open communication negotiating not war. "

Anakin broke in once again. "Unfortunately we are at war and will be until Jango Fett, and Count Dooku are caught."

Rebecca placed her hand on her husband's palm. "Well let's all pray that happens soon."

Bail brought his attention back to Anakin. "Do the Jedi have any idea where they may be hiding?"

"It looks promising that we may catch Fett, but for the time being it appears Dooku has vanished." Anakin looked down at his hands after speaking that last word.

"Well this news does sound fairly promising. I thank you for your honesty Padawan Skywalker. I know the Jedi will succeed."

Anakin smiled back at Bail. "Your respect to the order is greatly appreciated Senator."

Senator Organa's attention was pulled elsewhere as he heard music beginning to play in the background. Bail turned to his wife. "Rebecca darling would you care to dance?"

Rebecca nodded. "Yes I would." She turned her attention to Anakin and Padme. "Please excuse us; it was lovely meeting you both."

Under a huge sparkling crystal chandelier Anakin and Padme danced together among many couples with R2 at the edge of the dance floor.

"My senses tell me Senator Organa is a good man."

"I couldn't agree with you more, he's a great man. The Republic is very lucky we have him."

"You didn't tell me the Order might be close to capturing Jango Fett."

"I know, but can we discuss it later? Right now all I want to do is savor being close to you." Padme nodded and answered him by wrapping her arms around his neck.

To the casual observer they were dancing in a respectable fashion as Senator and bodyguard. But on the inside both wanted to tear the others clothes off. A raging volcano grew inside them threatening to combust if the fire wasn't put out soon.

Anakin looked past Padme's shoulder to the double doors at the back of the banquet hall. He leaned close to her ear and spoke very quietly. "Let's go outside to the roof terrace for awhile."

"Won't someone notice?"

"I'll go out there first; then in a few minutes meet me out there with R2."

-----

The young lovers embraced on a bench near exquisite soft lit fountains. The lights reflected on the water alternated to a different color every few minutes creating a marvelous romantic effect. The spray of water combined with the melody of their lips smacking together in the shadows.

Anakin breathed heavy and spoke in a seductive whisper against her lips.

"You look so sexy tonight angel."

"You're not so bad your self handsome Jedi, but what if someone sees us, or comes out here?"

"Don't worry my love its dark no one can see. And R2's right over there he'll signal us if someone's near, trust me."

Padme put her arms around his neck and began kissing him passionately again. Anakin slowly moved his lips to her neck sucking, and kissing all over. He caressed the back of her head with one hand while the other trailed down from her shoulder. Just as he was about to cup her breast in his palm, R2 franticly started beeping, and whistling. They tore apart as Anakin grabbed his lightsaber ejected from R2's dome. Anakin immediately sensed the small flying droid mechanism, and sliced it in half. R2 and Anakin spotted another. They ran after it, but it was a bit too quick. It managed to fly past the roof into the dark foggy sky.

Anakin yelled. "Force it got past the roof. I couldn't reach it in time."

Padme was still staring in the direction it had flown away to. "What was a holocam doing up here anyway?"

"I don't know, but my guess is it was probably the separatists looking to spy around."

"You're probably right." She said while he slid his arm around her waist. They turned their attention to the fountain watching the water dance, and splash with vivid colors.

Padme drank in the brilliant blue hue, and looked up at him. "The water is the color of your eyes."

Anakin held Padme in his arms with her head placed underneath his chin. "Padme."

"Hmm." She answered him in a low hum.

"There's something I've wanted to ask you, but I'm not sure how to do it."

She took his hand in hers rubbing it gently. "You can ask me anything."

He took a deep breath, gazed deeply into her searching eyes, and bent down on one knee.

"Padme Naberrie I'd be the happiest man in the galaxy if you marry me?"

He held her shaky hand, and looked at her with a pleading expression.

She stared down at him amber pools were threatening to spill over. Her hand was placed over her drumming heart. Padme swallowed the deep lump in her throat.

"Ani, I don't know what to say."

"Say yes my love. We could fly to Naboo tonight, and marry at the lake retreat. "

Tears were now pouring down her cheeks. "I will marry you Anakin, but…"

The smile that lit up his face began to falter as Padme shook her head. "Not tonight."

"Why not?" He asked disappointedly.

"This is so sudden, we haven't even had time to discuss it."

"But you said you would marry me."

"Yes, I did, but if we left for the lake retreat who would be there? And what would we tell everyone in regards to our sudden departure?"

"Don't worry I have it all planned out. A Nubian holy man could perform the ceremony. The droids could be witnesses. We could say you wanted to see your family, and I'd be escorting you as your protector."

Padme's voice cracked with sorrow as she spoke. "But no one else who we love will be there, not my Parents, sister, or Obi-Wan. They should be able to share this with us."

"What choice do we have Padme." He turned away from her walking with his hands over his hips studying the glowing lights of Coruscant. "I'm leaving the day after tomorrow. The council has given Obi-Wan and me a new assignment. The Chancellor wants Jango Fett, and Dooku caught at what ever cost. And I have no idea when we will return, or if we will at all."

Padme walked over to him, and stood beside him. "You will return to me.

I know you will."

"I hope you're right this is a time of war of uncertainty my love. It was my hope that you would say yes, and marry me tonight. It would make leaving you a little easier knowing that we were husband and wife."

"Anakin, do you remember what you said to me when we first met?"

"I told you that I would marry you some day."

Padme nodded her head. "You had the foresight and faith then why can't you have it now? I have faith that we won't have to marry in secret."

"How is that possible? The Council will never allow it. Being married in secret is the only way for us."

"No it isn't. We can change things. I wouldn't have gone into politics if I didn't believe that. Change happens all the time. You once told me anything's possible. If you really believe that then you'll have faith that there's a way for us to be together, other then living a lie that's been dug for us by rules and laws we did not make, or choose. "

"We don't make up the rules Padme; someone else does whoever that is. "

"You know I believe in you don't you?"

"Yes of course I do." He said while locking his arms around her waist.

I need you to believe in me the way I believe in you, in us. Maybe we could talk to them when you get back?"

"You mean the Council?" Anakin asked in disbelief.

"Yes maybe they'll consider our marriage if we explain to them our situation."

Anakin was about to answer her; when he sensed someone coming right before R2 started off his alarms again.

"It's ok R2" Anakin walked over to the frenzied droid, and patted R2's dome.

Senator Organa and his wife were walking with their arms around one another as they realized they weren't alone. "Oh, we're sorry we didn't know anyone else was out here." Senator Organa replied to the young couple.

Padme shook her head. "We were about to leave anyway." She turned to Anakin. "Let's go Anakin, I'm getting tired."

Anakin nodded. "Alright my lady I'll escort you home."

Anakin and Padme left as Bail and Rebecca looked on in curiosity. Rebecca tugged on her husbands arm. "Bail darling."

Bail smiled at his wife. "Yes Dear."

"Is it just me or do those two seem awfully close. If you know what I mean?"

"That's funny I was thinking the same thing."

"But he's a Padawan its forbidden isn't it?" Rebecca asked in growing curiosity.

Bail shook his head, and held his wife close in his arms. "Love doesn't reason or question, it just happens."

"Your right my darling, so we should make the most of it." She wrapped her arms around his neck to close the space between their lips."

----

The trip back from the benefit was silent. Padme knew he needed some time to think to himself. She could feel the conflict of their complicated relationship, and his new mission weighing on him. Anakin landed the speeder onto the platform to Padme's apartment

"Your awfully quiet are you mad at me?" Padme asked.

Anakin was staring off into the distance at nothing in particular. "I'm not mad at you. But I am very frustrated. I want us to be married so badly. I'm sick of feeling like I have no control over my life."

"I know, but sometimes we can only control so much. I want you to know that I truly deeply love you, and I want to be your wife more then anything." Anakin watched as she paused for a few moments to think to herself. "Ani, I'll marry you right after you return from your mission." She winked at him. "That way you'll have something to look forward to."

Anakin flashed that adorable half smile that turned her to mush. "Does this mean we're officially engaged?"

"Yes, it's official my husband to be." Padme spoke in a sultry tone while grazing her hand down his chest. He watched the trail of her hand as it slid down dangerously low. When he looked up their eyes met, and pulled them towards each other like a tractor beam. In seconds the young lovers were in each others arms kissing, caressing, and pulling at each others clothing with unbridled lust.

Padme wasted no time climbing over her seat on to Anakin's lap. "I want you now Anakin." She told him breathlessly brazenly grabbed his belt, and began to unhook it.

He was tempted beyond comprehension to giving into her forwardness, but at the last minute decided to pull her hands away. "Let's go inside. We already ran into two holocams tonight. "

Padme laughed. "You're right; this is a switch; usually it's me worrying about us getting caught." Anakin began to laugh with her, and held her close. He carefully carried her out of the speeder, and into the apartment.

"This place is huge. Which way is the bedroom?" He asked while still holding her in his arms. She pointed, and then kissed him quickly on the lips. "It's to the right around that column."

Anakin walked into the bedroom, and laid Padme gently on the bed. It seemed amazingly ironic to him that it was only a few weeks ago that he had flirted with her in this very room for the first time. He thought back to when she had told him "please don't look at me like that it makes me feel uncomfortable." That thankfully changed awfully quick he thought to himself. The bright bold lights of Coruscant lit the room with a soft glow. Anakin sat beside Padme studying all her loveliness. Padme reached for him with desperation in her eyes.

Anakin held her hands placing them back on the bed, and kissed her lips gently.

"Let's not rush this angel. I want us to take our time." Padme had a slight expression of disappointment across her face mixed in with surprise. Anakin reached over to the night table to grab one of the pink roses sitting in a crystal vase. She wondered what he had going on in that complex mind of his. He reached down grazing his hand over her cheek, and brushed the rose over the tip of her nose playfully.

Padme giggled, and wiggled her nose. "That tickles." He kissed her nose, and she giggled again.

Anakin trailed the rose down her cheek, and onto her parted lips. "I love your laugh. You are so incredibly adorable you know that."

"And you are so incredibly sexy." She said as he leaned down to kiss her again. Right as she thought he was going to slip his tongue into her mouth; he pulled away, and began to trail the rose from her chin down her throat. Padme was speechless from his lips, and tongue fluttering over her tiny Adams apple. She realized he was teasing her.

Padme figured his next move would be to her chest, but he surprised her by moving all the way down to the edge of the bed. He removed both of her sandals, and glided the flower onto the bottom of her feet. Padme pulled her feet away, and let out a burst of laughter.

"Ani that tickles stop ha, ha stop."

Anakin grinned. "Ok, ok I promise I won't tickle you anymore."

As turned on and excited that he already was by evidence in the tightness in his pants; Anakin wanted their first night as an engaged couple to be extra special. He wanted to give them something to think about, and remember while he would be away on a long strenuous mission. Anakin reached out to hold her hands and pulled her up to a sitting position. He crawled behind her; the delicious, fresh, sweet, spellbinding scent of her hair, and neck swirled through him as he pressed his lips to the back of her neck. Padme shivered as she felt his slick tongue flutter down her hair line, and his hands pull down the zipper on the side of her gown.

Padme leaned into him as she felt his big hands cover her chest. She turned her face and reached for him; Anakin moved his head down to gladly except her kiss. Padme moaned into his mouth from his skillful hands. Minutes later she found herself lying down on her back nude with Anakin half over her gliding the silky flower all over her body. Everywhere the petals touched his hungry mouth would follow the trail.
Her whole body was ablaze from the sensations Anakin was creating in her. Padme panted heavily; her heart stopped when she felt him slide the rose up her thighs, and then in the center of them. A flower to a flower Anakin thought warmly to himself enjoying Padme's reactions to what he was doing to her.

And then it was happening he was on top of her. They bit back their tears knowing that after tomorrow they would not be able to be with one another for quite some time. But there were also tears of happiness from the elation of being connected like this again.
Anakin and Padme knew that very few were fortunate enough to experience love, and the intense euphoria of being together. They had found their soul mate their other half. The young lovers felt amazingly alive, but at the same time at peace. What lay beyond their bedroom window didn't matter. All that did matter was them, and the passionate love, and waves of pleasure they were giving one another. The constant traffic of speeders racing to their destinations represented the chaos that was shielded by the glass. The elements to create complication and confusion lurked outside. It was either going to destroy them or make them stronger and wiser while they were apart.

Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it. Reviews are greatly appreciated, and thanks for continuing to read.
I will try to have chapter 8 out as soon as I can.