A/N- Here is the next chapter in our saga, please read and review or follow. Have a great week!

Chapter 10

Location: Theed, Naboo

Month 7 , Day 25, Year 29 BBY

The shuddering of her body is whole from her head to her toes. Her loud cries are drowned out by her lover's kisses. She gasps and her head falls back with each rocking motion. Her curls flop against her back. Her hips continue to grind into his, as he reaches his climax. He lies beneath her gasping for breath. Sweat pours off of them in the heat of the open room.

His hands pull her to him as he kisses her sweet lips. Her eyes open and she smiles brightly as she plops down beside him. She isn't breathing as hard as he is. His hands play in her hair as he murmurs, " I love your curls like this."

She giggles and kisses his waiting lips. He cups her cheek. She pulls away when she hears the beeping of her alarm. He sighs and murmurs, " Is it really that early?"

She kisses his forehead and rolls off of him taking the sheet and placing it around her naked body. He watches her shut off her comm link beeping away and turns to him. She watches her lover leaning over watching her. She bites her lip, desire crawling through her with every passing moment. How could she want more? They had been up all night in each other's arms.

" I'm exhausted." He mumbles complaining that he'd have to attend to his work on the grounds.

She nods in agreement and adds, " But I'm starving and I'm sure Katrina is expecting us down for breakfast while the whole family is here."

Anakin groans at the mention of her wicked stepmother. That woman has no sympathy for those who do not rise early. Anakin always rose early from his bed, but as of late he hadn't slept much since he had company.

" Besides, Ryoo is here, I can't pass up spending time with my niece." She adds throwing a bra on and then a pink pale dress over her shoulders. The dress is a sundress made for the warm weather of summer. Her hair is pulled up quickly into a messy bun and she throws his pants at him. He sighs again and pulls himself into a sitting position. He enjoyed spending time with Sola's daughter.

She watches him dress and suggests, " I'll leave first that way they will think I was alone in my room all night."

Anakin catches her arm and pulls her back into his lap. She giggles and kisses his lips hungrily. She whispers against his lips, " Ani, we should go. I have class."

He sighs and mumbles, " Okay- I guess we have to face the big bad world."

She follows his lead to the door and she presses the panel. She follows the sounds of her family downstairs and in the front room. She smiles ear to ear as her niece scrambles to her mother's demanding voice.

Ryoo's chestnut curls flop around her. She giggles when she sees her Aunt coming into the room, followed by Anakin. " Ani!" She screeches loudly. Her little feet scamper to her favorite person as of late. Her green eyes watch him and she gestures to him that she wants up. He chuckles at her and then lifts her into his arms. Her tiny arms tighten their hold on his neck as he carries her towards the breakfast table.

He pretends that she is of a heavy weight and suggests, " What has your mother been feeding you? Bantha steak?"

Sola sighs and suggests, " She begs for snacks after each meal. She's just growing."

Anakin throws the girl up in the air. She screams with laughter as he catches her. She says, " Ani again plezz!"

Anakin obeys and throws her into the air once more. Padme' smiles at the two of them. Anakin loves spending time with her niece. He had loved helping care for her since she was a baby, though he can hand her off to her parents if she needed a diaper change. He would make a good father one day.

Her brain ponders on her thoughts as of late, mainly the young man before her. It has been a blissful four weeks. Their connection is deeper than before. The awkwardness between them no longer exists. They have spent every waking moment possible together or with the family. And their sleepless nights together- Oh maker!

She bites her lip at the memories of the nights they have spent talking, making love and sleeping in each other's arms. She couldn't think this was possible with her best friend. But neither had defined what this is between them. Neither spoke of it, neither spoke the truth.

Padme' watches the pair laughing as he flies the little girl into the air. She knows the truth is there, and she knows it isn't anything she's felt before. Perhaps it's just their hormones, he is her first.

Or perhaps you're falling in love with him. Her mind whispers to her. No, this couldn't be love yet, right? She isn't sure what it should and shouldn't feel like. But she doesn't want it to end. Her thoughts drift away as Katrina introduces the other guests in the room.

Padme's eyes darted to the man who was quietly watching the banter between the family members. Her eyes meet the man's green ones and she recognizes those orbs. Those orbs belong to her dancing partner several weeks ago. She smiles politely and says, " It is a pleasure to see you again Senator."

Katrina notices her step-daughter's politeness and interest. Perhaps her idea of inviting Rush here hadn't been for the birds. She had seen the sparks fly the night of the engagement party between the pair. When the Senator had mentioned to Senator Organa that he would be back on Naboo for a business trip involving some business in Theed, she couldn't possibly not invite her future son in law's friend to stay with them. It would have been unacceptable. He had accepted and even mentioned calling on her remarkable step daughter whom he had been introduced that night.

The auburn haired man steps forward and takes Padme's hand in his and he lifts it to his lips. Katrina smiles watching this display. Perfect. Padme' gulps staring up at the handsome senator. She isn't impressed by his gesture, she's nerve wrecked at watching her friend's reaction to this greeting.

His green eyes are playful and he comments, " It is always a pleasure to be in the presence of such an accomplished young woman."

Padme' blushes at his compliment and allows her hand to fall to her side. She comments, " It is always an honor to be in the company of a Senator of the Galactic Empire."

Padme' meant the compliment. She admires Bail Organa and Rush Clovis and the work they undertake among the government. It is what she desires to do with her life. Public service is her love. She loved the debates in the legislative program. She excitedly awaits for in one term from now which are internships. The internships are paid for and arranged from many of the Core Worlds of the Empire. Internships last 3 years but you get to train alongside a Senator who is in need of an intern in their office on and off their homeworld. Maybe if she keeps up her charms with the Senator she can apply as his intern. He is a newly elected Senator from his homeworld Scipio.

Katrina gestures to the breakfast table and suggests for Padme' to sit next to the Senator.

Padme does not hesitate and sits next to her newfound companion. The rest of her family sits down in their normal seats when everyone is home. Padme's normal seat was closer to her best friend and she keeps her eyes off of him. She'll have to deal with his jealousy later.

Rush turns to his beautiful young companion. He admires her youth and vitality. Her messy bun allows him to eye her beautiful neck, shoulders and bust. Rush has a way with women. His charms usually allow him to bed any woman he chooses too. This stunning creature is no exception, though it would take much coaxing and charms to get such a rare jewel into his bed. It will take effort and patience on his part. His attention usually only could last a few months but since the night of the party he hasn't been able to get this dark angel off his mind. He has to have her one way or another.

He begins the conversation as his hosts begin to break their biscuits and add fruity jams to them with a touch of butter. " Have you been enjoying your summer?"

Padme spreads the sweet jam onto her biscuit and smiles at her guest. " Of course, it is always a breath of fresh air to have time at the beaches and other social activities this season."

His grin is infectious and charming. His velvety voice comments, " Bail tells me you are studying legislation."

Padme' takes a small bite of her biscuit. The sweet juices against her tongue are a delight as she nods her head at the Senator. She swallows and comments, " Yes, I am studying legislation."

Rush nods and asks, " How much longer do you have in your studies before your internships?"

Padme' simply replies, " Next Spring term, I am extremely excited for actual mentorship."

Rush smiles at her enthusiasm. There it is, his hook. If he can continue to keep in contact with her perchance, in a matter of months he will have hooked, lined and sunk her into his bed.

He adds, " You know next spring there will be many spots available on Coruscant. Many Senators that I know and trust want to mentor the future of the Empire. I could put in a good word for you. If you are interested in shadowing someone active in the Galactic Senate. I know Coruscant is far from here."

Padme' jumps on his invitation. " Yes, please do! I admire many young Senators who are active in the Senate."

Her insides scream with happiness. She has to make her allies where she can. Her family had begun to have connections of the likes of these since her sisters' and cousin had begun to marry.

You also could be close to Anakin.

Many of the Senators stayed most of the year on Coruscant which is very near the Imperial Academy. Her happiness soars at this mention. She has a reason to stay close to him now. If she could apply for an internship close to her friend, then they might have a chance with their newfound relationship. Is this a relationship? She isn't sure, they hadn't defined it yet, but if she can be near him-

Rush chuckles at her enthusiasm. " I will do my best. Please send me a record of your resume' so that I may share it with my fellow Senators."

She nods and turns back to her food. The conversation turns to that of business within the Empire and business relations Bail discusses openly with the group. But Padme' drifts through the conversation without saying another word, just revered in the chance of being close to Ani.

When had she allowed herself to think they had a chance of a future together as a couple? When had that thought crossed her mind? She sighs and eyes the clock wearily. She excuses herself from the breakfast table and continues to grab her materials for her summer session class.

Her class starts in thirty minutes and she begins her stroll to the golden speeder.

(Later evening )

Her feet ache as she steps out of the speeder in the garage. Her brain is mentally tired and fried. She had been working non-stop on projects in her classes on the trips to the Outer Rim planets planned for the latter half of the next term. She is one of the seniors in the class in charge of planning out the trip and plans to help the refugees to their new home world. The trip would be over three weeks prior to Fete Week. She will accompany her small team and help the refugees build their shelters and begin their adaptations to their new home world. This project is her baby. She has been working on this project since the beginning of last year. Her plans are laid out and she excitedly waits for her trip. Though all she aches for at the moment is a good soak in the refresher and a nap from her lack of sleep these days.

She drags herself up the steps and mutters a hello to several of the servants as she passes. Most of her family had dinner plans for the night. She knew the generous Senators had offered to take her parents out for dinner at a restaurant in Theed. Of course she had told the generous guests she would be exhausted from her long day at school. They had understood and she is happy to have a quiet house to herself. Peace and quiet-

She presses the button on her bedroom door and drags herself sleepily towards her dresser. She notices the darkening edges in the room. Her curtains are closed and the room has been darkened on purpose. Her eyes roam over to her bed and a smile slides across her face.

Laying across her bed with his arms crossed and his eyes closed is her friend. He appears peaceful in his dreamless state. His wavy hair curls behind his ears and his breathing is slow. He is definitely asleep. In her exhausted state, she sighs and begins to undress and change into a nightgown. She realizes she is too exhausted for a shower and wants to sleep.

The hot evening air is evident as her balcony door has been left open. She likes the heat of summer to a point. But the heat of the main portion of the day had been extreme. She had been lucky to be inside for the afternoon and in the cool air from the inside of her lecture hall had felt like a cool pool of air rushing in.

Her hand is about to pull the door closed, but her eyes fall on the setting sun. Her body moves out on the balcony and she leans against the banister eyeing the city of Theed in the distance. The white circular domes of many of the parliament buildings reflect off the orangeish rays of the setting sun. She blinks eyeing the breathtaking beauty of her city. She has lived here for half of her life and wouldn't trade anything for it.

She wouldn't trade anything for her dreams of leaving her planet either. She wishes to make a difference in the galaxy and her chance might come if she has the right connections within the Senate. Her mind plays out again her conversation of the morning with Rush Clovis.

He seemed to want her attention in a different way, perhaps even a romantic way. She knows she isn't interested in that with the Senator at this time. He is a handsome man, but-

He isn't Anakin. Her mind replies simply. She knows the answer is simple. Her interest in other men had all but ceased since she had been sleeping with her best friend. Even the Senator's charms didn't satisfy her. Palo had even tried to rekindle their relationship in the past week and she hadn't cared that he had begged for her forgiveness. She doesn't want him.

She sighs longing to try to decide what she wants. Her dreams of becoming a Senator have been set in stone for many years. His plans for becoming a soldier for the Empire are set in stone. Yet, they find themselves on the path of a romantic relationship and the joy she feels at feeling complete.

Her dreams are dim compared to the fire in her belly each time he looks at her. The fire grows with each glance and smile. The infectious laughter and moments they share make her see a different path. A path that leads to never looking back on her dreams and pursuing a relationship with her friend. She has to admit this is more than their friendship now and she can't let it go. She knows what they have is rare. Their connection and bond didn't exist out of thin air, nor did their feelings for the other.

She doesn't want to admit it but she's pretty sure she's falling for her longtime friend. Or had some of these feelings been there all along? Has the awkwardness been due to their changing in their feelings for each other? She knows he cares for her, but she isn't sure if he loves her. His eyes say so, but she isn't sure because the words haven't been mentioned. But isn't this a bit fast? They had only been pursuing each other in the bedroom. They haven't gone on any dates like normal couples, nor shared their newfound relationship with their family or friends. It is just the two of them. She isn't sure of sharing her news with her family yet. She isn't sure her father is ready to hear that his youngest daughter cared about a boy she's known half her life. Though she is sure that if he asks her to wait, she will. She knows this for a fact, all he has to do is say the words- to ask this of her to wait until he graduates from the academy and is stationed at his first duty station. That would be a few years away, but she knows she can wait that long to be with him if he asked.

But what of her dreams? She isn't sure of her path after the three years of internship.

And what if the worst happens? What if he doesn't ask her to wait for him? The thought hasn't crossed her mind until now. What ifthing between them don't work out? Could they go back to being just the way they were before? Can she watch him meet someone else and fall for her instead?

A gentle pat on her shoulder alters her focus on her thoughts. He kisses the top of her head and asks, " How did your classes go?"

She leans into his touch and murmurs tiredly, " Excellent. The plans for the refugee trip are coming along. What did you do after I left?"

Her eyes stay planted on the setting sun. The sun has begun to set more in the west as it always does. The colors of the sky change to many shades of reds, pinks and oranges. The sunset is breathtaking.

He replies clearly annoyed, " I had to look at Senator Clovis' rental speeder, it was making some odd noises so Katrina assigned the project to me."

Her eyes turn up to his at the odd angle. She chuckles at his annoyance and murmurs, " And was there a problem with it?"

He rolls his eyes and mutters, " Yes the valves in the engine were clogged. Apparently for such a charming and smart Senator he doesn't know his way around speeders."

She bursts out into a giggle. His thoughts on the Senator's mechanic skills is amusing. He begins to tickle her sides and she squeals her body reacting to his hands tickling her sides. Her legs turn to jelly and he catches her by her waist. She turns so she's facing him. Their eyes meet and desire clouds her friend's stormy gaze.

He murmurs, " Someone might hear you."

She pulls herself up by his shoulders being a brace for her. She murmurs back, " I don't care,"

Their lips meet then in a passionate kiss. She wraps her arms around her friend and he leans into her kiss. The pair stay locked in their embrace never realizing they have an audience from below in the gardens. A pair of green eyes narrow watching their romantic embrace.

She had heard the squeal and had thought it could be Ryoo further along in the garden. Her mouth drops in surprise watching the pair lip locked in full view of the gardens. She hadn't meant to look up in their direction, but she had and now can't take her eyes off the couple.

That boy had always been a menace in her plans for Padme'. She has plans for her to be courted by the noble Senator Clovis and not some former slave that would become a soldier and off to fight in battles for the Empire. Her lips form a grimace as she forms a plan to halt the romance for good. She won't allow this boy to ruin her step-daughter's chances of marrying into nobility like her niece had.

He would be leaving in 10 days time and she had to stop them before he leaves. Yes, she has a plan and how to persuade the boy of ending things with his beloved. She would watch their little fling be burnt down into flaming bits and then her plans for the girl would begin.

To Be Continued.