A/N-Thank you for the follows and the reviews. Keep in mind if you read the first version of this story the plot of Padme' marry Clovis is much needed for the later chapters. I promise this is a Anakin/Pad fic. Please R&R or Follow.
Chapter 17
Location: Theed, Naboo
Fete Day 5 Year 29 BBY
The last three days have blown by. Decorations had gone up, and the whole family was reunited for once. The house has been bustling as guests- friends of the fair Senator and of Padme's arrived over time. The house had smelled delicious with the baked goods and dinners prepared the morning of the wedding. The event had gone off smoothly, no problems had occurred, and the bride looked beautiful in her off-white gown. Her new husband had made sure to wear the regal colors of the reds as this was the color of his house. The crowd had been pleased with the ceremony- and all seemed happily enjoying the reception festivities. All except the man leaning back in his chair eyeing the onlookers- this time he'd end up needing help walking to his room. His drunken haze is that of a relaxed nature but his heart breaks each time he watches the other man with his new wife.
Wife. The love of his life is now someone's wife. He knew at one point this would happen, but he hadn't expected this to happen so soon.
He sips the Corellian whiskey. He's never tried this drink, but now he's pretty sure it will become his preferred drink. He likes the hot liquid sliding down his throat so easily, much like the fizzy drinks he drank with Padme' each summer when it was hot. His belly churns from the five shots he's consumed so far. He hasn't quite passed out drunk yet, but he knows he'll be there soon and he plans on it.
His eyes dance on his best friend through his haze. She laughs with her sisters' as they dance together on the ballroom floor. Her new husband eyes her hungrily from their difference. Anakin yearns to smash his brains in. His thoughts of his best friend echo through the force and any force user can feel them and his sexual desires.
Anakin grits the table upon hearing these thoughts. The thought of another man having her makes his stomach churn. He chugs the last part of his whiskey and begins to stand. He can't do this. He can't watch them leave their to the bedroom- knowing he'll bed her tonight. He exits the loud music of the reception and slips out to the balcony. He needs the fresh air to wake him up. He leans against the balcony and places his elbows on the rocky banister. He watches the darkened sky, all stars in sight.
The air is chilly and his breath comes out in long puffs. The circles float off into the distance away from him. His thoughts ponder on what to do about being part of their lives. Can he just walk away from her? Can he just walk out of their lives for good? How would he explain to her entire family that he can't be around them anymore?
" You're missing the garter throwing," calls a familiar friendly voice.
He doesn't turn to his friend. Obi-wan comes to also place himself near the banister and states,
" Sabe' caught the bouquet, if you'd like to know."
Anakin stares off in the distance and he mutters, " Good for her."
Obi-wan can sense his friend's pain. He really did love the young bride. He can see why he could. The young woman is kind and has a wild spirit, much like her friend. He wants to help his friend, but he isn't sure what he can do.
" You can't help me, just go back to the party, Ben." Anakin's voice answers.
Obi-wan raises an eyebrow with hearing, his slip-up using their force connection. He must be extremely drunk. Anakin usually is careful of not using the force around Obi-wan.
Obi-wan pats his friend's shoulder in reassurance. " You need a friend around. I'm not leaving you alone, especially if you're drunk enough to drown in your vomit."
Anakin tries a smile and sighs. " I will try not to drown in my vomit, but I can't promise that I won't vomit."
Obi-wan smiles back and mutters, " You should wish them well, they will be leaving for their honeymoon in the morning."
He huffs out and his smile fades back to a scowl. He growls out, " I can't stand watching her with another man."
Obi-wan stares off into the night and replies, " But you have to respect her choice. She loves him."
Anakin's dark chuckle leaves his body in a rush. He retorts bitterly, " No she doesn't. It would be easier if she did. I'd be happy for her, but I can't be. I want to hurt that man in there for everything he's taking from me."
His brother in arms scolds, " She's not a possession to anyone, Anakin, not even you."
Anakin's voice is low as his reply is bitter, " She married him to conceal her pregnancy from her family."
Obi-wan blinks and then asks, " Are you the father?"
Anakin casts his gaze back into the sky and murmurs, " Yes."
Obi-wan pats his shoulder once more. " I'm sorry. I didn't realize this."
He nods in silence and murmurs, " I tried to reason with her to break it off- but she's right if it was revealed that she carried my child then she and I would both have no future ahead of us."
Obi-wan states, " You still should wish her well. She needs your support it seems. She seems to care about your opinions."
Anakin shakes his head. " I can't know she's about to bed another- I can't go back in there." He whispers weakly.
Obi-wan sighs and murmurs, " You need to move on as she is."
Anakin nods and says, " I will just- not right now."
The sounds of the party echo out through the open door. Both men seize their private conversation, not sure of the person coming on the balcony. Two pairs of eyes lay on the woman of their conversation. Her eyes dance playfully, but she stops her mid-stroll eyeing the serious expressions on their faces. Obi-wan eyes her with a smile and says, " I think I will go get another drink."
He leaves the couple on the balcony to speak in private. The space between them is apparent and she stands forward nervously, eyeing her friend's wistful expression. She looks out at the chilly night and starts, " It's such a clear night."
He nods, swallowing painfully, watching her. His eyes fall on the ring on her finger. She isn't his to protect any longer, she can never be his. She notices his gaze and his somber state.
" Anakin-" She begins.
He turns his back to her and on the night sky. He hates this- hates thinking he's weak, but his answer comes. He knows she needs a life without him in it. He can't watch her be happy for her- he can't watch her bed a man she doesn't love.
" Ani?" She whispers coming closer, touching him. He can feel her warmness against his back of her closeness. How he wishes he could kiss her! How he wishes he can be strong and be there for her. But his weakness is his love for her and if he's going to let her go then he has to give her up completely.
He turns to her then. He tries to watch the doorway to make sure no one will hear their conversation or come looking for her. " I need more time. Space to figure out how I can be part of your lives." " Is all he can muster to say. But even to his own voice it doesn't sound convincing.
Tears are blinked back by the love of his life. He wipes one away as she whispers, " I need you in my life now, not- waiting until your ready."
He smiles weakly and murmurs, " You're stronger than you've ever known P. You've never needed me to rescue you. You're enough."
She shakes her head and pleads, " No I'm strong because of our friendship. Because you're by my side. Remember you're my partner in crime."
He wipes those tears away from her glossy cheeks. He doesn't need her to cry for him. " I can't be. Rush is your new partner in crime."
Padme's eyes cast downwards at her feet. She whispers, " I need you."
Her plea is all that makes him come undone. He lifts her face to meet his gaze. He peers down at her lips and back to her pleading eyes. Don't-His brain warns him. She's married now. For a moment the desire she had once seen in his eyes flickers and then it is gone. He leans down and kisses her cheek and murmurs, " Please give me time to think this through. That's all I ask."
She catches the banister to steady herself. She turns to him and whispers, " Okay, but please take some time to think of how you can be part of our lives. We both need you."
He nods and notices her shaking. He can sense her nervousness of bedding her new husband. He clasps her hand through his and guides her as much in his drunken state as he can back to the ballroom. Both of them uncertain of the future ahead of them.
To Be Continued….