A/N: I live for A/P dialogue. It is my life force. It is basically the reason I'm writing this story - other than the important task of fleshing out their relationship in a realistic and organic way. But honestly, I could just write an entire story about Anakin and Padme interacting with each other and be totally satisfied.

Their relationship is how I envision my future relationships; full of banter and flirtation and sweetness and sexiness and overall adorableness. *gush gush gush*

Honestly, they are so perfect for each other it makes my heart ache. I've skipped ahead because I hate writing boring filler and I'm pretty sure most people hate reading it. So, fast forward

That's all from me. I guess I'll leave you to judge for yourself.

Enjoy xx

"Is that all you brought?" Padme asked, somewhat incredulous as she glanced at Anakin's relatively small bag. It made her own suitcase, which was securely squeezed in the boot of her car, rather over the top, but she had never been one to pack lightly, particularly during winter. Boots and coats and sweaters tended to take up a lot of room.

Anakin glanced down at his luggage, before shrugging his shoulders, flashing her a smirk. "Not all of us need to take our entire wardrobe with us wherever we go."

She frowned at his tease, which only served to make him laugh and he bent to brush his soft lips against her cheek, dissolving her irritation immediately. Suddenly needy, she slid her hand up the back of his neck, holding him in place, and kissed him urgently, letting the feel of their lips moving together in perfect synchronisation flood her thoughts until all she could focus on was Anakin. Their lips and tongues were allowed to familiarise themselves with each other for several moments, until Anakin decided to break the contact, grinning down at her with those beautiful blue eyes of his.

"You're easy to win over," he quipped, lips curling into a smirk and she hit him in shoulder, but was unable to stop the smile that graced her face. Being around him made her feel like they were meeting again for the first time. Her stomach was riddled with butterflies, her thoughts muddled, shivers trembled up her spine at his very touch. It was ridiculous, but Padme couldn't deny how much she enjoyed such feelings. Their relationship was stuck in that delightful honeymoon period, and she hoped that it would never leave.

"That's what two weeks does to you," she told him icily, even though she knew it was inevitable that they would spend time apart, but she had missed him. Her words stung him, she could tell, and he scooped his arm around her waist, pulling her into his chest and pressed a sweet, delicate kiss to her forehead before tucking her head under his chin. She sighed into the embrace, enjoying the warmth of his hard body against hers, his strong arms around her.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled into her hair. "I couldn't get away sooner."

Padme nodded against him, breathing in his strong, distinct scent, of musk and oil and citrus and home. "I know, Ani," she said softly, letting her fingers curl into his sweater, holding him to her as though he was going to disappear. Two weeks. It didn't seem that long, not when Padme looked at her calendar and counted off the days, but it had felt like two months. They had been apart for longer than this before, but it made no difference to Padme. Even a day apart was pure agony. She vaguely wondered if it would always be like this; constantly being apart to only reunite again for a few days, living in fear of not being enough, of their love not being strong enough. It was a constant fear of hers, and no matter how many times she told herself it was silly, those little tendrils of doubt constantly prodded her thoughts.

His hands tightened around her waist, finding a sliver of skin between her sweater and her jeans, gripping her flesh with his long fingers. "I'll make it up to you," he promised low in his throat, skimming his nose down her cheek to nuzzle into her hair. The action caused her to raise up on her toes and she hummed a laugh against him.

"I'm holding you to that, Anakin Skywalker."

He pressed a chaste kiss to the side of her throat before he pulled away, eyes flashing dangerously and she quivered under the intensity of it. "Have I ever disappointed you before?" he raised an eyebrow, words slick with innuendo and Padme couldn't help but flush and she turned her head away, because they still in a public place and she didn't want to be one of those couples that made everyone around them uncomfortable. Anakin didn't seem to notice, or care, about what anyone else thought, and he cupped her cheek fondly, running his thumb over her bottom lip.

"I missed you so much," he whispered with complete infatuation, as though he'd forgotten what she looked like and was trying to memorise every line of her face and at that moment, she felt so utterly adored. His lips found the corner of her mouth, infinitely soft and she parted hers instinctively. "Let's go before I lose my common sense and take you right here," he growled and she nodded her head quickly, her breath caught in her throat at his sudden and intense desire for her.

They broke away, and entwined their hands together, Anakin slung his bag over his shoulder and two of them headed out of the airport. They continually snuck adoring glances at each other on the way, and at one point, Anakin was too busy looking at Padme to watch where he was going and walked straight into a magazine stand. The shop keeper had been horrified and Anakin mortified that he had caused so much damage, but Padme just laughed at him, shaking her head and marvelling at how much she was in love with this man. He was such a child sometimes, but he brought out the child in her, something that thrilled and excited her immensely. She would never, ever, get bored of being around Anakin.

Apart from the mishap with the magazine stand, they arrived at Padme's car without any damage or trail of destruction behind them. It was a Mini Cooper, a gift for her twenty-first birthday from her father, and it was just enough for her. Yet, Anakin's tall frame look rather ridiculous cramped beside her in the passenger seat. As usual, she was subjected to Anakin's jibes about her tiny car, or her terrible driving, or the fact that he would have to sit with his knees up around his head for the entire two-and-a-half our trip out to her father's country house. Padme took them in her stride, laughing them off, because if she was being honest, it was probably one of the things she adored most about Anakin. His constant teasing. His playful banter. The way he could be so light-hearted one moment and then catch her off guard with his honesty and his sweetness.

The drive out to her father's country house was one she had driven many times. The distance was compensated by the beautiful scenery. Padme was more of a beach girl, but she couldn't deny the tranquillity of the wide, open plains and the rolling hills. It was peaceful. Anakin seemed to enjoy it too, for once the drive commenced, he hadn't said a word and merely stared out the window, a look of relaxation on his face. His eyes were lazy half-moons, his hand rested gently on her thigh and a comfortable silence existed between them. Padme felt so at ease in Anakin's presence, and she knew she had the same effect on him. When they were together, all their worries seems to dissipate into nothing and it was just them, basking in each other and the simplicity of it all.

"It's beautiful out here, isn't it?" Padme exclaimed after a while.

"Yeah," Anakin responded dreamily, though he was no longer admiring the scenery and instead, was looking directly at her. She blushed at the sweetness of it. She was never in control of her emotions when he was around. He made her feel like she was a teenage girl again, flushing and stuttering and squirming under his adoring gaze.

"So, are you prepared?" she asked, changing the subject before she exploded under his tender affections.

"For what?"

"Meeting my father."

Anakin laughed, a raw, gorgeous laugh. Oh, how she had missed his laughter. Of course, she had heard it over the phone, but that was nothing compared to being in its presence. It was a whole body experience. Anakin didn't just laugh with his mouth; his eyes crinkled and his nose flared and he tilted his head back and his entire body shook with it. He felt every emotion so fully, so completely, it was incredible to behold. "Damn, I knew I should have made note cards."

She frowned. "Be serious, Ani. My father is not an easy person. He'll interrogate you, and ask you so many questions… what you're majoring in, what you're aspirations are for the future, what your grades are like – "

" – my favourite colour, first childhood pet, social security number," he interrupted her with a smirk, making her roll her eyes. It would be a miracle if Anakin ever took anything seriously. She supposed that was her job. "Don't worry, angel," he assured her. "If I can charm the panties off you, the most difficult woman to charm, I'm sure your father will be a piece of cake."

She turned on him then, expression wide. "Excuse me? You did not charm the panties off me, Anakin."

He grinned slyly. "No? So all those times I made you blush before we got together wasn't because I'm so charming?"

She shook her head stubbornly. "Definitely not."

"What would you call it then?" he persisted, and she realised he wouldn't give up until she admitted it, because he was exactly like her in that regard. The pair of them were irritatingly stubborn.

Padme pursed her lips. "Autonomous biological reaction."

He laughed again, "so, basically, scientific phrasing for panty-dropping charm." She huffed, because he was right, but she didn't want to admit defeat. "Come on, angel, admit it," he teased. "I'm charming."

She scoffed. "I can think of many things that you are, Anakin, but charming is not one of them."

"Devilishly sexy?" he suggested, winked at her.

"I was thinking more along the lines of pig-headed," she shot back, enjoying the look of shock on his face. "Annoying. Childish. Reckless. Impatient."

He gasped and put a hand to his chest, his eyes wide. "Ouch. My poor ego." he cried in a wounded voice and she flashed him a smirk.

"Aw, do you need me to kiss it better?" she cooed and her insides fluttered as his eyes darkened, pupils dilating as his desire for her resurfaced.

"I would like that very much," he replied, his voice deep and husky and heady and Padme swallowed as she tried to gain her composure.

"Well, it'll have to wait. I'm driving."

"Tease," he said, though when he leant over to kiss her cheek quickly, she knew he didn't mean it. His kiss swiftly turned into two, then three, and then suddenly he was making his sweet, tender way down her neck and she squirmed, trying desperately to concentrate on the road ahead and not the intoxicating softness of his lips against her skin.

"Ani," she whined, breath hitching a little when he attacked her sweet spot. "I'm trying to drive here."

"Am I distracting you?" he whispered against her skin and it caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand at attention. Before she could respond, he bit down on her flesh, gently, but enough to cause her to jump and she served. Gasping, she recorrected before they drove off the side and snapped her head to glower at Anakin.

"Are you crazy? You almost made me drive off the road!" she yelled at him. Her heart was thumbing loudly against her ribcage, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Sometimes, she swore she could kill him.

His blue eyes danced with amusement and he sat back, resting his arms behind his head casually as though he was lounging on his bed, and not almost crashing to his death. "Crazy about you," he replied simply and she couldn't help but laugh at his response.

Shaking her head, she sighed. "You are going to be the death of me, Ani," she told him, not a single ounce of regret to it, for she was completely bewildered by him and everything he did and she knew that she was in way, way too deep. It was unlike anything else. Being with him was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. He made her feel young, free, infinite, as though anything was possible. Padme never wanted to let go of that feeling.

As the sun sank below the horizon, Anakin drifted off to sleep, resting his head against the window, his breath causing a misty patch on the glass. Padme took that time to admire how gorgeous he was. His long, lanky limbs curled up awkwardly in the small, cramped space, golden hair falling in front of his eyes, mouth open slightly. She memorised the sight of him, capturing the moment, like she did all the other times they were together. He was such a breath of fresh air when awake, so alive and energetic and impulsive. Yet, when asleep, he was so calm and vulnerable. Padme was yet to decide which side of him she liked better. He was as changeable as the weather and it was a constant surprise. Not for the first time, she realised that she was possibly the luckiest girl in the world to call Anakin hers.

It was just after six-thirty when she eventually pulled up to the large, ornate gates that guarded her father's country house. It was a manor of sorts, impractically enormous, with exquisite gardens and fountains and although it was beautiful, Padme was not interested in such displays of prosperity. The gates opened electronically as she approached them, and she slowly made her way down the gravel driveway, around the elaborate fountain in the centre, to park out the front of the marble steps. She gently shook Anakin awake, and he jolted suddenly, blinking rapidly and rubbed his eyes adorably.

"We're here, Ani," she told him softly.

"I fell asleep," he muttered, a little embarrassed but she returned his frown with a sweet smile.

Suddenly, her door opened, and Padme turned to see her father's valet standing before her, one hand behind his back. "Miss Padme," he greeted her formally, and she felt as though she had stepped back in time. Something about this reminded her of Downton Abbey, and as much as she adored that show, she did not adore the principles that governed it. She was more than capable of opening her own door.

But, not wanting to insult her father, she stepped out. Anakin looked just as confused, as more staff began unpacking their luggage from the boot of her car. He went to help, but Padme shook her head at him, mouthing let them do their job. His brows furrowed, but he complied and walked around to stand beside her.

"Um, what?" he muttered, reaching down to take her hand.

"I know, it's a bit much," she replied with a heavy sigh.

Sparing a glance at him, she could tell he was very uncomfortable. Of course he was. He wasn't used to this kind of lifestyle. It was… intimidating. "You never told me you came from this kind of money," he remarked, a little bitterly.

"It's embarrassing, Ani. I… I didn't want you think I was any different to – to you, or anyone else…" she tried to quell his discomfort but could sense she was only making it worse.

"I don't belong here, Padme," he said, deathly quiet and her heart reached out to him. He looked so young in that moment and all she wanted to do was take him in her arms and hold him. But she didn't. She simply squeezed his hand affectionately.

"Hey, it's alright. You'll get used to it." She flashed him a bright smile, hoping to cheer him up, and he returned it half-heartedly, obviously trying to act normal for her sake.

"Don't worry about me," he told her. "I'm fine."

It didn't convince her, but she didn't have a chance to argue with him because her father suddenly approached them, a wide grin on his face. "Padme," he called out and she went into his outstretched arms, kissing him fondly on the cheek.

"Hi, dad," she sighed into his embrace. When they pulled back, his eyes drifted over to Anakin, who was standing uncommonly straight and stoic, looking more serious than she had ever seen him and she tried to catch his eye, to reassure him that everything was going to be alright. The poor thing looked so awkward and uncomfortable that she wanted to take his hand and run away somewhere and make love to him until his anxiety had subsided. For all his talk about being charming, he had retreated in a shell she didn't know he even possessed. "This is Anakin. Anakin Skywalker," she introduced him and Ruwee nodded his head, holding out his hand.

Anakin took it, bowing his head a little. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Naberrie," he said, all formal and polite and so un-Anakin.

"Ruwee," he corrected, giving him a reassuring smile. "I'll have none of this Mr Naberrie business. A man my age doesn't need to sound any older." The jest made Anakin's mouth curl into a smile and Padme's heart surged with affection for her father. He was trying to make Anakin comfortable, to put him at ease. She wanted to hug him.

Anakin offered to help bring the luggage in, and kissed Padme on the cheek chastely, while she followed her father inside. She hadn't been to this house since she was a little girl. It belonged to her grandparents, and she and Sola had stayed here during the winter as children. But it had been years.

"He's a handsome young man, Padme," her father remarked as they stopped in front of the double staircase. "A little quiet though."

Padme sighed sadly. "He's just nervous," she informed him. Anakin was far from quiet. He was one of the most outgoing people she had ever met. He could befriend anything and anyone, with his easy, laid-back nature. She'd never seen him like this before.

That seemed to please Ruwee and he smiled, nodding his head. "Good," he said. "I'm glad. It shows he cares enough about you to be nervous. That's good."

She looked up at him. "Don't be too hard on him, dad," she begged, pleaded, her eyes wide. "He's… he's not used to this kind of lavishness. It's a bit overwhelming for him, I think. He's... intimidated."

Ruwee simply shook his head, chuckling. "I'm not going to eat him, Padme, don't worry." When she released a breath she didn't know she'd been holding in, he added, "but, if he wants to be with you, he needs to know who you are. This," he gestured around him, "is part of who you are. If he can't accept that, then…"

Padme nodded, turning her gaze outside to see Anakin helping with the valet to bring everything in. Her father was right, of course he was. This was part of Padme's life, even if she'd decided to disassociate herself from it. She was from a wealthy, upper-class family and she was a fool if she was to deny it. But she still wanted Anakin to be comfortable. She didn't want to spring everything on him all at once and make him feel inadequate.

As though sensing her gaze, Anakin lifted his head and beamed at her and she returned it, filled with pride, because even though he was clearly uncomfortable, he was trying his best, for her sake, and that was more than she could ask of him. I don't deserve him. I don't deserve him at all.

When he came back inside, accompanied by the valet, Ruwee took them upstairs to show them to their rooms. As they walked, Padme shuffled next to Anakin and wrapped her arm around his waist, stretching up on her toes to kiss his cheek fondly.

"What was that for?" he asked, amused by her sudden affection.

In response, she pressed herself into his side, keeping her gaze fixed on his. "Because I can."

He chuckled and she grinned, happy that he was acting a little more like his normal self. All she wanted was for him to feel comfortable and if that meant sticking by his side for the rest of the trip, then she would do that.

Padme had forgotten how big the house was until she was inside it. The number of rooms was ridiculous, and she was certain they had never all been occupied at the same time, for as long as the Naberrie family had owned it. Eventually, they stopped in front of a room, with a large, spacious bed, freshly lined, pillows puffy and Padme grinned at the thought of snuggling next to Anakin in a bed that actually accommodated both of them. Single bed sleeping wasn't great, especially when Anakin was as tall as he was and took up a lot of room.

"This is your room, Anakin," Ruwee explained. "I hope you'll be comfortable here."

Anakin nodded eagerly, "yes, sir. Thank you."

Ruwee then turned to Padme. "I've had them redecorate your old room, sweetheart," he nodded his head down the end of the corridor. "It's a lot less flowery than it was when you were seven." The way he was smiling made Padme realise he was trying to be sweet, but all she could think was separate rooms? Sparing a glance at Anakin, it was clear that he was thinking the exact same thing. Surely, it was a joke. They were adults, not teenagers.

"You're lucky you arrived when you did, dinner's almost ready," her father continued as though nothing was out of the ordinary, completely oblivious to the silent exchanges between the two of them. "I'll leave you to sort out your things and call you when it's ready."

Padme nodded blindly, forcing herself to smile. Once her father was out of earshot, Anakin gripped her hand and pulled her into his room. His brows were knitted together and there was an ever growing crease in his forehead. "Separate rooms?" he growled through clenched teeth, crossing his arms and frowning at her as though it was all her fault.

"I know," she sighed heavily. "Don't look at me like that, Anakin. I didn't ask for this."

He didn't budge. "I haven't seen you in two weeks, Padme," he informed her, like he had been the only one suffering. "He can't expect… I'm mean. I – I've missed you – "

"I've missed you too, Ani," she said, rubbing her temples. "But – "

" – you can't actually be considering this?" he interrupted her, astonished, jaw locked.

She frowned at him. "I don't want to upset my dad," she told him firmly. Her relationship with him was rocky, and she desperately wanted him to warm to Anakin. If that meant sleeping in separate rooms to keep him satisfied, then so be it.

Anakin was having none of it. His body language was stiff and tall and firm. "Padme, we're adults. What does he think we do when we're together?"

"Well, obviously he doesn't want to think about his little girl having… having sex," she said it in hushed tones, in case someone could hear her, "in his own house." When Anakin merely scoffed in response, she glared up at him, maintaining her firm resolve. "Our relationship is not purely based on sex, Anakin. We can survive for two days."

He met her firm stance with his own, neither one blinking or even speaking for several minutes. At any other time, Padme might have laughed at how stubborn they both were. But right now, she was determined to make a point. A part of her wondered whether she could, actually, survive without sex for two days, knowing that Anakin was just down the hall. Of course, it was different when he was in another state. But here, right under her nose? That was a different story altogether. She was determined to pull through. Padme never shied away from a challenged.

Neither did Anakin, it seemed. He glowered down at her, "Fine. If that's how you want to play, then fine."

"Fine." She stormed out of his room. Challenge accepted.