(I should be doing the stuff I need to do, but I think I have this chapter perfect and I couldn't wait to share it with you.)

Chapter 18

When the door opened, two guards came out. The guards were young and full of vinegar, ready to protect their chancellor however possible. Upon seeing Anakin, they didn't see a Jedi husband, but simply a man with a brown cloak and long curly hair.

One of them raised their blasters. "You back away from here. The chancellor is coming through."

Anakin said nothing.

"Hey," the other shouted. "Are you deaf? Back off!"

Despite himself, Anakin tensed and stood completely straight. The guards immediately fell into a defensive stance.

"If you fight us," the first began. "Know we are ready to die for our chancellor and we aren't killed easily."

Anakin nodded, slightly amused. "I should hope not."

They hadn't been expecting that and glanced at each other.

Anakin smiled slightly and took a step forward. "You will let me pass."

As if transfixed, they repeated his words and he walked past them and opened the door.

Padme sat at her office with her head in her hands. It had been almost an hour and Anakin hadn't come. Would he even come? She had thought so, but she didn't know anymore.

She'd wanted to go find him, but her guards had been too stubborn. They wanted to make sure the halls were empty first, so when Padme heard the door open and close she let out a sigh. "Is it safe?"

There was a long pause. "No, your guards are weak minded."

Padme jerked her head up and stared at him. "Ani—"

It took everything in Anakin not to cry when she said his name. Everything. His eyes whelled up with tears despite his objection to it, but he managed to keep the tears from falling.

"Padme," he whispered back.

She stood and started towards him. he stiffened and she stopped. Her brown eyes were hopeful and nervous, pleading and daring.

Ani—Just give me a sign. Anything, any movement. Please…

Anakin stared at her. She was beautiful, just as beautiful as the day he'd married her… no, more. She was more beautiful. She was a sight he had never expect to see again, one he'd been afraid to see, and one he wouldn't be able to close his eyes against if his life depended on it.

"I'm so sorry…" he choked and the tears fell then. Within a moment, Padme was there, pulling him into her arms. He buried his face in her chocolate brown hair and let himself cry.

"I forgive you," she said through tears. "I forgave you long ago." She wrapped her arms tighter around him. "I love you."

Anakin closed his eyes and held her close. "I love you too."