dirty little secret

"don't tell anyone, or you'll be just another regret," all-american rejects

Padme walked gracefully down the hallway leading to Bail's office, her gown trailing behind in an ocean of blue fabric, dragging along the floor. She groaned, stretching two hands down to pull the ends up, preventing them from trailing on the floor.

The Senate had been opened today, after months of it being closed. Bail had arrived in tears, and had bravely delivered his speech to the awaiting Senate, members of which that were eager to know why he had arrived in such a state. Known to be a man of calmness and tranquilly, it was unusual to see the Senator in such a state. And so, because she actually cared for the man and thought him a friend, unlike the other members of the Senate who despised him, she had decided to pay him a visit.

Padme raised a hand to knock on his door and, receiving no answer, knocked again. Receiving no answer once more, she opened the door with a gentle hand, and with brown eyes, peeked into the room, expecting to see Bail slumped over his desk, tears wetting his papers.

What she saw came as a surprise.

Padme saw Anakin, the blonde hero of her dreams, twirling around in Bail's chair childishly, his cloak draped over the desk. His eyes were closed, and a new scar lined his face, another one she had committed to memory on sight.

He finished his spin, opening his eyes. Catching sight of Padme, standing there, an amused grin lightening up her face, he jumped up, a smile playing on his lips.

"Senator Amidala."

"Jedi Skywalker. A pleasant surprise to see you here. I was expecting Bail."

Anakin cleared his throat, clasping his hands behind his back. "Senator Organa has left for home, and left me in charge."

"Left for home?" she asked, puzzled.

"Yes. His wife sent him a message and Bail left," Anakin smiled, walking towards her. A few moments later he had wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him.

"You smell like home," he whispered into her ear, taking a deep breath of her hair. She felt him placing a discreet kiss on top of it.

As much as she wanted and needed to bury her face into his chest and devour the rare sight of him, she knew she could. "Tell me what happened in this battle," she murmured into his chest, before drawing away from him, taking a seat. He looked disappointed but brightened up shortly as he sat back down and told her. She nodded, but wished – wanted – to draw him into her arms and kissing him as if he was her only air.

They may have been able to separate them by planets and time, but they could never separate the ownership of their hearts. The Jedi may have forbidden it, but they could never tear them apart. The Senate may have disliked it, but they loved each other and that was enough.

She would rather have these snatched moments with him, rather have no kisses given to her but in private, than not have him at all.

Even if she had to keep him her dirty little secret.