Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

AN: AN: Hello readers and welcome to my new story. This story is very AU, so if seems like some characters are out of character, it is completely intentional. You'll understand why as you read. The M version of this story is located at my group. The link is below, but please be 18 to read that version. Here at you will find the T version. :)

http/groups. and let me know what you think!

Here's chapter 2! Thanks for all the great reviews!

Forever Destined

Chapter 2: Paths Crossed

Anakin groaned and rolled away from the warm body next to him. He opened his eyes and observed the sleeping form of Serra Keto laying next to him. He remembered last night clearly. He and Serra had hooked up a few times since they had broken up two years ago. Almost a year ago, she had told him that she was fine with the fact that there would never be any feelings of love between them, but saw no reason why they couldn't have the occasional one night stand. He had agreed, seeing that he had been trying to abstain and was faltering in that attempt. He remembered that night, just as clearly as last night...

Anakin and Serra were at her place, working on some research that the Council had assigned to them. Anakin found himself staring at Serra more than he should be and got up to get something to drink from the kitchen. Serra had noticed his gazes and quickly followed him.

"Anakin, what's going on?" Serra asked.

"Nothing, I'm just a little on edge," he replied, as he gulped down some water.

"You mean you're horny," Serra replied, tossing her blonde hair to the side.

"I haven't had sex in three weeks," Anakin admitted. Serra looked him up and down, before she approached him.

"Well, let's have sex then," Serra said.

"Serra, I don't feel that way about you. I don't want to hurt you," Anakin replied.

"I want you Anakin. Just sex, no strings attached. You know, like what you have with Aayla. Just wild, hot, mind-blowing sex. And I know you want me too. I think they call it friends with benefits," Serra said, as she smoothed her hands over his chest. Anakin gulped.

"You'd be okay with that?" Anakin asked.

"Oh, I'd be more than okay with it. If all you can give me is sex until you manage to find the love you seek, then I'll take it. You're not the only one that's horny," Serra replied, with a sexy smile. Anakin looked a little uncertain.

"Come on Ani, I know you want me. I can see how much you want me," she said, caressing the bulge in his pants. She smirked, as she headed for the bedroom. The sway of her hips began to hypnotize him. He followed her into the darkened bedroom and claimed her lips in a searing kiss...

He remembered last night just as clearly, despite the alcohol he had consumed. It had definitely lowered his inhibitions and before he knew what was happening, he and Serra were in his room at Obi-Wan's apartment, screwing each other like mad. He still felt the dizziness from the alcohol, even though he had not been fully drunk. Suddenly, awareness grasped him, as he felt Serra on top of him...

"Morning handsome," Serra said. Anakin rubbed his eyes. He was going to kill Obi-Wan for buying him that strong drink. He and Corellian brandy just didn't mix.

"Morning Serra," he replied sleepily.

"Still tired? We didn't get much sleep last night. We were much too busy," she said sultrily, as she traced her hands over his abdomen, before they went lower. He immediately went hard again and he groaned.

"Serra," Anakin said, pulling her hand away.

"Come on Ani, I know you want me," she replied, as she touched him again. Anakin relented and flipped her over, pinning her beneath him. His hands and lips descended on her body...

Later, he collapsed beside her. They both panted and Serra smiled at him.

"Thanks for one hell of a night. That was the best sex I've ever had. Will you be at the club tonight?" she asked.

"Probably. Ben always find a way to drag me there," Anakin replied.

"I'll probably see you there then," she replied, giving him a friendly kiss on the lips before gathering her clothes and headed for the fresher. An hour later, Anakin came out of his room, showered and dressed. Serra had already left, but Anakin heard a woman's giggle. He rolled his eyes, as he saw his brother standing by the door with some red headed bimbo, feeling her up. Obi-Wan saw the woman out and closed the door.

"Well, someone is finally up," Obi-Wan teased.

"I'm never letting you buy me a drink again," Anakin said, as he poured some caf for himself.

"Well, you were brooding and you needed to loosen up a little. Obviously, it worked, because by the time I came home, you were already having hot, wild sex, so you're welcome," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin rolled his eyes.

"Besides, what is your excuse this morning? Was Serra screaming for fun or were you getting a good morning screw?" Obi-Wan teased him.

"Geez...all right. I screwed her brains out, so thank you very much. Happy?" Anakin asked.

"Yes, quite. Quite proud too. I've taught you well," Obi-Wan replied.

"Whatever, I gotta go. I'm sparring in an hour," Anakin replied, as he hooked his saber to his belt and left.

Anakin parried both the green and purple light sabers, as his father, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu double teamed against him. Dooku leaned against the wall, eyes closed, observing the battle through the Force. Qui-Gon and Mace let up, before stepping back and extinguishing their sabers. Anakin extinguished his sapphire blade and swiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. Dooku opened his eyes and master Yoda hobbled over, having also been observing Anakin.

"His powers are remarkable. They just keep growing and growing. I've never seen or felt anything like it," Dooku said proudly.

"I agree. His abilities far exceed that of his peers. I say he is ready for the trials," Mace said.

"I agree," Dooku concurred.

"Agree I do as well. Ready to become a Knight, your son is," Yoda said. Qui-Gon sighed and Mace frowned.

"You don't agree?" Mace asked.

"No, I agree. I'm just having trouble letting go," Qui-Gon said, as he smiled back at his youngest boy.

"You had the same trouble with Ben, if I recall," Dooku said with a smile.

"Yes and part of me hoped that Anakin wouldn't be ready quite this early. But I am very proud that he is," Qui-Gon said, as they approached Anakin.

"Anakin, we've all conferred and agreed that the time has come for you to begin your trials," Mace said, with a smile.

"Anakin's eyes widened.

"Really master?" he asked.

"Yes Ani, you'll begin in a week," his grandfather told him.

"Thank you masters," Anakin bowed.

"I'm going to tell Obi-Wan," he said, as he ran off to find his brother.

Later that evening, Anakin and Obi-Wan entered one of the clubs they frequented. They went up to the bar to order.

"Corellian brandy," Obi-Wan ordered.

"Jawa juice," Anakin ordered. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.

"Drink something a little stronger than thatWe are celebrating your journey to Knighthood," Obi-Wan said.

"No thanks, I celebrate just fine with jawa juice. Brandy knocks me on my ass," Anakin replied, as he surveyed the mass of people dancing. He decided to mingle a little bit and followed his brother.

"It may knock you on your ass, but it also got you laid," Obi-Wan quipped back.

"I don't need alcohol to help me get laid," Anakin replied, as they mingled and several women eyed both brothers with interest.

Padme Amidala trailed behind her best friend, and chief handmaiden, Sabe Valerte, who was weaving through the crowd of people filling the dance floor.

"Come on Padme," Sabe urged.

"Why do I let you drag me to these places?" Padme asked.

"Because they're fun and there are a ton of hot guys here," Sabe replied. Padme sighed.

"Come on Padme," Sabe urged.

"It's really hot in here. I'm going to go get some air," Padme called over the noise.

"Suit yourself," Sabe called back, as she began gyrating to the music.

Padme stepped outside into the alley next to the club. The last year had been hectic for her and usually she relished the chance to get out. But tonight, the club atmosphere just wasn't appealing to her, even though it was nice to get away from work. At the tender age of fourteen, Padme had been elected queen of her home planet of Naboo. She was popular among her people and served the allowed two, three year terms. At twenty-one, she accepted a position in Senator Palpatine's cabinet and there she had met up with Palo, an old childhood friend. She and Palo began dating and had been for nearly a year before she gave her virginity to him. She regretted it of course, as Palo proved a year later that he didn't really love her. A year ago, Chancellor Valorum's term ended and Palpatine was elected Chancellor. He selected Padme as his replacement and Palo had been furious that he wasn't chosen. A horrible, heated argument had ensued between them. He had admitted that while he thought she was beautiful, he didn't really love her. At least not the way Padme believed that she deserved to be loved. He loved her wealth, her power, and what she could do for him. During their argument, Padme realized that she didn't really love him the way she thought and wondered how she could have been blinded to his true personality. Nearing the end of the argument, Palo was screaming at her. She told him that they were through and that she never wanted to see him again. She still remembered the murderous look in his eyes, as he left. Fortunately, that was the last she had seen or heard from him and it suited her just fine. Since then, she had dated a few guys here and there, but no relationships formed out of the acquaintances. She supposed that Mr. Right was still out there somewhere, at least that's what Sola would always tell her. Padme had been so lost in her thoughts, she hadn't noticed the five thugs that were slowly approaching her. She tried ignoring them and headed back to the club. But they blocked her way and surrounded her...

Anakin found himself suffocating out on the sweltering dance floor. He saw that Obi-Wan was talking to some brunette and using his best 'moves', so Anakin didn't even bother to tell him. He stepped outside and breathed in the cool night air. Suddenly, he felt a ripple of fear through the Force, coming from somewhere nearby. He listened and thought he heard a strangled cry and quickly went to investigate.

"Well, well, look at what we have here boys," the fat, disgusting man chortled to his buddies. Padme tried to talk past him again, but he grasped her arm and pulled her to him.

"Where you goin' sweet thing? We just wanna have some fun, right boys?" the man said. His buddies whistled and hollered.

"Please, step aside," Padme said, as calmly as she could.

"Oh no, you ain't going anywhere beautiful. Hold her boys," he ordered. Two of the men grabbed her arms and held her and one covered her mouth, as she tried to scream. She struggled, but there was no breaking their vice-like grips.

"She's hot. We get a turn, right boss?" one of them asked.

"Sure. We all get to take a turn," the man said, as he fondled her breasts through her dress.

"Uuuhhmmm..." Padme's muffled cry escaped, as his hand traveled up her dress and her inner thigh. The disgusting man began unbuckling his pants and freed himself. Padme tried desperately to scream, but the man's hand muffled her cries for help. The man inched her skirt up, preparing to put himself inside her and rape her.

"Let her go!" a deep voice commanded. The disgusting man tucked himself back in his pants and turned to see who had interrupted him. Seeing that it was just a kid, he snorted.

"Beat it kid," the man said, as he turned back to Padme. Suddenly, a snap-hiss was heard and the humming sound of a light saber filled the air.

"Sith, he's a Jedi!" one of the man's buddies yelled in fear. The man chuckled.

"Relax boys, he's just a padawan. Look at the braid by his ear," the man pointed.

"Let her go...I won't ask again," Anakin ordered. The man chuckled and motioned for the two that weren't holding Padme. The three men drew their blasters and the leader stepped forward. He raised his blaster and Anakin's saber cut through the barrel instantly. Reaching into the Force, Anakin pulled the blasters from the other men and Force pushed them into the wall. The leader looked horrified and stumbled back, falling down. He scrambled up and ran away. The two men holding Padme shoved her down before all four of them ran after their leader and as far from the Jedi as they could. Anakin extinguished his saber and hooked it back on his belt. Anakin knelt down beside the woman and helped her up. She looked up at him and she took his breath away. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. When he finally found the ability to breathe again, he spoke.

"Are you all right?" he asked. She stared into his blue eyes, swearing that she had never seen such a beautiful pair before. Her Jedi savior had to be the most gorgeous man she'd ever laid eyes on.

"I'm...I'm fine, thanks to you," she answered, finally finding her voice. She stood up on her own feet, but was still shaky from her terrifying encounter and stumbled. But Anakin caught her and held her up in his arms. Neither could ignore the electricity between them and they stared into each other's eyes for the longest time.

"Thank you. You saved my life," Padme finally spoke. Anakin smiled.

"It's kind of what Jedi do. I'm just glad I was in the right place at the right time," he replied.

"Can I ask you a question?" Anakin asked.

"Of course," she replied.

"What is a beautiful woman like you doing down in these parts?" he asked. She blushed.

"My best friend dragged me down here. It got hot in there, so I stepped out," she replied. He smiled.

"My brother drags me to these dives all the time. He won't miss me. Will you allow me to escort you home? You shouldn't go alone," Anakin said sincerely.

"Thank you, I'd feel much better if someone is with me. I doubt Sabe will miss me either," Padme said. Anakin offered his arm to her and she gladly accepted.

"Thank you Master Jedi," she said. He laughed.

"I'm not a master. I'm not even a Knight yet, but almost," Anakin replied.

"Then what do they call you?" she asked.

"I'm Anakin Skywalker," he replied.

"Padme Amidala," she introduced herself. Anakin's eyes widened.

"As in Senator Amidala?" he asked.

"Yes, that's me too. You're Qui-Gon Jinn's youngest son, aren't you?" she asked.

"I am. You've met him?" Anakin asked.

"A few times. He's a wise man," Padme replied.

"He is, thank you," Anakin replied, as he flagged down an air taxi. The got in and the driver waited for them to tell him where to.

"Republica 500," Padme told him. The driver nodded and sped off into Coruscant traffic.

The air taxi arrived at Republica 500. At Padme's request, Anakin escorted her up to her apartment. They were engaged in such an animated conversation that Padme invited him in. She offered him a glass of wine, as they continued to talk on her sofa. They each talked about their families in great detail. Then, Anakin listened with rapt attention, as she told him about the challenges she faces as queen and now as Senator. Anakin couldn't believe he was sitting next to a former queen. He was entranced by her, as she spoke of things she was passionate about. She listened, her undivided attention focused on him, as he told her about his travels as a Jedi padawan and that he would soon enter the trials to become a Knight.

"So, my brother tried to settle the dispute through negotiation, which is what he we'd been sent there for. But things didn't go well and we had to go into aggressive negotiations," Anakin explained.

"Aggressive negotiations?" she questions.

"Oh, well, negotiations with a light saber," he replied, with a smirk. Padme laughed, as he continued his story.

"Finally, we settled the dispute peacefully and then we returned to Coruscant.

"You sound like you've had some amazing adventures," Padme replied.

"A few," he replied.

"Oh goodness, I can't believe how late it is," Padme said, seeing that her chrono read three a.m.

"Wow, I can't believe it either. I should go so you can get some sleep, milady," he replied.

"All right, none of the milady stuff," she lightly scolded, with a smile, as she saw him to the door. Before he walked out, he turned to her.

"I'd really like to see you again, Padme," he said. Her heart skipped a beat, as he looked at her with those blue eyes.

"I'd really like that too Anakin. In fact, there's this gala that the Chancellor is having tomorrow night and I'm required to attend. They're dreadful and boring, but it would be much more bearable with your company," Padme said.

"I'd love to escort you," Anakin replied. She smiled brightly.

"Great. Be here at seven," she told him. Anakin nodded and lifted the back of her hand to his lips, kissing it. The feeling of his lips on her skin sent a shiver through her and gave her goose bumps.

"Thank you again Anakin. You really did save my life tonight," she said, as she reached up and kissed his cheek softly. The feeling of her lips on his skin sent a shiver down his spine. Never had a woman effected him like she did. Padme pulled back and their eyes locked. Their faces were only inches apart. Anakin brought his lips toward hers and she met him half way. Their lips collided softly at first, before Anakin slowly began moving his lips over hers in a sensual rhythm. Reluctantly, they broke the kiss and Anakin stepped out.

"Goodnight Padme," he said, as he slowly walked toward the lift.

"Goodnight Anakin," she replied, as she closed the door. Each wore a smile on their face, as thoughts of each other filled their minds and hearts...