Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU. The song in the dream is "Before The Dawn" by Evanescence.
Disclaimer: The Star Wars Universe was created and is owned by George Lucas, this is just my imagination at work, based on the universe he has created. If this story is similar to another, it's pure coincidence. The song "Before The Dawn" does not belong to me, but to Evanescence/Amy Lee. All credit for that beautiful piece of work goes to them/her.
Note: Thoughts are in italics. Another spot with a dream here, in italics.
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"What was that all about?" Padmé yelled, pulling herself from his tight grip. The cold, chilly air brought shivers to her skin as they stood outside of the apartment building. The wind blew her chocolate tresses into her face, though she tried to tuck them away behind her ears.
"What was what?" Anakin shouted back as they approached the speeder transport.
"That, in there? Why can't we have a Naboo reception; why did I have to say goodbye so quickly?"
"I just want to be alone already," he replied, the anger in his eyes leaving him as he returned to Anakin's form. He ran his hands up and down her arms, holding her close to his chest as he tried to warm her up. "I'm sorry, let's just go."
"Okay."
His sweetness was a poison. And Padmé fed on that poison. Deep inside, she knew what would happen to her. She knew what he was really about.
I will not give in to this.
As they boarded the speeder transport, she knew she was betraying herself. But it didn't stop her.
- - - -
Standing in the closet of the guest bedroom she was staying in for now, Padmé hung her clothing up. As she went through her things, she picked out a lavender nightgown with skinny straps to wear. Crawling into bed, she tried to keep warm underneath the covers. In her mind she knew that she and Anakin desperately needed to talk.
Tomorrow.
- - - -
The cold, dark sky chilled the air. The icy moon hid behind the intimidating cloud tops as she walked along the balcony. Her nightgown was thin and did not serve much purpose as she felt naked, and cold. He approached from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist. He wore the black helmet she so desperately despised, along with his long black cape which flapped in the wind. In her ear, he softly sang to her:
Meet me after dark again and I'll hold you
I want nothing more than to see you there
And maybe tonight, we'll fly so far away
We'll be lost before the dawn
If only night can hold you where I can see you, my love
Then let me never ever wake again
And maybe tonight, we'll fly so far away
We'll be lost before the dawn
Somehow I know that we can't wake again from this dream
It's not real, but it's ours
Maybe tonight, we'll fly so far away
We'll be lost before the dawn
Maybe tonight, we'll fly so far away
We'll be lost before the dawn
The words echoed in her mind.
Somehow I know that we can't wake again from this dream.
It's not real, but it's ours.
As she turned to see him, the mask was gone and there stood Anakin Skywalker. She could no longer hear his voice as he mouthed "I love you" to her. She leaned in closer to him, smiling and realizing he was back.
- - - -
"Anakin. . .Anakin," she muttered in between deep breaths as she awoke from her sleep. Sitting up in bed, she looked around only to find herself in the dark bedroom. As she walked into the living room, Anakin sat at the dining table eating.
"You didn't wake me," she told him softly as she took a seat across from him.
"You were tired."
"Anakin, we need to talk."
"What now?" he muttered in between bites of food, not too concerned with her statement.
"What is going on with us?"
"We're getting married soon."
"Yes, but. . Anakin, I don't know who you are. You change from Vader to Anakin all the time. You confuse me but my love for you covers the confusion."
"Then what is the problem, Padmé?" Anakin snapped sternly, as tears came to her deep brown eyes.
"Nothing. Just forget about it."
Standing up, she left the room and flopped into her bed. She cried, and he never came for her.
- - - -
"Padmé?"
Anakin called for her, not making an effort to actually go to her. He sat on the living room couch, doing something with his datapad.
"What?" she came into the living room, her cheeks bright red as the last few tears fell from her eyes. Wiping them away, she sat down next to him.
"Arela' is coming to get you ready for tonight, she should be here soon."
"Tonight? What is going on tonight?" she asked him, sincerely wondering what he was talking about. He looked at her as if she was dumb.
"You don't know?"
"No."
"Then you'll see. It's a surprise."
The chime at the door rang as Padmé went to go answer it. A green Twi'lek stood before her, one that she instantly recognized. "Hello Arela'," she greeted.
"Are you ready?" Arela' asked timidly. She was naturally shy, but being around someone as powerful as Anakin - or Vader - increased that attribute.
Padmé nodded, and began to follow her. Stopping, she turned around and ran back towards Anakin. "I love you, bye," she said softly as she kissed him on the cheek. He never said a word to her, which was disappointing. At least he isn't lashing out at me.
They headed towards the same salon she had been in just a few days earlier. Arela' washed her hair and left her chocolate curls hanging down. This time, Padmé had no desire to converse with the hairdressers and makeup artists. She was lost in her own problems now, deep in her mind.
Gira came for Padmé to pick out clothing, or at least try it on if Anakin had not already picked something out for her.
Hanging right in front of her was a cream colored dress, one that looked much like a simple wedding dress.
"What is that for?"