"I'm not brave enough for this…" came the voice with the rich accent. Anakin smiled openly.

"We all have our weaknesses, Master Kenobi," Anakin replied. Obi Wan scoffed and took another glass of brandy from the bar. The copperish liquid disappeared into his mouth in a mere second. "And apparently alcohol is another of yours," Anakin observed.

Kenobi regarded him with a wry look before turning to the crowd. Senators were present along with their spouses. Obi Wan recognized a few ambassadors, as well, to further the presence of their systems at the ball.

It was the first fundraising party the Senate had thrown since the beginning of the war almost five months ago. The Trade Federation had been underestimated. Droids were easier to acquire than clones. Faster, really. The Jedi helped, but it was only a patch, a temporary solution until they could get more resources to strengthen Army of the Republic.

A lot had changed. Figures and icons had risen. General Grievous was the leader of the droid army and Count Dooku's ally. Obi Wan Kenobi, the Negotiator, had become General and one of the most notorious leaders of the Army of the Republic. The young Jedi Anakin Skywalker had wasted no time in acquiring a reputation as fearlessness, becoming a champion soldier. And tonight, the two Jedi heroes were at the party to attract more supporters. Their presence alone was enough to alert members of Coruscant's highest circles, who desperately wanted to rub shoulders with the protagonists of the conflict.

"What do you know about Senator Organa?" he asked his Padawan. Anakin looked at the tall politician, who was talking to his wife.

"Not much. Senator Amidala considers him a friend an ally," he replied.

"How do you know that?" Obi Wan inquired. Anakin shrugged and sipped his drink.

"She mentioned it once."

Obi Wan continued to look at his Padawan for another moment, searching his face for more information. There was nothing there. He turned to the elegant crowd again. It was a mass of rich fabrics and tingling jewelry that despite the glamour looked terribly uncomfortable. He was grateful for not being allowed to have possessions.

"Is she here?" he asked casually.

"I don't know. I haven't seen her," Anakin replied. It was the truth. He had not seen her yet, but he could feel her presence in the vast room.

"That's too bad. I was hoping she would introduce me to Senator Organa."

"Why do you wanna talk to him?" Anakin asked.

"I don't trust the senate, but maybe he has some interesting ideas," Obi Wan explained.

"You should introduce yourself. I don't think he'll mind," Anakin said.

"Perhaps you're right. I'll have a word with him," he announced to his young friend.

"Lead the way," Anakin sighed, already taking a step forward. Obi Wan held his arm.

"I'd rather keep this conversation private." Anakin panicked for a moment.

"You're not leaving me alone with these people, are you?" he voiced his biggest fear. Obi Wan frowned a bit.

"I thought you liked politicians."

"I endure them," Anakin quickly corrected. Kenobi chuckled and Anakin shook his head, his eye catching a figure standing in the distance. Padmé locked gazes with Anakin from the other side of the ballroom but only for a second, for her head immediately turned to the person she was talking to. "All right… go talk to Organa," he relented.

"You'll be fine?"

"Yes, I'll… take a walk or something," he muttered. Obi Wan patted his shoulder gratefully and set course to Bail Organa. Anakin sighed heavily. If it weren't for Padmé being there as well he would've died of boredom.

Making his way was a feat on its own. Everyone who recognized him wanted to shake his hand or have a few words with him. He had to admit, part of him welcomed the praise that was so freely given to him. It was nice to have some recognition after fighting restlessly in the war. The Jedi never said anything about his efforts, except for Obi Wan, who fought by his side.

He was finally making progress and when he got a few feet closer to Padmé he realized she was talking to a man. He looked a little older than her, maybe thirty years old, and he was quite tall. His attire was impeccable and he appeared to be very charming because Padmé couldn't stop smiling or laughing with whatever it was he was saying. Anakin hoped her glee was forced to appease the man. It wasn't. She was genuinely entertained by his presence.

Padmé caught Anakin looking at her and motioned for him to come closer. He took a deep breath and moved towards her, his shoulders tensing.

"Hello, Anakin," she greeted.

"Hello," he said in a small voice, then cleared his throat.

"This is Pharo, he's an old friend of mine," she introduced. The two men shook hands.

"Pleasure to meet you," Anakin said politely.

"You too. Wow, this is such a treat. Anakin Skywalker himself. Congratulations, by the way. We're all very proud of you," Pharo said warmly.

"Uh, thanks," Anakin mumbled, embarrassed. He wanted to kick himself for acting like an awkward teenager. Why did the guy have to be so nice?

"No problem. So what kind of equipment do you fly? Jedi fighter, NightWings, Compact Destroyer?" Pharo asked.

"Jedi fighters for now," Anakin replied.

"Which one, B-Series or C-Series?"

Anakin groaned inwardly. He liked ships, too?

"I'm still on a B-Series, but I'm hoping they'll give me a C-Series soon."

"Anakin is an amazing pilot," Padmé added.

"So I've heard. You gotta be if you won a podrace at nine," he smiled, elbowing Anakin on the side like they were old friends.

Anakin was annoyed at how much he already liked this guy. Why didn't Pharo feel threatened by him? Usually men regarded him closely when he was talking to their wives. He was far from vain, but he knew the effect he had on women, especially since the war had started and the press had pinpointed him as the hero to watch. And he couldn't help but feel proud of the fact that he had attracted someone like Padmé.

"You're not drinking anything," Pharo observed. "We gotta fix that." Anakin wanted to scream. What was it with this guy?

"Neither am I," Padmé pointed out, raising her empty glass for emphasis. Pharo laughed and took the glass from her.

"You, holding an empty glass? No surprise there, Padmé," he joked, eliciting a laugh from her. Anakin wanted to smile, but didn't. The guy had a point. Padmé certainly enjoyed her liquor. "I'll be right back," Pharo assured before heading to the bar. Anakin followed him with his eyes, hoping someone would engage him and effectively distract him from his mission. He didn't want him anywhere near Padmé.

"He's so much fun to be around. You'd like him," Padmé said.

"I already do," Anakin replied. "How do you know him?" he asked casually, hoping his jealousy was buried under his light tone.

"Oh, just from these things. He's the party planner," she informed. Anakin felt better already. The guy was just a party planner.

"Not a very masculine job, don't you think?" Anakin smiled. Padmé rolled her eyes. Uh-Oh.

"Not a very adult remark, don't you think?" she shot back. Anakin looked at his feet awkwardly.

"It was a joke, sorry," he mumbled.

"It's fine," she sighed. "So, when do you leave?"

"Tomorrow night," he answered.

"Do you know where you're going?"

"I'm not sure yet," he admitted. Padmé gave him a sympathetic smile.

"You're so brave, Anakin," she whispered. Anakin's ears perked up at her compliment.

"You think so?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "Anyway, it was nice seeing you. I have to go talk to some very boring people now," she sighed.

"How boring?" Anakin smirked.

"Coma-inducing," she laughed and Anakin matched it with his own amused chuckle. He had missed talking to her. He hadn't seen her since he left her apartment that night she invited him over to dinner. They hadn't done much talking then, he thought with a smile. He wondered if she would invite him over tonight.

"I'll see you when you're back," she said, touching his arm. That was a 'no,' then.

"Sure."

"Take care of yourself, Anakin," she smiled. Anakin smiled back and she walked away from him. He watched her making her way through the crowd, not missing how men noticed her. It was hard not to, really. She looked exquisite tonight.

His jaw clenched when he saw Pharo intercepting Padmé. He said something and Padmé laughed out loud, bringing her hand to her mouth to cover the explosive sound. Anakin turned away. He couldn't take this anymore. Without telling his Master, he left the ballroom and returned to the Jedi Temple.

This would not end like this.