A/N- I know it has been two months since my last update. I have taken most of that time to revise Rebel Hearts. But I promise to try and stay on top of this story as I can!
Please review or follow!- GP
Chapter 8
Padme feels the weight of Anakin's words as the dinner winds down to the end of the night. Her father, and Palo had continued their dinner conversation in the study for quite some time now. Anakin had been ambushed by her lovely sister, Sola and had disappeared into the living room. Padme' had ended up helping her mother take the dinner plates into the kitchen. Her mother had been complaining about how the hired help hadn't cleaned the dishes properly the night before.
Her hands continue their work in the soapy water, rubbing the dishes clean as her mother yammers on about all of Palo's newest artist work. Padme' tries to be drawn into the yammering, but all she can feel is the strength of the reality she has finally drawn conclusions of a reality she desires; namely one where she and Anakin are exclusive.
And yet- he had been very nonchalant about Palo asking her to go to the Opera with him. Perhaps he is not the jealous type? In fact, how would she even know? She has only known her new lover for a month now. That is not enough time to know someone's distinct characteristics in a relationship. He has been very clear that he wants to spend more time with her and shouldn't that be enough for her? Shouldn't that be enough to satisfy her ache? In truth he has more risks at hand because of his daughter and former in-laws. Her mind wanders back to Tristan and the stiff greeting he gave Anakin, there is some apparent animosity between the two men- of which Padme' did not know and isn't sure she wants to know unless Anakin wants to tell her.
" Padme', perhaps we should go shopping for a dress for the Oprea later this week," Her mother suggests excitedly.
Her mind casts back onto her mother's words and she stops the task at hand, turning to her mother and accuses, " This was all a setup up for him to ask me as a " friend." to the Opera. This entire dinner was never about him helping Anakin and I on our project."
Jobal's brown eyes match her daughter's gleam in mischief. " I don't know what you're talking about. I think it is a kind gesture from an old friend. Now which day do you want to go shopping?"
Padme' flops the sponge down into the sink with a loud splash within the water. She scoffs, " When will you stop at meddling with my love life? I've chosen to pursue Anakin and here you are trying to set me up with a man of your choosing! I really like Anakin and enjoy his company. Why can't you just be happy for me?"
Her mother's glimmer and she frowns at her daughter's outburst. She lifts her chin and her eyes dismiss her outburst. She eyes the kitchen door to make sure they are alone.
Jobal retorts anger evident in her voice, " Palo actually cares about you. He has told me in confidence that he wishes you two had kept in contact all those years ago. General Skywalker is just a phase you need to work through."
Padme's eyes widened at her mother's statement. Just a phrase she has to work through? Did her mother actually hear herself?
" Did I not state earlier that Anakin and I plan on announcing our engagement at the end of the summer?" She deadpans.
Her mother shrugs and admits, " Padme', dear, women in our family don't settle for a man like General Skywalker. He is that holo character who is on the next horizon- the one you desire to be with. He is not one to settle down. He's a warrior and will leave you alone once the next battle comes calling. You will see- you will outgrow him and realize I'm right. You will realize that you need someone who shares your same values and wants a life of a family."
Padme' turns on her mother then steams. She says with fury in her tone, " Anakin and I share the same values! He wants to settle down, here on Naboo- he has other priorities like his d-" Padme' cuts herself off before she admits the truth to her mother.
Her mother holds her hand up in front of her and says with surprise, " He has a child? Padme', that is quite the scandal for a man like him- to have a child out of wedlock is too much scandal for your reputation!"
Padme shakes her head and mutters quietly, " She is not a bastard child. Her mother was married to her father. She died giving birth to their daughter. He is a widower. He isn't looking to chase any dreams in the stars. And I'd prefer you don't gossip about these juicy details."
Her mother seems astonished by these truths and revelations. She murmurs quietly, " Your father and I need to re-discuss your engagement to the General. He would not approve of you marrying someone who already has a child- I, on the other hand, find it very noble of you to want to take responsibility for someone else's child. But Padme' it is a lot of responsibility to take into account."
She cannot believe her mother's words. Discuss her engagement to Anakin? It had been decided. She shakes her head. " You will not be discussing this with father. It will be by decision and Anakin's to explain the situation. Under Nabooian Law, I can choose to marry someone who is a widower with children."
Her mother sighs and exclaims, " Padme', I still think you should consider all of your suitors before announcing any engagement. Palo is a very well put together young man- and I understand your admiration for the General and his complicated past. But just indulge me for once. Even if you just enjoy Palo's company as a friend- let us go shopping for a dress for the Oprea."
Padme' sighs in expiration. " Fine. I will indulge you in a shopping trip this week. But do not expect anything to come from an event between friends."
Jobal smiles and grips her daughter's shoulders in a tight embrace. Her hands are wet and make Padme's shoulders wet on the backs of them. A chill of shivers goes down her arm when she feels the cool water hit her skin. She pats her mother's own back and sighs. She loves her mother and sometimes has given into her indulges. Hopefully it will keep her from meddling more into her relationship with either of the men in her life.
Laughter can be heard entering the kitchen as Anakin and Sola emerge from the hallway. Anakin's ringing laughter brings a smile to Padme's face. Sola chuckles right along with him. They stop short seeing the exchange between the two women and Anakin's eyes, Padme'. Sola exchanges a look with their mother and clears her throat.
" Anakin and I were just exchanging stories." She states, eyeing her sister with mischief.
Padme' wraps her arms around herself and questions, " Do I even want to know?"
Anakin tries to contain his laughter, but it belts out of his sweet lips. His lopsided grin reaches her and he says between chuckles, " The pan -incident- with the dead rat."
Padme' glares at her sister in knowing. That is one story she shouldn't be sharing with him. How embarrassing that night had been! She says, " Sola!"
Sola laughs harder at her sister's reaction and so does Anakin. Padme' can't help but feel the happiness and joy they both have over their hilarious conversation about a time Padme' had wished to forget. Her mother eyes the chrono on the wall and mentions as the laughter dies off, " Well- I believe we should be saying our goodbyes, it is well past ten. I will wish off Palo before he leaves. Padme' I think it is well time for General Skywalker to bid adu too."
Her eyes lock with Anakin's in that instant. His eyes reflect the ache that she feels in her chest too. She clears her throat and mentions, " Mother, I will be leaving as well."
Jobal eyes her cautiously, and is about to protest when Sola mentions, " Then I'll see you next week for our weekly lunch?"
Padme' smiles at her sister and replies, " Of course. Good night everyone."
Padme' takes Anakin's hand in her own and leads him out the back door and towards his speeder. She leans into his touch at the small of her back as he opens the door to his speeder. He shuts the door for her and murmurs, leaning over the speeder door. " Isn't this a bit scandalous on your reputation?"
She smiles and leans up brushing her lips over his. " I don't care."
He laughs and pulls away to start the speeder, leading back to his home.
Her body hits the back of the kitchen door as it slams against the frame, settling itself where it belongs. Their breathing is intermixed as their lips smash against each other. His hand grasps at the split that exposes her beautiful tanned skin of her left leg and thigh. His fingers burn her skin and the ache between her thighs grows. His fingers trail up past her thigh and into the portions of her thigh unexposed by her emerald dress. She kisses him hard as his fingers find her hot core and she feels the brush of his fingers on her exposed hot core. He continues to brush her core with his fingertips and she leans her head into the crook of his neck. She murmurs against his neck, " Anak- please- I n-eed."
Her words are cut off by the pleasant explosion of color across her eyes. Her words are no more than pure ecstasy as she reaches her climax. Her head tosses back as she lets out a moan. Her eyes close as his fingers move to her hips and hike up her dress around her waist.
He senses the pure need in her aura. He has yearned for her as well- all night- waiting until they could be alone. He unfastens his pants and pushes them down enough to free himself. He hooks her legs around his waist and doesn't hesitate as he did last night. He breathes into her ear as he enters her- not gentle at all. They both lose themselves in the moment- made one with their hips continuing their dance. The movement is not gentle, but fast and pure lustful in acts. It isn't long before he groans as he reaches his climax and she follows. While still locked together and within her, Anakin pants out a breath and lays his hands against each side of her shoulders. He lips meet hers murmuring against them, " Fo-rce, you'-re go-nna k-ill m-e."
She kisses him back and lets out a small chuckle. She whispers, " I can see the holonews " General Skywalker killed by orgasm."
His laughter is louder this time and he kisses her forehead before pushing himself off the door. He helps her lower her legs to the ground and she wobbles a bit. He catches her and she smiles back. She pushes her hiked dress from around her and eyes the sink. She needs some water after their excursions. She strides over to the sink and taps the panel to fill her glass. She brings the water to her lips and sighs. The turn of events in the last 24 hours has her heart filled with elation, even with her questions of where their relationship is going in terms of their intimacy. Sex seems to not be a problem between the two of them. But what of the rest of the relationship? She wonders if she should wait and see what happens or express her desire to only focus on them.
She bites her lip in thought and he watches her do this. He watches her deep in thought and can't help the cloud of happiness to float overhead. His world has improved since he's met her- everything is brighter, colorful. He hasn't felt this way in a long time. She's slid into his world and fits so perfectly. However, a part of him wonders when the pin will drop. He's had his heart broken once, and barely survived it- came out stronger for it. But this huge leap of faith has made him have courage- courage he yearns to take. But does she want it too? Her stance- her force signature shines in yearning more- but more of what?
" I'm going to ask you something and I need you to be frank with me," He says.
Padme' smiles at him and nods. She waits for him to ask- her heart wondering if he's going to ask her what she's thinking. She knows it's faster than she's expecting, but she knows what she wants, even if it seems short.
" Padme' I know you've asked for us to go slow, but- I-" He pauses, trying to find the words he wants to say.
She steps forward and waits, heart beating hard in her chest. Waiting to see if her thoughts are his. He closes the gap between them and caresses her face. Her brown eyes stare into his- waiting.
" I'm crazy about you, and I know I want to marry you when you're ready. But- do you want to make our engagement public?"
She beams at him. " When?"
He laughs and kisses her sweet lips. He asks, " When do you want to go public?"
She whispers back, " Soon- I'm crazy about you too."
He kisses her lips and murmurs, " Okay."
She whispers back, " Okay."
To Be Continued
