Anakin talks to Padmé about Artoo going missing. A little Artoo x Threepio as well.
Padmé watches the fuzzy, blue holo of Anakin. It's good to see him, her husband. His hair is starting to grow out from his Padawan haircut and although the stage is a little odd, she still can't find it in her to dislike it. His hair is fluffy and, dare she say, cute.
He also has that scar that cuts down his eye, giving him a hardened look. It helps that his cheeks have lost some of their softness, letting his jawline really show. By all appearances, he's grown up significantly, even as he's pouting and grumbling from his side of the galaxy.
Padmé puts on a patient smile, half amused. "What's on your mind, Anakin?"
He tries to play it off at first with a defensive "nothing", but it doesn't take long for him to bend under her stare.
Sighing, Anakin lays his heart bare. "I lost Artoo during our last fight with Grievous. He was in my fighter but when I went back to look, he was gone!"
Padmé's smile falls. She doesn't say anything, but her heart pulls with worry. She's known Artoo since she was queen. He's been by her side ever since.
"I promised I'd take care of him as you did for Threepio!" Anakin continues. "And I will find him! It's just...everyone keeps telling me to forget it. Obi-Wan didn't even seem to care Artoo went missing and he knows how much I love that droid! And now Ahsoka's warming up to his replacement!"
This exactly is why Padmé fell in love with him -aside from his beautiful face. He loves so deeply and fully. Even a droid can be caught in the net of Anakin's care; and although it sometimes turns to irrationality or possessiveness, this situation seems reasonable. He lost a trusted astromech. That could completely change how he fights.
Anakin's expression darkens a fraction, his voice rough with memory. "It's just like my mother. No one believed me."
"I believe you, Anakin." Padmé pulls him back from his thoughts with her voice, her smile only returning once he's looking at her. "I think it's good you're looking for Artoo. He works well with you and you trust each other. He's our friend. What other reason should you need?"
She knows what the Jedi would say to her encouraging him, but she couldn't care less. Anakin is her husband and she'll stand up for him if no one else will.
"Besides," Padmé adds. "Threepio needs him. You should hear how he complains when Artoo's gone or in danger." They sound similar, she and Threepio. Both worrying for someone they love. Someone sent off to war, who they can only hope will come back in one piece.
That makes Anakin crack a smile of his own. "Tell him I'll bring Artoo home. And I'll give him a tune-up once I get back as payment! This is kinda my fault anyway."
"I'm sure he'll enjoy that." Padmè agrees. She sees the added promise that he too will return home. And maybe, if she can clear their evening ahead of time, they'll get to spend at least one night together. Alone, just them.
She really did waste so much time on Naboo.
Something sounds off from behind Anakin and he turns quickly, paranoid. "I gotta go. Be safe, Padmé. Don't forget to drink water. You can't live off of caff and expensive wine."
Oh, the nerve he has to lecture her. "I will. Now go, find Artoo."
Come back to me, Anakin. Always come back.
Padmé gets one last moment to look at him before the holo turns off. She tries it to deflate, to let out a bone-deep sigh. The war is still young and yet, she's already so tired of it. Tired of gossip and selfish politicians. Tired of fighting for every step she takes, just to get knocked back two.
In a better world, she and Anakin could marry publicly. He would come home to her every night and they'd watch over the droids, and occasionally Ahsoka.
They could actually think of a real family. Children.
But it isn't that world and this family she's found will be enough. She may never have the life her sister does, but she can have this one, as messy as it is.
Just as long as Anakin comes back.