A/N- Thank you for the reviews. Please enjoy!

Chapter 10 - Jealously

Summary: Alternate World: The Empire Prevails and the Jedi have all been in hiding for thirty years. Emperor Palpatine searches for a way to live long past his dying body through cloning technology and his attempts at descendants. One of his " experiments" escapes and comes to live a slave's life on Naboo. He will meet and forever his destiny changed by the fateful meeting with none other than one young Naberrie girl…

Location: Theed, Naboo

Month : Winter Fete Day 1 29 BBY

Padme's eyes are overwhelmed by the vibrant colors of all the dresses brought into the parlor. Her hands touch the fine fabric of a light blue dress. The fabric is light and has several layers underneath. This dress is more made for the purpose of a maid of honor which Sabe' is. Dorme's wedding colors consist of blues and purples. These are common combinations of color found on Naboo as well as the Royal Colors of Alderaan. After all, Bail is also the King of Alderann. Bail is a veteran Senator and has been in the arena of politics his whole life. He was born into the Alderann royal family and raised to become a Senator of his home planet. He is one of the few Senators who still believes in free rights for the people. Padme' admires his view of politics and has had many discussions with him on the subjects. And yet he is similarly mannered like her cousin, Dorme. He is kind, passionate about his work and calm.

The only gap between them is their age and experience. Dorme' is 19 and has had few relationships. Bail is 29 and has been married once prior. His first wife Breha had been well loved by the Alderaan citizens. She had died suddenly from an unknown illness 3 years after their nuptials took place. Bail had grieved for 3 years after, and had met Dorme'. Dorme' and Bail will make a good team to run their future planet when on Alderaan.

Wedding-That word seems foreign to her thoughts. In less than three days , she'd be more alone than before. Dorme' would be moving to Bail's main residence on Coruscant through the rest of the Senator term. The thought makes the ache in her chest more prominent. The days have been lonely without Sola around as she is very busy with the two girls. Padme has visited them often, but they had moved to a farm on the outskirts of Theed to a larger home. Their small city home hadn't been big enough for the expanding family.

Then there was Ani. Even though she and Anakin spoke frequently via holo transmission, she still feels the ever growing gap between their friendship. He has been busy with exams the past week so she hadn't heard from him. He wasn't even sure if he'd be allowed to come to the wedding after an incident with another cadet. Apparently a drunk cadet had started an argument with his best friend in a local cantina. Anakin had only been defending himself, but apparently he had injured the cadet's arm, enough where the cadet will be out of an entire semester of training in the Academy. Anakin had been on suspension until the investigation was complete. That had been last week- and Padme' hadn't heard anything from him since his last transmission. Knowing her best friend, his hot headed temper always gets in the way- after his arrogance over his abilities. It is a fault he has always had. They have bumped heads themselves over his arrogance at times too. Yet Anakin had sworn the topic was over how the other cadet had been treating his girlfriend and been bragging about the topic. Anakin and his friend Obi-wan apparently knew his girlfriend as she was a nurse in training at the local infirmary. They had investigated the matter and had found injury on the part of the other cadet. Anakin had decided to take it upon himself to beat the living lights out of the cadet over abusing his girlfriend. So whatever the instructor deemed to be fit , consequences for her young friend would depend. He told her he could even be expelled from the Academy and a part of her heart had hope. Why? Because she selfishly would rather him join the local militia and stay on Naboo- near her. Simply because she is lonely.

Not that she is truly alone. Her days have been busy with classes, and her dates with Palo. Palo has become a staple in her life. They talk most nights via com. Or he has stayed late to help her with her classes. Although- they usually were preoccupied with other things- such as heavily making out upstairs on her bed… The blush crawls on her cheeks thinking of how hot their exchanges have become. She enjoys the feeling of his lips on hers- enjoys the attention he pays her. It is a new kind of companionship she really likes. She knows she really likes Palo, but Sabe teases her often on how she acts like she's in love with him.

In love already? Palo has only been in her life a few month. Although she loves spending time with him, she hardly knows him. Palo is an artist's apprentice. He graduated from the university last summer and has a year left in his apprenticeship before he will be able to take control of his own gallery. He has plans to build his gallery here on Naboo and to build a small home on the outskirts of Theed. He eventually would like to travel the galaxy if his work becomes popular and Padme' is sure it will. He has been noticed by many local nobles for his exquisite work. She isn't ready to define their relationship other than he is her first BO. She truly enjoys his company- but the future is still spinning within the force. After her classes begin after the Winter Fete, she has to start applying for internships either here on Naboo, or on Coruscant and she isn't sure which to go for. Her father told her it is up to her and no one else. Also to not take into account anyone else's opinions on the matter. But doesn't it matter? Palo should have his opinion heard if they are still dating towards the mid semester. Her decision will affect their relationship greatly.

" Padme' what about this color? It would look gorgeous on you!" Sabe' claims.

Padme's gaze flickers over to the dress her sister is holding. It is a lilac color, not quite purple- not quite pink. The lace is thin and more of a floral pattern. Padme' touches it and smiles. Sabe is correct that the dress is beautiful. The dress is backless and extravagant even for Padme's tastes, and yet she can't tear her eyes away from it.

Padme' hands the short blue dress over to her sister, insisting, " What do you think of this dress for you?"

Sabe' blushes and her golden eyes fall upon the dress. The light blue dress is an off the shoulder dress. It is shorter than most bridesmaid's dresses, but is just as attractive as the lilac dress in her own hands. " I think you should try this one," Sabe' comments, pushing the dress into her sister's hands.

She wants to ignore the beautiful light blue dress in her sister's hands, but Padme' exchanges a knowing look with her. " Sabe' please just try it on?"

Sabe' beams back at her and suggests, " If you try on that dress, I will."

Padme' smiles and agrees. They each head to the temporary changing booths set up in the parlor. Padme enters and changes out of her simple black shirt and white skirt. She pulls the dress over her head and cannot button the back without help. Her eyes are drawn to the beautiful floral pattern set in simple beads swirled in the patterns. Sabe' is right- the dress is very attractive to her. It is not too clingy, and the fabric is cool against her skin. The backless part of the dress makes her creamy skin glimmer. Palo would definitely love this dress- and he might even dream of taking it off her. Her cheeks redden once more at that thought.

Sex has been on her mind. She has shown interest in going beyond the heated make out sessions between her and Palo. And yet- she believes you should be in love with the person you want to lose your virginity too. At least in her mind that is how it should be- but the temptation has sometimes been too great- especially when her boyfriend's hands pushed her dress up further than needed.

Her eyes travel over her appearance. She smiles and her mind drifts to that blond haired man she hasn't laid eyes on in months. Would he like the dress? Would he approve of her choices?

She chuckles upon her thoughts. Of course he wouldn't approve!

Anakin would frown upon seeing the backless dress and go all out in protective friend mode. He had done that a bit when she had spoken with him on her first date with Palo. She knew he had restrained his thoughts because she could see the hesitation and hurt in his eyes. He can't hide all his emotions from her. But there had been something else too- why had he seemed hurt? She thought it might be because he's afraid to lose their closeness- perhaps thinking Palo would come in between their friendship which he should know she'd never let happen.

The voice of her sister is louder than before and pulls her from her thoughts. She hears the excitement outside of the changing booth and she exits out of curiosity. Her dress swishes as she leaves the booth and eyes Sabe' chatting excitedly with two new arrivals in the parlor. Their chatting continues as they don't notice her come into their view. It's as if the force has heard her prayers. Her heart beats faster in her chest and a smile graced her lips. His eyes turn in her direction as he senses her comforting presence in the room. Her breathing stops as their eyes meet. The sparks fly between the pair and neither of them needs to speak words to the other.

Anakin's breath hits his chest hard. He cannot help but stare at the vision in front of him. Her hair is up in a messy bun with soft curls cascading down in front of her face. She does not have makeup on today, but damn that dress. His eyes flicker down the entire vision of the floral pattern, how the deep v between her breasts accents her chest and the clingy fabric holds to her hips. She has turned slightly so he can see the creamy skin of her back. The young lady he had left a few months before has transformed into the beautiful woman in front of him.

You came. Her thoughts pass through his mind.

A smile graces his lips as he hears the joy in the force. She is delighted and relieved to see him. He hadn't been sure if he was coming either. It is as if they are the only ones within the room. Her arms wrap around him, as they have always done in the past. His hands touch her bare back and a shiver is sent up his spine. He swallows hard and tightens his arms around her in a bear hug.

" I wasn't sure if you were coming," She breathes into his shirt.

Her voice trickles into his body and makes his heart thud.

" Me either. The investigation never went through. The cadet turned himself in and admitted that he had been abusing her and that he had started the fight in the cantina."

She nods delighted to hear the good news. She soaks in his musky sandalwood scent: the scent she finds comfort in which is his scent.

A throat clears and Padme' breaks the spell she's under. Her eyes fall upon a young man with kind gray eyes. His hair is short and darker blond than Anakin's. He holds out his hand to Sabe' and greets her. " I'm Obi-wan Kenobi, and you are?"

Padme' watches the exchange and the electricity within the force. Her sister blushes as their hands touch. She senses the exchange and the energy between the two of them. She turns her eyes onto the man Anakin has spoken about all these months. He almost feels as if he's force sensitive like- it is nothing compared to the energy within their exchange.

Sabe' blushes and murmurs, " I'm Sabe Naberrie- Padme's older sister. Anakin talks about you nonstop. It is nice to finally meet you."

Do you feel that?

Yeah- that definitely was a connection of energy between them.

They turn to their two counterparts. Padme' waves at Obi-wan and greets him, " It is nice to finally meet you."

I can see why you're smitten with her. Obi-wan echoes through his bond with Anakin.

We're just friends and what was that between you and Sabe'? I've never felt energy like that before.

I'm not sure- but she's breathtaking

A sly knowing grin forms on Anakin's features. Perhaps this visit home will be more interesting- yes- it will be.

The family gathers around the dinner table laughing joyously as Anakin retells his tales of life at the Imperial Academy. His friend Obi-wan chimes in as needed when the young man embellishes his parts of his story. Padme' eyes the pair of young men. Anakin's new friend seems polite and milder in personality compared to their wild friend. He seems to help bring balance to Anakin's wild actions, someone Anakin needs to hold back his temper.

" Where is that boyfriend of yours?" Anakin changes the conversation directed at him to her.

Padme' snaps out of her awful thoughts and smiles politely. " He is working at the art gallery tonight. He'll be here tomorrow."

Anakin's blue hues hide something behind them as he comments, " He's working on a holiday week at the gallery? It's the week of Fete. He is very dedicated to his job, it must be hard for him to balance his work life and love life."

Padme's lips turn into a frown as she sips at her soup. No one had questioned Palo's work ethics and their love life. Why is Anakin the person to bring it up?

Ruwee pats Anakin's shoulder and replies, " Anakin there is no such thing as balancing dating and work. You just make the best of it. Besides, Palo assured me he'd be here tonight."

Anakin eye's Ruwee, noting the kindness and affection he seems to have towards Palo. It is very obvious to him that everyone at this table has spent some sort of time with Padme's new boyfriend and they actually approve of him. For Ruwee to approve of such as man is a high compliment.

" So Obi-wan, you want to be an instructor, I'm wondering why?" Comes the sweet voice of her older sister, Sabe'.

Padme' turns her direction on her sister's question. Her deep golden eyes pass a look to her in knowing, as if she had known that Anakin's probing questions were his over-protectiveness of his friend. Her eyes turn back on the young man in front of her.

Obi-wan's gray gaze is firmly set on her sister. Padme' smiles watching his focus on her sister. There is a determination in his eyes that is humble and kind. He replies, " I want to be an instructor because we need to be sure our officers are well-educated and well -equipped for their command posts once graduation comes."

Sabe' smiles at his response and his peaceful ideals as a soldier. She comments, " A noble ambition indeed."

" And what of your career aspirations Miss Sabe?" His intense gray eyes focus on the young woman in front of him. Sabe's smile grows with his focus on her. Most of the family members around them watch the conversation with high interest.

She answers quietly, "I am considering many options, one of them is to join Dorme' on Coruscant after the wedding as her lady in waiting."

Obi-wan takes this response with joy. He likes talking to this young lady. Her polite manner and kind words speak to his own philosophy of life. She turns her head and eyes her father. Her father smiles at her seeing the chemistry between the pair. They'd all have to watch this play out with great amusement.

But what Anakin senses from his friend is an empty punch in his gut. She's hurt and feeling abandoned. Apparently she didn't know about Sabe's plans Afterall.

Dorme' smiles at her younger cousin and admits, " I do want you to come to Sabe'. You will be my closest companion and I'd love to have more family near me after moving there."

Anakin sits next to his best friend and shoots her soothing waves of calm through the force. She negates it and keeps her lips pursed, trying to hide her disappointment in being left behind.

Ruwee' sips the wine from his glass and rubs his full stomach. He suggests, " Well Katrina and I have some decorations to attend to at the ballroom. Katrina?" He eyes his wife and she nods as they leave the table.

Sola sighs and eyes her chrome watch. She seems anxious at being away from her family. Padme' comments to her, " What time is Darren supposed to call?"

She turns to her sister and murmurs, " About an hour ago- I hope Ryoo isn't giving him hell. She is such a picky eater. Pooja hopefully has had her third bottle."

Her eyes shine with her motherly worries. Sola is a wonderful mother to her daughters. She never spent too much time away from her, but had insisted for the first two days to help Dorme' prepare for the wedding and get the estate ready for the arrivals of their guests. The wedding wouldn't be a large one, Dorme' had insisted that close family and friends of the bride and groom should be present. She never liked the idea of a large family wedding and never dreamed of such. Bail had agreed to her idea of a small wedding because his first wedding had been a spectator event on Alderaan and according to Alderaan customs, the second wedding shouldn't be as grand.

Dorme' smiles, noticing her comm. Beeping frequently. Her smile broadens as she announces, " Bail's ship has arrived at the spaceport. I promised to meet him there. I'll be back in an hour."

Sola's eyes glimmer in mischief as she knows that being back in an hour won't happen. They'd be back in time for turning in for the night. Bail had stayed back on Coruscant to tie up a few small bills his committee was currently working on passing after the recess of the Winter Holidays. Dorme' hasn't seen him in three weeks which meant that they had one helluva reunion coming.

Obi-wan asks, " Miss Sabe' what will you work on this evening? Perhaps I can be of assistance?"

Sabe' smiles and suggests, " I have to work on the gift baskets for the guests, but I'd love some company."

Obi-wan stands up and rounds the corner of the table and pulls out her seat for her. She stands and takes his offered hand.

Padme suggests, " I will go out to the garage and check on the floral arrangements. Anakin, do you want to help?"

Anakin answers, gazing back up at Padme, " Of course I can help you."

His gaze flickers onto hers.

She answers, " Great!"

Anakin accepts her answer and Sola leaves them to head for the garage.

Her breath comes out in little puffs into the cold night air. She is wrapped in her thick cloak which is lined with fur. Her black gloves cover her hands to protect them from the harsh chill of the winter night. Her eyes leer up into the clear night sky. She can make out a few constellations she had learned about as a child from her father. Her father loved the astronomy of the galaxy. Tonight they draw her in as the silence crunches over them. Their steps are slow through the soft crunching snow under their feet. It had just fallen two nights prior- just in time for the Winter Fete. Padme's voice comes out softly, " Do you remember the time we came out here in the middle of the night to have a snowball fight?"

She allows her mind to reminisce about that first winter here at the estate. She had missed those countryside winters and missed her friends. Anakin had woken her up in the middle of the night to the fallen snow and had taken her out in the middle of the snowfall and they'd had the fight of the decade. Snowballs had flown and hit many of the windows near the entrance to the kitchen. They had woken the rest of the family with their laughter and somehow the battle had more members. That had been the best Winter Fete- the first of many.

Anakin chuckles as his breath comes out in large puffs into the night air. " Yes, I remember how poor of a shot you were."

She glances over at her friend and laughs along with him. Their eyes meet: brown hues and blue hues. The connection they've shared for so long is stronger than ever. She smiles back and continues on with their memory, " Yes, but thanks to a certain someone by the end of the night I was winning if I remember correctly."

Anakin chuckles again and replies, " Yes, something I regretted each snowfall after that. You've always been a quick study."

She eyes the house behind them. They are far out of reach of others to hear their polite words or too busy with their duties at the moment. Her eyes roam over her friend's changing form. His hair is shorter in style with more of a spiky feature than waves. His gray uniform makes him look even more handsome in the moonlight. She can tell his non-existent abs had become abs with his training at the academy. He isn't such a young boy anymore- a young man staring right back at her with the same focus.

His gaze flickers over her just as she roams over him. Her hair is down, straightened for once. Her hair is longer than he remembers. Her figure was more womanly in the time they have been apart- or was it just that he didn't remember her body being this womanly?

She seems happy with her life. That puts him a bit on edge. She seems comfortable since she started dating Palo.

The words leave his mouth before he can stop them. " Are you happy?"

Padme's gaze stays in place as she answers sincerely, " Yes. I'm happy."

He nods accepting this answer. She asks back, " Are you happy?"

He nods and shrugs, " Yes- I guess so."

She accepts his answer and continues towards the garage. The fastest way is through the dead garden. The bright green holly bushes are bright within the moonlight. The red berries glint as if taunting someone to taste one, which no one will do. His stride stays behind her as he watches her continue ahead of him. She doesn't notice that he hasn't joined her further on their journey through the dead gardens.

" Do you love Palo?" His voice murmurs against the cold night.

There it is. The dropping of a lightsaber in their polite and non serious conversation. She bites her lips and stops frozen in place. She turns her eyes to meet her best friend's protective ones.

He doesn't keep the space between them while he waits for her answer. She replies simply, " What kind of question is that?"

Anakin frowns and they are a mere foot apart. He suggests, "Sola and Sabe' were hell bent on explaining your feelings towards your very short term relationship."

Her huff echoes through the garden. She murmurs simply, " I like Palo a lot- I don't know if I'm in love with him. Sola likes to think I'm in love with Palo. Everyone likes him. I'm sure once you meet him you will. Why all these questions?"

He runs his hand through his short spiked hair. His tone warns of his rising anger as he retorts, " I want to make sure he is a good fit for you."

Her annoyance is there. She turns on him then, eyes blazing. " A good fit for me? Anakin, I don't have to have your approval to date him. Do I want your approval? It would be nice but you're not around like you used to be."

His eyes flash with hurt and he snaps out, " That isn't fair. I chose to go to the Academy. You have chosen to keep details of your love life out of our weekly conversations."

She scoffs at his hurtful expression. She snaps back, " I left out details because you won't listen! You overreact every time I have brought him up! So why should I seek your approval now?"

He presses his lips into a thin line and retorts, " I've just tried to look after you. I know some call it being overprotective, but you are my best friend. I want you to be happy in your relationship- not sabotage it."

She swallows and tries to change the topic of their conversation. " I don't want to argue with you. You're only back for a few days."

He nods in agreement as they've reached the garage. They step in and his eyes flicker to the floral arch standing in the corner. The arch has several red and purple flowers on it, some he can decipher are from Naboo. He eyes the table beside them. There are several pink and orange lilies waiting to be joined together and become part of the arch.

The heat of the garage kicks in and Padme' sheds her coat as she uses the force to close the door behind them. The well-lit area is warm and feels much like the inside of the house. Anakin had spent many hours during the winter months working on his racer in this same room. Many hours with Padme' as well building the speeder, parked near the opening of the garage- collecting dusk by the looks of it.

He watches her gesture within the air and several orange lilies float across to the arch and bend under her use of the force. She continues this a few times to match on the other side. She tilts her head to the side and murmurs, " Something is missing? What would balance these colors out?"

Anakin flickers his gaze over to the work table. Orange lilies, pinks, blues maybe? Hell if he knows.

" Blue maybe?" He suggests.

She bites her pink lips and watches as Anakin uses the force to bring over the blue roses. He places two on each side of the arch and between the other colored flowers. The colors blend well together as the blue is not too light, it is more like the color of the lakes of Naboo. Padme' smiles and nods in agreement.

They continue to not speak in a comfortable silence as the arch is filled with flowers. Just as they add the last few touches Padme' pats Anakin on his shoulder. They take in the full arch and their completed work. Anakin naturally wraps his arm around Padme's hip and brings her closer to him. She falls beside him, feeling his warmth and she leans her head on his shoulder, as natural as it had been since they were children. Yet it feels different- the thudding of her heart is a sign of these differences. Anakin can sense her nerves through the force. He isn't sure why she's feeling nervous. Perhaps it is for Dorme', or the fact that she'd be here alone soon.

" How are you dealing with Sabe's news?" He asks quietly.

She lifts her head to meet his blue gaze. There's hurt there- and in the mixture of the brown loneliness. He leans down and kisses her forehead silently, taking her expression as enough to not discuss her thoughts.

She literally pushes him away as she hears the light baritone of a young man she admires. Her cheeks become more red as he draws near her. Anakin's eyes flash to the boy strolling happily into the garage. He frowns upon seeing her feel the need to leap out of his embrace. They weren't doing anything wrong and yet seeing her reaction makes him wonder if she felt they were.

Palo is shorter, perhaps 5 ft 8 inches in height. His deep black hair is curled in thick locks that stand up as if on their own. He is fairly built man and Anakin knows if he needs to he'll go down real quick in a fight. The man is not a fighter. He is an artist. His brown eyes shine in excitement at eyeing his girlfriend.

Palo goggles at his girlfriend's outfit slowly in a seductive manner. Jealousy crawls through Anakin's veins as they greet each other with a comfortable closeness. Palo kisses her on the lips and her cheeks redden as her date shows affection in front of her friend. Anakin holds back his fury watching the boy touch her as his arm snakes around her waist, almost protectively.

She doesn't belong to you, boy. His mind hisses to himself. Why? Why did he feel the need to punch the boy's lights out? He clearly liked Padme' based on his body language. Anakin never hears his best friend address him and introduce the younger boy to him. It's as if it is slow motion for him as he only eyes the couple in front of him.

Palo sticks out his hand to shake. He doesn't remember shaking his hand back without a word. Palo squeezes his hand as if sizing up the older boy. He greets him, " It is a pleasure Anakin. My girl has told me a lot about you. It is nice to meet you in the flesh."

Anakin squeezes the boy's hand and says, " I've heard a lot about you as well, Palo. I'm sure there is still dinner up at the house if you're hungry." His voice is a bit tighter than normal, filled with restraint. Padme' senses his restraint, but the bubbling anger radiating through the force. Padme narrows her eyes at her best friend's tone. She eyes him and makes sure her thoughts are loud enough for him to hear them. Why are you angry with Palo?

Nothing-

Nothing my ass! I can sense your fury through the force.

It's-

The silence brought on by the focus on their via the force conversation echoes throughout the room. Palo clears his throat and manages to say, " I will have to check with Ruwee, I told him I'd be a bit later." He pauses and turns back to his girlfriend and her fine work on the arch.

" It could use some more red flowers. Those blue ones make it a bit too dark," He comments.

Padme' looks back at the arch and is about to start placing some red flowers as he had suggested when Anakin chimes in, tuning down the anger in his voice. " I think it looks great P. It doesn't need anymore."

Palo rubs the facial hair on his chin and comments to Anakin. " I can understand someone with no artistic background to say that. But I'm an artist and those colors will be washing out the bride in the background. You want to add some popping color to stand out and not have them all blend together."

Anakin's gaze turns to her chestnut ones and he comments. " I think Padme' should decide if she wants to add more color. She is the one who has done most of the work by herself."

Palo arrogantly sizes up her very large and built friend. For a man who is the same age as himself, Anakin Skywalker does not frighten him, until he meets his cold dead stare which means he is serious about having Padme choose for herself. He knows the cold stare is a mere warning as to what he might do to him, if he chooses to argue about those flowers.

Ridiculous- if her friend weren't here right now, she'd listen to me.

Palo's thought's cross Anakin's mind and he fights back his restraint. He's only met the man and doesn't like his input on her advice. Is he one of those men that will only want to control her? Possess her? His mind swirls with these thoughts.

Padme' notes the cold exchange between the two and decides to compromise. She suggests, " Perhaps I could add a red flower or two to Dorme's hair? I think that would help make her pop more than the background of the arch? What do you think, Palo?"

Palo tilts his head to the right and mumbles, " I think that will suffice if that is what Dorme' prefers, it is her wedding."

Padme' turns to Anakin and asks him the same, " What do you think Ani?"

Anakin crosses his arms, keeping his tight fists against his chest. " I think whatever will make Dorme' happy is a good idea."

Padme's shoulders lower in relief, the tension within the force isn't as bad. She had felt like she was suffocating a moment ago, between Palo's protective demeanor and Anakin's fury. Palo eyes her and asks, " If you are all finished, shall we go back up to the main house?"

Padme' glances at her best friend, who she knows needs some time to himself. His fury curls around his force signature in a red tornado. She hasn't ever seen him this pissed off before which is new territory for her. " Are you staying to work on your speeder?"

Anakin grimaces at her and murmurs, " No, but Ruwee mentioned to me a few broken bits on the mower he'd like someone to fix." It is a lie and they both know it. Her father had fixed the mower two months ago, but it will suffice for Palo's sake. Some things are better left unsaid.

Palo joins Padme's side and grips her around the waist in a possessive manner. He gestures towards the exit and Padme' grabs her coat. She calls back over her shoulder, " I'll catch up with you later."

He nods, staying put in the same spot. He feels if he moves, he might slap that boyfriend of hers across the floor or mop with him. He watches the pair clasp their hands together as they leave. Anakin's fist clasps against his chest. He waits until they leave enough distance between them to allow his fury out within the force.

What in blazes was that Skywalker? Why are you suddenly envious of how he touches her- holds her hand?

His mind rolls with his thoughts. First this morning when he had arrived, he eyes his friend like she's some model on the holos. Now he's wanting to force choke that boyfriend of hers for many reasons.

He deserves to be choked. The dragon coaxes within his mind.

No

Yes

His mind wanders. Is it the way he's treating her? Is it the way she reacted to compromising that upset him?

No- you're jealous of what he has.

That is a preposterous thought! He can't be jealous of their relationship. They seem close, but that won't replace his friendship with Padme'. No- he isn't jealous- unless-

Oh Sith- do I want to be with her?

The thought dawns on him, and hits him like a lightning bolt.

No, I can't have her. She's my best friend- I'd lose her if we were to cross that line.

But you want to cross that line. Simmers the Dragon.

He quietens his thoughts and sinks to the cold metal floor. The revelation churning in his brain evermore- it's simple. He isn't trying to be overprotective and have her be picky about who she dates. It's been plain and smack dab in his face.

I want more than a friendship with her.

To Be Continued