Anakin woke up to Padmé nuzzled to his chest. The morning light shone through the window painting soft stripes of light across her peaceful face. He watched her, a familiar ache tightening in his heart. She was so beautiful lying there. He could almost forget the sting of watching Padmé dance with Palo to their song. He had hacked his way into the music player to add that song as the next one, and right when the song started Padmé was dancing with Palo. He gently brushed his hands through her soft hair, and snuck a kiss on the top of her head. Padmé stirred her, her eyes fluttering open. "How was waking up to a kiss?" Anakin murmured.

"Wonderful," Padmé answered a smile gracing on her lips, before concern crossed her face, "I'm sorry about yesterday. How I ruined our dance."

Anakin had wanted to hear that apology, but seeing Padmé's frown was not worth the satisfaction of hearing an apology. "Don't be," Anakin said before he kissed her again, this time on the forehead.

"But our song-" Padmé started before Anakin put his finger on her lips.

"It's not like you wanted to leave me either," Anakin reassured her.

"Anakin," Padmé stated in a firm voice, "I saw how bothered you were by Palo's attention on me last night."

Anakin couldn't lie to her about not being jealous, "You know I don't like it when others vie for your attention. It's not because I don't trust you. I don't trust them. But the biggest problem is," he hesitated searching for the right words, "Is the frustration." Anakin raised his voice into a rant looking out the window, "When Hek said he'd be honored to call you his girlfriend, all I wanted to say was what an honor it is to be your husband." He turned his face back to her staring deep into her eyes, before he finished in a quiet whisper, "But I can't. I can't even compliment you the way you should be, or simply hold your hand in public. All things you deserve from your husband."

Padmé traced her hand on Anakin's soft chin, "I know, Anakin. Believe me, I wish things were different too. But at least we have each other here, in private."

He leaned into her touch, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "You are the most incredible woman I know, Padmé. Smart, beautiful, strong... you have no idea how lucky I feel to call you my wife."

"I do, it compares only to how lucky I feel to have you as my husband," Padmé responded before pulling him close for a kiss. A kiss filled with longing and love from the one person he loved.

A knock on the door shattered apart their kiss. "Padmé," Sola's voice called out.

"Coming!" Padmé shouted before glancing at Anakin, and mouthing, "Closet." He squeezed her hand before disappearing behind one of her many dresses in the closet. "Come in!" Padmé announced.

"What were you up to?" Sola asked.

"Nothing, just finishing up some work," Padmé answered.

"Workaholic, are we?" Sola laughed, and Padmé hoped she didn't suspect anything.

"That's why I did it here so you wouldn't complain, but you didn't come here to lecture me about my work-life balance," Padmé noted.

"No I didn't." she responded earnestly, before starting with excitement, "Tell me about that dance with Palo. He seems like a charming fellow."

Padmé reminded of the conversation she just had with Anakin touched her snippet instinctively, "He's ... nice."

Sola noticing the necklace spoke up "Nice? You looked so happy during that dance, and your still wearing his gift."

Padmé was about to rip of the snippet before she remembered that Anakin had the locket before answering, "This is the same necklace I've always worn. The dance, no the song, reminded me of a good memory that's why I was so happy."

Sola's brow furrowed. "That song? I don't even remember adding it to the playlist. I didn't even know it."

"You didn't? It's very popular, at least on Coruscant," Padmé said.

"No, but back on topic. What about Palo?" Sola persisted.

"What about him?" Padmé asked.

"You, him-" Sola hinted.

"Sola, no," Padmé pleaded, the strain evident in her voice..

Sola raised her hands in mock surrender, "Alright, alright, I just wanted to see if my little sister finally found someone," Sola said.

A pang of longing shot through Padmé. She yearned to confess everything, to tell Sola about Anakin, about their forbidden love. But the words couldn't come. All she could say was a choked, "Not today."

Sola's smile faltered. "I hope someday you will," she said quietly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You deserve it."

The door clicked shut behind Sola, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Anakin emerged from the closet, walking over to the bed where Padmé had sunk back onto the bed, her shoulders slumped. He lay down next to her as she muttered, "I wish I could have told her," continuing in a wishful voice she said, "I wish I could tell everyone about how wonderful you are."

"Why can't you?" Anakin asked even though he knew the answer, as he took her hand into his, massaging it softly.

"We agreed to tell no one," Padmé muttered in disappointment.

"But, if you want to, you can tell anyone," Anakin told Padmé, giving her the power to end their secret.

"I do," Padmé admited before continuning in an expression of resignation, "But not at the expense of everything you've worked for. I can't be the reason your future as a Jedi is jeopardized. I'm not that important."

"But, you are, Padmé. You're everything to me," Anakin said in a voice filled with supreme confidence.

"Anakin," she squeezed Anakin's hands in both of hers as she continued pleading, "please don't make this harder on me. Don't tempt me to break our promise."

He pulled her into a tight embrace, as she relaxed in the warmth of his warms. He whispered into her ear, "It's your choice. I trust you to make the best one."

Their moment of quiet was shattered by the sudden shrill of his comlink. He pulled away, retrieving it from his hidden clothes. "Skywalker here," he answered the com.

Obi-Wan responds, "Anakin I apologize for cutting your vacation short. The Separatists have proposed negotiations for a peace treaty, but the Chancellor belives that it is a trap so he wants to send in Jedi protection."

Anakin felt a surge of frustration from being sent away from Padmé, "And, I'm a part of the Jedi protection."

"Not exactly," Obi-Wan explained, "One of the terms was that only diplomats, and family are allowed in the negotiation rooms. We'll create a fake identity for you, but we need to confirm the list of politicians. The Council wants you back on Coruscant as soon as possible. Keep your departure under wraps; we need everyone to believe you're still on vacation."

"Understood master," Anakin said. Once Obi-Wan was gone he turned to Padmé, his face filled with disappointment as he apologized, "I'm so sorry to be leaving already. It was fun while it lasted."

"Don't worry about it Anakin, I'm not going to be missing those negotiations. We'll still be close," Padmé reassured him. Padmé's comlink beeped, and she quickly typed a message, "The Chancellor already asked if I want to join, and I said yes."

"But you heard Obi-Wan, it might be a trap," Anakin's brow furrowed in worry.

"And that's going to stop me?" Padmé asked lifting her chin in defiance. "I'll have constant Jedi protection, including the best Jedi," Padmé comforted Anakin as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Besides, someone has to watch your back."

He gazed at her with conflicting emotions, on one hand he wanted her to be there with him, but he also wanted her to be safe. He decided to concede, "Alright, I see I can't change your mind."


Sola eyed Anakin with suspicion as he descended the stairs. "What were you doing? You didn't answer when I knocked on your door."

Anakin cleared his throat, his face betraying a flicker of nervousness. "Council meeting," he said curtly. "Urgent mission. I have to leave."

Padmé, anticipating Sola's disappointment to her news, interjected quickly hoping that Anakin's news distracted them enough. "I have a similar situation, a diplomatic mission that requires immediate attention."

"What about your vacation Padmé?" Sola asked her face laced with sadness.

"This mission could potentially end the war, Sola. It's too important to miss," Padmé responded.

A heavy silence descended upon the room. The weight of unspoken goodbyes hung in the air. Sola looked from Padmé to Anakin, her gaze lingering on them. "Can you two at least stay for breakfast?" she finally asked, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice.

"No, it's truly urgent for me. I've been late for way too many meetings," Anakin responded as he left. Outside Anakin saw Ryoo and Pooja playing.

They ran up to him and asked, "Are you leaving?"

"Yes, I was called back to work," Anakin explained. "Thanks for keeping the secret," he thanked quietly before handing them a sweet, "You'll get another one if you keep it."

"We will," the two girls insisted taking the sweet from Anakin's hand.

Padmé remained, forcing a smile as she joined Sola for breakfast. The meal was a quiet affair, punctuated only by the clinking of silverware and the hollow echo of their unspoken anxieties. Finally, with a heavy heart, Padmé said her goodbyes and departed for Coruscant.


"Who have we confirmed for the negotiations?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I asked the members of the Loyalist Committee. Senators Amidala and Organa have already accepted," the Supreme Chancellor responded.

"Disguise Anakin as family to one of these senators, we would," Yoda said.

Chancellor Palpatine stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Why Skywalker, Master Yoda? We have other capable Jedi."

"On a well-deserved vacation, the public believes him to be," Yoda countered. "Less suspicion it will draw."

"Then Senator Amidala," Palpatine interjected. "Skywalker knows her better than Organa."

Mace Windu leaned forward. "But what cover story do we fabricate? Negotiations with family only are permitted."

"Close enough to be let into the negotiations he must," Yoda said.

Obi-Wan's eyes gleamed with a calculated glint. "He could pose as Senator Amidala's… boyfriend." Everyone would belive that. He can barely hide his adoration when he wants to, and the Senator is a great actress.

Mace Windu raised an eyebrow. "Would Senator Amidala agree to such a charade?"

That would be the one problem in this plan, but she trusts Anakin. He has already been her bodyguard before. "It is the best option, and the potential damage to her reputation is minimal. If exposed, the Jedi Order will issue a statement clarifying the fabricated nature of the relationship – a mere precaution for her safety," Obi-Wan stated.

"Ask her we must," Yoda clarified.

"Are we not concerned about Skywalker's capabilities on this mission?" Mace asked.

"He'll be fine. His first solo mission proved that," Obi-Wan said.

"Even with Geonosis," Mace continued.

"Senator Amidala practically dragged him there," Obi-Wan interrupted.

Palpatine cleared his throat, effectively silencing the room. "Then the plan is settled. The story will be that Senator Amidala, during her vacation, encountered a charming young man and wishes to bring him along. A 'sudden' break-up will occur if Skywalker's cover isn't compromised."

"For added security, the Jedi will send Masters Kenobi and Koth as official support," Mace Windu said.


When Anakin arrived outside the Jedi Council chambers he saw Padmé, and Bail Organa already waiting. Anakin feigning suprise spoke up, "What a suprise to see you here Senators."

The Jedi Council's doors opened as the three of them walked inside. In a cold voice Mace Windu spoke, "Welcome to the Council, Senators. Skywalker."

Anakin cleared his throat. "Masters, I was under the impression this mission would be undercover."

"Indeed," Mace Windu replied, his gaze lingering on Anakin for a beat too long. "To enter the negotiations, you'll require a close familial connection to one of the Senators. The Council has decided you will pose as Senator Amidala's boyfriend, Ric Antilles."

Anakin's eyes darted towards Padmé checking her emotional shields which were still strong. "And the Senator approves?" Anakin asked raising his eyes.

Padmé's expression remained controlled, a politician's mask hiding the emotions swirling beneath. "She does now." A flicker of a hidden smile passed between them, a silent exchange that escaped the scrutiny of the Council.

"While Masters Kenobi and Koth will provide support," Mace Windu continued, "only Ric can enter the negotiation room."

Obi-Wan, ever the diplomat, took over. "The Chancellor suspects a trap, Senators. However, if there's a chance for peace, we must try."

Padmé's voice sharpened. "Where will these negotiations take place?"

"Shu-Toron," Obi-Wan answered. "A neutral world. Their negotiation rooms are highly restricted, hence the need for your undercover role, Senators. Securing Jedi presence on the planet was a feat in itself."

Bail furrowed his brow. "Are we the only Senators attending?"

Obi-Wan nodded grimly. "Regrettably, yes. We depart shortly after this meeting. Senators, you are dismissed."

The Council chambers fell silent once more as the doors closed behind Padmé and Bail. Obi-Wan addressed Anakin, his voice low and urgent. "The Naboo embassy provided clothing. We'll get you disguised before departure."

"Will Ahsoka be coming?" Anakin asked.

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No, she deserves her temple break. This mission requires the utmost discretion."


The Negotiator's sterile hallway buzzed with activity. Padmé paced, impatience etching lines on her usually serene face. Obi-Wan emerged from a side door, followed by Eeth Koth and a tall figure cloaked in a flowing black robe. The figure tilted its head towards her, his blue eyes staring at her as a jolt of recognition hit her, "Anakin?". He had a meticulously crafted disguise, a black mustache and slicked-back black dyed hair.

"Yeah, it's quite a change, isn't it?" He gestured at himself with a hint of self-conscious pride. "Remember, it's Ric now."

Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "Ric, if you would, please escort Senators Organa and Amidala to their quarters."

Anakin's jaw clenched briefly. "Not throwing me to the politicians already, are you, Master?"

"You'll have to get used to them. One of them is your girfriend right now, even if it's fake." The irony of Obi-Wan's statement did not escape Anakin.

Anakin led Bail Organa to his room before returning to Padmé. As she entered her quarters, her voice regained its characteristic political edge. "I require Jedi assurance regarding the security of this room."

"I'd be happy to check it thoroughly," Anakin offered, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "Besides, I'm free for the rest of the night."

He stepped inside, his presence filling the small space with an electric tension. Padmé closed the door, her gaze sweeping the room before landing on him. "Private?" she asked, more for confirmation than anything else.

"Absolutely confidential, Angel. I sense no droids, no bugs, no nothing," Anakin replied. It was really helpful to have a force sensitive in their relationship.

The air crackled with unspoken emotions. Padmé took a deep breath, breaking the facade. "Then," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "this is okay?" She pulled of his fake mustache, and pulled him into a desperate kiss.

Anakin responded with a fervor that spoke volumes. Even though they had kissed this morning their lips met in a collision of longing and unspoken affection. The mission, the danger, the charade, all of it faded away for a stolen moment. When they finally broke apart, Anakin rested his forehead against hers, his voice thick with emotion, "You don't ever need to ask."

She pulled away, and reverting to her politician's voice asked, "I need you to search me for any threats,"

"It would be an honor," Anakin said as he started to check behind every layer of clothing she wore. She felt his warm hands travel over every inch of her body. As his hands brushed her upper thigh, she was lit with sparks of desire within her, and ignored the game they had been playing. Padmé pressed closer, the warmth of his body igniting a fire within her. She leaned up again and pushed another kiss, their tongues colliding in the warmth of Anakin's mouth. Padmé wrapped her legs around Anakin, and held on as tight as she could. She moaned as she felt the friction between their bodies. Anakin carried her all the way to their bed, and they lay down. Padmé didn't stop kissing until they both landed on the bed. Their clothes flew of the bed with an urgency only two lovers could have.


The silence after their passionate encounter settled into a comfortable warmth. Padmé, nestled against Anakin's chest, couldn't help but tease him. "I hope your legion of admirers doesn't ever steal you from me," she said with a playful smile.

A flicker of amusement danced in Anakin's eyes, "Only if they can find someone more captivating than you."

Padmé's playful facade faltered into a look of fear for a moment. His clumsy declaration, meant to reassure, instead exposed the chasm between their reality and his idealistic affection. Her voice rose in anger, "So, you're saying you'd cheat on me with someone 'more captivating'?"

The playful tone evaporated from Anakin's voice. Panic flickered across his face, a stark contrast to the carefree banter moments ago. "No! No, never," he stammered, desperation lacing his words. "There is no one, and I mean no one, that can compete with you, Padmé. I would, could never cheat on you..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. In a quiet voice filled with pure emotion he finished, "Cheating on you would destroy me."

"But, I'm not perfect," she paused forcing herself to choke away a sob, "there's someone prettier, smarter, and better than me out there."

He stroked Padmé's cheek as he comforted her, "But, do they also care about me? Have as much compassion as you? Maybe you aren't the prettiest woman," he paused before reassuring, "But, you definitely are the prettiest woman I've ever seen. You care about me, comfort me when I'm at my worst, and love me even with my flaws. Your an Angel from heaven that chose me."

The fear of Anakin leaving her receded like a tide, replaced by a bittersweet pang. A small smile tugged at Padmé's lips. It was the endearing clumsiness of his love that endeared him to her. Unlike the practiced charm of politicians, Anakin's awkward sincerity was a refreshing truth in her world of carefully crafted facades. Politicians might be masters of words, but their affection was always measured and calculated. Anakin meanwhile gave her his heart without a second thought, trusting her with all of it. There was an undeniable power in the way he believed she was beyond compare. Seeking solace in his warmth, she nestled closer, and in an admission of her own vulnerability whispered, "I'm so lucky to have you."

Anakin tightened his embrace, his voice rough with unspoken emotions. "As long as you'll have me by your side, Padmé, I'll never, ever leave."

How could she have forgotten his most admirable quality, a fierce loyalty to those close to him, how could she have thought that he would leave her, it was a disrespect to his character. "I'll always want you there," she replied, a soft kiss landing on his cheek.


"Think Anakin's up for this undercover role, Master Kenobi?" Koth inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.

Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "He's certainly skilled enough," he replied. "But this mission requires a level of focus..."

"Focus that the Senator might disrupt?" Koth finished his thought.

Obi-Wan offered a wry smile. "On the contrary, Master Koth. If anything, her presence will keep him laser-sharp. Anakin's fiercely protective. You know that."

"Indeed," Koth acknowledged. "But there was the matter of his… attachment to her."

"True," Obi-Wan said, his gaze distant. "Those feelings seem to have… receded. Rejected, perhaps, or maybe he realized it was impossible. Sending him to Naboo was a gamble, but it played out in our favor."

"And Senator Amidala? Does she harbor any feelings for him?" Koth asked.

"If so, she's well aware of the complications, and would hide her feelings. She is far too clever to indulge in that," Obi-Wan answered, before emphasizing his point, "That includes hiding them from him."

"You should still talk with him about-" Koth said.

"I was already planning to," Obi-Wan cut in.