Saga THE FIRST TIME (Anakin-Padme struggle to have their wedding night) OOOH FINALE POSTED!

Title: The First Time

Author: HeKilledYounglings

Disclaimer: George Lucas is the creator of the Star Wars Saga.

Please feel free to review.

[image=http://swsotrofans.com/tr2.jpg]

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Naboo. A wedding has taken place.

A secret wedding.

The newlyweds? A powerful young queen from Naboo and a young Jedi Padawan learner.

She wore a white lace covering over her head and a white dress. Her new husband wore black and dark brown. His shiny new prosthetic arm gleamed in the sunlight.

An acquaintance, a sympathetic Jedi performed the ceremony. A man who also secretly married against the rules of the Jedi Order - a secret shared only by Anakin and their new wives.

There was only one problem now.

Having just kissed his wife to complete the ceremony - truth was, he couldn?t wait to carry her off to their suite. A feeling that could only be described as desire intermingled with nervous excitement. When the ceremony was over, the man bade them goodbye, having sensed the broom's eagerness to be alone with his wife.

"Shoo!" Anakin said, without looking over his shoulders at the two droids that accompanied them. His eyes were locked on her face.

He was leering again and Padme didn?t like it. He had the look of someone who could ? if possible, devour her whole... like a jelly filled bread bun. Yes, that awful leering he purported to when first assigned by the chancellor to protect her. That day, she was busy packing her luggage ? and he, was busy complaining about his Master Obi Wan Kenobi.

She called him Ani.

He announced he wasn?t Little Ani anymore... but a man. He stood before her... tall and ever present... peering down at her from crystal clear blue eyes. At that moment, the attraction between them was palatable. Like waves of energy volleying back and forth between them. He was seducing her. But Padme couldn?t allow it. She was his superior and he was studying to become a Jedi Knight. It was dangerous.

"Don?t look at me like that!" she snapped.

She was angry. Angry at herself because she knew, deep within her heart that she was already trapped... locked under his spell. She felt like a wave of light slipping over the edge of an event horizon. Even worse, only a few more days later, under the threat of death - is when she hit singularity. She loved him and could no longer deny it. As hard as she tried not to, she did. Then again, she always loved him. But this time, she loved him differently that she did before, when she cared for him those ten years ago. He was just a little boy and she, a very young lady.

Strangely it felt as though the tables had turned and he felt older than her and not the other way around.

The two droids, Threepio and Artoo Detoo stood beside them on the veranda, the sun gleaming against Threepios platinum colored plates. Slowly, the newlyweds slipped inside, leaving their droid companions behind and walked to the honeymoon suite.

There, Anakin shed his cloak, leaving it on the floor close to where they stood. Padme trembled... just a little. It was probably the beat of her heart thumping wildly in her chest.

Anakin held his thumb beneath her chin, tilting her face upward.

"I?m scared too," he whispered.

He might have sensed her feelings. It was impossible to hide anything from him.

Anakin leaned in, his hand still holding her face. But Padme?s arm shot out and grabbed the flesh wrist on his left hand. It seemed as though she were pushing him away. The truth was, she grabbed him,hoping to pull him closer. Anakin shivered from the touch.

Just as their lips drew nearer to consume them in a passionate kiss, the comlink Anakin wore on his belt begin to buzz. He let out a slightly frustrated sigh, then shrugged frustratedly as his hands dropped.

"I have to take this," he said, in answer to her unasked question.

Padme clung to the sleeve of his shirt.

"Yes, Master," he spoke into the comlink... "I?m wanted by the council?"

Padme released a panicked sigh.

"But--" he began to object. The warbling on the other end came

 

Oh my!



If it be me, I'd be a little bit irked.

Thanks for the story.

 

Nice start. I don't blame Padme for thinking on a positive note should Anakin not be able to continue as a Jedi.

Rough going ahead for them. Might I be added to any PM list for updates?

 

Sure, thanks!

 

CHAPTER TWO:

Anakin flew his ship to Coruscant. His heart thumped wildly with nervous anticipation. Twice now, he almost crashed his ship into an asteroid field.

He couldn't stop thinking about her. He didn't want to stop thinking about her. He dreamt of this moment for ten long years. How will it happen? When will it happened? He was only nine years old when they parted. Who knew the Sith, whoever they were, could unintentionally bring him so much happiness? The irony of which, who knew the Jedi could bring him so much misery? For once could they just leave him alone? Let him rest? Let him be with the wife he's not supposed to have in the first place?

And what was so wrong with having a wife? Married people have children. And children have the genes of their parents. So how then, wouldn't the Jedi benefit from reproducing? Their children would be as powerful as their parents. The Order would grow manifold. This could only be good for the galaxy.

But no... the Jedi were afraid of love. They were afraid of letting him love. If it weren't for the love he found with Padme, he might have never forgiven them for keeping him away from his mother...allowing her to die. And even now that forgiveness was questionable.

Anakin sighed as his ship passed through Coruscant's stratosphere, its speed declining as it neared the ground of a Temple landing base. He missed her so much. Wanted to kiss her so much, wanted to touch her...

He let the thought trail, to be heard only in the echoes of his heart. It was time to pretend again. To talk, be officious, act as though the woman of his dreams were not somewhere waiting for him. He wondered if he were the only one.

A short while later, Anakin entered the temple, hurrying to stand before the council, who were more than concerned about his injury and prosthetic arm. Not many Jedi wore prosthetics. In fact, it was known to diminish one's force abilities in the region of the particular implant.

"Come in, Young Skywalker..." Mace demanded.

Anakin walked in, hands folded behind his back, glove covering his injured arm.

"Yes, Master."

"Strong the force still is, with our Padawan," Yoda commented with some relief.

Mace let his eyes roam over the young man. "Well... he is the chosen one," Mace answered.

"How are you Anakin?" Obi Wan Gently prodded.

"Fine, things considered. I'm adjusting to my new limb, but nothing has changed for me. I'm working to better my sabering skills."

"Have you an instructor on Naboo?" Obi Wan asked.

Anakin colored. "No, Master."

Members of the council looked hither and fro, as they murmured to themselves and each other.

"I felt, some time off was needed for my rehabilitation. I chose to go to Naboo."

"Did Master Obi Wan Kenobi-"

"Master!?" Anakin exclaimed.

"During your rehabilitation, Obi Wan Kenobi was promoted to the rank of Master and is now a member of the council."

Anakin met his eyes: "Congratuations, sir." A proud smile crept across his face.

"Aside from that, you are still a Padawan learner, Young Skywalker, therefore, decisions regarding your rehabilitation will be made by Master Kenobi."

"I...I understand, sir," Anakin said disappointedly. There was no telling where Obi Wan might send him to. And somehow he sensed, the Jedi Master would want to send him as far away from Padme as possible. He knew how deeply Anakin felt for her. Anakin never kept his feelings a secret, and told his master how he dreamt of her more often than a should have. A decision he had come to regret.

"Don't worry Anakin, I've not decided to send you to some faraway rehabilitation center. We have one of the best physical therapy centers in the Republica right here on Coruscant. Your reflexes will be as natural as rain when they're done with you."

Anakin beamed. "Thank you, Master!"

Padme had a place at 500 Republica. If he could get the message to her, she could meet him there.

Obi Wan handed him a sheet of paper. "Report there first thing tomorrow morning, you will begin physical therapy, whic

 

thanks for reading, MX, i hope you like it

 

Oh, that was so funning about Anakin's rationalization of having children as being a benefit to the Order



And my aren't we chomping at the bit about it?



He is going to need a new hobby soon.

 

Ha, Anakin is always trying to justify his own crap isn't he? LOL Maybe he knows its wrong...

 

My updates are kind of fast. I guess because I never have time update through the week. Thanks for reading!


CHAPTER 3:

Padme walked across the room of her suite, twisted then walked back over and over again. Her feet would soon make a path in the rug, a permanent one if she didn't stop.

She sat on the edge of her bed again and hugged her knees to her chest. Where was Anakin? Was he in trouble? Did the council find out about the wedding? Would the marriage be over before it even begun? Would they issue an annulment? There was still time, their marriage had not been consumated.

Threepio walked in the room and saw his mistress in what appeared to be distress. Her face was ashen and her eyes teary.

"Oh Madame, I do hope you're okay," Threepio said, with what sounded like more worry than a droid should know how to express. "Master Skywalker will be back, I'm certain of it."

If her feelings for Anakin Skywalker were plain enough that even a droid could see, then who else knew?

Then again, Threepio was special, so much more than an artificially intelligent machine. To her, he was equal to any sentient being she had spoken to. On more than one ocassion he had expressed what sounded like human emotion -

"Threepio..." Padme said, ... "Has Anakin called? Do you know if he's okay?"

"Nothing yet, Madame, but I will do my best to keep you informed. I'm very good at that," he offered.

"Thank you, Threepio."

"Also, Madame, there was a delivery moments ago. I have a message to you from the Senate. There's to be an emergency hearing this afternoon. You're presence is requested on Coruscant."

"Did they ask for me specificially, or a member of my delegation?"

"The message was addressed to you, Madame."

Padme turned, leaving her back to face the droid - for a look of terror filled her eyes. "Did they mention, Anakin, by chance?"

"I'm afraid not, Madame."

Padme sighed. They knew. They had to know. There was some consolation in all of this. Despite the scandal their marriage would cause, they would have each other. But if Anakin had to leave the Jedi, would he blame her? Would he love her anymore?

Though she hated to shed it, Padme slipped out of her wedding gown and into a more formal dress. When she was done, Threepio reappeared with her burgandy colored senate robe, which she draped over her arm.

Padme met with her guard, Koofie beyond the garden where her ship waited. Unbeknownst to her, a message flashed manically on the holovoid in her room.

Anakin Skywalker tried getting through, but alas, she was already gone.

---

[i]
Where is she!? [/i] Anakin groaned.

He watched the clocked worriedly as the physical therapist toyed with his arm. The therapist was a human woman with long blond hair and large green eyes. She had a pretty smile, but Anakin hardly noticed. Which doesn't mean, she failed to notice him. She was quite smitten with the tall, handsome, virile young Jedi and seemed to prolong his treatment.

The woman stretched out his machine hand, and aimed a laser beam at the tip of one of Anakin's fingers. A sharp red lightburned through the end of it.

He snatched his hand away, flinching with the desire to hit her. Strangely, the pain that shot through to the rest of his body.

"I'm sorry," the woman said. "The work on your arm was amazing. Your nerve ends are grafting to the prosthetic perfectly. I assume, the pain in your arms and legs were more acute when I did that."

"I should hope you wouldn't do it again," Anakin said, a hint of threat in his voice.

"No, I won't," the woman replied. "It's a surgery tool, nothing that will damage the material of your new hand. The pain will go away in a few minutes. I wanted to know if your limb is working as it should. Is there anything you want to tell me? Any discomfort?"

"Sometimes... where the flesh of my lower arm meets the prosthetic, there is pain. But only when I move my hand."

"Ah... I see. You need more practice. So, let us meet twice more in a week. I will notify the Council. I have a feeling the

 

Hobby Anakin! Hobby!

 

CHAPTER 4:




Padme walked through the Senate hall to the chambers where the special meeting would take place. Along the way, Bail Organa briefed her on the upcoming congregation, news she received with much relief. It seems the chancellor would like to vote himself more power. This time he wanted the power to oversee clone field tactics as Commander in Chief. A job that belonged to Jedi!

What was the Chancellor thinking? The idea that he could orchestrate a war better than the generals out on the battlefield - who would need his orders to make a move would put their military units in danger. Palpatine's demands grew more and more absurd with each meeting. It seemed he wanted control of... everything.

Senator Organa and Padme Amidala stood outside of the congressional hall, waiting for the meeting to start. They spoke feverishly about the Chancellor's new demands. In fact, Padme was so engrossed in the conversation that she didn't see Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker approach. When she turned, Anakin seemed equally shocked to see her, and both were equally uncomfortable. How might they keep their eyes from lighting up? The joy in them, in having seen each other?

Anakin could not hide the smile that threatened to spread across his face. So much so, that he folded both arms behind his back and looked toward the ground. Perhaps, Obi Wan Kenobi might not see how deeply Anakin felt, how deeply embarrassed he was, and discover their secret. Padme's cheeks were scarlet and suddenly, her words tumbled out of her mouth clumsily.

"Master Kenobi," she said, greeting him first.

"Good to see you, Senator Amidala," he replied, a cheerful gleam in his eyes. "Anakin..." he said.

Anakin looked up. He turned to Bail Organa first, "Good evening Senator Organa."

"Good to-" Bail started.

But Padme was already speaking, and both spoke over each other.

"Good to see you, Anakin..." she said.

Anakin flushed, turned to Padme as nonchalantly as he could muster, but again, she spoke at the same time:

"Good to see you, Milady."

"Will you be on Coruscant long?" she couldn't help but ask.

Obi-Wan Kenobi surpressed a smirk. The two couldn't hide their feelings for each other if they tried. But something must have happened between the two for them to behave so awkwardly.

And Anakin only recently left Naboo of all places...how hard was it to put two and two together? They obviously saw each other, and if anything happened beyond that, he'd be hard pressed to think Anakin wasn't behind the whole thing. Anakin wore his feelings for Padme Amidala like a coat of finish - he shined whenever she was around.

At the same time, the Senator looked quite uncomfortable, nervous even. She was a Senator after all and knew an untoward relationship betwixt the two would cause a major scandal. She knew how important he was. She knew he was the Chosen One. That isn't to say she doesn't like Anakin, or even to some degree, shared his feelings. But Padme was wise beyond her years and would never cross the boundaries between them. She would protect Anakin - save him from himself. Or at least he hoped.

Anakin's presence was so acute it was as though he were right there in front of her, breathing down her face. The way he leered at the Senator, as though he might devour her there in the congressional hall. If Obi-Wan could, he'd bind Anakin around the neck and hold him back, for he feared the young man might dare to try.

Thankfully, Senator Organa didn't seem to notice.

"As I were saying to Senator Amidala... I don't see how the Republic would benefit if the Chancellor were given authority by the delegation to head the Clone Wars as Commander in Chief."

"I agree, " Obi Wan started... "And not because the Chancellor has never held such a position, much less, ever stood on a battlefield while the ground is still hot."

"The Chancellor means well," Anakin interrupted.

"Of course he does, Anakin, but the change would cause more red tape than necessary. Decisions must be made and made quickly. In the

 

Okay, I think this is my last post for the day...


CHAPTER 5:



After a long and tedious meeting, the bid to keep Palpatine from seizing power over the battlefield was won. A miracle, if anything. Obi-Wan Kenobi noticed a long time ago how successful the Chancellor was when it came to getting what he wanted.

Strangely, they owe not themselves applause for today's victory. It seemed, Palpatine had less interest in actually winning the bid, than he did in seeing who his opponents were.

Obi Wan had been sent by the Council to represent the Jedi. He argued, and quite effectively, for the need of Jedi to remain in control of all battle planning. Yoda was Commander in Chief of all strategies and Mace Windu was his right hand. So far, their efforts at containing the Trade Federation were successful. So why bother with change? It was Palpatine's policies that needed change.

Senator Organa was quite pleased with the results, but also suspicious of the Chancellor's motives. He was far too shrewd a man to think the Jedi or any reasonable senator would approve of his actions. Instead of arguing, Bail Organa watched the event from his chair, offering unbiased support of all sides. It was a matter of keeping his friends close, and enemies of the Republic, even closer... in this case, Palpatine was as big a threat to the Republic as the Trade Federation. He was a kind, gentle, fatherly old man and people liked him. But it was all an act.

Organa decided he would share his suspicions. Though not on this day.

Padme and Anakin sat several rows away from each other, allowing everyone else to leave ahead of them. When the room cleared, they walked cautiously beneath a balcony then slipped into the near darkness behind the column that supported it.

Anakin held Padme's cheeks and kissed her head, cheeks, nose, and lips manically. There was a fluttering in her stomach.

She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chin, happy but worried at the same time.

"I told you... everything would be okay," he assured.

"No one knows?"

"They don't suspect a thing. We can be together."

Padme wrapped her arms around his neck and caressed his chin with her forehead.

"I've been ordered to stay here on Coruscant for physical rehabilitiation."

"Then I'll stay at my flat on 500 Republica. When you have time, we'll meet."

"When I have time," he scoffed, bitterly.

Padme ran her fingers through his hair. "We'll have our moment, Anakin. Give it time."

"I've given it ten years."

Padme smirked. "You were just a little boy," she said. "You had no choice."

"I... I just love you so much," he said, pulling her by the shoulders and crushing her against him. "I don't know what I would do without you," he finished.

There was desperation in his voice... so much need. Times like these she wanted to hold him in her arms and rock him.


[image=http://swsotrofans.com/musafarani.jpg]


"Don't ever leave me Padme," he said, looking into her eyes.

"I won't," she answered. He was hurting her.

Suddenly, a familar voice called out from just around the corner. Before Anakin and Padme could react, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Senator Organa was upon them.

Anakin's eyes were wide with surprise, like a cat with a bird in its mouth. His hands gripped Padme's shoulder. There was a flustered look plastered across her face.

"Anakin?"

It was all Obi-Wan Kenobi could say. Or ask. Senator Organa had yet to close his mouth, for he was gaping at them.

"She fell into my arms-" Anakin replied somewhat defensively.

His hands slid from Padme's shoulders. She straightened her senatorial robes then blinked as though she were confused, or searching her mind for the right words.

"Senator Organa, you were looking for me?" Then looking at Anakin, she spoke again. "Thank you, Anakin. For saving me yet again. I might have taken a terrible fall."

Senator Organa relaxed. For a second, he wasn't quite sure at what he had stumbled upon. Anakin Skywalker was very protective of Senator Amidala. Just as well, he might have

 

Oooohhh, things are starting a little complicated. Aren't they?

 

Holy moly, I've never seen posts come in 1 hour increments before-that's fast!

Looks like the roles are a little reversed, huh? Padme wanting him to retire, and Anakin actually kind of wanting to go off and fight (in ROTS it looked like he wanted to quit the Jedi and take her away). Interesting insertion of picture, too

I don't suppose there's going to be an ultimate version to this wedding night, is there?

 

*headdesk* I can now imagine Padme addressing Obi-Wan Kenobi in the post-mortal realm. "Bear in mind that you deprived me of my wedding night."

THis was very believable.

 

Wow, I was expecting an update, not many of them. Cool!!

Good that the COuncil has decided that Anakin will remain of Coruscant for his rehab.

'She fell into his arms?" What does he take me for? A fool? Obi Wan thought.

And what about the look he cast over Padme like a ominious shadow? Obi Wan had seen that look before. Whenever Anakin talked about his mother...


Granted, what does one say in awkward times like this, but that wasn't going to fool anyone. Not good that Obi-Wan notices such a look.

 

I plan to make it as racy as possible... though without being too graphic... boy if I could be graphic... lol

 

Yep, this story is pouring out of me right now. Come Monday I'll be at work and thereby losing my creativity. They just sap it right out of me lol

Okay, next chapter coming up! and thanks for reading guys

 

CHAPTER 6:



Anakin and Obi Wan Kenobi separated outside of the Congressional Hall, where throngs of citizens enveloped the Senators and Jedi. A member of that crowd was the chancellor himself... smiling, shaking hands, and kissing babies.

When he was done he walked to Anakin, a kindly old smile fixed upon his benign features. "Anakin my boy, I trust you are well..."

"Yes, Chancellor."

"So, tell me, son... what did the others think of my bid? I understand some of the senators, as well as the Jedi disliked the suggestion immensly. Which is why they sent you and Master Kenobi to do the Council's bidding."

Anakin looked away. He didn't like these discussions. He only went to the meeting because Obi Wan asked him to. Or rather, he had no choice but to do what his Master told him.

"I know you had no choice in the matter, son." Palpatine laid a cold wrinkled hand upon Anakin's shoulder. The young man shuddered.

"Thank you, sir. I know you mean well."

"Good, Anakin. I'm glad you understand. Your friendship means everything to me."

Anakin nodded, happy his friend was not angry with him.

"Senator Amidala was there," Palpatine said in a conspiratorial voice.

Anakin pretended not to notice.

"Yes, I saw her just outside of congress."

"She was happy to see you, was she not?"

Anakin's face turned two shades of red. "Uh, I suppose so," he stammered.

"Senator Amidala will be very busy the next few weeks," Palpatine started, sounding like a gossipy old woman. "Such a shame...being so young. She'll be working closely with Cobra Sien for the next few weeks. He's very fond of her... VERY. You've met him, haven't you? Handsome, tall young man? Recently elected Senator from Endor?"

Anakin flexed the muscle in his jaw. No longer did he look like the tall awkward teen assigned to Padme those weeks ago. Anakin could be downright intimidating. And losing his hand only made him harder... tougher. He'd seen Cobra before. Tall, dark haired, aqua-green eyes, curly-hair... SUPPOSEDLY a renown artist...

Artist?

The revelation collapsed upon his head like a ton of bricks. Padme did seem a bit reluctant when he talked to her beneath the balcony. The way she "flinched" when she promised never to leave him. Even worse was that, Cobra was a perfectly suitable mate for a Senator. They shared the same rank and career. Who was he, but a Jedi -- as a matter of fact, not even a Jedi, but still a Padawan learner?

Anakin bristled, eyes focused ahead. "Thank you, Chancellor, I must go now," he blurted.

Anakin raced off, without giving the Chancellor the chance to reply... Padme was still close, he could feel her. His eyes scanned the crowd for her face. And when she saw her, she was with him. Cobra Sien. They were quartered off amongst themselves, engrossed in conversation. Anakin slipped to a corner and watched intently.

Unbeknownst to him, was that Obi Wan Kenobi was not far behind. Anakin was in fact, so focused that he didn't feel his master's approach. Obi Wan followed the Padawan's gaze to Senator Amidala, whose attention was elsewhere.


"Anakin?" Obi Wan called. "Come along, the Council have given us an assignment."


Anakin didn't care about the assignment. He couldn't only think of Padme and their missed wedding night. "What about my rehabilitation?" Anakin asked. "Would the Council send me on a mission when I have physical therapy tomorrow?"


What he meant to say was that he would have Padme tonight, then physical therapy tomorrow.


"Of course not, Anakin. The assignment will be here on Coruscant. At the temple. Master Yoda thought it would be a good idea to have you work with other Padawans."


At the temple with other Padawans? Who did they think he was? A boy? He lost an arm fighting a Sith Lord -- after saving his own Master! He's already fought the first battle of the Clone Wars and they think...


Anakin turned, his face burning with anger. "After all I've done, the Council is sending me to work with the other Padawans? How dare they," Anakin

 

Oh Palpatine you conniving, no good #^$#^$##

Of course he would plant doubt about Amidala speaking with a young man her age; at least Obi Wan was able to give Anakin some good news. Hopefully he can blow off the menial assignments and get on with that wedding night!

 

sooooo good. i cant wait for more. i'm obsessed with finding out what will happen now!!! keep updating please? sooo good!

 

wow a busy busy writing weekend for me after agonizing weeks of writer's block.

Okay, next chapter here we come...

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CHAPTER 7:


Obi Wan Kenobi grabbed Anakin by the arm and pulled him off. But the Padawan spun around, trying for one last look at Padme. She and Cobra walked off, going to whereabouts unknown.

[b]Together.[/b]

"Easy, Anakin..." Obi Wan said. "Is something upsetting you?"

"No, Master," Anakin replied uneasily.

"You'll need your rest. The Padawan learners can be a handful. But, I'm sure you would already know that."

Obi Wan smiled and Anakin couldn't resist a chuckle.

"Of course, Master."

[i]Face it. If the marriage is going to work, I'll have to trust her. Why marry me anyway if she's going to run off with someone else?[/i] he thought. This would have been Obi-Wan Kenobi's answer... the way he might have answered if he could talk to him. Funny, how he could predict his Master's words. So ingrained was Obi Wan's teachings that his words often flew out of Anakin's mouth...on more than one ocassion. And frequently, did they creep into his thoughts when he was troubled, making him calm again.

But then, there was sometimes the malevolent reply, which often came from a cavern deep within his soul:

[i]Maybe, this someone would have more time to spend with Padme. Maybe, because this someone shared her rank, could marry her and celebrate their love openly. Maybe because she wouldn't have to live a lie... he could give her more than you ever could.

ANAKIN SHOOK.[/i]
[hr]
After another restless night without Padme, a night of twisting and turning and wishing his hands were upon her soft fragrant skin... he went to the Jedi Temple training room to meet his Padawan students.

[i]Master! They would call him Master![/i] Anakin couldn't help but smile.


With a wave of his hand he moved the sliding door aside and walked into the training room. He looked around. Before him was a group of restless two and three year old children. Some slept, some ran in circles, some were curled into a ball, crying. Some were drooling.

He stood there, mouth agape... [b][i]This[/i] [/b] is [i]my[/i] class? Somehow he had expected a group of well disciplined 10 year olds, or maybe, if he were lucky, a group of 13-15 year olds standing like army of men, lightsabers already drawn.

He quietly waited for the children to notice him. Seeing an older Jedi, would absolutely prompt them to attention. Obi Wan was on his way. In his quiet meditation, Anakin could feel him.

Obi Wan entered seconds later and placed a comforting hand on Anakin's shoulder.

"When you said 'work with other Padawans', I didnt' know you meant for me to babysit."

Obi-Wan laughed in his genteel way, creases crinkling the corner of his eyes.

"We've all had to do it, Anakin. It's a right of passage."

Still, Anakin didn't appreciate being tricked, even though he could see the humor in it.

"I remember... shortly after Qui Gon died, just before I was knighted, Master Yoda ordered me to his chambers and gave me the assignment of 'training' the Padawan learners."

"I remember that."

"Yes, you were among them. The oldest in class, as a matter of fact."

"Now I understand why you had that look on your face."

"Seeing the children was quite a shock. After all, I had only destroyed a Sith Lord. I fully expected an older class."

"Tell me something, Master. Did you use the dark side?"

"The dark side?"

"To defeat Darth Maul? Is that how you beat him?"

"I may be a Jedi, Anakin... but I'm still human."

"Because you loved Master Qui Gonn?"

It was an open wound, even eleven years later. Obi-Wan simply smiled. Qui Gon was the closest he had ever come to having a father.

"The point, Anakin, is that, while I was surprised to have the children there, and little disappointed, I was happy to see you. It was their way of saying they had accepted my decision to train you. And that made me happier than you can ever imagine."

"I'm to look at the bigger picture then? That this gesture, by the c

 

That drew a smile from me, Anakin coming in to see a group of children screaming and running around. Not exactly the "squadron" ranks he was expecting, huh?

"The point, Anakin, is that, while I was surprised to have the children there, and little disappointed, I was happy to see you. It was their way of saying they had accepted my decision to train you. And that made me happier than you can ever imagine."

Awww....that is about the sweetest, most endearing and sentimental exchange I've seen between Anakin and Obi-Wan.

Have faith in Padme, Ani. I'm sure she just went to discuss politics with the guy, then returned to her quarters alone to miss you.

 

I can only post on the weekend, so it'll be another five days before I post again. That said, i just finished writing the "wedding night" so, read on, because I'm about to post it next. Please don't hesistate to let me know what you think. It gets kind of crazy...

---

[b]CHAPTER 8:[/b]

Padme walked into her suite at 500 Republica and collapsed on a large brown chaise. She raised a hand to her forehead and cringed in frustration.

She missed her husband.

Their careers threatened to keep them even further apart, now with her writing that bill with Senator Sien at Palpatine's suggestion. A great bill, at that alloting a certain amount of the republic's budget to serve the poor. Who could resist it? Even if she was working with a man who on more than one ocassion had been quite flirtacious with her.

Not that it mattered, or that he could sway her. Her heart belonged to one man. A Jedi.

Threepio took mini-steps into the living room then a few more down a tiny flight of stairs, wishful that he should not fall again and bend one of his plates.

"You summoned me, Milady?" he asked.

"Yes, Threepio. I need you to go to the temple. I have a message I'd like you to deliver. But it must, it absolutely must be held in the strictest confidence. You will give it to no one but Master Skywalker, understand?"

"Yes, Madame."

"Oh Threepio, it's so urgent, and so utterly private."

"I understand, you have my word, Madame. I would never surrender the correspondance, not even the threat of a scrap yard would deter me from my mission."

"Thank you, Threepio. I knew I could count on you."

He turned, and quite human-like, looked at Padme: "Always Madame...Always..."

Padme smiled warmly at the droid then gave him a pink envelope. Threepio slipped the letter into a hidden compartment beneath his shoulder plate then trotted out of the room. He "liked" the Senator. She was one of few humans who treated him like a real person. And he was eternally grateful.

When Threepio was finally gone, boarding the ship with Typho, Padme peeled the robe she wore from her body, revealing the strapless empire style dress beneath. She walked to the veranda, all the way to the edge. Her hand gripped the balcony as a gentle breeze blew soft big curls about her head.

Where are you? Padme muttered. She loved Anakin but couldn't help but wonder if this was a sign. If the wedding was just a big mistake? She wanted to feel her husband's strong muscular arms around her, to feel his lips pressed upon hers... Padme cringed.

When did it happen? On Naboo? So suddenly? Why was his seduction so hard to resist? Why was it so hard to reject his marriage proposal knowing everything about it was wrong? These were questions she had not yet addressed. She asked him once, if he were using a Jedi Mind Trick against her. He told her only the weak minded were susceptible. But with Anakin being so strong in the force, who is to say, he hadn't imposed his will on her? Convinced her into loving him? Jedi Mind Tricked her into accepting his proposal? The dishonesty and lies went against all that she stood for... and yet she couldn't resist.

They've been of one mind since he was assigned to protect her those weeks ago on Naboo. Even now, she couldn't stop thinking of him -- not even long enough to fulfill her political duties. All she could think about was being with Cobra Sien alone in her suite tonight and what Anakin might think. If he would approve...

Padme sighed. She didn't want to anger him. Was she in love? Or was she afraid?

Padme turned away from the balcony angrily. I love Anakin, I could never be afraid of him, she thought.

But despite her vehement declaration, it was the voice of doubt that answered:

What about the sand people? it asked.

"It was a mistake!" she shouted, as though she were speaking to someone else. Suddenly exhausted, Padme spun around and looked up, tears swelling in her eyes. She found herself looking right at Cobra Sien.

"Senator!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, Senator Amidala. We were meeting to

 

Their careers threatened to keep them even further apart, now with her writing that bill with Senator Sien at Palpatine's suggestion. A great bill, at that alloting a certain amount of the republic's budget to serve the poor. Who could resist it? Even if she was working with a man who on more than one ocassion had been quite flirtacious with her.

*stomps foot* Oh! I knew it! It was that damn Palpy setting this up to make Anakin feel bad!

Cobra slurped and smacked on pieces of fruit, and at one point, tried to stuff a piece of cheese in her mouth... an effort at being romantic no doubt. He was no Anakin, indeed. There was not a subtle bone in the man's body.

Ewww...trying to put cheese in her mouth? Please tell me she refused. Padme-I know you're smarter than this. Tell him to put his crap up and get down to Senatorial business.

I'm guessing...just guessing...that Ani's going to come to visit, find her in this "compromising" position and they'll have to work it out from there. I hope that they can consummate and have the happiness they deserve soon.