Memories
One/One--
The tall, handsome young man leaned insolently against the pillar, scanning the room with his stormy blue eyes. No outward emotion crossed his features but inside he was seething with a storm of feeling. His eyes sought out the beautiful brown-haired woman across the room. She was deep in conversation with a group of people when he caught her gaze. His eyes caught her deep brown ones and held them, staring deeply into them, sending her a message that only they could decipher. The room suddenly seemed to get warmer as the heat generated by the locked gazes of the young lovers escalated quickly. Excusing herself, she moved swiftly through the milling throng of beings, her gauzy white dress swirling around her shapely body as she felt the tug of his gaze calling her to his side. As he watched her wend her way through the crowded dance floor, his eyes never left hers - telling her without words how he felt about her. The smell of her hair, like sunlight on flowers seemed to fill his senses as his eyes drank in her beauty. The jewels on her dress sparkled in the lights of the ballroom but to him they only detracted from the perfection that was Padmé. She was the sun of his world and he found himself a willing slave to her orbit, anything to be near her - she was intoxicating. As she slipped around the last impediment, a large Twi’lek and came fully into view again, he was stunned anew at the rush of love that he felt towards her - certain that his every thought was being broadcast to the hundreds of Republic citizens attending the ball. His gaze slid over her face, the beautiful, expressive liquid brown eyes, the perfect porcelain skin, and the lush, full pink mouth that he could hardly wait to taste as she slid into his arms and met his kiss… “Anakin!” Said Obi-Wan, looking askance at his young padawan, caught in the grip of a powerful daydream. “Be mindful of your thoughts, they do betray you! You are a Jedi Knight in training, not some young fool who can fall in love with a Senator and have there be no consequences!” Anakin blinked quickly as he opened his eyes and found himself staring into the angry blue eyes of his master instead of the beautiful brown eyes of his beloved Padmé’.
“Our duty to protect the Senator from her assassins is over! You must keep your mind on the upcoming tasks before us! You cannot fall in love with her!” Obi-Wan stated sternly but quietly, looking his Padawan directly in the eye. Mindful as ever that there were ears everywhere. Anakin quickly looked away as the last remnants of the dream slipped away. As he came back to his surroundings he mumbled, “Yes, Master,” the fingers of his gold robotic hand clenched reflexively. “You look tired Anakin. Is your hand bothering you?” He said, looking at his Padawan with worry. “It is fine, just takes some getting used to that’s all.” Anakin whispered as his hands clenched and unclenched at his side, one human and one gold metal. He strode away from his master and went to stand on the balcony overlooking the teeming city world of Coruscant. Obi-Wan followed him, an almost fatherly concern for the young man evident on his face. “I’m worried about you Anakin. The Council has decided that you are ready to take the Trials to become a Jedi Knight. You will have to be at your very best to succeed. I don’t think now is the right time for you to take them but the Council has disagreed. You are to commence the Trials in the morning.” Obi-Wan said as he walked up behind him and put his hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “Do you feel that you need more time to prepare?” “NO! Master, I have been waiting for this day for years! I am more than ready to take the trials and my place as a Jedi Knight. This is the best possible news that you could have brought me!” Anakin said excitedly, impulsively hugging the older man in his exuberance, completely forgetting the fact that Obi-Wan didn’t think he was ready. “Anakin, relax. You still have to pass the trials, remember?” Obi-Wan said, shaking his head at his padawan. “I think that you should go to one of the meditation chambers and begin your preparations now. I will come and get you when it is time.” “Yes Master, and thank you for everything.” Anakin said.
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Deep within the Jedi Temple, Anakin sat on a solitary meditation couch in a small, windowless room decorated in muted tones of sand and brown. As he began to prepare himself mentally for the challenge ahead, he could not help but think about the last few weeks, specifically the night that he asked Padmé to marry him.
The long journey from Geonosis in Padmé’s ship was spent sleeping and just holding onto each other. Now that they had committed themselves to their love, nothing could stop them from kissing and holding each other. They could scarcely believe that they were still alive, and relatively in one piece after their harrowing experience in the execution ring. Once they reached Coruscant, Anakin was immediately immersed in a Bacta tank and preparations were made to fit him with his prosthetic hand. Deep in a healing trance, he could still feel Padmé through the Force as she waited silently each day with him in the Medical Facility. Her wounds from the nexu had been treated with Bacta but since they weren’t as serious, she only needed a couple of hours in a tank.
Obi-Wan was surprised to see her there when he came to see how Anakin was getting along but he also suspected that there was more than innocent concern on her part. After witnessing Anakin’s rage and pain when she had fallen out of the ship, he knew that his Padawan had developed dangerous feelings for the Senator from Naboo. Seeing her here, waiting for Anakin made him realize that the feelings ran both ways and that he was powerless to stop them, unless he went to the Council. He had no proof to offer them however and was loathe to betray Anakin and Padmé’s confidence without it. How he wished Master Qui-Gon were still here, he could really use his advice about this problem.
“Good morning Senator Amidala. How is our patient doing today?” Obi-Wan asked politely as he came into the tank room.
“He is getting out today. The hand is ready to be attached and then he will be able to relearn how to use it. He seems very impatient to be out of there and out here with us.” She said with a laugh as she watched Anakin wake up and swim over to the wall of the tank and plead with his eyes for them to hurry this process up.
“Patience is one thing that Anakin has never succeeded in mastering.” Replied Obi-Wan as he watched the droid roll over to the tank and begin the procedure to get Anakin out of there. The mechanical arm gleamed from a table in the corner, its garish gold color a marked contrast to the sterile white walls of the medical facility.
“Do you think it will take him long to regain the use of his arm?” A concerned Padmé asked Obi-Wan as her gaze slid from Anakin’s face in the tank to the arm over in the corner.
“According to the doctors, he should be able to be back to full use of his arm in only a couple of weeks. Knowing Anakin though, it will be a time of much frustration as he will want to be able to master the use of it immediately.” Obi-Wan didn’t really know why he was opening up so much to the Senator, but since she seemed to care as much about Anakin’s well being as he did, he couldn’t really see the harm in it. If she loved him as much as he seemed to love her, she should know all about Anakin’s impulsive nature by now.
“Oh, here he comes.” Padmé said with a start, seeing anew the cauterized stump of arm that was to be a constant reminder of his battle with Count Dooku. Anakin was finally free of the tank and ripped the respirator out of his mouth in his haste to finally be able to talk to Padmé after the three long days of immersion. The droid quickly wrapped him in a cotton robe and handed him a towel to dry his hair. Anakin hurriedly ran the towel over his head with his good arm and shivered a little as his body got used to the cooler air temperature. The Bacta was very warm to stimulate the healing process and the air in the medical facility was downright frigid.
“Padmé! Master! I am so glad to finally be out of that blasted tank! I was going crazy in there seeing everything out here but unable to participate in anything! Master, have you heard anything of Dooku, has he been caught yet?” No, Anakin but there is a bounty out on his head now that his part in the conspiracy has been discovered. He will not be able to show his face anywhere in the Republic without being hunted.” Obi-Wan said as he looked at his bedraggled Padawan, his hair wetly plastered to his head, and minus the sword arm that had saved Obi-Wan’s life.
”Are you ready for your implant now?” the medical droid asked Anakin, smoothly rolling to a stop right in front of him.
“Yes, let’s get this over with.” Anakin replied through gritted teeth, hating anew the lost Jedi Master Count Dooku. His face registered the severe emotion that was seething inside of him; almost but not quite out of control.
“Anakin! Control yourself, you are broadcasting your feelings so widely that even a child could feel them!”
“I am sorry Master, I am trying.” He said, looking contrite.
“I know Anakin that this cannot be easy for you but you must accept it and move on with your life. They say that you will have almost the same control with this mechanical hand as with your own.”
“But it’s not my own, is it Master!” Anakin interrupted him, his eyes stormily glaring at the older Jedi. Obi-Wan’s pained expression made Anakin take a deep breath and let it out, letting the anger flow out of him as well. Padmé was looking at him in concern as the droid motioned him over to a chair set into the wall. A tray of implements lay on a table ready for the doctor to begin.
“I can see that I am doing nothing but upsetting you further Anakin. I will take my leave now. Please come and find me when you are finished. The council has given you as much time as you need to regain the use of your hand and I thought in the intervening time, you could escort Senator Amidala home to Naboo. The Senate is in recess for a couple of weeks in order for them to begin informing their constituents what has happened and what path the future will hold. There is going to be a war and many preparations need to be made.”
Obi-Wan bowed to Padmé and looked warmly at Anakin before spinning on his heel and striding toward the door. “Good Luck, Anakin.” he called as he walked out of the door. Anakin breathed a mighty sigh of relief as he left the room.
“Stars! I am glad he is gone! I have been wanting to hold you for the last three days.” Anakin said to Padmé as he engulfed her in an embrace. She willingly went into his arms and met his lips for a soul-stirring kiss. That kiss abruptly ended as the droid hummed and tooted to itself, intent on its tasks and ignoring the humans entirely, but bringing back to them the reality of their surroundings.
“Do you think he suspects anything?” Padmé asked from the circle of his arms, looking at the door that Master Obi-Wan had just departed through.
“He suspects, but without proof he will do nothing. He will get no proof from us, the less he knows about us, the better. I am glad though that he and the Council have given me leave to take you home. I want to go back to the resort and heal for a while. I think that the peace and quiet that we had there will be a long time in coming again and I want to spend every moment I can with you.” He said as he planted a quick kiss on her forehead and went to go sit in the chair. The doctor came in then and the procedure went quickly and painlessly. In a short while, Anakin had a new golden arm to replace his lost one. They left Coruscant that night on Padmé’s starship with Anakin at the controls. The couple was so eager to get to Naboo that they told no one they were leaving, save for Obi-Wan in a quick message sent to the Jedi Temple. Anakin knew that he was going to pay for it later but he couldn’t wait to be alone with Padmé again. The implications of this were not lost on Obi-Wan as his troubled thoughts worried at the growing attraction between the beautiful young Senator from Naboo and his impetuous young Padawan.
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After arriving in Theed later that morning, they immediately went to the lake retreat where their love had first begun. Padmé had sent a quick message to Queen Jamillia from the ship telling her that she was going to take a much-needed rest but she would be checking in with her later in the week. She also sent a message to her parents and Sola to let them know that she was okay and that they would be visiting them later in the week. Anakin had big plans for his time with Padmé, chief among them getting her to agree to become his wife. Standing on the balcony outside of his room he gave some last minute instructions to Artoo, then looked around for Padmé. She was looking out at the lake, at the balcony where they had shared that first, forbidden kiss. Her simple clothes accentuated her beauty and the sight of her almost brought Anakin to his knees. The cap-sleeved tunic was a deep cobalt color, with a softly draped neckline showing off her soft curves and making her skin glow with health. Her hair was pulled back at the crown and then loose around her face in cascades of curls, his most favorite of all her hairstyles. Her tan colored pants were tucked into sturdy boots made of shaak leather. The outfit was perfect for the day he had planned. He walked over to her, his eyes drinking in her beauty. She returned his look and met it with an appraising one of her own. He was garbed in a simple tan tunic and darker brown pants with boots similar to hers. His sandy blonde hair was falling every which way and his blue eyes shone with happiness. He walked with a confidence that had been missing for the last couple of days and even his mechanical arm seemed to be less noticeable.
“How did you get my clothes here?” She asked in wonderment as he came up beside her.
“I called Sola from Coruscant and asked her to send over some appropriate clothing for you to take a vacation with. Did she send the right things?” He asked in concern.
“No wonder,” she mumbled blushing. She looked away quickly as the flush spread over her face and neck.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, taking her in his arms, concern written all over his face.
“It’s nothing, just some of the things that she sent are a little, um racy.” She said as she blushed again prettily. “I should have known it was her the minute I opened the drawers.” Anakin grinned wickedly at the word “racy”, his stomach turning flip-flops as he took in her blush and imagining the things that Sola had sent. Padmé’s sister had heartily approved of their burgeoning relationship and was encouraging it on all fronts. Sola’s huge smile as he had told her what he was planning was enough of a give away for Anakin to readily guess at some of the things that she had sent along for this trip. Padmé cleared her throat softly, bringing Anakin’s attention back to her.
“You look as though you want to devour me!” She said laughing as he took her in his arms again and spun her around. He kissed her soundly and then, reluctantly drawing his lips away from hers, looked deep into her eyes and said, “I do.”
“Sounds fun. I guess that means I pass inspection?” She replied drolly, running her hands along his muscular shoulders, loving the feel of his strong body beneath her fingertips, his strong, wiry physique sending shivers down her back.
“Oh, yes, very much so. You take my breath away.” He said squeezing her a little tighter, the butterflies in his stomach becoming more frantic. He set her down again and stood beside her, filling his mind with memories of her to savor when his Jedi duties called him away from her side.
“What do you have planned today? Artoo told me to wear something that I would be comfortable walking in. He also gave some instructions from you to Teckla but she wouldn’t tell me what they were!” she said pouting slightly.
“It’s a surprise,” he said mischievously as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along to the dock. There was a two-person boat tied at the end of the pier and he strode quickly towards it. There were several packages tied into the storage compartment and though Padmé looked eagerly, she couldn’t tell what any of them were. Anakin placed the small carrisack that he retrieved from Artoo in the back with the other packages and then turned to help her get into the boat. He then jumped in himself. He could hardly wait to get this day started; he had so much he wanted to do with her. The nuisance of his arm was only a slight bother as he took the craft out into the lake and sped towards the other shore. They arrived at their destination quickly and Anakin docked the small boat at the pier. He helped Padmé out of the small craft and then turning, used the Force, to lift the packages out of the boat and float them along behind them as they walked down the pier and over to the waiting cart-like vehicle. A rolling droid was waiting patiently for them. Anakin loaded the bags quickly into the storage compartment of the vehicle and then grinning hugely, picked Padmé up and gently deposited her into the cart. He captured her lips in a short, sweet kiss and then ran quickly around to the other side and leapt in. The droid took off as soon as he was settled, again giving Padmé no hint of their destination.
“How does the droid know where to go?” She teased, looking at him out of the corner of her eye. “Did you use your mind tricks on him?”
“Nope.” He said, laughing. “Artoo told him our destination when he hired the rig.”
“Oh,” she said in mock disappointment, excited for the surprises that Anakin had planned. They should be wonderful, since the clothing that Sola had sent were nothing like she normally wore. The ride took them through the beautiful countryside where they had spent many idyll hours several weeks ago. Padmé smiled as the droid rolled into a beautiful meadow surrounded on three sides by lush waterfalls. The meadow looked as beautiful as the last time they were here. It seemed like so long ago but really wasn’t, it was just the events of the past couple of days had sorely tested the resolve of the young couple and the idyllic times that they had spent here seemed like another lifetime ago. Padmé laughed to herself as she remembered herself during that time, fighting the inevitable, that she loved him and he loved her. She smiled to herself as the cart rolled to a stop and Anakin jumped out. Anakin noticed her soft smile and gave her a huge grin in return. He helped Padmé out of the cart and then turned to busy himself with the packages in the rear. He pulled one large and a couple of small packages, and then Force floated the rest of them behind him as he gestured for her to precede him. He gave some soft instructions to the droid, who then rolled away, leaving them in complete privacy. They walked out to almost the very spot where they had been before. He set the packages down that he was carrying and with a wave of his hand the others fell into a neat pile on the ground. Anakin quickly dug through them, bringing out a small tent and several blankets. He gave her the small carrisack that he had gotten from Artoo earlier.
“I think we might be needing this soon. “ He said as he handed it to her.
“Can I open it?” She asked, smiling at him, thanking him with her eyes for planning all of this.
“Yes.” She opened the small bag, pulling out a pair of woven black shorts for him and a stunning burgundy two-piece bathing suit for her. Padmé’s blush was instantaneous as she held up the skimpy bikini and then looked at Anakin. His blush followed quickly as their eyes met and the both burst out laughing. They howled with laughter and it was several minutes before they caught their breath again.
“Sola, again?” She asked, still giggling slightly.
“Actually, I think your mother picked that one out.” He said straight-faced but was unable to hold it long at the look of shock on her face. He began laughing as he turned to finish setting up the tent.
“I take it that we are going swimming then?” She asked him, holding up the suits and the two large towels that were in the bag.
“That was my plan, yes. Do you mind?” he said turning towards her once again.
“You told me the last time we were here that you used to love to swim so I thought we might do it now since we have the time.”
“That sounds wonderful, Anakin. I love how you remember the smallest things that I say and then turn them into wonderful surprises for me. You are the most thoughtful man that I have ever encountered.” She said as she stepped closer to him, sliding her arms around his waist and laying her head on his chest. “I do love you so very much, Anakin. You make me completely, deliriously happy, happier than I have been in a long, long time.” Anakin felt the warmth of her love spreading through him as her words warmed his heart.
“Ah, Padmé, I love you more than life itself and I would do anything to make you happy. I am yours forever.” He put his fingers gently under her chin, tipping it up to receive his gentle kiss. He slid his lips over hers, the passion quickly rising between them as he slowly deepened the kiss, slanting his lips over hers again and again, losing himself in her arms. As they stood there, locked in each other’s embrace, time stood still and the world shrank to the circle of their arms. The wind still blew softly through the meadow, making the flowers dance and wave on their stalks, and the bugs were flitting here and there intent on their work with the flowers to take notice of the young lovers, who were oblivious to anything but each other. Anakin slowly pulled his lips from hers and taking the suits and towels; he went over to the small tent.
“You can change first, there are some things I need to set up so that we can eat when we get back from our swim.” He said, pulling aside the flap and holding it up for her to enter.
“Thank you for today, and just for being you.” She whispered, her eyes shining with the love that she felt for him. She pecked him softly on the cheek as she walked by him to enter the tent. Anakin smiled and then closing the tent flap went to busy himself among the packages and try to keep his mind off of her changing in the tent just a few feet away. She pulled her hair up into a quick bun and then quickly changed into the skimpy two-piece suit. Wrapping the large towel around herself, she stepped outside. Anakin had set up a small awning over a table and chairs and was pulling things left and right out of the packages. Padmé could hardly wait to explore all of the things that he had brought along when he went in to change his clothes.
“I forgot to give you some shoes to walk to the water in.” Anakin said as he ran over to her side, giving her some soft waterproof slippers to put on. He knelt down and helped her put them onto her feet.
“You thought of everything.” She breathed as he stood up and smiled at her.
“I tried to, let me know if I forgot anything and I can have Artoo bring it to us.”
“Oh, Ani.” She laughed, reaching up to caress his cheek. “You are so sweet to be doing this.”
“It’s nothing, I am going in to change now, no peeking! And stay out of the packages, they are for later.” he laughed as he brushed by her, moving into the tent. Padmé went over to the table and sat in one of the chairs to wait for him. She had to do something to keep her mind off of the thoughts that were swirling through her head as she pictured him inside the tent changing his clothes. She craned her neck, trying to look at the packages that he had opened. There was a bag full of her favorite shuura fruit, a picnic lunch in a cold pack box, a couple of wineskins covered in dewy drops and several thick blankets along with other things that she couldn’t identify from where she was sitting.
“I’m ready!” Anakin yelled as he walked out of the tent. “You didn’t look in the boxes did you?” She smiled at him and shook her head no. He walked over to where she was sitting and held out his hand to her. She rose gracefully and they walked hand in hand over the slight hill to where the spill pool of the waterfalls lay. It was a beautiful sight, the rainbows dancing on the spray, and the sun glinting off of the water. They laid their towels and shoes on a small rock and ran towards the water. Anakin had almost lost it when Padmé took off her towel, the sight of her in that revealing suit was delectable. He sent a mental thanks to Sola for sending the outrageous clothes for Padmé that she would have never chosen for herself. The suit fit her like a glove, following the curves of her body like a lovers caress. Padmé kept stealing glances at his healthy young body as they ran to the edge of the water, noticing that the shorts he was wearing were snug and fit his lean body very well, the black fabric contrasting nicely with his bronzed body. They were both so busy looking at each other that they didn’t realize when they hit the water and the coolness of it shocked them both back to their senses. They tiptoed into the water, their hands reaching out and grabbing hold of each other as the water rose higher and higher around their bodies. The bottom dropped out suddenly and they floated next to each other, fingers still entwined.
“You did say you knew how to swim, right Anakin?” Padmé asked, grinning as he looked uncomfortably around him. He grinned back at her suddenly, the uncomfortable feeling passing quickly as he realized anew who he was with. Padmé wouldn’t make fun of him or try to incorporate some lesson into a simple task such as their swim as Master Obi-Wan would have.
“Yes, Master Obi-Wan threw me into the pool soon after I became his padawan and wouldn’t let me out until I learned how. I couldn’t get up until I learned how to float. I found out later that the water was only up to my chest but that was the only way that he could think of to make me learn.” Anakin looked deeply into her chocolate brown eyes, thinking again how lucky he was to have this woman in his life, to have her love him. She met his intense blue gaze and thought almost exactly the same thing about him. The next two hours passed quickly as the pair wove in and out of each other’s arms, playing and splashing each other with the water. They reluctantly left the water when their skin started to wrinkle and the coolness of the lake was almost too much to bear. They waded out of the water hand in hand and up to the bank where the towels and shoes lay. Anakin picked up Padmé’s towel and wrapped it gently around her body before pulling his own around him. He pulled her into his arms and she laid her head on his bare chest listening to his heartbeat.
“That was fun.” She said with her lips pressed against his warm skin.
“Yes it was, are you hungry now?”
“A little.” She said laughing as his stomach gave a huge growl, announcing that it would like to be fed, quickly. He laughed as well and smiled at her with that little boy look that no woman could resist. “I am starving. Let’s go eat!” They ran back up the hill towards their small campsite. When they got back to the campsite, Anakin gently pushed her towards the tent saying,
“I am going to get everything set up, you go and dry off. Just hand me my clothes and I will change out here.” Padme slipped inside the tent and handed Anakin the small pile of clothing that he had left inside. As she dropped the tent flap back down, Anakin ran the towel quickly over his body and hair, and then moving off to the side of the tent, changed back into his tunic and pants. He left the soft shoes that they had worn back from the lake on since they were more comfortable than his boots. As soon as he was finished dressing, he sprinted down to where the awning was set up and started to pull things out of the boxes. He quickly set the table with the basket that Teckla had packed for him this morning. She had included a beautiful set of dishes and silverware along with it. He made a mental note to thank her for her thoughtfulness when they returned to the retreat. He then spread several of the thick blankets that he had brought along on the ground next to the awning. Pulling four plump pillows out of another box, he laid them on top of the blankets. He didn’t know how much longer it was going to take Padmé so he was hurrying as quickly as possible to get everything done before she finished changing. Everything was going to be perfect, he thought to himself and he knew that he would remember this day for as long as he lived. Padme stepped out of the tent and made her way down to where Anakin was busily rummaging through the remaining boxes. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the scene before her. Anakin had set a beautiful table and then loaded it with all of her favorite foods. He must have asked Sola what I liked, she thought, smiling at his thoughtfulness. The afternoon sun was warm and languid warmth seeped into her as she looked at Anakin moving around the campsite. She realized again how sweet and attentive he was and gave silent thanks that she had finally given in to the love that she had for him, had finally told him how she felt as he had done the last time they were here. She walked up behind him and slipped her arms around his sides to give him a hug. She had also left the softer shoes on rather than her sturdy boots. Her hair was down again and fell softly around her shoulders and down her back in soft curls. The soft fabrics of the tunic and pants were so comfortable to wear after the formal clothing that she normally wore in her Senatorial role. Padme wished that she could spend every day like this one, with the man she loved on her home planet, just Padmé and Anakin together, not having to worry about the ills of the Republic. She came up quietly behind him and slipped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his shoulder.
“I was wondering if you were ever going to come out of there or if I was going to have to come and get you.” He said smiling as he gave her hands a quick squeeze where they rested against his stomach. It chose just that moment to give another loud groan, making them both laugh.
“I guess I have made you wait long enough to eat.” She said giggling still as she released him and walked over to the small table. He turned around and reached out to hold her chair so she could sit down. “
Thank you, Ani. This is wonderful.” She said softly as he helped her scoot in closer to the table.
“You’re welcome Padmé, now lets eat.” He said, seating himself in the other chair. The food was delicious and a welcome treat after their playing in the lake that morning. Anakin was ravenous, his appetite having returned with a vengeance with the peaceful surroundings and loving comfort of having Padmé all to himself. He hadn’t eaten this well in a long time and that combined with the joy that he felt being in Padmé’s company made him want to eat everything in sight. His hunger helped to take his mind off of the nervousness that he had been feeling ever since he had decided to ask Padmé to marry him. Padmé found that she was starving also, the morning’s activity having worked up her appetite as well. The events of the last couple of weeks had taken their toll on her also and the peace and quiet and Anakin’s loving companionship were bringing back the healthful glow that she usually had. They ate in companionable silence for several minutes, enjoying the beautiful scenery and each other’s company. As the last of the food disappeared into Anakin’s mouth, the nervousness that had been held at bay returned in full force. He reached down into the bag at his feet and pulled out several plump, yellow shuura fruit and put them on the table between them. Padmé grinned hugely at the sight of her favorite desert. A grin tugged at Anakin’s mouth as he sliced one and Force floated it over to her, reminding her of the last time they had shuura fruit together. The rush of feelings that reminder brought were almost overwhelming. She bit the piece of fruit out of the air, bringing a shout of laughter from Anakin and a grin from her. She reached over to grab another piece but Anakin was quicker, wiggling his fingers slightly and the fruit danced just out of her reach.
“Let’s eat our desert over on the blanket, okay?” He asked as he stood, gathering the remaining shuura fruit in his hands.
“Okay.” She replied, scooting back away from the table and moving over towards the soft blankets and mounds of pillows that he had brought along. She sat; leaning backwards, supporting her weight with her hands as she looked up at his tall, lean frame. She let her eyes roam over his body, thinking that he had lost a little weight. That could be fixed with a few more meals like the one today and several days of rest, away from everything and everyone but each other. The other hurts that he had withstood would never fully heal. His metallic arm looked garish against his warm, bronze skin but the shadows that had been haunting his eyes were finally gone and the ready smile that had first captured her heart was once again firmly in place as he juggled the fruit and tried to sit down next to her at the same time. The fruit bounced out of his hands and landed all around him as he laughingly gave up and flopped down beside her and rolled over onto his stomach. He looked at the beauty of the surroundings and then the beautiful woman sitting beside him and knew without a doubt, this was going to be one of the happiest days of his life. Padmé reached out to ruffle his hair and he rolled onto his side, catching her fingers in his hand and bringing them to his lips. He softly kissed them, savoring the feel of her soft skin. He picked up one of the fruit slices and slowly brought it to her lips. Padmé nibbled at it, her lips brushing his fingers as she ate the succulent treat. The intimate act brought blushes to both of their faces as they locked gazes and moved toward each other, their lips seeking out each other’s. She tasted of the sweet fruit and even sweeter Padmé as his tongue gently reached out to trace her lips. Her tongue darted out to meet his and then the kiss took on a life of its own. She fell into his arms and he rolled over onto his back and pulled her down on top of him. His hands, one mechanical and one human, caressed her back, his good hand winding through her damp hair and pulling it through his fingers. Her hands roamed in his hair as well, the short strands tickling her fingers as their mouths dueled in passion’s dance. He rolled them over, his arm supporting his weight as he slowly broke the kiss. He leaned his forehead to hers as they fought to regain their breath and equilibrium.
“I love kissing you, I could spend forever doing it and it would never be enough. You taste of sunlight and sweet and I lose myself in your arms.” He breathed into her ear as he lifted his head and brushed his cheek against hers.
“Oh, Anakin, you make me happier than I ever thought possible. I can’t imagine my life without you and how empty it was before you came back to me. I want to remember this day forever.” She told him as her lips traced the outline of his ear. Shivers of delight danced up and down his spine as her warm breath tickled his ear.
“Padmé,” Anakin whispered as he gathered her into his arms again, “I knew the moment that I laid eyes on you that I was going to love you forever.” He said as he gazed into her eyes, losing himself in their depths.
“I only wish that I had known then as well. I wouldn’t have let ten years pass without seeing you again.” She replied as she tenderly caressed his cheek.
“When I saw you again, you could have knocked me over with a feather. You sent all of these feelings that I had never had before suddenly rushing everywhere. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Every time I was near you my stomach was so full of butterflies that I couldn’t think straight. You were so handsome with your beautiful blue eyes and that sandy blond hair. And you were so tall! You certainly grew up to be a handsome man.” She said leaning down to brush her lips against his. Anakin quickly caught her lips and deepened the kiss, his mouth sliding over hers again and again. He could lose himself here, kissing her warm, sweet mouth. The kiss ended softly and he pulled her down with him again, rolling her over onto her back, leaning above her on one elbow. “I thought about you every day for the last ten years and now it seems like a dream that you are really here in my arms. You intoxicate me; you are in my soul, haunting me with your beauty. I dream about you every night and awaken in pain when I realize that you aren’t really there with me, that it was only a dream. I love you Padmé, more than anything else in the galaxy. I don’t want it to be only a dream anymore. I want you to be with me all of the time. I want to wake up in your arms and go to sleep every night wrapped around you. Padmé, will you marry me?” He whispered softly, bending down and gently kissing her. His fingers roamed through her hair, caressing her cheek and neck. The love shining in her eyes gave him his answer before her throaty words poured out of her. “Oh, Anakin, I love you so much. I want all that too. I cannot bear to be apart from you. Yes!” She cried joyfully, tears sliding from her eyes as she reached up to cup his face with her hand. He kissed her deeply then, feeling her soft body beneath his and her presence in the Force as well. The passion that inflamed them reached out to engulf them in its embrace. The two separate halves became one. Anakin reached down to pull the blanket up to cover them as they gave in to the feelings that had been long denied.
----------------------------------
The door to the small room slid open, rousing Anakin from his memories. He stood, shaking himself slightly as he prepared to meet the destiny that had been foretold in prophecy. He was the Chosen One and he would bring balance to the Force, eventually. Master and Padawan walked out of the small room together to face the day.