Keep Breathing

So here’s my attempt at a serious Anakin/Padme story. It’s set about a year before the events of ROTS, when the Jedi and the Clones are enmeshed in the bitter disputes of the Outer Rim Sieges. Anakin and Padme have precious little time together as he is away fighting so much, but take the chance to be together whenever they can. However, love is never easy, and they have to deal with living a lie to those around them, fear of discovery, and a secret tragedy that threatens to tear them apart forever. I hope you like it, and feedback is always welcome!

The docking bay was teeming with people coming and going, people waiting for loved ones, for family members. The ceaseless traffic rang in Padme’s ears as she stood still, peering into the Coruscant skyline. Where is he? She could not help smiling in anticipation, for finally her husband was coming home to her – if only for a brief time. It has been so long, she reflected as she straightened her outfit nervously, and now she had one whole night with him. This was her husband, but all of a sudden she felt like a young girl again, shy, scared and unsure yet joyful, not sure if she’d even know what to say to him.

Padme was tired of her formal Senatorial outfits, severely tailored, impractical and uncomfortable and usually coupled with a ridiculously complicated hairdo which weighed her down, so she’d decided to dress in a softer, feminine way today. She wore a simple red satin and velvet gown with soft bell sleeves, trimmed with ribbon at the neck and cuffs and little red satin slippers. Absentmindedly twiddling the long, loose curls that cascaded down her back, Padme grinned to herself. I doubt anyone’d recognise me as Padme Amidala, the serious, uptight Senator right now. She knew she looked beautiful for Anakin. Suddenly a transport landed, and as its door opened, a group of girls near the front squealed as the passengers began to disembark.

‘Oh Force, look, it’s him, it’s him - the Hero With No Fear!’ one of them screamed. Padme giggled to herself as her husband got off the transport and was immediately mobbed by the screaming horde of teenage girls. She caught snatches of conversation such as ‘Isn’t he dreamy’ as Anakin obligingly signed autographs for the girls. As he did so, he raised his eyes to his wife briefly and smiled a devastating smile, the dark blonde waves of his hair blowing in the breeze. Force, I’m still struck dumb by her beauty, even now, he thought, appreciating the red dress that clung to her curves. I can’t wait to be with her.

Padme cast her eyes down, smiling, and headed outside the entrance to the docking bay. Anakin soon extricated himself from his fans and followed her. Seeing her standing there, he pulled her by the wrist into a side alley and wrapped his arms around her tightly, spinning her around. She laughed, feeling so happy and safe with her husband.
“Oh, I’ve missed you so, Padme. You look even more beautiful than I imagined”, he said after a moment as they stood together, holding each other as if they never wanted to let go.

“I missed you too, Ani”, was all Padme could reply as Anakin then crushed his lips against hers, kissing her urgently as he ran his strong fingers through the dark tendrils of her hair. In response her little hands crept round his back to pull him closer to her as he kissed her hard and passionately. After several moments of this, the couple finally broke apart. ‘Well, the girls seemed pretty pleased with their Hero With No Fear’ she said teasingly.

“My love, you know I have eyes only for you”, smiled Anakin, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. ‘But I suppose they’re only human...’, he drawled as an afterthought, grinning to himself.

Her eyebrows shot up. “Ha, Anakin Skywalker, you bighead, don’t pretend you aren’t loving the attention” added Padme reprovingly, though a twinkle was in her eye. “I’ve got used to seeing you on the HoloNet when they report on the sieges, my love. Quite the poster-boy you are, but then again, who could blame them? All the same, I get something those girls don’t get.” She attempted to look mad, but he could already see a mischievous smile lighting up her face.

“And what’s that?”, he murmured, dropping his hand lower to draw his fingers along the satin ribbon of her neckline. She let out an involuntary sigh at how good it felt to feel her husband’s touch on her skin.

“Well, I get to take you home at night” she purred seductively, causing her husband to take hold of her again and begin placing kisses along her neck, her shoulders, her collarbone. “I get to feel those strong muscles under my hands, get to experience the true talents of those deft fingers of yours, and of course; I get ride you as I hear you cry out my name.” She cast down her eyes demurely, but there was a wickled glint in them.

“Actually, m’lady, I think you’ll find it’s you who’ll be crying out my name tonight”, replied Anakin, kissing her roughly. Their tongues danced, their saliva mingling as their mouths pressed together. Suddenly the expression on his face became more dreamy. “Force, I can’t believe I’m finally with you. I’ve been dreaming of this day for weeks, it’s what’s kept me going.” Padme flushed with pride and pleasure at this admonition.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you”, she said quietly. “I worry so when you’re away, always wanting to see the HoloNet News so I know you’re alive. But I can’t show too much interest in your fate otherwise it’d arouse suspicion in the Senate.” She sighed, and a single tear fell from her lashes. A look of concern spread across Anakin’s face and he placed his hands on either side of her face, brushing away the tear.
“Padme, I am powerful” he said seriously, taking her by the shoulders. “I promise you I can take care of myself. I felt you crying sometimes in my dreams, and all I wished is that I could get back home to you, comfort you. But we knew this was never going to be easy, and you must be brave for me.”

She nodded. “I know, I’m sorry, I was being silly. Most of the time I understand that too. I have my commitments to the Senate, and must serve them and do my duty. It’s just hard when it conflicts with our time together.” Anakin walked out of the alley and gestured for Padme to follow him.

“I know, my wife” he said as they walked along; side by side yet not touching in order to keep their secret. There was longing and lust in the eyes of them both. “In making my commitment to the Jedi Order, I have also pledged to provide a service in both peace and war when I am requested to. But there are many reasons to suggest the war may soon be over.”

“Let’s hope so”, said Padme thoughtfully. “I worry that the Senate is powerless to act due to the corruption that exists within it. And yes, I do accept that you must be away on active service as a Jedi.” They slowed down momentarily and their eyes met in peaceful understanding of one another.

“As long as I can service you tonight”, he whispered out of the corner of his mouth, his eyes dancing playfully. Padme bit her lip gently and her wide eyes told him that she wanted him just as he wanted her.

“Why tonight?”, she whispered in reply, arching her eyebrows coyly. “We can be home in thirty minutes”. He said a silent prayer to the Force that this woman was his, and they headed quickly towards the speeder cab rank, Anakin almost breaking his neck to reach the front of the queue.


Please tell me what you think, but don’t flame as it makes me sad. I know not much has happened yet, but believe me it will get more intriguing...some nice reviews and I'll post more! x