Meeting with Padme [locked to __padme__]

[morally_cryptic]

[Follows this]

The message had been both a little unexpectd and yet also Anakin felt like he'd been waiting ages for it to come. A quick exchange back and forth of notes between himself and Padme led to their setting up a place and time to meet.

Of course, technically Anakin was still supposed to stick to the Temple when not with Obi-Wan. But then, hadn't Obi-Wan given him his implicit permission to go out by getting Dexter to procure that speederbike for him? Besides, after the long session sparring with Master Windu the day before, they were having pity on him and not expecting him to be anywhere today. Anakin had the sneaking suspicion most of the other students figured he'd spend the whole day lying in bed or soaking away bruises.

All the better to give him a reason not to have been seen all day, he supposes.

Not needing to convince himself anymore, Anakin sneaks out of the Temple again for what must be the second time in a week and makes his way to where he stores his swoop. Within a few more minutes, Anakin is flying, literally, toward the Jrade Plaza. He makes what must be record time in getting there and stows the swoop before going to settle on a bench near the spot he told Padme he would be waiting.

Anakin had chosen this plaza simply because it wasn't too near the Temple, and yet was convenient to both the Naboo Senatorial Residence and the Senate itself. Not to mention all of the shops and restaurants and things that were nearby. Or the fact that it stayed very busy so two people meeting there wouldn't be likely to be noticed. He's not sure why all the secrecy, but she started it with encrypting the messages so high!

Not that he minds keeping it a secret either. And so, he waits, about as patiently as Anakin ever waits for anything.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

"Oh, gods, Ani," she murmurs, brow furrowed and face worried. She'll have to send another letter to Obi-Wan. "Is he alright?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

Anakin nods, "Well, he's not totally healed." And no need to mention the visit from Revan which didn't actually help matters any. "But he'll be fine soon enough. Master Yoda is having him practice with one of the groups of younglings." Grin. "Apparently he has been beaten at least twice by every member of the Bear Clan."

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

She smiles a little, though she still looks worried, and a bit distracted for a moment, before asking, "Are you alright?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

Startled look, "Huh? Oh, I'm fine. Maybe a little bruised from yesterday..."

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

"No. I mean, are you okay about Obi-Wan?" Another frown. "Why are you bruised?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Well, I'm still his Padawan and we went to a fair the other day, so I suppose we're okay." Half grin. "As for the bruising, Master Windu wanted me to show him the things I learned from Revan...He kept me in the training rooms all day."

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

She sighs. "You two Jedi are going to give me grey hairs. I'm sure of it." Smiles. "I hope you gave him a good show."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"I hope not. I like your hair the color it is." Smile. "And I hope I did too...but with Master Windu...sometimes it's hard to tell."

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

Confidentially, "When I was a child, I tried to paint it blue. My hair, I mean. I thought blue would be far more interesting than brown." She studies him before speaking. "I somehow suspect you did."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

Anakin stares at her, tries not to laugh, "Blue?" He has to resist the urge to reach across the table and touch her hair, "What did your parents say?"

The way she's looking at him is...intriguing. "Oh really?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

"Well, my father laughed." She smiles. "He laughed a great deal. My mother cried, then washed my hair for about three hours til she got it all out. And took my paint set away."

She nods, still contemplating him. "Yes."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

He does laugh now, "I'm sure you were heartbroken."

"Why do you say that?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

"Of course. My hair was brown again."

"A feeling. I somehow think that you're very capable."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"It's a very nice brown."

Just a bit of a cocky grin, "I suppose I am."

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

She might blush. A little. Though she couldn't tell you why. "Thank you."

She laughs. "Will you get a big head, now that I've said that?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"You're welcome." At least he's not the only one who blushes when complimented.

Wounded look, "Of course not." After a moment, "There are probably some who'd say it can't get any bigger." Grin.

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

She grins back, shaking her head. "Someday I'll figure out what to do with you, Anakin."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Make sure you let me know when you do."

As their food is brought.

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

She snorts, sipping her tea before starting on her salad. "It might take a while."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

One of those intense looks, "I'll wait."

Then the turns his attention to his food.

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

Quietly, "Why do you look at me like that?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Like what?" Of course, play like he has no idea what she's talking about.

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

Like I'm the only person in the room with you. "Ani. You know what I mean. Why do you look at me that way?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

He picks at his food. "I can't help it."

[http://users.livejournal.com/__padme__/]

She pokes at her own food. "I don't know what to do around you. When you look at me like that." Or any other time, really.