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

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Better you than someone."

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

"I wouldn't mind."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"I wouldn't mind either, you know. Protecting you."

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

Quiet, and then, "I know."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Good." Somewhere in there, he's taken her hand in his again, as he looks at her. "I will always be there for you, Padme." In as many ways as you'll let me.

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

She doesn't look at him, but just lifts his hand up and kisses it lightly. "I know." She doesn't know how she knows, but she does.

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

A nod. He leans in closer to her for a moment, and then it's as if he thinks better of it, and pulls back slightly. "Chancellor Palpatine wishes to see me."

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

"Does he?" She doesn't let go of his hand. Because...well. She doesn't want to. "Do you know why?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

He watches the airspeeders pass for a few long moments, "I don't know. Maybe he just wants to speak with me."

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

"Interesting." Soft and thoughtful. "I hope the meeting goes well for you."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"So do I."

He suddenly realises while they've been sitting there together, it's become full night. "I probably ought to get you back..." But he doesn't move.

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

"Probably." She doesn't move either. "It's beautiful."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Yes, it is." But he's not looking at the view.

[oh yes, he MADE me do the corny thing. Darn that boy. *snort* Uhm, yes. Carry on.]

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

[hee. I bet myself a new comic that he would.]

"Anakin..." And she doesn't know what else to say. Funny how it's around him that she has this problem.

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Yes...?" And they're close again, he notices. Very close.

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

We can't do this. Except...Except. She rubs her thumb over his knuckles for a moment before kissing his cheek. "Thank you."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

He looks at her a moment, shadow of disappointment flickering across his face, then a smile, slightly rueful. "You are very welcome."

And then he pulls away, turning toward the swoop bike. "I guess I will take you back, now."

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

"That's probably best." She doesn't move yet, though. Just closes her eyes.

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

Anakin looks over his shoulder at her. "What do you want?"

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

"Something I shouldn't."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"Why not?"

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

"Some things are forbidden to have."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

He raises his chin, "Forbidden by whom?"

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

"Those who make the rules, I should think."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

"The rules for what?"