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__/]

"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?"

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

Small, sad smile. "It doesn't matter, really, does it?"

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

Anakin turns away, making a frustrated sound. "I suppose not. Do you want me to take you back to the Naboo Senatorial Residence or would you prefer I just take you back to the plaza we met at?"

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

Duty and passion. I wonder which is stronger? Duty. It has to be. Whether she likes it or not. "The residence, if you would."

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

A nod. "Very well." And once she's sitting securely behind him, he takes off. This time, since he's not so concerned with her being able to see things as they go and perhaps has a bit of an ulterior motive...they fly much faster as Anakin weaves through traffic and the lights of Coruscant blur by them.

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

It's almost a death grip she has around him, face buried tightly against his back, away from the wind. "You're doing this on purpose," she mutters, not caring if he can hear her or not.

Not really objecting, either.

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

Of course he's doing it on purpose. And all too soon, he's coming to a stop outside the residence. He slides off first and then helps her. A crooked smile at her windblown hair, "They're definitely going to wonder what you've been doing."

[brb]

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

Lightly, "Being swept off my feet by a Jedi, apparently." She means that literally.

Really.

[kay]

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

The urge is too great, and he does sweep her off her feet, scooping her into his arms and heading for the main entrance. "Like this?"

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

"Ani!" She can't help laughing, arms around his neck instinctively. Faces close again.

[morally-cryptic.livejournal.com]

Anakin smiles, "Well, wouldn't want their conclusion to have been the wrong one, would we?"

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

"It's our duty to prove them right?" she asks, amused.