Retreat

Summary: Ahsoka inadvertently learns one of Anakin's most closely guarded secrets. Will their relationship, and the balance of the Force, survive?!

A/N: Please enjoy some Clone Wars fluff! Reviews are much appreciated!

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Chapter 2

Anakin Skywalker was arguably one of the best fighters in the Jedi Order, due in no small part to his ability to think on his feet, to change tactics seamlessly and outmaneuver his opponent.

Today, however, he couldn't summon that same decisiveness he felt on the battlefield. He spent the entire speeder ride debating whether he should try to alert Padme. Using her personal comm line was out of the question with Ahsoka sitting beside him. Calling her office would take too long and quite possibly end with him being told that she was busy.

Ultimately, Anakin decided that it was too late to call and he would take his chances showing up at Padme's office unannounced.

"It's so nice to be home," Ahsoka said, somewhat to herself, as she gazed out at the busy Coruscant horizon.

Just like Obi-wan, Anakin thought. Both his former master and his Padawan grew up in the Jedi Temple. Anakin had never formed quite the attachment to the place that they had.

Anakin used his Jedi clearance codes to set the speeder down on one of the landing pads reserved for Senatorial staff. He and Ahsoka walked through the halls of the great domed building until they found the office belonging to the Senator from Naboo.

"Does she know we're coming?" Ahsoka asked, unknowingly echoing Anakin's internal dilemma.

"No," Anakin said, seemingly unconcerned, "But I don't think she'll mind a surprise if it's from us."

The two Jedi stepped into the reception area and were immediately greeted by a flustered protocol droid.

"Hello, Threepio," Anakin greeted him.

"Oh my! Master Skywalker! What a surprise!" the gold droid prattled on but Anakin paid him no mind.

He could sense Padme's presence in the Force. Anakin felt a rush of longing for her as he stepped around Threepio and activated the door to Padme's inner office.

Padme was bent over her datapad, concentrating intently. She didn't bother to look up at the sound of the door.

She sighed, "Threepio, I told you…"

Anakin smirked and stood still for a second before saying only, "Senator."

Padme's eyes opened wide at the familiar voice. She dropped her datapad and stylus on the desk and rushed to the doorway.

"Ani!" she exclaimed, smiling brightly.

Anakin grinned. She was as beautiful as ever and her surprised expression was even better than he'd imagined. It took all of his Jedi discipline to refrain from sweeping her up in his arms and kissing her right then.

The sound of sudden laughter caused Anakin to freeze in a grimace.

Padme was shocked again, this time at the sight of her husband's Padawan standing a half-step behind him. She'd been a second away from throwing her arms around Anakin's neck and kissing him. It was only due to her years of experience in politics that she was able to school her features into a serene smile that gave, she hoped, nothing away.

Ahsoka couldn't believe her luck, "Ani? I didn't know that was your –"

"Ahsoka!" Anakin glared at her darkly.

The young Jedi gulped down the rest of her words. Then, feeling that the reprimand was too harsh for the situation, she blinked back up at him innocently, "But I –"

Before Anakin could cut her off again, Padme attempted to diffuse the situation. "Ahsoka, it's so good to see you!" she said, giving the younger woman a warm hug.

Ahsoka smiled, "It's good to see you too, Senator."

Ahsoka looked between her Master and her friend. She could feel Anakin using their Force bond to urge her to keep her mouth shut, but this was simply too good to pass up.

"Why is this the first time I've heard your nickname, Master?" Ahsoka asked, a mischievous smirk tugging at her features.

Anakin Skywalker let out a long-suffering sigh. The Force must hate him. That was the only possible justification for this situation. First his overly eager Padawan had to tag along on what was supposed to be a romantic reunion. Then Padme had to go and blurt out his childhood nickname in front of Ahsoka!

Even Obi-Wan knew better than to call him Ani. He'd grown out of that name a long time ago. Not that he'd ever told Padme as much. It was different when she said it. She always said 'Ani' with such affection in her voice that he didn't mind at all.

"I've known Anakin for a long time, remember. Since he was younger than you are now, Ahsoka," once again Padme smoothly diverted the conversation.

Ahsoka considered this information then decided, "I still like my nickname for him better."

"Oh? What's that?" Padme asked, now very curious.

"Skyguy!" Ahsoka declared with a proud smirk that was decidedly un-Jedi like, but somehow very much like Anakin.

Padme grinned, "That is clever! I like it."

Anakin decided that he'd had quite enough of this particular conversation. He ungracefully changed the topic, "So, uh, Senator, what was it that you wanted to discuss?"

Padme blinked, "What?"

"You left me a message to contact you as soon as I was back on Coruscant, remember?" Anakin prodded, attempting to establish a cover story.

"Ohh," Padme responded as gracefully as she could, "I'm afraid I don't recall what it was exactly. Probably I was only looking for news of the war."

The young senator was certain that, if it weren't for her quick thinking, her impulsive husband would have blown their cover long ago.

She continued, "But no matter. It's perfect that you're here now. You two can accompany me to the first day of All-Species Week. I'm on a committee that is hosting a street festival and I need to make an appearance."

Ahsoka's eyes lit up at the mention of Coruscant's most popular holiday, "I didn't realize that was today! Master, can we go?"

Anakin told himself to play it cool. He pretended to think about it while Ahsoka looked up at him with hope shining in her eyes, then finally agreed, "Yeah, we might as well."

Ahsoka grinned. Padme gave him a secret smile that was her way of saying 'I love you' without speaking. Maybe today wouldn't be half bad after all.