Warning: Un- Beta'd and mature content.

Caught

They were so careful, they had been so diligent about keeping the secret. Meeting at her apartment, or in darkened ally's. They went on missions and never betrayed one another with stolen glances or wanton feelings sensed by Force sensitives.

But their luck had run out. Holding hands, standing before the Jedi and the outraged faces of the Council members and the solemn face of Obi Wan, they shared a glance and nodded. They were ready.

Earlier.

He had just returned from the far reaches of the galaxy. He had returned to her in the same general state he had left in two months prior. In the heat of passion she didn't see the long scar that stretched down his thigh that was still pink with its newness, and the round purple bruise on his rib that was just beginning to heal. She ignored the marks that would only make her sad, and rejoiced in the adoring face that was giving her an enticing stare.

"Milady, you sure are taking your sweet time." She smiled down at him and clenched muscles that could not be seen, only felt. He gasped and his hands tightened their grip on her hips.

"Time is something we are afforded so little of." She said coyly. They had rushed to their bedroom as soon as he had snuck up on her and showered her with kisses. The time for hard and fast had past and now she was torturing him with her unhurried pace.

"Very true. Now hurry up Love," His hand slithered between them and she felt the warmth of his flesh hand pressing against the small hardened bud causing her to gasp and drive all memory of 'slow' from her mind. The sound of slapping flesh, fevered breaths, moans of ecstasy and declarations of devotion was all that was manageable from the both of them.

Moments passed each and every one feeling like eternity as the song of rapture echoed through the halls of her sumptuous apartment. "Look at me." He said, his voice commanding.

Her nails dug into his chest, their eyes connecting and never waivered. Her hips moving in a pattern only reached when the animal instinct took over. The smug grin that stretched across her face could only be described as feminine pride as she watch him reach his climax as her own crashed over her. All her finery, all her accolades, her wealth, nothing compared to the look of agonizing pleasure that she watched flutter across his face.

Nothing could match the love that washed him clean, cleansed his soul of the darkness. The pride of being the only man to see the image of Padmé at the pinnacle of gratification, and knowing he was the cause of it meant more than all his might, his muscle and his commanding power of the Force.

She collapsed on his chest and smiled at the feel of his racing heart beneath her cheek. His warm breath made her hair dance as he tucked her beneath his chin, "That was-.. That was incredible."

She placed a chaste kiss his on his well defined pectoral muscle where the tiny crescent moon indents had spotted blood, "Impressive Anakin, most impressive." He wrapped his arms around her and allowed the sated smile to stretch across his face. His exploits, his fame, his powers all kneeled before this woman, this creature of his unfailing adoration. He held her in utter and total reverence knowing that it was she that was his sanity. While the blood on his hands would never truly wash away, the purity of her soul cleansed his own in a way no other could, not the almighty power of the Jedi could tear him from her.

"Master Kenobi," they heard 3P0 exclaimed, "How unexpected. The Senator is indisposed at the present time, if you'd wish to-"

"He's here 3P0. I can sense him." Twin expressions of terror and shock crossed their faces. Damn. They were still naked and intertwined like Mon Cala eels. The flush of lovemaking still stained their skin and the heady scent still hung in the air.

"Together." She whispered and he nodded. Whatever came, they would face it together. He would have it no other way.

They stood before the Council as Obi Wan held back his pain. He had offered to turn a blind eye, he had offered to help, but Anakin's damnable pride wouldn't let him.

"You'd never forgive yourself for shirking your duty." Your Duty. The words rang in his head. What about your duty Anakin.

"Skywalker. This is most disappointing." Master Luminara said coldly.

"I understand Master, but I do not regret my decision." Padmé was trying to be strong, her chin jutted out and she held back her fears, though none in the room were convinced.

"Intention, unclear to us are." Yoda said solemnly.

"I had none. I fell in love, and married the woman I love." He said unassumingly. "Were I any other man, I would not have to explain that."

"But you are not any other man," Windu said tersely, "You are a Jedi."

"You have been taught. You knew the laws, the rules. And yet you let this-"

"Do not dare speak ill of my wife."Anakin snapped hotly. "This is my doing. And I will suffer my own consequences." Two of the Master's exchanged glances. Ki A Mundi and Neeja Halcyon sat stiffly, not volunteering.

"We are not attacking her." Master Secura said gently, her accented voice attempting to defuse the tension. "We seek reason. Senator Amidala has always been a wise and virtuous woman. How could you allow such treason when you too knew our laws?"

"Love, Master. Like Ani said." Padmé said, "I am a part of Anakin as he is a part of me. I did try, I did say no. But that all changed, looking into the eyes of death made me realise that there are more important things in life then rules." Anakin squeeze her hand and pulled her closer to his side, his large body protecting her. As if to shield her from the hateful words.

"How long Anakin?" Obi Wan asked tentatively. He knew he too would not leave unscathed. He was the Mentor, the Master, he should have known-

"Two years." Padmé volunteered when Anakin remained silent. "When I requested Anakin to accompany me to Naboo after Geonosis." They were met with Steely eyed expressions around the room, save for three. Three sets of eyes looked at Anakin with an apologetic pain. Ki A Mundi and Neeja in empathetic sorrow and Obi Wan in agonizing hurt when his mind realised they had hid from him for two years.

"Convene we must." Yoda said, closing the questioning that was obviously disturbing the young couple. "Please wait outside." Anakin bowed respectfully, more out of habit than true respect. Wrapping his arm around Padmé's petite shoulders he guided her to the meditation room that none but Yoda used. It was not reserved for the Master, but it was often to stuffy and hot, as well Meditating with Yoda was not considered entertaining.

Anakin sat down on one of the Mediation pillows, pulling Padmé on his lap. He held her tightly and she returned his embrace. She could feel him trembling in fear and sorrow. "I'm so sorry Padmé." He said and she let go of him and glared.

"No. Do not blame yourself for this." She said, framing his face with her hands, "It's the will of the Force. Isn't that what you always tell me?"

"Doesn't feel so omniscient." He grumbled. A sad smiled spread across her face and she pulled his shoulders to her, willing him to accept her comfort. "I guess I wanted too much." He said softly.

"You said you have no regrets-" she said, then trailed off.

"It's true. If given the choice, in any universe, any time, I will always choose you." She felt his sigh blow through her hair and she fingered his golden curls. "But what about you? The Queen will be-"

"We will deal with whatever comes Ani." She said, feeling a wash of bravery settle into her spine. "So long as I'm still standing, I will stand by you."

"I love you. More than my own life."

"I know. I love you too." They fell silent and let the calm fall over them. Accepting whatever fate would grant them. Minutes stretched into hours and the sun began to fall on Coruscant. He smiled at the idea that he would have had to been in this very temple by this time. Rarely was he given free time, but now the possibility of freedom yawned before him. He wasn't afraid anymore.

"Is there I could tear you from the Senate for a few days?" He said softly. Her breathing was even and calm, her eyes closed, but he knew she was not sleeping.

"Possibly. Why?"

"I miss Naboo." He said, and he found utter truth in his words. The majestic planet he regarded with such fondness was his wife's home world. He had never had a place to call his own, but since joining with Padmé he had realised that she was his Home. Wherever she was would be where he longed to be. He knew that she missed her home world dearly and he had been wanting to return. "We can go see your family." He said, acknowledging the unspoken. They could finally tell her family they were married. No longer would they have to embrace in hidden corners and darkened rooms like their Love was a disgusting thing. How could such beauty be evil?

She was saved from responding when a small padawan summoned them, "Master Skywalker, the Council will see you now." They stood, and Padmé reached a gentle hand and smoothed the frown lines away.

"Together." He kissed her palm and took a cleansing breath.

"Together." He clasped his hand with hers and they walked into the circular room as a united front. The expressions of division were clear to Anakin who felt the conflicted feelings swim around him.

"A choice, you have, young Skywalker." Yoda said. Anakin was grateful they didn't regale him with a speech of displeasure and disappointment. Trust Yoda to be blunt.

"We offer you a choice," Windu said, "Divorce from Senator Amidala and we will allow you to remain a part of this Order."

"Or remain with her and be expelled." Ten had stood before him and been expelled. Ten had stared the Jedi in the face and been angered, and hurt and shocked. None of those emotions crossed the eleventh Jedi to be removed.

He was nothing but calm. "I would rather choose death than to leave her. I would choose a million life times of torture for just one with her. I would gladly take any sacrifice, so long as I could stand by her for eternity. The choice you gave me is simple."

He smiled and looked at Padmé, her eyes shining with his resounding words, his love was boundless, endless, eternal. "I choose her."

"Than you leave us no choice."

Obi Wan's eyes were shining with pain and pride. "Never take the easy way out, do you?"

"Never Master." Anakin removed his lightsaber and tossed it to his Master.

The Council was uneasy with the genteel man before them, one they didn't know. The Anakin Skywalker they knew was reckless, ominous, and untrustworthy. The man standing before them was a blinding aura of white light, his shining Force presence overwhelming with pure intentions and bathed in calm.

Anakin and Padmé turned to leave when the quiet Shaak Ti stood. "With all of us may the Force be, and may the peace of this temple be ours, a place open to thought and speech, a realm of mutual respect, and a haven of shared noble purpose. Let us take these seats together, with no one above the others. May we work together, free from the restraints of ego and jealousy, at this gathering and all others to come."

Padmé looked to Anakin, who in turn looked to Obi Wan. "Master?" Anakin said finally to Shaak Ti when Obi Wan's confused expression gave him no insight.

"Freedom is the right of every sentient creature, and yet we remove that right from every child who enters these hallowed halls."

"The issue has been discussed." Mace Windu said.

"The issue at hand is no longer an issue." Anakin was well and truly confused. He wanted to leave, he had accepted his fate and was ready to flee and never return.

"I look around the room and sense not one of you feels as you had voted. This man is not the dangerous man you were convinced of."

"The issue should have-"

"Change, we do not," Yoda said, cutting off Windu. "Accept it, hard for any creature it is." Yoda looked at Anakin, and sensed the change. There was sadness, but there was acceptance. There was no trace of anger, or fear. Only relief that it was over.

"This is a place to be heard." Shaak Ti said, "And I believe the issue was not properly heard." She looked to Anakin and pinned him with her large black eyes, "Your reason for marrying her was Love."

"Yes Master. A value the Jedi do not understand."

"Compassion, which I would consider unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi's life." Padmé spoke up, repeating the words causing a smile to cross Anakin's face.

"Do you memorize everything I say." He rolled his eyes.

She shot him a look, "Never know what will come in handy in a debate." The council watched the exchange, the words sinking in.

Anakin's eyes tore away from hers and he took another cleansing breath, summoning the Force as he had been taught his entire life. "Masters. I feel your conflict, your concern." He said addressing the council, "At one time, all I wanted was to be a Jedi, to be respected. That all disappeared when I married her."

She smiled serenely and he barreled on. "If all you take from this is that Love should not be denied because it is unknown, then so be it. Love is not something to be feared. It is to be worshipped and respected. I don't speak of romantic love, but of unconditional love. The love that is no longer yours because it is far too consuming to reside in only one body. It takes two souls to withstand and weather the storms." He looked at her and cupped her cheek.

"She is my rock, my compass and my savior. Her love grounds me, directs me, and saves me from the darkness every day." He had their undivided attention and Padmé had never been more proud. He always did have a way with words. "Take from me my sword, my honor, my life, but you will never take my love, because it doesn't belong to me. It belongs to her." He bowed and left. Not wanting to face the scourge anymore, the scorn of the Masters and their divided views gave him hope that others would be free someday to have what he had.

The emerged on the courtyard in the sun and Anakin breathed a sigh. Relieved that it was over.

"Anakin Skywalker, I am so proud of you." She said. The tears she had held back finally broke through and she wept into the soft leather of his tabard. His arms encircled her and he held her close, whispering endearing things into her ear. He was unsure of the words, but the sentiment was there. He comforted her as she stained his tunic with her tears.

"Please don't cry Angel." He said quietly. "I can't stand it when you cry."

"I'm sorry." She snuffled. "What did I ever do to deserve you."

"You have it the wrong way around," he smirked and lifted her chin with his finger, "Demons don't deserve angels. I will never deserve you, but I will fight to death to keep you." The sincerity in his eyes would frighten a lesser woman, the oath would scare off a weaker woman, but Padmé was neither. She was strong and in love. "Let's go."

"Ok."

They had arrived in Theed, much to the surprise of her family. The Naberrie's were shocked when they sat down and told them the entire story, of how they fell in love and married. Padmé was awestruck when Anakin looked her father in the eye and swore that he had wanted to ask for her hand, he had wanted to do it all the proper way, but Padmé had refused. Ruwee smiled and merely quipped, "Son, I learned long ago that the women of this family will not be told what to do. To attempt is foolish."

"Well call me a fool for trying sir." Anakin said to the bemusement of her father. And with a hearty handshake, Anakin was welcomed to the family.

It was still surreal to him that he was no longer a Jedi, it almost felt unbelievable that after eleven years of devoting himself to the Order, that he simply was no longer a Jedi. Padmé had insisted that he replace the lightsaber with the one he had given her for their first anniversary, until he could acquire the parts to make a new one. It had been his favourite one, which was why he had given it so freely to Padmé. He had preferred her to have it then to see it lost.

He felt the weight of the Lightsaber at his hip and frowned. There was still a war that raged on in the stars, and he felt guilty at how little it crossed his mind. His men, Obi Wan, all those missions that would be left to someone less capable.

He felt a presence behind him and smiled, allowed her the treat of sneaking up on him. Two thin arms wrapped around his waist and he pulled her to his side, basking in her loving embrace. A gentle squeeze and he grinned, bringing her hand and kissing the gold band that matched his own.

He felt clean, not just the outside, but his soul felt fresh. Like he had bought a new one. The unsullied brightness of their home away from home, their own paradise was more beautiful knowing they were there officially as husband and wife. The shining gold band on his finger and on hers had been his conquest while she had closed out her affairs for the week, they were nothing spectacular, but he had engraved them himself. The elegant scrawl on the inside of his read their anniversary date and her name in Huttese, on hers read the same but with his name in traditional Nabooian that he had 3P0 spell out. Six million languages did come in handy occasionally.

It was early morning and the sun had barely risen above the horizon, "Ani, come back to bed." She cooed, kissing the base of his throat.

"In a minute Angel."

"How's the meditation." He could see her smirk without opening his eyes, which he had yet to do.

"Fine until you distracted me." He jibed.

"I thought I was a soothing presence." She said mocking hurt. His eyes opened and she smiled at the inner peace she saw within.

"You are most certainly a soothing presence, but you are also a delicious distraction." He said, leaning down to claim her lips. She threw her arms around his neck and allowed him to carry her back to their large bed.

The large bed was still warm, the sun beat down on them and looking deep into her eyes, he felt blessed.

Back on Coruscant, no one wanted to make public that the Chosen One had been removed. That he was no longer a Jedi. Officially, Anakin Skywalker hadn't been removed. Officially, he was on a sabbatical tending to injuries.

Obi Wan didn't like the lies, the deceit. But he understood. The Council had deemed him not accountable for Anakin's secret, more lies. Obi Wan had known that Anakin had harbored a deep and abiding love for the Senator. But he had always considered it one sided and innocent. To learn that the feelings had not only been reciprocated, but acted upon, had shocked him.

"Senator?" Obi Wan had said, the sight of them both emerging from her bedroom. He had remained celibate his entire life, but even he could see the marks on Anakin's chest, on her neck, the emotions and scents told him enough.

"Obi Wan." She said, and her eyes cast down in shame.

"Anakin, please tell me this just happened.. I will believe you. Tell me it was an accident and I will never speak of it again."

"Master." He said, and Obi Wan knew. How, he didn't know. "I believe you know my Wife." The look of shock cause the older Jedi to stumble.

"Your-.." Obi Wan finally allowed himself to look. The bond between them was strong. Stronger than any Master-pupil bond, or any other bond he had ever come across. Anakin's presence shone so brightly also gave Padmé a glowing aura. "You're married?"

"Yes Master."

"I can't.. No." He stammered. "I don't believe it."

"Search your feelings, you know it's true."

"The council will-"

"We're ready." Padmé said, Anakin kissed the hand that was clasped within his own.

"Not dressed like that I hope."Padmé blushed and Anakin chuckled. She only had a robe and he his sleep pants.

"Yes, well I suppose the Council wouldn't appreciate the lack of clothing." Anakin said, with a gentle smile. They turned to dress and Obi Wan made one last effort.

"I will turn a blind eye Anakin. I don't want to take you to the Council."

"I couldn't ask that of you Master." He said softly, "You'd never forgive yourself for shirking your duty"

Obi Wan's eyes were wet with emotion. He hadn't wanted to turn his best friend in. But in the end, it was Anakin who had turned himself in. They had gone willingly and stood proudly. If only I hadn't wanted to surprise her. He had always held affection for the Senator, one of the few politicians he could handle. He would always remember her as the girl who was too young to be such a wise queen, with a passion to save her people.

He had been given time to collect his thoughts before being sent back into battle, and decided he needed to understand. "This time, I'll contact them before I go rushing in."

They had been delighted that Obi Wan asked to visit. They both missed the wise man who they considered a dear friend. They were waiting for him on the balcony, the glowing pair shining.

He understood.

He hadn't seen this at the apartment. There had been concern, and fear and support. But this beacon of love was as potent as the twin sun's of Tatooine.

"Obi Wan." Anakin said, extending his hand. They shook hands and Obi Wan saw whatever trace of darkness had been hovering over Anakin was no more. The darkness had no power here.

"Anakin." They dropped hands and he was embraced, "Padmé."

"Thank you for coming." She said, "You are more than welcome here."

"I may take you up on that Senator."

She frowned and smiled, "None of that Master Jedi."

"What about Mrs. Skywalker." He felt their emotions peak and her breath hitched.

"That would be acceptable." She said softly. "Has the council made-"

He shook his head. "Let's sit and I'll tell you everything." Anakin's eyes tracked her movements as she nodded and started directing staff to care for Obi Wan's belongings and arranging for lunch to be served for the three of them.

"I can do that."

"Leave her be Master." Anakin said, a note of amusement in his voice, "She can be a worse task master than Yoda." He rolled his eyes and smirked.

"You're happy Anakin." He said rhetorically.

"Elated. For the first time in my life I'm free." Obi Wan winced as the two men walked across the stones.

"I'm sorry-"

"We married on that balcony there." He said cutting him off and pointing to the bottom veranda that overlooked the lake. "You sent us here to be safe, to be alone, but how could I not have fallen in love with her."

"It is beautiful here." He said. "But Anakin I-"

"No Master. My situation is my own, and I alone am responsible. I hated keeping it from you, but I was only trying to protect you." Anakin rubbed the back of his neck, "This is what I had been afraid of. That you would blame yourself."

"I was your Master, Anakin. I should have-"

"I kept it from you, I hid my feelings to the best of my abilities, and so did she." They fell silent as the two men looked across the shimmering water. "She turned me down so many times here." Anakin said finally. "I woke up one morning after dreams of my mother and realised that I couldn't NOT go to her. Padmé came to Tatooine with me, and from there.. well you know the rest." Obi Wan stroked his beard as they leaned against the railing.

"Lunch is ready." Padmé said, finally deciding they had sufficient enough time to talk alone.

"Moteé?" Anakin asked and Padmé blushed.

"Yes," she said and looked to the other shore of the lake, "I felt Obi Wan wasn't ready for my cooking."

"Angel, a wookie wouldn't be ready for your cooking." She smacked him across the chest and he winced.

"Apologies Milady." He said, rubbing the tender spot.

"Hmph!" she said and hooked an arm around Obi Wan's and scowled at her husband. "See if I care." Obi Wan blushed and was embarrassed till he caught a glance of Anakin's smile and the twitching of the corners of her scowl.

"Don't put me in-between the lover's quarrel." Anakin burst out laughing, the sound was musical and full, making the old Jedi weary at the idea of leaving this paradise.

"So they haven't announced anything?"

"According to the press, you have left for a sabbatical to tend to injuries." Obi Wan frowned, "I am under the impression that they believe you will rescind, and come back."

"But you do not believe that." Padmé said and Obi Wan shook his head.

"Anakin, while being reckless and more than a little insane sometimes is nothing if not loyal and devote." He smiled at the man he had trained since childhood. "And I will stand behind any decision he makes." Anakin couldn't respond, choking up on the food he coughed and spluttered for a moment.

"Why would they tell such a blatant lie?" she asked, redirecting the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Could they not sense his decision."

"Politics is your field of expertise Padmé. Think of the situation they're in. To announce to the galaxy that depend on the Jedi to solve matters of unrest. In the heat of a war they declare that they had to remove Anakin, they're Chosen One, because he was married, and not just to anyone, but a Senator in a shady Senate." She sat back in her chair and her face pinched in thought.

"I see." Anakin's looked from Obi Wan to his wife.

"Care to indulge the portion of the class that doesn't understand?"

Padmé snickered. "They don't want to admit that they need you. They need their poster boy."

"I am not a poster boy."

"No, you're reckless, brave and incredibly intelligent. Anakin, you were a born warrior. They may be apprehensive of change, but this war needs Anakin Skywalker." Her eyes were sad, the idea of his exploits across the stars always made her heart lurch. Sensing her pain, he reached out and clasped her hand.

"I'm not going anywhere Padmé." He said, and Obi Wan felt intrusive on the intimate moment. She nodded and wiped away a tear.

"The council may yet rescind their declaration Anakin." He said, "but would you return."

He looked from his former Master to his Wife. "I-.. I don't know." He said honestly. "It was always my calling, but the darkness- the power, it was too much. How quickly I let it in.. How I let it sway me." She squeeze his hand in support. "I know. Me too." he said answering her unspoken words.

The three friends fell silent and watched the fire, "It's been a long day," Obi Wan said finally, piercing the quiet, "I'm going to retire for the evening.. providing I can find my way." He laughed nervously. "Goodnight.

"Goodnight Master." Anakin said, and Padmé gave the Jedi a finger wave. They sat huddled on the loveseat together, each quietly reminiscing as they stared into the flickering flames.

"Let's go to bed Angel." He said softly, his voice rough with passionate memories of the house. She smiled and nodded, allowing him to pull her up to his chest and kiss lazily until she gave him a subtle push towards their room. "In a rush Milady? We have all the time in the world now. Just you and me," he joked, his blue eyes dilated with his need.

"I want you. Now." She said, her voice husky and melodic. She watched him swallow and his arms wrapped around her waist, carrying her off to the room up the stairs.

Obi Wan spent three days with the Skywalker's. But the dawn of his day of departure arrived too quickly and he awoke early and was meditating on the veranda when he felt an intrusion.

"You're up early." A sweet voice came from behind him. He turned to see Padmé dressed in a simple gown and two cups of tea in her hands.

"I would say the same to you, Senator. Is he up too?"

"Anakin hasn't been sleeping well. I thought it best to let him sleep." She frowned, "he doesn't often have nightmares while were here. Not since his Mother's death at least."

Obi Wan felt a flash of guilt and looked at the wise woman. "You are exactly what he needs. What he has always needed." Obi Wan observed.

"While that may be, it is you he looks to." She said, "You and Qui Gon. I believe the guilt that he feels is not so much to the Council or the Jedi, but to you and the memory of Qui Gon."

"That's hard to believe, and you wouldn't think so if I told you some of the stories."

"So tell me Master Jedi. Maybe I can fill in some of your blanks." She smiled and quirked a brow.

"Maybe."

They sat at the small durasteel table with the two cups of tea and chatted conversationally for a few hours until Padmé froze at the tell tale sound of Anakin screams. She ran to the room and jumped on the bed, stroking his face. "Ssh. Anakin, love, wake up. You're safe, you're ok, wake up." Obi Wan had followed her to the room fearing the young man was being attacked.

His blue eye shot open and Anakin stared at her wide brown ones, "Padmé!" his arms encircled her and she held him to her, her chin resting on his head, murmuring soothing words. Obi Wan had seen Anakin in the throes of terror, he had been awoken by his Padawan's thrashing, fighting the demons in his mind. Anakin had told him that he was fine, that they were nothing.

But here, watching him shuddering in Padmé's arms, he could see that they were very much the horrors that he had assumed haunted him. "Was it your Mother?"

Anakin shook his head, "Gardulla."

He shuddered and she kissed his forehead, "I'm sorry Ani." She glanced at Obi Wan and he took the hint. Blushing, he fled their room, embarrassed to have intruded on the obviously intimate moment.

Padmé sat with Anakin for some time, saying nothing, only holding him while he calmed down from his nightmare. "Thank you Angel. I'm sorry."

"Don't Anakin. We all fear something."

"Not you my dear." He said, a faint smiled tugging at the corner's of his lips.

"Absolutely I do." He quirked a brow and she rolled her eyes. "Snakes, rats, droids without heads, and you."

"Me?" He was staring at her in concern, "why would you be scared of me?"

"Not you in particular, but how I feel about you." She looked at him, their souls connecting on a level that he didn't remotely understand. "You are the only thing I need in life. You are the only thing I couldn't bear to lose."

"You think I feel differently, Angel?" He cupped her face, "If I were without you my soul would die, along with the rest of me." She was always moved by his words, tears sprung to her eyes. He kissed away the tears and held her close.

"We should get up and see Obi Wan off." His eyes were warm and disappointed. "You're insatiable Ani. After last night-?"

"Angel, forever wouldn't be enough. But as always, you're right." He sighed and she rolled off his lap as he draped his legs over the edge. She righted her clothes and smoothed out the invisible wrinkles as Anakin dressed. The plain tunic and trouser's were clothes she had purchased for him long ago after tiring of seeing him only in his Jedi robes.

"Angel?" She turned and saw his gentle smile, his hand was outstretched to her, his finger's wiggling. "How about breakfast?"

"Ani, it's almost noon." She giggled and allowed him to clasp her hand, the callous of his larger one rough against her small one.

"All the more reason." He kissed her knuckle and they walked to the kitchen where he had sensed Obi Wan. "Grazing Old Man?"

"No respect. Like I told you Padmé, never any respect."

"Right." Anakin called a pear to his hand and took a bite, ignoring the looks from Obi Wan and Padmé. "What-.. I'm hungry?" They smiled, glad the shuddering, screaming man was gone.

They stood and waved as Obi Wan disappeared into the sunset. They were quiet, not needing words. She was tucked into his chest, his arm was wrapped around her, his hand resting on her hip.

The sun was setting on the horizon and too was it setting on their time in paradise. Soon they would have to face the real world of seedy politics and shameful glances. They were both concerned and had decided to speak with the queen prior to returning as she had declared that she would announce herself as Mrs. Skywalker upon their return, and while he had proclaimed that unnecessary, it cause a flush of utter joy to spread through him.

Finally, would he be allowed to stand proud beside her. Finally, he would be able to call her his wife in public. There would be repercussions and looks of shame and anger. But they had married for Love, and they're love was all that mattered.

If I get enough interest I may continue this, but for now it'll remain a one shot. ~S.W.L