You're not just an old friend. If Obi-Wan and Ahsoka had suspected there were feelings between us, Palpatine would know. I've... I've told him so much.
[ He close his eyes. Her touch is comforting and more than ever, he just want to sink into that comfort. To hide, crawl away until it's just them and nothing hurts. But he loves her and he has to continue, and she loves him and so he can continue. ]
Our focus determines our reality. Qui-Gon used to tell say that.
[ There were other things; events that passed that hinted his descent, that he felt guilt for for not doing the right thing, that Palpatine had kindly offered that it was right... for him. Rules didn't matter, that's what made him special. ]
But I've never been good at hiding my true feelings.
[ She touches his chin lightly to encourage him to look at her. ]
Neither should you.
[ Padme feels a swell of guilt and anger bubbling up again. She's part of the reason he's Chancellor. The Chancellor who has-- and will-- hurt so many.
[ He tucks his face into her hand and kiss her palm, her wrist and close the gap between them and kisses her, wordlessly urging her not to think about it - not the Chancellor's betrayal or the Republic falling. It has been a long day of it and sooner or later, they will have nothing but days like these, when they have nothing but this to worry about. ]
[ Padme closes her eyes and pulls him close, close, close. As if she can shield him, as if she can pull the weight off his shoulders if she just holds him close enough.
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[ He close his eyes. Her touch is comforting and more than ever, he just want to sink into that comfort. To hide, crawl away until it's just them and nothing hurts. But he loves her and he has to continue, and she loves him and so he can continue. ]
Our focus determines our reality. Qui-Gon used to tell say that.
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How much did you tell him?
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[ There were other things; events that passed that hinted his descent, that he felt guilt for for not doing the right thing, that Palpatine had kindly offered that it was right... for him. Rules didn't matter, that's what made him special. ]
But I've never been good at hiding my true feelings.
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If we assume he knows, then we can anticipate his moves. If he threatens me, I might somehow find myself surrounded by more security.
[ There's more than one way to hurt her, she knows, but she's trying to find any advantage she can. And any comfort she can give him. ]
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I'm sorry, Padme. I should-- I should be better. If I was stronger, I could protect you. Protect us.
[ Quietly: ]
You shouldn't have to go through any of this.
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Neither should you.
[ Padme feels a swell of guilt and anger bubbling up again. She's part of the reason he's Chancellor. The Chancellor who has-- and will-- hurt so many.
He's not even here and he's hurting Anakin. ]
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'I'm here. I'm here for you.' ]