ic contact

[sandhate]

"Skywalker here."

Comments

[sandhate]

I never said anything directly.

[ 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.

[diplomacme]

[ That means Palpatine only has an idea, but an idea is enough to use against them. ]

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. ]

[sandhate]

[ He has to ask himself again if it was the right thing to tell her, nevermind involve her in something so dangerous. ]

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.

[diplomacme]

[ 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's not even here and he's hurting Anakin. ]

[sandhate]

[ 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. ]

[diplomacme]

[ 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.

'I'm here. I'm here for you.' ]