Anakin managed to drag his battered and bruised body back to the apartment. Every step and slight movement would send a sharp stabbing sensation into his sides, a ringing in his ears and breathing wasn't much better. After carefully kicking off his bots and removing his clothes Anakin steady jumped into the shower , allowing the warm water to clean the small cuts covering his face and body. His skin was dark with already forming bruises and legs barley strong enough to hold him. After cleaning himself up he stumbled to his bed before plopping down on it exhausted and feeling hopeless now more then ever. "Remember boy...Shes to good for you street rat." Shes to good for you. shes to good for you. Chanted through his head angering him.

"Stop! Just stop it!" Anakin yelled grabbing both end of his head trying to make it listen.

Anakin squinted his eyes , allowing his hand to fall to his sides , opening them slowly as a moment of calm crossed over his features. For a second he didnt think, he didn't feel, he just stared at the shadow dancing across the ceiling from moving speeders outside. He just watched and took slow breaths in and out in and out. until there was nothing but his breath filling his lungs and back out again and that was his world until without realizing it he had fallen into a sleep mumbling one last coherent though before sleep overtook him completely. Even though it was barely a whisper it had been so quiet that had anyone else been there it would have been clear as a bell.

"She's to good for me...but I love her."

And with his finale words that night Anakin drifted in a dream not of certainty or failure but of hope. And in that moment Hope was all he needed.

Padme Apartment Next Day.

Padme awoke and dressed quickly. She wanted to see if she might catch Anakin at his room. She hoped he would see her . she had felt terrible about last night About how she had made him feel like a stranger. she knew she wasn't being true to herself. Even after he had left she had continued to politely go along with the conversation bal and his friends had discussed. None of witch she believed in wholeheartedly and none of witch she dare to comment on and " embarrass' Her fiance. She was a strong women with strong convictions. How had that changed just by becoming engaged to a man she liked but did not love. Anakin gave her something...allowed her to be herself and ...loved her for it. "loved?" she thought. She knew. She knew because of the way he looked at her, because of the way he said her name, because of who he was. He loved her. why was she so afraid to know that fact?

She walked over to her trusted and most loved Handmaiden, Sabe. "Sabe I'm going on an errand I should be back in a little over an hour please let bail know if he should stop by."

"Of course Milady, but there is a young man here to see you. He said it was personal but has been insistent. His name Is Anakin Skywalker. Shall I say you've run an errand and..."

"No! " Padme yelled cutting her handmaiden short. "No, that's OK please let him in. Thank you Sabe."

Sabe smiled and bowed her head before leaving.

She couldn't help but pace a little nervously, anxious for Anakin to arrive.

"Angel." Anakin said softly. So softly that Padme almost missed it but Now having heard his voice made her smile. Padme turned and was out of breath.

Ani..." She stated shocked at the now purple bruises and cuts adorning his once perfect feature.

Anakin grinned hoping to show her it wasn't as bad as it seemed. "Yeah well you were right picking fights and being drunk is not a great combination. Ill know better next time or quit drinking but its a toss up. "

Padme tried to smile at his dark humor but couldn't make it seem genuine. "Anakin , it just looks painful. I'm so sorry this happened to you.

Anakin walked to her and grabbed her hands in his. " Its not as bad as it looks, see." He placed her hands on his face allowing her to examine him herself but it was more then that and they both knew it.

Padme brushed her hand over his cheeks , his jaw, his forehead and lastly his eyes. Anakin grabbed the hand cupping his face causing Padme to look eyes with him.

"How could i have never notice the cobalt blue of his eyes till now?" She thought.

Anakin slowly moved towards her closing the gap that separated them. Padme and Him both hypnotized by each other . Face to face both leaning closer eyes slowly closing and lips just about to touch. Just then a cough separated them instantly. Padme and Anakin both jumping back.

"Sorry to interrupt." Said bail. "I just have a few question. Why are you trying to kiss my fiance? and why are you still holding her hand?"

Anakin held onto Padme's hand and they both looked at each other not knowing what to say and both knowing how they felt. What should I do? Padme thought. What?

Authors Note: I Know it has grammar mistakes but if you don't like it don't read. Hope you like new chapter.