Padme POV:

I could see the Republic ship waiting for me on the platform. Once I got off the speeder, I noticed Anakin accompanied by two teenagers. The gorgeous Tholothian girl must be Katooni. Anakin has been talking about her for years. The other teenager was a human Padawan, who resembled Anakin back in the day. They all bowed when I came closer. Oh, yes, the unmistakable performances.

"Chancellor Amidala." Started Ani.

"General Skywalker, or just Master Skywalker now?"

Anakin chuckled and discreetly grinned.

"Chancellor, this is Katooni Roman: my Padawan and Petro Daae, Master Plo Koon's apprentice. Katooni, Daae, wait inside the ship and you," He turned to my guards behind me, "Check on the ship for any sabotage."

They all left, leaving me and Anakin alone.

"Be careful out there. I know you're in good hands, but I don't want to see you get hurt."

He gently took my hand. He can be irresistible sometimes.

"Oh, Ani, don't worry. I will be fine. You left your Padawan in charge of my safety. Just look how Ahsoka-" He looked down. "Oh, Anakin, I am sorry! It was not your fault. You did what your best."

"Well, it wasn't enough! Let's not speak about Ahsoka, please."

"Of course, Ani. As I was saying: Katooni will protect me as well as you would have. And do not forget Padawan Daae will be there too."

The mere mention of the Jedi's name caused Anakin's face to immediately crumble with anger.

"Can you look out on Daae? What I mean is do not leave him alone with Katooni!"

I laughed.

"Aaah, I see... I will do my best Daddy-Ani. I suppose this is good practice for when Leia's turn comes along, huh?"

(In the ship)

I sat in the dining room with Katooni and Petro. They were so unpractically quiet for teenagers. Petro was looking out the window, and Katooni sat beside me with a glass of water in hand. She did not drink once, only let her finger do circles around the glass. Feeling the tension radiating from the two, one could tell that the situation was awkward and gloomy, almost like a cloud hanging over our heads. Given Anakin's request earlier, it was difficult for me not to give knowing looks. When the ship finally jumped into hyperspace, Petro turned around to Katooni as she looked back.

"I'm going to meditate."

And he left without another word. Katooni looked crushed. I grinned, asking.

"Tough love?"

"Hein? What, no way!"

"It's alright Katooni. I know we've just met, but you can trust me."

"I beg your pardon?" I raised an eyebrow, I had to jump on the occasion to tease her a little.

"Isn't it forbidden for Jedi to have romantic tides?"

"Of course! But there's nothing romantic between him and I."

It felt so satisfying being the one to say that for once!

"Katooni, let me summarize your situation: You are in love with Petro and have kissed, but now you face a dilemma between duty and your heart because you are a Jedi."

Katooni gawk.

"It was just a lucky guess. Admit it I'm right? Am I not?"

"Your honour I-"

"Call me Padme, please. I cannot stand one of my best friend's apprentices being so formal. Ahsoka used to call me Padme."

"But you were a Senator back then."

"Why does all this matter now? About Petro, one simple question: do you love him?"

"Hum, I... Yes, but we did not kiss. He... almost did."

If I manage to bring these two together, I can guarantee to become the good cop for Luke and Leia!

"You should speak to him: now."

"Now? But- Y-You, I have to..."

"Go, now! I am not going anywhere. Consider it an order!"

I glared at her until she exited the dining room. I hope this story will end well just as Ani and I did.