"Anakin, you can't. Sidious is still out there."

"I know and as much as I would like to help you, I have to be honest. I can no longer live a lie.

"Skywalker? Explain yourself."Anakin searched both Obi-Wan's grey eyes and Mace's deep brown ones for clues, as always Mace remained aloof and Obi-Wan's eyes were filled with trust. He was behind Anakin, and Anakin believed he had always expected. "Kenobi, do you know what this is about?"

"I believe this is Anakin's confession. Go ahead, Anakin."

Anakin wasn't really good with confessions, so instead he turned and looked out at the skyline as he began. "Three years ago, before the Battle of Genosis, I was assigned security detail toward Senator Amidala on her home planet of Naboo."

"Yes, I was the one who approved your assignment although Obi-Wan was less than confident in your abilities, at that time."

"Not in your abilities, Anakin, in the situation."

"He was right to worry," Anakin began to pace. "The reason I cannot accept your appointment as a Master and the reason I must leave the Order is that shortly after the Battle of Genosis, in a small town on Naboo called Valykino, I made Senator Amidala my wife. I have broken the code," Anakin turned to face Obi-Wan and Master Windu. "I have become very 'attached' to Senator Amidala and she is expecting my child."

Master Windu became withdrawn as he turned to Obi-Wan. "Did you know about this?"

"I admit Master Windu, that I did know about Anakin's attachment to Senator Amidala, I knew that he spent some of his off time with her and on Naboo, but I did not realize they were married or expecting."

"You should have reported him then."

"It's not my secret to tell."

"We will need to discuss this with the Council."

"Of course, Masters," Anakin stated with a bow.

"With all due respect, Master Windu, Anakin is on the Council as well."

"He was on the Council as the Chancellor's representative."

"Master, I don't care for these political games. I'll be at my home in the 500 Republica with my wife." Anakin bowed again before he could be stopped and he left the Temple heading home to his wife and droids. Padme was waiting for him. He kissed her feircely and hugged her.

"Oh, Anakin. I was so afraid."

"I know, I know," he mummered into her hair, stroking it, enjoying the feel of her. "Don't be. Don't ever fear me, love."

She laughed, "I'm not, Oh, Ani, I could never be afraid of you, I was afraid for you, silly," she kissed him again. "Tell me what happened."

"Palpatine escaped. And the Jedi are going to decide my fate."

"You mean our fate. Our lives are intertwined, Anakin. Whatever one of us suffers, so does the other. We are married, are lives are joined. I love you, Ani."

"I love you too, Angel."