this is a disclaimer.
AN: In twenty-odd years time, the first story in "hexaptych" takes place in this 'verse.
and swear your love's for me
He delivers their children in their huge bed in her Senatorial apartment even as the Jedi Temple blazes in the background and Palpatine's wrath rises through the Force, a choking black cloud wandering this way and that searching searching consumed with desire to possess, to twist, to change to corrupt to control.
They give their children, still stained with blood and birthing fluids, to Sabé, a friend for longer even than Obi-Wan. Palpatine draws closer with every second. Anakin does not delude himself into believing he can defeat the Sith Lord now: he's a wreck, both physically and emotionally. The best he can hope for is to hold them off long enough for Sabé to disappear into the lower levels of the city with her precious burden.
Padmé has to clutch the doorframe to keep herself upright. By rights she should be in bed with a baby in her arms, but like her husband she will face Sidious on her feet or not at all.
They kiss, fierce, desperate, last time.
"Your necklace."
"I gave it to our daughter."
He presses his forehead against hers. "They'll have so little of us."
"They'll have each other. They'll have their lives."
"I love you."
"Always."
He's here.