Hey guys, this is just an AU probably/one-shot that's been in my head a while. I've always shipped Valorum/Palpatine, but its hard to write. Review and let me know what you think! Like it? Hate it? Suggestions for improvement? Should I keep going with it? Thanks for reading!
Valorum imagined he had a friend at his side, raising his glass in a congenial toast to his reelection prospects. Palpatine let him cling to his delusion and smiled to think of the inevitable end of their acquaintanceship. Nine years his senior, Valorum had noticed the senator from Naboo at a gathering when he had been announced as Chancellor-Elect for Frix, and though the initial meeting had been nothing but political politeness, the new Chancellor had quickly discovered the skill of the younger man. As the years passed, Palpatine found that Valorum turned more and more often to him for advice.
It was as it should be, he reflected. In only a short time, he would be ready to officially take over for the poor fool. In the meantime, though, he needed to play the role of a concerned and supportive confidant. So he focused his wandering mind on the older politician, who was currently pacing the long room.
They were alone in the living chambers, a room of unsurprising opulence in the Chancellor's private suites. Valorum had invited Palpatine for a political consultation, apprehensive about the upcoming election and seeking confirmation in his political strategy. Surprisingly though, Sei Taria was nowhere in the vincinity. Valorum's lover was rarely known to stray from his side.
Valorum seemed strangely off tonight. He was drinking more than his usual amount, and his eyes lingered on Palpatine far longer than might be deemed polite. The Naboo senator sipped at his own wine slowly. He finally met the gaze of the other and offered a faint smile. "You know what they are saying these days?"
Valorum glowered at him across the short distance. "That my reelection shall also be purchased through the value of my family name and nothing of my personal merits?"
Palpatine smothered a snort and narrowly avoided choking on his drink. "Far from it, my friend. I was referring to your recent surge in the Reinar Tech polls. You've done well in your last publicized debates, you know."
Valorum glanced down in pleased embarrassment. "You helped with that, Sheev. How by the deities do you know so much about public speaking?"
"Much failed practice," Palpatine chuckled, and the other man joined in.
"Then I am glad to learn from your mistakes," Valorum jested, his eyes softening. "Sometimes I feel that I can learn far more from you than you from me."
"You've taught me much, your Excellency," Palpatine protested and wished he could roll his eyes. "I am indebted to you."
Valorum's pride sang across the Force, and he raked his gaze boldly over the younger politician. Grinning, his mouth spoke before his brain could catch up. "I wish I could teach you a few other things besides." And then he froze, mouth open with stunned horror. He groaned and set his glass down, curling his hands over his face. "Senator, I apologize, that was not my intention. The wine has loosened my tongue."
Surprised, Palpatine peeked into the Force. Surprising, but potentially very useful and deliciously deviant, so he pulled a faintly amused and interested expression over his thin features and adapted to the situation. "A pity, I think. You would have made a fine instructor."
His words hung in the air, unclaimed, until Valorum shifted closer and reached out his hands, catching them in the thick layers of his sleeves and pulling the Senator close. "You think so?" he asked drunkenly.
Palpatine smirked. "Well, I'm willing to be convinced, at least."
Valorum grunted, pleased like the arrogant nobility he was, and planted his mouth on the other's thin lips. Palpatine leaned into the kiss and could feel Valorum trembling with the surety of his own passion. He opened his mouth and felt the Chancellor's tongue invading, taking, tasting. Valorum released a strangled growl of pleasure and finally pulled away. The Chancellor stood from the coach and stalked away, hand clenched tightly around the handle of his wine glass.
After a long moment, he swung back to face Palpatine. "I don't know that this is a wise decision, Senator," he said. "They'll probably say I'm taking advantage of you, abusing my power. All that." He swung his left hand in an irritated fashion.
Palpatine leaned back against the coach and allowed a small smile to appear. "And doubtless I'll be sleeping my way to the top, Chancellor. Rumors are just that. Rumors." The Force whispered in his ear and assured him that this moment could only enhance his power over Finis Valorum.
He could feel the other man's desire like a hot wind in the Force. "Rumors can be as deadly as truth in politics, Palpatine. You know that."
"And perhaps rumors are enough to keep things interesting," Palpatine offered in a low voice, injecting a note of curiosity and willingness, and he could feel Valorum's resistance slipping away. The silver-haired politician slowly moved back toward the couch, eyes fixed on the reclining senator. This would make the final betrayal so much more delicious.
When Valorum arrived, he hovered, not quite willing to sit yet. "You are such a mystery to me, Palpatine. To all of us. I've known you for some time, and yet I feel like I really don't know you at all."
"I've always been here," he replied softly.
Valorum finally sat and stretched out a hand to trace it along Palpatine's jawline. "Mercurial…I think," he whispered. "And yet I don't know, and that is so, so… what? Intoxicating. I'm tired of knowing people, of watching every move and never being surprised. I'm tired of seeing it all."
Palpatine permitted the older man's hand to curl down and around the side of his neck, though his training screamed at him to lash out at the perceived threat. "Maybe you haven't."
Valorum smiled. "I intend to find out, Senator."