Vader found himself glaring at the little mountain of datapads and reports which sat smugly on his desk. Vader could have sworn that he could feel it smirking at him. Sighing wearily, he turned to check the chronometer beside him.

It was already getting late, he thought. He would finish the rest of his work the next day. He stood up from his seat and started making his way to his hyperbaric chamber to get some rest. At the same time, he found his thoughts wandering over to his possibly ill son.

He could not push down the worry he radiated whenever he remembered the medic's confusion over his son's health. Bitten... bitten by what? He had ordered a group of the best medics on the Executor to conduct research on the planet. Dr Lav stayed as she was in charge of monitoring Luke's comdition. Vader would need her if something were to happen to Luke.

Vader had not told Luke about any of this yet. Luke was better off not knowing. He was not going to cause his son to

worry. Vader would have to make sure Luke did not return to the Rebellion. If anything were to happen to him, he doubted the Rebels could provide sufficient medical care for Luke considering the resources they possessed.

He stopped in his tracks when a loud alarm filled his ears.

Vader knew what it was in an instant. Luke! The only logical answer would be that the boy was attempting to escape! Vader fumed and clenched hands. Luke was not going to leave him after all he had done to get the boy. They had missed a lifetime together. Luke would not leave this ship. He would not allow it.

Vader nearly ran to his son's quarters, hoping desperately that the boy had not suceeded yet. He could feel a huge wave of relief wash over him, melting the stone cold ice of his fear. The doors were still locked, he thought in relief.

He keyed in the code and the doors allowed him to enter. As soon as he stepped into the room, his gaze was fixed on Luke who was standing a few meters away from him, looking as pale as a sheet when he saw him.

"What are do you think that you are doing, son?" Vader nearly burst out.

The boy just stood there, not uttering a single word.

Vader fumed. "While you were planning this reckless escapade of yours, did you even pause to think of how much in danger you could be in if anyone on this ship saw you? I do not think that there is any need to tell you that you are a well-known member of the Rebel Alliance and there are those would even kill to have you executed!"

The boy just stood there, still silent.

Vader continued. "Son, I understand you still resent me but we have been apart for so long and I do not wish for that to be repeated again. A son always belongs with his father. If this still devennot satisfy you, listen to me. I am aware that you wish to rid of the Emperoofand we can achieve that if we work together. I will train you as my apprentice and we will face him. The galaxy will be ours to inherit. We will rule the galaxy as father and son".

"So that's why you want me", Luke had decided to choose this moment to speak. Vader was shocked when he managed to detect some emotions that he had never expected to find in Luke's voice; a bit of anger and... hurt.

"Luke-"

"I understand it all. I understand it all perfectly. How foolish I was to have thought that you even wanted me. You never really wanted me. You only needed me. You see me as a tool, a tool that could help you get the throne!" the thick layer of ice that laced Luke's voice stabbed whatever that remained of Vader's heart.

Why in the galaxy was it so difficult to make amends with his only child? Perhaps, Padme would have handled this easily if she was still here. Being a senator, this would have been a mere walk through Theed for her. How in a million planets was Vader going to make his son finally understand?

"You misunderstood-"

"I misunderstood?" Luke repeated, the sarcasm lacing his tone causing Vader to flinch. "I am certain that I understood every single word you said. You just want to use me for your own personal gains. I'm nothing but your key to the throne."

"That's not what I want, Luke!", Vader said horrified.

"Then what is it that you want Vader?" Luke spat.

Vader was silent. What was it that he wanted? What was it that he truly wanted? He wanted Padme back. He wanted to have his old body again. He wanted to see Padme give birth. He wanted to see her hold their child. He wanted to raise their son just as planned. He wanted to sweep his son into his arms and hold him tight, never letting him go. He wanted to to get to know his son. He wanted to see Luke call him father.

It probably sounded impossible but if he could change everything, then he would.

But he could not go back and alter the past. He could not make the altered future just like what he really wanted. But... but he could make the best out of what The Force had given him couldn't he?

Vader's voice became much more quiter than usual when he looked at his son. "I want my son with me. You are my son I understand you dislike this but... I could not have wished for a better son. You are the only family I have left".

Luke looked at him. Vader could feel

the cold fire that had burned like Mustafar just moments ago soften.

Vader reached out to brush Luke's mind, expecting to slam into a durasteel-like wall. The shocking thing was he did not. Instead he was allowed to enter the boy's mind. Vader's heart soared.

Vader dared himself to take a few steps closer to his son. Luke did not make any move to bacl away or avoid him. He raised his hand and rested it on Luke's cheek, cradling it as though it was the most precious thing in the entire galaxy. Luke did not show any resistance and somehow Vader had a strongly doubted that he would even make it. Luke shocked him again. by leaning into his hold. Behind the mask, Vader's eyes widened.

"I always wanted a father, you know. I used to get so jealous looking at the other kids, laughing with their parents", Luke whispered, his voice cracking as he said each word. "Of all the people in the galaxy, why did it have to be you?"

"Luke-"

"I used to lay awake in bed, wondering whether you even cared. Sometimes I just did not know what to think anymore. I can't say that I forgive you though, but I think we can work this out", Luke sighed and gave him a small smile.

Vader's heart soared. "We will improve, my son. I am certain of it".

Vader stroked Luke's blonde hair, carressing the golden strands as gently as possible. "I cannot be the fantasy father you desire."

"It doesn't matter", Luke told him.

It was then when Vader felt The Force screaming a warning at him, notifying him that something was wrong. Vader felt a river of unease flow through him. His worry raised at once. What was it?

His attention immediately rested on his son. Shock registered in him when hinwas hit by how pale Luke looked. It was not the paleness of fear that Vader had seen when he had entered the quarters. This was different, very different. It was the type of paleness you would see on someone that was ill.

"Luke...", Vader began hesitantly. "Are you feeling alright?"

Luke usually bright eyes were now unfocussed and Vader's suspiciouns were confirmed. His shoulders were slightly shaking, Vader noted in concern.

"I...", Luke did not get a chance to finish that sentence as his mind faded into unconsciousness.

Author's Notes

Please leave a review! I got some news for you guys. I'm going on a vacation so there won't be any update for at least a week. Sorry guys.