Coruscant was a mess. Obi-Wan realised that almost as soon as his ship fell out of hyperspace. News that the Emperor had fled the city planet and gone into hiding was blasting on all holoNet channels. It was also conveyed by Master Yoda when the two of them met on a landing platform.
The Senate was in an emergency session, calling for nominations of a caretaker Chancellor. Palpatine's reforms had been rescinded as unconstitutional.
As he folded his hands over his chest, Obi-Wan looked down into the massive audience chamber. Jedi were stationed at every entrance, to ensure security and freedom in the voting process. Senators sat quietly in their seats, insulated from one another.
For the first time since he was Qui-Gon's Padawan, Obi-Wan had a waking vision.
He was staring down at Mas Amedda, trying to gauge by the blue-faced reactions which way the votes had fallen.
And slowly in his place, superimposing itself on the image of the House Speaker, was Anakin. Lightsaber drawn and looking up at Obi-Wan as if daring him to attack. Though he knew it wasn't reality Obi-Wan watched the vision with interest. The pods appeared to all move, one at a time. Each one releasing from its berth and clustering behind Anakin, as if one Jedi could protect them all. Anakin seemed to turn, look to the pod where Jar Jar Binks was taking Dormé's instruction, then turn back with a fleeting, secretive smile.
Like he knew where the Senator for Naboo really was, and the reason she was missing amused him.
The Senators clung to him like innocents who'd lost their way.
"Protect us!" they all seemed to be crying. "Please! We need your help!"
"Don't worry." Anakin looked up to Obi-Wan defiantly. "I will protect you all."
Mas Amedda slowly faded back to where he belonged and the force-gifted vision of Anakin was gone.
Very interesting. Anakin no longer the aggressor but the protector?
---
"That will protect you from the cold," he reassured in a whisper.
Carefully he tugged up the corner of Luke's blanket, tucking it in a little tighter.
"Ok Luke, shhhh," Anakin tried to soothe the boy.
And for once it seemed to be working. His cries lessened to the occasional whimper, and he actually seemed to be drifting off to sleep. Anakin perked up, quite pleased with himself. His two-week crash-course introduction to children wasn't going too badly. But that was the first time he'd successfully put one of them to sleep without any help from Padmé.
He let his gaze drift over Luke with the eye of an incredibly proud parent. Everything about his little son was perfect, as far as Anakin was concerned. Just looking at his tiny face scrunched up as he dozed tugged the corners of Anakin's mouth into a smile.
Anakin closed his eyes briefly, trying to send soothing feelings to Luke through the force. Convey his own delight at the baby's very existence to their boy's innocent little mind. When a small movement caught his eye.
Immediately alert his head whipped up. A list of possible threats already began forming in his mind. Here for him. Or Padmé. Or both. Jedi. Obi-Wan. Naboo Royal Guards. Captain Typho. Reporters. None of those options struck the fear into his heart he expected them to. But they did make him wary. He lifted his hand a little. Tucked Luke in even closer. No one would find out about them, about their love for each other, about their children, unless Padmé wanted it so.
Of that Anakin would make sure.
He squinted out towards the far side of the lake. Enhanced his vision enough to see something skimming across the surface. Visitors for them to be sure.
He had a brief moment of panic that his subtle altering on the registry clerk hadn't worked. That someone had been looking for them. And tipped off. But he stretched out with his feelings and didn't sense anything particularly threatening. Or even inquisitive. Only that in his arms Luke had fallen into a deep sleep.
Anakin was quick to reason it was probably better to face whoever it was on his own. He quickly retreated back inside from the fresh air of the balcony. His footsteps towards the twins room were hurried but not impatient. His only wish was to sound out the visitors. Not give up his precious moment with his son. He only paused when he stepped through the doorway to the twins' room and stood over Luke's empty bed. No feeling in the force warned him of impending danger. No threat to his baby prince. Or either of the women in his life. Eager to keep away prying eyes his moment of hesitation was brief. He could enjoy time with Luke later. Anakin's glance briefly wandered over Leia.
Fast asleep. With a smile Luke was returned to his bed. And his sister given a quick kiss. But the feeling of their visitors was growing stronger.
He hurried to the dock to greet the craft.
As it approached he could see who it was. Padmé's parents.
Anakin blinked in surprise. His conversation with Padmé a few days ago flashed into his mind. Had she told them? Even as he wondered the question the answer was already firmly in his mind. No. She had seemed pretty determined not to tell.
Plus she seemed a little more possessive since the twins birth. Grateful for his attention. Welcoming of his freely-offered kisses and affection. Content to keep him and their twins all to herself, though she did insist they would return to Coruscant. No – she couldn't have told them without asking his opinion first.
This must be some terrible coincidence that they decided to come here. Still. Maybe his babies would get their grandparents after all. With a pause he identified a hint of irritation sliding up his spine. Suddenly he could see Padmé's point of view in this argument. Nice as they had been to him, he didn't want them here.
He wanted to spend this short period of time with his own little family. Gobbling up every second of their presence. Not having to entertain others.
It wasn't surprising when he felt their utter confusion at his presence. At anyone's presence, if he were reading them correctly.
"Hello," he greeted them softly, bowing as they docked.
They were tired. Weary. Scared. Worried? At that point he was determined to be polite. They weren't intentionally butting in.
"I'm Anakin Skywalker," he said quietly as they emerged from the boat.
Her father nodded and replied
"Ruwee Naberrie."
"I know. We've met before."
Anakin got a sudden, very quick and clear flash of a thought.
I've never met this gardener before.
He wanted to laugh at the man's rationalisation.
"I'm sorry, I can't seem to place you. When have we met?" her father politely inquired.
Although it was obvious they were both very upset over something and wanted to be left alone. In the house. Then again, Anakin didn't particularly want their sudden arrival terrifying Padmé and the twins while the three of them slept.
"Not here. I came to your house once."
He stopped himself. As her bodyguard? I'm a Jedi Knight? How did he say it without identifying himself as one of the many things he'd recently run away from?
"With Padmé."
Both their heads shot up. To focus on him very intently.
"Is she here!" her mother almost cried out.
Anakin nodded soundlessly.
And could only watch on surprised as they turned to embrace each other tightly.
"What is she doing we were so worried!" Ruwee started proclaiming.
He was boldly striding towards the stairs before Anakin stepped in front of him. Suddenly instinct just took over. Padmé's happiness first. Her wishes were to be left to sleep, and if she couldn't stand the husband who adored her interrupting, then her parents would certainly be no exception.
"I'll take you to her but she's incredibly tired and has just fallen asleep. Perhaps you could leave her be until she wakes?"
He knew he didn't need a force suggestion for that. He was a parent too now; he knew what it was to care for your child's well being.
Jobal nodded but had grabbed her bags and was hurrying towards the house.
She was already halfway up the stairs to the second floor when Anakin entered.
"She's down here," he almost whispered.
He indicated the hallway on the ground floor and made to lead them.
"Down here? Why is she sleeping down here?" Jobal asked him.
But received no reply. Anakin couldn't even being to explain the romance that had led to the marriage that conceived the children whose nursery dictated their parents sleep downstairs. Nor did he want to.
The walk along the corridor was made in silence. Before they could get there Anakin made sure to subtly shut the twins door. One surprise at a time.
He led the way to their bedroom. And smiled fondly at the site of Padmé tucked up in a mess of blankets and sheets. All on her side of the bed. His heart tripped and his hand suddenly felt heavy. It yearned, relentlessly tugged him towards the bed. The palm begged to be allowed to rest on her stomach as the rest of his body curled up behind her.
While he placed soft kisses on the exposed stretch of pale neck.
It took every ounce of Jedi restraint he'd not touched in months to hold himself back.
Anakin made sure to stand at the doorway as her parents rushed past him. Now was not the time to reveal his was the other side of the bed. And she was under so many covers they wouldn't notice the change her body had yet to recover from.
True to their word they were silent. But brushed Padmé's hair back and kissed her forehead to assure themselves she was safe.
Leia took that moment to wake up. He felt her return to awareness in the force.
Not now princess!As subtly as he could he slipped away. Dashed across the hall before she could cry out.
"Ok, ok I'm here," he whispered as he picked her up.
Turning, he made to shut the door behind him. But there stood Ruwee, confused.
Anakin had been followed.
And Luke must have felt Anakin's sudden moment of panic, because he suddenly cried out and awoke too.
With his arms already full Anakin shot a hopeless look towards Luke. Was stunned as Padmé's father moved into the room curiously. Didn't stare at their baby son very long before he leant in and skilfully picked him up.
"Hush," he said with a soft soothing tone that bespoke much practice already.
He turned his eyes to Anakin who stood silent with Leia against his chest.
"These are newborns."
Anakin just blinked. His heart dropping. They'd been caught.
"One of you had better tell us what's going on."
Anakin couldn't move. All this time they'd been so careful.
"Padmé it is then."
And before Anakin could stop him he was returning to where Padmé slept.
---
She stirred in her bed as someone touched her, irritated. Anakin had said he'd leave her alone.
She groaned and opened an eye to see
"Mum!"
Her mother's arms wound around her tightly. She was, crying?
"Padmé we're so glad you're safe. We've been so worried," Padmé heard in her ear.
"I'm fine," she whispered.
"We thought you'd been kidnapped or killed or – why did you just disappear like that? And why did that young man say you were sore?"
The sound of Ruwee clearing his throat turned both their attentions to the door.
Jobal fell back onto her heels at the sight of both men with a small baby lying against them.
"Oh," Padmé whispered softly.
Anakin just looked very confused. A little contrite, maybe saddened, but confused.
"What is going on?" Ruwee asked sternly.
And straight away Padmé decided to be truthful from the start. To a degree.
"I disappeared to have my baby," she told her parents quietly.
She sat up against the bed head. Raised her arms and indicated for Ruwee to give her Luke.
"Oh Padmé," her mother said quietly.
Watched as Padmé took Luke. Ran her fingers over his tiny face.
"And it turns out there were two of them," she grinned down at her little boy.
Her mother sunk beside her on the bed.
Ruwee eyed Anakin suspiciously.
"So how come you are here?" he almost threatened.
Padmé shot her father a murderous look.
"Because I needed someone with me and he's my friend. I felt a Jedi could protect me best."
The look Anakin sent her swelled her heart. He didn't mind her lie, even though they'd discussed this previously.
"You're a Jedi!"
Anakin came and took his place on the side of the bed beside Padmé.
"This is Leia, and Luke," he tried to distract Padmé's parents.
Padmé took a deep breath. Beneath the blanket her fingers brushed his. Grateful for his support. For saving her. For keeping their secret. The mere sound of his voice immediately calmed her. Reminded her of all the reasons why it was a secret. How special her relationship with Anakin was to her. How much secrecy, and his reputation, were paramount above all else in her estimation.
This was the point. Two weeks, three days old and the denial of their father that he feared so much would begin. And he had done it to ease her discomfort.
Beneath the blanket she clasped at his fingers.
Thank you she silently called to him.
That's when Jobal asked the killer question. Interrupted Padmé's quiet appreciation of her husband.
"Why did the Jedi approve Anakin coming to protect you? When that other one came to our house we were so worried. Who are you threatened by?"
Jobal stopped herself short at the painful look in Anakin's eyes. And the room fell into silence.
"Please tell me you are here legally," Ruwee said softly.
Anakin just smiled sadly down at Leia.
"No I'm not."
And Padmé felt terrible all over again.
"Could you leave us alone for a moment?" she asked her parents.
They went to protest but seemed to take in Anakin's bowed head and nodded.
"Here, take Luke and Leia," she said as some kind of consolation.
The twins were quickly handed over and hurried out of the room. Then Padmé turned her attention to Anakin. And only Anakin.
"There's still time for you to go back without me. You could say I suddenly asked you to transport me home in secret, as a friend. You could return to the Order now and no one would suspect."
Anakin raised his finger to her lips, then kissed her softly.
"I would have to give up all the beautiful things here," he murmured to her. "And that would include you. Which I will not."
---
Their lips joined for a moment more before she pulled away. With a groan Anakin pulled her back to him. Kissed around her lips, even though he knew his timing was totally inappropriate.
If Padmé's parents were going to stay he needed all the kisses he could take now.
"You have to tell them to leave," Padmé coaxed him.
"What for, why me?"
She smiled tiredly at Anakin, kissing his cheek as she lay back down. He followed, hovering over her anxiously. His eyes drifted from her gaze, to her lips and back again. Dipping into her mouth every few seconds, even as they spoke.
"You can make it sound like it's a security risk. Say they're endangering me. I love them but they have to go Anakin."
His heart swelled at the thought that she somehow placed his company above that of her parents. She held his hand in a firm grip as he shot a look to their bedroom door.
"If they stay here tonight you'll be pretending you aren't the twins father and sleeping upstairs away from me."
He closed his eyes and briefly pressed his cheek to hers. If he had to do those things to make Padmé happy then so be it. It would simply be a bringing forward of the performance he would have to begin in a few weeks anyway.
"That's alright, if it makes you happy," he softly assured.
Their eyes locked. She lifted her hand and pressed carefully to the back of his head. The sweetness in her lips was incredible. With her parents just outside she passionately possessed his mouth. Held him to her and made love to him with no more than her lips and tongue.
He fell helplessly into her, following her movements. Weaving left as she tilted right in perfect sync. Joyfully giving himself over to her domination.
When she pulled back from him, he was panting. And their gazes were intently locked.
"Make them leave," she reaffirmed.
Padmé watched him as a determined look come over Anakin's face.
"It's possible someone could have followed them," he decided.
"Exactly."
It was a plausible excuse. Just enough truth in it to get them to leave without requiring hard evidence of proof. So Padmé could kiss him like that any time they wanted.
In satisfaction, he leant into her warmth.
"They should go now," he murmured.
He pressed his lips to her forehead then stood up.
"I'll send them in to say goodbye and then they're gone."
"I love you," she sighed, cuddling back up into their blankets.
"I know," he grinned, a hint of mischief briefly visible.
He left her to sleep as she'd previously wished and strode out into the main room. The twins and their grandparents were sitting in front of the fireplace. All four felt extremely on edge. It washed out of the room and stretched the force unnaturally around the walls.
It manifested as fussiness in the twins. They were both complaining, verbally and emotionally. His normal senses heard their picky and annoyed whimpers. His force-soothed heart felt their distress just as clearly.
"You have to leave," Anakin said on entrance.
With a quiet authority that indicated power and maturity. Both of which he would have to feign in this conversation. So he did his absolute best to sound like Obi-Wan.
"No. Why?" Jobal wanted to know.
"We are here to hide, you may have already alerted those looking for Padmé by coming here. It's best you leave right away."
He was clever to use what he already knew about them. The way they'd responded when he first met them to threats on Padmé's life. He had to make it sound even more serious now.
On the inside he felt the pain they did, at the thought of being forced from their beloved daughter. Especially when they'd just discovered such a life-shifting event.
Before Ruwee could make any comment Jobal had decided for the both of them
"Alright."
Anakin had to physically stop himself breathing a sigh of relief. That was too easy.
"Do you know who their father is?" Ruwee asked, looking down at Luke.
Ahhh, yes, he had gotten off too easy. The killer question. Now he had to flat out deny his own children, and they weren't even a week old.
He longed for one of them in his arms, to give him strength. But without so much as a blink he firmly replied
"Padmé won't tell, she doesn't intend for people to know."
It was a truth he was sure. The kind of truth Obi-Wan told when he intended to lie, but a truth none-the-less. And it too seemed to work.
The grandparents just accepted and turned their attention to the new twins. His twins. And quite frankly he wanted them to go so that Luke and Leia could be his twins again, and Padmé could return to her sleep.
His family was quite happy until these two had arrived a short time ago and threatened the delicate balance. The previous conviction he'd had that the twins spend time with their grandparents had flown out the window.
"Please, you must leave," he encouraged them again.
"So soon?" Ruwee asked, almost forlorn.
Anakin nodded emphatically.
"It would be best."
For my family he silently added.
---
Padmé awoke peacefully, well-rested from a good night's sleep and for a moment utterly content. Her parents were gone. Ani had whispered it in her ear when he came to bed last night.
Then the silence of her bedroom turned her head suspiciously to the bed beside her. Her fingers reached out almost automatically, brushing lightly over the empty space beside her. His warmth didn't even linger beneath the covers, he must have been awake for quite some time.
Clearing her throat, she swallowed, giving her body time to energise. She carefully sat up. Her hair fell across her face creating an annoying tickling sensation. Frustrated, she brushed it back, already reaching for a clip and clasping the thousands of strands away from her face.
"Anakin?" she called.
Her heart was filled with a sudden longing for him. Like she hadn't been with him in months. Like something could be wrong now. There was a flutter of nervousness in her chest but it was short lived. She chastised herself for acting as a lovesick teenager would when he hurried through the doorway. Still, she couldn't stop the sigh of relief from escaping.
As always he seemed to sense her mood. He was wiping his hands on a cloth but he quickly threw it over his shoulder.
Without a word he walked towards her. Sat on the bed at her side. Twisted his body awkwardly, reached his hands up and cupped her face with his customary gentleness. Their kiss was soft as she initiated it, leaning into him. Needy for his touch she slunk her arms around him. Soon enough she'd pulled him in close.
More! her soul seemed to cry out. Anakin please!
Before she could claim too much of him though, his hand raised to her hair. As if in compensation, it stroked her hair soothingly while his mouth disengaged.
"Good morning," he greeted with eyelids that drooped to focus on her lips.
"Good morning," Padmé returned, allowing a smile to creep up as Anakin's eyes met hers.
"I have a surprise for you," he grinned.
Padmé's eyes fluttered closed as Anakin leaned forward and kissed her again.
"Get ready to go out and call for me when you're done," he instructed when they pulled apart once more.
She smoothed her hands over his shoulders. Her palms enjoyed the feeling of his solid flesh, hidden as it was by so many layers. And her mind enjoyed the curiosity he peaked.
"I'll come help you dress Luke and Leia," she smiled.
Enthusiastically she started moving. Anakin stood to allow her more freedom. But in the same breath he decidedly told her "No."
She crooked her eyebrow at his response. He only watched her as she took hold of her robe and shrugged into it. The cold permeated the house this early in the morning. Though she felt the day would be somewhat warmer than those they'd encountered lately.
"Surprise," he reminded.
With a slight smile and a shake of her head she left him alone. If he wanted it to be a surprise so be it. It only hurried her towards her shower to find out what his surprise was.
"Dress Leia and Luke warmly," was her only reply.
They shared a long moment of silence. Nothing more was exchanged than eye contact, but enough was said. A mutual attempt to suppress smirks of restrained joy. A quick burst of love here and there.
Finally Anakin started to retreat with a quiet "I'll see to the twins," and left her.
Her body had a life and spark as she collected various objects from around their bedroom. Not soon enough she had discarded her sleepwear and was allowing warm water to cascade over her body. Her shower wasn't long. Anakin's 'surprise' intrigued her. She wrapped a towel around herself and moved into the small dressing room. Five minutes later she stepped out into the long hall and eagerly into the nursery opposite.
It was empty.
Her interest was piqued. Curiously she strode down to the warm kitchen. Where Anakin stood near the bench, closing the lid of the picnic basket. He then handed the container to Threepio. The droid already had a blanket draped over his arm.
Turning her head showed her a baby blanket spread out over the large floor rug. And two little babies laid out on it.
"A picnic?" she grinned to Anakin.
He nodded. She could hear him leaning back against the counter. Could almost picture him folding his arms across his chest. When she turned her head to throw a quick glance at him, she established she was right. And his eyes almost seemed glazed over as he watched her.
"It will be warmer today. The perfect day to show the babies the meadows," Anakin informed.
Kneeling down at their sides she reached for Leia. Her tiny daughter lifted easily into her arms, making nonsense sounds against her shoulder.
"Good morning!" she brightly greeted.
She nuzzled her own nose against the little girl's. Leia grabbed a handful of her hair and gave a brief screech. Padmé laughed softly. Very carefully she pried the miniature fingers free of the strands.
Footsteps approached behind her. She bent her head back to look up. Anakin loomed above her. Just as the weight of one of her thick winter cloaks laid across her shoulders.
"We're ready to go."
Twisting her head she followed Anakin's movement as he knelt beside her. His arms bent in offering and she carefully handed over their baby. The sight of Anakin with the tiny life in his arms stopped her heart for a brief moment. He looked so delicious, coaxing Leia's free hand back into the blanket he'd wrapped her in.
"Do you think they'll be warm enough?" he worried.
She quickly slipped her arms through the sleeves of her cloak so she was ready to leave. Then Padmé leaned down and picked up the marshmallow that was Luke clothed in heavy winter warmth.
"Good morning to you too," she greeted their son.
She kissed his little cheeks and held him close too.
"They'll be fine," she assured the young, worried father.
Padmé climbed to her feet. Her eyes were still glued to the bundle of perfection in her arms, tracing her fingertips over her youngling's warm cheeks.
"Alright Threepio, let's go," Padmé instructed.
R2 started whistling and trundled in after them.
Padmé laughed and nodded, opening the door out onto the terrace.
"I see this is a family outing then," she noted to Anakin.
"I would never leave R2 behind," he told her seriously.
She stepped outside expecting to be hit with a blast of cold wind. Luke had already been concealed within the confines of her warm cloak. Instead the day was still. The sun shone brightly and the sky was clear and promising.
"Oh!"
Anakin nodded, leisurely strolling across the stones. His strong confident form delicately cradling the incredibly disproportionate body of their baby. The sight lightened her own steps as it did her heart.
"What do you think daddy's packed for lunch, hmmm?" she talked softly to Luke.
When he reached the wide track that led away from the house and up into the meadow Anakin slowed for her to walk by his side. So uplifted by the prospect of leaving the house, Padmé nattered quietly to his only occasionally responsive form. His silence didn't matter though. His short answers made it obvious he was listening.
They reached the peak of the small rise that signified the beginning of the expansive field. The snow hadn't melted yet but it wasn't a complete blanket of white either. Late winter bulbs had popped through the ground and were rearing their heads. The waterfalls rushed with the sound of crushing half-frozen ice.
By her side Anakin looked from Leia to Luke then back again.
"Look," he told them decisively.
He took a deep breath of the cool air and surveyed the wintry landscape.
"It's beautiful."
His gaze settled on Padmé's face. She clearly understood his double meaning but said nothing. In that look of absolute devotion Padmé understood something else. This picnic was a last hoorah. Her agreement with Anakin had been one month before they returned to Coruscant. One month for him to enjoy their sweet family before she had to go back. And the twins were already three weeks old.
As much as it pained him, he was sticking to their bargain.
Very briefly, Padmé transferred the weight of Luke into just one arm. And gave Anakin's back a soft rub.
"Thank you," she whispered.
---
He nodded. For a brief moment his chin fell to his chest in regret. His eyes slid closed and he was still, silent.
"Let's enjoy our day," he finally returned.
His eyes lifted, first to her face, then the sky.
The day is beautiful, just like you he smiled to himself.
"Come on Threepio, could you lay the blanket out over here," he instructed.
The baby in his arms wriggled a little. In their short lives he'd noticed how much Leia and Luke both liked to be touched. In response to her movements he crooked his finger and ran his knuckle over her nose. She sighed and he swore he could feel her trying to free her hands.
"No no, keep your hands inside. It's too cold," he quietly soothed.
Using his fingertips he made sure she stayed wrapped up. Tended to her with all his attention. She frowned and seemed to make an almost growl. Anakin lifted an eyebrow, then laughed gently. He'd also learnt how to head off her temper tantrum. With all the fondness in his heart he brushed the pad of his thumb over her forehead. Back and forth until she mumbled and shrunk back into her thick layers.
"Anakin?" Padmé's voice interrupted.
"Hmm?" he looked up to her.
Only she'd already settled on the blanket. Her legs tucked up under her and her skirts perfectly surrounding her. Luke nuzzling sleepily into her chest. He'd completely forgotten about her. But his eyes gazed down at her and had to wonder how she always looked so flawless.
"Will you join me?" she gestured.
Quickly Anakin kneeled. A little sheepish at how his daughter could command his attention so easily. Almost in compensation Anakin leant over and kissed Padmé's cheek. Her skin was chilled but not frozen. Perfectly smooth and sparking with energy when he brushed against it. His whole body was zapped alive by that mere second of touch. His heart tripped over itself in eagerness. His mouth turned up into a genuine smile. All from one simple kiss. That wasn't enough though.
So he twisted a little more and covered her mouth. Their kiss was long, soft. Finally he pulled back. Nuzzled her neck affectionately.
"Anakin," Padmé laughed indignantly.
She pretended to pull away but he grinned against her skin and stepped up his efforts. Little nibbles just below her ear. A soft drag of his lip down her hairline. When her mouth turned into his they shared each other's kiss tenderly.
For Anakin the whole world disappeared. The crisp ice of the frozen-over meadow. The roaring of the waterfalls. Even the two sweet little babies he'd dedicated most of his recent days to. Everything fell away to the feel of kissing Padmé. All the pleasure centres in his brain lit to sparkle. Made him want to scream out in happiness.
Luke and Leia obviously did not approve. Both let out a simultaneous wail. Like they had made a quiet agreement to put and end to being ignored.
Padmé pulled away, gasping in a breath. Anakin's own were heavy, but he didn't care. Their eyes lingered on one another in a perfect second of silence. Then Leia grumbled again, calling Anakin's attention back to her.
He flashed his precious bundle a big grin. It didn't receive much of a response. Taking another path he cast a feeling of serenity, peacefulness, love into the force. He knew it probably shouldn't, but the fact that both twins immediately responded pleased him. Made him proud. A quiet Leia made no complaint as he laid her out on the blanket beside him.
Once, Anakin Skywalker had believed life to be cruel, and unforgiving. It had taken his mother from him so brutally. Denied him love he craved from anyone for almost ten years. Denied him Padmé's' love the first time he sought it. But as he laid Leia out next to her brother and watched over the pair of them, life had changed. His outlook had changed.
He would always miss his mother. But he had been given much more than he had ever dared wish for.
He stretched out beside the pair of them, propping himself up on his elbow.
"You two are perfect," he announced to them.
Luke, then Leia, got his lips on their forehead. Then he nuzzled his mop of hair at their small, covered stomachs. That's when he felt Padmé's hand. Gentle and sure, resting on his head. Stroking down the back of his neck.
He groaned and snapped his head around, biting her palm.
"Padmé," whispered over his lips as he caught her.
His kisses danced up her arm, her shoulder, her neck. Until she moulded their mouths together. Their lips locked, hungry. More involved as time went on and both cupped the other's face. Despite the fact that a pair of very young twins lay between them.
It was almost inevitable that Anakin eventually tried to coax her to him. They were mindful of Leia and Luke. Knowing that Threepio and R2 kept a close watch on the infants as well. And Anakin couldn't stop a tiny piece of his awareness from constantly monitoring the younglings. But ultimately, as Padmé covered him and he could fully embrace her in his arms, he was pretty much consumed. His hands trailing up and down her back. His mouth feasting excitedly.
"I'm so hungry for you," Padmé's voice whispered over his ear right before it was enveloped in the warmth of her mouth.
Her impatience tore at his failing grip on sanity.
---
In surprise Padmé's body shivered. Anakin gripped her tight and rolled. Pinning her beneath him.
You're still all mine she satisfyingly acknowledged to herself. It had been a long time since he'd been anywhere but beneath her. A long time since he couldn't hurt her. And even though he supported his extra weight now, his warmth covered her. Secured her. Claimed her. Declared himself as all hers.
With a gleeful whimper she sunk her fingers into his hair and held him to her. Dipped into his mouth affectionately.
It seemed to serve to spur him on. His hands began to roam over her body. Up and down her sides. Stroking her cheeks. Coaxing her arms to hold him closer.
The quiet mumblings of the twins beside them suddenly turned into a loud, ear-piercing scream from Leia. There was a simultaneous freeze of lips. And she stilled her thumbs so that they no longer smoothed over his cheeks. But Anakin didn't pull away. So she turned her head towards the little ones. It was clear there was nothing wrong with them but being forgotten.
Still, it had pulled them from the building lust that she wouldn't be able to bring to conclusion. And reminded her of the other things they now had in their lives.
With a small snort of amusement she turned her head and kissed Anakin's cheek. He grinned up at her like an excited puppy expecting more. He intertwined their legs and rolled again, so that he lay with his back on the blanket. And Padmé above him.
Knowing that she would get lost in Anakin if she didn't at least move away, she settled herself a little further down. Tucked her head under his chin. Beneath her cheek he took a deep breath, raising her head. Then his arms wound further around her. Stroking her hair as she rested against him.
Making her feel as content and in love as the day she'd suddenly realised just how much she cared for Anakin. Her attention turned from the unstoppable hands. To the fruits of their labour.
"Don't worry, we didn't forget about you," Padmé soothed lightly.
She freed one hand from Anakin. Rubbed lovingly at Luke's belly, then Leia's.
"Speak for yourself," Anakin teased.
She raised her head and propped herself up on her elbows. She hovered over him, their lips brushing as they spoke.
"You make me forget almost everything," he murmured, lifting his head and capturing her lips once more, if only for a brief second.
Padmé pulled back and rested her head on his chest. Slowly, independently, both had their hands drifting over to reassure the twins with touch. Secretly keeping their other hands clasped together.
She carefully brushed her fingertips over their tiny noses. Their foreheads and cheeks. So small, so perfect.
A bright flower just off the edge of the blanket caught her eye. Curiously she reached out and plucked it. Rested her weight on her elbows as she studied it.
"Hmmm?" Anakin made a noise to try and capture her attention.
---
He strained to see what had her so fascinated. His head was tilted back as far as it could with her body weighing him down, but still he couldn't see.
Padmé held a flower in front of his face, and then almost immediately tucked it into his hair.
There was a small kiss to her wrist before she could get away from him.
"You look most handsome," she declared with a laugh.
Her fingers brushed his hair, smoothing it down. It served to heighten the intensity of his feelings for her. Anakin's eyes followed everywhere she went, even as she turned her attention back to Luke and Leia.
For a brief moment he turned his head away. Found a flower of his own and tucked it into her hair. Brushed strands back from her face. Tucked them up behind her ear. Purposely stroked his fingers over her creamy cheeks, her neck, brushed against her ears.
That brought her attention back to him. He smiled softly up at her and mimicked her with a rough voice
"You look most handsome."
Leia let out a yelp and he grinned, then wrapped a hand around Padmé and propped himself up as best he could with her weight on him.
"You don't have hair Leia, otherwise I'd get you a flower too," he pacified.
He reached for another flower, plucked it from the ground. Slid it into Padmé's hair too. The image of Padmé's gaze dancing over him, his hand pushing a flower into her hair fizzled through him. And her giggle encouraged him to do it again. Until she returned her attention to the twins. Then he simply contented himself to thread the stiff blooms into her hair.
When the intricate design of her hair had no places left to poke a stem through he turned his attention to his young daughter and son. The pair of them looked so helpless, covered in layer after layer of cloth. Bundled up against the cold. He smiled at them. Reached over and tickled his glove of fingers over their tummies, just enough for them to feel it through all the garments.
They squealed and laughed and turned their heads towards him. And he broke out into a heartfelt smile once more. Because Luke and Leia's happiness could enliven him almost as much as Padmé could.
And because the time when he would be able to enjoy their happiness was so rapidly coming to a close.
---
They had lasted almost an entire month without any threats to their existence until Padmé couldn't take it anymore.
"We have to go back," she announced to Anakin one dinnertime.
She didn't ask him. She didn't give him a reason. She just told him. And he wouldn't accept it as easily as she'd like him to.
"No! It's too soon!" he replied.
"Anakin, I know," she soothed. "But I have to. The restructuring is not going well and Naboo's interests are being left by the wayside. Jar Jar was never properly suited to being a full time senator."
She sat beside him as the fire flickered behind her brightly.
"I'm sorry."
But she didn't back down. And neither did he. He had agreed on a month but now that the time had come, he couldn't face it. He would not allow the most precious thing he had ever been a part of to be hurt. The very thought of threat to them tore at him, and if he only knew one thing it was this: he loved the three of them too much to take them back to that place.
Back to Coruscant.
"No," he refused, standing up and rounding on her.
"We can't. We won't," he told her determinedly.
She remained where she was, perched on the couch. It reminded him of another rejection. Of her refusal to enter into a relationship with him because of duty. Now she wanted to hurt them again, why did she still not trust him?
"I can't stay here and watch this happen. I'm sorry that you don't feel the same way, but your life is not for me to make decisions over. You have got to chose your own path, no one can choose it for you."
Anakin shook his head. The time they had had together as a family was too short. If they were to return now and the threat still lingered someone could get hurt. Not to mention the questions that would be asked of his whereabouts. And Padmé's children. His children. He would either forfeit his rights to the life he'd been raised in or deny his own offspring. And he couldn't pick – no man should have to make that choice.
"What about the twins?" he asked dejectedly.
He wouldn't allow her to go back to Coruscant alone, he already knew that. And from the moment his cells had begun to take shape his path had been chosen for him, whether it was his will or not. He was to be a Jedi, and the Emperor, the Sith Lord, had to be exterminated before his force-sensitive children grew much more.
---
Anakin sat in the front of the gondola, staring back at the retreat that had become his home. They would be back of course, but it felt like…Like they were leaving behind their short life as a family.
"You'll see it again, you know," Padmé tried to soothe, almost like she'd read his mind.
"I know."
His reply was sad and forlorn. He had coaxed Padmé into coming here, and he would follow her back to her life's work. His own future was less clear. He'd left the Jedi voluntarily, neither formally resigning from the order, not intending to come back. And now his status was more undecided than his emotions.
The ride to the small town passed by far too quickly. R2 and Threepio were waiting for them at the end of the jetty with their luggage. Padmé hopped out of the boat, took Leia, and went to contact the resort staff to tell them to return to work. A speeder waited patiently just a few footsteps away to begin their journey back to civilisation. There was such an air of finality to it.
Everything he had come to associate with being happy was reverting to the way it had been before.
A soft cry in his arms drew his attention automatically. Luke. The one thing that would always be his. Their twins.
"Hey Lukie, it's ok."
He moved the infant to his shoulder and patted his back softly.
"What's wrong? Shhhh, what's wrong my prince. It's alright," he carefully calmed the boy back down.
But didn't believe his own words. Everything was not alright. Soon he wouldn't even have the twins, Padmé anymore!
"It's time to go," she told him.
Anakin nodded, and in a brief second felt something in the force he hadn't even detected. Padmé. In terrible pain, almost agony, at being removed from the place that had brought them together. When they had come here he remembered joy. Pouring out of her like the waterfalls up in the meadow. And now there was nothing but desperation. Sorrow.
Even with a twin each, he placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. Padmé pressed into his chest. Rested her head against him. Didn't protest, or pull away.
"I'm sorry," she finally whispered.
Without any other words exchanged he nodded and let her go. Hand in hand they didn't even enter their village square.
Two days later they were at the main hanger in Theed.
---
Padmé looked up as there was noise behind her. Anakin was just entering the cockpit, giving her one of the saddest smiles she'd ever seen.
"They're settled, Threepio's watching over them," he relayed of the twins condition.
He quickly plopped into a seat when he caught sight of the flashing light, strapping himself in as Padmé pulled back on the lever. The ship glided into hyperspace at her command, now firmly pointed towards Coruscant.
Without turning to look at him, all her thoughts were unerringly on Anakin. She didn't want to be without him either, but he didn't seem to quite grasp that. His argument was that she would have the twins – but he didn't understand that they were no replacement for him. Love, fulfilment, purpose, he had come to represent them all in her life.
Now was not the time to argue over that again though. She swivelled her chair and captured his hands. Dejected, his gaze seemed to bore into hers, like this would be the last time.
Padmé couldn't force a smile. Not this time. They were returning to a pattern of months of separation followed by passionate but far too brief encounters – what was there to smile about?
"We will make it work," she promised him quietly, freeing one hand to release her restraints.
With all the tenderness she could muster on so little sleep she moved over him, pinning him to the chair. His head reflexively leant forward, resting on her shoulder. Tired, miserable, she could read every emotion that flickered on his face.
Everything she herself was feeling. Now was not the time to be heading into the midst of a confusion-riddled Coruscant. With Leia and Luke far too small to do more than eat, and Anakin's quiet conversation so firmly entrenched in her daily life, all she wanted right now was to take all three of them back to the lake house and never ever leave.
For a long time they sat in the silence. Both hoping for something – anything to happen that could keep them together. Padmé knew in her heart, though, that Anakin was about to be gone. Even worse, he would be on Coruscant, near, but staying away to avoid suspicion. If anything that may hurt even more.
His face burrowed into her neck, reminding her of the heartbroken young man in her arms. Without ceremony she cupped the back of his head, holding his head in comfort as she rubbed his back, trying to soothe and reassure. Knowing that he was hurting was almost worse than the pain of her own situation.
A loud yelp slipped out her lips. With an abruptness she wasn't suspecting Anakin had forced her out of his lap and back to the floor. He was on his feet immediately. Their gazes locked he hurriedly started shedding layers of his clothing.
"What are you doing?" she asked in total confusion.
He didn't answer though. Soon he was down to nothing but his pants, and he was dropping back to his seat, pulling Padmé down on top of him.
He took each of her hands, returning them to his head and now naked back, before he buried his head back into her neck.
"Need to feel you," he seemed to mutter. "It's going to be so long – don't let me go."
"Oh Anakin," her sigh drifted over the curls of his ear.
With soft strokes her hands were playing over his skin with all the love she possessed. Nothing could make up for the time they would be apart, but the feel of his skin under her fingertips now was all she could get.
The hair at the back of her neck started to pinch as he dug in even closer. With a quick snap and fiddle her hair was down while he let out a startled cry at being left with only one set of caressing fingertips. But as the curls tumbled down around him, brushing the skin of his bared shoulders, surrounding his face, he let go.
He squeezed her tight and she shuddered, his bare, muscular arms encircling her, fingers digging into her waist. She pressed kisses to his hair, suddenly understanding something.
This was the last time they were going to have alone for a long time. And even though it would hurt, and it was too soon, they had to be with one another again – completely – before he was gone.
She took his head and carefully engulfed it in her arms, guiding him down to the valley between her breasts. His lips immediately hardened and he pulled back up to her neck.
"No, I'll hurt you Padmé," he grumbled as his hips shifted tellingly.
"You will," she acknowledged quietly, guiding his head up to look into her eyes. "But if we don't make love before you go, it won't just hurt me, it will destroy me," she firmly replied.
Their faces were barely moving together but after a moment, they were there. Kissing, softly passionate in an attempt to forget their future. Deepening to become so intense that their focus narrowed to only each other, as it did more often than either would admit.
"An – a – kin," she groaned into his mouth.
His tongue slipped over hers, quietening her to soft mumbles of pleasure.
In a moment of clarity she heard one of the twins cry out and pulled back, letting his head sink to her shoulder with a quiet sigh.
"We will before we get back," she whispered.
Sinking into his neck she placed a series of the tiniest kisses, placating him for the break that was to come. And trying to satisfy her own hunger.
"We'd better see to Leia," he whispered, obviously distracted by Padmé's arousing actions.
She didn't even stop to marvel that he could now tell which twin was which from the other room. Before she could get too carried away she simply stood and left him to wait for her.
At the doorway from the cockpit though, she paused. Without turning back to him she quietly assured
"If they fuss all the way we'll revert to realspace just before we reach the system. However we do it, I am going to love you until you can't walk."
And with that promise, she left him to try and calm himself.
