Husband's Goodbye

"Padme," Anakin whispered, taking the brush from her and brush her chocolate locks himself. "I'm sorry I frightened you," he replied when he saw her jump. "That wasn't my intention."

"I know, Ani. I know," she closed her eyes and reveled in the feeling of someone else brushing her hair. She could bask in the sensation forever. "Promise me," she stated turning to meet his eyes, "Promise me as soon as the baby is born we will leave all this behind."

"I cannot make that promise," he stated turning and setting the brush down.

"Why not?" she asked, her voice sharp. "Are you in love with all that power?"

"Power? Of course not, Padme. It is intoxicating though, I will readily admit that. I need you to help me."

"Of course, Anakin. Let's send See Three-pio to help us pack. It won't take long at all. We must abandon Sidious."

"I cannot. I have to live in darkness. I am the Chosen One, destined to bring Balance to the Force. How can I do that if I don't understand the darkness? I'm doing this for the galaxy, Padme. You must trust me."

"I want to, Anakin. Sidious has been manipulating everything since before we met. How can I trust him to have your best interests? How can I trust leaving you in the darkness. I cannot. I will not lose you. We've already lost so much."

"I know love. That is why I need for you to promise me you will not return to Naboo."

"That is my home."

"I need you to get as far from the Empire as possible."

"You aren't coming with me?"

"I can't."

"Anakin."

"Padme, for once in your stubborn life listen to me. I need to know that you and the baby are safe. When it's time I will come for you. I swear it. On my life and our love, I will come for you."

"Will you be with me when the baby's born?"

"I don't know. For once in my life, I'm trying to do what is right. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I have to. I couldn't bare it if something happened to you, Obi-Wan, or the baby. As long as you are around he will use that against me, and I still have so much too learn."

Padme didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "As much as I don't want to be Lady Vader, I don't want to raise this child by myself even more."

"You won't be alone, Master Obi-Wan is going with you."

"Sometimes, I think you are crazy," she whispered, "Just yesterday you were accusing us of betraying you, now you want me to raise your child with him."

"I'm sorry, Padme. I wasn't myself. I've been poisoned," he mumbled but she heard him anyway.

"Then we must get you to a medic."

"No. It was a Sith poison from ancient Sith alchemy and you will only get hurt if you stay. If I ever hurt you or the baby..." he trailed off. "I need you to fake your death, it's the only thing that will not arise suspicion with my master."

"Can that be done?"

"Leave that to me," Anakin turned to go but Padme caught his hand.

"Love me, Anakin. One last time. Love me enough to last our whole lives through. Please. Don't let him call you away this time. Just love me like you used to. Back by the lakes of Naboo when there was nothing but our love."

"Always," he replied kissing her tenderly. They made love all through the night taking themselves to heights only they could experience. Their bodies melting to one another shaking at the same time as they fell asleep afterward nothing but peace between them. Anakin awoke shortly after dawn and brushed back a lock of her hair, kissed her cheek and then her belly and disappeared into the night.