A/N: First, let me apologize profusely for taking so long to update this one. There's been an incredible amount of stressful family drama that has preoccupied much of my down time. Second, THANK YOU for all of the wonderful reviews. Every single one I read is just motivation to continue to work on these projects.

"Now, Ani. Be sure to be on your best behavior, no challenging unless you're challenged", Padmé implored.

"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm always on my best behavior", Vader grumbled. That was laughable, but Padmé didn't laugh, she was too serious.

"See, that's it right there. You're grumbling, that's not being on your best behavior. Speak normally, like you're talking to me when you're trying to be sweet", Padmé chided. This man is impossible.

"Fine, I won't grumble", Vader said. "But for the record, you're the only one I speak sweetly too, and that's because I love you." The damned bastard always knew how to tug at her heart strings.

The reason for the extra caution on Vader's part was that Padmé's parents were finally coming for a visit. They needed to put on their best impression so her parents would bless the union between the couple and not continue to have angst over it. Damn, this was going to be difficult, she just knew it.

The couple waited as the shuttle came in sight. The Death Troopers were fanned out in a non threatening manner, but still keeping a razor sharp eye out in case this was some sort of ambush, which was a little laughable, more so than Vader's attitude

Padmé breathed in deeply, nervous about seeing her parent for the first time since the engagement was announced. She loved Vader with all her heart and just wanted her parents to like him, they didn't have to love him, just like him.

The shuttle landed and Jobal and Ruwee stepped out looking nervous. Padmé and Vader approached them, and she could feel Vader's anxiety through their bond. She reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing reassuring him. He looked at her and smiled briefly, enjoying the sign of comfort.

"Mom, dad, it's so good to see you both", Padmé said as she embraced them both.

"It's good to see you too, sweetheart", Jobal said. "We've missed you so much."

Padmé had to bat away tears at her mother's words, a daughter would always have a strong tie to her mother no matter what.

"Mom, dad, you've met Ani over the comms but here he is. Ani, this is mom and dad", Padmé said informally. She prayed that the introduction would at least go well.

"Jobal, Ruwee, it's a pleasure to meet you both", Vader said as he gave them each a firm handshake.

Padmé could tell that her parents were sizing Vader up, nervous about meeting him in person for the first time. She couldn't blame them; Vader was an imposing figure even when he was being kind.

"Please, won't you come in", Vader said. "You must be tired after your long trip. My guards will see that your luggage is brought to your rooms."

"Oh, it's no trouble, we can carry them", Jobal said quickly. Dammit, mother just accept the man's hospitality.

"I insist, Vader said lightheartedly. They're not paid to just stand around and look pretty. Come, we have refreshments waiting." His tone was a little commanding at the last, but Padmé couldn't blame him. He was inviting them in as guests to his estate. They needed to act like gracious visitors and accept his hospitality.

"Alright, I guess that sounds good", Ruwee said. "I suppose we could partake in a few refreshments as we are rather tired."

"Excellent", Vader said in his commanding tone. Padmé subtlety elbowed him in his ribs to start acting friendly again. She couldn't have him be the damned Commander of all Imperial Forces, he needed to act like a damned future son in law. Vader must have picked up on it as his emotions went slightly to remorse and understanding.

Vader escorted the crowed to the inside of the estate.

"So, how many credits did it cost you to build this palace", Ruwee asked. Padmé winced at the remark, her father was asking too personal of a question.

"I'm not certain, I have considerable wealth, so I just signed off on the design plans after I reviewed them and made a few alterations", Vader said smoothly. "If I get the chance, I'd build one on Naboo as it's so damned peaceful there."

"It really is, but I didn't figure you the type to want a peaceful existence", Jobal said. Gods dammit mom, don't say things like that, Padmé thought.

Vader chuckled. "I enjoy some peace and quiet like everyone else. Padmé can attest to that", he said warmly.

"Ani's right, he does have the affinity for quiet moments given his responsibilities", Padmé said diplomatically. "The first time he said that he enjoyed relaxing as anyone else, I was so surprised, but I've come to learn that he enjoys a more peaceful existence when he's not working."

"I saw the battle footage of Mimban, I can imagine why you like peaceful things. In fact, these statues of angelic women are such a surprise to me. I figured you'd have gargoyles and other beasts as statues", Ruwee said jokingly.

"That's what Padmé thought initially. No, I just enjoy the finer things in life. I had a rough upbringing so it's nice to have something normal when I come back to the estate", Vader replied. Good, he was being on his best damned behavior, but a reminder of his childhood still made her want to flinch.

They walked through the double doors where Threepio was carrying a tray of finger food to the front living area.

"Everyone, this is Threepio. Threepio, this is Jobal and Ruwee. I expect you to refer to them is Mistress Jobal and Master Ruwee while they're here", Vader said.

"Oh, but of course", Threepio replied. "It's certainly a pleasure to have you both here. I'm going to set these refreshments down so you all can have a splendid visit."

"Very well", Vader grumbled. "Come, the front living area is right this way. Threepio can give you a tour of the estate later. I'm sure you'll find the courtyard area at the center of the estate to be especially pleasing. It's Padmé' and I's favorite spot. "

"That sounds charming", Jobal said as Vader led them into the front living area.

There was an entire spread of foods, wine, and bourbon laid out in front of them.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable", Padmé said. "Dad, I'll pour you a bourbon and mom and I can drink a glass of wine. Ani prefers bourbon as well, he has quite the affinity for it." She began pouring the drinks as her parents sat down, appearing somewhat apprehensive still as if this was all a trap. Come on, just fucking relax.

Vader grabbed a plate and loaded it up with food. "Please, eat something, I'm sure you're famished", he said to her parents. They cautiously got up and made themselves plates of food.

Once everyone had food and drinks, they all sat down quietly. Vader was munching on his food and drinking his bourbon. "So, I imagine you have some questions for me. I'll do my best to answer them, aside from classified information of course."

"That sounds like a good idea", Ruwee said. "First of all, what's with the Stormtroopers in black outside?"

"Those men are actually called Death Troopers. Don't mind the name, I didn't think of it, but they're essentially special forces troopers and some of the best since they're assigned to be my personal guard. They're loyal to me and me alone", Vader replied.

"Death Troopers, huh. Sounds ominous, but if they're the best, I'm glad that they're guarding Padmé as well", Ruwee said.

"Yes, when we went to an ice planet called Kijimi, they were very protective of me which was nice considering the beasts that roamed the area", Padmé said with a chuckle.

"You take her on missions?", Jobal asked with a slight bit of alarm.

"I take her on adventures. That's how we met in the first place, years ago. She wanted an adventure and she certainly got one. Now she enjoys more adventures, especially when she gets to use her negotiating skills which have come in quite handy", Vader said after he ate another mouthful. Damn, the man could still eat.

"Well, I'm glad she's well protected", Jobal said.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Jobal. She fills my heart with warmth, I'm not able to stand the thought of her being hurt", Vader said honestly.

Padmé reached over and rubbed his arm affectionately.

"Ani fills my heart with warmth as well", Padmé said. "He's been injured on a few adventures that we've been on, and it's torn my heart out every time." She wiped a tear from her eye, showing her parents just how much Vader meant to her.

"It sounds like it", Jobal said warmly. "I hope that you take care of yourself, Anakin, especially since you're going to be starting a family soon."

"I do my best, but there are inherent risks with my job", Vader said politely. "But we shouldn't focus on that. What other questions do you have?"

"Well, what's it like being the most feared man in the galaxy?", Ruwee asked, causing Padmé to visibly wince.

Vader paused, mulling the question over. "I wouldn't say I'm the most feared man in the galaxy. I just have a certain way with dealing with problems. My vision for the galaxy is peace and stability. That's why we didn't completely annihilate the Mimbanese when we had to go there a second time. We only attacked military targets given that they were going to use a fission bomb on us a second time. War is something that I'm comfortable with, but ultimately, I want to see a galaxy without war or infighting."

"Good answer", Jobal said. "I imagine it's a tough load to carry around at times."

"It is, but I shoulder it willingly. It's for what I believe is the greater good, which helps me push through the difficulties of it", Vader said as he poured himself another bourbon and refreshed Ruwee's glass and then poured some more wine in Jobal and Padmé's glasses as well.

"Well, I suppose that's all well and good. What are your intentions of starting a family with our little girl?", Ruwee asked. Padmé wanted to groan at the question, but Vader placed a hand on her leg.

"She's the only one I ever saw myself starting a family with, ever since we met. Even though there was a period where we didn't have each other, she always stayed on my mind. Even during the harshness of my further training that led me to become Darth Vader. I never forgot about her and wished to meet her again so I could hopefully have her fall for me again", Vader replied.

Jobal quickly wiped a tear from her eye. "I have to admit, that's romantic", she said. "It does sound like you truly care about her."

"She's the only one I will ever care for", Vader said quickly, in between another mouthful of food. Padmé let loose a giggle.

"What's so funny, Angel", Vader asked good naturedly.

"You eat like you'll never eat again", she replied. "It just always humors me."

"There's a reason why I'm so damned big", Vader replied with a chuckle.

"How did you get all of those muscles? I was a builder for many years, and I never got anywhere close to your physical fitness."

"It just comes with my job. I have to stay physically fit for whatever the purpose is", Vader replied smoothly. "I can't be caught in a situation where I can't use my strength to overcome a challenge or an opponent."

"That's interesting. Do you find yourself outmatched from time to time?", Ruwee inquired.

"Not much, which is why I keep up with my training regime", Vader said. "When Threepio gives you a tour, you'll see my gyms, pools, and sparring rooms."

"Sparring rooms where you let yourself get beaten to a pulp by the Death Troopers", Padmé grumbled. Seriously, she still wasn't over the time that she came home to see him laying on the couch bloodied and bruised like he'd just been hit by a gods damned rancor.

"That was only one time, Padmé. The rest of the times I only get a couple of bruises or two", Vader replied.

"Whatever are you two talking about?", Jobal asked.

"There was just one time I took it a bit too far and had my men become completely aggressively with me without me using the Force. It was a messy ordeal, but Padmé set me straight on not doing that again", Vader replied.

"Oh, well any good wife or fiancé would have the same opinion, so I'm glad that Padmé takes care of you", Jobal replied.

"Like I've said, she's a good woman", Vader said as he sipped on his bourbon.

"Well, that's just lovely", Ruwee said. Good, every thing seemed like it was going well though it could change in a heartbeat, so Padmé was still anxious.

Once they finished their refreshments, Threepio came in. "If you would like, I can give the both of you a tour of the estate."

"That would be quite nice, Threepio", Ruwee said as he and Jobal stood.

"Enjoy it, I'm sure you'll find it fascinating", Vader said.

Once Padmé's parents left the room, she looked at Vader. "You are being on your best behavior darling, thank you", she said giving him a quick kiss. "What should we do while we're waiting?"

"Well, as much as I would like to completely ravish you at the moment, I'm sure that wouldn't be a good idea. Let's go to the courtyard and sit for a while", Vader suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea", Padmé said as she took his hand. They both walked out to the courtyard and sat by the fountain, just enjoying the peace and quiet. It was their favorite spot to relax with one another and carried so many memories, some good some bad, but it still was their favorite place.

"When do you think that you and Obi-Wan will meet again?", She asked as she put her head on his shoulder.

"I'm not certain, that's why I'm glad your parents came here instead of us going to Naboo, although I do miss that planet", Vader replied.

"You and me both", Padmé whispered.

"Well, if things progress well with your parents, we can honeymoon there and you can show me the lake country", Vader said.

"That would be great", Padmé said wistfully. "I hope you know that having my parents over means a lot to me, Ani."

"I do, Angel. That's why I'm being on my best behavior", Vader said.

"You're a good hearted bastard, you know that?", Padmé said.

Vader chuckled. "It's just part of my charm. But seriously, I know how much your parents mean to you, so I'm happy to be able to be a gracious host. But that begs the question, where's Dormé?"

"She's in the city with Orson doing some shopping for her and myself", Padmé replied.

"Well, hopefully she's buying you some lingerie. I tear them off of you so much I don't want your collection to run low", Vader said.

"Oh, don't worry. She's going to pick me up a few good items", Padmé said as she craned her neck up and gave him a kiss.

Everything would go well.

….

Sidious was contemplating many things. One of which was his apprentice's future marriage. He desired them to have several children to bend to his will. He of course would have to kill Vader and his love, but that was something that he always expected. Vader was growing too powerful in the Force to not be a threat to him. He natural order of things was for the apprentice to kill his master, but Sidious was not going to let that happen. There was too many things going on in the Empire to allow that to happen.

Of course, he would enjoy breaking their children. Maybe in the crude and base manner he broke Vader, which would be a delight. He hadn't had a young boy in some time, and it would be good to freshen his skills up a little more, enjoying the tears from them as he took them in a disgusting manner. Even he was aware enough to admit it was a terrible abuse, but it was something that was necessary to truly break them to his will.

He supposed he would do the same if they had a girl, though he believed that a female apprentice would be weaker than a male apprentice, so he might just kill a girl offspring of the couple if there was a boy present.

He cackled at the thought, desiring to make them suffer in the most grotesque ways possible. This was the natural order that he envisioned with the darkness. Complete suffering of his apprentices, making them broken and subservient to his will. That was what mattered beyond anything. Like he previously thought, he had too much to do with the galaxy. There were many weapons that he had to build to ensure that the galaxy would bend to his will. If he had to destroy a few planets here and there, that was fine with him. It would inspire fear amongst the galaxy and tell the Rebellion that the more they resisted against him, the more that others would suffer for their actions.

Power was everything. Complete dominance over the galaxy, regardless of who he had to kill. He would relish the Force telling him that billions of lives would be killed in an instant. This would bring him to a new level of power, feeding off the suffering and deaths of many. There was no other way for him to last for an eternity without it, without the ability to keep himself together even once he reached hundreds of years old like some of the Sith of the past. Would he need natural life support? Maybe, but that would be a mere inconvenience if he was able to maintain his rule over the galaxy.

Damn those who would oppose him, including Vader. The pathetic apprentice didn't know what was to come, especially when his wife was slaughtered before his own eyes.

….

Obi-Wan was meditating in his room. He struck a deal of peace with Vader but was still coming to terms that Padmé was with him willingly. It seemed so unnatural, so wrong that a woman who stood for peace and democracy would choose a man such as Vader that went against everything that she believed in. It had to be that blasted Force bond that they had established with one another. That was specifically why it was a forbidden ritual within the Jedi Code. It morphed minds into becoming something that they weren't, and he was certain that Padmé was suffering from those side effects. Damn Vader for doing that.

But he would need an alliance with Vader to kill Sidious, but after that, he would call upon the remaining Jedi to kill Vader. The man had to be brought to justice for all the atrocities he had committed in the name of his master. Those crimes could not go unpunished. Then Padmé, his friend, a woman that he wanted to be his lover once upon a time, would be free from his spells of darkness.

Then the Rebellion would begin to systematically destroy the fleets of the Empire, especially given that they would have no direct commander such as Vader. They would be disorganized and ready for the slaughter. The Rebellion would achieve a victory and democracy would be returned to the galaxy.

The Jedi would be able to reestablish their Order on Coruscant and eventually, it would be like Sidious and Vader never existed and the galaxy would be returned to peace. He craved it more than anything, he would do anything for it. Even if it meant that he would have to sacrifice his life, or even the lives of others in order to obtain his goals.

He closed his eyes and began meditating again. Feeling the Force flow through him. The Force was his ally, the power in which he drew his strength from. Vader was the polar opposite. He relied on his brute force and terror to exact his revenge on the galaxy. That was how he maintained his power, through fear. Fear and suffering. If only he truly knew what it meant to suffer, he likely had not suffered a moment in his path to darkness, merely allowing it to be all consuming. All encompassing. Why did the wretched always have to prosper while the righteous suffered?

But enough of that. First, they had to kill Palpatine. The most maniacal man in the galaxy, far more of a threat than Vader ever was or would be. Obi-Wan felt Palpatine's presence on Coruscant and it was deadly. Full of darkness that was so pitch black that no one could see through it. It was malignant, festering a wound in the Force like the way maggots carved out a corpse. It needed to end. It had to end.

….

"I must say, Anakin. Your droid sure does know how to grill a set of shaak steaks", Jobal said.

Vader chuckled. "He is a good cook, but I especially wanted him to make you something that you were comfortable with", Vader said. "Hell, he's probably listening at the doorway to hear any compliments over his cooking."

"I am not, Master Vader." A voice from the other room could be heard.

The entire table burst out laughing. Perfectly timed moments of laughter were a necessity in times like these. Even amongst the lavish decorations of Vader's estate, there would be too many times of awkwardness if they let moments of humor escape from them.

"Insulant droid", Vader said under his breath. "Regardless, I'm glad you're favoring your meals." There was something that he always never understood how to use his estate and that was being a gracious host. He learned a bit from Padmé and Dormé, but that was about it. The rest was a knew experience for him. Not that he had never been hospitable before, it was this damned estate that cost an unholy amount of credits to even comprehend. This wasn't a chance for jokes or humor, it was a testimony of how well he could provide adequate hospitality, not just impose or grunt his way through a situation.

Although, he once did have that capability. When he met Padmé he had been able to charm the ears off of everyone any anyone. That's what led to their first romantic encounter, the one that started it all, including hi self admitted unhealthy way of wooing her back to him. But once he received the darkness throughout his entire being, he did not know to know how to do anything but be the maniacal bastard he was.

"Ani"

Vader looked up sharply at Padmé, feeling somewhat unreeved.

"You were staring, darling", Padmé said with a worried expression on her face.

Vader subtly noticed looks from Jobal and Ruwee. Deciding not to go into the matter, he merely chuckled. "Apologies, when work is your life, your life is work. I was merely lost in a few administrative things that I have to catch up on", he said apologetically.

"Well, be sure and keep us abreast of those few things", Padmé said sweetly, but her eyes said something else. They said that she knew he was thinking of something else, but she wouldn't say it. Damn, how perceptive she was now through their bond. Either that or she was just really good about picking up when he was feeding her a line of shit.

"I will", he said as he looked at her deeply into her eyes, promising her that he would tell her. There wasn't a chance in hell that he would go without telling her the truth, and this was one of them. It just wasn't a mere trick of the minds that he would lie to her and tell her the sweet nothings that she didn't deserve to hear. He merely was just unable to get into the topic with her family present.

"Does work keep you very occupied after hours, Anakin?", Ruwee asked.

"Unfortunately, it does. You can't run an empire by thinking about it during normal office hours I'm afraid", Vader said jokingly. "It's something that I've acquired as a bad habit in fact."

"Of that, we're certain", Jobal said diplomatically. "In fact, why don't you share some on the responsibilities that you have?"

"Of course", Vader said as he sat down his silverware and took a sip of his red wine. "I'm responsible for the day to day administration of the Emperor's military. From budgets to strategic attacks, unless it's a command from the Emperor himself, it is my responsibility."

"And Mimban, who's call was it to make it a ground war response than a bombardment?", Ruwee cut to the chase.

"It was my choice", Vader said automatically. "A decision that could have cost me, but thankfully it didn't." It was too true. He had expected nothing but merciless torture otherwise, but thankfully torture had never come. Not yet at least.

There wasn't a speck of annoyance in his response. He knew that these people would have to be brought slowly onto his side, especially after the Rush Clovis fiasco. Damn him and his ability to attract an untimely demise, but damn himself for allowing his jealousy to drive him to such an extreme response. A response that had temporarily damaged the relationship with the love of his life and had put her parents more on edge than anything. That was a tremendous lesson to Vader, knowing that his actions would have repercussions if he did anything similar in the future. But he knew how to learn a lesson, a painful upbringing had embellished that.

"You have a knack for throwing yourself into war. It must make Padmé worried when you pull stunts like that", Ruwee continued.

Vader had to bite the inside of his mouth to maintain his calm. Of course, it worried his Angel when he pulled those stunts as his future father in law had put it, but he was a gods damned warrior, not one that would cower at a mere battle regardless of the risks.

"Dad, it does make me worry, but I trust Ani's prowess in combat to keep him safe", Padmé said quickly, presumably in an effort to keep Vader calm. It mostly worked.

"I have duties that I must attend to. War is a part of that, yes, but I cannot allow my soldiers and sailors to be exposed to danger without sharing some of the risk that I take on. As a leader I have to be the first one to step on the battlefield and that's something that I'm not willing to change, not when my troops are at risk of getting themselves killed", Vader said. "I won't pretend that I don't enjoy combat, I do, but the main reason I fight is to lead my men through the battle and make certain that we attain a victory and come home afterwards."

The table was quiet for a moment, with each person reflecting on Vader's words. There was a beautiful simplicity in the way that he explained his position that took the wind out of Jobal and Ruwee, hell, even Padmé. But it was something that he had to say, he couldn't placate to someone's feelings just because they might worry about him or what he was doing. He knew that Padmé didn't like it, but there wasn't a thing that he could do about it as long as he was the fucking Commander of all Imperial Forces, which wouldn't be a possibility to give up even if he wanted to, which he did not.

Forks pushed food around on plates as a somber mood set in, which confused Vader. Why would his future in laws be so worried about him? Was it merely worry for Padmé's heart or was there actual concern for him? He couldn't tell, their emotions felt all over the place.

"If I've offended any of you, it wasn't my intent. I may sound a little harsh, but that's become a part of my personality. I was merely trying to point out why I do what I do", Vader offered as gently as he could. Damn, dealing with future in laws would be a pain in his ass, he just knew it.

"I don't think that you were trying to be offensive or harsh, that's just not a lifestyle that we're accustomed to", Jobal said. "Does that make us worry for our daughter in case something happens to you? Well, yes it does. But we can't control that, all we can do is try and hope for the best and pray that you won't be killed doing whatever it is you have to do. I see more conflict in your future, more than I'd like to admit. But if it's a part of who you are, then no one has the right to take something from you like that. Especially us. I hope that you find that we're not unreasonable people. Were we scared at first when your engagement to our daughter took place and after you killed Senator Clovis, of course we were. But that's neither here nor there at the moment. From what I can tell is that you and Padmé have developed a beautiful relationship and we're not going to be ones to interfere with that. I just want everyone to be happy at this point."

Vader felt humbled by Jobal's words. She wasn't accusatory, she merely spoke the truth and that honesty was appreciated immensely. Maybe there was something here that could be developed, a true understanding that would allow for the union between him and Padmé to blossom into something that Vader had never considered. Maybe he was overthinking it, but there was the possibility that her family could become his. It was an appealing thought; he had lost his mother in such a cold fashion when he was a mere boy. He knew nothing of having a family, aside from having Padmé.

"Thank you for being able to speak to the point, Jobal. That's very appreciative and I do have respect for your previous and ongoing concerns. Just know that I'll always be there for your daughter, regardless of what may happen. She's the only one that I've ever loved, the only one that I will ever love", Vader said as his head drooped down for a fraction of a second.

Padmé was moved to tears and grabbed Vader's hand and squeezed it tightly. He sent soothing emotions through their bond and squeezed her hand back. Ruwee and Jobal were dabbing their own eyes, reeling from the emotions that Vader had portrayed. Perhaps they didn't believe he was capable of expressing them before, but now they were apparently convinced. Force, he didn't know that he was capable of these emotions until he first met Padmé years ago. That had been a moment of awakening for him that had kept him going through all of the hell and misery that followed so soon.

The outpouring of emotions was beginning to take a hold over Vader, and he wasn't built to handle them. He sniffed a couple of times before draining his wife glass and pouring himself another. This was odd, very odd. He didn't like it, it felt raw and unrelenting. Dammit, he couldn't allow himself to break down in front of anyone. But it really wasn't in his control at the moment, which infuriated him more than anything. Vader was always in control, of his emotions, the Force, everything, except this apparently.

Standing up, he pulled Padmé from her chair and kissed her briefly before pressing her face into his chest while he buried his face in her hair. This was an emotional move, but a soothing one. It allowed him to sync his breathing with hers and they both found themselves calming down, feeling the peace from each other's minds. They way they could blend themselves together in such a way was always surprising and pleasant to say the least.

After a few moments, the sniffles and tears stopped, and the room was quiet. Vader stepped back from Padmé and gave her a gentle kiss before the couple sat back down.

"Well, I believe that a very good point was just made", Jobal said with a smile.

Vader smiled at her, and the group continued their meal without any further heavy discussions or emotional outburst. That had been very difficult, but curiously rewarding.

….

"That was exhausting", Padmé said as she sat down on the couch in their bedchambers. "I don't think I've been more nervous about anything else in my life, but it went well."

Vader grunted and sat down next to her just to pour them both a drink. She accepted hers and took a moment to caress his arm affectionately.

"What's on your mind?", Vader inquired.

Padmé put her feet up on the caff table and thought for a moment. "You just caught me by surprise with the display of affection when everyone was getting bleary eyed at the table after what you had said. It's like I'm still getting to know parts of you that I've never thought were there", she said as she lazily draped her arm across the back of the couch so she could rub Vader's neck.

Vader chuckled. "I was surprised by it as well, Padmé. It seemed to be the right thing to do, especially since your parents seemed to have some concerns when they first arrived earlier in the day. I know I'm a cold bastard, but I still wanted to make a good impression."

"You're not telling me the full truth, Ani", Padmé warned. She knew what else he needed to say, but she wanted him to just come out and say it.

When he turned to look at her with an annoyed expression, she didn't flinch, she just raised an eyebrow.

"Fine", he sighed. "I was also getting emotional and needed your comfort."

"I know you did, darling. I just don't know why it's so damned hard for you to express that. You have to give me something to work with, especially since we've grown so close in every way possible", Padmé chided. "I'm not a woman that'll hold something like that over your head, you should know that by now."

Vader shifted back to his original seating position and nodded. "Sometimes these intense emotions especially when they come as forming new bonds are overwhelming to me. It's like my mind knows that they should be normal, but I struggle to accept them or react to them appropriately", he said quietly.

Padmé's heart dropped a little at the confession. The man truly was having to learn everything there was to be in a family after his own mother had been ripped away from him.

"I know that you and I are family, but your world is going to have to get a little bigger my sweet knight. I'll be there to walk you through every moment of it, especially to make certain that you feel like you're being accepted. I imagine that it's still going to take my parents some time to fully accept our relationship, but that'll come in time. I haven't even spoken to my other sister about it and am sure that she has her reservations as well, but that'll change. It'll all change. You just have to believe me about that", Padmé said as she kept gently kneading his neck.

"I do", Vader whispered. "I do, it'll just take some getting used to, but I believe that you'll be with me at every step of the way."

Padmé leaned up to him and kissed his cheek. "That's all I ask, Ani. Just believe me. Now, why were you staring off into the distance at dinner? I hadn't forgotten about that."

A chuckle escaped Vader's lips. "I knew you wouldn't forget it. No, I was merely lost in thought about how I was having to be forced out of my comfort zone and actually be a good host to people. It's one thing with you and Dormé, but something completely different with other people. Again, it's a situation that is or at least should be normal, but I'm having to learn about it in my gods damned mid twenties", Vader said as he took a sip from his drink.

"You've led a very different life, that's only understandable. But you're learning about it now, which is what counts. You didn't give an outburst when I suggested that my parents fly in, you merely agreed to it, and look how it's turned out. It's going very well. Right now, they're falling asleep in their room in your estate. Hell, look at me. You were able to get me back into your life which is something that I am immeasurably grateful for. Something that I never thought possible. You are capable of learning and doing amazing things", she said. "Sure, there will be times where things will be rough, but the last several months have proven that we are stronger together and we'll keep being stronger."

Vader turned to her and smiled. "I think you always know just what to say to make me feel better about something, Angel", he said. "I don't think I could've ever been fortunate enough to have come across your path on Kashyyyk, but I was very fortunate."

"I was fortunate too", she whispered before she buried her face into his neck. These emotional conversations were blissful, but so overpowering even after they had said similar things to one another time after time. It didn't grow old, it just strengthened who they were as a couple, as a single unit. The beauty and power of love was something that could always be counted on, especially when it came to their love for each other.

"I have a suggestion", Vader rumbled.

Padmé smiled into his neck, knowing what the suggestion would be. "You go on and tell me your suggestion and then we can go from there", she said with a giggle.

"Everyone's asleep, you and I have some time before we have to be asleep. Maybe we should do something to be a little more productive of that time?", he suggested.

Padmé lifted her head and looked at him with her best doe eyes. "Whatever could you mean by that?", she asked innocently. Maybe that had been a miscalculation. He found her innocence to be especially pleasing.

As predicted, a wolfish smile appeared across his face. "I think you know what I mean, Angel", he said as he sat both their glasses on the table. "I think you know exactly what I mean, down to the very last detail."

Without warning, Padmé found herself hefted up off the couch and over Vader's shoulder, desperately trying hard not to shriek in surprise. The last thing that her parents needed to hear were moments of her screaming insanely from down the wing, even though they were situated far down the west wing. Noises in this monstrosity of an estate could echo down the halls, as she embarrassedly found out from a comment from Dormé well after she began permanently sleeping with Vader.

After being accosted by the sex crazed maniac that her lover was, he set her down and began to undress her until she put a hand on his chest and tried to control her laughter.

"What?", Vader asked, adorably confused.

"We have to keep it quiet just in case my parents hear us", she said. "No multiple orgasms for me tonight, we can have some sweet love making for the time being but that'll have to do it. Maybe tomorrow we can go fuck on the rooftop in one of the spas, but tonight we'll have to do it the quiet way."

She could literally see her fiancé's eyes fall in disappointment but cured it by standing up on her toes to quickly give him a peck on the lips, which caused him to smile. Damn his smile would always do it for her, no questions asked.

They quietly undressed themselves and began kissing sensually, slowly building up their desire for one another. Passion could be rough, but it could also be gentle. The movements of their lips were soft yet generous. Spiriting fire between them, getting them to that spot where every couple loved to get to just before the act began.

Vader gently pushed her back on the bed and crawled on top of her, kissing her more profoundly with each kiss taking just a little longer. It made Padmé feel so loved and so secured, especially his muscular body pressing her further down into the mattress. She wrapped her arms around his back, moaning at the sensations from their lips as they continued their longer kisses.

Feeling the time was right, she parted her legs slightly for an invitation for Vader to take it to the next level, which he quickly took. She tensed up just a bit as he eased himself into her and gasped at the initial pain. Force, would she always be so sensitive to his size? Once the initial moment of discomfort passed, Padmé nodded up at him while she bit her lip. His thrusts were slow and rhythmic, building them both up to another level of pleasure.

Once things were at a nice pace, Padmé began gently bucking her hips against him, adding more depth and friction, but just the right amount. She could feel their pelvises rub against one another and moaned at how good it made her most sensitive area feel. This one would probably be quick, but that didn't matter, they would still enjoy it.

In order to keep her noises from getting out of hand, she focused on her breathing while staring him in his eyes. The piercing orbs of azure threatening to take her very soul from her if he wanted to, but no, he merely coexisted with it. Embracing it, which left a warm feeling in her head, but one that was much appreciated.

Continuing their thrusts and bucks, they brought themselves closer to their peaks. Vader bent his head down to plant a searing kiss on her lips, making her momentarily lose concentration of the volume of her moans, which she quickly corrected upon realizing it. Force, they were always so gods damned good at this no matter how they went about it.

The thrusts and bucks continued to grow a little quicker by the moment and Padmé could no longer control the quiet but sharp moans that left her lips as she felt herself growing closer and closer to that blissful state of orgasmic pleasure. The state in which she was sure to feel any moment now.

As if Vader could tell, he slammed into her hard three times which sent them both over the edge. She was about to let out a scream, just before Vader clamped his mouth down on hers to contain her as he grunted and slowed his thrusts to a stop. They just laid there, kissing one another for a good while before they broke for a breather.

"That was great", Padmé said with a grin. "Absolutely great."

"It most certainly was, Angel", Vader said as he rolled off of her, pulling her up to rest her head on his chest while he rested his on the headboard.

"That kind of reminded me about the time where we had to keep quiet while the damned rancor was stomping outside of our little cave", Padmé reminisced.

"I thought about that as well. That's a story that would be hard to be beaten by another couple", Vader said with a chuckle.

"Well, what's on the agenda for tomorrow?", Padmé asked while yawning.

"I'm not sure, just depends on how long your parents are planning to stay. We do have to meet with Kenobi again, so there's that, but I'm not entirely certain if I want that to occur while your parents are here", Vader replied.

"No, that wouldn't be a good idea at all. He may think he means well, but I could see him trying to get my parents to haul me away kicking and screaming if push came to shove", Padmé replied with no small amount of ire in her voice.

"We'll just have to play it by ear then", Vader said.

"I'm getting sleepy, Ani", she whispered.

"Me too, Angel", he replied.

Padmé smiled as he lifted them up just a few inches to pull back the sheets and quilts before setting them down and pulling them back over them. He waived his hand at the lights, and they were soon both fast asleep.

A/N: If you liked what you've read, please consider dropping a review and following!