It was early morning when I stood on the docking bay located outside,
watching the sun rise. I had had a vision, just a brief one. Obi-Wan and
Yoda would return that day. The vision told me nothing more, nothing less,
just an image of Obi-Wan and Yoda arriving on a ship.
This was the first time in four long days that I finally was left to my own thoughts. I purposefully kept myself busy with Koen's troops, picking out anyone that I had a feeling about. I had been so focused on the Force, more united with it than ever before, listening to its whispers and premonitions. When I did have time alone, it was usually interrupted by Padmé or Luke. I was spending all of my time away from them, and the evenings were the only time we could spend time together and visit.
My sharp eyes and senses caught something moving on the horizon. I felt apprehension and a strange giddiness as I watched the dot become larger and larger and felt the presence of Obi-Wan strengthen considerably. I was torn. Obi-Wan's mind was blocked tightly, and I didn't know what to expect. We had left on such bad terms that I wondered if he could ever forgive me.
I felt someone approach from behind, and I whirled around with my hand on my lightsaber. I let out a breath of relief when I recognized Sabé, drowning in a robe that had to be twice her size. She smiled gently at me. "I felt him coming," she explained by way of whisper.
"You're very strong in the Force," I observed. I knew it wasn't the time to bring this up, but it would be a long time before another opportunity presented itself.
Sabé nodded, but her mind began to build barriers cautiously. "Yes, I have heard that before."
"You have been trained," I added, watching her carefully.
Sabé nodded once more. "A long time ago I met a Jedi Knight who recognized my talent and gave me a little bit of training. I was left on my own to expand that training."
"You have done a very good job," I complimented softly. "With Leia as well."
Sabé looked up sharply, and she saw only kindness and gratefullness in my eyes. She softened, letting out a deep breath. "Yes. I knew that with you as her father she would be strong in the Force, and she only proved this time and again as she grew. I knew that it was my duty as her protector to train her what little I could."
"You aren't just her protector," I reminded her, "you're also her mother."
"Padmé is her mother, Anakin." Sabé sighed. "I cannot deny that, and I cannot lie to Leia. I don't know how to approach her with this information though. How can I tell her that I've been lying to her her whole life?"
"There is no pressure, Sabé. And you are her mother. You raised her as a small child, and she will never forget that. In her heart, I'm sure that you will always hold a special place."
"Your words are comforting and strong, but I accept the truth," Sabé said. She shook her head and placed a hand on my arm. "Ani, don't speak with guilt. I long ago accepted the fate of my child."
"I have not yet, and I don't know if I ever can." I paused, wondering, then finally began to blurt it out. "I remember every face of every person I killed, of every person that I know I hurt. It is torture to know everyday that I caused so much pain for so many people. I do not mind it though, it keeps me working for redemption. Somehow, I *will* make it up to the galaxy."
"Making it up to the galaxy will never calm the turmoil you feel in your heart," Sabé said wisely.
"But it's a start," I answered.
Sabé suddenly whipped her head up, and a small smile came to her face as the ship landed gracefully on the royal docking bay. The belly of it opened up, and a hunched figure began to walk calmly down the steps. She walked as quickly as she could while mantaining her dignity.
I took a second to follow, the apprehension growing even stronger. Talking to Sabé had been comforting, she was a wise woman, and I was grateful to have her words. I took a deep breath, and I began to follow Sabé's path.
Sabé helped Yoda walk away from the ship, keeping a sharp eye where Obi-Wan would exit next. I could sense her eagerness and the same apprehension that I felt.
I stopped in front of Yoda. He seemed more hunched over than the last time I'd seen him. The hair around his face had grown thicker. Still though, a power radiated from him. A sense of peace, of belonging, of knowledge so deep that it would be impossible to comprehend.
I bowed. "Master Yoda," I greeted softly. I had the sudden desire to have Padmé at my side, to draw from her inner strength.
"Master Skywalker," Yoda returned, bowing in return.
"I am a Jedi Knight, sir," I corrected humbly.
Yoda clenched both his fists on his cain and made a 'hmm' sound as he studied me, his ears bouncing up and down. Finally, he met my eyes. "Power you radiate, Young Skywalker. Risen has your rank. Terrible things you have done, but great they were."
I couldn't help smiling. "Thank you, Master Yoda. It is respect that I do not deserve, but I thank you."
Yoda looked ready to reply, but Sabé made a sudden move.
We both followed her gaze to Obi-Wan, walking steadily down from the ship. I winced at the coldness that came from him, the utter blankness.
"Obi-Wan . . ." Sabé said, her voice just a little breathless. "I was worried. I didn't . . ."
"Good morning, Queen Organa," Obi-Wan said, emphasizing her name to make a point.
Sabé's jaw dropped a little. Her eyes shone with pain. "Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan ignored her, walking right past her. He didn't meet my eyes, nor the eyes of Master Yoda. "I'm going to inform King Organa of our safe arrival, if you will excuse me."
He stalked off before anyone could stop him. Yoda shook his head, closing his eyes and looking down in sadness. "A great deal of pain he is in." Yoda looked up at Sabé. "Space he needs. Let him meditate you should. Get through this he will."
Sabé met Yoda's gaze blankly. She blinked, then nodded. "Thank you for your kind words, Master Yoda," she said softly. Without a good-bye, she left, hunching her shoulders over with empty sobs, her pain coming to me in the Force. She went in the opposite direction of Obi-Wan. I hoped that Padmé would find her and comfort her.
Left alone with Yoda, I suddenly felt uncomfortable. Ever since Yoda had deemed me too "clouded" to be trained, I had felt nervous in his presence. I had always gotten the picture that he didn't like me, that he was always watching me, that he knew everything that went on. In the inside and the outside.
"Master Yoda, I have been recruiting possible Jedi from the troops of the Alderaan Rebellion," I said, feeling relieved at finding such an easy topic to discuss. "I know that they are old, and will not ever be as strong in the Force as someone trained from a child, but any training that we can give them will be an upper hand on our side. We plan on infiltering each planet that is still strong in the Empire, working on the Core planets and spreading out. I have volunteered to help train these Jedi, but I as well as the galaxy would be immensely grateful if you were to offer your service in helping."
Yoda considered my words. He nodded. "Train them, we will. For now, rest I need."
"I can take you inside and get you a room," I offered.
Yoda nodded. "Your help I am grateful for."
* * * * *
Once I was sure that Yoda was settled, I began to leave the room that he was going to be staying in. A raspy gasp from the bed he was lying in made me stop in my tracks. I turned around to see Yoda holding out his hand, indicating that I should stop.
"Talk, we must, Young Skywalker."
The moment I was dreading. I shut myself off, closing everything around me, and looked at him blankly. "What about?"
"Told me what happened, Obi-Wan did," Yoda said. "Balance to the Force, you brought."
"I've heard this before," I snapped. I wanted to get away from him. I was afraid of what he would say. So far, though, he had only treated me with respect. I stayed in place, waiting for him to go on.
"Understand, I dont," Yoda murmered, shaking his head as if in remorse for me.
"Understand what?" I pressed. Talking to Yoda could be frustrating at the best of times, and I had been scraping rock bottom for years.
"Self-pity you wallow in," Yoda said after a few seconds of reserved silence. "Path to the Dark side, that is. Saved many, you have. Returned to the light, you have. Linger on the Darkness, your thoughts do."
It took me a moment to put together what he said; talking to Yoda was not only frustrating, but also confusing. "I've got a lot going on, Master Yoda. Do you think I *like* being subject to my thoughts?"
"Stop them, you can."
"No, I can't," I said firmly. "Believe me, I've tried. I can control anything anymore. I've just about given up."
"There!" Yoda screeched out the word, his voice squeaking higher than normal. He moved his hears once more, his eyes intense. "Exactly what you should not say, that is. A path to the Darkside, giving up is. Power you have, Skywalker. Learn to use it, you must."
I shook my head, not wanting to listen to him. "They're my thoughts, I think that I can decide for myself whether or not I can rid of them."
"Strong in the Force, you are." Yoda seemed to smirk. "Strength is not everything, Skywalker." He sighed. "Ah . . . A little wisdom you could do with!"
I gave up trying to understand. "What?"
"Strength is useless without wisdom." Yoda took a second for that to sink in, then he settled back in the pillows. "Rest, I need. Dismissed, you are."
I nodded absently and left the room, thinking over his words. If Yoda was saying what I thought he was, maybe he could work with me, could further my training. Maybe together we could come up with something to pull me further into the right side, out of the clutches of the Dark.
This thought revived me, and I felt relief like nothing else. There was nothing Master Yoda was not capable of, and I had full faith that he could restore me, that he could help my redemption.
This time when I neared the door to Padmé's and my room, my thoughts were pure and loving. I typed in the security code and the doors slid aside for me to step in. Surprisingly enough, Padmé was fully dressed, looking over a data pad as she sat at her vanity.
"Good morning," I greeted. I kissed her lightly on the nose, and her face lit up into a tired but brilliant smile. She reached up and kissed me on the lips.
"Morning," she returned with a murmer.
I brought my hands to her neck and began to gently rub soothingly. "What are you looking at?"
"I'm helping you. I'm organizing your list of Force-sensitives," Padmé said, holding up the data pad for me to take.
I scanned it. "Thank you," I said sincerely, feeling that familiar love bursting my heart. I kissed her again, this time longer than before. "I love you."
Padmé laughed. "Because I organized your notes?"
I smiled in return. "You're smiling, that's a start. You seemed so grim when I walked in here. What's wrong?"
Padmé frowned. "I had a talk with Obi-Wan."
"You *what*?"
Padmé tilted her lips up in a half smile. "I don't know if I did any good. Sabé came to my room crying to drop Leia off. I let her go to be alone, but I knew what happened so I sought out Obi-Wan."
"Leia is here?" I asked, turning my head to Luke's room. The doors were shut, but I could hear a female voice speaking in bossy undertones. I was more than interested. After talking to Leia, I wondered what the two children would be like together.
Padmé nodded. "She and Luke get along fine. Luke is so passive, he doesn't care if Leia tells him what to do."
I laughed, shaking my head. "They should be a riot together." I paused for a moment to take in the look of pure happiness on Padmé's face.
"It feels so wonderful," Padmé murmered, closing her eyes. "My children are playing in their bedroom, I'm helping you with work . . . I feel like I'm finally part of my own family."
My heart nearly broke at the raw emotion behind her words. I wrapped my arms around her from behind, and she tilted her head backwards to lie on my stomach. "I'm so sorry it took so long for this to finally happen for you."
Padmé opened her eyes and sent me an amused look. "You always feel so sorry for yourself, so sorry for everyone else. Close your eyes and listen to them. Let yourself enjoy this."
I listened to her. Closing my eyes, I tentatively began diving into the Force, seeking that happiness that she felt. Swirling emotions surrounded me, the ones of my children and my wife. Luke and Leia had burst in laughter in the next room. Padmé's steadily pulsing joy wrapped around my heart. I felt something . . .
I sighed, and I opened my eyes. I met Padmé's warm brown eyes. "Did you feel it?" she asked gently.
"Contentedness," I said, nodding. "I felt it." I got onto my knees so that Padmé and I were face to face. I brought my hands up to her soft cheeks and cupped her face, holding it close to mine and locking her eyes with my own. "No matter what, Padmé, I will never take this away from you. I won't make the same mistakes again."
Padmé looked like she was melting under my gaze, her eyes brimming with the same intense feelings I was portraying. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me softly, lingering motionlessly on my lips. Instead of a kiss of passion, this kiss linked us together in a love that was so pure that it strengthened my resolve to stay true to my words. I wouldn't hurt Padmé again, not the way I had hurt Sabé and Obi-Wan.
I was about to scold myself for the self-pity both Yoda and Padmé told me to give up, but the sound of a door swishing open stopped me. Still in Padmé's embrace, I turned my head to the side to see Luke standing at the doorway, his hands on his hips. Leia stood beside him, watching Padmé and me intently. It struck me suddenly how alike they looked. Despite being fraternal, they were the same height, and in their faces was a mixture of both Padmé and me, a perfect blend.
"What's wrong?" Padmé asked, not sounding too worried. She brought her hands back to her lap, and I reluctantly sat back on my heels, watching the children.
"She keeps trying to make me play house!" Luke said accusingly.
Leia stepped forward, her eyes narrowed threateningly. "He keeps trying to make me play with his ships!" She let disgust filter out in her voice as she shot a glance in Luke's direction.
Luke stuck his tongue out at her. Leia looked deeply offended. "I cannot surround myself with people so immature as you," she said cooly.
"Leia, Luke, why don't you both play something else, something you both like?" Padmé suggested.
"I want to watch a holofilm," Leia said suddenly.
Luke's eyes widened. "You have those here?" he asked in awe.
"Of course," Leia said nonchalantly. "This *is* a palace, you know. There's nothing we don't have. My father is rich."
Luke narrowed his eyes, about to say something else, but I wisely interrupted, my voice laced with amusement at their little show. "I'll turn it on for you," I said quickly, standing and moving to do as I said. When I turned back around, Padmé had put the two children on our bed. Once more I felt the ping of bursting in my chest. Leia had rested her head on Luke's shoulder, and he laid his on top of hers. Despite their arguing a moment before, all was forgiven. I locked eyes with Padmé, and we shared and relished in the moment together.
* * * * *
AN: I'm sorry if this chapter was muddled up. For some reason I couldn't get ahold of my beta-reader! I'm also sorry that it took so long for this chapter to come out, and that this fic probably won't be updated as frequently as it used to. It's not that I dislike this fic, it's just that I've been focusing on reading a lot more, and when I do write, I usually write for the Obi-Wan/Sabé fics that I'm making to accompany this one. (*cough* you might want to check the first book out -- it's on my bio *cough*) See how subtle I can be? :) Thanks a million times over for all of the wonderful reviews I receive. Each and every one of them means so much to me.
~Haley
This was the first time in four long days that I finally was left to my own thoughts. I purposefully kept myself busy with Koen's troops, picking out anyone that I had a feeling about. I had been so focused on the Force, more united with it than ever before, listening to its whispers and premonitions. When I did have time alone, it was usually interrupted by Padmé or Luke. I was spending all of my time away from them, and the evenings were the only time we could spend time together and visit.
My sharp eyes and senses caught something moving on the horizon. I felt apprehension and a strange giddiness as I watched the dot become larger and larger and felt the presence of Obi-Wan strengthen considerably. I was torn. Obi-Wan's mind was blocked tightly, and I didn't know what to expect. We had left on such bad terms that I wondered if he could ever forgive me.
I felt someone approach from behind, and I whirled around with my hand on my lightsaber. I let out a breath of relief when I recognized Sabé, drowning in a robe that had to be twice her size. She smiled gently at me. "I felt him coming," she explained by way of whisper.
"You're very strong in the Force," I observed. I knew it wasn't the time to bring this up, but it would be a long time before another opportunity presented itself.
Sabé nodded, but her mind began to build barriers cautiously. "Yes, I have heard that before."
"You have been trained," I added, watching her carefully.
Sabé nodded once more. "A long time ago I met a Jedi Knight who recognized my talent and gave me a little bit of training. I was left on my own to expand that training."
"You have done a very good job," I complimented softly. "With Leia as well."
Sabé looked up sharply, and she saw only kindness and gratefullness in my eyes. She softened, letting out a deep breath. "Yes. I knew that with you as her father she would be strong in the Force, and she only proved this time and again as she grew. I knew that it was my duty as her protector to train her what little I could."
"You aren't just her protector," I reminded her, "you're also her mother."
"Padmé is her mother, Anakin." Sabé sighed. "I cannot deny that, and I cannot lie to Leia. I don't know how to approach her with this information though. How can I tell her that I've been lying to her her whole life?"
"There is no pressure, Sabé. And you are her mother. You raised her as a small child, and she will never forget that. In her heart, I'm sure that you will always hold a special place."
"Your words are comforting and strong, but I accept the truth," Sabé said. She shook her head and placed a hand on my arm. "Ani, don't speak with guilt. I long ago accepted the fate of my child."
"I have not yet, and I don't know if I ever can." I paused, wondering, then finally began to blurt it out. "I remember every face of every person I killed, of every person that I know I hurt. It is torture to know everyday that I caused so much pain for so many people. I do not mind it though, it keeps me working for redemption. Somehow, I *will* make it up to the galaxy."
"Making it up to the galaxy will never calm the turmoil you feel in your heart," Sabé said wisely.
"But it's a start," I answered.
Sabé suddenly whipped her head up, and a small smile came to her face as the ship landed gracefully on the royal docking bay. The belly of it opened up, and a hunched figure began to walk calmly down the steps. She walked as quickly as she could while mantaining her dignity.
I took a second to follow, the apprehension growing even stronger. Talking to Sabé had been comforting, she was a wise woman, and I was grateful to have her words. I took a deep breath, and I began to follow Sabé's path.
Sabé helped Yoda walk away from the ship, keeping a sharp eye where Obi-Wan would exit next. I could sense her eagerness and the same apprehension that I felt.
I stopped in front of Yoda. He seemed more hunched over than the last time I'd seen him. The hair around his face had grown thicker. Still though, a power radiated from him. A sense of peace, of belonging, of knowledge so deep that it would be impossible to comprehend.
I bowed. "Master Yoda," I greeted softly. I had the sudden desire to have Padmé at my side, to draw from her inner strength.
"Master Skywalker," Yoda returned, bowing in return.
"I am a Jedi Knight, sir," I corrected humbly.
Yoda clenched both his fists on his cain and made a 'hmm' sound as he studied me, his ears bouncing up and down. Finally, he met my eyes. "Power you radiate, Young Skywalker. Risen has your rank. Terrible things you have done, but great they were."
I couldn't help smiling. "Thank you, Master Yoda. It is respect that I do not deserve, but I thank you."
Yoda looked ready to reply, but Sabé made a sudden move.
We both followed her gaze to Obi-Wan, walking steadily down from the ship. I winced at the coldness that came from him, the utter blankness.
"Obi-Wan . . ." Sabé said, her voice just a little breathless. "I was worried. I didn't . . ."
"Good morning, Queen Organa," Obi-Wan said, emphasizing her name to make a point.
Sabé's jaw dropped a little. Her eyes shone with pain. "Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan ignored her, walking right past her. He didn't meet my eyes, nor the eyes of Master Yoda. "I'm going to inform King Organa of our safe arrival, if you will excuse me."
He stalked off before anyone could stop him. Yoda shook his head, closing his eyes and looking down in sadness. "A great deal of pain he is in." Yoda looked up at Sabé. "Space he needs. Let him meditate you should. Get through this he will."
Sabé met Yoda's gaze blankly. She blinked, then nodded. "Thank you for your kind words, Master Yoda," she said softly. Without a good-bye, she left, hunching her shoulders over with empty sobs, her pain coming to me in the Force. She went in the opposite direction of Obi-Wan. I hoped that Padmé would find her and comfort her.
Left alone with Yoda, I suddenly felt uncomfortable. Ever since Yoda had deemed me too "clouded" to be trained, I had felt nervous in his presence. I had always gotten the picture that he didn't like me, that he was always watching me, that he knew everything that went on. In the inside and the outside.
"Master Yoda, I have been recruiting possible Jedi from the troops of the Alderaan Rebellion," I said, feeling relieved at finding such an easy topic to discuss. "I know that they are old, and will not ever be as strong in the Force as someone trained from a child, but any training that we can give them will be an upper hand on our side. We plan on infiltering each planet that is still strong in the Empire, working on the Core planets and spreading out. I have volunteered to help train these Jedi, but I as well as the galaxy would be immensely grateful if you were to offer your service in helping."
Yoda considered my words. He nodded. "Train them, we will. For now, rest I need."
"I can take you inside and get you a room," I offered.
Yoda nodded. "Your help I am grateful for."
* * * * *
Once I was sure that Yoda was settled, I began to leave the room that he was going to be staying in. A raspy gasp from the bed he was lying in made me stop in my tracks. I turned around to see Yoda holding out his hand, indicating that I should stop.
"Talk, we must, Young Skywalker."
The moment I was dreading. I shut myself off, closing everything around me, and looked at him blankly. "What about?"
"Told me what happened, Obi-Wan did," Yoda said. "Balance to the Force, you brought."
"I've heard this before," I snapped. I wanted to get away from him. I was afraid of what he would say. So far, though, he had only treated me with respect. I stayed in place, waiting for him to go on.
"Understand, I dont," Yoda murmered, shaking his head as if in remorse for me.
"Understand what?" I pressed. Talking to Yoda could be frustrating at the best of times, and I had been scraping rock bottom for years.
"Self-pity you wallow in," Yoda said after a few seconds of reserved silence. "Path to the Dark side, that is. Saved many, you have. Returned to the light, you have. Linger on the Darkness, your thoughts do."
It took me a moment to put together what he said; talking to Yoda was not only frustrating, but also confusing. "I've got a lot going on, Master Yoda. Do you think I *like* being subject to my thoughts?"
"Stop them, you can."
"No, I can't," I said firmly. "Believe me, I've tried. I can control anything anymore. I've just about given up."
"There!" Yoda screeched out the word, his voice squeaking higher than normal. He moved his hears once more, his eyes intense. "Exactly what you should not say, that is. A path to the Darkside, giving up is. Power you have, Skywalker. Learn to use it, you must."
I shook my head, not wanting to listen to him. "They're my thoughts, I think that I can decide for myself whether or not I can rid of them."
"Strong in the Force, you are." Yoda seemed to smirk. "Strength is not everything, Skywalker." He sighed. "Ah . . . A little wisdom you could do with!"
I gave up trying to understand. "What?"
"Strength is useless without wisdom." Yoda took a second for that to sink in, then he settled back in the pillows. "Rest, I need. Dismissed, you are."
I nodded absently and left the room, thinking over his words. If Yoda was saying what I thought he was, maybe he could work with me, could further my training. Maybe together we could come up with something to pull me further into the right side, out of the clutches of the Dark.
This thought revived me, and I felt relief like nothing else. There was nothing Master Yoda was not capable of, and I had full faith that he could restore me, that he could help my redemption.
This time when I neared the door to Padmé's and my room, my thoughts were pure and loving. I typed in the security code and the doors slid aside for me to step in. Surprisingly enough, Padmé was fully dressed, looking over a data pad as she sat at her vanity.
"Good morning," I greeted. I kissed her lightly on the nose, and her face lit up into a tired but brilliant smile. She reached up and kissed me on the lips.
"Morning," she returned with a murmer.
I brought my hands to her neck and began to gently rub soothingly. "What are you looking at?"
"I'm helping you. I'm organizing your list of Force-sensitives," Padmé said, holding up the data pad for me to take.
I scanned it. "Thank you," I said sincerely, feeling that familiar love bursting my heart. I kissed her again, this time longer than before. "I love you."
Padmé laughed. "Because I organized your notes?"
I smiled in return. "You're smiling, that's a start. You seemed so grim when I walked in here. What's wrong?"
Padmé frowned. "I had a talk with Obi-Wan."
"You *what*?"
Padmé tilted her lips up in a half smile. "I don't know if I did any good. Sabé came to my room crying to drop Leia off. I let her go to be alone, but I knew what happened so I sought out Obi-Wan."
"Leia is here?" I asked, turning my head to Luke's room. The doors were shut, but I could hear a female voice speaking in bossy undertones. I was more than interested. After talking to Leia, I wondered what the two children would be like together.
Padmé nodded. "She and Luke get along fine. Luke is so passive, he doesn't care if Leia tells him what to do."
I laughed, shaking my head. "They should be a riot together." I paused for a moment to take in the look of pure happiness on Padmé's face.
"It feels so wonderful," Padmé murmered, closing her eyes. "My children are playing in their bedroom, I'm helping you with work . . . I feel like I'm finally part of my own family."
My heart nearly broke at the raw emotion behind her words. I wrapped my arms around her from behind, and she tilted her head backwards to lie on my stomach. "I'm so sorry it took so long for this to finally happen for you."
Padmé opened her eyes and sent me an amused look. "You always feel so sorry for yourself, so sorry for everyone else. Close your eyes and listen to them. Let yourself enjoy this."
I listened to her. Closing my eyes, I tentatively began diving into the Force, seeking that happiness that she felt. Swirling emotions surrounded me, the ones of my children and my wife. Luke and Leia had burst in laughter in the next room. Padmé's steadily pulsing joy wrapped around my heart. I felt something . . .
I sighed, and I opened my eyes. I met Padmé's warm brown eyes. "Did you feel it?" she asked gently.
"Contentedness," I said, nodding. "I felt it." I got onto my knees so that Padmé and I were face to face. I brought my hands up to her soft cheeks and cupped her face, holding it close to mine and locking her eyes with my own. "No matter what, Padmé, I will never take this away from you. I won't make the same mistakes again."
Padmé looked like she was melting under my gaze, her eyes brimming with the same intense feelings I was portraying. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me softly, lingering motionlessly on my lips. Instead of a kiss of passion, this kiss linked us together in a love that was so pure that it strengthened my resolve to stay true to my words. I wouldn't hurt Padmé again, not the way I had hurt Sabé and Obi-Wan.
I was about to scold myself for the self-pity both Yoda and Padmé told me to give up, but the sound of a door swishing open stopped me. Still in Padmé's embrace, I turned my head to the side to see Luke standing at the doorway, his hands on his hips. Leia stood beside him, watching Padmé and me intently. It struck me suddenly how alike they looked. Despite being fraternal, they were the same height, and in their faces was a mixture of both Padmé and me, a perfect blend.
"What's wrong?" Padmé asked, not sounding too worried. She brought her hands back to her lap, and I reluctantly sat back on my heels, watching the children.
"She keeps trying to make me play house!" Luke said accusingly.
Leia stepped forward, her eyes narrowed threateningly. "He keeps trying to make me play with his ships!" She let disgust filter out in her voice as she shot a glance in Luke's direction.
Luke stuck his tongue out at her. Leia looked deeply offended. "I cannot surround myself with people so immature as you," she said cooly.
"Leia, Luke, why don't you both play something else, something you both like?" Padmé suggested.
"I want to watch a holofilm," Leia said suddenly.
Luke's eyes widened. "You have those here?" he asked in awe.
"Of course," Leia said nonchalantly. "This *is* a palace, you know. There's nothing we don't have. My father is rich."
Luke narrowed his eyes, about to say something else, but I wisely interrupted, my voice laced with amusement at their little show. "I'll turn it on for you," I said quickly, standing and moving to do as I said. When I turned back around, Padmé had put the two children on our bed. Once more I felt the ping of bursting in my chest. Leia had rested her head on Luke's shoulder, and he laid his on top of hers. Despite their arguing a moment before, all was forgiven. I locked eyes with Padmé, and we shared and relished in the moment together.
* * * * *
AN: I'm sorry if this chapter was muddled up. For some reason I couldn't get ahold of my beta-reader! I'm also sorry that it took so long for this chapter to come out, and that this fic probably won't be updated as frequently as it used to. It's not that I dislike this fic, it's just that I've been focusing on reading a lot more, and when I do write, I usually write for the Obi-Wan/Sabé fics that I'm making to accompany this one. (*cough* you might want to check the first book out -- it's on my bio *cough*) See how subtle I can be? :) Thanks a million times over for all of the wonderful reviews I receive. Each and every one of them means so much to me.
~Haley