Vader's Angel

By: wertman25

Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…

The next morning Padme woke up and before she even saw the evidence herself, she knew Vader was gone. Peeling her eyes open, she turned over to examine where Vader had been the night before; but there was nothing. He hadn't just left; he had vanished. There was absolutely no trace of him, almost as if he was never there. The bed was perfectly made as if it had never been touched. Lightness surrounded her body and the air felt warm. There was no evil, cold, or darkness. The room was completely free of any and every trace of Darth Vader.

Observing the lack of evidence, Padme questioned if Vader actually had stayed with her or if she had just imagined the whole thing. She wanted to believe it had all been a dream but her thoughts told her differently. No! Her mind screamed, reminding her of the truth. He was here. He had stayed… but how long had he stayed? When did he leave? What exactly happened?

Memories of the night before flooded Padme's mind and caused her to let out a long frustrated sigh, before she fell back into her pillow. How could she let any of the night before happen? She felt so foolish… so embarrassed… so irritated. What had she done? How could she allow simple nightmares to affect her so deeply? So deeply that it caused her to make such a rash decision? Why did she have to show such weakness to Vader; weakness that he could hold against her. This just gave him one more thing to hold over her head. Is that the reason he had stayed? Padme didn't know; of course she appreciated what Vader had done; but she wondered why he had done it. He had made it clear that he did not care about her and that he would more than willingly dispose of her. If that was true, why hadn't he let her alone instead of staying with her? Why hadn't he just allowed the nightmares to consume her, torture her, and bring her pain? If he hated her as much as she thought, wouldn't he find pleasure in her discomfort?

Those were questions Padme could not answer. She knew a man– a monster such as Vader, with his high caliber would not have bothered staying with a woman such as herself to simply chase away simple nightmares. There had to be something more. He had to have a reason. Vader was not the kind of man– if he was a man, to do something and not receive anything in return. He had a reason for staying with her, but that didn't mean she hadn't hoped...

Hoped? Hoped for what? Again, she didn't know. That last night he was not covered in the darkness? That perhaps he would fall asleep, and when she awoke he would still be there? That she would be able to see the man– the monster– the being under the hood? Perhaps she hoped she could solve some part of his mystery. That she could see if he was human. That maybe perhaps he had feelings? That he did care? That he could care? That he…

No. Padme cut off her train of thought as quickly as it started, not knowing where it would be taking her. What could she hope for? Nothing. Hope and Vader were two words that did not go together. While she was in Vader's establishments, hope was something she could not afford to have. It would get her nothing and nowhere.

Sighing, Padme rolled onto her stomach, hoping that by some miracle, the bed would suffocate her. It didn't, but Padme didn't mind. The moment she rolled onto her stomach and onto the other side of the bed, she was greeted with a friendly surprise. Her face melted into the mattress and his smell surrounded her. There was her evidence of Vader. He had been there. He had left sometime before she had awoken, but his smell remained. It still lingered in the room and was embedded into the covers. It was not as strong as before, but Padme knew it was there. A smile formed itself over her features as she inhaled deeply through her nose, forgetting all of her worries; even it was only for a moment.

It was only when she heard the sound of footsteps pause at the door that she pushed away from the mattress and entered back into reality. She heard the sound of the keys being pressed to unlock the door to her room and for a moment she was frightened. Millions of questions began to scream in her mind. What if it is Vader? How can I face him? What if he holds last night against me? What can I do? What will he do? Thankfully, the second the door slid open, Padme's fears washed away. To her relief, it was not Vader that had come to see her; but C-3PO.

The golden droid shuffled into her room holding a small silver breakfast tray. "Good Morning, Mistress Amidala." 3PO said happily as he continued over to Padme's side. "Did I wake you?" He asked politely, as he laid the tray onto the young senator's lap.

Padme shook her head, unable to form any words. The guilt she felt at the sight of the golden droid was overwhelming her. 3PO, however, didn't seem to notice. He just waited patiently by the side of her bed, waiting for the senator to eat. Padme obliged, even though she wasn't hungry. She forced down a few bites of her breakfast, before turning back to the droid.

"I have to apologize for yesterday, Threepio." Padme apologized, truly meaning every word. "I didn't mean to… I just…"

"It is fine, Milady." 3PO replied truthfully, "I understand."

Padme smiled at the droid, knowing his words were true. She was thankful that 3PO was so understanding, she couldn't imagine what would have happened if she lost him… if she would have to be in this hell completely alone. She pondered on that idea for a moment, before tuning back to him. "I was afraid that I might have gotten you into trouble with Vader." She confessed quietly, the imagines of 3PO being mashed to smithereens playing through her mind.

3PO shuffled closer to the young senator, placing his hand lightly on her shoulder. "My Master," he began slowly, "he may be a little rough around the edges, but he would never harm me." 3PO explained, looking at Padme affectionately, "Truthfully Milady, I was worried about you."

Padme remained silent, as 3PO's statement created more questions within her mind. She had so many questions and not so many answers. Over the past few weeks, 3PO had given small things away about Vader. Small, insignificant things that he hadn't realized he had said. Luckily for 3PO, they didn't give away much; but they still gave Padme clues. She still didn't know much about the Sith… Except one thing. Vader did actually care about the droid. She could tell. If he didn't, he would have destroyed 3PO for failing him. It was a well-known fact that Vader killed anyone that displeased him, failure was unacceptable in Vader's ranks, but for some reason the golden droid was an exception. 3PO pushed Vader's limits and endured no punishments. He lived with Vader and did not complain. He even seemed to be happy with his placement in life. The droid was perfectly content being in the presence of his Master… Which to Padme, only meant one other thing. That the two have been together a very long time.

The thought made Padme crave answers. She needed something. Not just a clue, not just assumptions; but a hard fact. Just one answer about what or who Vader was, but how? Padme turned towards 3PO as her mind began to spark with ideas. She didn't need Vader to get answers, she had all she needed. 3PO liked to talk, he was an obsessive talker. The small statements he had made in the past were what brought her to her previous conclusion about Vader and the droid's relationship. He gave things away without even realizing it. Perhaps if she tried to get information out of the droid, he would tell her something. Even if it was an accident.

Padme assessed her plan, seeing many flaws within it; but she decided not to care. Putting herself in danger meant very little, if it meant she would get answers. During normal circumstances, she would worry about 3PO's fate, but now she knew that Vader would never hurt him. She had to try. Still, the droid would never knowingly betray his Master, she would just have to start small and work up.

"Threepio?" Padme asked quietly.

"Yes, Milady?"

"Umm…" she bit her lip, feeling strangely nervous and guilty. "W–why do you only call Vader by Master?"

The droid shuffled slightly away from the senator. "I'm afraid I don't understand, Mistress Amidala." 3PO admitted confused.

Padme took a deep breath, before breathing out her fear; making her voice completely free of every emotion. "Well you call me Mistress Amidala…" She pointed out, "Why not call him, Master Vader?"

It was a small and dumb question, but Padme thought it was a simple enough question that it just might work with her plans.

3PO was silent for a long moment as he starred at the senator blankly. The silence was strange, cold, and uncomfortable; something that Padme usually never felt while in the presence of the droid. The time passed so slowly that Padme believed that he was not going to answer her question; but yet he did not move, as if he was frozen to the floor. It was only when he shook his head slowly that Padme knew he was lost in thought.

"I suppose it is because he is not Vader to me, Mistress Amidala." 3PO confessed softly, "He never has been and he certainly never will."

What does that even mean? She never got to ask. It was too late.

"If you excuse me," 3PO said excusing himself, "I must tend to other duties."

That was it; her plan was failing. There was nothing she could do… at least for now. What could she do?

"Threepio!" Padme called out, causing the golden droid to pause and turn towards the bed once more.

"Yes, Mistress?"

"C–Could you… I mean… Is Lord Vader… home?" She tried to begin as casually as possible.

3PO nodded. "Yes, Milady."

Padme was slightly taken back by his answer. Vader was actually home? That was a surprise. Over the past few weeks, it seemed like Vader was never around, but she wasn't going to argue.

"Could I see him?" She asked forwardly, "I need to… discuss something with him."

This time it was 3PO's turn to be taken back. "You wish to see my Master, Milady?" He repeated in disbelief.

"Yes." Padme nodded, trying to remain calm and casual.

After 3PO's disbelief passed, he shook his head. "I'm afraid my Master has prior duties to attend to," he reported with slight sorrow in his voice, "but I will pass the word to him."

"Oh…" Padme sighed, showing more puzzlement on her face than she would have liked.

3PO saw the facial expression that overtook the senator and quickly moved forward. He couldn't read her emotions completely, but he wanted to give the young woman some sort of comfort. "But I'm sure that my Master, will be willing to meet with you when his duties are accomplished." 3PO exclaimed hopefully.

Padme froze. Did she really want that? Her mind screamed two different answers, but she couldn't decide which was the right one. She looked upon the droid again, "Okay. Thank you, Threepio." She said, hoping he did not hear the crack in her voice. The only hint that showed her utter confusion.

The droid bowed slightly before shuffling towards the door. "If you should need anything at all, Milady, I shall be back in about an hour to check on you."

And with that, he was gone, leaving Padme feeling more confused and lost than she had ever been in her entire life.

Down the hall, Vader sat in his office contemplating the previous night. What had he been thinking? How could he be so foolish? Who knew what doors this would open with the Senator? To think she may believe there was a part of him more than the evil monster he knew he was. He had seen a small number of her thoughts while searching through the outer layer of her mind while she slept, and it was disgusting and degrading. Of course she feared him, everyone did; but she questioned him. No doubt in time she would also fight him. She was brave and curious, to the extent that if she wanted answers, she would find them. She wasn't the naive child that the absurd politicians made her out to be. In time, she would become a problem; a much bigger problem than she was now; the thoughts that he had seen the night before only confirmed that.

He had to think of a way to put their relationship back on track, preferably with trains heading in opposite directions. What could he do? As much as he would like to, he couldn't kill her. Not yet, anyways. If he told his Master of his thoughts, the old man would disagree. Palpatine believed that Senator Amidala held answers and that she was an asset to their cause. Vader, however, knew the truth. Senator Amidala was a problem; if they underestimated her; she could ruin everything.

Still, Vader could not think of another solution. There was only one answer in his mind. He must obey his Master. He had to play the Emperor's little game. He would do his Master's bidding until the time was right. Unfortunately, that time didn't seem like any time soon.

Memories of the night before, again, flooded Vader's mind. He hated to admit that his Master's plan had been somewhat successful. Being near the Senator, especially while she slept, gave him the upper hand. He had peeled back the first layer of her mind with much ease; but she kept nothing of his importance there. The information he required was hidden deep within her mind, protected by her own personal shields and boundaries. Her walls were thick and it would take a great deal of time to break down the remaining barriers. That was, unless, he forced his way into her mind. He dwelled on that thought, his Master had told him not to kill the senator; he said nothing about leaving her mind in tacked. Vader had done the forceful method countless times; it was quick, easy, and didn't waste time. There were however, consequences of that particular method. It left the person's mind in shreds and caused them to become insane; they would never be the same again. The thought seemed delightful to Vader, but he knew his Master would not share his optimism.

Annoyed, Vader began to push all thoughts of the senator out of his head. He hated the fact that she was taking up so much of his time; or even worse, that he was confined within a prison with her. Absentmindedly, Vader's foot began to tap under the desk, a usual habit for when he was restless; but now, it was just another sign of his annoyance. Everything seemed pointless. He could not waste time sitting in his chambers when there was work to be done. He had troops to supervise. Battle plans to finalize. Rebel traitors and Jedi to track. After all, he was Darth Vader; he did not have time to be locked away with some ridiculous senator.

Vader turned to his datapad, skimming through files in an attempt to preoccupy his mind with more important subjects. It worked, but only for a moment. The young Sith turned his head towards the door at the sound of metal footsteps approaching. 3PO shuffled into the room slowly, a sign that told Vader that the droid had finished the chores and duties assigned to him.

"Hello Master." 3PO greeted happily.

"Threepio." Vader acknowledged, before turning back to the datapad in his hands.

"Rest well?" 3PO asked kindly, pausing in front of his Master's desk.

Vader didn't look up or acknowledge 3PO's question. He knew what the droid was trying to do. 3PO always tried to spark a pointless conversation before mentioning the true subject.

"I suppose you didn't." 3PO answered himself, before moving closer to Vader. "Perhaps, you would sleep better–"

"Threepio." Vader growled threateningly, "Get to your point."

The droid backed slightly away from his Master, gesturing his hands into the air, "Oh well of course, Master. You know I don't mean to waste your time –"

"You're wasting my time now." Vader hissed as his head snapped towards the babbling droid. "Get to your point or get out."

"Yes. Forgive me, Master." 3PO said with a small bow, "Senator Amidala has requested your presence."

Crack. The datapad in Vader's gloved hands shattered and he felt the darkness of the Force swell around him. The mention of her name made Vader's anger flare. Once again, she blazed through his mind like a wildfire. All of his attempts to keep her out of his head had failed. Failure was not acceptable. A low growl escaped his chest, as his head turned slowly back to face the droid that stood before him. "Why?"

3PO stood motionless, unaffected by his Master's anger. "I'm afraid she did not say, Master." 3PO explained kindly. When his Master did not respond, he decided to continue, "I told her that you had duties to attend to. I did not know if you had any desire to see the Senator, I hope you–"

Vader held up his hand and immediately 3PO paused. The room was silent for a long moment, Vader lost in thought and 3PO patiently awaiting his Master's orders. Finally, Vader stood up from his desk and paused before his droid. "Tell Senator Amidala that if I accomplish my work, I will grant her request."

"Oh wonderful!" 3PO exclaimed happily, throwing his arms into the air. "I will leave you to your work, Master." 3PO said with a bow, before turning and shuffling out of the room, leaving Vader alone with his thoughts.

Lying in bed, Padme watched the whole day pass by. Staying in bed all day wasn't something she was accustomed to doing, but since being under Lord Vader's care, it seemed like the only activity she was allowed to do. Today, however, she didn't care. Her mind was elsewhere. Her eyes remained locked on the door, awaiting the guest that might never come. . Padme pulled her eyes away from the door and starred at the clock. To her disbelief, it was almost eleven at night; but Padme didn't stop waiting. Her eyes remained glued to the door until the clock showed eleven. Instantly, the lights in her room flickered off, and she knew they would not be back on until morning. She was alone in the darkness as another hour passed by.

He isn't coming.

The thought immediately, the chills began to run down her spine. She felt the hands of the black-haired man skim across her skin. Everything about that horrible night was returning. The fear began to surround her, as she had to face the dreaded fact. She would be alone with her nightmares tonight.

Swish.

Padme snapped forward at the sound of the door opening. As usual, she could not see in the darkness, but she knew from the change in the air that Vader had entered. It was unmistakable, but again, Padme could not believe what was happening. Everything seemed unreal, but the young senator quickly decided not to push her luck and keep Vader waiting. She placed her senator mask over her face, concealing all of her emotions as she turned to the spot she hoped Vader was standing.

"I really need to talk to you." Padme said, forcing her voice to remain steady.

"Obviously." Vader responded coldly.

Padme fought the urge to smack herself. It was obvious. Still, even if it was a dumb statement, she hated the arrogance that was in his voice. The arrogance was always in his voice. She hated how his comments could make her feel like a child. He probably thought she was nothing more than a small child in over her head. He probably underestimated her.

"Well…" Padme began slowly, "about last night?"

"What about it?" Vader asked uncaringly.

That came as a surprise. Padme had suspected that Vader would hold the night before against her. She had imagined him using it for some evil plot, but it seemed that he was even more willing to pass it off than she was.

She shook her head, pushing away her thoughts and coming back to the matter at hand. "Look." Padme said sternly, "Can you just listen to me for a second?"

The Sith stepped forward in a way that made him somewhat visible in the darkness. "I believe my responses corresponded with your statements. That means I'm listening."

Padme wanted to scream. How could she make two stupid statements within a minute of each other? She knew the answer. It was because of Vader. He did things to her that she couldn't even explain. Why did he always have to make her feel so small? Make her feel so foolish?

When she did not respond Vader looked over at her again, and it made Padme wish she could see his expression underneath the hood. "I'm waiting, Senator." he said, crossing his arms over his chest. The small act made him look annoyed, arrogant, strong, and threatening; all at the same time.

"Right." Padme breathed nervously, remembering that he was waiting for her to continue. She took a deep breath trying to regain her confidence. "Can you stay with me?"

Vader shifted in the darkness, "Aren't you just a black hole of need?"

Padme ignored his ridiculous comment. She knew he just wanted to get under her skin. He had a habit of that. She wouldn't let it faze her. Not today. "You stayed with me last night." Padme pointed out, ready to give him every reason to stay. "I know you had a reason. I have a reason too. I don't care for yours; you don't care for mine. Look at this as a mutually beneficial predicament."

Vader remained silent. What was wrong with the woman before him? She was desperate. He knew that, but this? The worst part was as much as he hated the idea; it did work in his favor.

A long silence fell over the room before Vader spoke again.

"What are your conditions?"

The words came out of his mouth before he could even think to stop them. It surprised him, as well as the young girl before him.

"What?" She asked in disbelief.

Vader gritted his teeth; he couldn't turn back now. "Your conditions, Senator." He repeated angrily, "What are they?"

Padme was silent. She didn't expect that question from Vader. She hadn't expected any of this from Vader.

"I would hurry," Vader threatened, "before I change my mind."

"I have none." Padme whispered, turning her eyes away from the Sith Lord in embarrassment. "Just that no one knows about this."

Vader almost laughed. "I assure you, Senator. I can agree with that."

It couldn't be that simple. It never was with Vader.

"What are your conditions?" Padme asked quietly.

The Sith Lord circled the bed, moving towards his side. "You will face away from me and do not converse with me." Vader commanded.

Padme nodded, knowing she could not argue. Not tonight anyways. Silently, she leaned back into the mattress and turned so that her back was to Vader. Like the night before, the mattress dropped, signaling that Vader was now again on her bed.

"Sleep now, Senator." Vader commanded from the other side of her bed.

And so, Padme obeyed, quickly drifting off to sleep.

That was the routine for the next two weeks. Padme would not see Vader throughout the day, almost as if nothing different was happening; but that was only till night came. Once the day had ended and the clock showed midnight, Vader would enter her room. They did not speak and Padme did not dare try to turn around to face him. Obeying the rules kept him there, at least until she fell asleep. She never knew how long he stayed; whether he left the moment she fell asleep or if he waited until she was deep in sleep. It didn't really matter. She knew the important facts. He was there when she fell asleep and gone when she woke up. That was all that mattered. That was their secret routine.

But if Vader or Padme knew what would happen because of their routine, they would have never started.

Author's Note: Drop a review!