Vader's Angel

By: wertman25

A/N: Just keep in mind that this is A/U and the characters aren't 100% like in the movie, but I don't plan on changing it that much! It is just a dream I had, so be nice!

Background: It has been two years since the creation of the Empire. Anakin and Padme never met. Sidious found Anakin when he was 7 years old on Tatooine and trained him as a Sith. Vader is not in his life support suit. Also, Anakin/Vader is 23… Padme is 21…

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

Author's Note: Thanks for the love guys! Love you all!

Some of you guys asked me questions… I answered them below in a less than orderly fashion… My apologies…

Grammar Errors & Other Stories: I promise to go back and fix mistake in this story. I never dreamed so many people would take notice to it, and now that they have, I try to pump out as many chapters as I can. As for my other stories, I hate my writing in TTR, so once I rewrite, I will be sure to finish!

Padme's Memories: Vader hide the memories from Padme within her mind. I tried to describe that with Padme thinking about the sheets that she could not move within her mind that were blocking something from her. So she knows something is there, but she can't remember. So yes, she doesn't remember him going on a killing spree and slicing up the rebels.

Padme's Forgiveness: I'm sorry that I'm not writing to people's exact portrayal of Padme, but this is my interpretation. I feel that in the movies, she was VERY forgiving of Anakin/Vader's actions, and so I made her like that in the story. However, I will say that she would be less forgiving if she wasn't so "broken" and distraught, but Vader fixed a few of those problems, so perhaps, Padme won't be as forgiving as before.

Vader's Face: Nope, Padme hasn't seen his face. I did mention one or two times about her thinking she saw skin beneath the hood, but she could never be sure.

Back & Forth: Yes, there is A LOT of back and forth, but that's because; 1. Vader is an ass, 2. Neither of them are fully willing or ready to commit, and 3. It is beyond fun to torture you.

Spoilers please?: Well… I'll say the push and pull bullshit is about to end, or at least lesson… Let's just saying something is about to change between them… or mostly Vader… and for the reader's sake, I think you'll be happy.

If I forgot anyone's questions, please let me know, I'll answer next chapter.

Second Author's Note: Thank you "all" for your patience and support during this difficult time. Sorry if you have to reread, I did too.

From the moment Padme opened her eyes the next morning she knew everything was wrong– completely and utterly wrong. She could feel it in the very air that surrounded her. Everything told her what she truly already knew: that she had made the biggest mistake of her life… and what was worse; she knew she was about to pay for it.

Stop. Stop. Stop. Padme said to herself, everything is going to be fine. It has to be.

But she knew it was a lie. It didn't have to be. This was Darth Vader she was dealing with, and although he had seemed to have a weak spot for her, or at least she hoped, she knew this time she had gone too far. Trying to ease her mind, she dressed quickly, knowing Vader would arrive soon to take her to the Senate; and although she was beyond thrilled to be leaving Vader's establishments, there was still some part of her that ached. Ached to be alone with him to fix what she had done.

When she was completely finished dressing and preparing for the day ahead, she couldn't help herself from sitting back on her bed. She just couldn't bring herself to terms with leaving; she couldn't face him yet… not yet. Unable to help herself, her hands rubbed the covers beneath her, feeling the soft fabric under her touch. It may of sounded crazy– she knew it did, but the few weeks she spent with Vader, just lying in bed beside him, were the best moments since she had arrived her. He was different at night with her, perhaps because it was the only time when the galaxy wasn't watching him, or perhaps some other reason; but regardless, Padme didn't know or care. The only thing she cared about was the task at hand. She wanted to desperately fix what she had done. It was a quick act that was supposed to bring them closer together, not farther apart. She just hoped–

Without warning the door to her room opened abruptly, startling Padme and pulling her from her thoughts as Vader entered the room. He paused just inside the doorway as he crossed his arms over his chest and looked in her direction. Padme did not move and Vader did not speak, but they both knew what the other was trying to say. Padme wasn't ready, and Vader wasn't in the mood. Padme could feel the darkness spilling off of the Sith Lord, even worse than before; he was angry and fully connected to the Darkside of the Force; she knew she would not have the upper hand today– if ever again.

They watched each other for a few long moments, the air turning thick between them. Vader was the first to move, raising his gloved hand slowly and using his finger to motion his commands to Padme. She flinched slightly as his gloved finger curled up and down, but she answered immediately, jumping off the bed and scurrying to his side. Within seconds she was blinded by the black blindfold and escorted out of the room. They traveled to the senate quickly in complete silence. Padme wanted to say something– anything to him, but every time she tried to bring herself to speak, it was almost as Vader himself had stopped her. When they arrived at the Senate, Padme was surprised when Vader did in fact escort her to her office. The small act made her question if the situation was as bad as she thought it was between them. It made her wonder if the stress of the situation was just all in her head– but her questions were answered the second the pair arrived at her office. Once she was safely situated inside, Vader turned silently, and disappeared without a word. He left her completely alone with the presence of only two clone troopers outside the door to accompany her.

As Padme watched him flee, she tried not to concentrate on the ache in her heart, or her millions of thoughts concerning the pissed Sith. She tried anything to forget, she tried to push away her thoughts, but time and time again she found him back in her mind – a permanent residence within. She had so many questions– so many concerns, but she only had to go on what she knew. But Vader had only made one thing completely clear: they were no longer on talking terms with each other. And that fact alone frightened her. Without him speaking to her, he would turn back into the silent black ghost she remembered. The myth– the monster– the lurking shadow that everyone feared. He would turn back into something that was anything but human– anything but real.

Padme gasped for air from behind her desk, feeling a deep kick to the gut as the consequences of her actions began to reveal themselves within her mind. What had she done? Would he ever talk to her again? Would he leave her to be consumed by her nightmares? Would he stay to the shadows like before? Would he watch her from afar? She didn't know. She hoped not.

Again, Padme pushed the thoughts away, turning back to her work. For a while, she preoccupied herself with skimming through files, answering questions, and fulfilling her other duties of being a senator, but it still didn't work. Nothing could keep her mind away from the Dark Lord that was ignoring her. He was always there– lurking in the corners of her mind like her own personal demon. If only her was lurking in the real world – if only he was with her now. She wanted things to change, but not like this. She didn't want this.

The thoughts continued to race through her head, and the thousands of possible outcomes flashed across her mind. Padme couldn't help but let out a loud groan as she allowed her head to fall forward onto her desk, "What have I done?"

"Hmm… Senator Amidala?" A voice called, bringing Padme out of her daze. She raised her head quickly, taking quick note of the man before her. Somehow a trooper had entered her office unnoticed, and because of it, Padme could feel the blush rising to her cheeks.

"Yes, trooper?" She responded, trying her best to look as professional as possible while she shifted into a more comfortable position in her chair.

Thankfully, the trooper seemed to be unaware of her current state, only gesturing to the open door behind him, "Senator Alavar is here to see you, ma'am."

At the trooper's statement, Padme felt her eyes light up and for the first time, a large smile form itself onto her face. Had she heard him right? She couldn't believe it… A real person? Someone other than Vader was here to see her! That was a surprise! Padme was well acquainted with Senator Alavar as she was a senator of a smaller planet near her own planet of Naboo.

Acting quickly, knowing she could not waste anymore time, Padme stood and circled to the front of her desk. "Of course!" She exclaimed, "Please don't keep her waiting!"

"Yes, ma'am." The trooper responded immediately, before turning and exiting the door. He returned a few moments later, escorting Senator Alavar by the arm.

Padme pretended not to notice the strange look on the senator's face as she was escorted into the room. As the pair stopped before her, Padme greeted the woman with a smile and small bow, "Senator Alavar, what a pleasant surprise."

Senator Alavar's face instantly changed, replaced with a small smile as she returned the bow, "Likewise, Senator Amidala."

Except for the small hiccup when the senator entered the room, the woman played her part as perfectly as Padme, but still, Padme could see the strain within the woman's eyes. She was scared, for Padme and for herself… but for exactly why, Padme didn't know.

Padme could feel it wasn't just because of the Empire, or Vader, or even Palpatine. There was something going on– something that was making the senator uncomfortable, but what? Padme wanted to know. She eyed the clone trooper that flanked Senator Alavar, knowing that she would never figure out the piece to the puzzle while he was still in the room.

She made her move quick, turning to the trooper with a small smile, "If that would be all, trooper, I would like to talk to the senator alone."

He didn't move, standing his ground. It seemed that he wasn't about to leave the two women unattended and Padme's stomach curled at the thought.

That was, until Senator Alavar joined in. The woman turned to the trooper with a stern look before stating, "You know that it is under Emperor Palpatine's direct orders that Senator Amidala has returned to the Senate. The reason is about a certain classified business including my planet." The woman paused for a moment, shaking her arm free of the trooper's grasp, "I stress the word, classified, trooper. I would hate to have to contact the Emperor or Lord Vader about the matter."

At Vader's name, the trooper shifted uncomfortably, "No need!" He exclaimed, "I was just making sure all would be safe for the two of you!" He looked around the room, justifying his story. "All clear!" He yelled, before turning to the women with a slight bow and head nod, "My apologies, again, senators."

Both women reciprocated the bow, before the trooper turned and walked out of the room, leaving the two senators alone inside.

The second that the trooper was out the door, Senator Alavar pulled Padme into a tight hug, "Senator, I was worried!" She cried, "Are you alright?

Padme returned the awkward hug, nodding into the woman's shoulder, "I'm fine!" She answered, "Really, I am!"

Senator Alavar pulled away immediately, a new look on her face, as she scanned the room around her. The reaction made Padme completely confused as she began to scan the room herself, "What's wrong?"

"I want to know more, Senator," Senator Alavar explained quietly, "but I must tell you before the trooper changes his mind and returns."

Padme frowned, her confusion building, "Tell me what?"

Senator Alavar took a step closer to Padme and turned her head so that she was able to make direct eye contact. "This was all a plan to make sure you were still unharmed and alive." Senator Alavar whispered, "The Rebellion wants to rescue you, but they had to be sure you were unharmed."

Padme felt her heart drop. "Rescue?" She breathed, still not completely believing what she had just heard.

"Yes!" The woman nodded, "They cannot afford the information you hold to be given to Lord Vader. She paused, giving birth to a long dead silence, before finally saying, "You haven't revealed anything to Lord Vader, correct?"

Again, Padme's heart dropped, but in a completely different direction; she could hear by the tone of the woman's voice what the senator was clueing. They, the Rebellion leaders, didn't think she was strong enough to take on a Sith Lord. They thought she did– or would spill their secrets; and as much as that appalled her, she had to make sure they knew the truth.

"No!" Padme exclaimed, "Of course not!"

"Thank the Force!" Senator Alavar breathed in relief, before glancing around the room again, "I wish I could tell you more, Senator Amidala, but I fear if we talk about this more, than it will jeopardize the mission."

"Please tell me more!" Padme pushed, needing some news from her friends– from the real word, "I need something!"

"I'm sorry, Senator." Senator Alavar apologized, "But that was my mission, to make sure you were alive, and to give Palpatine a reason to have you return to the Senate."

Padme frowned, "Why did they need me to return to the Senate? Won't Palpatine become suspicious?"

Senator Alavar breathed nervously as she looked around the room, becoming more nervous than before.

"Please." Padme begged, trying to get at least some answer to the many questions in her mind. If there was going to be a situation– a fight or war, she needed to know about it. She wanted to be in with them, not on the outside. She wanted to know the plan.

"Every time you disappear it creates an uproar." Senator Alavr whispered, "Palpatine knows the people favor you, bring you back was an option he had to consider." The woman breathed in deeply, scanning the room again, "As for his suspicions, he will always have them, but my planet is under a blockade very similar to yours when you were the Queen of Naboo. Palpatine would have been a fool to refuse when I asked for your presence on the issue. As long as you work with me on the papers and get he job done, he will have to ignore his suspicions."

Padme nodded, understanding some of the situation. "So we are going to actually work on your planets problem," Padme asked, "It's not just a set up?"

"Of course not!" Senator Alavar yelled angrily, before noticing her mistake, and calming her nerves. "You have to understand for me to risk the safety of myself and my planet there had to be some reward." She revealed quietly, "My help, for your help, that's my payment."

"My help…" Padme repeated slowly, allowing the words to sink in. Reward. Payment. Help. It was all a transaction. "So the Republic paid you?" Padme asked appalled, failing to hide her anger, "You didn't want to help me?"

The other senator instantly recoiled, her face hardening as she took a step back, "I did what was asked of me." She answered sternly, "These are difficult times for everyone. I'm letting the Rebellion know of your where abouts, and in return, you help me with my planet. It seems like a fair trade to me."

Padme tried to push down the bile that was rising to her mouth. Everything just seemed so wrong. Nothing seemed to make sense. The galaxy had turned upside down. Her life torn apart. Everything just– wrong. Corruption. Lies. Payment. Deals. Death. Darkness. Power. They seemed to be going on regardless of which side anyone was on. Empire or Republic. Imperial or Rebellion. Was the Rebellion the heroes– the good guys, or did the Empire actually bring justice? Is Vader the actual monster, or something else? Who was right, or was wrong? Who were the heroes and who were the bad guys? It didn't make any sense.

Closing her eyes tightly, Padme tried to calm her ragging thoughts and beating heart. "I see." She finally managed to say; deciding to play her part in whatever it was she was apart of, "So what do you want me to do?"

Senator Alavar wasted no time handing Padme a datapad, probably noticing the young senator's cold shoulder towards her since the confession. "I want you to read and learn of my situation," She explained quickly, "When you are knowledged about my planet's situation, I would like your input, and possibly you to stand by my side to fight this act."

Padme skimmed the file, taking note of the familiar figures. "Vice Roy is a coward." Padme announced with confidence, "I know how to get him to back down."

Senator Alavar smiled at Padme's words, "I know you do, that is why it was so easy for me to persuade Palpatine into thinking this was just a simple act of politics."

"I doubt that."

Senator Alavar frowned, "Nevertheless, you are here." The woman paused for a moment, regaining herself as she brought a neutral mask over her face, "Now I have an old friend that Palpatine has graciously allowed to join you since the … a – absence of your staff."

Padme frowned, both confused and surprised by the news. "An old–" Padme began in confusion, before a blue astromech droid came rolling around the corner, entering the room, chirping loudly.

"Artoo!" Padme exclaimed with a large smile as she ran towards the small droid. R2 beeped his greeting as he wheeled across the room. Padme fell to the floor as they collided, allowing herself to wrap her hands around the droid in a tight hug.

"Artoo!" She cried happily, "I've missed you!"

R2 beeped his agreement, as he too snuggled into Padme's touch. The two sat there for a long moment, perfectly content.

Senator Alavar passed over the two, wanting to be free of the awkward situation. "I'll leave you two to get to work." She announced, "I'm sure you'll work efficiently –"

"Of course!" Padme interrupted as she jumped up from the ground to shake the senator's hand, "Thank you, Senator. Thank you so much."

"You are most welcome." Senator Alavar bowed, before she left the two again alone with only the presence of the clone troopers that had reclaimed their positions outside Padme's office door.

Padme and R2 remained snuggled on the floor for a long while, just happy to be with another again. But all too soon, the moment ended, and Padme knew she had to return to her work.

"Come on, Artoo." Padme finally said, as she pushed herself off the floor and made her way back to her desk, "We have work to get done."

R2 responded with a series of beeps as he strolled himself to Padme's desk, bumping into her leg.

"We don't have time, Artoo." Padme responded, pushing him back. She knew he wanted the story– the explanation of to why she hadn't come home, but they didn't have enough time. "I will tell you later," She promised, "Soon."

Thankfully, R2 agreed, taking his place beside Padme's side, ready to help her with the work ahead. The pair got straight to work, knowing they could not afford to not be busy. They worked straight through the day, managing to get through most of the work that had been placed upon Padme's desk. As they worked together, it was like they were never apart, and as the day neared its end, Padme wished more than anything R2 could just come home with her… but she knew better than to wish when it came to Vader– especially when he was in one of his moods like today.

Today. Padme thought. Where was Vader today?

That thought entered her mind before she could even try to stop it, but it made her feel uneasy. She had not seen or heard anything about the Sith Lord all day. She had at least presumed that she would have seem him walk by her doorway, that he would check up on her sometime throughout the day, or that she would hear his destructive self somewhere in the halls of the Senate… but she hadn't. She hadn't even heard a whisper of Vader. It was almost like before… before he had entered her life. When he was just a dark shadow.

Where was he?

The question boiled in her mind, before making its way down to the pit of her stomach. Was the situation worse than she feared? Had she literally not only pushed him so far that he was not only not speaking to her, but also not even willing to look at her? She knew there was– had been something between them… but what now? Had he left her there alone to relieve himself? Of the stress… the tension… or– She didn't want to know. The thoughts of him inflicting pain and fear were quickly replaced by ideas of other sorts, inflicting pleasure. Sex. Is that where he had gone? The thought of him with another woman as she sat alone in her office made Padme completely sick. If she had aroused him, than why hadn't anything– Because I don't want anything to happen.

Lie. And she knew it.

Emotions washed through her like a storm. Bitterness. Anger. Pain. Sadness. The reason he wasn't in the Senate was to be away from her. He hated her. He had told her that on more than one occasion, but he had never done this. Padme could see it clearly in her mind, him with other woman, releasing his need, stress, and anger… all because of her. He would love– No, he didn't believe in love… He would pleasure his partner. He wouldn't leave her wanting; he would give her the ride of her life, before ending her life. The irony, but still Padme couldn't stop herself. The thoughts of him, raced through her mind like wildfire, making her both aroused and sick.

"Lord Vader!"

The sound of the troopers outside her office made Padme snap back into reality, and she quickly tried to cover the thoughts that were screaming themselves within her mind. Vader entered into her office, stalking towards her desk, before stopping a few feet away. She watched him for a long few moments, before realizing he wasn't even looking at her. She followed his hidden gaze to the droid beside her desk. He seemed to be eyeing the small droid, but continued remain silent. He did not question why R2 was there, he didn't give any explanation for being late, and he did not yell at her to hurry up. He was still ignoring her, and the fact made Padme's sickness worsen.

Padme waited for Vader's cue, but it never came. He just remained still and silent starring at the droid. So instead, Padme took the moment to watch Vader, scanning him for any clues. He seemed to be cloaked in full darkness, no sign that he had removed his garments since they left his establishments. That was a relief, but still, the idea made her ache. Her attention turned to his body, instead of his clothes. She could still remember the feeling of her body pressed against his, the feeling that tingled through her fingers when their hands touched. Skin to skin. She couldn't imagine feeling that to anyone else; she had never felt that with anyone else. They hadn't had sex, but even with just their hands touching, she could feel the deep connection. She could deny all she wanted to, but the truth was there. She hated Vader– but not him. She could still feel him. When he laid beside her in bed. When he walked into the same room as her. She could remember his touch. Remember his breath on her neck. Their clothed bodies pressed together.

Stop. A voice pleaded in her mind and she was sure it was herself begging to stop this insanity, but she couldn't. She needed something. She needed him.

Feeling something inside of her break, Padme took a long deep breath, pushing down any emotions that were about to escape. She forced herself to speak, as she moved her attention back to Vader's gaze. "He's an R2 unit." Padme said, forcing out words to break the cold silence, "Palpatine allowed him to be returned to me."

Vader said nothing, but moved his hooded head to look towards Padme instead of the droid.

Padme took that as her cue that he didn't care and he was ready to leave. She rose from her desk, before remembering R2. She looked back and forth between the Sith and the droid, weighing her options, but quickly decided against asking. As much as she hated it, R2 would just have to stay in her office.

"Give me a second." She said to Vader, before she knelt down to the droid's level.

Vader did not respond with words, but at her statement, his shoulders slouched just a fraction, something Padme was sure no one would notice unless they had been around him like she had been. He was getting into a more comfortable position, waiting for her. She could tell he wasn't happy with waiting, but she thanked the Force at least she could get this far with him.

"Artoo. You have to stay here." She said quietly, trying to fight the urge to just sit down and hold him until Vader dragged her way, "You'll be safe here. Just stay in my office."

The droid beeped frantically as Padme rose and walked towards Vader. R2 didn't want her to leave. He wanted to come with her. He wanted to stay with her. He didn't want her to disappear with a big, dark stranger.

"No. Stay here, Artoo." Padme commanded loudly, as she turned back around to face the droid, "I'll be back tomorrow."

At her command, R2 silenced himself, and rolled back to his spot behind her desk. Padme nodded in thanks to the droid, before turning back to Vader, moving quickly to his side so she didn't upset the Sith any further.

"Ready." She smiled, hoping to get some reaction out of him.

She did, but not the reaction she was hoping for. He moved away instantly, stepping around her and making his way towards the door. Padme let out a cold sigh before following, a large gap in between them, as her small strides were too short to stay up with his long steps. As they trailed their way to the hanger, it was clear to Padme that something had changed between them– and it was for the worse.

That was the schedule of her life for the next two weeks. Vader would take her to the Senate, leave her to do her work, and return when the day was over. He would still come to her at night and they would share her bed, but even then he did not speak. They did not speak, they did not touch, and even when she left her room, he would not be there. He was not only not speaking to her, but also avoiding her. He was only with her when he had to be, and never for very long. She was losing what she had gained of him, and each day it killed Padme more and more. It was only a matter of time before she lost him completely.

But sometime during those two weeks, Senator Aladar kept up her side of the bargain, and got news to the Rebellion of Padme's health and well being. Everyone was instantly relieved to hear of the news, but no one was as happy or relieved as Bail Organa.

The moment Senator Organa heard the news, he cried out in relief before bounding out of his room to the hall. He ran frantically down the hallways, before knocking loudly on the last door. Without waiting for an answer, he rushed into the room to the surprised Jedi inside.

"Obi-Wan!" He cried, "She is alive! Senator Amidala is alive! She is in the Senate! Palpatine has agreed to allow her back to work!"

The news came too fast and it took Obi-Wan sometime to understand. The news was unexpected and something he never could have imagined. The first plan was simple, it was a chance that they had to take, and never thought was going to work… but it had. She, Senator Amidala, was alive and in the Senate. They had taken a step in front of Palpatine and Vader– perhaps, they could win the war, because she was alive. As his thoughts raced on, his mind finally began to wrap around Bail's words, and when he comprehended the great news, Obi-Wan smiled widely and put his hand onto Bail's shoulder. "Then we must begin our plan." He announced, "Before it is too late. Waste no time! Enact it now!"

Author's Note: Sorry it took so long guys, just got back home! Next chapter is where it gets interesting, and I promise to update quicker and make it a longer chapter! SPOILER: "Chapter 24: Unexpected Game Piece" WHAT COULD THAT MEAN!? I can't wait! Can you? Thanks for all the love and support during this difficult time! Much love! Don't forget to review!

2nd Author's Note: I'm not going to give much insight on Vader for the next two chapters, so use your imagination to what you think is going on side him, because we are all as clueless as Padme! YAY! Well except me ;)

3rd Author's Note: Reminder: Criticism = Fine, Negative, Rude, Harassment = NO UPDATE. It kills the story for me. I really cannot handle the amount of negativity and harassment that comes from this story. And I know it's not perfect, and neither am I, but harassment will kill the story for everyone.