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 and support guys! Love you all!

Padme drummed her fingers lightly against her desk, watching the seconds of the clock tick by. She had two hours to wait until Vader would appear out of thin air to escort her home, and usually, she would work up until the bitter end, only stopping her work when the Sith Lord entered the room… but not today. Today, somehow with R2's help, she had managed to get though all her work. She had signed off on all probable files, she had filed countless reports, and she even was able to put an end to the blockade that was threatening the well being of Senator Aladar's home planet. Yes, she had done it all… but yet she still wasn't satisfied.

Nothing she did really seemed to matter… because Vader was still ignoring her. It had been two weeks since she had last heard Vader's voice, and it was killing her. It killed her not to hear him. It killed her not to touch him. It killed her to lie next to him at night, knowing so much was wrong between them. She knew that he didn't care… but she did. She wanted more than anything to just fix what she had done. They had so many problems as individuals, but also as a pair. She liked to think of their relationship as a sort of love hate one, only minus most of the love and triple most of the hate. He didn't love her, he actually despised her, but there was something that he felt for her. She knew it. Why else would he heal her? Why else show her mercy? Why else would he play such games with her? Vader loved his games, but she knew it was different when it came to her– at least she thought it was.

He had done so much to her– hid memories, healed her, saved her, broke her, hurt her, and comforted her. He was always back and forth, almost at war with himself about what he should do. One moment he seemed to enjoy her, and other times he seemed to despise her. He didn't make any sense– but the more she thought about it, the more she seemed to understand.

She hated Vader, she hated everything he stood for and everything that he had done; but she didn't hate "him". She knew she should probably be happy– thrilled that he wasn't speaking to her. She should be ecstatic to have time away from the most dangerous and mysterious man in the galaxy, but she wasn't, she was devastated. It was a constant battle between what she was suppose to feel and what she did feel. She couldn't even explain it to herself, but what she felt, deep down for him, was unexplainable. She had never felt this way before about anyone. Vader was a monster, but whoever was underneath the hood, her Savior, was a completely different story. She wasn't being a child; she was being rational. She couldn't bring herself to hate him completely, because of the connection that she had to him– even if he didn't believe they had one. She couldn't ignore the spark when they touched or the pull to him when he entered the room; it was the Force bringing them together. She wanted to ignore it ; pretend it wasn't even there, but it was impossible. It was there, and it was strong. She knew it… and that's why it hurt so much and she hated it.

She didn't want to want him. She didn't want to need him. She didn't want him at all. She saw no future with Vader, nor did she want a future with Vader. She wanted to break free of her prison, to get away from him and back home. She wanted the war to end, so she could return back to her family, and even start of family of her own. But would that even be possible? Would she make it out of this hell alive? She knew it was only a matter of time before Palpatine grew tired of his act and commanded Vader to end her. Vader would be her end, but he had already begun to kill her: a slow antagonizing death.

But perhaps that why Vader hated her as well… because she was killing him too. Perhaps, he was angry because he felt the same way. He didn't want her– but he felt the spark. He felt the pull. Maybe, just maybe, he wanted her just like she wanted him. They both hated what the other stood for. They both didn't want each other… but they desperately needed each other.

Stop! Padme screamed at herself, trying to stop the ridiculous ideas before they even started. I have to stop this now. This is Darth Vader, not some schoolboy. He doesn't feel or care about anyone. I'm just lying to myself.

But lies felt better than the truth: that he didn't care for her in any shape or form. She was just a thing to play with, a mission that he must accomplish, and when he was through, he would bring her to her end. Vader didn't care. Vader didn't feel. Vader was just Vader, a monster underneath a hood.

Still, that didn't stop the pain. She hadn't seen Vader in hours, not since he had walked her to her office door and made sure she was safely inside before leaving to do whatever it was Vader would do with his free time. Jealousy boiled in the pit of her belly as the images of Vader pleasuring other women flashed across her mind. She had no doubt that he was somewhere pleasuring some whore, giving the time of her life, before he brought her to her end. He needed his release, but his actions only brought her pain.

She knew Vader didn't make love, but to her, it didn't matter. Sex was sex. It was a bond between two people, a bond that he had made with countless women… but not her. She didn't know why it bothered her the way that it did, because she didn't want to have sex with Darth Vader. She was a virgin, and planned to stay that way until marriage. She wanted to wait for her love: her handsome, blued eyed, blonde hair man; that was out there somewhere. Or so she hoped. She really only wanted real love, to be loved truly and deeply by someone; and she knew that person would never be Vader, nor did she want it to be… but still, she couldn't stop thinking about him.

She knew there was no future. She knew there was no love. So why couldn't she just let go? Why couldn't she let go of the man that hated her? Why couldn't she let go of the mystery of a man? Why couldn't she let go of the man that was probably more than double her age?

Age. It was a thought that she had wondered about many times. To the galaxy, Vader was ageless, but she knew better now; and although she had let it go in the past, she couldn't stop her thoughts from flowing. How old was this man she was actually becoming obsessed with? Thoughts of an old man lying next to her at night flashed through her mind, before being covered by more sensible thought. She knew Vader wasn't terribly old– or at least she hoped. His body was hard, perhaps muscular or mechanical in more areas than one; but his skin was scarred and soft. Although she had only seen and felt his hand, she remembered that his skin was not at all wrinkly; but warm and smooth, covered in what she could only describe as rough scarring. It made sense for a man such as Vader to have scarring across his body. A comforting thought to have, revealing that he truly isn't invincible; but even better, that he isn't as old as the galaxy believed. Still, it didn't matter, because regardless of how much she figured out about the Sith Lord, the only thing it would change would be her time of death.

Padme sighed loudly, dropping her head onto her desk. When did her life become so complicated?

Maybe, I just need to ignore this thing. Maybe it's for the best to let it go.

She needed to let it go. She needed to ignore it. It was the only way she was going to survive. She was through with being weak. She was sick of feeling like a child. She didn't care if she was young, if she was a virgin, or a female. She wanted to be treated like the woman she was– is. She wanted someone to make her feel like a woman, to make her feel strong and beautiful– not play with her feelings and heart like she was a child's plaything.

A series of beeps sounded from beside Padme, making her raise her head rapidly in fright. She looked back and forth quickly wondering how long she had been lost in thought. Thankfully, R2 didn't seem to care, as his only reason for startling her was to make sure she was well.

"I'm sorry, Artoo." Padme apologized, smiling at the droid's concern as she rubbed the top of his head, "I seem to be preoccupied about other things."

"Well, that doesn't like the Padme Amidala I know."

At the man's voice, Padme's head snapped towards the doorway in complete shock and doubt. No, it can't be. But it was. It was him. Just then, a man that had dark hair, bright green eyes, and who was clad in expensive green garments walked into the office with a large smile on his face.

"Palo?" Padme asked in disbelief as the man strode confidently around her desk.

"The one and only." He smiled, as took each of her hands within his own, before he pulled her out of her chair and kissed each cheek softly.

Padme felt her heart begin to beat rapidly in her chest and it began to get harder and harder to get air into her lungs. She stared completely dumbfounded at the man before her, the man that had her hands within his grasp, the man that was looking deeply into her soul, and the man that had once held her heart. She tried time and time again to open her mouth to speak, but each time was unsuccessful.

"It seems I took your breath away," Palo laughed, before squeezing her hands tighter within his own and flashing his perfectly white smile, "Which is usually your job."

Padme's breath hitched as she tried to control herself. "Palo?" She breathed, trying to pull her hands out of his firm grasp, "What are you doing here?"

Palo didn't let her go, if anything, he held her tighter. "Aren't you happy to see me?" He asked, trying to close the gap between them.

Padme instinctively took a step back, "Palo, please." She begged, turning her head to the floor in attempt to put some space between them, "It's been–"

"Five years." He said, finishing her sentence, "I know."

Five years… but now, it seemed like seconds. The pain and heartache came flooding back into her heart like a ragging storm. She remembered everything– including how much she once loved him.

R2 beeped angrily, rolling into Palo's side, causing the man to let out a howl of pain.

"And hello to you, too." Palo said somewhat annoyed as he looked down at the blue droid, "I didn't miss you either."

"Why are you here?" Padme asked quietly, still not taking her eyes off the floor.

"Oh come on, Pad," Palo laughed, reaching his hand underneath her chin to force her eyes to look at him, "Don't act like you're not happy to see me."

She felt her heart break again. Was she happy? Or was she devastated? "Palo, it has been five years." Padme stated hurtfully, "You broke my heart."

It was the truth; he had broken her heart. She had, at one point in her life, thought he was the one. She thought he was her everything. She thought they would grow up together and start a family. She thought he would be the one to meet her at the end of the isle, and then be the one that she would spend a night of passion with later. She was willing to give him everything– until the time came to give him what he wanted.

"And now," Palo said, pulling her hands to his chest, "I'm here to make up for it."

His words dug into her heart like a knife. She didn't want this. She didn't want to remember this.

R2 let out a series of angry beeps, rolling into Palo's side again, and this time causing his to release Padme from his grip.

"Padme, could you call off your droid, please?"

She didn't know why, but she did as he asked without even thinking. "Artoo." Padme said quietly, "Could you give us a moment?"

The droid beeped his disapproval, but eventually listened to his mistress and rolled out into the hall.

As R2 rolled out of sight, Palo smiled. "Alone at last." He said, bringing Padme back into his grasp.

"Please… Palo…" Padme breathed, trying desperately to pull away from his touch, but ended up only pulling him closer.

"Come on Padme. Remember how good we were together?" He whispered, his breath hitting her skin in the most sexual of ways, "The ways our lips seemed to fit perfectly together? I remember it. We were going to be each other's firsts. We were meant to be together."

She did remember it. She remembered everything. She remembered thinking of their future together , of how perfect their children would be, and about how happy their families would be. She remembered kissing him in this bedroom while his parents cooked dinner downstairs. She remembered him sneaking out one night to find her within the palace of Theed. They had so many memories, and she remembered them all. They had danced, they had kissed, and they have laughed. Their relationship couldn't have been any more perfect– until that one night.

One night, it had all gone too far. She was sixteen at the time, and he about twenty. They had been laughing and kissing and drinking, just trying to have a little bit of fun. They had thought at the time that their lives were beyond stressful, her being a Queen, while he was in school. They just needed a night away, a night of fun, and being anything less than adults. It had been a fun night; just them talking the night away… but when it came time for Palo to return home, he refused. Padme could remember telling him to leave, and hearing his refusal time and time again. For a short time, she found it sort of cute, him not wanting to leave her, giving the excuse of just one more kiss… but soon, Padme realized he wanted everything, not just a simple kiss. He begged her, and tried to touch her in all the right places, his tongue hot against her skin.

He tried to pull off her clothes, but Padme resisted. He slurred his "I love you's" against her neck, begging desperately to peel away her layers and enter inside of her warm chamber. She refused time and time again, until he became angry. He screamed that she did not truly love him, and that if she did, she would allow him in. She screamed that he knew how she felt, and about the oath she took. He said that she was a prude and that she just thought he would tell others if she did in fact let him go all the way. It was partly true, however, because she knew if she did let him in, he would brag about it to others, and that in return it would ruin her. She took an oath to stay a virgin, just like the Queens before her, she was suppose to be a virgin until marriage, and if they were to figure out about he indecency while in power… It would ruin her. That didn't matter to Palo, however, because he was out the door before she could even try to stop him. She never spoke to him again… and at the time, it had crushed her.

But it was different now… wasn't it?

"It's different now." Padme said, pulling her hands away as she fought to regain her complete confidence. "I'm different now."

"So you are." Palo agreed with a smile, before turning completely serious, "But so am I."

Padme shook her head, not sure what to believe. Could she believe him? She didn't know. The memories and present clashed within her head like a mighty war, never finding a winner.

"You know," Palo said, breaking the silence, "I've never thought it was possible."

"What?" Padme asked with a slight roll of her eyes, "Us seeing each other again?"

"No," He laughed, before becoming serious as he looked deep into her eyes, "You becoming even more beautiful."

The compliment made Padme laugh, and in the first time in a long time, she felt… good. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks and a weight lifted off her chest. He had called her beautiful and there was no games surrounding his words. He had said it because he had thought it. Nothing more. And the fact that he had said it, truthfully, made her feel like… a woman.

She finally smiled, turning her head as she tried to hide her blush, "You always did know how to compliment a girl."

He grabbed her hand again, allowing his bright green eyes to speak for him, "But with you, it's the truth."

Padme breathed in deeply, trying to control the reaction of her body. Could she really do this again? Did she want to do this again? She breathed brokenly again, shaking her head, "What are you doing here, Palo?"

Palo smiled again, taking a step closer to her, "Well, besides winning back your heart–"

Before Palo could finish, Padme's head snapped towards the door. She didn't know why and she didn't know how, but she just knew. As she turned her head towards the door, she spotted the dark figure standing within the doorway. Her mind quickly realized the situation, and she immediately pulled her hands out of Palo's grasp, before taking a large step back.

"Vader!" She exclaimed, her eyes becoming wide at the sight of the Sith Lord.

Vader didn't react to the sight before him, instead he said nothing and just starred at the man next to the senator.

Padme tried to ignore the thoughts racing through her mind. How long had he been there? How much had he heard? Did she want to know? She didn't. She just wanted to fix the situation, at least for herself.

"Lord Vader," She said using her hands to gesture between the two men, "this is Palo Campton. Palo, this is Lord Vader"

Vader didn't move, but Palo did. The young man actually seemed unaffected by the large Sith, as he took a step away from Padme and towards Vader. "Lord Vader, an honor." He said, reaching out his hand.

Vader didn't take it, causing an awkward exchange between them. Eventually, however, Palo got the hint and pulled back his hand, not moving again as Vader's gaze stayed glued on him, an unknown emotion spilling off the Sith Lord.

R2 was the first to break the silence as he rolled back into the room, letting out a series of beeps that made Padme look at the clock. She still had an hour left to work.

"Lord Vader?" She asked, turning to look towards the silent Sith, "Is there a reason you are here so early?"

"I am afraid that is my fault, milady." A voice sounded from behind Vader, before slowly entering the room.

"Emperor Palpatine" Padme and Palo said in sync as they bowed their heads in false respect.

As Palpatine made his way into the room, Vader crossed his arms tightly over his chest before locking his shoulders so that he became taller than his usual relaxed height. But whether it was for Palpatine sake, or Palo sake, Padme wasn't sure. She hardly doubted anyone even noticed apart from herself.

"Senator Amidala," Palpatine greeted, causing her to turn her attention away from Vader and towards the old man before her, "It is good to see that you are well."

Padme fought the urge to spit directly into the man's face, and settled with a fake smile, "Lord Vader has taken good care of me these past few months."

"So it seems." Palpatine agreed, eyeing Vader out of the corner of his eye.

Vader chest lifted slightly, barely noticeable due to the contrast and layers of black on his chest, but for some reason, it made Padme regret her choice of words immediately.

"However," She stated, bringing Palpatine's attention back to herself instead of Vader, "It is under your graciousness that I have been allowed to return to the Senate, so for that I am in your debt."

"Think nothing of it, Senator." Palpatine said with a small smile and flick of his wrist, before turning towards the man beside her, "And Mr. Campton, I see you have made it to Coruscant, safe and sound."

Padme looked between the two men confused, and she could even see Vader turn his head in the slightest direction with the same feeling. Whatever was going on, Vader had not been involved with either.

"Yes, indeed." Palo smiled, "Thank you so very much for your service."

"Well when you're father contacted me, I knew I had to give all the assistance I could." Palpatine said sounding and looking completely concerned, "After all, Naboo is my home planet, and I hope that with Senator Amidala's help, we can put this situation to rest."

She frowned, looking between the men, before turning to Vader. To her surprise, Vader had turned his head, and was looking directly at her instead of at the two men. When he noticed she had turned as well, he quickly recovered, turning back to the men, but she had already seen his mistake.

What's going on? Padme thought, knowing he was probably already reading her thoughts.

He didn't answer– or give any sign that he even heard her. But she knew he heard it… he heard her.

I guess it's just me for myself. Padme thought before stepping closer to the two men, "Forgive me for my confusion, but may I please be filled in?"

"Ah, yes. Forgive me, Senator." Palpatine apologized, pretending to look completely apologetic, "I'm afraid, there is an issue concerning the numerous and marvelous art artifacts located around the palace of Theed."

Padme frowned, not caring if she looked or sounded skeptical, "I didn't know you had such a love for art."

Palpatine caught on instantly, and smiled, flashing his yellow teeth, "Ah, well," He began, before changing his demeanor to one of a concerned citizen, "Considering Naboo is my home. I would appreciate to keep its beauty intact, and I would hate to see the marvelous jewels and artifacts be stolen and taken across the galaxy to places where they are not treasured."

"That's not all of course." Palo added, obviously believing Palpatine's façade, "There are numerous other issues and definitely a larger work at play here." He paused, turning is full attention to Padme, a large smile on his face, "And who better than to solve it than the fabulous Padme Amidala."

"Indeed!" Palpatine agreed, as he turned his attention to Padme, "I assume that is fine with you, Senator? I apologize for throwing this on you so suddenly, but I did recall that you two were acquaintances at one time in your lives."

"Yes." Padme agreed, while Palo stated, "We dated." at the same time.

Vader's head snapped towards the man at his confession and Padme instantly wanted to die.

"Well then..." Palpatine breathed, "Then I guess there is no need for the two of you to become acquainted." He paused turning his full attention to Palo, "Mr. Campton, I hope you will be comfortable here working within Senator Amidala's office quarters."

"Yes," Palo smiled, turning his full attention to Padme, "I believe I will be."

A blush rose to Padme's cheeks that she could not hide from the men around her. Palo was proud, Palpatine was annoyed, Vader was unreadable, and Padme wanted nothing more than to die.

"Well then, that is good news." Palpatine said, breaking the silence, before giving a head nod in Palo's direction, "It has been a pleasure, Mr. Campton."

"Likewise, Emperor Palpatine." Palo replied with a low bow.

Palpatine turned to Padme, walking by Vader as he did, "Forgive me, Senator, but I must converse with Vader for a moment. I hope to not put you behind."

"Not at all." Padme said, her gaze leaving Palpatine and falling upon Vader.

"Come now, Vader." Palpatine stated, with a swing of his hand, "Let the lovers get reacquainted."

Padme's heart dropped at Palpatine's words and she felt her eyes bulge out of her head. She tried to speak, but she couldn't, she stumbled over her words, like a "caught in the act" teenager, "We aren't– We were never–"

Her tongue became tied and utter embarrassment washed over her. She starred at Vader, and Vader held her gaze for a short while, an unknown emotion boiling off of his body, before he turned and followed his Master out the door. Padme watched him leave, her eyes glued to his back.

So you live with Vader?" Palo asked, stepping closer to her as he tried to grab her hand.

She pulled away, "For the time being."

Palo acted unaffected by her rejection, "That must be quite… interesting."

"You have no idea." Padme sighed, "I'm actually–"

"Ah!" Palo exclaimed, raising a finger to her lips to slice her, "Don't reveal all your secrets." He smiled, dropping his hand from her lips to drag it across her cheek, "We will be working together for sometime and I plan on learning much during that time." He paused leaning in closer, "Including some of those secrets."

Padme didn't know why, but being flirted with felt good. And for some reason, she just had to flirt back.

Smiling, she raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

Palo smiled wider, taking a step closer, "You have no idea."

Padme laughed, and Palo joined in. It was just like before, and they both felt it.

"There is, however, one secret I would like to know." Palo admitted, itching his neck as he looked to the ground.

"Oh?" Padme asked, slightly confused, "And what's that?"

"Do you have a boyfriend?

"What?" Padme questioned, a bit confused, "No?"

"Oh good, me either." Palo laughed, "A spouse, I mean. Not a boyfriend– a girlfriend. Which I don't have."

Padme giggled, watching Palo stumble over his words, before she felt a cold presence standing behind her. She turned instantly, spotting Vader just inside the room. She could feel Vader's amusement rolling off of him, and couldn't help but glare at him.

"Ah, Lord Vader!" Palo exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air as he followed Padme's gaze, "One moment please! I know you're a busy man, and I would hate to keep you waiting!"

Padme fought the urge to roll her eyes, as Palo turned to her, "Goodbye." Palo whispered, kissing her hand softly, "Until tomorrow."

As he pulled away, he winked at her, flashing his white teeth and bright, green eyes. She couldn't help but to blush, unable to stop the giggles that escaped her lips as she looked into his dreamy eyes. She always found his eyes irresistible.

Palo turned from her, and she followed, both of them walking towards Vader. Padme took her spot next to Vader, and was surprised to see, Palo pause beside Vader instead of exit immediately.

"Take care of my girl, Vader." He whispered, before winking back at Padme and exiting her office.

Padme smiled at his words, unable to stop herself as she watched him go. She didn't know how she felt, but maybe it would be different. Maybe it could be different. Maybe it could all work out.

R2 beeped from beside her, pulling her out of her daze, and only then did she realize that Vader was starring down at her. She could feel his gaze on her and his emotions were unreadable, but she didn't need to see his face to know something was different once again.

"Ready?" She asked, trying to leave so that his eyes would be off of her.

He didn't move, but she needed to. Unable to look up into the blackness of the hood, she looked to R2, gesturing to him to get behind her desk, "Come on, Artoo. Let's get you situated."

She took more time than she needed to; making sure R2 was comfortable. She just needed time to figure out what had happened, because she didn't have a clue. Palo. Vader. Could her life get anymore complicated? She couldn't imagine how. How could all of this happen, and what could she do? She didn't know how she felt. She had a pull to Vader, but a past with Palo. Palo had broken her heart, and Vader didn't want her. Palo could give her a future; Vader could give her nothing. She wanted Vader in ways she couldn't explain, but could anyone ever replace the love she had for Palo? She didn't think so. Palo was her first love, he was her everything, and although he had broken her, hadn't he come back for a reason? Vader was a monster, a phase she was going through, a weird side effect from stay in the dark for too long. Everything was different before Palo entered the room, and perhaps he was meant to open in her eyes. Maybe he was supposed to break her out of her insanity. Maybe he was supposed to fix it all.

But she didn't even believe that– or at least she didn't think she did. Palo had broken her heart for a reason, to teach her that there was a better man out there in the galaxy. Sure, probably not Vader, but wasn't her blonde hair, blue eyed, man waiting for her out there somewhere? She always thought so after Palo left… but now she wasn't so sure. Maybe she just had to wake up. She would never understand the mystery that was Darth Vader. She would never find her perfect man. She would never be looked at as anything more than a child… unless she acted differently. Maybe, this was her time to do so.

So now was the time to answer the question: what did she want?

After a few minutes of unsuccessfully navigating through her thoughts, Padme let out a light groan. She didn't know, but she didn't have time to decide now. But she knew there was one thing she couldn't push off any longer and that was she would have to go with him. What were the odds of that? Earlier she would have done anything to have Vader with her and now she would do anything to be away from him. She looked up from behind her desk and he was still watching her. He didn't look away; his eyes were glued to her, and no doubt within her mind as well.

Trying not to think about what Vader might have seen within her mind, she pushed herself off the ground and said goodbye to R2 before nodding to Vader, "Well, I'm ready."

Vader didn't move immediately. He just stared down at her for a long moment, and Padme did the same, looking up at where his eyes should be. There was an unreadable pass of emotions between them, both Padme and Vader not understanding what they were receiving or sending out to the other. They were just there, overloaded with emotions that they did not understand. It didn't make sense, but just as Padme opened her mouth to speak, Vader cut the connection off. The flow emotions snapped back at Padme like a punch to the gut, and she watched as Vader backed away from her, looking like a scared child.

"Vader." Padme whispered, not entirely sure what had just happened between them– or if anything had happened between them. She wanted to ask, but she never even got the chance, because Vader turned like a madman and stalked out of the room, leaving her with one burning question.

What the hell is happening?

Author's Note: Because I let the haters get to me and that wasn't fair to the people that love the story. My gift to you, Happy Easter or whatever it is you want to say! Review as always please and give your thoughts! Love you all!

SPOILER: What if I told you, next chapter something amazing happens!