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!
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: Thank you everyone for your constant love and support! I couldn't write this without you guys! Love every single one of you!
Author's Note: For some reason fanfiction is acting up and really screwed up this document. I think I fixed all the issues, but it you see any, please let me know! Enjoy!
Eleven, forty-five. Padme had fifteen minutes until Vader would arrive at her bedroom to stay with her through the night. Fifteen minutes. The fact made her stomach drop as she began to pace the large circle of her room. Usually, she would already be in bed, snuggled into her blankets with her body turned to face away from him. They wouldn't talk, but her mind would. Her mind would question her over and over about what she did wrong. She would think of a million reasons to hate him, but also a million reasons to like him. She would be overwhelmed with memories, regret, and questions before eventually finding sleep… but not tonight.
Tonight she couldn't lie down. It was all too much. There was too much on her mind. She had to walk it out. She had to make sense of it all. It had been a week since Palo had entered back into her life and as much as Padme hated to admit it, it felt just like old times. It was like they had never been apart. She would have thought it impossible, but it seemed with each passing hour, Palo regained, as he promised, another piece of her heart. She couldn't explain it, but it just felt good to allow him in… and to have a reason to keep Vader out.
It was true. Palo was a great distraction when it came to taking her mind off the complicated Sith Lord. Palo was good for her, for all of the right reasons. He made her feel good– alive, like an actual woman. He respected her and he complimented her. He even still wanted to have a future with her. He still wanted to give her everything she ever wanted.
Palo was her realization that she could not live in a dream anymore. She had to grow up. She had to settle with what the universe could offer her. Her perfect man wasn't out there, Vader would never change, and she had to let go of the fantasy she was living. It was a serious matter, her being in the hands of a Sith Lord, especially one as evil and powerful as Darth Vader; but she had been acting like it was a game. It was time to wake up, and she just needed time to do so.
But how much time did she need? All week she had focused her efforts on work and Palo, instead of solving her mystery of the Sith. Padme's relationship with Palo grew, while her relationship with Vader seemed to all but disintegrate. If she thought Vader wasn't ignoring her before, he certainly was now. He hardly looked at her when they were in the same room and when they laid together at night it felt like he wasn't even there.
It hurt... more than she cared to admit, but because of her aching heart, she knew what she had to do. She had to stop it– all of it. She had to stop caring for Vader. She had to stop feeling so deeply for him. She had to stop allowing him into her mind– into her soul. She had to cut him off. She had to push him out. She had to break away. She needed to cut off whatever unneeded ties she had with the Sith Lord before it was too late.
But wasn't it already too late? Could she actually stop it? Could she carry out the one thing that she didn't want to do? If she had to cut off all unneeded ties, wouldn't that mean she had to stop whatever happened between them at night? It was her favorite ritual, just their moment away from the galaxy, but the more he laid beside her not even with her… it killed her more and more each time. She didn't want to stop it, but if she made this promise to herself… wouldn't she have to?
Yes, she would have to. She didn't want to, but she would have to. She didn't want to stop whatever was happening between them, but she had already doused that flame. There was no solving the mystery; there was no bonding, and no spark between them. She didn't want to be alone. She feared the nightmares, but her heart just couldn't take it anymore. She had to stop this. She had to move on… but there was only one way she could do so.
But can I do it?
She didn't think so, but she had to try. She had to be strong. She couldn't let Vader win. She didn't care if making him lose meant she would have to suffer. In the end, it didn't matter. She could survive. She had to put her foot down, no matter what the consequences would be.
Taking a deep breath, Padme continued her circle as she waited for Vader to arrive. "I can do it. I can do it. I can do it." She repeated quietly in an effort to convince herself of the fact. She repeated the phrase over and over, watching the clock as it ticked towards the time of his arrival.
When midnight came, she knew she was ready. She knew she could do it. She was going to end whatever was left of their relationship together. She looked towards the door as she heard footsteps approach, and as the door slid open an unexpected visitor greeted Padme.
"Mistress Amidala!" 3PO announced as he shuffled into the room towards her.
Padme froze, her plans crumbling down all around her. Her eyes locked with the golden droid that shuffled towards her, but she could hardly comprehend it. Her mind only thought one thing: Where was Vader?
"Threepio?" She finally asked, trying not to sound as confused and frightened as she actually was, ""What are you doing here?"
"My Master sent me, Mistress." 3PO answered happily, not taking notice to the senator's bulging eyes.
Padme paled. "W–Why?"
"I was surprised myself that he would have me checking up on you at this time of night." 3PO admitted, revealing that he was completely unaware about what happened at night between his master and the senator. "But I have to say that I am happy that he did. I feel that¬–"
Padme didn't want to be rude, but her anxiety seemed to grow with each passing second as the droid continued to blabber. "Threepio." Padme interrupted, "I'm sorry, but–"
3PO shuffled back, immediately realizing his mistake. "Oh, yes!" He exclaimed, looking slightly flustered at himself. "Forgive me, Mistress Amidala. I do tend to go off on these fort of things, but my Master says to tell you that he agrees."
Padme frowned. "He agrees?" She repeated, not sure she fully understood the statement.
"Yes." 3PO nodded confidently, before taking in the senator's confused stare. His confidence crumbled at Padme's frown and he shuffled slightly away. "I'm afraid…" He began slowly, "That my master did not tell me the meaning of his words. He said that you would know, but if you do not understand. I would be more than willing to ask him for you."
He agrees?
What was that suppose to mean? Vader's statement made no sense. He agreed on what? That they hated each other? That they had gotten too close? That it was all a mistake? Padme could feel her own confidence breaking, just like the droid before her. She had been prepared for whatever was about to happen. She had put up her walls. She had it all planned out. She had been prepared for his silence. She had been prepared for his ill behavior. She had been prepared for anything– anything but this.
She had at least expected Vader, not this. Again, he was breaking routine. Instead of watching her every move, he posted troopers by her doors. Instead of allowing her to speak to him, he ignored her at all costs. Instead of coming to her room, he sent his droid to her, like she was no longer good enough for his presence.
Would 3PO be taking her to the Senate next? Would 3PO be doing everything for her now? The idea appalled Padme, not because she disliked the protocol droid in any way, but because of the underlining meaning of it all. Vader was stepping up his game of ignorance. Now, not only would he be ignoring her throughout the day, but also during the night. He was cutting off all ties to her, and the thought enraged her.
Stop this. Padme reminded herself. This is what you wanted. He isn't coming.
Clarity hit Padme like a punch to the gut as Vader's words became clear. "He agrees." Vader agreed that they should cut ties. He agreed that they should stop their nighttime ritual. He agreed with her thoughts. It all had to stop.
Anger flared in the pit of Padme's belly as everything began to come full circle. He agreed to stop it all– the scruffy Bantha ass. She didn't care if she was about to break her ties with Vader; he had no right to do it first. Everything was different now. She wanted to be the one to end it, not him. Now it was like she never cut anything, like he was the one to put his foot down. He had been listening to her thoughts, even though he claimed to hardly invade her mind. He had done it to her before she could do it to him. Again she was pressed under the boot of Lord Vader, and like always, Vader had won.
"Mistress Amidala?" 3PO called, pulling Padme out of her thoughts, "Shall I request more information from my master?"
"No–No!" Padme shouted, instinctively reaching out to the droid to stop him, "I think I understand. It's fine. It's all fine."
"Oh wonderful!" 3PO exclaimed, shifting his arms into the air, "My master can be quite the secretive type. I was concerned that we would perhaps have to go back and forth all night before figuring out this matter. My master is a stubborn one and he–"
"I'm sorry, Threepio." Padme said, cutting the droid off again. She just couldn't bear to talk about Vader anymore, especially with someone that admired him like a grand creator. "I'm very tired and really need some rest."
"Oh dear me!" 3PO screamed, looking between the senator and the clock as he remembered the time. "Yes! Forgive me, Mistress! It is very late! You do need your rest!"
3PO continued to babble all the way to the door, but Padme could hardly hear him.
As soon as the droid turned to the exit, Padme had also turned to her bed. She didn't even wait for 3PO to leave the room before she pulled herself beneath the covers. She didn't want to waste time. She didn't want to give herself time to think. She wanted to fall asleep quickly and deeply– so deeply that the nightmares would never come.
She mumbled her 'goodnight' to 3PO as she snuggled her face into the pillow, not completely sure if he had left or not. It didn't matter though, because all she cared about was sleep.
Padme tried desperately to fall asleep. She tried to relax. But no matter what she did, she couldn't. Her mind ran wild, not allowing her to get an ounce of slumber. Vader. Palo. Empire. Rebellion. Imprisonment. Life. Family. Home. Nightmares. It all played within her mind like some sort of holomovie; reminding her of her fears, her broken dreams, and the life she was missing.
As the time continued to tick away, Padme became more and more anxious to get some– or any rest. She was tired– exhausted, but yet rest would never come. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw it– she felt it. She felt the man's hand on her, his need for her. When she opened her eyes to be away from the nightmare, the reality wasn't any better. She was reminded of how trapped like a rat she was. She was going to die by a monster that she had become attached to. She was locked away in a prison that was hidden from the galaxy. She was away from her home and she was missing her family.
When it all became too much, Padme rolled over dramatically with a loud groan. Why did I think I would be able to sleep without him? I had to sleep with a force-forsaken cloak to even get sleep and now I have nothing. I'm never going to sleep again. I'm going to– Padme's thoughts stopped as the scent of her Savior flooded her nostrils. Feeling deep relief, she breathed in deeper allowing his fragrance to overwhelm her senses before snatching the item underneath her face: Vader's pillow. She tightly held onto his pillow, like it was her Savior himself. She didn't even have time to question why she hadn't thought about his pillow before, because sleep overtook her as quickly as his scent had.
Still, morning came all too quick and when Padme's alarm sounded, she wanted nothing more than a few extra hours of sleep. She tried to no avail to drag herself away from his pillow and out of the warm nest of covers. Lying in bed like a teenager was a very unconventional thing to do, but still she couldn't help herself. It was only when her late alarm went off that she eventually started to get ready for her day.
She knew Vader would arrive at any moment, so Padme quickly brushed her hair, all the while mentally rating the steps that were needed to start her day. Because of her foolish behavior, she knew she would have to skip parts of her routine to ensure that she was ready when Vader arrived. She decided not to get a shower and to put on less makeup than usual. That would give her time. She also decided to just pull her hair into a simple up do, not wasting time to add elegant attachments or hairpieces. When it came to a dress, she slipped into a simple one: the one that her mother called "the virgin dress" because of its 'inability' to attract the opposite sex. But she didn't care, because when she stood back and looked in the mirror, she knew it could be worse.
When Vader arrived at her room, he was silent as always keeping to the doorway instead of actually entering. He didn't even command her to his side or to wear the blindfold, now it was just a known routine between them. So Padme did what she knew was expected of her, she walked to his side before sliding the black cloth over her face. They walked to the lift in silence, him not evening touching her, instead, using the Force as his ally to guide her through the halls.
After the short flight, the two arrived to the Senate as usual, but as they landed Padme took note of the unusual amount of clone troopers around the craft. She looked to Vader for some sort of answer, but turned back to the white crowd outside when he continued to ignore her. She followed his lead when exiting the speeder, taking comfortable refuge behind his huge frame as he paused before the troops.
As the troopers reported to their commander, Padme waited patiently, taking the unexpected pause to inspect the large crowd that was gathering outside the Senate building. It seemed that the number of clones outside of the Senate had attracted not just her curiosity, but also a large number of residents. There were numerous reporters and cameras hovering about, and although she would never admit it, she was all too thankful to have Vader's wall of a body to hide her from the onlooker's prying eyes. Although she could assume something larger was at play, she knew the press would just love another Amidala headline after a long time of waiting.
"What are you doing?" Palo whispered.
Padme gasped at the sound of Palo's voice, taking a large step into Vader's back. Thankfully, due to Vader's size, he didn't move or react to her small body hitting him; but it felt like a huge crash to Padme. Her petite frame hitting his solid body caused her to head to snap backwards with a large intake of painful air. She had to push on him to regain her balance, and as she did she felt the spark run between them. She wasn't sure if Vader felt it, since he remained unfazed staring at his troops, but she had.
"Palo!" Padme whispered as she pushed herself onto her feet with a small groan from her now throbbing head, "What are you doing here?"
"Well…" Palo smiled, grabbing her hand to support her, "I was on my way to your office when I noticed all the fun going on outside. That's when I saw Vader's speeder and the mass of troops. I thought I'd come find you."
Ignoring his touch, Padme stared at the Sith's back. She could still feel the energy sparking at her fingertips from where she had touched him. That was the first time they had touched since that dreadful night.
"Padme?"
Padme's head snapped back towards Palo, before she turned to inspect the crowd around them again, "Do you know why they are all here?"
Palo shrugged, moving to stand behind Vader so that he too was hidden from the public's eye. "The people are here because they are curious, I suppose. But apparently Emperor Palpatine called the troops in." Palo finally said before pausing and pointing to Vader with a sly smile, "Which I bet makes this big guy unhappy."
Padme fought the urge to roll her eyes at Palo's joke, but decided to let out a small laugh to ease his trying heart. She knew he was trying, but she didn't trust him yet. After all he had only been back a week and although they were making progress, who's to say he still wouldn't break her heart. But still, Padme couldn't stop herself from smiling as she looked at Palo. Regardless of how she felt… if something would happen, who was she to deny the will of the Force?
Palo returned Padme's smile with a wink. "See something you like?" He flirted, sliding towards her like a macho man.
"Ummm..." Padme pondered with a small smile and raise of her eyebrow, "We'll see."
At her comment, she felt cold daggers rush through her skin and instantly knew why. She turned her face to Vader, and to her surprise, the Sith Lord was facing both her and Palo, having finished with his troops. It looked as though he had witnessed the whole exchange and Padme couldn't help but blush. She had been so caught up with Palo and her thoughts that she hadn't realized he had finished.
Upon seeing the Sith turned to face the, Palo smiled. "Vader!" He laughed, reaching out to touch the Sith with his fist as if they were good friends.
Vader recoiled almost immediately and to Padme's horror began to walk away.
"Wait!" Padme screamed in complete terror at the sight of him fleeing. Who would hide her from the crowd? Maybe Palo?
"There she is! Senator Amidala! Senator Amidala! Over here!"
Too late.
Although Padme tried to catch up to the fleeing Sith, Vader moved too quick and the press had already spotted her. The troopers dispersed behind their commander, leaving her completely exposed to the screaming crowd. She hated the press. She hated the headlines. She hated the attention. Palo, however, ignored her silent pleads for help, and instead, happily took her hand and posed for the reporters. The pair moved towards the building hand in hand, looking like the perfect couple– or so they were told. Padme didn't understand it, and she hated the publicity of it entirely. These things never made sense to her and she doubted they would anytime soon. So the moment they were in the clear, Padme made a break for it, while Palo volunteered to stay back to be interviewed by the press. She didn't feel bad though, she knew Palo always had a thing for the spotlight.
Padme breathed a sigh of relief once she was safely inside and sitting at her desk. It was going to be a long day and the last thing she wanted was to be stuck with bloodsucking reporters. She wasn't in the mood. She was tired, she felt terrible, and she wanted to go home. She missed her friends, her family, and her life.
She tried to do what was expected of her. She tried to be a good Queen. She tried to be a good symbol. She tried to be a good senator- a good leader. She fought for what she believed in. She never turned away. She sacrificed her own life. She fought and she fought. She tried and she tried, but nothing was ever good enough.
"There you are!" Palo exclaimed as he jogged into the room with a huge smiled plastered across his face.
Padme knew it was a smile for the press and her mood soured because of it. "Here I am." Padme responded bitterly, looking down at her desk to continue some of her work, "I'm surprised you were able to tear yourself away from your beloved best friends."
Palo laughed, realizing Padme's bitterness towards the subject. "Come on, Padme." He sighed, "They're just people."
"They're bloodsuckers." Padme growled.
"You know…" He smiled, "Some people say politicians are the bloodsuckers."
"Well I disagree."
"I know you do." Palo agreed with a small laugh, "But you are quite the bloodsucker."
"I am not!" Padme retorted, looking up to face the man before her who wore an even larger smile on his face.
"Oh you are." He joked, before becoming serious. "But more importantly, you are… beyond amazing." He said, showing not even a hint of a lie, as he broke Padme out of her trance while he reached across the desk to grab onto one of her hands.
"Palo, stop." Padme giggled, swapping his hand away playfully.
"What?" Palo laughed, as he began to circle her desk to be closer to her.
As he neared, Padme looked down at her work, trying to hide her smile, "We are suppose to be working."
Palo leaped onto her desk, sitting directly in front of her, "We can work later."
"We need to get this done." Padme disagreed, trying and failing to sound stern, "You've been playing with the press for over an hour now. We are late."
""Yes." He agreed with a nod, "We are both late." He paused for a moment, eyeing her hungrily with his eyes as he licked his lips seductively, "Although I have no idea why someone with your looks and charm would hate to have their photo taken. It's a sin that you aren't plastered on ever surface of every world. "
"Palo." Padme scolded, "Work."
"I can multitask." Palo stated, sliding down her desk farther so that his legs were on either side of her body. He used his hand to lift her chin so that her gaze would meet his own, "I told you, I have to work at winning back your heart, not just work on…" He paused, motioning to the hundreds of datapads and documents that were scattered across her desk beneath him. "This issue."
R2 let out a series of beeps as he strolled into the room that caused Palo to smile, "You work too hard, Padme." He said, jumping off her desk, "Take a break."
Padme frowned. "What could we possibly need a break for?"
"Lunch?" He smiled, grabbing that bag that R2 held within his metal grip.
Padme's mouth almost dropped, "You ordered us lunch?"
"I did." Palo nodded, tossing the bag onto her desk, "Thought I could learn some of those secrets." He paused for a moment, reaching into the bag and pulled out two fruits. "I also thought it might earn me some points in the 'winning back your heart' category."
Padme smiled, not because of Palo's words but because of the fruit he had within his grasp, "You remembered."
Palo looked between Padme and the fruit, before letting out a large laugh, as if it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. "Of course I remember!" He said with a roll of his eyes, "I mean really… I used to get you lunch all the time!"
Palo laughed again as he stared at the fruit, still thinking it was ridiculous for Padme to think he forgot. Eventually, Padme joined him and shared in his laughter. He may have thought it was ridiculous, but to her the act meant so much more. They ate in silence for a few minutes, both content with each other's company. Padme watched Palo as he ate, both of them sharing smiles whenever they caught the other staring. Whatever was happening between them actually felt good– maybe even thrilling? It felt good to flirt. It felt good to have a friend. Something was changing; she could feel it. Perhaps, Palo did mean what he said. Maybe he would win back her heart. Perhaps, Palo was always the one– and maybe she was okay with that.
Padme smiled at the thought, ready to let it be true. "So," She whispered flirtatiously, "What secrets do you want to know?"
Palo raised an eyebrow at Padme's forwardness, but quickly played along. "Well," He breathed, picking up his lunch and moving closer to her, "Let's start small and work our way up.
Padme didn't know where to begin, but when she started to talk, it just continued to pour out. She told him about Palpatine's imprisonment, about Vader's crudeness, and everything in between. She held out some details, like the fact that Vader had healed her and had been sleeping in her bed. She hardly wanted her future husband to know anything about her 'relationship' with the other man. But still, she got things off her chest– things she had been holding in for far too long.
"I'm sorry," Padme eventually said, realizing how much time she had taken on the matter, "I'm sure you don't want to hear all of this."
"No, I'm glad you are telling me." Palo confessed, "I think you need to get this stuff off your chest. After all, it can't be easy living with a… person like Darth Vader."
Padme shook her head, unable to think of a proper response without giving out more information away. She had so much more to say, but she couldn't say anymore. She wanted to tell someone about her frustration, her need, and loneliness. She wanted to scream it to the world, but she found herself silent; unable to speak her mind any further.
"But for Vader," Palo said quietly, breaking the small silence that had fallen between them; "it can't be that bad."
Padme laughed sarcastically at his comment, "Oh, you don't know Vader. He hates me."
"Then he's a pour judge of character." Palo retorted, "He's a lucky guy to be living with you."
A guy would be lucky to have someone like her… but not Vader. She knew that Vader didn't feel that way about her; to him, living with her made him the unluckiest man in the galaxy. He was stuck with her and he hated it. Still, regardless of how Vader felt towards her, it was nice to hear that someone thought differently.
"I'm serious." Palo said sternly when she didn't respond, "He's lucky."
Padme laughed at his comment, and although it was insanely inaccurate, she was still happy to know that at least Palo thought of the living arrangements that way.
She sighed dramatically, smiling up at him, "When did you become such a charmer?"
Palo returned the smile, "I've always been a charmer." He paused flashing his dreamy eyes and pushing back his curly hair, "But I've upped my game since trying to win back your heart."
Padme shook her head hiding her smile, she wouldn't have thought it possible, but maybe Palo really had changed. She just had to let him in, and maybe in return, he would be the key to her breaking free of Vader's clutches.
"Palo." Padme breathed, deciding that it was time, "I think–"
"Palo Campton!"
Kriff. As usual something came between Padme and her plans; but this time it wasn't in the form of a tall, black cladded Sith Lord, but instead in the form of a small, black cladded woman. A woman in a black Imperial officer's outfit entered her office with a large smile plastered across her face.
The sight of a female Imperial officer, let alone a gorgeous female officer took Padme back, but Palo nearly jumped for joy at the slight of the woman.
"No!" Palo laughed, a huge smile appearing on his face as he ran towards the woman, "Elle?"
The girl nodded happily as she too ran towards Palo. The two embraced tightly, Palo spinning the woman around as she giggled loudly. Padme looked between them awkwardly, before letting out a small cough to remind them both that she was in the room.
Palo dropped the woman quickly, brushing the wrinkles out of his shirt before clearing his throat. "Elle, this is Senator Amidala." He said, gesturing between the two women, "Senator Amidala, Elle."
Upon hearing the introduction of Padme's name, she saw the girl flinch, but quickly recover. "An honor, Senator Amidala," She said with a small bow, "I'm Elle Muun."
Again, Padme was taken back and the shock was clear on her face. "Elle Muun?" Padme repeated suspiciously, "That name sounds very Nubian."
Elle laughed before giving Padme a nod, "Oh, it is. I'm from Naboo," She paused, smiling gently, "Your Majesty."
"Please," Padme smiled, hiding the growing suspicion she had for the woman before her, "I haven't been Queen for quite some time."
"Still a Queen to many of us, Milady."
Padme fought the urge to roll her eyes. She knew a suck up when she saw one, and this girl was definitely a suck up. Elle was hiding something, she had a secret, and she was threatened that Padme would figure it out. Padme couldn't use the Force, but her gut came in handy when it came to things like this. It's why she was so good at being a politician. She knew a liar when she saw one, and Elle Muun was defiantly a liar.
Palo however, played into the girl's tricks. "That she is." He agreed proudly, eyeing Padme again like a hungry dog.
Something dark flashed in Elle's eyes and she wasted no time to move between Palo and Padme. "I didn't know you were going to be on Coruscant." She said, and although her face showed a smile, Padme could hear the anger laced within her words.
Palo shrugged, "I didn't know. You know, work changes."
Elle frowned, either not believing the answer or having some other motive to be unhappy, "But last time we spoke you said–"
"I know, El." Palo interrupted, his voice becoming a little harder, "But my plans changed."
Feeling the awkwardness and anger radiating off the pair, Padme stepped between them. "I'm sorry," She apologized, not even making an attempt to hide her confusion, "But how do you two know each other?"
Both Elle and Palo's faces paled, causing Padme's confusion to manifest to an even larger extent. What was she missing? She opened her mouth to ask again, but was cut off by Palo.
"Lord Vader!"
Following Palo's gaze, both women's head snapped towards the door, and nevertheless there he was. Vader stood in the doorway like a statue with two troopers standing proud on each of his sides.
"Lord Vader." Elle breathed, dropping to her knee as her gaze fell to the floor.
Vader's head dropped with the girl, his anger radiating off his body and his annoyance spilling into the air. He was angry and he made sure everyone felt it.
"You weren't at your post, Captain." A trooper announced, speaking for his silent leader.
"Yes, forgive me." Elle responded finally, raising her head to look at the Sith. Her face was white and her breath was shaky, but she managed to speak again, "I was on my way when I saw an old friend– but I know that is no excuse."
"Governor Tarkin has taken your place," The other trooper stated, his voice void of any emotion, "But Lord Vader would be pleased if you were at least at the meeting on time."
"Yes," Elle said, shaking her head like a mad woman as she scurried to her feet, "Of course, Milord, forgive me."
"Don't worry!" Palo yelled as Elle began to walk towards the exit, "We can talk later."
"Actually, sir." The trooper on Vader's left spoke out, "Emperor Palpatine has requested you sit in on the meeting as well."
Palo paled at the clone's announcement and his breath hitched in his throat. "Oh…" He breathed, trying to control the fear that was evident on his face, "Umm… of course. Of course!" Palo eventually smiled, trying to regain his composure. "I'd be happy to."
Vader took a large step forward, allowing both the troopers and Elle to exit. Palo followed their lead, but stopped abruptly before he turned to Padme. He took her hand within his own and kissed it gently, "Wait for me."
"Okay." Padme said with a smile before he turned and exited her office. She knew it was stupid to get excited over something as small as a hand kiss; but she couldn't remember the last time she was somewhat intimate with anyone. She couldn't remember the last time she shared feelings for someone– mutual feelings. The gesture was small, but sweet. It even almost made her forget about the Sith that was now standing beside her... almost.
"Why do you like him?"
The question sounded so abruptly that Padme at first thought she had imagined. She looked up startled at the man beside of her, looking for some trace that he had spoken, but there was nothing. He was as her eyes had left him, except in the opposite direction. He was standing motionlessly, starring out at the hall and towards the group of four that were walking away. Padme frowned wondering if she had imagined his voice, but couldn't fight the feeling that he had spoken.
"Excuse me?" She asked, still not sure if he had spoken or not.
Vader remained silent, his head still turned towards the group that had just exited; but by his lack of motion she knew his answer. She could feel it. If he hadn't spoken, he would have just walked away or given her some sort of motion to insult her and break her further. He had spoken, and the fact made her anger explode.
"You haven't talked to me in weeks and that's the first thing you say to me?" Padme roared as she turned to face him.
Vader didn't react to her anger, but stayed completely still, ignoring her.
She didn't know if it was the fact that he had spoken or if it was just the comment he had made, but whichever it was, he had set her off. He had set her off and now it was his time to pay. She was ready for this and this time she had no intentions on losing to him.
"Are you talking to me or not?"
Vader said nothing, but folded his arms over his chest while his gaze remained locked with the hall outside her door.
Usually, she would have been relieved by his small movement, but not today. Her anger was too livid for her to process anything besides herself. Normally, when he crossed his arms, she could tell what he was telling her, but this time, all she felt was her own anger. She couldn't tell if he was smirking at her like an arrogant teenager. She couldn't tell if he thought she was acting immature, or if they were both just mad.
"You're infuriating!" Padme snapped, turning her head away from him and towards the now empty chamber outside her office. "It's none of your business."
"You're under my protection." Vader replied sternly, "That makes him my business."
"Really?" Padme laughed angrily, "As I recall, you made it clear that we both knew the real meaning of Palpatine putting me away with you and it wasn't for protection."
Finally, Vader turned his gaze towards Padme, but she refused to reciprocate the motion. She could feel his eyes cutting into her, but she didn't move, her eyes remained glued to her doorway. Her lack of interest didn't faze Vader. He just continued to watch her for a long moment, and just when Padme was sure he was about to speak, he took a step forward and began to walk away.
Padme, however, didn't allow him to escape. She chased after him, not caring if she couldn't fully catch up with him. "Oh so now you aren't going to talk to me again?" She called, "Well that's fine, cause I have plenty to say!"
She wasn't sure what erupted from her mouth, but as soon as she opened her lips, everything poured out. She told him about how he was ruining her, how much he hurt her, how confused she was about him. She told him about Palo, Palpatine, her family, and her home. She told him everything; everything that she had kept inside of her for the last few months. She needed to tell someone and although she was sure she might regret it, she was telling him. It wasn't fair how he treated her. It wasn't fair how she felt. It all wasn't fair.
When she finished her rant, she looked towards Vader for some sort of acknowledgement, but he just continued walking. Again, Padme was hurt. "Can't you just listen to me?" She cried as she chased him, just wanting him to be heard, "I'm going insane because of you."
"The feeling is mutual, Senator." Vader barked back at her, turning his head ever so slightly and giving Padme the small recognition she needed to know that he was listening.
"Then why–"
Vader made a sudden turn, no doubt to get away from her as he tried to disappear down a small dark hallway. Padme knew that he had his secret passages to access the Senate building and that he thought she wouldn't follow, but she did. She didn't care that she was entering the passage of the beast because she had already entered the monster's home, nothing could scare her anymore.
She couldn't see him as she walked through the dark hall, but she could feel him. She chased after him until his trail was so hot, she could see his form against the darkness in front of her.
"What's your problem?" She snapped as she settled in a pace behind him, "Why do you keep doing this? I mean is this all in my head? Or are you just being an ass? Because now you're running away and I don't even know why anymore! I mean you can't be mad at me!" She paused for a moment, thinking it all over. She didn't know how he felt, but she wanted him to know how she felt. She wanted him to hear her confusion, her anger, and her sadness. She wanted him to hear it all. She wanted him to understand. "You can't be mad at me," She repeated, allowing her confusion to take over her words, "Are you mad at me? Because I have no idea! You're always back and forth. I don't know what to expect! I don't know what you want because you never make any sense. I wish just once you would give me a clue to what you want from–"
Without warning, a hot mouth crashed against hers, hungrily devouring her lips, as her body collided with the wall behind her. The kiss made her dazed, and she couldn't comprehend what was happening until it was over.
He pulled away all too soon, both of them gasping loudly. The cold air entered her lungs like a punch to the gut, a terribly opposite contrast with the hot lips that had been on hers seconds ago. But as the air made it's way through her body, she finally understood what had happened. Vader had kissed her– and she had never felt or tasted anything as wonderful in her entire life.
"I shouldn't have done that." Vader breathed hotly, regret and arousal mixed within his voice as he backed away from her.
As their bodies separated and the warm air was replaced by coldness, alarms rang within Padme's body. She had just experienced the most amazing moment of her life, and it would never happen again. She could hear it in his voice. "No!" Every fiber of her being screamed; she had to stop him. He wouldn't ruin this. She wouldn't let him.
"Yes, you should have." Padme gasped, reaching out into the darkness to pull him back to her. Her hands latched onto his cloak and she found his lips again in the darkness.
"Stop, Senator." Vader commanded, his voice beginning to regain its authority as he turned his face away.
"Please." She whimpered, "More."
She had never begged for anything in her life, not like this. This was her own selfish desire breaking through, but she didn't care. She didn't care how foolish she sounded. She didn't care if she was begging. She wanted more of him. She needed him. She would do anything he asked. She just wanted more.
"Please." She cried again and thankfully, this time Vader responded.
He closed the distance between them and seized her in a kiss. He crushed his lips on hers, kissing her hungrily while his hands cupped her face and he used his body to hold down her arms. His weight made it impossible to move, but she didn't care. She moaned in contentment as he overwhelmed her senses. She had never felt anything like it in her entire life and she wanted more.
This kiss lasted longer, fulfilling more of their need. Soon their breaths turned to pants and their breath began to mix together as their lips continued their war. Padme pushed harder against him, needing desperately to be closer to him. She leaned into his kiss and kissed him back with the same amount of intensity. She inhaled his scent, tasted his mouth, and could feel the spark more than ever moving between them. Because of whom she was kissing, she closed her eyes, trying to imagine the man behind the hood. She could feel his lips, which were full and much softer than expected, but the rest of him was still a mystery.
She wanted more than anything to be able to touch him, but his weight against her arms made it impossible to move. She settled on the closest thing as she curled her fingers around his belt, trying to make some attempt to hold him close. But even that wasn't enough. She still needed more.
She timed her move perfectly, counting the movement of their lips before she slipped her tongue into his mouth, tasting him even more deeply. At her action, a low growl resonated from within Vader's chest, and he instantly pulled away. He held her an arm's length away, trying to put space between them as they caught their breath. Padme whimpered at the loss of contact and wanted nothing more than to kiss him– over and over and over again.
She leaned forward, but Vader pushed her roughly back, locking his arms so that she couldn't move again. Padme sighed, melting into the wall, closing her eyes. Did that really just happen? She couldn't be sure. It seemed too perfect– too surreal, but she did know that whatever had happened between them was over and there was nothing she could do about it... but the ache for more continued on. She wanted more, but she knew not to press his limits. At least not twice in one day.
They stood there for a long moment, until both of their breathing had returned to a somewhat normal pace. Padme wanted to say something, but found her senses too overwhelmed. It didn't matter though, because she wanted nothing to ruin this moment.
Eventually, she felt him move away from her, his arms dropping from her sides. Her eyes opened as he backed into the darkness and her hands followed, wanting to bring him back. She grasped the air, not finding him anywhere in the blackness.
The pain once again overtook her and her heart stopped as the reality of the moment began to set in. "Vader?" She called, "Vader?"
But he was already gone.
Author's Note: FINALLY! Hope you liked the chapter! Let me know! I love to hear your thoughts! Review!
SPOILER: Vader's POV next! YAY! What do you think is going on inside his head!? It's gonna be good!