Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
Smiling into her pillow, Padmé could feel the breeze chilling her hot skin from the open windows and the sunshine illuminating warmly across her bareback. For once in her life she felt completely at peace– completely and blissfully happy. She supposed it was strange to feel this way, after all having no idea where in fact she was, but something inside wouldn't allow her to fight it. Instead, she welcomed the somehow familiar feeling and snuggled her naked chest deeper into mattress, allowing the silky sheets to fall farther down her waist. As she nearly sighed in contentment, she could practically taste the sweet Naboo Lake Country air… but also with her newly accustomed favorite scent of her lover mixed within it.
Without hesitation, Padmé opened her eyes and forced herself to turn over before happily taking in the new sight. On the opposite side of the bed, Vader laid beside her on his back naked–except for the same white sheet that laid just below his waist, his entire upper body and face for her viewing. The evidence of their lovemaking was all around them: their lack of clothing, the poor state of the bed, the soreness of her body, and the sweat that covered both of their skin. The sun shined through the open windows majestically, hitting his broad chest and making his skin glisten. The contrast between the white sheets and the white curtains that blew into the room through the open doorways was a beautiful difference in compare to the dark black that usually accompanied him, making him look even more tan and perfect than usual. It was a pleasant sight– a normal sight, and it made her heart leap. Taking in the scene once more, Padmé smiled giddily at the sleeping man beside her, suppressing a giggle and trying to play off her happiness as she pressed her face partly into her pillow.
It was a reaction that she couldn't stop but also one that confused her, because she knew this man was her lover, Lord Vader, but it didn't feel like Darth Vader. It was a strange feeling, but one that she could not shake. She couldn't explain it, but she just knew this man was different than her own Vader– That perhaps, they were both different. She tried to clear her questions with her own matter of thinking, but was too caught in a haze to think clearly. She knew she had no memory of this and that it was too perfect to be a dream of her own creation. She knew it had to be a fantasy… but it felt too real– too much like a memory. Still searching for answers, she looked to his face, seeing no major difference, but also noting the sense of relaxation that she found across his usually hard features. He didn't seem any less powerful even in his slumbering state, but he did seem extremely less dark– looking more his age and human than she had ever seen him before. Upon further inspection, she also noted that his skin was pure, not like when she had seen it before. He had a few battles scars that had been inflicted across his skin, but nothing like he had revealed to her. He was a damaged hero and not a damaged villain. She knew that... but she didn't know what that actually meant.
He seemed so different… but also the same. Either way, he was still perfect… and even better he seemed to still be hers. Padmé smiled again as she looked at the space around them, taking in not just the ruined bed, but also the ruined room. It looked like quite the session of lovemaking and the thought of it sent shivers down her spine. Lovemaking. Not just sex– not just fucking – this was love and she could feel it in her very core, her heart, and her soul. Just from that statement alone she knew that the vision around her could not be real, because that was something she could only ever dream about with someone, especially with her lover. She could only dream to be so at peace with him and to have such a normal life. She could only dream that she could feel his love and be made loved to in a beautiful place such as her home. She could only dream for him to be naked beside her, for him to trust her and for her to do the same. She wanted this more than she would ever admit aloud, but she also knew it was impossible.
With the cursed thoughts screaming within her mind, Padmé couldn't help but to watch Vader again; watch as his chest rose and fell with each soft breath and how his muscles seemed to twitch from their prolonged activities. He seemed so at peace beside her and so content. He was finally bare for her looking– for her taking, something she had always been denied, and she couldn't help but to want him. It was then that she was caught within a moment of weakness and unable to help herself, she reached out and touched his warm, tan skin, feeling the need to have it pressed up against her body.
His eyes flashed open almost immediately after she placed her fingers on his skin, looking to her outstretched hand on his arm before moving to her face. Usually, Padmé would feel horrified or embarrassed to be caught in such an act, but she felt no fear as his eyes met hers. It seemed too natural to be frightened, almost as if she was wanted–allowed. It was a pleasing thought and she did not pull away as she returned his stare, looking into his eyes that were usually fiery gold, but were instead, a shocking piercing blue.
"Force woman," he breathed, as his small frown softened, a small smile tugging on his lips as he closed his eyes and threw his head back into the pillow. "Haven't you had enough of me yet?"
A sheepish smile formed onto her features as a blush rose to her cheeks, another voice speaking for her. "I don't think that's ever going to be possible."
"Likewise, my love." he agreed without opening his eyes, settling back into the slumber in which she had disturbed him. "But you must allow a man some recovery time."
My love. The word seemed so sweet coming from his lips, but it did not strike as much happiness as she knew it should have. Instead, it felt natural– like she had heard it before. His love.
Again, she acted without being in control, a mocking gasp leaving her lips. "The Hero Without Fear needing time to recover?" she teased with a smile, rubbing her hand up and down his arm in a loving fashion. "I can't believe it. You needing time to recover? What would the Press say?"
He opened his eyes to respond, a smirk forming over his features. "What can I say?" he shrugged with a small wave of his hand and dashing smile. "I can do many things, but I am yet a man."
She raised an eyebrow as she pulled herself closer to him, moving her upper body over him so that her naked breasts were pressing against his chest. "It doesn't look like you need any more time recovering," she teased, eyeing the bulge underneath the sheets that lay just below his waist. Shocking even herself, she reached beneath the sheets and gripped his shaft, causing his muscles to lock and a small moan to escape his lips as she pumped him twice. "Seems like you're more than ready to me."
He looked down in the same direction with a small frown, taking in his unhidden predicament, his eyes flickering to her and back again before releasing a small groan and laying his head back onto the pillow with closed eyes. "Women are such sirens. Seductive creatures that–"
"Hey!" Padmé yelled, unable to stop herself and surprised at her courage as she released him before nearly throwing herself completely on top of him. She pushed her elbows onto his chest as she looked down upon him, internally scared, but externally beaming. "Women? Am I to be shocked that there is more than just me as your seductive siren?"
He gave her a large smile– almost boyish and one she could only dream seeing on her Vader's face. It was amazing and breathtaking… It was true, happy, and she somehow knew, it was just for her. "Ah," he smiled, his hands coming up to grip her hair while also rubbing small circles on her back. 'Caught in a lie."
Kissing his chest, Padmé smiled, sliding her leg upwards as she ran her toes the length of his leg, giving him an innocent smile as she felt the sheets twitch in response. "So it's still only me?"
He gave her a stern look that told her that he knew what game she was playing, but regardless he seemed to play along. "It has been only you and it will always be only you."
She nodded unaffected, seeming as if his words had no effect on her, even though inside her heart raced with delight– and some sort of jealousy. "Promise?"
One of his hands lifted from her back before she felt his fingers beneath her chin, forcing her to look at him. She did as he wished, meeting his gaze that was now completely serious. "It seems women are creatures that I am immune to," he answered, rubbing his thumb over her lip before trailing down to her chin, his eyes following his movement. "But angels… Angels are a different story."
Truthfully, Padmé didn't know what that meant– but somehow she knew he was talking about her. Her actions again surprised her and she found her lips upon his before she even realized she had made the decision to kiss him. She pulled away with a large smile and he mirrored her with the same grin.
"Now angels," he teased, his eyebrows rising as he pressed his forehead against her hers. "They are nothing like women. I've only met one, but going off my knowledge of her–" He paused, giving her a large grin before flexing his member upwards as a reminder. "They are man's gift and torture; too perfect for mankind and they cause you to go crazy. They are by far the most seductive sirens–"
"Don't you start!" Padmé laughed. "I had to deal with you at twenty when you were completely sex-crazed. Now you can deal with me."
"Mhmm…" he responded, a familiar look forming over his face as his expression turned dark, but this time with lust and need instead of power and death. "I was young and blind to the ways of you, and if I remember correctly, you didn't seem to mind. Though if I would have known you would have become so addicted–"
"Oh, stop it," she smiled, not caring for his words. "You love me."
"I do," he responded without delay and her heart soared within her chest. "But I used to love sleep just as much."
"Liar," she breathed, pressing her lips against his chest.
He smiled, pulling her towards him. "Caught in a lie again."
Padmé smiled once more, leaning forward and capturing his lips. As their kiss deepened, she moved over him, pushing back the sheet so that she could startle his naked body without interference. As she did, she felt is member slide easily inside her, filling her and giving her exactly what she wanted.
Pulling away from his face, she smiled at the man before her, not afraid and filled with love. "I love you," she said without hesitation, meaning the phrase to its fullest extent.
"And I love you," he breathed. "In this life and every life after."
Padmé breathed peacefully as she opened her eyes, for the first time within the last few days feeling completely and utterly relaxed. She stretched her muscles, breathing in the sweet scent around her and feeling Vader's warmth on her back. Remembering the gorgeous man that was behind her and the warmth his body was bringing her, Padmé couldn't help to smile. Somehow during the night, although she was below and he was above, the sheets had wrapped around their bodies, holding them closer together but also prisoners to the bed. Quite gracelessly, Padmé fought against the soft restraints, flipping her body over to snuggle into the body beside her.
Vader remained as she had left him, his body facing her with his eyes closed and hair tasseled. With closed eyes, the scar across his eye seemed even more pronounced and from the angle of his head she could see the deep line of the scar that crossed his neck. She didn't dare touch him, but she couldn't help but to love and hate the situation she found herself in. She wanted to see him like this, but it pained her. She knew it was wrong, but it felt too right. He was becoming her weakness and her addiction…
This was the start of what she wanted and she couldn't help but to breath lazily, knowing she was too content with the situation as she pressed her body into him and nestled into his chest– into her damaged soul. His thin shirt allowed her to feel his breath, his muscles, and her favorite: his heartbeat. His scent and warmth were ravishing, practically pulling her closer to him. She snuggled as close as humanly possible to him without disturbing him, her toes sliding against the hardness of his boots as she wrapped herself around him. His eyes remained shut, but Padmé felt him instinctively inch towards her body. A movement that made her want to push away to see if he was awake, but decided was impossible due to his lack of change in breathing.
As she relaxed against him, she couldn't help but to think about her dream, the strange, but perfect sort of illusion. She supposed it was perfect, but also painful because she knew it wasn't possible. She knew she could never have that with Vader, and if she thought rationally, she wouldn't want it with a man such as him. She was beginning to love him, but that wasn't enough when it came to the harsh galaxy around them. Still, she wouldn't deny how much she wanted it and how truly real the dream felt. It was true that the dream felt more like a memory than an illusion… but that wasn't possible… was it?
Of course not, she rationalized with herself, trying to push the uncanny feeling away, but failing to forget it. It's not possible… but perhaps it means something?
Trying to push away serious thinking until her actual day had begun, Padmé decided not to ruin her small moment as she nestled into her lover. Closing her eyes, she focused on simpler things, things that all involved Vader: his smell, his warmth, his breathing, his heartbeat, and his body. She wasn't sure how long she remained there, in her perfect bubble of perfection. She just knew that she never wanted it to end. She didn't want anything to ever disturb this moment. She wanted it to last forever… but as always, the Force had other plans.
The sound of the door sliding open caused Padmé's bubble to burst; the reality of the galaxy washing in like a sudden wave. Immediately, she lurched backwards, her body moving as far and as fast away from Vader as possible as she stumbled into a sitting position on her side of the bed, pulling as much of the sheets as she could into her chest in an act of childlike protection.
"Master!" 3PO screamed in horror as he barreled into the room. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I can't find Mistress A–"
The droid came to a screeching halt as his mechanical eyes met the wide brown eyes that belonged to the woman that sat beside his master– the very woman he was looking for. Padmé's heart beat in her ears as she could do nothing but stare mortified at the droid before her. She didn't know what to say, and even more so didn't know what to do, having been caught in the droid's master's bed without any explanation.
"Hi…" she breathed, forcing something out of her lips, but 3PO made no reply. Instead, he stood at the edge of the bed for a long moment, returning her stare, but not saying a word before his gaze fell upon the sleeping form of his master.
Padmé internally hoped she wouldn't wake Vader from his sleep, not even wanting to imagine what he would do to the droid for finding her here, or even worse what he might do to her for allowing the droid to find her here. She could imagine at least twenty different situations and each one seemed equally unpleasant. She guessed if she went by the evidence of previous encounters that it would be her who would be harmed in Vader's wrath and not 3PO. It sent more shivers down her spine and the thought was extremely troublesome. It seemed like her bubble hadn't just burst, but exploded in the worst of ways.
"Master?" 3PO finally wondered aloud, seeming completely baffled as he looked back and forth between the two bodies tangled within the sheets. "Are you aware that Mistress Amidala is in your bed?"
Padmé opened and shut here mouth, trying to come to the sleeping man's defense before she froze again, the unexpected voice that resonated from beside her shocking her into stillness.
"No," Vader replied in the most un-like Darth Vader-like voice Padmé had ever heard. The man beside her not even opening his eyes as he pressed his head harder into the pillow and answered in sleepy sarcasm. "But thank you for that, Threepio. I'm glad you're here to tell me these things."
The droid was silent, but his confusion about the situation was evident and Padmé was sure she shared the droid's reaction. 3PO's eyes stayed on his master for a long moment before his gaze continued to move back and forth between the senator and Sith within the same bed, the gears within his head audibly spinning.
"Excuse me, sir, but might I inquire to what is going on?"
"No, you may not." Vader answered simply, still without opening his eyes. His dark blonde locks falling in front of his face as he twisted farther onto his side while his arm came to rest in front of his face, reminding Padmé disturbingly of a teenage boy trying to get further rest despite his pestering mother.
"Mas–"
Vader didn't speak again, instead he moved his opposite hand slightly. It seemed like a random movement until the droid shuffled backwards revealing that Vader had given him a slight push through the Force, nothing harmful, but enough to get the Sith's point across.
"Oh dear…" 3PO exclaimed as he staggered, steadying himself as he looked towards his master in frustration. "Sometimes I don't understand your behavior!"
That makes two of us… Padmé thought in agreement, before feeling a slight push to her side and having to catch herself. When she steadied herself back into her previous position, she looked to Vader in shock, knowing he had done exactly what he had done to 3PO and was surprised that she felt no anger within his action or even the slightest bit of annoyance. It seemed impossible, but it seemed like Vader was actually teasing her and Padmé was sure she could see a small movement of amusement on his lips– Maybe.
"Master," 3PO began again, breaking their moment. "I was just going to ask if you are aware of your unveiling, sir."
Vader remained still, not giving an answer, and Padmé felt it was not her place to tell 3PO of the reasons of Vader not wearing his hood. In pity, she offered the droid a small shrug, but was unable to do anything more.
Surrendering, the droid simply shook his head, returning to his professional self as he took a needed step backwards. "Well then, is there anything you require?"
Vader's arm remained over his closed eyes, still not physically moving, except for his uncovered mouth that moved as he answered bitterly. "Your lack of presence."
"Oh yes," the droid stumbled with a small bow, obviously knowing the harsh tone. "And you Mistress Amidala?" he added quickly before turning. "Is there anything you desire?"
Padmé smiled and shook her head. "No, thank you, Threepio."
The droid nodded kindly, slowly backing away. "Well if you want it," he announced as he turned. "I'll leave your breakfast in the kitchen."
"Thank you," Padmé said again, forgetting about the droid as he exited and her attention turning to the Sith that laid beside her.
Even with the lack of company Vader stayed still. He stayed just as he had turned when 3PO had disturbed him, partly on his stomach with his arm over his face. He seemed peaceful enough– has peaceful as Darth Vader could seem– not at all as peaceful as her fake dream Vader. Still, he didn't seem at all bothered, but Padmé still felt fear rising in her throat and the need to apologize for her actions pressing against her lips.
"I'm sorry…" she eventually breathed, her hands gripping tightly together as she waited for the reaction she could only guess he was suppressing.
"For?" Vader asked uninterested, not giving her a physical response except for his single word.
It was a response that made her feel silly, but also highly nervous. His face still remained covered by his arm, but Padmé felt too much embarrassment to look in his direction. Alternatively, she looked down to her hands, watching her fingers because she was not sure where else to look. "For…" she mumbled, twirling and un-twirling her fingers together, hoping she could just evaporate. "For getting caught…"
Upon her response his arm lifted from his face and his eyes opened, looking in her direction with a hard frown of obvious confusion. "What?"
"For letting Threepio catch me in here…" Padmé clarified, trying to sound like her political self and unlike the dirty teenager that she felt like. She couldn't explain it, but like so many times before, she felt like her father had just caught her with a hidden boy in her room– or in this case she felt like she had just been caught by her lover's parent in his bedroom. Either situation was embarrassing, and she truly felt the shame that it caused upon her shoulders. "I should have– I didn't mean…"
Vader was silent for a long moment, his gaze silencing Padmé before she felt the pressure from within inside her mind, knowing he was pricking her brain for some sort of information. It was a short moment of investigation on his part, seeming to find what he wanted rather quickly before Padmé could even protest.
"Senator," he eventually spoke, his annoyance obvious as he rolled back onto his back and closed his eyes. "If I had an issue, you would know it. If I didn't want you in my bed, you wouldn't be here. If I were concerned about Threepio, I would have locked the door. If what he saw is such an issue to you, I can erase his memory, but he is of no concern to me. "
The statement surprised Padmé, practically making her jaw drop as she bashfully looked in his direction. "So… You're not mad?"
He breathed a loud sigh without opening his eyes, putting his arms behind his head in an attempt to relax further. "As you pointed out, I'm always mad… but as for the situation you are referring to, not particularly."
"So… you don't care?" Padmé pressed.
"About Threepio?" Vader shook his head lazily. "Not in the way you suspect. I'm more concerned about dealing with his questions later."
Padmé let out a small giggle at his confession, about to make a response of her own but went wide-eyed as her stomach released a loud growling sound, one that reminded her of a strange water-beast of Naboo and caused her to nearly melt. Quickly, she gripped her belly, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment as Vader opened his eyes and looked at her with slight interest.
"Hungry, Senator?"
Padmé forced an embarrassed smile, looking to the sheets and back again as she controlled her reaction. "I may have," she joked half-heartedly, " barricaded myself in your room without supplies."
Vader half smirked at her, shaking his head in a discouraging manner. "Poor battle plan," he scolded, before pushing up from his spot and swinging his legs onto the floor. "Starving won't allow victory."
Padmé's smile only widened as he pushed off the bed and looked back at her. "I think my plan worked just fine," she teased with a lift of her eyebrow. "Wouldn't you say so?"
Vader shook his head, playing her game, but stayed seemingly un-amused as he walked around the mattress. "Perhaps I took mercy."
"No," she disagreed, smirking. "Not like you."
Vader's face remained stone as he paused on her side of the bed, something dark passing over his eyes before he grabbed onto her hands and pulled her out of his bed. He pulled her into him, Padmé's breath catching in her throat as she collided with his hard chest. "And?" he asked lowly, his golden eyes glowing and the temperature of his body making the room rise. "What is like me?"
She was a captive to his eyes, staring up at him as his prisoner unable to breath. She could feel the heat rising to all parts of her body and her heart beating within her ears. Vader smirked at her response, slowing leaning down until his lips found her neck and his tongue lathered over her surface. Padmé closed her eyes and released a small moan as his lips continued their attack, licking, sucking, and kissing her skin. "Hmm?" Vader mused, nipping at her softly, and Padmé nearly caved.
"You– You take no mercy," she whispered, breathing harshly as his kisses became deeper and his hands grew tighter on her hips, his touch becoming simply undeniable as he indeed planned to take no mercy.
"I don't," Vader agreed lowly, his mouth finding the other side of her neck as Padmé's head leaned in the other direction with a small moan. "But I do allow my prisoners time to live to admit their plans to me." Vader paused, biting her earlobe and pulling on it gently before whispering within. "And I hear you had a hell of a good one."
Sith!
Padmé froze as his comment hit her ears, the puddle that she was becoming suddenly forming back into her body and giving her strength. She unexpectedly pushed herself away from him, their heads somewhat colliding before she fell back onto the bed. She shook her head to find some clearness, but she was sure her expression shared the same confusion that Vader's did– although he recovered quite faster than she was able to. He seemed surprised and also… Hurt? The emotion was hidden far too fast for Padmé to distinguish, but Vader offered her a slight frown and raise of his eyebrow as he twisted his arms of his chest.
"I'm really hungry," Padmé offered him as some sort of an excuse, but internally wanted to slap herself before crawling underneath his bed for the next one hundred years. How idiotic could she be?
As she offered him a small smile, Vader simply stared at her un-amused, his energy becoming darker and his face giving her a clear answer of how much he didn't believe her. It was a hard challenge to win, but Padmé held her ground, using all her years in the political world to keep a steady face against the Sith Lord. In all honesty she would have rather had his lips against her than to be running away, but knew she couldn't allow herself the chance. She had to think before doing anything more. She wanted to talk to him before they did anything more: about the birth control, her suspicions, possibly even the almost baby, and her feelings. She didn't know how to go about it, but knew his lips upon her would only add to her frustration. She needed the time– but didn't know how to truly tell him.
"Go," he said suddenly, bringing her from her thoughts as he motioned to the door, his darkness seeming to triple. "Leave."
Slightly taken back, Padmé couldn't help but to stumble as she rose from the bed, knowing he wanted her to walk away but was unable to do anything but look at him with an open mouth. As always, she was surprised and blindsided by how fast he could change, one moment being so gentle and the next being so cruel. He had been so sweet a moment ago, but now only darkness stood before her. It made her almost sick. She could feel her heart sinking in her chest and she wanted to scream like a child about how unfair life was. They had made such progress and she couldn't afford for them to lose any ground. This wasn't what she wanted. This wasn't what she meant. She didn't want him to throw her out…
"Vad–"
"I said when I no longer appreciated your presence I would make you aware," he growled even more darkly, taking a step back as she tried to take a step forward. "Now leave."
Padmé nearly chocked; sick of their constant loving one moment and fighting the next. "Because I won't have sex with you?" Padmé cried in disgust. "Because I won't let you touch me, you're throwing me out?"
The darkness only grew within his eyes and his face hardened with outrage as he took a terrorizing step closer. "I thought I made myself clear last night about that statement," he hissed bitterly before moving his heard in mockery. "Or do you really think so lowly of me?"
He was the definition of intimidation, but Padmé held her ground as he neared, not backing away as she held his gaze. "I'm just stating what it seems like to me."
"It's the meaning behind it, Senator." Vader replied, his voice bitter and holding some sort of crudeness as he pointed his index finger in her face. "It's always the meaning behind it."
Padmé frowned, raising her hands, making no attempt to hide her confusion. "What does that even mean?"
She didn't understand, but Vader didn't seem to have the time or the patience to truly explain. "It means…" Vader growled, his face nearing hers again as his lust was replaced with anger. "That I no longer want you here."
She almost rolled her eyes at him, but stopped just before the motion started. "I figured as much," Padmé spit back at him, raising her eyebrow in pure mockery, secretly knowing just how to press his limits.
He knew it as well; the game she was now trying to play. The Sith gave her one silent last warning, a chilling stare and a silent threat, one that Padmé refused to acknowledge. She decided to continue to stand her ground, making up her mind that he couldn't make her move– but of course he could. Quite quickly after not respecting his wishes, Padmé found herself being hoisted over his shoulder– quite effortlessly on Vader's part– as she let out a small yelp. Vader carried her with ease across the room despite her protests, before setting her outside the doorway and closing the door in her face. It was a sudden action, one that Padmé had not expected, but made her feel even more silly as she stood outside in the hall alone.
"Fine!" she screamed, stomping her feet against the floor, wanting to have the last word as she stormed towards the kitchen.
As she entered, she found her breakfast waiting for her on the main prepping bar and she sat down quite dramatically on a stool before she began to eat it. She shoveled the food into her mouth with disputed anger, not admitting to herself how hungry she had actually been. It was a good meal, filled with fruits from her home world, a kind gesture on 3PO's part that she would have appreciated if she weren't steaming.
He thinks he can do that to me, she thought angrily between each spoonful, knowing it was ridiculous to feel as she did, but unable to stop her emotions. In truth, it was only because it hurt. Hurt to be thrown out. Hurt to be denied him. Hurt to be so confused. Hurt to be so close, but yet so far apart.
After all, what could she expect? This was a complicated situation and they were both complicated. They were both stubborn and not making it any easier on each other. Vader didn't know how she felt or the revelation that had occurred to her. He didn't hear her confession last night and she wasn't going to repeat it. He didn't know about their almost child and the suspicions she had that were happening around them. Vader didn't have basic knowledge about these things– knowledge to know things were changing around them and so they had to change. It was obvious that they had made progress the previous night, but for it to continue, he had to allow the door to remain open… and not actually close it on her face.
"Oh! Hello, Mistress Amidala," 3PO greeted as he entered the room, pulling Padmé from her thoughts as he shuffled into view. "Good morning."
"Hello, Threepio." Padmé greeted with a small nod, hiding her embarrassment, about to apologize for the earlier morning when the droid paused again and looked to a spot behind her.
"Oh," he exclaimed, bowing his head slightly. "And good morning, Master."
"Threepio," Vader's voice responded from somewhere behind her, causing her to freeze with her spoon in midair, his voice chilling her to the bone as she realized his presence in the room and his undeniable closeness.
"Master," 3PO continued motioning to a spot behind him on the opposite counter. "I've prepared a meal for you also, incase you were hungry."
Vader spoke in a different language, saying a phrase in which 3PO answered in the same tongue before disappearing out the opposite door.
When they were left alone, Vader walked around the counter, pausing on the far other side. She could feel his attention on her, but she refused to look in his direction, pretending to eat her meal as if nothing had happened. It was a fair plan, until she no longer felt his eyes on her. She had every intention of ignoring him, but found herself unable to look at her plate any longer when she heard the low sound of chewing. When she raised her head, she couldn't help but to stare wide-eyed at the scene before her: Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith, almost casually leaning against the breakfast bar, reading something on his datapad that laid before him as he chewed on some kind of substance that was in his hand. He had redressed since she had last seen him, seeming cleaner and more relaxed. He was dressed in his usual attire: his black tunic and his dark robes. His lightsaber hung from his waist, making him look even more like a dark knight, but also making him look very much like Darth Vader apart from his hood that he had allowed to stay down, making the mixture of the two men, Darth Vader and her lover, collide, making it impossible for Padmé to look away.
"Something on your mind, Senator?" he asked without raising his head, but apparently feeling her gaze upon him.
She ignored the embarrassment of being caught, too amazed to look away as a small frown formed over her features. "You– You eat?"
He raised his head then, giving her a strange look that she was sure he gave most of his officers whenever they asked him a stupid question… One that made her feel like the idiot she was sure he was calling her within his mind.
"I mean," she stumbled, trying to recover, looking down at her food and taking a large bite. "Obviously you eat, but I've just never seen you eat before."
He looked back at his datapad, becoming disinteresting in their conversation as he read whatever was written on the screen. "I don't eat much," he answered simply, offering a short reply that showed his detachment, and for the first time Padmé realized that the actual breakfast that the droid had prepared was behind him.
Looking back at the Sith, she watched as he took another bite of the food in his hand, the strange gray cracker biscuit type of substance that looked anything less than appetizing. It snapped as it split apart, the noise it made as it broke off into his mouth making Padmé's stomach roll. "And– what are you eating?"
"Food?" he answered, offering a risen eyebrow in questioning before looking back to his datapad and typing something in some of the boxes.
Padmé shook her head, unable to hide her look of disgust. "Doesn't look like food to me."
"A matter of opinion," he answered shortly, reading something else on the screen with his mind obviously elsewhere. "Some food is simply nutritious and not appealing."
Padmé raised an eyebrow at him, knowing he wasn't looking, but also knowing he would know.
"It's what the troops are fed during missions," he offered upon her silent question. "It's what I lived off of for a long time during my life. It's just a habit to eat it now."
It's what I lived off of for a long time during my life. Another piece to the puzzle and Padmé nodded, deciding not to press, knowing if she would point out any information he gave away it would just resort to him no longer talking. She would simply just take what she could get, even without him knowing.
"Perhaps that's why you're always grumpy," she replied with a smile, looking up at him with teasing eyes. "You're just hungry."
His eyes paused on the line he was reading, slowly looking up to look at her. Another darkness passed over his eyes, not that of evil, but a far more pleasing emotion. "Oh I assure you," he answered and Padmé's eyes widened as she realized the tone within– complete and utter sex. "That's not why I'm grumpy, and surely is not what I'm hungry for."
Feeling the need bubble in her belly and a blush rise to her face, she took a quick deep breath to calm her body. Looking away, Padmé forced another large bite of her meal, not daring to look up at Vader again. "Threepio is a good cook…" she whispered, trying to change the subject. "It's a shame that you don't eat his meals."
"He's adequate," Vader replied, his voice already recovered to his usual disinterest, showing no trace of his previous lust. "He likes whatever job he does and wants to do it well. He probably added something in attempt to please you."
"Makes sense," Padmé responded with a small nod as she looked back at him, enjoying the small talk that was very rare between them. "It reminds me of when I used to spend time on the beaches of Naboo."
Vader made a face of true disgust at her comment, one that was so shocking Padmé could do nothing but laugh. It was a face that reminded her of a repulsed child, which was by itself a scary thought, but somehow was far more amusing than she thought possible. Still, she could only think of the faces her nieces made when she tried to make them eat their vegetables. They hated it, and apparently the concept was the same for Vader.
"What?" Padmé laughed, trying and failing to control her giggles. "You don't like beaches?"
Vader shrugged, recovering to a neutral face as he ignored her reaction. "I suppose beaches are fine."
"Then what?"
"I'm not fond of sand," he admitted and Padmé couldn't help but to feel extremely interested.
"Sand?"
She hadn't expected that. It seemed like such a silly thing– a simple thing. She knew many people that disliked the seashores because of the sandy textures, her father included, but never did she see such hatred for it. From his reaction, it seemed that Vader not only had a issue with sand, but it repulsed him to his core.
"It's an nauseating substance," Vader offered, staring at his datapad as he explained. "It's rough, it's irritating, and gets everywhere." He paused, a visible thought passing over his eyes, before he looked at her with hard amusement. "Actually," he admitted, his voice lighter than before. "It makes sense that you would enjoy it."
Padmé frowned at his comment, sensing his tease. Would this man ever make sense? He was acting like a teenage boy one moment, then a lover, than a Sith, and now he was teasing her? It was simply confusing and exhausting. She couldn't keep up with his constant mood swings while also keeping her own sanity.
"You're teasing me?" she asked with a frown, and Vader looked up from his own datapad again with the same look.
"I wasn't aware that I was…" he answered slowly, but without a doubt truthfully. "Just seemed like a true statement to me."
"It was a tease," she clarified, raising her eyebrows and hoping he would recognize his own mood swing– He didn't.
"And your point?"
Padmé shrugged, trying to secure her annoyance. "I just thought you were mad at me."
Vader frowned, tilting his head with hard eyes. "I am."
But Padmé didn't allow his anger to further phase her, nearly rolling her eyes as she allowed her annoyance to show. "Then why are you here?"
Pushing away from his datapad, Vader rose to his full height, watching her for a moment as a frown formed harder over his features. "I never said I didn't have intentions of joining you."
This time, Padmé was taken back, her frown immediately lightening as her eyes sparkled with surprise– even amazement. "You–" she stumbled, truly shocked. "You were always going to join me?"
Vader rolled his eyes, further shocking her, as he twisted his arms over his chest. "Senator," he growled. "I haven't eaten in four days. I noted that you have locked yourself in my room for sometime. So yes, I planned on making sure we both ate something."
"Oh…" Padmé breathed. "I didn't notice that you–"
"I notice quite a lot," Vader answered more deeply, his voice harder and more professional as he leaned his chest onto the counter to gaze at her seriously. His eyes held her prisoner once more as he tilted his head, the atmosphere between them growing thick. "And so what is it you're dying to talk to me about?"
Padmé paled, her blood running cold as her mouth opened and shut seven times before any things near an audible noise came out. "I–" she stumbled wide-eyed, her mind frazzled and unable to form words. "I– I need– I don't–"
"Breathe, Senator." Vader growled, holding up his finger before moving his hands in a breathing motion. "It makes for more intelligent conversation."
She did as he asked; taking a deep breath that calmed her brain, but not her heart. She still stared at him wide-eyed, unable, or un-wanting to have this conversation with him. He raised an eyebrow at her as his face softened, silently asking for her to continue. She knew it was now or never.
"I don't know how you're going to react," she admitted quietly, and his face immediately turned hard.
"I'll try," he offered, "to be on my best behavior."
She shook her head, disagreeing with him while also pushing the images of his best behavior out of her mind. "That doesn't mean much," she whispered, knowing it was going to be an impossible task and internally she was preparing herself for the worst. "I guess I should begin with–"
"Master!"
Vader nearly groaned as his head snapped in the direction in which he had been called, watching as the droid shuffled into the room. "Threepio," he nearly yelled, his voice laced with anger and annoyance. "I was not mad before, but I will be now. Leave!"
The droid did not listen to his master's words continuing to scurry to the center of the kitchen before he paused before them both. "The Emperor," the droid reported quickly. "He demands you make contact with him."
It was almost as if a switch had been switched upon the sentence; Vader's face visibly growing harder and his presence within the room becoming far more powerful and dark. When?" he snapped, back to his formal and dark tone as he stood to his full height, forming back into that of the Darth Vader that the galaxy knew.
"He couldn't reach you," 3PO replied, an unknown emotion within his words as his head latently turned to look at Padmé before retuning to his master. "He wants to meet with you immediately… in the communications room."
"E chu ta," Vader hissed, grabbing onto his hood and pulling it over his head, fully forming into his usual Sith persona and looking very much like the perfect Dark Lord of the Sith before storming out of the kitchen with his black robes flowing behind him.
Both 3PO and Padmé watched as he disappeared out the doorway, Vader leaving a heavy, dark, and cold atmosphere behind him that caused Padmé to shiver. There was a long silence that birthed between the two, neither saying anything, but a large amount of thoughts within both their minds.
"I hate that man," 3PO broke the silence lowly, surprising Padmé by his unusual harsh comment. She knew he meant the Emperor and not Darth Vader, his master who he obviously adored. The protocol droid was such a kind being and it seemed unfair for him to be placed in between such cruel madness. She could tell that he meant what he said, as much as a droid could anyways. He hated the Emperor in his own way, and she could sense it was for far more reasons than the obvious. Though, she could also tell as she looked at him that the kind droid had said the comment more to himself than to her… but she had to agree with him.
"Me too, Threepio…" she agreed solemnly, feeling a newly developed reason for hate form within her belly, hate that only added to her own.
Author's Notes: If anyone cares, school is still kicking my ass and Fanfiction still hates me. It still wouldn't let me upload the whole chapter so I had to find a good place to cut it. Hopefully the next part of the chapter will upload without much delay, just remember that school has me so busy, but I'm really trying. Hope you enjoyed the chapter so far! Love you all! Drop a review for me!