Vader's Angel

By: wertman25

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

Author's Note: I'm not sure why I hated this chapter so much, but I apologize for the longer than necessary wait. Though sometimes I manage to surprise myself while reediting… Sorry, not sorry for this one. I also did decide to add something back into the story, but with the consequence of pushing a chapter back. I think you'll forgive me and I might even say, you're welcome. So after a very long wait… I hope you enjoy!

Kriffing moron!

If he wasn't feeling idiotic before, he definitely was now. What is Sith's hell was he doing? What was wrong with him? He had allowed Tatooine to affect him. He had shown weakness for his past. He had allowed Kenobi to escape. He had allowed the senator to become a greater weakness, and then this? Idiot. Moron. Fool. Imbecile. Ass. Why did he tell her? What had possessed him to make that confession? To give away all the power he had over her? All the dominance and experience she thought he had? Why had he done that?

He pressed forward down the hall and towards his destination, trying to regain whatever particle of dignity he had left. He didn't know what was happening to him, but he did know that it wasn't good. He tried to fall upon the darkness, form into his usual self, but his mind refused to be silenced. In fact, it howled and rampaged within his head. It told him what he already knew and fought against what he didn't understand. Something just didn't feel right. Something wasn't right and through the rage of emotions, he felt his physical body becoming ill. Yet another sign of weakness that he didn't need.

I'm falling in love with you. It echoed within his mind, her words, and her voice. Those beautiful, big, brown eyes staring at him so much fear… and hope… and love… But he didn't love her!

It sounds like you're in love, another voice echoed, the reminder of his past in the form of an old woman standing before him and fighting against the sanity he tried to bring upon himself.

He nearly groaned aloud. It caused his emotions to storm with inside him, but even more frightening, allowed the man to fight against the beast. The monster roared within, but the man also shrieked. He shouldn't want this, but part of him did, while another part was repulsed. He couldn't understand what he was truly feeling, but the evidence was piling against him. He knew what it meant, but he also meant what he said, as hard it was to say, he couldn't love her. He wasn't the man for her. He shouldn't be anything to her. She was so full of life, full of promise, full of… goodness… and he was nothing like her. He didn't deserve her… and she deserved so much more than him. The Angel that she was deserved the brightness of the galaxy and not the darkness of the hole where he was kept…

"Lord Vader."

"What?" he snapped, the voice breaking him free of his daze, but awakening him to the unknown scene around him. The officer beside him taken back as well as the surrounding men, Vader realizing the number of officers that were around him and where exactly he was in comparison, apparently having entered the bridge of the ship without his own recollection. Kicking himself yet again, he suppressed a groan and his annoyance at himself, quickly playing off the outburst as a result of his bad mood. "Piett," he managed in a more professional tone, although the disturbance from his previous strange outburst lingered in the air. "What is the situation?"

Piett did a terrible job at hiding his suspicion, the man's face forming to its usual neutral state, but his eyes unable to do the same, although he remained professional nonetheless, walking down the catwalk and keeping up with the Dark Lord's strides. "We were just double check your coordinates, my lord," he responded, his voice uneasy, as they paused in front of the large window. "You seemed– distracted."

Vader frowned, a snarl caught within his throat and the darkness beginning to swarm around him. A question of doubt was in the commanding officer's voice, and it was not something Vader found the least bit pleasing. "Not distracted enough to not know where I want my fleet," he growled, the threat on his tongue, which made every man around him hesitate. They knew better than to question his judgment, but today Vader took no action against them, because he was more angered by himself. Still, their fear eased some of his annoyance.

"My apologies, milord," Piett nodded before he turned to one of the officers behind them. "Make the jump to lightspeed."

The officer nodded without delay, turning and walking to the end of the catwalk before motioning to a group of officers below.

Somewhat less annoyed, Vader turned his attention back to the long picture window before him, the stars fading and turning into a bluish dark hole as the ship surged forward into space and they traveled through the passing stars. He found his steady breathing between the passing seconds and even felt a sort of comfort as he watched the systems pass, not that he would actually admit it. He had always gazed up at the stars since he was small. He once had wanted to visit them all, but now found himself dreading the very idea.

How times had changed, although it reminded him of the true fact. The dream he now dreaded hadn't been his own, but apart of another life. Anakin Skywalker was nothing like Darth Vader, but the thought was somehow pleasing. It reminded him of just how much he had grown, how weak his past self had been. Darth Vader had destroyed Anakin Skywalker and soon there would be nothing left.

Then why do I feel this way?

He felt Piett's presence move closer beside him; the man's thoughts not clear, but the officer's suspicion still evident. "I trust Senator Amidala is well?" he asked, pushing for Vader's attention with something hidden beneath the question which Vader could not decipher.

And like that, Vader's coming calmness turned for a full-fledge retreat, disappearing far more quickly than it had appeared. His gaze turned slowly turned towards Piett, the monster snarling inside and wanting to break the young man's neck. "Well enough," he said, the same dark bitterness on his tongue. "I do not enjoy surprises."

Piett nodded, taking note to the threat, but standing his ground, his only clue of hesitation being the smell of sweat within the air and the change of energy within the Force– two things only Vader could take note of with his attuned senses. "I did try to tell you, milord." Piett offered quickly.

Vader didn't offer a reply; instead he turned his gaze back towards the window. It was true. Vader had to admit that, much against his ego. It was his own fault that he had walked in blind to the situation with Senator Amidala. Piett had tried and he had tried his damnedest too, if Vader wouldn't have kept silencing him. Vader always listened to his officer's reports when exiting the shuttle– except the day that he most needed to.

"Lord Vader, please!" Piett pressed, practically sprinting after the Dark Lord despite his protests and obvious lack of interest. "It is of gravest importance! The Emperor himself bids it!"

Vader's arms tightened around his chest, his heart within even contracting oddly, not wanting to speak the question, but needing to know the answer. "And this is truly the Emperor's doing?"

Piett nodded, his own breath seeming to change pace. "It seems so, sir. I did not receive much information concerning that matter, just that when she was to arrive I was to put her in your chambers."

Vader frowned out at the stars, a strange and sickening feeling rolling from with inside his stomach. A million thoughts forming within his mind, but none that he would allow himself to pay any attention to.

"Sir…" Piett began slowly, his voice conveying the fact that he knew that he was about to cross a line– a dangerous line. "If I may speak out of terms… doesn't that seem unusual?"

Again, the emotions boiled within him. His officer's words matching the senator's… "I think something very peculiar is going on…" Peculiar. Unusual. He nearly growled.

Why does everyone keep saying that? he thought, before a silent answer whispered inside his mind. Cause it's true. What was the old man up to?

Despite the whispers inside his mind, Vader refused to condone the silent hints that were offered to him. "The Emperor has his biddings," Vader replied disconnected, his strategic mind forming a flawless reply without any real effort. "I have my own. Senator Amidala is a traitor and a key asset to finding the crumbling Rebellion, but her safety is also at risk here. We must keep her alive if we are to use her to find the Rebellion, my chambers is the most secure place for her and as long as she is there, I won't be."

"Yes, sir." Piett replied obediently, his suspicion somewhat evaporating, but some still remaining just below the surface. "So you are not returning to your chambers?"

There was a sudden pain in his chest that he ignored, a string tugging him back to her while another part of his chest sunk to his stomach. "No," Vader said, telling himself it was to not to draw suspicion but knew it was far greater reason– personal reasons. "As long as the senator remains in my chambers, I will remain here."

"Yes, sir."

Piett turned away without any further questions, leaving Vader alone at his usual spot at the end of the catwalk. Vader looked out at the passing stars again, beginning to slightly pace back and forth as the weight of the galaxy eased itself onto his shoulders. He paid no attention to the men that stood somewhat beside and below him, knowing they knew better than to question him again. Still, his mind wondered, his emotions stirred, and his thoughts swirled. Even the Force seemed to be pulling him in two directions, no longer his aiding ally, but a fearsome enemy trying to pull him apart. Something was happening, but what was he supposed to do?

"Lord Vader?"

Once again pulled from his thoughts, Vader turned to the smaller black-haired man who had called him, recognizing the change of voice immediately. The officer, Alaki Fletcher, was a trusted young man, four or five years older than Vader himself with far less life experience, who started out as Lord Vader's personal P.A. and stilled did the job when Vader was onboard the ship.

"Lieutenant Fletcher," Vader said, eyeing the datapad within the officer's hand and the high-ranking clone that stood beside him. "Trooper."

The two men bowed upon Vader's acknowledgement, both giving their respects before forming back into solid men of the Empire.

"Sir," the officer continued, his face giving nothing way, but the energy around him changing. "I have received part of the information regarding," he took a deep breath, "Felicia. If you would care to have a look?"

Vader could sense there was something off, the Force swirling between them and partly becoming cold. "And?" Vader pressed, not amused and very much impatient. He want to know the information and to be told it in person, he didn't want to have to read a report from a reliable source that was standing right before him. He wanted to hear the information, but was only able to watch as the man turned to a much paler shade of white.

The young man seemed to be unusually nervous, having worked aside Lord Vader for sometime. Fletcher was usually accustomed to being with the Dark Lord, and in return, able to control his emotions, even handle the most frightening situations without hesitation. But Fletcher seemed positively timid– skittish even. "And I have received word from…" he hesitated, his eyes scanning the room before he took a step closer and lowered his voice. "Commander Thomas, sir."

Vader understood Fletcher's hidden mention immediately, his eyes hardening and his immediate darkness resurfacing. He too found his golden eyes flickering to the far edges of the room, making sure there was no one important within distance. There was none, but Vader wouldn't take a chance. "Follow me," he commanded without delay, moving forward as the two followed behind him. They passed by the command station at the end of the catwalk, catching the eyes of the high-ranking officers, but most importantly the one Vader wanted. With a small click of his head, Vader motioned Piett to follow him as well and the man did without delay, commanding another cadet to his post before falling into line behind the Sith.

The four walked in silence together through the halls of the ship, the Sith Lord, trooper, and two officers passing through the twists and turns of the hallways before reaching one of the smaller and more private conference rooms. Making sure no one was in sight, Vader neared the door of the room, using the Force to black out the security cameras and disrupt any other cameras near by. As they reached the doorway into the room, Vader paused without notice and turned back to them. "If you fear the Emperor then don't enter this room," he warned, surprising the other men with his sudden movement and threat, before he also added, "because you should fear me instead."

He walked into the small room before they had time to answer, giving them a choice to leave or stay as he took his spot standing at the far edge of the table. He heard the footsteps follow a second behind him, before he turned around, watching as the three men also joined him around the circle.

"Lord Vader," Fletcher nodded, taking his spot to Vader's right, his acknowledgement a sign of his loyalty.

Piett and the trooper also took their spot around the table, both standing behind their given chairs, but saying nothing.

Vader felt no betrayal within the Force, but still felt their uncertain nerves. His eyes scanned them beneath his hood, giving them one final chance. "I warn you all," Vader said, his hand reaching out and a lone finger pointing at each of the men. "Any word of this, and it will be the last you ever speak."

They did not leave or hesitate, all nodding that they understood as they waiting for their commander's demands.

Vader remained silent, pleased with the others around him. "Report," he said, remaining unfazed, his tone conveying nothing but the commander that he was to the men around him, but still held the attitude of a Sith.

Fletcher stepped forward, placing the datapad onto the table before his eyes moved to the Sith Lord. "There have been reports of the Empire's relations with Felucia failing, sir. The tribes are beginning to attack."

Vader nearly groaned once more. More idiotic problems that he didn't have time to deal with. It all did nothing for his nerves. He had ways to deal with such outbursts, ways that would help his nerves even, but they would never be allowed. Instead he had to stick to more civilized actions, ones that the Emperor would approve of. "Until the ultimate weapon is fully operational," Vader replied. "Our relations with these planets cannot fail. Have they talked to the elders?"

Fletcher moved towards his device, scanning it quickly before looking back at Vader, his expression already telling Vader that he would not like his answer. "I'm afraid I do not have that information, sir, but an officer on the ground is going to brief you of the whole situation."

Vader frowned, the information seeming less important than he originally planned. "That's the mission report?"

"No." Fletcher shook his head, his expression changing from an anxious frown to an attentive look. "The Emperor doesn't care for the failings of the tribes of Felucia… but I knew you would."

Smart man.

Vader almost smiled– a devilish smirk pulling at his lips beneath the hood. The Emperor was a fool when it came to outside relations with his galaxy. In comparison, Vader hated them but also knew relations must remain intact until the time was right. Vader cared to take places by force, but also knew that sometimes the situations called for more strategic methods– conniving methods even, that would help his own agenda, especially if his future plans were to unfold correctly… and in his favor.

Vader nodded towards Fletcher, his arms wrapping around his chest tightly as his head turned fully towards the young man. "Then do you know of the meaning of our journey to Felucia?" he asked.

Fletcher seemed to hesitate again, his lips pressing together in an inelegant fashion, something on his tongue that he did not want to speak. "I would assume," he said slowly, almost cautiously, "for the Imperial Gala, sir."

The information caught Vader off guard and he frowned, taken back. "The what?" he asked, positive he had misheard the officer's response.

"The Imperial Gala," Fletcher repeated with a little more nerve, "to celebrate the Navy, sir."

A gala!

Vader felt his blood instantly begin to boil, a hot fire scorching from his gripped white knuckles and flaming up his body. His teeth clenched together, the outrage of the galaxy breathing down his neck. He was sure he could breath fire. "Is the Emperor a guest?" he asked, holding his tongue and keeping control.

"Technically, sir." Fletcher said, looking back at his datapad again. "But he is not scheduled to make an appearance, unlike yourself." He looked back to Vader with a more serious gaze. "Which brings me back to the meeting with Thomas, sir. We are supposed to be doing this under radar…"

Vader got the hint. A gala meant people– spies even, lots of Imperial connections. There would be security at ever corner, followers of the Emperor around every turn. "So we can't bring uninvited officers Felucia," Vader said, finishing the unfinished sentence. "Especially ones that are documented to by on the other side of the galaxy." His hand ran through his hair, pulling at his greasy and still sand-infested locks beneath his hood. "We can't afford that kind of suspicion."

"No necessarily, sir," Fletcher said with a small shake of his head and upward gesture of his hand. "The staff hardly knows who is and who is not invited. The gala is in four standard days which gives us just enough time to get them in and out before more– important guests arrive."

"But we will need a strategy," Piett spoke up, catching everyone's attention as he offered his own thoughts. "Bring them in at night, perhaps? Do it quickly and quietly."

Fletcher nodded in agreement. "In and out like it never happened."

Vader nodded too, his own thoughts conjuring with the men. "They would arrive a few hours after us on their present course," Vader figured, adding the coordinates and time within his head. "I could have them come out of hyperspace farther away from the planet. Stay near the asteroid belt to keep in the interference sector to not be noticed by passing ships. Stay there until the time is right."

"Exactly, sir." Fletcher nodded.

It was a good plan… Or at least, the best one Vader could think of. He knew the odds were in their favorite– but he could still feel failure breathing down his neck. The anxiety of his master or the Empire that serve his master discovering his plan suddenly becoming a threat that he never feared before. He had to do this right… but could he accomplish anything in his current state? The weight seemed to becoming heavier on his shoulders by the second, even a weight falling on top of his chest that was making it harder to breath. "What did Thomas say exactly?" Vader pressed, before he made any final decisions, his nerves beginning to become rattled despite his confident exterior.

"He has made the report that the fleet is stationed outside Cato Neimoidia," Fletcher replied. "He has gathered the officers and troopers for this and they are on their way. He made it clear that all allegiance stand with you, my lord."

"Good," Vader replied, although his level of stress continued to grow by the second. "What of Skye? Has there been any word of the Rebellion or Tarkin?"

Both men turned towards the trooper between the,, who had been a silent member of the meeting.

"Trooper T8-888," Fletcher motioned beside him.

"Eights," the trooper corrected him, stepping forward, before giving his full and undivided attention to the Sith Lord. "Lord Vader," he said, his tone the same as many of his brothers on the battlefield. "I talked to one of the clone captains of the first squadron on the ground, Captain Rex, he said without a doubt the Rebellion is still on the ground there."

Vader frowned at the information, part of him fighting the report while another fought to understand. "And they were pulled out?"

"That or replaced by human squadrons," the trooper, Eights responded. "Either way," he shrugged, "Rex said it was too suspicious to be unintentional or a simple change of plans. It felt more like mutiny, sir." He took a deep breath beneath the helmet, his own opinions weaving their way into the report. "I just don't understand it, to be honest, Lord Vader. If they were truly going to make an attack, the human squadrons, with all respect sir, can't tell their ass from a full grown nerf. They would never be able to hold the line if the Rebellion was to retreat or fight back. Half of them can hardly hit a target standing twenty feet in front of them."

"Tarkin is unfit to command an army," Tarkin added, slamming his fists against the table to exemplify his rage. "And to send anyone other than the clones to such an important –"

"The Emperor has made a report that the Rebellion is no longer on Skye," Vader said aloud, his voice disembodied, much like his state of mind. "I would think he would like to keep it that way."

"What?" Piett frowned, turning back to his commander. "I thought he wanted the Rebellion gone?"

"Gone?" the trooper laughed, looking at Piett. "He has to get rid of his own army first." The clone turned to Vader, pulling off his helmet to allow himself to look his commander in the eye. "The men, sir – the clones, I mean. It's not like we haven't noticed the Emperor slowly replacing us. He's been doing it for months now. It's only a matter of time –"

"Before he is no longer in power," Vader snapped, the words leaving his mouth before he even had time to think about them, his inner thoughts playing from his lips loudly and clear.

They all paused upon his comment, freezing and looking in Darth Vader's direction with wide eyes, each not expecting the words of treason that they heard from the Emperor's Apprentice and Right Hand himself. It was a shocker, but for both sides of the table, because in truth, Vader's own breath caught within his throat, trying to remain calm under the eyes of his men. He meant the words he had spoken, but never before had he spoken them aloud. He had never planned to act so soon, but if the Emperor was already beginning to form plans, he knew he had to start a plan as well. Still, the stress seemed to double by the second, triple, and quadruple as it fought to overtake him.

He took a much-needed deep breath, his fingers digging into his arms as he looked at the men around the room. "The Emperor seems to be unfit for rule," he said calmly, impressing even himself. "Would you not agree?"

"Yes, sir," they all agreed in unison, easing some of Vader's nerves.

"Good," he replied, his thoughts moving away from his anxiety and back to his own plans. "Now, the three of you will join me on Felucia. We will group there with the others and begin these matters. Do not speak of this outside this room, until we group on Felucia with the others. You all know the plan thus far and will handle it accordingly."

"Yes, Lord Vader," they all agreed again, giving him their own personal salute, before they exited the room one by one.

Vader nodded again pleased as each of them exited, although his arms tightened once more around his chest. It was his only clue of his confliction. Besides that, he remained still and confident on the outside, but inside he was is disarray. He could no longer deny it: It was peculiar– unusual even. The Emperor was up to something and he had to figure out what. Even more so, he had to do something about it… Most of the men seemed to be faithful to Vader, the clones especially, but he knew he needed more than that. He knew he needed help… and he knew just whom he had to call.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his comlink. "Triple-Zero," he spoke into the device. "The time has come. I need you to make contact."

"Yes, Master Vader," came his immediate and clear reply. "It would be my pleasure."

There has only been you.

But what did that mean? What did he mean? Why were those words so important in his confession?

There has only been you.

She smiled. Did he mean? He only cared about her? That he only had feelings for her?

There has only been you.

Her smile grew. It widened until her cheeks hurt. Had it really been only her? Had she been his only one?

Am I his only one? His first love? His first partner? His first everything?

The thoughts overtook her mind, time passing, but the words remaining the same as the ideas surrounding them continued to change – until they made sense. The words had confused her at first, but then they had echoed within her mind clearly– to their deepest potential. It wasn't the confession she was looking for, but now she understood that it was better than anything she could have hoped.

Padmé smiled at his words, falling back onto the mattress and smiling like a schoolgirl as they continued to echo within her mind. She felt a new sense of empowerment– of pride. There had only been her. She had only been with him. He had only been with her. They were truly lovers– just like she wanted– only far more complicated. But it still was what she wanted, right? Maybe? Maybe not? It was still too complicated to tell.

She wanted to continue to talk to him and prayed he would be in the mood – although with each passing minute she highly doubted. He would come back as always with a sour mood, a bad temper, and a less than understanding attitude… if he even came back at all. She counted in her mind as each second passed her by, turning into minutes and then hours. When she was sure he wasn't coming, she decided to busy herself with simple tasks, wishing for another change of clothes besides her horrid and heavy dress.

Ignoring the annoyance, in an attempt to preoccupy herself, she made the bed that she had destroyed, fluffing the pillows and readjusting the sheets, all while trying not to think of the man she wished would be in it with her. Pushing the thoughts away, she redid her braid multiple times before settling on the original one that she had started with, a simple braid that came across to her chest. Then, her stomach growled. A large gurgle that would have made anyone embarrassed, her hands quickly finding their spot on her belly to feel the shaking within and reminding her of the fact that she hadn't eaten. Remembering that Triple-Zero had previous gotten her food, she walked to the small living area, finding a small and cold pile of a poor excuse of food.

Gross. No, thank you!

She pushed it away, hating to waste a meal, but guessed it hardly had anything relating to real nutrition. It couldn't be a real waste. With a small, discouraged groan, she retreated back to Vader's bedroom with an empty stomach. She didn't know how long she would have to wait for him, but she was beginning to feel impatient. She didn't know whether to shower, sleep, or try to escape– although all three sounded equally less appealing and contradictive to what she wanted to accomplish. Though, out of the three, the bed sounded the most appealing. Moving towards the bed, she decided to at least be comfortable as she starved to death waiting for him– that was, until something caught her eye. A strange feeling called her towards the bedside, tiny particles glimmering in the light and a strange whisper reaching her ears.

Moving closer, she inspected the items that he had disposed of on the small bedside table before their talk, nothing looking too important and most of it even resembling junk. It was all small and dirty, sand across the table as well and between the items. There were small mechanical pieces within the mix, some bolts, wires, spare parts, and odd tools; as well as two comlinks that were unsurprisingly disconnected. But it was the outlier that caught Padmé's true attention, a carved piece of wood that seemed too important and too intricate to be placed along with the rest. She picked up the small wooden piece and turned it over in her hands, inspecting the strange carving engraved within it. Something about the piece pulled to her, it was unique and so very beautiful.

But what is it?

"Its a japor snippet," Vader said, causing her to jump back as she realized he was standing within the room with her. Her wide eyes moved to him in the corner of the room, before looking back to his small procession in her hand with the same anxiety. She looked at him again, an apology on her lips, but noted that he didn't seem mad; in fact, he moved forward to join her. "It's for good luck," he continued. "It's meant to bring the person who wears it good fortune."

She frowned slightly as he paused beside her, taking in his words, but not understanding them out of his mouth– a Sith Lord. "And you have it?"

"It is a legend, senator," he said, his voice demeaning and somewhat annoyed, although she was sure it was not intentional. "I nearly carved it to pass the time."

Her mouth nearly dropped open his statement, her frown fading as she looked at the intricate and beautiful piece compared to the Sith beside her. "You," she breathed. "You made this?"

His hooded head moved and she could feel his gaze move over her, unable to understand her confusion and amazement. "Yes," he replied simply, although his inner reaction lingered in the air.

She almost laughed at his confusion, but allowed him his dignity and explained. "It's gorgeous," she said, turning it over in her hands. "I didn't know you could do this."

Vader made a sound in his throat as he turned away, seemingly not amused with the conversation. "If you like it," he commented without true interest. "You may keep it."

He surprised her once again, and she looked up from the snippet to his back. "I can?" she asked, unable to hide her amazement. "Are you sure?"

"Seems only right," he replied as he paused at the opposite table across the room, his back to her as he busied himself with other things. "I thought about you while carving it."

She tried not to react to his yet another confession, while also not trying to think about his bombshell of a pervious one, but no force in the galaxy could stop the huge smile that erupted across her face: an all teeth, cheek hurt, eye crunching smile. She felt as if she could walk on water– maybe even fly. As silly as it might be, the two confessions meant the world to her, and her hands pressed themselves hard against her face to suppress any squeals of joy that would betray her.

Calm down.

She took a deep breath, finding her inner strength as she calmed her emotions – and her hormones. It seemed Vader didn't understand the meaning behind his words, but than again, she was beginning to think he never did. So she settled for what he could give, even without him fully knowing it, and watched as he unclipped his lightsaber from his belt.

"So," she said, trying to strike up a conversation as she stepped around the corner of the bed to be closer to him. "Where were you?"

"Busy," came his short reply, but unlike usual, it was unable to dent her happiness. She was too happy to be ruined by his mood swings, but she could also tell that his foul mood was not directed towards her– a positive point in her corner.

She nodded, her eyes moving to the ground and back again, pushing her braid behind her head as she sat on top of the bed. She gave him his needed space as he continued his own deeds, feeling a strange mix of emotions pouring off his body, not entirely cold, but large enough to overwhelm even the least Force-sensitive person. She wondered what had happened to make him this way?

"So I never asked," she tried again. "How was your– mission?"

"Adequate," he replied, with the same short tone, Vader still not looking at her, but still unable to lessen her mood.

"That bad, huh?"

"Hmm."

He didn't completely shut her out, but he also didn't allow her in. They were standing on a borderline, but she would take his short replies compared to silence any day. Though, it still pained her. Padmé knew something was wrong. She could feel it, but she could also see it. She took a moment to inspect him, her eyes traveling his cloaked body, and she could tell just from the way he was standing that the frustration was back upon his shoulders. Even just standing there he looked tense, somehow even looking shorter than his usual tall height. For whatever reason, his stressful state was back, and his short replies just reinforced what she already knew.

"So," she pressed again, careful not to cross the line, but hoping to get her Vader back. "What's happening?"

He turned to her then, although he was still hardly visible. "A new destination has been set," he said, although his voice held more professionalism than she liked. "The star destroyer made the jump into light speed some time ago. We should be there in an hour."

"Where?"

He moved closer, taking two large steps until he was at the edge of the bed. "Felucia," he said, answering the question quickly. Vader dimmed the lights of the room, making it dramatically darker but not blinding. He sat down on top of the bed, not bothering to pull back his hood but allowing his face to be seen as he laid his whole body against the mattress.

"I've never been," Padmé added, trying not to truly react to Vader's sudden movements, while also disrupting the fact that she too laid down on top of the bed, making sure to keep a safe distance between the two of them. "I've heard it's a very unique planet though– very beautiful."

He didn't open his eyes or give any indication that he was listening, but as always he surprised her. "Just another world in the mists of many with the same problems that infest the universe."

Padmé took in his words for a moment, laying her head back to mimic his stance beside her as her shoulder's touched the mattress and her eyes met the ceiling. Had she always been so blind? Had he always been so forthcoming? Vader didn't know it, but he gave so much away with his words: his hatred and his discontentment. Even now, he seemed annoyed, but he wasn't truly angry– not like usual anyways. He gave that away with his actions and his statements, each one pointing to the correct correspondence of his emotions.

She didn't know how to respond, but she didn't really want to. She just wanted to be able to move forward and he needed time. Time that she could give him– but who would make the move to step forward? She closed her eyes for a moment, trying not to think about their earlier conversation, but oh, how very hard that was. It was hard to not think about it– about him and everything that had happened between them. The hatred. The sex. The false pregnancy. The savings. The confessions. She just wanted to move on– to have more– to understand.

The feeling of the mattress moving beneath her brought Padmé out of her thoughts and she opened her eyes just in time to catch the movement of Vader nearing her. "Stop," she flinched away, almost upon instinct. "Don't you remember I have my cycle?"

Vader frowned, his eyes opening and staring at her, his mouth remaining ajar for a small moment before it formed words. "I must have done something great to offend you."

"What?" she asked, confused by his comment. She understood that his movement hadn't been as large as she had previously assumed, his body hardly had moved and his eyes had still been closed, but what did he mean?

He seemed serious enough, the lines on his face pronounced by his frown and his yellow eyes burning. "For you to think that I merely want sex every time I near you," he answered, his voice almost bitter.

She was taken back, not expecting his response. She opened and shut her mouth twice with no true words. "I– I just thought–

"Yes," he replied annoyed, closing his eyes and placing his head back upon his pillow. "I know what you thought."

"I didn't mean it like that."

He didn't answer, but Padmé didn't expect him to, kicking herself for forcing him to become silence, accidently crossing the line.

"What did you want?" she pressed, moving onto her side, but keeping the distance between them.

He didn't open his eyes, but his expression changed to one that was far more neutral. "Nothing, Senator," he said, his voice also void of emotion, practically a whisper within the room.

"Vader," she said again, receiving no response.

His eyes remained shut, but his body remained as tense as ever. She watched as his stomach moved up and down, his steady breathing audible within the room. He didn't move beyond that, not even a flinch. It was as if he was a statue– somewhere in another world. In fact…

"Are– Are you meditating?" Padmé asked aloud, suddenly drawing the conclusion that Vader was actually not truly ignoring her, but trying to calm himself within the Force. It was something she had seen the Jedi do many times, for many different reasons, but she had never truly seen a Sith Lord do such a relaxing action.

"Trying and failing, Senator," he replied, his voice somewhat distant, but also somewhat soft.

"Oh," she breathed, realizing her suspicious were true. It was the first time she felt as if she was intruding on his peace, an actual nuisance to him. "I can leave," she said quickly, moving away from his on the bed. "I don't want to disturb you."

She felt an invisible hand grab onto her arm, stopping her from leaving. Seconds later, Vader took a deep breath without disrupting himself of his state. "As of right now," he said, "your presence is soothing."

She shook her head, not entirely believing his words. "I should go," she whispered, her eyes on his closed ones.

"Stay," he replied in return, the word a request, but not a demand on his lips. "Don't go."

She nodded silently, knowing he would know her answer, and as always, he did.

As the presence of the invisible grip moved away, she returned to her same position, rolling onto her side beside him, but keeping the distance between them. She didn't think about his words, but instead watched him with a frown remaining on her face. His third confession was the last thing on her mind, her only thoughts on his own growing scowl. He seemed unable to find peace– frustrated and despite to find some relief– even going as far to ask her to stay with him. The same frustration was placed across his features with double the amount of stress. Whatever had happened before in addition to whatever had happened while he was gone was beginning to take its toll on his usually handsome face and his strong body. She wanted to help him… but didn't know how.

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."

The memory of the dream surfaced within her mind before she could stop it, causing the blood to rush to her cheeks and her eyes to flicker to Vader. She breathed a sign of relief that he seemed to not be listening in on her thoughts, but still the blood remained in her face. She remembered stories from Dormé as well– all too well. All of her best friend's encounters with men and the "too much information" she would tell Padmé about her encounters. From Padmé's knowledge she knew that men enjoyed that sort of play with sexual partners. Vader always seemed a little less stressed after having sex, but would a hand job really do that for him? Or worse, would he even like it?

Maybe I could try?

She took a deep breath shaking the thought away. She couldn't do that. She didn't know how and certainly didn't know how to even suggestion the idea. It was a stupid plan and Vader would never go for it. She just wanted to relieve him of his frustration, not give him an orgasm.

"You want to know how my relationships work?" Dormé said, moving closer to Padmé. "I take him in my mouth whenever he needs it. Give him real relief, you know? Does wonders for him and our relationship."

Padmé blushed harder upon her thoughts, remembering Dormé's words. She could never do that! The thought had always repulsed her, she was a Queen, a highly respectable woman and senator, and she would never get on her knees for someone. Especially not to do– that!

Besides, she didn't even know how. She didn't even know what to do. She would probably end up just embarrassing herself regardless of the decision she chose. She could just image! It would be a nightmare. Vader would laugh at her and compare her to all the lovers before her. She could never compare. He was so experienced and so–

There has been only you.

The words echoed loud and clear within her mind, reminding her of the truth: there was only her. She couldn't be compared because there was only her– he had only had her. He only cared for her. He wasn't experienced he was just like her. They were in this together– learning together. They were each other's first for everything– and maybe even this. She wanted more… and maybe this once the chance to take it into her own hands and take what she wanted, herself.

She moved slowly closer to him, her mind a storm, before she decided to take control– and allow whatever to unfold naturally. She leaned her body over him, rolling her chest slightly against his own to create some friction. He opened his eyes just as she pressed her lips against his own. She kissed him softly, only for a second, then again, and again. She placed small pecks of kisses against his lips before she pressed her lips fully against his own, their lips forming together like a perfect puzzle piece.

"Senator," he gasped in between breath, giving her a stern look. "What are you doing?"

"I'm kissing you," she replied, trying to hide her raspy need as she forced her chest harder against his own.

She pressed her lips against his again, feeling as his lips responded completely back. Without stopping their kiss, she pushed herself onto her knees, moving over top of him and placing each leg on each side of his hips. Her tongue pushed into his mouth as she made herself comfortable on his lap. His hands didn't move, only rested against her hips as her hands grabbed onto his hair. Her fingers curled between his locks, pushing his hood completely back as she continued to pull at greasy curls. Instinctively as their kisses continued, her hips began to grind, pressing her core closer to the member that it craved just below the small barrier.

"Senator," he growled, his tone a warning, but she smiled against his teeth hearing his need for her laced within.

She pulled away from him, only slightly, and she felt him instantly respond, his eyes opening to inspect her.

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a second as she calmed her nerves. "I said no sex," she whispered, her eyes on him and completely serious. "But I want you to be relaxed and less tense."

Vader frowned, but not like usual. This time, it was filled with bewilderment, his eyes remaining wide, but the side of his lips curling from amusement. His eyebrows lowered against his eyes in frustrated deprived need and his body reacted without a cure. "This isn't helping."

"I know," Padmé whispered, almost sheepishly, "but let me help you."

He frowned at her, his head turning to the side in confusion, unable to decipher the meaning of her words.

Padmé thanked the Force for his confusion, also knowing that it gave him less time to stop her. She took a deep breath and began to inch her way farther away from him, moving very slowly before she paused right below his knees. She looked at him for a moment, her own scared eyes taking in his increased confusion before her shaky hands moved towards the restraints of his pants.

Before she even touched the fabric, his hands found hers almost instantly, halting whatever she was planning. "Senator," he said, trying to hide the panic within his voice. "What are you doing?"

Padmé held onto his hands that enclosed hers for support, peaking up at him as she moved both their hands closer to her intended target. "Do you trust me?" Padmé breathed, a small mischievous grin across her face as she watched Vader's eyes flicker to his crotch to her suspiciously.

A ridiculous look of boyish fear erupted across his face, before he shook her head. "No," he said. "Not down there I don't."

She could tell it was a tease and she smiled, her smiling growing, as Vader's own white teeth shined below her with the same expression. Unweaving her hands from his own, she placed her fingers on top of his hips for support, leaning back to her full height on top of her knees as she looked seriously down upon him.

"Unzip me," she said, finding her confidence as she raised a challenging eyebrow down at him.

He swallowed hard and Padmé could feel another reaction beneath her. "Senator," he warned again, his smile gone and replaced by raspy need.

"Please," she said, massaging his hips in a way that just felt right.

He closed his eyes beneath her, but the zipper moved down her back slowly, Vader using the Force to answer her command. It inched its way down, the feeling somewhat erotic as the small device continued to move on its own and the cold air touched Padmé's hot skin. When the zipper reached the end of its line, Padmé grabbed the bottom of her dress and pulled it over her head, feeling a new sense of control. She threw it to the corner of the room, no longer embarrassed but thriving as a low growl rumbled from within her lover.

He was already growing hard from the increasing budge beneath his pants, but she could suddenly see nervousness cross his features, though she wasn't sure for which aspect: the entire idea or just her with his penis.

Though, she felt the same way. "Just trust me… I'm nervous too," she whispered, pressing her hand against the bulge and only hearing a groan in return.

She pushed up his tunic that laid across the area she desired, her hands immediately finding their way back to the crotch of his pants. She undid each restraint, then did the same to his underwear beneath– boxers, which she quietly noted – allowing his most sensitive member to spring free from it's confines.

She felt her eyes practically dilate as she took in his size, trying her best not to further react, in fear that he would have a change of heart. She wrapped her hand gently around him, hearing his deep sigh as he surrendered to her, his body reacting to her touch and his head falling back onto the pillow. She wasn't exactly sure what to do, but she wanted to please him. She began to stroke him up and down, her gaze turning between her own work and his face for any clue of pleasure.

"Is that okay?" she asked completely sheepishly, unsure and afraid of her own actions and his answer.

He remained calm, but even through the way he laid against the mattress Padmé could see that none of the tension in his body had lifted– in fact, there may have been more. It was a depressing thought, but she had only just begun.

His hand wrapped around her own, the spark firing between them as their fingers touch, Padmé not knowing when or how he had removed his glove from his flesh hand. His fingers laid above hers, holding her smaller hand around his member, showing her how to please him. He tightened her grasp around his shaft, moving in a quicker pace up and down his member. She could feel him move beneath her and feel as his body react, the reaction she wanted– but not at the extent that she wanted it. He let go of her fingers when she found her pace, her hand moving without his own and Vader's breath becoming deeper but not at all less frustrated.

"You've done this before, Lord Vader?" she teased as she continued with her work.

"Quite recently," he breathed, his voice muffled but controlled– too controlled for her liking. "Someone is a kriffing tease."

"Tease?" Padmé smiled with her confidence, raising an eyebrow at her unsuspecting victim. "We'll have to see about that."

She felt no hesitation, because she was his only one. There has been only you. They were learning together- experiencing together. He was not comparing her to past lovers– he was only thinking of her. She remembered that– and it fueled her. She wanted more, and she would make the first steps of giving, so maybe he would give a little in return. She cared for him – more than words could explain– and she wanted him to see that.

He didn't time to notice her change– or even try to stop her– as she suddenly dropped farther onto her knees before him, taking him into her mouth and listen as he released a large gasp in response. She wasted no time, moving her head up and down, doing as Dormé had instructed her in a lesson she was now not regretting. She sucked and licked at his body, doing whatever felt best to catalyst his ease of frustration. After a few gentle sucks, she pulled her head away, peaking through her eyelashes to take in Vader's reaction. She was slightly disappointed to see that he hardly looked relaxed, but possibly even more frustrated. His head was titled back, his jaw locked, and eyes were closed tight, obviously taking in the sensations she was causing but also fighting them. She didn't want him to fight them– he wanted to feel them. She had to be doing something right and knew if she continued, she might be able to get him to react.

If he is even feeling anything…

She moved back to his most sensitive area, stroking him again like he had shown her. She felt the doubt rising within her stomach and the fear bubbling in her throat. She leaned back down to him with sudden nerves, causing her to graze his member just along the tip.

He flinched instantly and his hips jerked up. "Careful, Senator," he growled, giving her the reaction she needed.

"Sorry," she whispered, but smiled regardless because she knew he was feeling what she was doing– and would soon react. She was though partly sorry for almost biting him and without thinking she placed a quick peck on his member, causing a sweet chuckle to be released from his mouth, an actual smile tugging on his lips.

She licked the side of his member, her tongue traveling the vein that ran from base to top. She heard him release a moan and it soon became her fuel, her first crack within the shell that was needed to break open. She took him farther into her mouth, moving up and down, taking his faster and deeper than before.

"Sen–Senator," he warned his voice broken, but she was too thrilled to stop, pushing away a smile as she continued to work. She did the action again, and again, until she felt him unravel beneath her. The powerful man before her bowing down to her will. She felt the moment lost control within her mouth, followed by the sound of Vader's moan, and the strange taste that entered soon after.

She swallowed quickly, taking a last long lick for good measure, before pulling away and wiping her mouth. She smiled down at Vader as she pushed herself onto her knees, her lover, one moment completely unraveled, the next completely recovered.

"Are you alright?" he asked, pushing himself into a sitting position and forcing her to straddle his hips once more. His hands moved to her cheeks, before moving into her braided hair, and finally resting behind her head. He held her, but his eyes scanned every part of her body, his eyes truly concerned and panicked.

She smiled upon his reaction, watching as he continued to inspect her for a few moments, but also taking not to his seemingly less frustrated body. When he seemed to become satisfied with his search of her, he let out a loud sigh of relief and kissed her deeply against the lips. He pulled back just enough to put some space between them; his boyish smile glowing like she loved. "Where in Sith's hell did you ever get an idea like that?" he asked, his finger running across her lips. "You're just full of surprises today, milady."

Padmé smiled, dwelling within his reaction– and wanting nothing more than to keep him this way: carefree and happy. "Can I do that again?" she giggled, Vader's face immediately disbanding as his mouth literally fell to the ground. Padmé laughed wildly upon his reaction, her own hands finding their way into his long hair and pressing her lips against his own. "Hey, you said I was full of surprises."

Author's Note: So sorry for the long, long wait guys. I really hated this chapter and rewrote it so many times that I wasn't sure what worked and what didn't. On top of that school has been crazy, and my health too. I had trouble with the site taking the chapter too, which is no surprise. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed! Sending out much love! Review please!