Chapter 2

She woke suddenly and found herself tucked into her bed in her senate apartment. The room was dark and eerily silent. She became aware that she had been changed into her nightgown, the one she wore her time with Anakin on Naboo right before they left for Tatooine to save his mother. It was always his favorite; he must have been the one to change her. She doubted one of the clones would dare undress her, knowing Vader's temperament. The medicine they had given her after the twins were born really knocked her out hard and she decided no matter if she was in pain or not, she wouldn't be taking that again. The fact they made her sleep so hard she didn't feel herself being carried home or even changed. The flowers that were given to her on the ship were now in a vase beside her bed as she reached out and gently touched one, she found herself smiling. This was her Ani, not the monster Vader. The way she was tucked lovingly and protectively into bed with her favorite flowers placed beside her was something he had done several times upon having to leave her in the middle of the night.

It was then she saw him, or at least the outline of him in the darkness, sitting silent and still in the corner of the room just watching her. She couldn't help but have a small gasp of surprise come out when she first noticed him. She could feel the intensity radiating off him but wasn't sure with what emotion. Was he seething in anger or filled with guilt over what had happened on Mustafar. Had he been told that she had lost the child like she had told Bly? She pulled the blanket up higher feeling a chill as he still was not moving or even speaking.

"A…Ani?"

"You slept for a long time…. What… Why were the medicating you so strongly?" His voice sounded rougher, darker even, but she could hear the concern and worry in his words.

"They had me on pain meds… for my injuries…. And a sedative for anxiety after, the baby…." She continued to watch him cautiously, still unable to see anything but his frame in the shadows. The longer it went without a response the more anxious she felt.

"I…. Never meant to harm you….. I was… Hurt by your betrayal but I … I'll never harm you again, I promise you."

"Betrayal? What did I do Anakin?! I came to you…. To save you from the path you have chosen for yourself… for us. I didn't know Obi Wan followed me. How could you ever think that?"

"Just like I had nothing to Worry about with Clovis? Before finding you in his arms and you turning on me for protecting what is mine!" He stood up and came closer as he yelled, only enough so the right side of his face was now visible to her.

Obi Wan told her of his injuries and she knew he would have a hard time showing her. When He lost his arm to Dooku or when he got the scar over his eye from Asajj he acted as though it was something shameful. That somehow it would make her less attracted to him to make her love him less. If only he could understand that she loved him and not just his physical but everything and nothing would change that, even all that he has done. That fact shamed her, if she could still love this man after attacking her, after killing children, what did that make her?

"I had no interest in Clovis…. He made a move and I was pushing him away. You scared me that day Anakin. It was the first time I thought you capable of, well doing what you did to me on the landing platform." She could see the regret flash in his now yellow eyes and the expression on his face soften.

"…. Angel…. I …. This path is the one I needed to protect you…. You being here alive proves I made the right choice."

"At what cost Anakin? You helped destroy what I have fought for my whole life. You trusted a tyrant over your friends, over me. We lost our child because of this."

"The Emperor kept his word to me, you live. He didn't tell me the cost would be our child and for that he will pay. I need him still, but I promise you we will rule this galaxy before long. You are good…. You are the light and Ill allow you the freedom to run things to the way you see fit. I will focus on the military and protecting our empire. You will see…"

"I don't want that Anakin…."

"I am your husband, you belong to me, and you will stand by my side and follow the path I have laid out Senator."

He always called her Senator when he was angry with her, the condescending tone he now spoke to her she knew pushing the issue harder, at least right now would take her nowhere. She needed time to learn all the ways he has changed before she could figure out the best course of action. Besides even though the twins lived the pain of having to give them up was still overwhelming and the last thing she wanted to do with him is run him off due to a fight. She needed her husband right now, even if he is the cause of everything he is also the only one she wanted to seek comfort in.

"Ani…. I need you…. Please hold me." The words came out a whisper as she felt the tears falling. As she cried and begged for him all the anger melted from his face and she could see the blue returning to his beautiful eyes. Though she could see he wanted to come to her he hesitated.

"Lay down on your side Angel…. Look towards the wall."

She didn't have the energy to question him and simply did as he asked. He snuck back into the darkness of the room and came up behind her crawling under the covers and wrapping his strong arms around her.

"Just…. Don't look at me…"

She instantly felt comforted by the warmth of his body as he pulled her to him holding her body tightly against his. His spicy scent overwhelmed her senses and memories of happier times of her walking up to him slipping into the bed the exact same way. Those nights would always lead to passionate love making and end with him falling a sleep wrapped around her. She always felt so safe in those moments, he made her feel so desirable and so cherished. She said a silent prayer hoping to be able to get him back, to go back to those nights. Maybe even get their children back. It was going to take time and a lot of energy. She would have to play everything just right or risk making it all worse.

"Ani…."

"Sleep now Angel…. I'm here."

She felt his hand move up and gently brush the hair away from her face before gently kissing down the side of her neck.

"I'm sorry about our Son… I wish I could have met him."

These were the last words she heard before falling back to sleep, the ping of guilt throbbing in her stomach.