Anakin held onto Padme's hand as she focused on her breathing. He knew they were close and he was getting excited as the time ticked by. He glanced at the monitor noticing the contraction was dropping. "You're almost there, Angel."
"You're never touching me again," Padme gritted between her teeth as Anakin watched her with a grin.
"You're cute when you're being sarcastic," Anakin smirked teasingly as Padme glared at him. "You're more beautiful now then when we got married."
"Nice recovery, Ani," Padme smirked as he bent over and kissed her on the forehead as she started gritting her teeth again. The contractions were closer then they were three hours ago. He was excited and nervous at the same time.
"Padme, let's see how you're doing," the nurse commented as she walked into the room. "Mr. Skywalker, would you mind waiting outside?"
"Sure, if she's going to deliver I want to be here," Anakin commented as he walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. He leaned against the door as Obi-Wan and Ahsoka approached him with a smile.
"Well?" Ahsoka questioned with a curious expression.
"Not yet, I think she's getting close. The contractions are two minutes apart, she's close," Anakin answered honestly as he placed a hand onto Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Obi-Wan, I want you to think of my children as your grandchildren."
"I would be honored," Obi-Wan grinned. "I appreciate it, Anakin. Thank you."
"Ahsoka, I hope you don't mind being called Auntie Ahsoka?" Anakin questioned with a hopeful smile.
"I would be delighted," Ahsoka smiled in agreement as the nurse walked out and turned her attention to Anakin with a slight smile.
"Padme is close to delivering. I'm going to get the doctor," the nurse announced as she walked away as Ahsoka and Obi-Wan looked at Anakin.
"I gotta get in there," Anakin felt nervous excited as his anxiety inched up a few more notches. "I'm nervous and excited."
"Good luck, Anakin. We'll be here," Obi-Wan gave a reassuring expression as Anakin nodded his thanks before slipping back into the room. The nurse and doctor rushed in behind him as the doctor quickly checked Padme over with a nod.
"You're doing beautifully, Padme everything looks good," the doctor spoke with a smile. "It's almost time."
Anakin approached her bed as she leaned against the pillow with a sigh of relief. He took her hand into his as she gave him a tired smile. "I love you more now then ever for going through this."
Padme gritted her teeth as two nurses and the doctor walked back in wearing gloves and masks as the doctor looked up at Anakin. "Anakin, this is where you're going to need to help keep Padme focused."
"All right."
Ahsoka paced back and forth as Obi-Wan sat calmly in the corner. She was worried, what if something happened to Padme and the twins? What if something went wrong. Anakin would be devastated. She felt calming soothing thoughts enter her mind as she glanced at Obi-Wan with a smile.
"Everything will be fine, Ahsoka. If you keep that up you'll wear a hole in the floor," Obi-Wan teased as she sensed two new powerful life forms enter the back of her mind as she felt Anakin go supernova in the Force causing her to smile.
A few minutes later Anakin walked out of the room as he walked over to Obi-Wan and hugged him tightly. "I'm a father, Obi-Wan."
"Congratulations Anakin," Obi-Wan returned the hug as Ahsoka approached Anakin.
"How is Padme doing?" Ahsoka questioned with a curious expression as she hugged Anakin.
"She's doing fine, she did very well. They're in the process of cleaning her and the triplets up," Anakin answered as he returned the hug. "I'm thrilled."
"Triplets?" Obi-Wan questioned with a frown. "Luke and Leia never mentioned…."
"Two boys and one girl," Anakin commented with a frown. "We weren't expecting this. Only two are Force sensitive."
"Oh," Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow as Ahsoka glanced at him with a curious expression as Anakin's face turned to worry. "Is something wrong?" He questioned in concern as Anakin shook his head.
"The third baby is severally under developed," Anakin stared at the floor as Obi-Wan looked suddenly concerned. "The doctor is not sure he'll survive the night."
"I'm sorry, Anakin. What about Luke and Leia?" Obi-Wan questioned in concern.
"They're healthy," Anakin said in a reassured tone.
"Anakin, if there is anything I can do," Obi-Wan spoke with a concerned expression.
"Thanks Obi-Wan," Anakin muttered as the nurse walked out with a serious expression as he noticed his former apprentice stiffen. "Is there any news?"
"Padme is asking for you," the nurse explained with a frown. "She's attempting to feed the twins at the moment. They have your other son in an incubator. We will have nurses monitor him around the clock. We'll make arrangements to bring him back to Padme's room after the doctor accesses him."
"Thank you for everything," Anakin walked back into Padme's recovery room as Obi-Wan glanced at Ahsoka with a concerned expression as she sat down in a chair with a frown. This must be part of the change for Luke and Leia slipping back through time.
Halfway through the night the third baby passed away as Anakin held the baby in his arms. He was expecting twins but the triplet came as a surprise to everyone even the doctors who never detected him on the ultra sound. "I'm sorry, my son. I guess it was never meant to be," he gently kissed the tiny forehead as tears slipped down his cheeks. He still had the twins to look after and Padme.
"Ani?" Padme questioned as she walked up beside him and glanced down. "He passed away, didn't he?"
"A few minutes ago," Anakin answered as he handed the baby over. Padme gently kissed him on the forehead. "We still have Luke and Leia who need us."
"I know," Padme agreed as she gently laid the tiny baby down. She turned around and buried her head into Anakin's shoulder as he gently stroked her back. She started shaking as sobs escaped her as he tightened his hold on her as he felt his heart break in two.
Anakin held Luke in one arm and held Leia in the other arm as Obi-Wan performed a midichlorian count on them. Obi-Wan whistled as he glanced up with a shocked expression.
"Anakin, their counts are off the charts like yours is," Obi-Wan commented with a frown. "This is amazing."
"I'm the chosen one of the Force, did you expect any less?" Anakin teased with a small smile as he handed Luke over to Obi-Wan. "Your grandson wants you."
Obi-Wan took Luke from Anakin's arms as he shifted Leia into a more comfortable position. "Thanks."
"You and Padme have your hands full," Obi-Wan commented with a smile as he looked down at Luke. "I don't know if the galaxy is ready for two more Skywalkers."
"Funny," Anakin smirked as he kissed Leia on the forehead. "She's my baby girl."
"I pity the man who attempts to date her," Ahsoka teased as she walked into the room. "He would have to get past Anakin and his lightsaber first," she paused for a second as Anakin chuckled. "How are Padme and you holding up?"
"We're going to take it one day at a time," Anakin answered honestly. "No one knew she was carrying triplets and he was barely two pounds and severally under developed. He was the reason Padme went into labor early. His heart was failing when the doctor delivered him. It's difficult but…. There was nothing that could be done. We're holding up okay."
"I'm sorry, Anakin," Ahsoka reached for Leia. "If you or Padme need anything, even if just to talk…"
"Thanks Ahsoka," Anakin handed Leia over with a soft smile. "I really appreciate it. I wonder how their future selves have made out."
Luke opened his eyes and slowly sat up as he glanced beside him at Leia who wasn't there causing alarm to flood through him. He turned his attention to Yavin Four filling the view of Jade's Shadow. It still looked the same way before the Yuuzhan Vong invaded. There was no military or signals coming from the planet below. Maybe she's waking up where ever she's supposed to be. Or he hoped that was the case.
Luke glanced down at his body noticing he looked young again causing his breath to catch in his throat. Ben…. He stood up and glanced behind him as his eyes widened in shock. He wasn't there. Ben? He rushed to the back of the ship with panic and fear flooding him as a tiny voice started crying out. "Ben?"
"Yes Luke, it's Ben your son," Mara snapped sarcastically. She paused for a second gauging him with a critical eye causing Luke to swallow hard. "Are you all right, Luke? You're acting weird."
"I'm fine," Luke lied through his teeth. Mara looked like she was about to object then changed her mind as he gave a reassuring smile. "What are we doing at Yavin Four?"
"We are on our way to Corellia for Han and Leia's anniversary, remember?" Mara questioned as Luke raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you forgot," she teased as Luke shook his head. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," Luke answered honestly as he picked up Ben from Mara as she reached up pressing her hand against his forehead. "Mara, I'm not running a fever."
"Then why haven't we made the final jump to Corellia?" Mara questioned as Ben settled down in his arms. "Why are we just sitting here?"
"I…" Luke glanced down at Ben recognizing the expression in his sons eyes. "I'm going to lay down."
Mara stood up and walked towards the cockpit as Luke sat down in the chair she just evacuated. "Well Ben, it looks like things really have changed. Maybe we won't have to deal with Yuuzhan Vong on a physical level."
Ben smiled and waved his tiny hands in the air as if agreeing with him. He sensed his son in the back of his mind making a comment about being trapped in an infant body causing Luke to smile. "Sorry kid, it appears that way. There is an upside to this. For me anyways, I get to do something most people don't get to do in their life time. I get to raise you a second time."
Luke sensed Ben's displeasure at the moment as Luke leaned down and kissed Ben's forehead. "I love you, Ben."
/Love you too, dad./ Ben commented to him through the Force.
Luke just hoped Leia really was on Corellia with Han. He felt the ship leap into hyperspace as he held Ben in his arms. He was a little surprised they were celebrating on Corellia especially after Han refused to return.
Leia opened her eyes and blinked them several times. She remembered being on the ship with Luke just before making the jump through the worm hole. She turned on her side only to find Han's back against her own causing her to grin as she ran her hands up and down his body just the way he liked it. He moaned happily causing her to smile in turn. "Han?"
"Yes sweetheart?" Han questioned as he rolled over giving her one of his roguish grins causing her heart to melt.
Leia's smile turned to a frown as she noticed he looked far younger then she remembered causing her to glance down at her own body. She looked thirty again?
"Is something wrong, sweetheart?" Han questioned as his smile turned to one of concern.
"I love you," Leia recovered with a mischief grin as she felt the urge to reach for something on the night desk without knowing why. She picked up a wrapped package as Han smirked.
"Is that for me?" Han questioned as he nuzzled her ear causing her to smile and nod as she handed him the package. She was curious about what was in it or what the special occasion was. "You didn't have to do this, sweetheart. You gifted me three beautiful children and don't need to give me anything for our anniversary."
Leia felt her heart skip a beat. She loved him so much causing her to grin. "I could always take it back," she teased as Han smirked in turn.
"On second thought," Han answered with a grin as he opened the box and smiled lovingly as he looked at the holo of Leia with their children nicely dressed. "This is beautiful, thank you," he reached over and grabbed a small box and handed it to Leia. "I hope you like it."
Leia opened the box and gasped in shock as she saw the sapphire necklace with matching earrings. "Han, how did you afford this?"
"I took on a few extra jobs repairing ships for the Republic's fleet and maybe some gambling," Han answered with a roguish grin causing her to tightly smile in turn. Some things never changed. "Its all worth it, you've given me everything I need and I wanted to show you how much you mean to me."
"Mommy mommy, Jaina and Jacen won't play with me," cried a small voice causing her to smile in relief. Anakin. It appears she's been given a second chance, maybe they can be ready for the Yuuzhan Vong this time or maybe not deal with them at all. She wasn't sure at this point.
Anakin held out his arm to Padme as she weaved hers through it as they approached Han's parent's home. Where Han and Leia planned to stay during their anniversary, they planned to head back to Coruscant in a week from now. He was very happy and excited to see his grandchildren again. Especially since Luke and Mara were bringing his youngest grandson later today.
As they approached the home on the water front he felt something shift in the Force causing him to frown. Padme glanced up at him with a curious expression.
"Ani, are you all right?" Padme questioned in concern as he shook his head.
"I just felt a disturbance in the Force," Anakin answered honestly knowing how much Padme didn't let small subtle moods get by her. Ever since she learned the potentiality of what he could become. She helped keep him on the straight and narrow. These days no one could lie to him, he was far wiser now then he was in his younger years. "I don't know what it means."
"Hopefully not too bad," Padme answered with a small smile. "Come on, Leia and Han with our grandchildren are waiting."
"Right, that smuggler of hers," Anakin muttered under his breath. If he had known he was looking for someone who was ten years older from Leia in the beginning, he would've found a better suitor. Han won him over when he learned he freed a wookiee slave by the name of Chewbacca. He was a great pilot, natural leader, a great shot with the blaster and he hated to admit this but it was like Han was a version of a non-force user.
"Anakin, you promised to be nice," Padme quickly reminded him with a sweet smile. "Or someone is sleeping on the couch tonight."
"You know me too well," Anakin gave her his best grin causing her to smirk in turn as they finished approaching the door. It swung open wide as Jonash stuck his head out with a welcoming smile.
"Anakin, Padme, it's so good to see you again," Jonash welcomed with a grin. "Come in, the love birds are up and about already and the grandchildren are playing out back."
"Its wonderful to see you, Jon," Anakin said with a grin as he held out his hand as Jonash pulled him into a hug instead.
"We're family, we should behave like one," Jonash pointed out with a grin as he hugged Padme. A minute later they entered the small house as Jaina, Han's mother walked out. "Hello Jaina, how are you?"
"Wonderful," Jaina answered with a soft smile as she hugged each. "Han and Leia should be out in a minute. I know the grandchildren are excited since they heard you were coming."
"I'm sure they are," Anakin sat down in one of the chairs that was in the living room as little Jaina rushed out of the room and jumped into Anakin's arms. "Hello sweetheart. Are you behaving for mommy and daddy?"
"Yes grandpa, we tied up Anakin in the back, he wouldn't leave Jasa and me a lone," Jaina explained as Anakin frowned in turn as he picked up Jaina and placed her on feet on the floor.
"Jaina, what have I told you about tying up your sibling?" Anakin questioned with a frown.
"Not to do it," Jaina answered honestly.
"Anakin wants someone to play with," Anakin explained in his patient tone. "Go and untie your brother and I want both of you to apologize."
"Yes Grandpa," Jaina rushed off causing him to shake his head sadly.
Anakin glanced to the door as Han and Leia entered the room as he stood up with a warm loving smile as Leia stopped in her tracks causing him to frown. He walked towards Han and remembering his promise to Padme brought his son-in-law into a big hug. "It's good to see you, Han. Are you treating my daughter well?"
"Yes Anakin, I am treating her like the queen she deserves to be," Han answered with a grin. "How are you?"
"Good," Anakin answered as he turned his attention to Leia with a smile and brought her into a big hug as she stiffened at his contact causing him to frown. Yoda did mention that there was the possibility when Leia and Luke made the jump back through time that their former memories would return and they would wake up. "Is something wrong, Leia?"
"No dad," Leia lied causing his frown to deepen in suspicion. "I'm fine. Han got me a sapphire necklace and matching earrings for our anniversary."
"So that's why you took on those extra jobs recently," Anakin observed with a grateful smile "You love my daughter that much?"
"Yes I do," Han answered with a warm smile.
"Leia, let's go take a walk, just the two of us," Anakin suggested with a frown. "Out on the that boat dock they have outback and have a chat about what's on your mind."
"Boat dock?" Leia questioned sounding confused as Han gave her a concerned expression.
"She's been acting strange this morning," Han pointed out with a frown. "Almost like she's different and doesn't know her way around the house."
That really caused Anakin to have suspicions as he held out his arm to Leia as she gingerly accepted. He led her to the back gate that led out to the boating dock. She was never this stiff around him. Was it possible this was the other Leia, the one that had so much hatred towards him when they first met?
As soon as they were alone Leia released his arm causing him to watch her with concern as she looked around the scenery as if she was seeing it for the first time. He continued to stare and gauge her actions as she spun on her heel and faced him with the look he learned so well from her other self. This was not the baby girl he raised. He realized as he felt his heart sink.
To be continued :)
Thanks for reading :)