Three Days Later

The Nabooian ship, with everyone who was joining them as an entourage, was more crowded than was comfortable, but the passengers made do. Even two infants aboard didn't damper the spirits of those assigned to the mission and each quickly found a spot that could be made their own.

Obi-Wan had, upon seeing how crowded the cruiser was going to be, opted to take his star fighter. He'd commandeered Artoo once the nav computer coordinates had been set, leaving Anakin to deal with the logistics of where to put everyone else. Anakin promptly assigned the task to Ahsoka with the instructions that Padmé's stateroom was off limits.

The clones commandeered the cockpit, each taking a station with Lux and Ahsoka filling out the compliment. They sat in shifts, Fives and Cody pulling rank for day shift watch and leaving Rex with the teenagers for the night crew. It also meant they slept in shifts and, with Rex assigned to their little trio, it meant he and Lux shared the room they rotated through with Fives and Cody while Ahsoka used Padmé's stateroom; they'd pulled the night watch and, as such, slept while everyone else was up.

The schedule, quickly adapted, gave the occupants from breathing room.

It also, much to Anakin's delight, left the problem of his Padawan and Mister Bonteri squarely in Rex's hands until they landed. Fortunately, Lux didn't seem inclined to press his claim with the clones around.

Threepio, whom Anakin had discovered charging in Padmé's stateroom, had been left powered down for everyone's sanity. Moté, the handmaiden who'd chosen to come with Padmé into hiding rather than serve the new Senator, chose to spend much of her time with Cody and Fives in an effort to keep out of the way - and discuss plans for security upon reaching Naboo.

Anakin and Padmé spent most of their time together with the twins, Anakin learning how to distinguish his son from his daughter with barely a look when they were separated, and immersing himself for several days with his family. Part of him wished he'd exiled the rest of their entourage to another ship so he could have them to himself, but Moté's gentle help with the twins when he and Padmé were at a loss turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Without her, it would have been a much more unpleasant trip.

Padmé, with Anakin now fussing about her to sleep better and ensure it, began to lose the bags under her eyes, her spirits visibly lifting and her energy returning. The morning they were to arrive on Naboo, Anakin checked in with Fives and Cody in the cockpit.

"Meeting in the lounge," he told them without ceremony. "Engage the auto pilot; this won't take long."

They did as instructed, Anakin having caught Lux, Rex and Ahsoka before they turned in. Ahsoka, he noted with a touch of amusement, chose a seat close to Rex where Lux couldn't join her. Moté took charge of the twins, settling them in the wall mounted bassinette and staying nearby, Padmé next to her.

Anakin stood in the doorway that separated the lounge from the kitchenette, leaning one shoulder against the wall. They'd dropped out of hyperspace briefly to allow Obi-Wan to dock his fighter for this meeting and had resumed with everyone now on board.

With much amusement, Anakin had waved Obi-Wan to the 'fresher, delaying the meeting long enough for the Jedi Master to make himself presentable. The other Jedi had settled himself next to Ahsoka in the space Lux had been warned off of and was speaking with her softly.

Now, with everyone in the lounge, Anakin wasted no time. "We've three hours until we hit Naboo and I know that each of you has different ideas for how security is going to work. As no one but Padmé, Moté and myself have been to Varykino before, I'd like to hear your ideas after you've had a chance to view the place first hand. For the moment, we'll give you a brief run down. Padmé?"

Anakin noted that Fives and Cody exchanged looks while Rex just grinned; he'd seen the feisty Senator in action far too often to be surprise by Anakin turning the briefing over to her.

Padmé pushed up from her seat and extended her hand, projecting an image of Naboo into the center of the room. "When we land, Anakin and I will need to make a trip to Theed to see my parents; the rest of you will go on ahead to Varykino." She pressed a couple of buttons, zooming in on a sector of Naboo. Two red blips, a considerable distance apart, blinked on the map. "Varykino is located in Naboo's lake country, a peaceful and defensible area that lends itself to secrecy. The retreat has several cottages around the island that are occupied only a handful of times a year. Most workers on the island commute to and from small villages on a large island, here." Another button was pressed and the image of Naboo's lake country appeared, more red dots - Varykino and its residences - appeared.

"Pardon me for interrupting, Senator," Rex interjected. "But splitting the bulk of the force responsible for the safety of you and your children seems like an ill advised tactical maneuver. No offense General."

"None taken; I'd be worried if you didn't feel that way, Rex. Moté will provide a distraction to whomever might be watching. Much as we'd like otherwise, Luke and Leia won't be accompanying us to see Padmé's parents; they'll be with you for their safety."

Fives, Cody and Rex exchanged uneasy looks; bachelor's suddenly responsible for children. "Us, sir?"

"Moté will handle their care while posing as Padmé," Anakin smiled faintly. "The heat will be on you guys should anything go wrong."

"You can count on us, sir."

"Usually you don't advertize where you'll be hiding," Obi-Wan observed dryly. "Can I assume it was a part of one of your usually impulsive plans to announce our destination?"

"Of course." Anakin flashed him a grin. "Padmé and I will likely be the primary target and, as I'd rather keep the twins as far out of harm's way as possible, I'll protect her myself like always. That leaves the rest of you free to guard Luke and Leia. If you do get ambushed, I know I can trust each of you to protect them like they were your own." He slanted a glance at Lux, but didn't exclude him from the group; Padmé had convinced him to give the boy a chance. "The trip to Varykino isn't a difficult one, but it will take time."

"Upon your arrival," Padmé took back control of the session, "these three cottages around the main house are guest cabins and should be used to set up a perimeter. Lux and Ahsoka will stay in the main house with Anakin and I. My handmaidens normally stay in this cabin, but Moté will also be housed in the main house this time to free it up for the rest of you."

"Respectfully, Padmé; Master," Ahsoka cut in, glancing at her Master and then back to the Senator. "I'd rather bunk with Rex or Obi-Wan. The further we can cast out our senses, the better the chance we'll be notified of an impending attack. If we split into pairs - Rex and I, Obi-Wan with Cody and Fives with Moté - we'd have all our bases covered. Master Skywalker certainly doesn't need my help to keep you safe."

There was a moment of brief laughter.

"Sort yourselves how you feel you'll be the most effective," Anakin conceded with a grin and glance at his wife. "Rex, I'd like you to give Lux some instruction with a blaster when we arrive. He doesn't need to be proficient, but he should be able to defend himself in the event of an attack."

"Master Jedi-"

Padmé extended her hand to cut off Lux's objection. "Humor him, Lux," she told him with a faint smile. "Even I know how to shoot a blaster if the need arises."

"But... training by clones?"

The silence that followed his disdainful question was heavy and charged and Anakin narrowed his gaze at the boy as the three clones in the room stiffened. "You're along on my good graces, kid," he told him evenly. "You might want to rephrase that."

Lux stiffened, his expression one of displeasure for a moment before he inclined his head in the barest show of courtesy to the clones. "My apologies; I would be most honored to be trained by such an astute teacher."

Anakin shot him one last hard look before he glanced back. "Rex?"

"Are you sure it's necessary, sir," Rex inquired, obviously not relishing the task after the boy's question. Apparently three days of being on 'shift' with Rex and Ahsoka hadn't mellowed Lux's attitude any. He was still carrying a chip on his shoulder. "If he doesn't want the training-"

"I'll train him myself," Padmé broke in, lifting her hand to forestall whatever Rex was going to say. "And Lux, you'll go with Moté when we land; she could use your help with the twins."

"Am I to be a decoy as well, my Lady?"

Padmé glanced from Anakin to Lux and back and then shook her head. "Much as I like the idea, you don't quite have the height to pass for Anakin."

Anakin coughed to avoid laughing; it was an amusing thought. Lux, for all he wanted to pass as Anakin, didn't even come close in height, let alone bearing. "Once you're settled, Moté can help you scout the area and you'll need to watch the twins in shifts until Padmé and I arrive."

"And when will that be, sir," Cody inquired.

"At least a day later; I don't know how long it will take to explain things to Ruwee and Jobal. That should give you ample time to scout the area, identify and eliminate the security weaknesses. When we arrive, Padmé and Moté will coordinate with Commander Cody and Arc Trooper Fives with regard to added security for the complex as a whole. Ahsoka, Lux and Rex will need to take a close look at the main house."

"You don't want my input, Anakin?"

"Once everything is in place, Master," he assured Obi-Wan. "I need you to find the locals to the island and... convince them to stay away from the house unless necessary. I'd like to avoid an incident if we can help it while we're in residence."

"Convince," Ahsoka snickered. "Can I go with Master Kenobi and practice my 'convincing' skills, Master?"

"Another time, Snips; I need you to stick close to Moté and the twins while Obi-Wan and I are away. I - we," he glanced at Padmé and then back to his apprentice, "are entrusting their safety primarily to you and Rex until we get there."

"Is this because I once called a Hutt larvae cute?"

There was more laughter around the room, though Lux didn't appear to have caught the joke. Or didn't know of its history. Anakin suspected Ahsoka would fill the boy in later. "You can think of it like that if you want, Ahsoka," Anakin's response was teasing. "I won't disabuse you of it."

"Gee thanks, Skyguy; baby duty."

"We wouldn't trust this to just anyone, Snips. You've more than earned it." Anakin turned his attention back to the holo. "Padmé and I will take a round-about route to Varykino to ensure we're not followed but it'll add time to our travel. You may have the twins with you for a couple of days."

"But no longer than necessary," Padmé assured the grimacing Padawan with a half smile. "I don't like the idea of being away from them for so long. I have this fear that if I am, I'll wake to find all of this a dream."

Ahsoka glanced at Lux and muttered something about nightmares, Rex distracting her with a low comment of his own that made her grin, shooting the Bonteri boy a look that was positively devilish. Anakin decided he didn't want to know and wasn't going to ask. He brought their attention back his way with a question.

"Are there any questions?"

"My fighter?"

Anakin grinned. "Glad you asked, Obi-Wan; Padmé and I will be commandeering it."

Obi-Wan blinked. "Padmé and you? It's a single person fighter, Anakin. It's tight with just one person, two might be impossible."

"We'll manage," he assured the other Jedi with a speaking look at his wife, "won't we?"

"Somehow," Padmé's words were demure. "I think I can manage being squeezed into a cockpit with you, Master Skywalker."

Obi-Wan wisely let the topic drop even though the clones exchanged amused looks.

"Any other questions?" There were none. "Good. Prepare yourselves; we land in a little over two hour. Ahsoka, I want you in the co-pilot chair for Cody."

"Of course, Master."

Anakin hesitated, glancing at his old mentor. "Unless Obi-Wan-"

"It's all right, Anakin," Obi-Wan assured him. "I still say flying is for droids. Now that I'm here, I'd like to meet the new Skywalkers since they'll be in our care for the next few days."

Padmé extended her hand to beckon Obi-Wan over and Anakin joined them as the rest of the party scattered. Lux joined Rex and Ahsoka, his question drawing Anakin's attention with a frown.

"Might I have a word with you in private, Padawan Tano?"

Ahsoka, who'd been about to leave for the cockpit with Rex, Cody and Fives, regarded Lux with an even look Anakin knew could mean trouble. Lux's opinion of the clones stung her; especially when she was such good friends with Rex. Having someone watch your back on the battle field did that to you. "Later, Lux; didn't you hear Master Skywalker?"

"We have a few hours yet."

"You might," she told him tightly. "I have duties to perform. Come on, Rex," she turned her back on the young Senator, her displeasure with his attitude and prejudice clear.

Lux's expression shifted for a moment before he bowed to her back and withdrew gracefully to the cabin he'd been sharing with the clone for sleeping.

Anakin's brows drew together as the door closed behind the Junior Senator.

"Anakin?"

"Hmm?"

Padmé's amusement drew him around to find Obi-Wan had Luke in his arms and was attempting to give him a bottle, with Moté's instructions. The bottle was soft, designed to mimic a breast, but Luke looked less than thrilled - though he didn't cry. Bottle feeding would be necessary while Anakin and Padmé were at her parent's house; not something Padmé or the twins was looking forward to. Obi-Wan's powers of persuasion didn't appear to be working on the young Skywalker and Anakin's frown disappeared into an amused grin.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Is there a problem?" Padmé gently stroked Leia's back where she was being held against her shoulder.

"Problem?"

"With Lux?"

Anakin stepped forward to gently rub his hand over Leia's head, making her gurgle. He glanced at Obi-Wan, including him and Moté in the discussion and pitched his voice accordingly. "I don't think Lux's animosity towards the clones is going to make things any easier. It could cause problems."

"Didn't you say he invoked some kind of Onderon law with Ahsoka?"

"He claims that she announced them as betrothed and, because she kissed him back when he used it to silence her, he's accepted the suit," Anakin grimaced, plucking his daughter from Padmé shoulder and his expression softened. "Ahsoka's good friends with a lot of the clones, but Rex in particular. Having Lux disparage him..." he shook his head and addressed his next words to his daughter, his voice changing into a mock cheerful tone that made her giggle and gurgle some more. "It's going to cause problems, isn't it little one?"

Obi-Wan smothered a laugh. "Parenting agrees with you, Anakin."

"I'm glad you think so."

Obi-Wan turned his attention back to Luke. "Can I assume that I will be heading to Varykino with everyone else since you'll have my fighter?"

"You can assume," Anakin confirmed with a smirk, handing Leia back to Padmé and kissing first his daughter's cheek and then his wife's. "I'm hoping we'll get a sense of what's after us - if anything - when we land. It'll better prepare us for what's coming."

"And if nothing's coming?" Obi-Wan glanced up briefly before looking back to Luke who'd finally accepted the synthetic nipple. "If this preparation is for nothing?"

"Then we'll count ourselves lucky, Obi-Wan," Padmé assured him with a smile as she placed Leia back in the bassinette. "If we're free and clear it means we can enjoy Varykino like we did last time."

"I certainly hope not; last time you ended up married."

Anakin chuckled, slipping his arm about Padmé's shoulders. "Then you've nothing to worry about do you?"

"If only that were true. Lux won't get over his animosity towards the clones easily and Ahsoka isn't likely to forgive his slights for long. She and Rex are pretty close."

"A little too close, perhaps?"

Anakin arched his eyebrows. "If you're suggesting what I think you are, Obi-Wan, I think you've got a coupling and its connector hoses loose."

Obi-Wan shrugged, not lifting his gaze from the infant in his arms and let it go. He looked surprisingly relaxed feeding Luke and Anakin suspected he had practice. Where he'd gotten it, however, was another matter for another time.

"I think I'm going to enjoy being an uncle."

"Uncle?"

Padmé took one look at Anakin's face and laughed softly. "He's more than earned it, Ani."

"Didn't I tell you once he was more like my father?"

"Ouch, Anakin, I'm not that old yet." The group shared a soft laugh as Luke fussed, spitting out the artificial nipple, and Moté instructed Obi-Wan on how to burp him, supplying him with a cover for his shoulder. "Uncle Obi-Wan," he nodded once, rubbing Luke's back and met Anakin's amused eyes. "What?"

"For someone who's always followed the 'no attachments' directive of our order, you're surprisingly attached to my children already."

Padmé stepped in as Obi-Wan frowned, collecting Luke from Obi-Wan as he burped and cuddling him close. "No arguing, children," she admonished. "Moté, would you take Master Kenobi and show him everything he'll need for transporting the twins?"

"Of course, my Lady."

"You know, Obi-Wan could masquerade as me," Anakin said thoughtfully as Padmé placed Luke next to his already sleeping sister. "He'd have to shave, though."

She laughed softly. "I don't think he'd like that very much. Don't worry Ani; Obi-Wan and Ahsoka will ensure the twins are safe."

"Are you trying to convince me," he asked as he pulled her into his arms, relishing the moment of privacy they'd unexpectedly been given, "or yourself?"

"A little of both," her gaze traveled back to the bassinette. "You weren't there when the bounty hunter tried to take them the first time; I don't like letting them go so soon."

"We'll make our trip to your parent's place as quick as we can," he assured her, pulling her close as he pressed a kiss to her temple. "Your mother might never forgive me, but she'll understand our desire to be near our children."

Padmé clung to him for a moment, seeming to draw on his strength. "She will, won't she?"

"Of course she will; and if she doesn't, Sola will. If she's home. She's been where we are far more recently." He felt her smile, tilted her head and brushed his lips across hers. "Don't worry, my love; it will all work out in the end."

"You're here with me and we don't have to hide any longer," she murmured as his head came down once more and she stretched to meet him half way. "Together, Anakin, we're unbeatable."

"You have some explaining to do, Anakin Skywalker."

Anakin had barely stepped into the main dining room of the Naberrie household when Ruwee's clipped tone stopped him dead. His response was automatic and ingrained. "Sir?"

"Oh dad," Padmé's exasperation was palpable and filled with love. "It's not Anakin's fault."

"He got you pregnant and ran off to fight this war, leaving you to handle the scandal alone when you unexpectedly delivered early," Ruwee's expression was closed, his gaze never leaving Anakin's. "What else would you call it?"

"Willing participation?" Padmé reached her father and enveloped him in a tight hug that was swiftly returned. "Anakin didn't coerce me, dad, I've been with him every step of the way... and he really is my husband."

Ruwee's hostility faded somewhat as his gaze finally dropped to his daughter. "That wasn't just a spin to make you look better; to avoid further scandal?"

Padmé shook her head and glanced back at Anakin, her feelings in her expression as she no longer had to be as guarded. Anakin stepped closer but stopped before touching her, his smile as gentle as hers. It was a moment just between them and Ruwee witnessed it, the last of his tension draining away.

"Your mother's always suspected something between you two. I can't say I was thrilled at the idea of him playing with you, Padmé, but this is..." he shook his head and tucked her into the curve of his arm before extending the other towards Anakin. "A belated welcome to the family, son."

Taking the hand, Anakin's smile was rueful as he shook it and then let go. "Thank you, sir; we wanted to tell you and Jobal sooner but we couldn't risk it. The more people who knew, the better our chance of exposure."

"Didn't think like that when you got her pregnant, did you, son?"

Anakin flushed. "Consider it a complication due to an oversight during a highly emotional time;" his grin was immediate, "but not an unwanted one, sir."

"Ruwee - or dad, if you prefer." Corrected the older man with a grin. "And I'm glad to hear it. So - where are those grand babies of mine?"

Padmé and Anakin exchanged looks and she pulled free of her father's arms. "Dad, you should sit down; is mom around?"

"She and Sola are out at the fair with the girls; we didn't know you were coming so soon."

"Soon?"

"Anakin mentioned you were going to stop by with an apology for us to a holo reporter; it's been played and over played, daily until two days ago. We figured another couple of days at least until you got here. They're advertizing the return of our beloved and effective Senator Skywalker and her husband, the much acclaimed Master Skywalker."

"Artoo's a wiz with the nav computers," Anakin offered in explanation as they took their seats around the dining room table, ignoring the teasing about the celebration. "He managed to shave several days off our trip."

"Ah. Well, don't keep me waiting. Are Luke and Leia with you? Luke's my first grandson, you know."

"We know," Padmé's hand reached for Anakin's, squeezing tightly; she wasn't handling being away from the twins very well. "But no, we didn't bring them; they're in danger, dad. We couldn't risk..."

Anakin lifted their entwined fingers to his lips and brushed them across the back of her hand. Ruwee raised his eyebrows at the show of silent support and affection but said nothing about it. If anything, Anakin thought the other man approved.

"I'm disappointed, but I do understand." He exhaled softly. "When it's passed you'll bring them to see your mother and I, won't you?"

"Of course, dad."

"As soon as we can," Anakin agreed. "Or, if that's not possible, we'll bring you to them."

"We'd like that," Ruwee assured him. "I know you can't talk about your plans, but tell me the truth; how dangerous is it this time? And none of your tricks, young lady," he sternly shook his finger at Padmé. "This young man of yours understands I need to know the truth so I can be prepared, don't you son?"

"Yes, sir," Anakin agreed, flashing his wife a smile. "To be honest Padmé is more aware of the danger than I am; she's already been through one kidnapping attempt."

"An assassination and kidnapping attempt," she corrected.

Anakin went still; she hadn't told him that part! Her fingers squeezed his, begging for his silence and cooperation and, reluctantly he gave it. Knowing they'd tried to kill her when they'd come for the twins shifted the dynamic of their group security significantly.

"Whoever is after the twins wants them alive, but me dead. Anakin's been railroaded into role of protector again-"

"Hey! I volunteered."

"-and we have to go into hiding. It... may not help this time."

"Can you keep her and my grandchildren safe all by yourself, Anakin?"

"I'm not exactly by myself," he admitted. "I've two other Jedi, a trio of clones and one of Padmé's handmaidens."

Ruwee arched his eyebrows, obviously impressed.

"And Lux Bonteri," Padmé told her father with a grin, despite Anakin's sudden frown.

"Padmé."

She ignored him. "I wanted to bring him home, but it would have been too dangerous. He's defected and the Separatists want him dead."

"And the Republic has given him amnesty? That's big of them."

"Uh – not exactly," Anakin admitted with a sheepish grin. "Lux crashed into my cruiser when we were escorting Count Dooku back from the outer rim. The Republic, except for a few select members we trust implicitly, is unaware of his presence here."

"You kidnapped him?"

Ruwee's amusement was almost palpable. "If I remember Lux Bonteri right, he was a taciturn, solemn boy who's about everything you're not; has he changed at all?"

"He's a Politician," Padmé elbowed Anakin for the dry tone and he grinned at her. "I told you I like one or two; just count yourself lucky you're in that group."

She rolled her eyes even as her smile softened, remembering the day he'd told her that for the first time; it certainly hadn't been the last. "The only one in that group, aren't I?"

"Don't flatter yourself." His grin was teasing.

"Are you making fun of me again, Ani?"

"An inside joke, I take it?" They both jerked at Ruwee's dry observation and turned their attention back his way with almost identical grins. "And not one you're going to explain?"

"Uh - It's…"

Ruwee held up his hands with a half smile. "You don't have to say anything, Anakin; I have a few inside jokes with my own wife." They shared a smile, a purely male one of complete understanding, before Ruwee got them back on track to their original conversation. "Can I take it by your comments you're not thrilled by Politicians?"

"Anakin has his moments," Padmé cut in easily, redirecting back to the main topic. "Besides Lux is a junior senator without a planet to represent. From what I understand he's along because Anakin knew I'd insist."

"Anakin knew you'd insist. And why is that?"

"Because Mina Bonteri was her mentor and Lux doesn't have anyone else," Anakin swallowed the knot that had formed in his throat. He suddenly realized certain parallels between himself and Lux; they'd both lost their mothers to violence and their main link to the Galaxy at large was Padmé. It caused a sudden burst of empathy for the orphaned ex-Separatist that he didn't need or want; Lux was nothing but trouble. "That... and he's er... friends with my Padawan."

"You're teaching now?"

"It wasn't my choice, but if I have to have a Padawan, Ahsoka's an excellent match. She's fearless."

"Much like you," teased Padmé, unknowingly echoing an observation by Master Plo Koon some time ago. "And a touch reckless, but her heart's in the right place. It's like having another sister."

"Or a surrogate daughter," Anakin teased. "Obi-Wan seems to think I can put what I learned training her to use in raising the twins."

"And can't you?"

Anakin shrugged. "Some of it. But it'll be years before that's possible."

"Well," Ruwee smiled and pushed to his feet. "If nothing else, the girl's taught you patience, Anakin. Can I offer you a drink?"

"We can't stay long-" Padmé began.

"You'll stay until your mother and sister are back from the fair," Ruwee told them sternly. "Which means for dinner and likely over night. Your mother would never forgive me if I let you leave without giving her a chance to see you herself."

Anakin pushed to his feet as well, stepping behind Padmé's chair and slid his hands on her shoulders to gently kneed out some of the tension. Being away from the twins was hard for her; he could sense her growing anxiety with every passing moment. "As long as we're not imposing," he told his father-in-law, "we'll accept your hospitality and get an early morning start."

Padmé stiffened under his hands while he spoke and then, almost reluctantly relaxed. Anakin waited until Ruwee was out of the room before bending over the chair and wrapping his arms about her shoulders, his lips brushing across her cheek.

"We knew this was coming," he admonished her softly. "And I know it's tough being away from Luke and Leia, but your dad is right."

Her hands covered his where they were crossed on her chest. "I know," she sighed softly. "I just don't like the delay; I'd hoped..."

"I know." He squeezed her once, tightly, before easing his hold and straightening, going back to rubbing her shoulders. "So did I; you wouldn't feel right if we left now anyway."

"I would but I wouldn't," she agreed, leaning back into his touch with a sigh. That sigh turned into a slight purr and his name because a sensual question. "Ani..."

He chuckled softly. "Later, my love," he assured her, his voice full of promise. It would be the first time since their reunion they'd have been totally alone together all night and he wasn't about to waste it. "Tonight."

Padmé's family was reunited over supper, with Sola's girls full of questions about the fact that Anakin was a Jedi andtheir uncle. He doted on them, more comfortable since having taken Ahsoka as his Padawan, and much to his in-laws surprise, was even volunteered by the girls to put them to bed.

Sola tried to talk the girls out of it, but they were insistent and Anakin more than willing. Beaten, she gave him permission. Sola stayed with her parents and Padmé as Anakin was willingly led up the stairs, Ryoo holding one hand and Pooja the other, before turning on her sister. As he was leaving, Sola's comment caught his attention and he paused to listen, the girls releasing him to dart on ahead giggling.

"I knew it! I just knew it! You sneaky goose; you outright denied it last time I saw you!"

"I didn't want to, but I explained we couldn't risk it. I hated lying to you-"

"Ha!" Sola's grin practically rang in her voice. "You loved every second of it. Come on; admit it. You loved the idea of knowing he was his even if nobody else did. Of knowing you were the one he'd take to bed-"

"Sola!"

"-and no one else."

Their parents laughed, Jobal's tone apologetic. "I'm afraid your eyes gave you away, my dear. You couldn't stop watching him anytime he came with you to visit. Or he, you, even from the first."

"I'm surprised you didn't guess mom."

"I had my suspicions," Padmé's mother admitted modestly. "But marriage wasn't one of them. If anything I thought your public service work was important enough to you to withstand the temptation - and I was disappointed."

"Why?"

"Because then you would miss out on what a wonderful thing it can be to have an understanding partner who adores you."

Ruwee chuckled softly. "Well, she was wiser than we gave her credit for. And now you're a mother all your own."

"I miss my babies," Padmé admitted. "I feel so... restless being away from them."

Anakin smiled to himself and finished climbing the stairs, leaving his wife to her family an their third degree now that he was gone. He turned his attention instead to his nieces and the fact that, one day all too soon, Leia would be their age and he'd be doing this for her.

The thought was as comforting as it was terrifying.

As he settled down next to the bed girls shared to read their favorite holo novel, he couldn't escape the feeling that he was needed elsewhere; that something was about to happen. Resolving to get in touch with Obi-Wan or Ahsoka as soon as the girls were asleep, Anakin turned his attention to the book and their smiling faces.

He'd worry about the indistinct later.

TBC