Author's Note: I made massive improvements to this chapter in the course of seven hours yesterday. And because of this, it required me to change the chapter's title from 'The Birth of the Twins' to 'Torn Between Two' as that's more of a main focus here then the twins being born at the end. Despite my reading on the subject, I'm not entirely sure I know much about the step-by-step process of having a child so don't flame too hard if I got some of it wrong.

Chapter 80 responses:

Twisted Words (): I'll also admit that some of the Anica moments were a bit... Some of them I cut, the rest I left in. But she's a girl in love so...even if I'd probably hurl watching something like that on the big screen or TV.
I thought it a good idea to start having Padme become aware of the whole Anica thing as she knew nothing of it before, simply assuming that they were simply friends. You can expect more of that in the chapters to come, as well as more of the tiff between she and Arica.
Yes, the birth of the twins is an exciting time because that's when the bombshell of Padme's true feelings are revealed, well not as it's happening, but soon after (aka the chapter after this one).

Arsenal: I'm glad you liked this one more. It was a lot better then the last mainly because it was most of the chapter. I found as I was rewriting it that I was adding a lot to it.
There is more of Anica in this chapter and the next, though it's not as sappy as the focus becomes based a bit more on the baby twins.
Padme's jealously/anger over the Arica part of Anakin's life is discussed to some extent below, and how she intends on using the factor to make their lives miserable. That's the main reason she isn't happy over it. She doesn't like the idea of him receiving happiness from anyone. People who hate other people can't stand to see them happy about anything.
I have a bit of a twist planned for the twins, a mixture of both light and dark actually...

The Lure of the Dark Side: Chronicle 1-The Turning of An Era

Episode V: Revenge of the Sith

Chapter 35: Torn Between Two

For the last four months of her pregnancy, Padme spent it at both the Theed Royal Palace and Amidala Lake Estate on Naboo becoming very distant with Anakin and keeping herself busy with her monarchical duties as Queen. She refused absolutely to do anything physical with her husband and took to spending her days overseeing the Naboo kingdom with Antellica and Arica as acting handmaidens, along with a former handmaiden of Amidala's electoral rule – Rabe de Silva, a thirty-one year-old woman whom had continued to serve the Naboo Queens through Amidala, Jamilla, and Apailana despite her age. Another handmaiden like this was Eirtae Elizabeth. This thirty year old had also served the previous three Naboo Queens, but was dismissed at Padme's appointment because of the Queen's dislike of her continued 'boy crazy' attitude.

The Grievous twins and Silva served their queen well as handmaidens, even if one of the three wasn't at all happy about their return to a previous lifestyle. Unlike Antellica and Rabe, Arica was unquestionably furious at her forced position into the Queen's court. But it was as Padme reminded her, until she reached the age of eighteen, Arica would simply have to get used to being under her mistress' rule once more. Padme didn't have to keep Arica under her jurisdiction of course, she merely wanted to as a way to illustrate control over the girl. Plus, this way she could keep a close watch on Arica's growing relationship with her husband. Because of Padme's persisting distance from Anakin, Arica had stepped in a bit to fill the void that Padme once occupied in his life. Though they simply acted in the manner of friends, Padme knew it was only a matter of time before this changed, and when it did, she would be ready to disgrace the pair and have them banished from the empire. Her relationships with Antellica and Rabe were much better, mainly because the two actually still liked her despite the grief she seemed to bring everyone. They went along with everything their queen had to say, even if they didn't always agree with her, because, in Padme's eyes, they were much loyaler people then Arica and respected their queen's wishes unconditionally.

On Padme's rare days off, she usually relaxed at the estate, keeping up to date with happenings in the empire and her empress' duties. Her distance from Anakin made a major effect on him, despite his growing closeness to Arica. His yearnings to be with her often times led to arguments, divorce threats, and the factor of him getting a job instead of sitting around the house all day while she ignored him. He was deeply hurt by her constant rejection of him, and at first took it as an opportunity to construct a new Sith blade. But once that was done, and the newness of it evaporated he was once again left with nothing. That's where Arica came in. The two of them were both miserable in Padme's company, and many times he was tempted to follow through with Arica's suggestion of the two of them running away together. But then he was reminded of his unborn twin children and love for Padme and couldn't do it. And since Arica wouldn't run away again on her own as long as Anakin remained with Padme, she stayed and the two them ignored their misery through each other. Many times, the duo could be found simply talking on the beach of the estate, taking midnight strolls along it, swimming in the ocean that led to a small island close by, and, when Anakin was feeling truly alone, kissing amorously in the moonlight, though not letting it go any further then a small amount of snuggling. Anakin liked to think that Arica was the only thing keeping him sane in his marriage, and life in general. He did chat with Antellica on occasion though. But she was usually so busy with being made to act as Padme's handmaiden that rarely was she able to make time for herself, let alone anyone else.

Meanwhile, on Coruscant, with the abolishment of the Jedi Temple completed, construction on the emperor's Imperial Palace was able to start in its place, earlier then expected – a day after the Neimoidian extinction – and was going swimmingly. Also, in the Mustafar system, Tarkin and his team were effectively, and secretly, overseeing the preproduction stages of the Death Star that was in orbit of the world Mustafar itself.

The day of the Skywalker twins' arrival, one day shy of being four months after the Neimoidia incident, was quite ordinary to begin with. Padme was off and spending most of the day with Antellica decorating a spare room that would simply 'act' as the babies' upon their arrival. But since she intended on ditching Anakin not long after their birth, it wouldn't be used long; a few days at the most. She'd been putting it off continuously because of her none desire to do it. But at her knowing that the twins would be arriving soon, she just wasn't sure when, she didn't have much of a choice and just set up the room.

Arica, meanwhile, was outside most of the day, only coming in to get snacks and Anakin simply wandered around the property in absolute boredom. He'd tried to help Padme and Antellica in the babies' room, but was quickly told by Padme that "men knew nothing about this sort of thing", shooed out the room and had the door slammed in his face.

Around 2000 that night, Arica was swimming back from the estate's nearby island, thinking about a constant subject of her mind when she spotted it, or rather him, heading towards her at a distance. She beamed at the handsome sight that was Anakin and got out of the water to make towards him. He met her halfway, also smiling.

"Hey!" she greeted, squeezing some of the excess water from her hair.

"Hey there," he greeted back, trying though he might not make a show out of drinking in the erotic appearance of her in a skimpy bikini.

She noticed, but chose to ignore it as she flipped her long black mane over her shoulder. "So what's up?"

"Nothing much really," he replied nonchalantly.

Arica gave him a smirk and moved herself closer to his body. "Would you like to join me?" she whispered into his ear.

Anakin returned the smirk and also moved closer to her. "No Arica. I don't think that would be such a good idea for either of us, especially if memory holds true to our last swimming encounter."

Arica grinned evilly. She still received shivers every time she thought about it. They'd come so close that time, so close to doing what she desired more then anything from him, only to be interrupted at the last minute by Antellica, in a rare Padme-free appearance, wanting to hang out with them.

Anakin also liked thinking about their last encounter, in spite of its obvious wrongness. Giving the house a brief glance to assure no one was watching from inside, he swept Arica into his arms and kissed her lasciviously on the lips. Arica moaned into his mouth but pulled away to knock him onto the ground, placing her wet body on top of his clothed one. However, he was soon on top, and showing her who was in charge here. Arica was beyond caring. She just needed him so badly.

She knew she was in love with him, and he knew it too. They just didn't talk about it anymore. They used to, and the way the conversations ended, Arica would wonder if she would eventually lose him. He knew he was physically attracted to her, and also shared some of her feelings for him; she knew it too. But again, they didn't talk about it. They cherished their relationship too much to ruin it by words of love or anything else for that matter. They were friends, though lately their mouth-to-mouth kisses were becoming more and more frequent and lust-filled. But they also loved one another deeply, despite the odds of his marriage and her age. They would just never admit it to one another. But then again, they didn't have to because they both already knew.

Anakin finally brought a halt to their canoodling, climbing off Arica's panting form, but giving her a final kiss and smirk. "I'll see you around chicka."

He rose to leave, but Arica stopped him, looking longingly into his face. "I want you." She'd grabbed his arm to stop him from going. "Don't you think it's about time we move forward with our relationship? Anakin, we're not just friends anymore. Haven't you noticed that? The way we act when we're around each other. The things we do to each other."

Anakin sighed and looked sincerely into her face. "Arica, I want to end my marriage with Padme as much as you want it too. It's just that the only thing stopping me is the twins. I don't want my children to grow up with divorced parents."

Arica understood that aspect, but... "So, you're just going to continue leading a miserable life for their sake?" she ventured.

Anakin smiled and ran his flesh hand along her damp hair. "I won't be miserable. I have you."

Arica returned the smile and leaned in for another kiss; he reciprocated it. "Will you at least talk to her then?" she asked. "About us, and how miserable you are."

He sighed. This wouldn't be easy, but it's what he wanted. What they both wanted. He really needed to do this. "For you," he said at last. "I'll talk to her."

"Thank you," she whispered.

And after another warm kiss, Anakin left her to go into the house and talk to Padme.

It'd taken about three hours. That wasn't nearly as long as she would've thought it would take. Padme, after finishing up the twins' room with Antellica, was headed back to her sleeping chambers to retire. Within the hall that led to it however, she felt Anakin's presence inside and sighed in irritation. She didn't want to be bothered by him, yet instead of turning around and retiring elsewhere, she continued on and entered the room as if she didn't even know he was there. From where he was seated on the bed, she felt his gaze on her, but he didn't speak. Still ignoring him, she stopped before the room's full-length mirror to appraise her appearance. She scowled. She didn't like how she looked, fat. She hated it and couldn't wait to be rid of being pregnant and married to Anakin.

"I think you look beautiful," Anakin said, guessing the thoughts of her appearance by her repulsive expression and coming up behind her.

"Anakin," she attempted at looking startled, "I didn't know you were in here."

He tried not to show his disgust at the lie. "Of course you didn't."

Padme picked up on the repugnance, but didn't comment on it. She walked over to the nearby dresser and collected her hair brush to use before going to bed. "I didn't see much of you today after earlier," she noted conversationally. "What did you do to keep occupied?"

"It's funny you should ask that actually," he said in somewhat of a heated tone.

She didn't react to it. "Really? Did I say something comical?"

Anakin swallowed his rising anger for a calm tone. "I've been waiting for you. I want to talk to you about our marriage."

Padme shrugged. "What of it?"

"Well, we start with how, lately, you've been distancing yourself from me to the utmost," he replied. "Not wanting to spend time with me anymore; immersing yourself in your work..."

Her answer was simple. "I'm a busy person."

Anakin's eyes flashed, and the anger began to rise within him again. "Oh, don't use that line on me," he said sharply. "I'm not stupid."

"And neither am I," she pointed out, her voice also rising. "And what I know is that you and Arica have been doing some things together that no married man should even be thinking about with another female."

"Arica and I enjoy one another's company," he said in his defense, refusing to give into her tirade.

"Sithspawn!" she cursed. "I know there's more to it then that."

"Are you jealous?" he asked.

"Are you having an affair?" she shot back.

"You're dodging my question."

"I have a right to know if you've been sleeping around or not."

"Arica and I have never had sex before."

"You expect me to believe that pack of lies."

"I will admit that we've come close to it happening-"

"So now you admit to having an affair. I knew it from the beginning."

"-But it's not an affair."

"Call it whatever you want. The fact is you've been involved with another woman behind my back."

"The main point of this discussion is to talk about our children and their future with us."

By now they were screaming. "And what if we don't have a future for them?"

"We will make to have a future with them," he said firmly, with no room for argument.

"And what if that can't be done?" she challenged.

"Oh, I think it can be done," he harshly stated.

Padme cursed again, but then abruptly screamed because of the sudden hard kicking within her womb. An instant later, she felt her water break and knew that, at long last, it was time.

"Anakin, call an ambulance!" she cried shrilly.

His eyes flashed with confusion, but also concern. "What? Why?!"

"Anakin please, I'm begging you." The pain was becoming unbearable. "Call an ambulance now! It's time!"

"Time?! You mean-" His eyes widened in shock. "The twins!"

"Yes!" Padme screamed.

In a flash, Anakin was out the room, and almost crashed headlong into Antellica who was trying to enter as he was exiting.

"Antellica! Padme's-"

"I know." Her voice was surprisingly calm. "Arica already called an ambulance. They should be here within two to three minutes."

"Arica called the ambulance?" Anakin asked, not sure he heard her correctly.

"Yes." She confirmed with a smile. "The two of us were meditating and Arica sensed that Padme was about to give birth so called ahead. A moment later, we heard her screaming for you to call for an ambulance. It's remarkable, isn't it?"

But she didn't stay to wait for an answer. She swiftly darted past Anakin into the room and to her mistress; offering her comfort as best she could, holding her in a hug and whispering how it was going to be all right. Just as Anakin was about to go looking for Arica, she came running down the hall a moment later.

"I called-"

"-an ambulance, yes," he finished for her. "Antellica told me."

Arica nodded. "They should be here shortly."

Anakin gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you."

"Of course."

The two of them than entered the room and joined Antellica on the floor in comforting Padme, even if Arica was somewhat reluctant in doing so. She was only showing her support for Anakin and the twins' sake, and he, knowing this, was thankful to her for that.

The ambulance shuttle arrived a fast minute later at the chamber's overhanging balcony, during which time of waiting Padme was given cold cloths to the forehead as she was heating up, and its medical staff loaded their queen onto a stretcher and into the unit; their destination being the Theed Capital Hospital. Anakin and the girls rode along in the vehicle with Padme, who willed herself into unconsciousness at the start of the journey to escape the pain, if only briefly.

Upon arrival at the large hospital, Padme was taken into a room and the door was closed behind her with a swarm of nurses. Her companions, including her husband, were instructed to wait outside. More doctors and nurses entered and exited the room at different intervals, but none of them ever said anything to their patient's guests. Until, after about five minutes of waiting, one of the male doctors who would be assisting in the birth came out of the room and approached Anakin with a bow.

"Lord Vader?"

Anakin stopped his pacing of the waiting chambers, and practically leapt towards the man of middle age. "How is she doctor?" he asked anxiously.

"In perfect health your highness," the doctor replied. "We are ready to deliver the babies. Would you like to come inside to watch?"

"Yes, yes I would like that." Anakin graciously followed the doctor into the room while Antellica and Arica remained outside in the waiting section.

Padme, eyes closed in rest, was donned in a hospital gown and laid out on a comfortable bed with her legs propped up on some type of medical foot stool. Anakin smiled at the sight and went to stand next to her, taking her right hand in his. She opened her eyes faintly at the contact and looked up. He smiled down at her and she returned it faintly before closing her eyes once more and drifting back to sleep. Anakin, however, was quick to wake her and shook her gently. "Padme, angel you gotta stay awake."

Padme reopened her eyes and gave him a tired look. She didn't want to stay awake. She was tired and in pain. She just wanted to go to sleep. But knowing Anakin was right, she sighed and nodded. The sooner this was over the better it'd be for everyone.

"Empress," the doctor drowned, "We're ready whenever you are."

Noticing that the nurse that had helped her into the hospital gown earlier was back she nodded. "Yes I-" Padme interrupted herself with a loud scream because of a sharp pain she'd just felt in her womb. A sudden pushing and screaming began inside of her and she hollered even louder.

Unbeknownst to anyone in the room, Antellica and Arica were peeping in from the door to have a look at the action inside. Both girls were smirking, but for different reasons. Arica was enjoying the sound of Padme's screams of pain while Antellica thought Anakin was acting pathetic at he was freaking out over Padme's yells.

"Padme angel, what is it?! Why are you screaming?! Padme, please stop it! Padme! PADME!" He than turned to the idly standing doctor and nurse with a look of rage. "You, (beep) doctor and you nurse (beep), don't just stand there, do something!"

Both seemed to be at a loose for words at Anakin's insults, but the doctor finally spoke nonetheless. "I'm sorry sir, but we can't-"

"Go (beep)!" Anakin roared. "You can't! I don't want to hear you can't! You will do! I will not lose my wife in childbirth!"

"Lord Vader please calm down," the doctor urged.

"I'll (beep) calm down when my wife stops screaming in pain you (beep)!" Anakin yelled.

The Grievous twins took that as their cue to enter the room and go over to Anakin to calm him down through comforting pats on the arm. It worked and he did calm down; as did Padme, who was using the Force to get herself through the pain.

"I'm ready doctor," she croaked faintly.

"Good, than push!"

Padme did as instructed and pushed and pushed. Little by little, she felt one of the babies exiting her body and a moment or so later, she heard the unmistakable cry of a baby's voice.

Opening her eyes briefly, she saw the nurse wrapping a small human baby into a white cloth and handing it to over to Anakin. He proudly looked down at the baby, their son, in awe and glanced over at her with a bright smile. "Angel, it's a boy!"

They'd already agreed upon names; Anakin had chosen Leila, she, Luke. And from what she could see of the baby, the name fit him. Small and delicate, his little face seemed to light up the room.

With a soft nod she closed her eyes and began to drift off to sleep again, but Anakin quickly woke her. "Padme, you gotta stay awake to deliver Leila."

She opened her eyes and sighed with a trace of irritation. She was far too tired and worn out. She didn't feel up to delivering another baby, but she knew she had to. The baby couldn't stay inside her forever, so taking another deep breath she began to push again, but harder this time.

Like last time, little by little, she felt the baby slowly exit her body. Once it fully did, Padme attempted to will herself into unconsciousness again, but Anakin wouldn't let her. He gently shook her.

"Padme! Look at our little princess! She's so beautiful, just like you!"

Padme tiredly sighed and looked up at Leila briefly, glanced over at Luke once more and willed herself into unconsciousness without interruption.

Anakin didn't even attempt to wake her this time, for he knew she was far too tired and drained. Happily gazing down at his small twin babies, he sighed.

This was most definitely the happiest moment of his life!

Everything changes after this! The long awaitted break-up of Anakin and Padme is in the next chapter, tentatively titled, The Breaking of Hearts.