Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 34! Thanks for all the great reviews! Enjoy!
Forever Destined
Chapter 34: Blossoming Love
Anakin woke up to the sunlight beaming through the blinds in the bedroom he shared with his wife. He had gotten up to feed Luke at five a.m. and then fell back asleep. He figured Padme had been up long ago with both of them and he headed to the fresher to clean up. After he was showered and cleaned up, he joined his family in the living area. Anakin smiled, as he saw his wife sitting on the floor with the twins on a blanket, playing with them.
"There's daddy," she told the twins, as she lightly tickled their tummies. The twins squirmed and flailed their little arms and legs, fascinated by their ability to move. She knew it wouldn't be long before they discovered their voices either. Anakin sat down beside her.
"Good morning," he said.
"Good morning handsome," she replied, as she pressed her lips to his and kissed him passionately, moving her lips over his with wanton.
"That was one heck of a good morning kiss," he said, with a grin.
"Well, would you expect anything less?" she asked.
"Not from you," he replied, as he picked up Luke and sat him in his lap. Padme smiled, as she watched father and son interact. She picked up Leia and stood up.
"Come on sweetheart, let's go get daddy a cup of caf," Padme said.
"Thanks angel," he called, as she went to the kitchen.
"What do you have planned today?" he asked her, as she came back and handed him a cup. He sipped slowly at the hot liquid.
"Well, that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," she replied.
"Did you know that your big brother asked my big sister out on a date?" Padme asked. Anakin's eyes widened.
"He did?" she nodded.
"Wow," he replied.
"That's what I thought. Anyway, Sola's never really been on a real date and she wants me to help her get ready. Would you mind watching the twins while I help her?" she asked.
"Of course not angel. Besides, I think mom and grandma wanted me to bring them by today anyway," Anakin replied.
"Great. And then you can come home and we can enjoy dinner together. And then after that, we can put the twins down and enjoy a little 'us' time, if you know what I mean," she said seductively.
"I think I do and I think it's a wonderful idea," he replied. She smiled.
"Come on you two. Let's go get you ready to see your grandma's," Padme said, as she took them to the nursery.
Anakin parked the speeder on the veranda at his grandfather's penthouse. He hopped out and began unbuckling the twins from their speeder seats.
"There's my grand babies. Good morning sweetheart," Shmi said, as she kissed her son's cheek.
"Morning mom," he replied.
"Where's Padme?" she asked, as she picked Leia up.
"She's at home with Sola. She has a date tonight and Padme's going to help her get ready after they spend a little time together. She's never been on a real date before," Anakin said, as he picked up Luke and they went inside.
"Oh, that's wonderful. Who is she going with?" Shmi asked.
"Ben asked her, didn't he tell you?" Anakin asked, as he suddenly spotted Ben shaking his head in vehement.
"No, he did not tell me," Shmi stated in her 'explain now or else,' tone.
"Yes, I am taking Sola out tonight and I didn't tell you, because I didn't want everyone to make a big deal," Obi-Wan said.
"But sweetheart, it is a big deal. Finally, you're getting serious about settling down," Shmi said. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, then glared at Anakin.
"Thanks a lot big mouth," he scolded.
"Mother, there are no expectations. This is just a first date to see how things go. This is nothing serious yet," Ben pleaded to her.
"Yes, it is a big deal," Shmi repeated.
"That poor girl has never been on a real date before and she's been treated like dirt by that terrible excuse for a husband. You had better not be taking her to one of those awful clubs, because if you are, I'm going to smack you upside the head," Shmi said. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes again.
"I'm not taking her to a club, mom. I'm taking her to a very nice restaurant and then the opera afterward," Ben replied.
"That sounds wonderful, dear," Shmi asked.
"What's this I hear about a date?" Elana asked, as she walked in the room.
"Oh blast," Obi-Wan mumbled.
"Ben is taking Sola on a date tonight," Shmi said.
"Oh, that's wonderful sweetheart," Elana replied, as she kissed his cheek and then Anakin's.
"Hi grandma," Anakin said.
"Hi sweetheart. Do you mind if I borrow my great grandson for a bit?" she asked.
"Not at all," Anakin replied, as he handed Luke to her.
"I think we're going to take the twins into the nursery. Your father and I got it all set up last night and there's lots of new toys to play with," Shmi said.
"You're going to spoil them," Anakin warned playfully.
"That's what grandparents do, sweetheart. Isn't that right, my little prince," Elana cooed at Luke, as she and Shmi took the tins to the nursery.
"You had to open your big mouth, didn't you," Obi-Wan said.
"Sorry, she asked where Padme was. Besides, I didn't now you weren't going to tell her. What if she had found out that you took Sola out after the fact? She really would have whopped you then," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan grimaced.
"Point taken," he replied.
"Besides, I think it's great," Anakin told him.
"Well, thank you. I'll see you later though. I need to go to the Temple for a bit and then I need to go buy some flowers. What are those kind you always get Padme?" he asked.
"Nabooan angel blossoms. There's a Nabooan vendor that sells them in the Senate district of the Galactic Marketplace," Anakin answered.
"Thanks," Ben replied, as he sped off toward the Temple.
Sola sat in front of the vanity, as Padme brushed her hair out.
"Is it normal to be so nervous on your first date?" Sola asked.
"Yes, completely," Padme replied.
"Did Anakin kiss you on the first date?" Sola asked.
"Yes, in fact, he kissed me quite a few times," Padme replied.
"What if...what if it goes badly and Obi-Wan doesn't want to kiss me," Sola asked, as her sister went about putting a pair of decorative clips in her hair.
"I honestly don't foresee that happening, Sola. You're both going to have a wonderful time and Obi-Wan is going to want to kiss you. And if he is as good of a kisser as his little brother is, then you're in for a real treat," Padme said, giggling, as Sola blushed.
"There. Your hair and make up are done. Time to put on your dress," Padme said, as Sola stood up. Padme helped her into a sleek, royal blue gown made of shimmer silk. It was one of Padme favorite dresses and she was glad it fit Sola so perfectly.
"You look beautiful, Sola. You're going to blow Obi-Wan away," Padme said.
"You think?" she asked nervously.
"Of course! You look gorgeous. Forget everything Darred ever told you about your looks, because Palo told me the same things. None of them are true," Padme told her.
"Thanks for everything, baby sis," Sola said.
"No problem. Come on, he'll be here soon," Padme said, as they walked into the living area. Anakin had arrived home with the twins and was playing with them, as well as Ryoo and Pooja.
"Wow...mommy looks pretty," Pooja said in awe.
"You're right Poojy. You look beautiful, Sola," Anakin said, with a gentle smile.
"That's nice of you to say, Anakin," she replied.
"It's true. It's easy to see that Padme gets her beauty from you," Anakin said, trying to make her believe him. She blushed deeper.
"Thank you Anakin," she replied.
"Mama, are you really going out on a date with Master Obi-Wan?" Ryoo asked.
"I am sweetie. Are you okay with that?" Sola asked.
"Of course mama. Master Obi-Wan is the best. Are you gonna marry him?" Ryoo asked. Anakin and Padme chuckled.
"Now Ryoo, we will not get ahead of ourselves," Sola told her in a no nonsense tone.
"Are you sure you don't mind watching them? You've got your hands full with the babies," Sola fretted.
"Sola, we'll be fine. We don't mind at all," Padme assured her. Just as she said that, Obi-Wan pulled up in his speeder, dressed his nice civilian clothes, carrying a bouquet of angel blossoms.
"Sola...you look beautiful," Obi-Wan said, in awe. Sola blushed again, as he handed her the flowers.
"They're beautiful...thank you," Sola said. Padme put them in a vase for her and the couple headed to the speeder.
"Have fun," Padme called, as Luke fussed in her arms.
"Somebody is hungry. Ani, can you get me a blanket, so I can feed him," she asked, as she sat down on the sofa.
"Sure angel," he replied, as he helped her shrug off her sleeve and then covered her, as she put Luke to her breast to feed him.
"How about I just order in tonight?" he asked her.
"That would be great," Padme replied gratefully. He kissed her softly, before going to call Dex and having him fix up a take out order for them.
After dinner, Anakin and Padme snuggled on the sofa with the twins in their laps, while Ryoo and Pooja were busy watching a children's holovid. By the time the holovid ended, all four children were asleep. Anakin carried Ryoo and Pooja to their beds, before helping Padme take the twins to the nursery. They kissed their sleeping angels, before Padme grabbed the baby monitor and they retired to their bedroom...
"Master," Grievous bowed, as Sidious appeared over the holocom.
"General Grievous...have you delivered the Separatists leaders to Utapau?" Sidious asked.
"Yes Master...I await your orders," Grievous answered.
"You will stay out of sight for now. I must readjust my plans and begin a search for a new apprentice. Skywalker has meddled in my plans for the last time and he must be destroyed. You or Ventress will confront him when I give the order," Sidious said.
"Please Master, allow me to go after him for you now," Grievous said.
"You have already proved that you cannot defeat him! You will wait until I give the word! Underestimate him and you will end up in the scrap heap! Right now, you will aide me in my search for a new apprentice. The Jedi ranks are weakening under the stress of the war. If you should find someone of interest, you will inform me immediately. Do not act against them," Sidious ordered.
"Yes my Master," Grievous answered, as the transmission blinked out.
Sola sipped casually at her wine, as she and Obi-Wan dined at a very nice restaurant. She wasn't at all used to anything like this. The wait staff called her milady and served them promptly. Ben and Sola talked about anything and everything during dinner, before they left the restaurant to attend a showing at the Opera. Sola had never been before and she enjoyed it immensely. All too soon, they arrived back at the apartment. Sola smiled, seeing that her sister had left a light on for her.
"I had the most wonderful time tonight, Ben," Sola said, as he helped her out of the speeder.
"Me too Sola and I'd really like to see you again," Ben replied.
"I'd like that too," she replied softly. Her heart quickened, as he leaned in and pressed his lips softly to hers. Never had she been kissed so gently...so tenderly. He broke the kiss momentarily to gaze into her brown eyes, before he captured her lips in another kiss. Sola wrapped her arms around his neck, as he kissed her with passion. Never had she felt things like this. There was so much love and passion in his kiss that it made her knees go weak. But she did not fall, because he held her tightly in his strong arms. Eventually, the kiss came to an end, much to their chagrin.
"Well milady, I should let you get some rest," Obi-Wan said. Sola nodded and kissed his cheek.
"Good night Obi-Wan," she said.
"Good night Sola," he replied, as he sped off into the night traffic. Sola felt like she was floating again, as she retired to her bedroom in a dreamy daze...
Padme sipped at her morning caf, as she held Leia. She watched her sister hum an upbeat tune, as she bottle fed Luke.
"So, your date must have gone really well, because you're in a very good mood," Padme said.
"It was wonderful, Padme. He was so charming and sweet. We talked for hours at dinner and after the opera. I talked more with him last night then Darred and I ever spoke during our nine years of marriage. And then when I thought it couldn't get any better, he kissed me," Sola said dreamily.
"I'm so happy for you, Sola. You deserve a man that treats you the way you the way you should be treated," Padme replied, as she shifted Leia in her lap. Sola set the empty bottle down and began patting Luke's back to burp him.
"Thanks Padme. Until now, I only dreamed of finding someone that could make me half as happy as Anakin has made you. Maybe it won't be just a dream," Sola said.
"It won't be just a dream Sola. I can feel it," Padme replied. Sola smiled softly.
"You were right about the kissing too. He's fantastic at it," Sola said, making Padme giggle.
"I told you so. And if you think the kissing is good...just wait until you and Obi-Wan become more serious," Padme said, as she bit her lip playfully.
"Is that you're way of saying that sex with Anakin is amazing?" Sola asked playfully. Padme sipped at her caf.
"The word amazing cannot do it justice. It's more like magnificent, mind-blowing and soul searing lovemaking unlike anything you ever thought possible," Padme said.
"Gee...you don't stroke his ego much, do you?" Sola teased sarcastically. Padme giggled.
"I can't help it. He's so gorgeous and I can't keep my hands off him," Padme said dreamily. Sola laughed.
"Obviously," Sola replied, indicating the twins. Padme's mouth dropped open in mock outrage, before she collapsed into giggles with her sister.
"Make fun of me all you want...but when you and Ben get serious, I daresay you won't be able to keep your hands off him either," Padme replied.
"I know. He's completely gorgeous too. Like brother, like brother, I'd say," Sola replied. They heard Luke and Leia coo, just as Anakin entered the room.
"It is amazing how perceptive they are already," Sola said.
"I know. They already know when he's near...and something about that makes me feel really good inside," Padme said, as her husband leaned down over the back of the sofa to kiss her good morning kiss.
"Morning angel," he said softly.
"Morning sweetheart," she replied softly, as their hearts spoke, as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"And good morning, princess," Anakin said, as he kissed Leia's head. Luke began to fuss a bit and Anakin came over to take him.
"Good morning Sola," Anakin said.
"Morning Anakin. I think somebody wants his daddy," Sola said, as she handed Luke to him.
"Hey little man," Anakin cooed at him, as he headed to the kitchen to get a cup of caf. Leia whimpered, as she watched him go.
"Don't worry, daddy will be right back," Padme cooed to her.
"You're so lucky Padme. Look at the way the twins respond to him," Sola said in amazement.
"I know. We all love daddy, don't we?" Padme said, as she kissed Leia. Sola smiled, hoping that someday she'd be half as happy as her sister was.
Yan Dooku despised being a liaison between the Council and the Chancellor, but unfortunately they pushed this onto him, because no one else wanted to deal with him. Yan smirked mischievously. Perhaps they were hoping he would lose his temper on the old fool. Despite his earlier thought, he knew the Chancellor was anything but a fool. He was brilliantly orchestrating this war to work in his favor. Dooku would have liked nothing more than to lock the man up on charges of various war crimes, but that required a little thing called proof, which was something they did not have. But Count Dooku of Serenno was a powerful man, much like the Chancellor and he vowed to prove the Chancellor's misdeeds...somehow.
"Ah...Master Dooku. Please come in," Palpatine greeted.
"Good afternoon, Chancellor," Dooku bowed.
"Tell me, what news from the war front?" Palpatine asked.
"The war has slackened for the moment and General Grievous is no where to be found," Dooku replied.
"Well, I do hope you have Knights scouting for him. If we are to ever end this conflict, then Grievous must be destroyed," Palpatine said.
"We will either capture him or destroy him, Chancellor. The Jedi are dedicated to ending this war," Dooku stated.
"I am glad to hear that. Tell me, when will your grandson's be going back to the front lines? Their talents are surely needed out there," Palpatine said. Dooku had to release his anger into the Force, before answering.
"Anakin and Obi-Wan are on leave until Grievous surfaces. It is then that we will send them to deal with the General, as they are our best hope in defeating him. For now, since the war has slackened for the moment, they will remain on Coruscant with our family," Dooku replied.
"Ah yes...and how are the newest additions? I am sure Anakin is a proud father," Palpatine said, with fake pleasantry.
"They are doing well, Chancellor. And yes, Anakin and Padme are overjoyed," Dooku replied.
"Wonderful. Do have them stop by with the little tykes if they have a chance. I would love to see them," Palpatine lied.
"Of course Chancellor. I will tell Anakin," Dooku lied.
"Good day, Master Dooku," Palpatine bid him farewell.
"Good day, Chancellor," Dooku answered, as he left. Neither was fooled by the other's pleasantries and both were well aware of the upmost dislike underneath the carefully veiled politeness. The war between the Separatists and the Republic would wage on...