Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU. Short chapter again!

Disclaimer: The Star Wars Universe was created and is owned by George Lucas, this is just my imagination at work, based on the universe he has created. If this story is similar to another, it's pure coincidence.

Note: Thoughts are in italics.

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The sun began to set on Naboo, the sparkling water glistening in her eyes. On the lakeside bench near the Naberrie home sat Padmé, alone and waiting. Anakin was to be coming outside soon; he had to use his comlink for a moment. The future was clouded for her, she was not sure where she and Anakin would settle down. Or even if they would. Nothing made sense anymore.

And it was wonderful. The feeling was absolutely wonderful.

"Hey," he called out, walking down the steep hill towards her. She sat at the very bottom, turning around to acknowledge him.

"Hi," she greeted sweetly, softly. "How did your call go?"

"Fine," he replied, not giving any details or specifics. "But I will need to return to Coruscant tomorrow," Anakin continued as he took a seat next to her. "Are you coming with me?"

"Of course," she grinned, kissing him lightly on the cheek. Cuddling up to him, Padmé sighed; a sigh filled with contentment and happiness. "But we need to talk. About us."

"I know."

"Are you. . .," she began hesitantly, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Are you Anakin? I-I mean, as in no longer Vader?" The silence overwhelmed them, so thick you could cut through it. The sun began to set more, the darkness coming upon them.

"Come on Padmé, let's go on inside."

- - - -

"I'm going to see Sola, since we are leaving tomorrow for Coruscant," Padmé informed Anakin and her parents as she headed towards the garage. "I'll be back in a little bit."

"Do you want me to come?" Anakin asked, standing up quickly. She shook her head, faintly smiling at him.

"I'll be fine. I'll be back soon."

- - - -

"Hey Sola," Padmé smiled as she caught sight of her older sister and Darred. "You're coming home tomorrow night then?" Sola nodded and smiled, looking up at her husband.

"I don't know when the twins will be able to come though."

"They'll be fine, don't worry," she comforted, both frowning and smiling at the distraught couple. "Anyway, I came because me and Anakin are going to Coruscant to finish up some things, so I wanted to say goodbye."

"Oh, Anakin, eh?" Sola kidded, waving Darred on so that the two could talk. "I thought you said he was Darth Vader?" she whispered discreetly. Padmé nodded and shrugged.

"He's changed; I just--I don't know yet. I love him."

"I knew it."

"Shut up!"

They both smiled at each other, teasing and joking. "Come on, let's go see Sirté and Jarred before you go."

They went down the hallways, winding around the medical center. Upon reaching the glass window where they could look at the twins, Darred stood there with tears in his eyes. Immediately the two sisters became worried.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing. I just want to hold them."

"We all do," Padmé embraced him as tears began to fall down her flushed cheeks. "Hey guys, your Aunt Paddy is leaving for a little while, I'll be back!" she cooed, smiling at them.

"You're leaving?" Darred asked, pulling away from her.

"Yes, me and Anakin are going to Coruscant to finish some things up."

"He's Darth Vader," Sola informed her husband. "But they are in love."

"Darth Vader?!" Darred looked shocked and confused as he scratched his head. "When did you become close with a Sith Lord?"

"Sola has time to tell you the story, I do not. I have to go. Bye," Padmé hugged her sister so tightly, whispering in her ear. "I'll be back."