Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It's a little redundant, but I have to say it. As always, I invite you into my own little AU sandbox to play.

AN: Here's part 3! Thanks for all the great reviews! Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Blood Ties: A Forever Destined Vignette

Part 3/?

Leia slammed her locker shut and found Jake standing there, waiting for her. Classes were done for the day, but there was no hope of her getting to hang out with him, because she was grounded and her Grandpa Riley would be waiting to pick her up.

"Hey…we kind of got cut off last night," he mentioned.

"Don't remind me. My Dad grounded me, because my little sister is a big baby," Leia huffed.

"So, I guess this means you won't be making it to my party next week," he said glumly.

"It may be a cakewalk for you to sneak out, but it's impossible with my father. There's just no way I'll be able to sneak out Friday night," Leia replied.

"The party is Saturday night," Jake reminded. Leia looked at him.

"Saturday?" she asked with a sliver of hope in her voice.

"Yeah," he replied.

"That's perfect! My parents will be at a Charity gala for my Mom's charity. They go every year!" Leia exclaimed.

"Great…then do you think you can sneak out? It won't be the same without you there," Jake said, making Leia blush.

"Well…I doubt my parents will let us stay home alone, but usually all my grandparents go to the gala as well. They'll probably leave us with Tyler and Neela, which means sneaking past them, will be much easier. With Mara's help, I can probably pull it off. Can she come to the party with me?" Leia asked. Jake smiled.

"Of course. This is great! I'm glad you're going to get to come. We're going to have a great time," he said, as he leaned in closed and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Leia flushed and smiled at him.

"I have to go, but I'll see you tomorrow," she said, as she left school with a dreamy stare on her face.

~*~

Leia tossed her book satchel on the sofa, as her Grandfather went to the kitchen.

"Hi Daddy," Padme said, as he entered.

"Hey sweetness," he replied, as he kissed her cheek.

"Thanks for picking up Leia for me. How was the ride home?" she asked.

"Quiet. I think someone is still a little upset," Riley replied. Padme sighed.

"I know. Anakin and I got the silent treatment this morning too, but she'll come around," Padme promised.

"Well, I'm just glad you're not letting her go to Club Nova. That is no place for our Leia," Riley said.

"I know. I'm glad Tyler and Neela are available to stay here with the kids while we all attend the charity gala Saturday night," Padme replied.

"That's right; it's that time of year again. Guess that means your Mom will be dusting off my formal clothes this week," Riley said, as he snatched a cookie from the plate Padme was preparing for her kids.

"You always look very handsome. I know you don't like your formal clothes, but this event means a lot to me. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to benefit battered women and their children," Padme said.

"I know and you know I wouldn't miss it for the world," Riley replied, as he hugged her.

"Are you and Mom staying for dinner?" Padme asked, as she started pulling things from the refrigeration unit.

"Are those Dewback fillets I see?" he asked.

"They are," Padme replied.

"Then I think we'll definitely have to stay," Riley said.

~*~

"Thanks so much for letting Mara stay over tonight. Mace and I really need a night together. It's been a long time since we've gone out," Zia said, as Mara headed to the rec room.

"You know we love having her and believe me, I know what you mean by needing time alone with your husband," Padme replied.

"So, is Leia still upset about not being allowed to go to Jake's party?" Zia asked.

"Yes, but there's no way in Sith hell Anakin and I are letting her go to a place like Club Nova. I don't care if she is old enough to get in," Padme replied.

"I know what you mean. I better never catch Mara near one of those places either," Zia said.

"Well, I should get home and get ready. Mace will be home soon," Zia added.

"Okay. Have a good time," Padme called, as she waved to her, before returning to the kitchen to check on dinner. Anakin would be home soon.

~*~

"Good…you're here," Leia said upon Mara's entrance. She quickly noticed that Leia's siblings were having nothing to do with her and played a holo game on the other end of the room.

"What's up?" Mara asked, as she sat down.

"Jake's party is Saturday night and not Friday night as I originally thought," Leia announced.

"So what? You're grounded. Besides, it's at Club Nova. Neither of us is allowed to go to the clubs, even the teen ones," Mara replied.

"I'm not missing Jake's party. I'm his girlfriend. I have to be there and my parents are being unfair," Leia said. Mara didn't agree with her, but she didn't say anything. Her best friend was going through a rebellious faze and as annoying as it was, Leia was still her best friend.

"So what exactly are you up to?" Mara asked.

"Our parents are going to the Charity benefit and we're going to Club Nova, Saturday night," Leia whispered.

"What do you mean by we?" Mara questioned.

"Come on, I'll need your help to get past Tyler and Neela," Leia told her.

"Leia, my parents will ground me till I'm thirty if I get caught sneaking out to Club Nova. We'll both be in a lot of trouble!" Mara hissed.

"Come on…live a little. It will be a blast! And…Jake has some really cute friends," Leia tempted.

"Is this boy worth defying your loving parents and getting grounded for the rest of our teen years?" Mara questioned.

"He really likes me and he hasn't been scared off yet, even though Daddy tried to intimidate him. He…he even kissed me today," Leia said dreamily.

"I really, really like him Mara," Leia confessed, giving her a pair of pleading brown eyes. Mara sighed. She didn't agree with Leia's decision to defy her parents and she wasn't sure about Jake either. He was a little too smooth, which was why Leia would need her to watch her back.

"Okay…I'll do this for you. But you owe me big time, especially if we get caught," Mara replied.

"Thank you! And you're right, I owe you big," Leia said. Mara smirked.

"And I will collect. Now…tell me more about this kiss," Mara replied, as Leia got a dreamy stare on her face again.

~*~

Anakin finally came in that evening, just as Padme was putting dinner on the table.

"Hey, there you are. I was just about to call the kids. I thought I might have to keep your dinner warm in the oven," she said, as she greeted her husband with a soft kiss.

"Sorry I'm late. I was interrogating the scum of the galaxy, but I ran into a resistant one. I was sure he was connected to Bane, because he wouldn't talk at first," Anakin said.

"So that's why you sent Luke home early," she stated.

"Yeah, I got a little rough and Obi-Wan chided me about my methods being "un Jedi-like." You know, the usual stuff. Unfortunately, the sleamo turned out to just be a lackey and didn't have any useful information about Bane's whereabouts," Anakin replied. She rubbed his arm soothingly.

"You'll get him. You always get them. Now, come wash up for dinner in the kitchen and I'll call the kids," Padme said. He nodded and placed another soft kiss on her lips.

"How's Leia? Are we still getting the silent treatment?" he asked. Padme sighed.

"Yes, but we can't cave in to her," Padme replied.

"I know. She's not going to that club. There's no way I'd ever cave into that. I guess I just miss my little Princess," he said. Padme smiled.

"She's still your little Princess. She's just going through a rebellious spurt right now. She has a lot of growing up to do still," Padme promised.

"The party is Friday night, right?" he asked. Padme nodded.

"Yes, so we'll be keeping a very close eye on her. And I told Tyler and Neela that other than Mara, she's not allowed to have any other friends over while we're gone Saturday night," Padme replied. He nodded.

"Then I guess we're covered. Dinner smells great, by the way," he mentioned, as they shared another kiss.

"You smell great too," he added, in a husky tone, making her giggle.

"Charmer. Go wash up," she replied, as she smacked him playfully on the rear.

"I'll get you for that later," he called.

"You better," she called back, as she went to call the kids for dinner.

~*~

Saturday night…

Anakin straightened his collar, as he waited for Padme to come down. Last night, Leia had pouted all night, but her spirits seemed better today, now that Jake's party was over and done with. He was glad for that, because he didn't have to worry about her tonight, since he knew she would be safe at home. He heard soft footfalls on the stairs and turned to see his angel descend like she was coming down from the heavens. She had once again stunned him to speechlessness with her alluring, angelic beauty. Her gorgeous chestnut curls were swept up in a glittering white large hair clasp that rested atop her head, letting her curls spill down her back. Her gown, shimmering white in color, hugged her petite, yet supple curves and fell to her feet. The collar scooped low and rested just above her bosom and the thin silver straps resting on her shoulders glimmered in the light.

"Wow…" he uttered. Padme smiled, as she reached him and he took her in his arms.

"You're breathtaking, not that you don't always take my breath away, but that dress just let's everyone know that they're in the presence of an angel," he told her.

"You're sweet, as always. And as always, you're looking very handsome," she replied, as their lips met in a tender kiss, passionate kiss. As their lips parted, he pressed his forehead to hers.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too. And thanks for letting me drag you to another one of these things," Padme replied.

"There's no where else for me other than by your side. Besides, this charity event isn't like the usual Senate galas and I know how important this cause is. All the credits raised goes to a very good place and helps a lot of people in need. To know that you're behind something like that makes me very proud and honored to be escorting you," he said, as he placed another soft kiss on her lips.

"Wow Mom, you look amazing," Leia said, as she and her siblings gathered around to say goodbye.

"Thanks sweetheart," Padme replied, glad that Leia seemed like she was starting to come around again.

"Okay, your Mom and I will be home late. Tyler and Neela are in charge, so behave," Anakin told them, as Padme hugged each of them and then led her to the veranda where he had their favorite silver speeder waiting. Once their parents were gone, Luke and the others started toward the rec room.

"We're going to play my new hologame. Are you two coming?" Luke asked his twin and Mara.

"No thanks, we're going to my room to watch a holomovie," Leia replied, as she and Mara headed upstairs. It was time to get ready for the party and enact their plan to sneak out…

~*~

"My patience wears thin with you, Chase," Bane growled.

"I should have an opening soon. She's a teenager and she's bound to sneak away from her parents…" Chase said, as he was cut off when he saw something outside the ground floor of Republica 500. He'd been watching the building ever since his daughter had been dropped off there earlier in the evening.

"Chase…are you still there?" Bane asked. Chase smirked, as he watched his daughter and another brunette girl hop into a boy's speeder.

"Boss, things are looking up. My daughter and her little friend are doing what all teenagers eventually do," Chase said.

"What are you blathering about?" Bane growled.

"They've snuck out to go clubbing. I'm following them now," Chase said, as he put his speeder in gear and began following them.

"Keep me informed," Bane ordered, as the transmission ended.

"You're my means to becoming a very rich man, my dear daughter," Chase smirked evilly.

~*~

"This is so great. How'd you pull it off?" Jake asked, as he made another right turn.

"We got ready in my room after we told them we were going up to watch a holomovie and once they went to check on my brothers and sisters in the rec room, we snuck right out the front door. It was close, because Threepio almost saw us, but we made," Leia replied.

"Wizard. You don't think they'll check your room, do you?" he asked.

"Well, I left the holoscreen on, so hopefully no one will bother us. But we probably shouldn't be gone more than a couple hours," Leia replied.

"Don't worry, I'll have you back before anyone realizes that you've snuck out. You…you look amazing, by the way," Jake said, as he glanced over at her. Mara rolled her eyes. This whole thing was a disaster waiting to happen and she was seriously regretting her decision to go, but she knew that if she didn't that Leia would have just gone anyway. Her best friend was wearing a dress that her parents would have never let her out of the house in, for it had a low cut collar, was black in color and much too short. As she sat back in the speeder, she decided that she might be overreacting a bit. It was just a club, after all. What could go wrong?

~*~

Anakin led Padme into Calin's resort establishment that evening, walking quickly past the flashing holocams. Calin had been generous enough to let them host the event there and had made a very hefty donation of his own to her charity.

"Wow, what a turnout. We may break a record this year in the amount raised," Anakin mentioned, as they entered the gala. Each attendee paid admission and spent their credits on evening meal, drinks, and contributed with further donations if they so wished. Almost one hundred percent of the profits earned would be donated to their foundation that they had founded together several years ago. The appropriately named Angel Foundation made it possible for women's shelters to operate and take in as many battered women and their children as they could.

"I think you're right. This is wonderful and none of it would have ever been possible without you," Padme told him, as she put her arms around his neck.

"I live to make you happy and the Angel Foundation means a lot to us both. It is a very worthy cause and I see a lot of rich and willing spenders. There isn't a better place for our charitable credits to be going," Anakin said.

"Well said Ani," Yan said, as he and Elana approached, each with a glass of wine in hand. Padme hugged them both.

"Thank you for coming," she said.

"Sweetheart, you know we'd never miss this event," Elana told her. It was true. Yan and Elana were their biggest contributors.

"Let's get a table and order. I'm starving," Anakin mentioned.

"Well that's nothing new," Elana joked, as they saw Calin approaching.

"Good evening Calin. We were just about to get a table. Will you and Lando be joining us?" Padme asked.

"Well, I would love to, but unfortunately Lando and Han are out carousing the clubs, despite my disapproval. But they're adults now and there's not much I can do to stop Lando, never mind stopping Han," Calin replied.

"Yeah, Leia wanted to go to a club last night. Fortunately, we can still say no," Anakin said.

"Cherish the times," Calin replied, as he led them to the center table, which was reserved for their family.

"I want to thank you again for letting us host the event here again," Padme said.

"Of course Padme. You know how much I support this cause as well. Donating the use of my resort for this evening is my honor," Calin replied, as the waiter waited to take their orders. Anakin ordered her favorite meal for her and as usual a Bantha steak for himself. The others ordered as well and their wine was delivered promptly. Padme saw the other attendees doing the same and it made her happy that her cause would once again receive the needed funds.

~*~

Ryoo laughed, as she exited the club with Lando and Han trailing behind them. Her arm was looped with his and Han rolled his eyes. They had been making gooey eyes at each other all night and he wished they would just tell their parents that they had started dating. For some reason, they were enjoying just keeping it between the two of them. Han thought it probably had something to do with the fact that Ryoo wasn't quite ready for her father to know that she was not only dating Lando, but sleeping with him as well. These Jedi dads were as overprotective as they came.

"Hey lovebirds…where are we going now? It better be somewhere where there's lots of alcohol so I can tune you guys out," Han complained.

"You're just mad because you don't have a date," Lando retorted.

"Lando and I thought it would be fun to crash Club Nova," Ryoo giggled.

"Club Nova? That's the teen scene. Why in blazes would we go there?" Han asked.

"Because it will be fun. And they still serve alcohol to the people that are old enough, like us. I hear it's a pretty wizard place these days," Lando replied. Han rolled his eyes.

"Great…I'm gonna have to ask for girls' identification just to make sure they're old enough for me to dance with! That's a great pick up line," Han griped sarcastically, as they entered the club.

~*~

Loud music filled Leia's ears, as she and Mara entered the party with Jake. The air was smoky and the dance floor was filled with teenagers and young adults dancing and gyrating against each other.

"Hey…there's the life day boy now!" one of Jake's obnoxious friends called. The guys all gathered around him, patting him on the back. Leia watched one of the guys line up about twenty shot glasses, before he poured what looked like brandy along all of them, filling them up.

"Go on Jakie…it's your life day. Drink up buddy!" one called obnoxiously. Jake shrugged his shoulders and did one shot. Leia noticed a lot of the girls from her school were present too and they remained standoffish, as usual. They didn't really like her and her little sister's words rang in her mind.

"Whoa…and what do we have here?" Randy, one of Jake's friends, asked, as he eyed Leia and Mara.

"How about a dance, baby?" he leered at Leia.

"Hey…back off Randy," Jake warned. He put his hands up.

"Sorry, I forgot she's yours and there's always her friend. How about you, red?" he asked Mara.

"I say that if you touch me…that you and my green light saber will become very acquainted," Mara replied. Jake and the others laughed.

"That should teach you not to be such a sleaze," Jake said, patting him on the shoulder, before putting his arm around Leia.

"Fine…why don't you take your girl and get a good life day dance out of her. She can show us how good she moves," Randy leered.

"Ignore him. He's drunk, but I wouldn't mind dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room, if you will?" he said, offering his hand. She smiled and nodded, as he led her to the dance floor.

"So, this place is pretty great, isn't it?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, it's wizard," Leia lied. So far, she was unimpressed with the club scene, for there was just a bunch of drunk people she didn't care to associate with and so much smoke that it was hard to breathe. But she was with Jake and that made things a lot better…at least until Veronica approached them.

"Hey there sexy. Happy Life Day," Veronica purred.

"Thanks Veronica, glad you could make it," Jake replied.

"Oh, I wouldn't miss your party for anything. So nice to see you too Leia. I love your dress," Veronica said, glaring at her smugly.

"Thanks," Leia replied.

"So, I was wondering if you would mind if I danced with Jake," Veronica said.

"Well, I'm sort of dancing with him right now," Leia replied.

"Oh that's too bad," Veronica said, looking wounded.

"You don't mind one dance, do you?" Jake asked Leia and she hid her wounded look under a fake smile.

"Sure," Leia replied, as she let Veronica cut in.

"Thanks Leia. It's so nice that your girlfriend trusts you so much," Leia heard Veronica say, as she glared at her over Jake's shoulder. Leia backed away, intending to find Mara when she bumped into someone.

"Hey…watch it," he snapped, as Leia turned.

"Han?" she asked in surprise.

"Leia?" he asked in equal surprise, as they stared at each other on the dance floor.