AN: Oh wow! An hour late but I decided to give since I did update two hours later than normal and I forgot to take into account that it's Monday, the beginning of the week. Here's your chapter. And yeah. That battle was based off the Trojan War. I was going over it in my mythology class when I wrote it and I was having a writer's block. So to get the story flowing again, I decided I could use it. So here it is. Two chapters in one day!

Read, enjoy, and review!

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Chapter Twenty-one

The show wasn't due to start for at least half an hour and seeing that she had no idea where Vader was, Ahsoka simply decided to sip on some wine that was being handed out. But before she could go stand somewhere away from the crowds, people began to come up to her and greet her. They were probably hoping to get into Vader's good graces through her, the less intimidating of the two.

If it weren't for her force powers, Ahsoka might have thought they were trying to be friendly (they were that good at putting up a front) but she vaguely remembered Vader telling her at some point not to trust politicians. Not only that, but she could read their feelings anyway. How had she, some woman from out of nowhere, suddenly shown up on the scene, got into Vader's good graces and become his second? No one had ever been able to garner enough respect from him for that to happen. Ahsoka understood why.

"Lady Pesinoé," someone said coming up from behind her.

It took Ahsoka a moment to realize they were talking to her. She turned around when she did and apologized for being distracted.

"Understandable," he said. "I'm Governor Malik and this is my wife Amelia."

"Hello," Ahsoka said extending her hand to them both.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Pesinoé," she said.

Ahsoka smiled. "Likewise."

"There has certainly been a lot of talk about you," Malik said. "No one knew who you were, couldn't find anything on you and yet out of nowhere you were able to climb your way to the top of the ladder and become Lord Vader's second."

Ahsoka smiled out of politeness but she caught the implication.

"Actually, I've been working behind the scenes for Lord Vader for years," she said to him purposely leaving it open for interpretation.

"Oh?" Amelia asked. "Doing what?"

"The things he may have found his other subordinates too incompetent to handle," Ahsoka said glaring at Malik. She had heard Vader cursing the man many a days under his breath and the only reason he hadn't disposed of him was because he was a war veteran and the emperor favored him. Vader called him a kiss-up… Well actually he had called him something else more vulgar in huttese.

"Oh? Well I hope to one day see your skills in action," he said offhandedly.

Ahsoka took a step forward intending to show the governor her skills when Vader came to stand next to her and said, "I assure you, her skill and ingenuity on the battle field is second to no one except me. Perhaps you could learn something from her."

Malik cleared his throat. "Well that's probably sure. Of the reasons she got her position, I'm sure her fortitude on the battle field is what really counted in you making her your second."

"It was the only reason," Vader said in a warning tone and then turned to Ahsoka. "The emperor wishes for us to take our seats."

Ahsoka bristled as she walked next to him.

"Stupid politicians. Do they suck up to you like this all the time?" Ahsoka asked.

"They know not to," Vader replied. "It seems you've been very popular though."

"Ugh… If I hear someone call me Lady Pesinoé one more time I'm going to scream," she muttered.

"Be grateful. The emperor could have just called you Lady Vader," Vader pointed out.

Ahsoka tossed it around in her head and then replied, "Actually, I'd like that better."

Vader stopped walking and noticing this, Ahsoka stopped ahead of him and turned to face him a little amused at his reaction.

"Why?" he asked

"Well it would be better being your wife than your whore," she said bluntly and then added for good measure, "And you can relax. This isn't a marriage proposal or trying to hint at you that way or something. I couldn't care less."

Vader didn't respond and was instead silent before swiftly walking past her toward the emperor's box. Ahsoka was confused to say the least. Vader had been acting weird all day, and she was about at her wits end about why. She'd feel better if he just told her. It had to be more than just the fact that the emperor had made them both come to these pointless and extravagant celebrations.

The performance was considerably more entertaining than all the pointless speeches from before were, even though Ahsoka didn't know what about one of the dances was so representative of the empire but she was at least occupied by it. However, it dragged out after a while, and almost simultaneously both she and Vader let out a sigh.

The emperor noticed this and cackled at them both.

"A man and woman of action to the end," he said to them.

Both Ahsoka and Vader sat up at that point to save face, but the emperor was only amused.

"It's quite alright. I know this may seem a pointless bore to you. But you both can understand the importance of the emperor's finest warriors being present, don't you?" he asked.

Vader bristled and Ahsoka was positive it was taking all his will power not to get up and walk out the room. Instead Vader replied in what was supposed to be a light tone, "Really? I was under the impression that you just like to torture me."

Any other person would have thought it was an innocent enough joke, but Vader didn't joke and there was none of the usual sarcastic undertone when he made statements like that. He sounded dead serious and he had just openly said it to the emperor. Ahsoka was shocked. Vader had actually called out the emperor. On what? She had no clue.

At the same time Palpatine and Ahsoka turned to look at Vader who was staring ahead, beyond caring about their stares.

There was no doubt about to be hell to pay as Palpatine started to open his mouth, but thankfully, the show ended and everyone stood to clap. Following the audience, the three stood with everyone else, but only Palpatine clapped. Ahsoka was still shocked at Vader's cutting remark to the emperor and more than ever his bad mood was apparent. So after the show, they headed immediately to the gala at the palace. Ahsoka didn't even try to make conversation with as him in the speeder and immediately went her own way when they came in the room together as Vader went to be anti-social next to one of the many refreshment tables in the room.

Ahsoka mingled with the different governors and governesses. Everyone was disinteresting to her, but it was surprisingly a young duchess from a mid-rim planet. Ahsoka had heard about her. She had a less than honorable reputation and her father was the governor of her sector. Not only that, but she was only thirty and had been through three husbands and was now engaged to a fourth.

"I tell you," she said. "Daddy always makes me go to these crazy functions. But they make for good scouting."

"Scouting for what?" Ahsoka asked her.

"A new husband of course."

"Aren't you engaged?" Ahsoka asked her curiously.

"Oh… Well yes. But it doesn't hurt," she said scanning the room, her eyes landing on Vader. "So is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"You mean you haven't heard the gossip. Everyone's talking about you. How you met Vader, what you really are to him. They're saying you're his mistress. Is it true?"

Ahsoka smiled. At least she wasn't talking behind her back.

"I'm not his mistress," Ahsoka said simply.

"Then kill my curiosity and tell me how you got into milord's good graces."

"We're old friends."

"I didn't know he had any friends," she said and looked at Vader again. "So you ever seen what's under that suit?"

"Maybe," Ahsoka replied tersely.

The duchess paused. "Hm… Lucky you. I wish I could get a catch like that," she said wistfully and then added, "I mean held in as high esteem."

Ahsoka blew out through her lips and crossed her arms at that point.

She excused herself and went to stand with Vader. Whatever was wrong with him, he was still better company than anyone else in the room.

Vader glanced at her and then said in irritation, "You mean you can't find anything better to do with all these people around besides standing beside me."

Ahsoka groaned pretty much fed up with Vader at this point.

"Believe me. Standing here next to you is the lesser of two evils. I rather be out there mingling," she snapped. "However, either the people in here are fake and jealous or nosy."

"Suit yourself then," he said making no attempt to make her day better.

"Ugh," she said starting to walk off.

"Lord Vader, Lady Pesinoé," someone said but Ahsoka continued to walk off until Vader firmly sent, Pesinoé.

"Oh," she said and turned to the person and plastering on a fake smile. "I didn't hear you. My apologies."

"None needed milady," the woman said in a flat tone and Ahsoka took in the sight of her face white face makeup and red painted lips.

"Pesinoé," Vader said slowly. "This is Queen Kylantha of the Naboo System."

"I'm aware," she said with a nod to her and her handmaidens.

"I just arrived and decided to make my way over and extend my greetings," she said and then looked at Ahsoka. "And to make acquaintances with your new second Lord Vader."

"You just got here?"

"I had a previous engagement," Kylantha said. "My former senator personally invited me to the private memorial service for her aunt on Naboo. Her death coincides with empire day. Usually I only go to the public memorial, but I couldn't refuse her."

Ahsoka froze as she blinked and everything Vader had been doing started to make sense; his bad mood, his reluctance to talk to her, his comment to the emperor, the way he reacted on the ship when he saw her dress. It had been twenty-two years to the day that the clone wars had ended, Palpatine declared an empire, and Padmé had died of heartbreak. Ahsoka didn't know how she could she have forgotten that? She figured now was the time to be sympathetic about his plight, but she only felt a bubbling rage at him in her chest.

"Are you alright?" Kylantha asked.

"Fine," Ahsoka said flatly trying to control her temper.

"Are you sure?" Vader asked now concerned himself. "You look a little pale."

Ahsoka supposed she should put on a brave face and act like everything was alright. Then she would simply wait until after the event when they were alone to lay one out on Vader for keeping this away from her, and so that's what she tried to do, at least while Kylantha was still in front of them.

Kylantha nodded to her and made her to mingle amongst the guests.

Ahsoka lost her composure at that point and so let out a breath and decided she had enough of this for the moment. She discretely made her way out the large room trying to appear as normal as possible so as not to attract any attention. When she was sure no one had followed her, she kicked off the high heel boots and made her way to an upper floor and then walked down the halls and past the windows aligning it. She started to walk past another window, but then stopped. Something was off about it. It turned out that this set of windows were doors that led out to a short balcony that stretched down two of the windows of either side, overseeing the gardens.

"For an evil bastard, Palpatine sure has an eye for aesthetics," she muttered.

"I always found that ironic."

Ahsoka jumped and turned to see Vader had followed her. He had also taken off his mask which was why she hadn't heard the tell-tale breathing that usually accompanied him when he wore his suit.

Ahsoka sighed as she turned around to look back at the gardens.

"You followed me," she said.

"Always," he replied coming to stand next to her. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know. Are you?" Ahsoka shot. "You're the one who's been in a horrible mood all day and I don't find out why until I talk to Kylantha."

"I thought you'd figure it out eventually."

"I can't read your mind," Ahsoka said and then added, "Not when you shut me out anyway. How was I supposed to know what was wrong?"

"She was your best friend," Vader replied.

"She was your wife," Ahsoka said bitterly. The tone didn't go unnoticed by Vader, but he ignored it as Ahsoka continued, "You could have just told me what was wrong with you instead of being a jerk about it."

"You don't get it Ahsoka," Vader snapped at her. "This day is nothing to be remembered for me. It was the worst day of my life. I gained the galaxy and lost everything I had all in one day."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "Ah! You idiot! You're always so caught up in your misery you never think about everyone else. You weren't the only one who lost everything that day! I lost everything. I lost the only family I knew, my best friend who was the closest thing to a sister I ever had, and the person I fell in love with all in one day. I wanted to die."

"I didn't know," he said.

"That's because we never talked about it," Ahsoka replied and then stated simply, "You never wanted to."

"You certainly didn't act like it bothered you though," Vader said narrowing his eyes at her.

"No one gets as moody and angry as you do. I've learned to deal with it in my own way, the same way as you do I guess. I do other things," Ahsoka admitted and then looked at Vader. "But I'm usually so occupied on this day that I don't have to think about it. In fact, I had honestly forced myself to forget about everything that happened today."

"How?"

Ahsoka smiled. "Today's Leia's birthday. Remember? I'm usually planning a party or doing something for her."

Vader looked at her and cursed. How could he have forgotten? Silently he hoped to the force that where ever Leia was, she was at least enjoying herself on her birthday before addressing Ahsoka.

He blew out a breath and then said, "Every time the emperor makes me come to one of these things I forget everything else… He purposely does this because he knows it causes me pain. He does such a good job reminding me of my darkest moment, I forget my light and then I forget that the force had mercy on me a few days later."

"How?" Ahsoka asked turning to him.

"You came back to me," he said and began to trace the markings on her face again. "You didn't give up hope. You brought it back to me and perhaps that was the best gift you've ever given me. I'd hate to think where I'd be now if you hadn't come after me."

"Don't we both," she said leaning into his hand and closing her eyes. "But sometimes I doubt it."

"Why?"

"Do I remind you of Padmé or something? Because whenever you get like this you act like I'm not enough, like I'm just some cheap replacement for something you lost," she admitted.

"What?" Vader replied a little taken aback.

Ahsoka sighed and started to pull away but Vader put his hands on either of her arms.

"Look at me. Remember what I told you that night?" he asked. "Our first night together?"

Ahsoka blushed and nodded.

"I meant it when I said you were something else entirely," he said.

"Should I be insulted or flattered?" Ahsoka asked in a somewhat dry, but also serious tone. "Besides, that's hard to believe when you practically give me the cold shoulder all day. I can't help but wonder if you didn't want me around because of it."

"Actually, you make it more bearable. In fact, it wouldn't have bothered me at all if we had stayed in the outer rim. But the emperor is purposely throwing it in my face. Even your presence makes it hard to push out of my mind," he admitted and then added, "But even so you still made it less painful for me."

"How?"

"Because I remembered everything I gained and have now because of you and not everything I lost because of my own failures," he muttered and closed the gap between them pressing his lips to hers.

She sighed into him in contentment and reached her hand up to touch his face and run a hand through his hair. He pulled her to him and reached up to unclasp the broach on her cloak so that it fell to the floor at her feet and then pushed her against the door. He reached around to unclasp the neck of her dress and then pulled away some to let it fall, exposing her chest to him before he pressed against her again.

"Vader," she said. "Someone might see."

"Who's going to come here?"

Ahsoka laughed as she ran her hands down the leather of the suit on his back.

"The last time you said that, Leia walked in on us," she said all the while trying to figure out how his suit came off (The armor itself was easy), finally finding a zipper. "Besides people are going to wonder where we went. It'll feed the rumors."

"Not many people can find this and the emperor isn't going to waste his time to come looking for us. He's probably surprised I stayed as long as I did. If he wonders, we'll make up something," he muttered into her neck as Ahsoka slipped the suit off his arms and chest, taking the gauntlets with them. She then removed the under tunic and pressed her bare chest against his.

"Your sense of adventure hasn't dampened with age I see," she panted.

"Think of it this way," he said pushing his hips against hers some. "We're making a new memory to think about for this day."

He continued to kiss her and all talking ceased.

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AN: So there it is and now I've got to go study for finals. Eight days to go before complete and utter freedom for three whole months! Now where did I put those American Government flash cards…

Hope you enjoyed. Review Please!