Note 1: Star Wars and its affiliates do not belong to me, only the contents of this Verse.

Note 2: Thank you to Young at Heart21 and my new beta authorwithissues. You make this story happen.

Chosen: Restoration

Chapter 18: Naboo

By WrittinInStone

Padmé let out a deep breath of enchantment as she exited hyperspace. Before her, looming in all its natural glory, was her home planet of Naboo. It had been so long since she had last been here, that she could not quell the happiness at the sight of her beloved home world.

Smiling, she gazed at the planet for a long moment before taking her comlink from its place in her pocket. "Anakin?" Padmé spoke into the device. "Anakin, I'm here. You can quit worrying about me, now."

"Ask me to do something I'm capable of," her husband's voice answered wryly through the com. "There are dangers even on Naboo, Padmé. Remember what I said before: if you need anything, anything at all, contact me at once."

Padmé's smile softened as she spoke quietly, "Will do, husband. I love you. Be safe."

With that, she shut off the link, ceasing communication with Anakin. Upon obtaining clearance to enter the planet, Padmé eagerly descended, happy to be home once again.

#*#*#*#*#

Theed: capital city of Naboo and the home of the Theed Royal Palace, residence of the Monarch of Naboo and…home to the Naberrie family.

Padmé bit her lip as the she stopped, and cut off the transport in front of her parent's home in Theed. It had not taken much effort to set up a meeting with her contact at a remote, but respectable establishment. Afterwards, she had fought an internal battle until she resigned herself to the inevitable truth: she was going to see her family. She was pregnant with twins! It should be a joyous time for her family, filled with happiness, love, and the expectancy of new life. But here she was, scared, hiding, and forced to keep one of the happiest events in her life a secret.

Anakin hadn't forbidden her from telling them, but how would she explain to her family that she couldn't tell them who the father of her child was? Would they allow her this secret, or would they badger her? Would she even be able to hide a secret that was so…visible?

Padmé sighed and allowed her head to drop to the dashboard of the transport. She loved her family, but how would they feel when they found out what she was hiding? They had always been a close-knit family, and withholding information from each other was scarcely tolerated. What would they say when they discovered the magnitude of her secret?

Suddenly, Padmé just wanted to leave. She had never displayed such cowardice in her life, but the thought of facing her family when she knew that she was keeping the news of her pregnancy from them? It was simply too much. As a politician, it had been necessary to learn how to subtly bend the truth, to manipulate words to her benefit. But to use these same skills on her beloved family? Well, she refused. She would not lie to her loved ones.

Padmé started the transport, intent on leaving, but before she could pull away, she heard a voice excitedly call, "Padmé!"

The young Senator turned, and there in the doorway stood her mother with tears pouring down her face.

"Padmé!" Jobal cried in happiness, rushing to the transport and throwing her arms around her daughter. "Oh, Padmé! You didn't tell us you were coming here!"

Padmé smiled ruefully at her mother, knowing she was caught. There was no leaving now. Padmé wanted to curse at the turn of events. It seemed that avoiding a lie was no longer an option. "I didn't notify you because I didn't know myself until a little while ago."

"Well, it's no matter!" Jobal said excitedly, pulling away from Padmé to beam at her. "Your father and sister will be so happy! It's been so long! Come inside—"

Suddenly, Jobal paused. She pulled farther away to look at her daughter sideways, then the older woman's eyes widened. "By the Force," the older woman breathed. "You're pregnant."

Padmé's dropped jaw could have swallowed a shaak.

#*#*#*#*#

"You thought you could hide something that big from Mother?" Sola said in exasperation as she rubbed down the dishes she was washing. "That woman knows everything! She'd always know when we were awake and when we did something wrong. And remember that time we stole cookies from the cookie jar when we had that sleepover at Lindé's? She knew about that and it was at another person's house!" Sola finished washing a dish and sat down in a chair.

"Yes," Padmé said miserably. "I remember." She winced as she sat in the chair next to her sister. When she finally got comfortable, Padmé gazed around the kitchen fondly. It was ripe with memories, bursting with feelings of warmth and love. She felt more connected to her family here than in any other place in the house. Hopefully, she and Anakin could create a place such as this for their children.

Sola gazed happily at her sister as she watched her closely. "So, you're pregnant."

Padmé paused for a moment before letting out a huge breath, "Yes," she said with a rueful grin, unconsciously rubbing her stomach. "I'm pregnant."

"That's so great."

Eyes wide, Padmé turned to look at her sister who was gazing upon her with breathtaking happiness. "You're pregnant, Padmé," Sola said softly. "You're going to be a mother. It's the greatest, most important job in the world. I'm so happy that you'll be able to experience its joys. Now tell me, who's the father? Do you love him? It is serious?" She had sat at the edge of the chair, leaning toward Padmé, excitement and anticipation plain on her face.

Padmé stiffened even as she had to fight down amusement at her sister's enthusiasm. She had always been grateful to be blessed with a sister as wonderful as Sola, and now, she was no less so. But that incredible understanding and inquisitiveness from Sola that she had always loved, proved to be unwelcome at this time, bringing with it the moment she had been dreading. Please accept this, Padmé thought in desperation. Please, Force, please allow them to accept this explanation.

But before she could open her mouth to speak, a voice cut in. "I think we would all like to know the answers to those questions, Sola."

Padmé's stomach lurched at the sound of her father's voice. "Daddy," she said weakly as the older man entered the room, followed by her mother.

Sola smiled as her father entered, turning to face his imposing figure. "Dad," she said sternly. "Try not to smother Padmé too much." Ruwee gave her a wide-eyed stare of innocence, as if confused by the statement.

At fifty-three years old, Ruwee Naberrie was a handsome, fit man with a shock of brown hair and a quick smile. Now, that same smile he was known for hovered on the edges of his mouth as he surveyed his daughters.

"So, my youngest gem is to be a mother, eh?" Ruwee said quietly, closing his eyes. "A house full of grandchildren. What more could a body need or deserve?"

"Well, some answers would be great for starters," Jobal said, staring at Padmé sternly. "Did you really think you could sneak here, then sneak away without seeing us, all the while not telling us that we were going to be grandparents for the third time?"

Padmé smiled at them, all her anxiety over the situation suddenly melting away. This was her family! They loved her! The excitement that permeated the air at the news of her pregnancy was enough evidence of that.

They would accept that she could not tell them about the father of her children, they would.

"Actually," she said lightly, happily. "You're going to be grandparents for the fourth time. I'm pregnant with twins."

The three of them gasped.

Padmé laughed in delight at their shock. "It's amazing, right? I'm so happy, I could burst." Suddenly, she paused, taking a moment to look at her family. "I'm so glad I came here to visit. I missed you all so much. I love you."

Ruwee cleared his throat, attempting to cover the fact that his eyes were growing misty. "We've missed you too, Padmé," he said gruffly. "Welcome home."

#*#*#*#*#

"So, the young man who got you pregnant," Ruwee said conversationally. "Who is he?"

Padmé nearly spit out the milk she was drinking at the question. Thus far, she had successfully evaded all questions about the father of her children. But now, trapped at the dinner table as she was, there was absolutely no place to run, no way to dodge the question.

At her near choking, Sola began to pat her on the back firmly, concern on her face.

"Ruwee," Jobal scolded her husband with a frown. "Could you not have waited until she was done drinking?"

"It's no less than what she deserves for dodging our questions all night," Ruwee retorted. "A politician, our beloved Padmé is, but a daughter she is above all. Someone impregnated my youngest child and I want to know who it is. I still have my old blaster from the Refugee Relief Movement, you know. We were there to deliver food, but don't think that there weren't hostile areas, because there were plenty! I am quite handy with a weapon!"

"Daddy!" Padmé cried in loving exasperation as her mother and sister chuckled in amusement.

"Now, Daddy," Sola chided with a grin. "You can't go blasting at Padmé's love. Because she does love him, don't you, sister?" Sola turned to look at her sister, her smile softening. "That's the only way you would allow him to touch you."

Padmé paused and grew quiet at her sister's inquiry. "Do I love him?" she repeated in a murmur. The table fell silent as they all waited for her answer.

Padmé leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes as she thought about Anakin Skywalker, the father of her children. She thought about the way the wind teased his hair, the way he ran his hands through it when he was nervous. She thought about the way he left little gifts in the oddest places, all in hope that she would find it when she needed encouragement the most. She thought about the way he looked at her, like she was his sun, moon and stars. She thought about his smile and how it lit up her world, how it gave her peace and happiness that went beyond all reason.

"Do I love him?" she repeated softly, her eyes shining with emotion as she finally opens her eyes. "Do I love the way he makes me feel more feminine than I ever have in my life? Do I love the way he holds me like I am the most important person in his world? Do I love the way he makes me feel so safe, as though he would never allow anyone or anything to hurt me? Do I love the way he makes me so happy that sometimes I think I will explode with the joy of it?"

Padmé paused and closed her eyes again. "Yes," she breathed, joy and happiness permeating her voice. "I love him, with all my heart."

She opened her eyes, trying her best to quell the silly smile that she knew was plastered over her face. Anakin, she thought, her eyes glazing as she daydreamed about her husband. I love you.

Her family looked at her smile and unfocused expression in shock. They had never seen Padmé like this before. Ever. About anything! Who was this man?

"He must truly be extraordinary," Jobal said, both delighted and disquieted at what her daughter was revealing.

Padmé didn't answer, but continued to stare into space, a faraway smile on her face.

Ruwee and Jobal exchanged glances, both of them uncertain of what to say or how to feel. Ever since she was a child, Padmé had only been passionate about one thing: helping people. It was why she had chosen politics in the first place.

Now, Jobal thought in amusement as she gazed upon her daughter, it looks as though she found something else to be passionate about. Literally. The older woman chuckled at the naughtiness of her own thoughts. I should be happy for her, not worried! For many years we have prayed that Padmé would find someone, that she would not be alone. But… now that this miracle has happened, I am worried that this man will hurt her. Jobal shook her head in exasperation at her own behavior. I suppose that's what a mother does; she worries for her child. But I don't think that I need to do that anymore, if the look on my daughter's face is any indication. Whoever this young man is, I am happy that he has done what no man has ever done: made Padmé love him.

She sat back and smiled at Padmé, happiness feeling her. "I am so happy for you, my love." At the words, Padmé snapped out of her reverie and returned her mother's warm smile.

Ruwee glared stonily at the two of them, his wife's words echoing in his head. It was bad enough watching Sola get married and settled, knowing that his little girl was being given to another man, but now to have his Padmé enthralled with an unknown man that may take her far away? It could not come to pass; Ruwee would not allow another man to take his daughter away. "Who is this sainted man?" he asked, sarcasm leaking through his voice like venom.

Padmé hesitated. "I can't say," she admitted, biting her lip in trepidation.

Ruwee's eyebrows drew up as he narrowed in on that statement. "What? Why can't you tell us who this paragon of virtue is? Is he ashamed of you?"

"No!" Padmé exclaimed, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "An—I mean he loves me."

"He loves you so much that you can't tell anyone about your relationship?"

"Daddy," Padmé said, unease creeping through her. "It was a mutual decision on both of our parts. Why are you saying these things?"

"Yes, Daddy," Sola said, a feeling of dread building within her. "Why would you say that about Padmé's love? I'm sure there must be a good reason why she can't tell us who he is."

"Perhaps he's married," Ruwee suggested with a nod, as though he had figured the unknown man out. "Or he probably doesn't want to claim the children—"

"Ruwee, that's enough!" Jobal finally exclaimed, anger simmering at the venom her husband was spouting. "Do you even care what your words are doing to our daughter?"

Padmé had stopped cold at her father's words. Now, her face was pale and her hand shook as she grasped the table and pulled herself to her feet. Jobal and Sola exchanged glances before looking at Padmé in concern. This was obviously stressful for Padmé, probably more than she needed. They both hesitated to intervene, even as they felt that the conversation was quickly heading to a point of no return, because what could they say? They could not supersede Ruwee.

"This man loves me," Padmé said to her father harshly, shakily. "Eventually we'll be able to tell you everything, but not now. When he does come, will he be welcome here?"

"Of course he will, dear," Jobal said, staring hard at her husband. "We can't wait to meet him—"

"No," Ruwee interrupted his wife quietly.

"What?" Padmé gasped.

"Daddy," Sola moaned. "No!"

"No!" Jobal cried in horror. "Ruwee, you don't know what you're saying! Please—."

"A man who cannot claim my daughter will never be welcome in my house!" Ruweel interrupt harshly, fury radiating in his stiffened posture. "We will love the children, of course, but this man, the father of your children has shamed you and burdened you to deal with the backlash of this pregnancy alone. Do you think we don't know what will happen when your pregnancy becomes public? You will be dogged by the media even more so than you are now; you will be hailed as an unwed mother."

At Padmé's shocked gaze, Ruwee gave a derisive laugh. "You are I both know that this Universe isn't as progressive as it makes itself out to be. Your career will take a huge blow for this. In not stepping forward and not claiming you, he will cause you much pain. Despite his private support, should he give it, you will be alone. I can forgive many a man for many a thing, but to abandon my daughter? That will never be forgiven. For such an offense, he will never be welcome in the Naberrie household."

As her father spoke, Padmé rose unsteadily to her feet. She bit her lip as she tried to fight back her tears. "Is that your final say then?" she whispered.

"Ruwee," Jobal pleaded, seeing in Padmé's eyes what her husband could not. Whoever this man was, he had an extraordinary hold on Padmé; she was not going leave him and if Ruwee forced her to choose… Jobal shook her head. She already feared what Padmé's decision would be.

Sola grabbed her head in panic, torn between standing up for her sister and partially agreeing with her father. She did not know what to do, so she did nothing.

"Yes," Ruwee said firmly, ignoring his wife. Then, he softened as he saw the tears well up in his daughter's eyes. He knew that she would be hurt now at the revelation that this man was no good, but she would see that it was for the best in the long run.

"Padmé," he began compassionately. "It'll get—"

"I'll be gone by tonight," Padmé interrupted, her throat aching with tears.

"What?" Jobal said, panic filling her. "Padmé, wait, please. Your father doesn't mean it."

"Yes, he does, Mama," Padmé said, tears spilling down her cheeks. "My father is saying that the man I love, the father of my children isn't welcome in this house. But if he isn't welcome here," she paused and stared at her father. "Then neither am I."

Sola said nothing, unsurprised by her sister's proclamation. She had seen as Jobal had before this confrontation had even gathered steam; Padmé would not leave her lover, not even for them. She looked away from the scene in front of her, feeling as though a block of ice was in her chest. Is this how it feels to watch your family fall apart? she wondered with a sick smile.

"You would choose him over your own family?" Ruwee roared, shock etched into every wrinkle of his face as he watched his youngest turn and begin to exit the room.

Padmé paused and turned around to look her father dead in the eye. "He is my family. I would choose him every time," she said with a small smile. "Every single time."

Ruwee's eyes widened at the pain in his youngest daughter's face and in her voice. Then suddenly, it felt as though he had been punched in the stomach at the realization of what he had done. He had effectively forced his daughter to choose between two families: the one that she had, and the one she hoped to gain.

As he watched her leave the kitchen, he knew he should call out to her, but his pride wouldn't let him. He had laid down the law, repealing it would only make him appear weak and the one thing that Ruwee Naberrie refused to be, was weak.

It only took a moment to go to her room and began to gather her meager belongings. Her mother and sister frantically rushed behind her, attempting to appease her rage and hurt. Padmé hardened her heart as she listened to their tearful pleas to talk to Ruwee, their insistence that he had not meant what he said. But Padmé said nothing and when all her belongings were packed, she kissed her mother and her sister stoutly before heading for the door. She did not look at Ruwee as she passed him; and as soon as Padmé loaded her transport, she was gone.

End of Chapter 18: Please review. Thank you!

Chapter 19: Council: Obi-Wan meets with the Jedi Council.

Attribution: Thank you to Wookiepedia for the Star Wars facts.

A/N: I really want to stress my thanks to everyone who continues to review faithfully! It really, REALLY does keep me going, keeps me determined to finish this story. I do want to say that LordAedan's review made me so happy! I grinned like an idiot when I saw it, and that was after reading it like…ten times! So, LordAedan, thank you for what you said. I hope that the remainder of my story lives up to your expectations. Also, I noticed some new reviewers! Thank you so much for making the effort. It means a lot to me!

***IMPORTANT***

Dear Readers:

So…I am in the market to write a new fic. My story, Soul's Scars, is almost done, so I will be working on a story in addition to Chosen: Restoration really soon.

The problem is, I'm in a pickle as to what to begin! I've been thinking about doing another story in another fandom, either a Troy fic (featuring Achilles and Briseis) or a LOTR fic (featuring Legolas and an OC). Or…I could just do another SW fanfiction which would feature Darth Vader and Padmé.

Since I've been going back and forth, I've decided to make this easier on myself and let my readers decide what fic I should write next. I do realize that the results may be skewed in SW's favor, but I also realize that people don't read JUST SW fanfiction. So…if you want to have a voice in what I write, please go to my profile and vote in the poll that I have provided. The results will be revealed next week on Sunday! So that's a week to vote. I have amazing ideas for all of them, so…choose which one you would prefer, just make my life easier. LOL.

WrittinInStone