a.n. I managed to keep my promise and got this chapter out right away. I will try to have another one or two out within the next 2 weeks, but I am not making any promises. This is probably longest chapter to date and is almost twice as long as the last one. I apologize for the length, but I didn't really want to split this chapter in half since I really wanted all of this to be one scene. A quick note about this chapter: this takes place at the home of Padme's parents, a scene that is found in the "Deleted Scenes" section of the Episode II DVD. Much of the dialogue was taken, as I said in the last chapter, from an online script of the movie and I used my (sorely lacking) memory to help me with this chapter, so I apologize for any mistakes/confusion, etc. But please read, review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Again, I do not own Star Wars or any of the characters/dialogue therein. It all belongs to Mr. George Lucas. I am only playing with his wonderful world and i am definitely not making any sort of profit off of this.

Chapter 23: Interlude at Home

Before heading into the Lake Country, Padmé had decided that it would be prudent to stop by and visit her family. She knew that the news of all of the assassination attempts had to be hard on them and there was no better way to relieve the stress that put on them than by visiting.

Padmé, Anakin, Luca, and Artoo found themselves wandering through an alley in a residential part of Theed. The buildings on either side of them were weathered and well-worn and their proximity to one another exuded a feeling of intimacy and closeness. Elegant vines crept up the walls and planters jutted out from the windows, flowers blooming in bright, vivid colors. Happy noises of children and families echoed around the area and the group got caught up in the happy atmosphere of the place, caught up in their own memories that this place dredged up.

For Padmé, being here again, being home, brought a sense of security and a feeling of warmth that she hadn't experienced in a long time. She remembered her happy childhood running up and down the streets with her sister, being called home to dinner, being tucked into bed at night. Since becoming queen, and later senator, these memories were few and far between, almost as non-existent as her visits home. Being here again seemed to relax her and ground her in a way she didn't know she needed.

For Anakin, memories of Tatooine, especially those very few happy ones, came to mind. The feelings of closeness, of love, of friends. He felt that as he wandered these cobblestoned streets and passed by these old buildings. The sounds of children laughing resounding through the area called forth memories of his long-forgotten friends and comrades: Kitster, Wald, Amee. Names from a time he could hardly remember anymore, a time he would almost like to forget. Would forget, if it wasn't for her. Images of her crept into his mind again as they had been doing quite frequently recently. He shook his head to clear these images. He had to stay focused on the task at hand, no matter how much he wished to see her again.

For Luca, he remembered events that had not yet happened, events that may not ever happen again if he was not successful. He remembered this excursion with Padmé; he remembered their times at Varykino; he remembered all of the times they spent together; and he remembered all of the times they were apart. What he remembered most were the dreams they had of their future, the plans they had made. They had wanted a family, to live together until the end of their days. He also remembered what he did to squash those dreams, what he did that broke apart that family they had always wanted. The memories that were overwhelming him now only hardened his resolve and determination to succeed in what he had to do.

As the group rounded the corner, Padmé's footsteps quickened slightly and there was an extra bounce in her step. The excitement she felt was tangible and both Anakin and Luca were swept up in it. Seemingly out of nowhere, two high-pitched squeals echoed around the small courtyard and a pair of small flying bodies launched themselves into Padmé's outstretched arms.

"Aunt Padmé! Aunt Padmé!"

"Ryoo! Pooja! I'm so happy to see you!" The grin she wore was contagious and neither Anakin nor Luca could stop themselves from smiling at the little reunion taking place. Padmé crouched down and hugged the two little girls tightly for a long moment before standing back up and inclining her head towards the rest of her group. "Ryoo, Pooja, these are some friends of mine. This is Anakin Skywalker and this is Mister Luca Redenov. Anakin, Luca, say hello to my nieces, Ryoo and Pooja."

Luca didn't need the Force to know that Anakin was shy and uncomfortable around the two little girls, or that they were the same way with him. He, however, crouched down to their level and looked directly at them, a broad grin on his face.

"It is good to meet you Ryoo. And you too, Pooja." He gave each of them a firm but gentle handshake and watched as the girls seemed to warm up to him at this simple gesture. He glanced back at Anakin, standing shyly aloof and looked back to the girls. "And I know Anakin here is just as happy to meet you." He brought his face closer to the girls and in a conspiratory whisper said "Why don't you make him feel welcome and show him that you are glad to meet him too?"

Pooja and Ryoo looked back and forth between Luca and Anakin for a brief moment before running over to him to tightly hug his legs. Anakin's surprise at their sudden action was obvious and he faltered for a bit. He tried to glare menacingly at Luca but failed miserably. Looking over at Padmé, he saw that she was giggling at her nieces' actions and that put a smile on his face and he managed to crouch down when they decided to let go of him. Like Luca, he shook their hands amiably.

"I am pleased to meet you too. On the way here, I heard nothing but good things about you from your aunt. I am glad I got the chance to meet you in person." These words seemed to break the tension that had encompassed Anakin the last few days and Luca noticed that he relaxed a little. When the darkness threatens to overwhelm you, Anakin, when it threatens to consume your being, you need to remember times like this, times when you are at peace. Let these feelings of joy, happiness, and love flow through you and use the power they give you to defeat that darkness. Only then can you be saved.

Luca continued to watch Anakin interact with the girls, truly pleased with the pleasant feeling the young man was exuding. It truly was good for Anakin to relax like this; all of the stress he had heaped on himself in the last few days would not be doing any good for him in just a few short days. To relieve at least some of that tension would go a long way helping him stay on the path of the light.

A few more moments of laughter and interaction later, Padmé led everyone the rest of the short way to her family's house while Ryoo and Pooja each held one of Anakin's hands and skipped happily alongside him.

Once they had reached her home, Padmé had immediately introduced Anakin and Luca to her parents and her sister. Though Anakin had relaxed considerably around the girls, he was still on edge around Padmé's parents even though he had nothing to fear from them. They were quite amiable to him and seemed nice enough, but he just couldn't bring himself to relax around them. He noticed that Luca seemed just as quiet as always and though he had a friendly smile on his face as he greeted everyone, there was something about him that peaked Anakin's interest. He didn't look like it, but there was something sad about him, as if he was remembering something painful. It was curious and, for some reason, Anakin felt like he should talk to him, to get a better sense of this mysterious stranger. With everything that had been going on since he got back from Ansion and this mission, he never had the time to really figure Luca out. He knew that the Jedi Council trusted him for some reason or else they would not have sent him on this mission. But, with his thoughts and concerns turned towards Padmé, he hadn't had time to think about other things. Yet Luca always seemed to dispense advice at just the right moment and he always seemed to know what to say.

That was just another thing he was finding curious about this man. Luca seemed to read him so well, seemed to know his thoughts and his feelings as if he could sense them. He certainly didn't seem to be a Jedi, and the Council would have known if he was, so he couldn't be. But still, something was pulling Anakin towards him, was practically screaming at him to notice something about Luca. Anakin didn't know what it was, but he had always had a keen sense of perception and he knew that whatever it was that was drawing him towards Luca should probably be listened to.

When all of the introductions were made, Padmé's mother Jobal, ever the duteous hostess, took charge of the situation.

"You're all just in time for dinner. I hope you're hungry."

Luca nodded. "A little," Anakin replied.

Padmé smiled. "He's being polite, Mom. We're starving." At that moment, Luca and Anakin's stomachs growled simultaneously. Everyone gathered couldn't help but laugh.

Ruwee, Padmés father, grinned broadly. You came to the right place at the right time. Sit down, everyone."

Once everyone was seated comfortably, the food, and the conversation, began to flow.

Turning towards her daughter, Jobal stated "Honey, it's so good to see you safe. We were so worried."

Padmé sighed exasperatedly. "Mother…"

Jobal raised her hand to wave off the rest of her daughter's comment. "I know, I know... but I had to say it. Now it's done."

A moment of awkward silence presented itself before Sola, Padmé's sister turned toward Anakin. "Well, this is exciting! Do you know, Anakin, you're the first boyfriend my sister's ever brought home?" Both Anakin and Luca, who had each just taken a bite of food, managed to swallow without choking or spitting out what was in their mouths as Sola's comment caught them both by surprise. Well, I had almost forgotten how direct Sola could be. I remember this dinner, but she still surprised me. I have try harder to remember details like this. Luca managed to recover fairly well, but Anakin could just barely stop the slight blush rising in his cheeks. Padmé just rolled her eyes.

"Sola!" Padmé scolded, "he isn't my boyfriend! He's a Jedi assigned by the Senate to protect me." As soon as the word left her mouth, Padmé instantly knew that they were the wrong things to say.

Jobal stared wide-eyed at her daughter. "A bodyguard! Oh, Padmé! They didn't tell us it was that serious!"

Padmé shook her head, hoping to dispel her mother's worries. "It's not, Mom, I promise. Anyway, Anakin's a friend. I've known him for years. Remember that little boy who was with the Jedi during the blockade crisis?" She watched her family nod their heads. "Well, he grew up." As she said this, she turned and smiled gently at Anakin.

Jobal still wasn't satisfied. "Well, what about Mr. Redenov?" She looked pointedly at Luca. "Is he a Jedi too? Are you in so much danger that that you need two Jedi to protect you?"

Before Padmé could answer, Luca broke in. "I am no Jedi, Mrs. Naberrie. I am just here as an additional security precaution. I have experience in this sort of thing and the Jedi thought it couldn't hurt to have me here as backup. Jedi Skywalker is perfectly capable of doing this job himself, but if something unforeseen should happen to arise, which is always a likely probability, and help is needed, I am here." He saw Anakin sit up a little at his praise and he could see that Jobal still wasn't fully convinced. "I am sure you follow the political dealings on Coruscant, or at least, those involving your daughter. Am I right?" At three nods, he continued. "Then you should be aware of how passionately she feels about the issues she believes in and how determined she is to see that justice is done." Three more nods. "And because she is so passionate about her causes and because she refuses to back down in the face of intimidation or under extreme pressure from opponents or those who would wish to see harm come to her, she is always faced with the threat of danger. Whenever there is a beacon of light and goodness in this galaxy, like the good Senator, there will be those who wish to extinguish it and let darkness rule. If we let that happen, too much pain and suffering will be wrought on the galaxy. It may be Padmé's passion that gets her into danger, but it is also that passion that brings about good in the galaxy and we cannot let that good die, no matter what. That is why Anakin and I are here."

These words seemed to placate Jobal, but she still showed signs of concern. "Honey, when are you going to settle down? Haven't you had enough of that life? I certainly have."

"Mom, I'm not in any danger. Mister Redenov explained the situation."

This time, it was Ruwee who showed concern. Turning to Anakin, he asked "Is she?"

Torn between not wanting to hurt Padmé and not wanting to lie to her parents, Anakin hesitated for a brief moment.

"Yes... I'm afraid she is."

Sighing, Padmé was quick to respond. "But not much."

Luca felt like saying something else, but managed to hold his tongue.

The rest of dinner was finished in mostly silence, a serious mood hanging over everyone.

After dinner, and an offer from the guests to help clean up afterwards, Ruwee, Luca and Anakin were ushered out of the house by the women and found themselves strolling in the garden, left to their own devices as the women cleaned up inside.

Standing at the window offering Padmé a wet dish, Sola turned to her sister. "Why haven't you told us about him?"

Taking the offered dish and turning her gaze out the window, Padmé replied. "What's there to talk about? He's just a boy." Sola just scoffed.

"A boy? Have you seen the way he looks at you?" Padmé turned to glare at her sister.

"Sola, stop it." She only shrugged.

"It's obvious he has feelings for you. Are you saying, little baby sister, that you haven't noticed?" Padmé remained quiet for a moment and stared at the window. She watched Anakin and Luca wander through the garden with her father, deep in conversation with one another. She noticed Anakin briefly turn his head towards the window and, unconsciously, she smiled at him. She didn't know if he could see her or not, but he seemed to have seen her as he turned back around and resumed his conversation.

"I'm not your baby sister, Sola. Anakin and I are friends. Our relationship is strictly professional." She turned toward Jobal. "Mom, would you tell her to stop it?"

Sola laughed. "Well, maybe you haven't noticed the way he looks at you. I think you're afraid to."

"Cut it out."

"Sola's just concerned. We all are."

Padmé sighed. "Oh, Mom, you're impossible. What I'm doing is important."

"You've done your service, Padmé," Jobal told her gently. "It's time you had a life of your own. You're missing so much. I'm your mother and I remember how much you used to talk about getting married and starting a family when you were a little girl."

"And I've seen the way you look at my girls every time you visit, Padmé. I can see that look of longing in your eyes that you try to cover up. We're your family and we love you. We only want you to be happy."

Padmé looked carefully at her mother and her sister and returned her gaze to the trio in the garden below. "I know you do and I appreciate what you are trying to do. I just want you to see that right now, it is my work that is important to me. I love what I do and I know that when the time is right, I will meet someone I care about and we will get married and have that family I have always dreamed about. But I don't know when that day will come, so for now I will concentrate on doing my duty as a Senator."

Sola and Jobal remained quiet as they watched her stare contemplatively out the window.

The Naberrie garden was vibrant and full of life, the perfect place to relax. Luca was pleased to see that Anakin truly seemed to be at peace here and he certainly looked more relaxed around Padmé's father. Ruwee turned and looked at Anakin, a serious look on his face.

"Now tell me, son. How serious is this thing? How much danger is my daughter really in?

Anakin had come to respect the man enough in the brief time he had known him to know that it was not the time to lie or to sugarcoat the truth. "There have been two attempts on her life. Chances are there will be more. My master is tracking down the assassins. I'm sure he'll find out who they are. This situation won't last long."

Ruwee slowly nodded his head before looking up at the window that overlooked their position. "I don't want anything to happen to her."

Anakin followed the direction of his eyes. "I don't either." Luca clapped his hand on Anakin's shoulder in a friendly manner.

"Don't worry Mr. Naberrie. No one here wants anything to happen to your daughter. I know Anakin will do whatever he can to make sure that no harm comes to her. I will do so as well."

Anakin stood back and watched as Padmé moved effortlessly around the room that had been hers, that still was hers, opening drawers, picking up items, and packing them in her suitcase.

She noticed the impatient look on his face. "Don't worry," she smiled, "this won't take long."

"I just want to get there before dark." He looked around the room. "You still live at home," he observed.

Padmé stopped moving just long enough to watch his eyes look over the room. "I move around so much, I've never had a place of my own. Official residences have no warmth. I feel good here. I feel at home."

"I never had a real home. Home was always where my Mom was." Walking over to desk of some kind, he picked up a framed holopicture and smiled. "Is this you?"

Padmé walked over to him to glance at the picture before nodding. "That was when I went with the Relief Group to Shadda-Bi-Boran. Their sun was imploding, and the planet was dying. I was helping to relocate the children. See that little one I'm holding? His name was N'a-kee-tula, which means sweetheart." She smiled sadly. "He was so full of life. All those kids were. I did everything I could to save him, but he died... they all did. They were never able to adapt... to live off their native planet."

Anakin set the holopicture down and picked up another one. Padmé looked at it. "My first day as an Apprentice Legislator. Notice the difference?" He looked at her and the grim expression she had adopted. He grinned at her and she laughed before continuing to pack.

It wasn't long before her packing was done and they all bid farewell to Padmé's family, with Padmé promising to visit them again soon. They walked out of the house and down the street toward the marina and the speeder boat that would take them to Varykino and into hiding.