"Why did you bring me that?" Padme repeated.

"It represents part of who you are. I know you are from Naboo,Padme. You sacrificed a great deal for it." Vader answered. "Do you wish for assistance putting it on?"

"My name is Shira. I have never been to Naboo. You don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't lie, Padme. You're not good at it. " Vader watched as all color drained from of her face.

"You know nothing!" She screamed.

"I think you know, you are Padme." He kept his voice calm. "This Shira is nothing more than a defense mechanism."

"A defense mechanism. You're wrong!"She began to tremble. I.. I.. know exactly who I am. I'm Shira from Coruscant."

"All right", Vader answered calmly, "If the medallion holds no meaning. then just wear it. Why be so passionate about the subject?"

"Who did you buy it from? It could have been stolen. I won't wear stolen goods."

"It wasn't. Wear it for me." He said slowly. "You're Shira, and I'm your owner. I want you to wear it for me." Vader continued sarcastically.

"No!" She screamed. stepping forward. and knocking the gold medallion from his hand. She quickly backed up. Her heart raced, she suddenly felt like a caged was sweating. Her whole body was now trembling. She felt light headed. She noticed Vader's blue eyes watching her, and focused on them.

"I am sorry." She heard him say, his voice low, and guilt-ridden. "You are safe, nothing bad is going to happen to you. This will be over soon." Vader reassured her, recognizing that she was having a panic attack. "I am sorry. I am here, I am right here. I won't let anything happen to you." His voice came out soft, and calm. "I am not going anywhere." He was relieved to see these words helped calm her. Her shaking began to slow. A single tear rolled down her cheek. "I'm sorry." He repeated, purposely not calling her by name. "I apologize, I went too far." Her shaking and sweating cesed, the panic attack ended. Vader found the fallen medallion, picked it up, and studied it. He placed it in his black robe.

"You think I use a defense mechanism?" You're a walking defense mechanism, Vader!"

"What do you want to know about me?" It took all his self control not to scream. He took a few steps back, to give her some space. He followed her gaze to the door. She moved quickly to it, and ran back into the house.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

An hour after Padme's panic attack, Vader stood outside her door. He knocked softly 3 times, there was no answer. He knocked again after several minutes of silence. "Come in,Vader. " He did as she asked, quickly stepping into the room. He was surprised to find it empty.

She must be in the refresher. He thought. "I am here."

At the sound of his voice, Padme stepped out of the 's head turned, he was looking straight at her. "It's very kind of you to check in on me, Vader."

"How are you feeling?"

"Better." She answered, quickly.

"I am pleased to hear that."

"Can you sit with me?" She asked softly.

"Yes." He replied, sitting on the bed. "I have to buy you a chair. He said."

Padme sat down next to him, and turned, so that she was face to face with reached for his hand, and he allowed her to take it. "Thank-you. Vader, for taking me here to live with you. Vader found himself, turning away and closing his eyes. He hoped she didn't see it. He quickly forced his blue eyes open, and squeezed her hand. After a few minutes passed, she released his hand, and he felt its absence more than he wanted to. He stood up from the bed. His back was to her. "The medallion I got you is indestructible. It belongs to you, wear it when you're ready."

"What do you want, Vader?"

"Nothing."

"You're lying to me." Padme whispered. Vader turned around to face her. She was standing. He saw the forest green dress with the black velvet belt, fall to the floor, and pool at her feet.

Vader turned away, and made his way to her opened it, and within seconds, he tossed her a purple blanket. "Wrap yourself tightly in that or put your dress back on now. Those are your options.

"You own me, Vader. What do you want?"

"I want you to get dressed!"

"No you don't." Isn't this why you took me here to live with you?"

"No! I refuse to say another word to you until you are clothed.' She was silent for several moments.

"Turn around, I'm dressed." Vader did as she requested. "You're lying, you would have spoken to me if I refused your command." She said, softly.

"You're terrified." He said, moving toward her. He stopped right in front of her, and placed his hands on her shoulders. His blue eyes found her brown ones, and he spoke. Stop, playing games. I am not getting anything from this. I don't expect you to love or even care for me."