A/N: Please be aware of the warnings placed at the beginning of the story (they've been updated). Hope you all enjoy :)
Chapter 9: Reasons for Hesitation
The next day, Padmé found herself wearing a similar dress to the one she'd worn the previous day. Thankfully, when Vader escorted her to the Senate they entered through the restricted lot to the building. How she'd managed to get out of the situation in her office the night before was pure strategy on her end. When Vader spoke about Clovis, whatever arousal that had stirred in her from his advances had evaporated. Even if it was bizarrely enticing having him speak to her that way- his words had frightened her. He almost seemed possessed when speaking them. It made her question her initial assessment of him. Vader didn't give enough away to allow Padmé to having an understanding of what Clovis may have done but he'd said that Clovis didn't deserve her. Back in that moment, she struggled to suppress the urge to counter his claim by mentioning he didn't deserve her either, but she figured that would only insight an issue she didn't want to deal with. Once upon a time, Padmé had imagined settling down and having a normal life with a family after politics. But that was when she was naïve, when the galaxy was deceptively more simple, when she wasn't technically breaking the law on a regular basis.
Before the gala, Vader had kept his distance since that day at her apartment. Now, he never hesitated placing his hand on the small of her back or gently touching her curls or even ghosting his leather-clad fingers down her skin. For unknown reasons, she never pushed him away but her mind was flustered trying to comprehend what had changed. Yes, they'd had sex. Once she found the act sacred but now it was only an outlet- a way to feel anything but stress. He also seemed like a person who wouldn't think much about the act, his was rough, experienced, there was no doubt he'd had past partners. It was the way he wanted to touch every inch of her skin that made her mind uneasy, it was as if she was a prized possession that he finally had the opportunity to behold. Then again all that observation was, was just an assumption because even after analyzing the entire interaction over and over there was a look in his yellow-golden eyes that she couldn't pinpoint. But even recalling that intense gaze made her shiver… with delight or fear- she didn't know.
She wondered whether he felt the same spark she felt when he touched her, perhaps that was something they oddly shared? Padmé wanted to brush it off as butterflies – he was a handsome man, no one could deny that if they saw him. The only unexplainable thing, that Padmé hesitated admitting to herself was that they were there before she even knew what he looked like- when she thought he was some old man. Overall, the sensation was unique. She'd felt butterflies before, with Obi-Wan and Palo… never Clovis but the feeling between her and Vader felt like true energy. A pleasuring electrical shockwave whenever they touched, it wasn't normal.
Currently, she was resting slump in her office chair completely alone- day dreaming about frivolous things like those special butterflies. Padmé should be focusing on her work or with her time alone, contemplating how the hell she was going to contact Bail. She couldn't use her commlink, there was no doubt her frequency had been flagged. Technically, she should be able to send him a transmission to have them meet in person but she still hadn't devised a solid plan of ditching her protective detail. A thought brushed her mind to maybe just ask Vader to have his people back off… following her to grab a cup of caf was a bit extreme. In the next few days, it would be a month since she had arrived at his establishments, a month after her last conversation with Bail that she actually remembered. If she couldn't speak with Bail in person she didn't have a direct way of contacting the Rebellion. She knew she had to make contact with her people that could assemble supplies for them on Kessel but there was no sense doing it if no one was altered to collect them.
In the past, she never hesitated sending a transmission to her usual contacts, they were people she trusted and spoke to often. The casual code terminology that they'd constructed allowed for them to utilize open channels without the concern of any information being disclosed. Every time she'd orchestrate a raid or the acquisition of supplies all she had to do was say was a few normal phrases and that was it. When they were certain they were alone, Bail, Mon, and Padmé would discuss strategy but Bail was always the one to converse with the Rebellion General- even Padmé didn't know their name. She figured it was safer that way- not really knowing more than their trade routes and frequency of usage.
On her end of things, a chain of reaction would occur. Whatever needed to be done, would be done. Padmé was finding herself thankful that she'd constructed such a way of communication, it left her a few degrees away from the execution of everything. And if she was somehow caught, if the Empire discovered the secrets stashed away in her desk, it would keep her contacts safe. The best way of protecting information was indeed hiding it in plain sight. It indicated she had nothing to hide. But now, if she couldn't speak with Bail in person she really didn't have a direct way of organizing with the Rebellion.
With a deep sigh, she tore her gaze away from the skyline to stare at her holoscreen. She had work to do, yet for the first time she found herself not wanting to do anything in the slightest. All Padmé could think about was either Vader or the Rebellion. They were two extreme opposites, Vader was a symbol of imbalance, while the Rebellion was a symbol of restoring balance. That realization made her mind spin, how long could she go on being so engulfed by both sides before she was torn apart? That thought made her feel more exhausted than she already was, all night she was tossing and turning not able to get a wink of sleep. A part of her wanted to contact Jar Jar and see if he could take over some of her obligations but she immediately felt awful for even thinking about taking advantage of his kindness. He'd do it in a heartbeat but then again what she had to read and review was her responsibility not his.
Glancing at the chrono, the woman found herself silently counting down the minutes until Vader came to get her. He was returning to her office at four and they were to go home after that. Padmé frowned. What if she didn't want to 'go home' directly after work? Her lips pursed, she'd miscalculated Vader's view on sex… maybe he had different views about letting loose as well. At the gala, he hadn't touched a drip of alcohol- remaining sober and on high alert the entire time. She'd seen the bottle of scotch on the coffee table in his bedroom, maybe he didn't drink at galas. It was a smart decision, one that she wished she'd made. Though, it was Vader who had acquired her a glass a champaign at the beginning of the night…
Padmé rolled her eyes at herself, what the heck would she even say to him? Do you want to go grab a drink with me before we head back? It sounded like such a normal thing to ask on most occasions but it was Darth Vader she was thinking about. Would he stare at her blankly - remaining completely silent before abruptly ordering her to get up so they could leave? His ever fluctuating reactions gave her whiplash. Yesterday in her office, she could have sworn he was livid but then all he did was try to arouse her? The juxtaposition of his actions and emotions were disorienting.
With her head falling into her arms, she sighed against the glass of her desk. She was a twenty-one year old woman, Padmé never had to deal with having to ask to go out anywhere. Speaking of which, she shouldn't have too. A pout crossed her features, she felt more like a prisoner than his fiancée. Always being watched, she wasn't able to go anywhere on her own- until now she never really had the desire too but presently her mind was eager to go out or maybe just switch up their routine. Drumming her fingers against the cold surface of her desk, Padmé was feeling restless and at the moment she really couldn't determine why. Maybe it was because after rejecting Vader in her office yesterday, he hadn't tried to make an advancement towards her? Why did that bother her? His lack of interest should make her feel relieved.
Scoffing at herself, Padmé's attention turned back to her holoscreen. With her head notched to the side, her eyes analyzed a new message from Bail pertaining to the upcoming Health, Education, and Labor committee meeting. A lightbulb went off in her mind as she raced into her drawer, grabbing a small piece of paper and pen. Technically she could still meet with Bail for professional reasons- that shouldn't cause her protective detail to become edgy. Though, she never forgot what Vader had shared with her yesterday, it seemed he did have eyes everywhere. He'd bugged Clovis' office which in her mind meant the Senate wasn't safe- though it never had been in her mind. With hands lingering inside the drawer, she scribed some quick updates for him about her status and lack of ability to communicate. After writing all she could, between her petite fingers she folded the piece of paper, hiding it between her bracelet and wrist.
Suddenly finding new purpose in her day, Padmé slipped her datapad from the same drawer, sliding it shut before strolling towards the door to open it in a flash, "I have some matters to discuss with Senator Organa," the woman announced before making her way down the hall- hearing the troopers follow her swiftly. There was no sense in trying to shield any sort of communication, Padmé was going to him for a work related discussion. What he identified in his message actually needed to be dealt with in person, the issue that would be handled in the meeting was too complex to discuss over messages or through a commlink transmission.
Before she even had the chance to knock on his door, the barrier slid open and a wide smile crossed Bail's features- not even giving the two troopers behind her a glace. "Senator Amidala, come in. As you are well aware the changes that the opposition is proposing to the regulations regarding universal education will be damaging to the youth of outer-rim planets. I have already discussed the matters with Senator's Creip and Mothma, we all seem to believe you may have a better chance at swaying their thoughts," he immediately jumped into discussion. Padmé couldn't help but allow a small smile to form across her features, he always knew how to get to the point quickly.
"Yes, I read that Morris wishes to divert funding from public institutions, as there is speculation that the funds are not being allocated where they should be," Padmé sighed discussing the secretary of the Department of Education. "Which they have no evidence to such accusations. I am sure Morris is just trying to make the private sector happy," she continued as the door slid closed behind her- leaving the stormtroopers in the hall.
The next hour they spent discussing work matters. It was a relief to speak with Bail again, he was charismatic, passionate- however she supposed all Senator's must be in one way or another. Glancing at the chrono, Padmé's eyes widened- Vader would be at her office in two minutes… if he wasn't already there. "I believe we have a strategy arranged, it's nice seeing you again Bail," the woman smiled standing from her seat.
"One last thing before you go Senator, I must ask if you are alright? The another night at the gala-" Bail frowned, his eyes wary.
"Yes, I'm sorry I wasn't myself…" she began to explain embarrassed but his expression made her words drift off. Utter confusion and worry were plastered across his face. "Is everything alright Bail?" She asked, it was alright if they discussed the gala… there wasn't anything to hide.
"The altercation between you and Lord Vader… I was relieved to see you safe yesterday," he all but whispered.
Padmé's eyes widened, complete bewilderment evident on her features, "W-What altercation… I don't remember much from that night," she hesitantly admitted, "Nor do I remember us conversing- I had too much to drink."
"You appeared sober when we spoke Padmé," Bail said almost inaudibly. "I tried to contact you later that night."
Padmé's eyes locked on her feet, thoughts ricocheting around her mind like blaster-fire in a hollow chamber. W-What actually happened that night? "I-I- didn't receive any of your messages. I left my commlink at Vader's establishments."
"O-Of course," he nodded, his face becoming hauntingly pale for someone with his complexion. "Perhaps sometime soon we can grab some caf together, but I understand that you are under strict protection now."
Padmé stared at him for a long moment, wishing more than anything she had Vader's power to read his mind. His eyes read he was anxious, worried, and bewildered just as much as she felt. After a long moment of silence, she knew what else he had to say could only be shared in private. The woman's eyes darted to the chrono, Vader was no doubt in search of her now- it was five minutes past four. "I will make it happen," she said quietly before a false smile plastered across her face. "I am glad we came to a conclusion for our next move. Send me a message and I'll get whatever needs to be done, done," she smiled though her words had duel meaning as she held out her hand, the folded slip of paper nestled between her fingers. Bail nodded shaking her hand just as they always had done after securing a strategy, the paper slipped from her hand and into his… with that she made her exit.
Making her way back towards her office, everything was slow motion or maybe she was just truly moving that slow - she didn't know. Her mind was frantic with racing thoughts, Bail said she had seemed sober and that Vader had argued with her... W-What if she was sober that night, was it possible Vader had done something to her? Padmé shook her head in disbelief, in the years she'd spent with Obi-Wan he never spoke of such power, the ability to alter someone's memories. Then again he was a Jedi, they had morals- the Sith didn't. Fear crawled across her skin, Bail seemed genuinely concerned about her safety. What type of argument could they have had? Perhaps Bail had misinterpreted the situation… no he wouldn't- he knew exactly what he saw as if scorched into his memory.
Turning around the final corner towards her office, she was too deep in thought to even glance up from her feet as she crashed into something- someone. An arm tangled around her waist but she was still too shocked by the new information Bail had told her to even look up to see it was Vader who had caught her. "Senator?" His deep voice questioned, snapping her from thought.
Her glassy eyes shot up at him, "Sorry I was late," she quickly recovered, gently pulling herself out of his grasp. He remained silent for a moment, a sensation that she'd never felt before pressing against her mind.
"You're upset," he stated after a few moments of silence.
"I-I- need to understand what we argued about at the gala," she demanded however her voice was weak, uncertain about every little detail between that night up until now.
"You spoke to Senator Organa," he sighed offhandedly, "I am not surprised that is what he thought he saw," Vader replied, his voice silk against her ears. Her body wanted to believe his words but her mind was on an entirely different plane. Bail would never lie to her, Vader she couldn't trust.
"He seemed certain it was an argument," she maintained, her eyes staring warily into the void of darkness that shrouded his face. His left hand brushed down her arm and a wave of heat broke across her skin- an immediate fever leaving her vision blurry. "W-What are you doing?" She groveled weakly, stumbling into his chest within the empty corridor- only the two stormtroopers that had escorted her were standing silently behind her. His arm wrapped around her back- caging him to his chest as his left hand stroked down her cheek.
"Ease your thoughts," he intoned, his voice velvet in her ears forcing her knees to become weak. Every bit of physical strength she had to keep her body upright vanished- if Vader wasn't holding her she would have crumbled to the floor. She couldn't recall anything that she was thinking about all that she could focus on was Vader's steady heartbeat as her ear pressed against his chest. She felt dizzy, hot, but now wanting nothing more than for Vader to continue to hold her. It hadn't solidified in her mind that he was making her feel this way. "You must realize by now Senator that you are mine," he cooed as if speaking to a small prey animal.
A shiver crawled down her spine as her mind became even more clouded, with every word he spoke she could feel her own thoughts twist. The way her understanding of reality was indescribable. She heard Vader's chest hum with sound as if her were speaking to someone but she couldn't make out the words- her hearing was too muffled. Two white blurs passed her vision while the only thing that remained in focus was him, the cloaked figure holding her.
"We will return back to my establishments now," he whispered softly, his head dipping down just above her ear and all she could do was utter a small 'yes' in return before a feeling of floating took over her body as her legs became unknowingly functional. Vader's arm was wrapped tightly around her waist, the halls all the way to the lift were empty.
Once the doors slid closed behind them, they were alone in the small space. Before her foggy mind could even contemplate what was happening Vader had pressed the emergency stop button- the lift jolting to a halt. With glassy eyes she stared at the hooded figure with unparalleled innocent bewilderment. "Are you going to be a good girl for me, Senator?" His voice smoothly played into her ears, forcing her body to melt. Her lips parted slightly, unable to find her voice to reply so all she did was nod. Gloved fingers brushed down her cheek, wiping away a stray tear that she hadn't noticed escape her eyes or that they had even formed. "I never wanted to hurt you," he whispered, suddenly much closer than he had been.
"I-It's okay," she murmured mindlessly but somehow the words became boulders- an acceptance of his actions, a force that buried all the concern that she once felt about him even if her feelings weren't apparent to her consciousness at that moment. She could only watch as her own hand reached for his face under the hood- gliding across his cheek in a reassuring manner. A shocked gasp left her lips when his hand reached for the collar of her dress, yanking sharply downwards shredding the material to just above the center of her chest. Like the day before, his hands were ravenously scaling her frame until his body shoved her back flush to the wall. Desire coursed through her body as a mortifyingly loud moan escaped her lips. She felt him smile against the skin of her throat as his hands trailed down either side of her body shoving the fabric of her dress upwards.
"Put your arms around my neck," he cooed before she felt his tongue swipe across the bite mark across her skin. A whine escaped her lips while pleasure speared through her body forcing her to comply with whatever he asked.
"Good girl," he hummed, hoisting her off the ground as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her mind was in a daze, she wanted this- she wanted him.
"Please," she breathed as she barely felt his lips attacking the skin of her neck, practically devouring her skin. A twinge of pain rattled her mind and the fog dispersed immediately, fear and consciousness springing forth. "Wait! Stop!" Padmé screamed, wriggling against his grasp and unbelievable pressure hammered down on her brain.
"You are a feisty one," he sighed, dropping her to her feet. Padmé stumbled away from him, clutching the skin of her neck only to realize she was bleeding- again. The pressure on her skull had yet to alleviate but her anger was too great to care.
"What the fuck did you just do to me!" She demanded pressing herself in the far corner of the lift. Her thoughts were disoriented, questioning why she had even listened to anything he said, why had she allowed him to tear her gown, why had she allowed him to do anything that had just transpired. She still couldn't recall why she'd been upset before but she knew something was wrong- very kriffing wrong.
"You should relax, Padmé," His voice was again like silk. Her knees becoming weak as she tumbled to the floor.
"Stop!" She cried, covering her ears- her body was screaming at her to listen to him. Something was keeping her mind from succumbing.
"Interesting," she heard Vader murmur as if truly perplexed. "Senator, you can get off the floor now," he muttered hitting the emergency button, the lift immediately began moving once again. For some odd reason… she listened to him, but that didn't snuff the complete baffling anger in her mind.
"You can't do that!" She snapped holding her neck, "What is wrong with you!"
He seemed stunned in place that she even had the ability to move or talk- his stance was frozen. The pressure on her skull had only increased but still her thoughts were clear. "Please calm down," he urged her once again.
"I'll scar if you do that," she cried quietly feeling immense pain in her neck.
"I-Is that what you're upset about?" He wondered as if actually surprised.
"I-I-" she stuttered, I don't know… "Can we just leave please…" she whispered shielding her eyes from him, completely confused with herself. The pressure on her mind vanished, a reactive sigh of relief slipping through her lips. Her mind was clear again, her thoughts returning to the way they usually function. She wanted to understand what the hell just happened, but found her thoughts twisting between not caring… and fear.
Once back to his establishments, the Senator beelined for the lift just as he suspected, to get as far away from him as physically possible. Against his own wishes, Vader let her scurry, allowing the door to shut as he made his way into the kitchen.
"Master! My apologies I did not greet you, I was preparing dinner," he beamed as soon as he turned the droid froze, "I trust Mistress Padmé is feeling better?"
"Not now Threepio," Vader snapped storming past him and out onto the terrace.
Fuck, what had he been thinking not replacing her thoughts with the ones of his design? Why leave the memory blank? It left so much suspicion, so many questions. He allowed his hood to fall as he ran a hand through his hair. Sidious would not be pleased if this plan didn't work the way he had foreseen. His Master was dissatisfied with the attire she'd worn out in public- it covered too much skin, more than usual anyway. It was bad for their image with the media. But then again, his Master understood his grabby habits, he knew what placing her in his care would do. Vader shook his head knowing of the various marks across her skin, anyone not knowing the story behind them would surely believe they happened involuntarily. Perhaps he did take it a little too far today… He had done what her deeper desires wanted, not what she, in that moment, wanted. He could tell how upset she was about the marks, but he couldn't remove them… not yet anyway.
With a shift of his shoulders, Vader rested his weight onto the banister staring over the skyline. How the fuck do I fix this? He groaned. He didn't want her to hate him, quite honestly all he wanted was for her to just accept the situation: that she would be his and there was no getting out of that. Even if he had taken her by force the other night, that fact would not have changed but he knew that fire behind her eyes would have dwindled only to be replaced by hollow hatred. His eyes closed envisioning her on the floor frozen, petrified, nothing more than a limp body. It wasn't the type of fear that he wanted from her, just a helpless lump of flesh waiting for him. Even earlier in the lift today that split second of fear crossed her eyes, before his own influence shifted them.
Vader stood there taking in the fresh air above the city, there was still apart of him that urged him to shift his plans with the Senator. But he knew he couldn't, the beast inside him was too close to claiming her- every mark, her reservations about him dwindled. Even today, her mind was slowly succumbing- he was too close to even consider changing his course of action. He was too close to having her mind, he could almost taste the amount of influx of information that he'd receive once he finalized his plan. Just the thought of that made his body mad with anticipation- his tongue sliding across his lips. There was her body, but her mind was another treasure that he longed for.
With eyes narrowing, he watched the speeders and shuttles below swarming the city like a beehive. She had managed to break the hold he had on her mind, that made Vader uneasy. How she had managed to do that, he didn't know. He'd never searched deep enough to discover her personal secrets. She wasn't force-sensitive, it should have been easy to sway her mind. But today he found out just how powerful her subconscious barriers seemed to be- they had reacted to the pain. Last time he'd marked her, she'd been willing- in too much pleasure to even notice but today, she had felt the pain. There was something he was missing… something that only inspecting her mind would allow him to discover. No one, besides his Master, was strong enough to break from his grasp. Yet she had. That fact made vexed, almost outraged. How could a non-sensitive person be capable of doing such a thing?
Finding that he'd had fresh air for long enough, Vader made his way down the terrace past the flower beds and into the main living area of his establishments. He needed to avoid Threepio and his endless stream of questions. With a deep sigh, he plopped down onto the black leather couch turning on the holoscreen and flipping on a podrace. His hands wiped down his face as he perched the ankle of his boot onto his knee.
"Master?" 3PO questioned from behind him.
"Yes Threepio," Vader groaned resting his head back against the cushion; of course the droid would find him.
"Should I bring Mistress Padmé's meal to her room?" he questioned in blatant confusion.
"Whatever you think is best Threepio," he stated uncaringly staring at the screen.
"Would you like me to invite her down?" He asked waddling towards the edge of the couch.
"She doesn't want to be around me right now," Vader muttered with confliction.
"Oh… I see. Where would you like me to leave your meal, Master?" He questioned cocking his head.
"I'm not hungry Threepio," Vader said dismissively.
"Oh! Mistress Padmé how wonderful it is to see you," The droid beamed, Vader's arms stiffened as they remained draped across the back of the couch. "I was about to bring you your dinner," he said cheerfully waddling towards her.
"Oh, thank you," she breathed. Vader eyed her from his seat, her curled hair was damp and a thin sky blue silk nightgown barely covered her frame; her blemishes on full display. He could feel heat swarm below his belt just by looking at her. Controlling himself, his attention turned back to the holoscreen. But when the woman stepped in front of the screen he had no other choice but to pay attention. He was finding her actions more and more unpredictable every time they interacted with one another. One minute she'd be so hesitant and the next be completely comfortable- even her thoughts were no help at times because she herself didn't understand.
He almost felt as confused as her thoughts seemed, Vader knew her mind was struggling to understand itself… he needed to act quickly or else risking her completely going mad with confusion.
"I'm surprised," she announced with her arms pleasantly folded across her chest. The Sith forced the smirk that was surely to appear as he only stared at her with coldness.
"Oh," he uttered indifferently, with his eyes still never relinquishing their firm gaze on her figure.
"You actually planned on leaving me alone," she announced almost professionally. Vader restrained rolling his eyes- knowing he had no hood to mask his reaction.
"I did," he announced in the same tone. He saw it- the formation of a frown across her features before she caught herself. He had to admit, her ability to control her reactions was almost flawless. Her mind was exceedingly proficient in protecting itself, yet on some occasions- not from him. Was she upset that I didn't follow after her? He asked himself almost in a taunting tone- restraining himself from seeking the answer from her thoughts.
"The more time I spend around you, it seems you have a knack for disregarding personal space. I find your decision curious," she slightly shrugged, hiding her true interest with an unmatchable façade.
Before Vader replied, he had to admit to himself that this was indeed the most intelligent woman he'd ever encountered. She defended herself well, with exceeding indestructible reassurance in her skill. An internal sense of competition sprung into his mind, she was a worthy opponent when it came to word choice. She knew exactly how to conduct herself, she was a politician- a good one, he had to be strategical if he was going to win this discussion without glancing into her thoughts.
"I figured you could use a night to yourself," he stated mirroring her tone. Just by her facial expression, he could tell she was confused by his words, the façade she'd constructed fading. "I understand that people need time for themselves once in a while, Senator."
She pursed her lips, "And this is what you do in your spare time? Watch- whatever this is?" She questioned turning and elegantly taking her place beside him.
"This is the first time I've sat like this in the past six months Senator," he admitted staring back at the screen.
An expression of disbelief covered her features before she swiftly collected it back into one of triviality, "Really?" She questioned with more indifference.
"I'm usually busy," he explained briefly as his leather fingers couldn't help but brush across her shoulder gently.
"Well… what exactly is this?" She asked genuinely interested.
"It's called podracing," he smiled slightly, recognizing the slight shift in her tone- she actually wanted to know.
A small, almost inaudible gasped slipped from her lips as an explosion raged through one of the racers engines sending him on a crash course into a mountain, "What the hell kind of racing is this? That- he just… there's nothing left," she stuttered folding her legs under her, sitting up straight watching intently. He almost smirked at her reaction, her mind becoming more adrift with every moment her eyes lingered on the screen.
"If he knew what he was doing, he would have diverted the power off the right engine," he explained, his eyes never leaving her expression.
"You've raced like this before?" She respired turning towards him in shock.
"A long time ago, yes," he stated low, hesitantly. "Don't be so surprised, I am the best pilot in the Imperial fleet."
She pursed her lips staring at the screen, ignoring the statement which boasted his ego, "Isn't maneuvering one of those things different?"
"Not as much as you'd think," he admitted honestly, raking his hand through his hair.
"It's interesting- how they seem to function," she stated notching her head just a fraction. He was sincerely surprised to see how interested she was, never did he take the Senator from Naboo to be fascinated by such a barbaric sport. As her attention remained on the screen, his eyes couldn't pull away from her. The concentration in her warn brown eyes was captivating, "What are the rules?" She questioned staring towards him, not even caring that she'd caught him staring.
"Be the first one to finish."
"Well of course but I mean for the pilots," she questioned fiddling with her fingers in her lap.
"In reality there are none. Anything and everything is fair game," he explained.
"What? That hardly seems fair," She muttered turning back to the screen.
"There are many things that aren't fair Senator."
"Yes, but how can you really know who's best if everyone is sabotaging one another," she shrugged staring at the screen.
"You're the best if you win and live, that's all that matters," his voice was almost frigid as the words left his mouth.
She hummed in agreement, he could tell that she really wasn't listening. It was almost humorous watching her like this, even when dressed in practically nothing her posture was perfect with her hands folded dainty in her lap. The only difference was the wild look in her eyes, Vader stared at her wondered if she was at heart an adrenaline-seeker.
Pulling his hand off the back of the couch, he lightly brushed his fingers down her arm, again, before twirling his finger around one of her long chestnut curls that stretched down to the small of her back. Leisurely, almost with hesitance. Vader leaned forward, his hands snaking around her waist while his lips planted soft kisses against her shoulder making their way up towards her neck. The Sith felt her melt into his arms as her head tilted away, allowing him access. With fingers light as a feather, he gently brushed away the curtain of hair that shadowed the space below her ear as he placed a smooth but powerful kiss against the sensitive skin. In a slow passionate movement he pulled her into his chest. He was surprised when his lap became her pillow, her fingers moving to fluff the fabric of his pants.
Biting back a moan, he fixated his gaze on the curls of her hair before his attention turned back towards the screen. For the first time in over a decade he felt relaxed, the ambient lighting and the Senator's presence creating a soothing atmosphere. His head dropped against the back of the couch as his eyes shut. Feeling her harmless touch was enough to ease his mind.
After another fifteen minutes, he felt her breath deepen as she snuggled into his lap. She was on the verge of being into a deep sleep, nestled into his lap as if their argument earlier had never happened.
"Master," Threepio said softly behind him.
"What is it Threepio?" Vader whispered, attempting not to wake the sleeping angel on his lap.
"Dormé is asking for Mistress Padmé," 3PO said almost hesitantly. "She seems concerned about her Master."
Vader sighed staring down at the woman's peaceful face, "Tell her that she's sleeping."
"Yes, of course," he agreed shuffling back into the dim lighting. Pulling off his glove, Vader rested his hand gently over her forehead, the spark between them amplified as he touched her with his bare hand. He forced his body not to react in an attempt to protect her sleeping state. Through the Force, he peeked into her mind knowing she wasn't into a deep sleep yet. With a slight Force suggestion, Vader nudged her into a deeper sleep state so he could move undetected through her mind. This was the woman he had wanted for years and finally, here she was curled into his lap sleeping. It was almost shocking to him, he hadn't imagined this result so quickly…
The thought made a frown pull at his lips, she didn't want him out of her own free will… The other night had been accidental but truly he'd been manipulating her for years- preparing her for this moment. To let her guard down around him even when she believed she was fully prepared. Bail Organa didn't have the pull that Vader had on her mind. The thought comforted him, however there was another part of him- the remanence of the young boy that had fallen to the Sith Lord long ago that was in pain- pain that she didn't truly love him… at least not out of her own free will.
Vader rolled his eyes at the childish thought, love, what a ridiculous emotion. He watched as another pilot lost control of his racer, one of the engines catching on a rock sending the machine flying before erupting into flames. The Sith Lord's jaw clenched as memories from his childhood sprung into his mind. Flashes of his mother's worry, of her consoling words, the taunting, the shame.
His eyes moved down to stare at the woman's face as her hands tightened against the fabric of his pants, her face lightly cringing from the sound of the race. The memories he had fought so hard to suppress and destroy were plaguing him. They were being brought to the surface of his thoughts inexplicably. Why is the presence surrounding her so pure? There isn't an ounce of true darkness in this woman's mind. He thought to himself as he felt influenced by the sleeping angel. Cautiously, Vader began to explore her mind. He noticed the slight scarring on her strong mental barriers, the only evidence of his influence. When he tried to maneuver deep into her subconscious thoughts even more so than he ever had he hit a barrier- hard. Vader winced, recoiling his hand away from her forehead withdrawing his presence from her mind for a moment to collect himself. That wall wasn't created by her own mind- it couldn't have been. He frowned. Vexed. Someone, even now, was guarding her deep secrets. Whoever it was now knew that he had been searching, the disturbance in the Force was too loud. Anger swelled within him, who could have done this?.
After recovering from the unexpected set back, he began sifting through the rest of her open mind. He could find no information of the Rebellion nor of her more personal memories before the Empire. He gritted his teeth, whoever constructed the barrier was protecting themselves- she must have known them before the fall of the Republic. His churning anger turned in to a heated rage- she had conducted various missions with the Jedi, she was associated with the Rebellion. That's why her mind was pristine, someone was protecting valuable information. He couldn't understand, what Jedi could be powerful enough to do such a thing. Most if not all were dead.
His eyes shot open recalling the memory that had slipped into the forefront of her mind after he left her alone at the gala.
"How did you do that?" the woman breathed staring at the newly healed. Even in the heat of battle, her heart was fluttering as her eyes flicked towards the Jedi's face. A warm small smile appeared on his lips before he slipped an arm around her back helping her from the ground. His fingers trailed across her cheekbone, catching a brown curl in his fingers to twirl it behind her ear. Then his eyes went cold -his expression that of worry- his padawan braid whipped as his head darted away, his attention suddenly stolen. "Obi-Wan?" she questioned in confusion.
"Are you able to make it to evac on your own?" he asked suddenly, his grey eyes piercing back into hers. Right after she nodded, he sprinted full force away his celestite lightsaber humming is his hand. She felt her heart shatter in her chest as he rounded the corner. 'Something isn't right,' she thought before chasing after him…
Vader's eyes snapped open reliving her memory, he could sense the way she felt looking at him and him at her. There was a deep care in the man's gaze, one of admiration, respect, and dare he say love. Even in Padmé's tone the way she said hisname made Vader's skin crawl with resentment. The Sith Lord racked his mind recalling the names of Jedi who were unaccounted for, Obi-Wan Kenobi was one of those names. Had he done this to her before the Republic fell? His presence guards her inner thoughts, a connection that even Vader himself could not break until the time was right… He had marked her twice. Now understanding that this Jedi was guarding her thoughts there was no doubt he had felt the disturbance in what Vader was planning. That barrier was the reason she was able to break through his Force suggestion earlier…
Knowing that she had the protection of a Jedi made him uneasy, his plan may not be as simple as he once thought. If she rejected him, the wall that scum had built would only grow stronger to the point that it may even lock him out of her mind all together. But the promise of what could be was too alluring for Vader. He would need to treat her differently during the final stage of his plan… he needed her to feel safe and confident around him in order to adequately weaken her barriers before dissolving them. It would be painful for both of them however the connection which was to settle afterwards would be unbreakable.
Allowing his mind to wonder away from the topic, his thoughts moved towards Sidious. Would the old man truly allow Vader to keep her? Allow him to keep her safe? The Emperor would no doubt orchestrate a way to have her killed if she posed a threat to his plans.
The Dark Lord gritted his teeth as true unease stirred into his body. Palpatine knew how much Vader wanted this woman, the connection that he had fought so hard to keep under control was screaming through the Force when he presented her to him. After their marriage, he'd have to be careful in not allowing those possessive feelings to obstruct his work for the Emperor until the time came where he'd finally overthrow him. Vader's expression hardened as his grip on the Senator's hip tightened ever so slightly, I still don't know his true intentions for this marriage. I have done everything he has asked of me… but why now? Why would he allow this now? Vader knew there were ulterior motives… was this a test? To test his loyalty further? Or was it to strip him of something the Emperor knew he wanted… both questions fell under the same category- to halt his progression in overthrowing him. Vader was reaching maximum control of the military, strategically placing loyal and trusted officers at the helm of every starfleet. If he was able to control the military, the transition of power after Sidious' death would be simple.
Vader knew in his own mind, if he lost her after they were bound to each other it would destroy him. Force, he hadn't wanted anything in his entire life as a Sith besides her. The Emperor finally found a weakness within him, that realization hit Vader hard- like a stab in the chest. His Master's true purpose was to give his apprentice an ultimatum- in the wake of her death it was to either to submit or die. Vader cringed knowing Palpatine would never allow himself to have such weakness. The only weakness Vader could attempt to exploit was Sidious' lack of involvement in the military, he had no weaknesses that were alive. Palpatine had his own women. Slaves he'd beat, rape, and sell or kill. Vader liked to believe the way he wanted to treat women was different than his Master. However a dark epiphany washed over him, how is anything I'm doing to her any different, could it even be considered worse? I attacked her, made her forget, withheld the truth, and used my own powers to persuade her… Vader shuttered at the thought, he never wanted to hurt her… it was just how he was raised- how he was told things were supposed to be.
It's not exactly how you were raised, a voice muttered in his mind. Gnawing his cheek, the image of his mother appeared. Shoving the memory away, he knew the past would not help him in this situation. He would relinquish the Senator's mind -to a certain extent- when it was safe, but for now he knew she needed to have the desire to be near him… for her own safety.
Her safety… Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he had already failed that desire… he tried to assault her. What had he been thinking that night to do something like that? He'd never felt so out of control, out of his damn mind. He had never done such a thing to a women unless Sidious demanded it. So what had she done that almost broke his mind? She'd brought that out of him just because she had wondered away? Why had he become so frenzied?
Was it the fact she'd lied to him that made him lash out in such a way? He shook his head, there was no excuse for his actions. Even if she had lied, even if she had done something of true betrayal there was no justification for his violent actions against her, in that moment he felt no other sensation than power. She deserved better than that, she deserved the entire galaxy at her feet. Vader's mind stopped in its tracks when his thoughts had become astray. Giving her the galaxy? He questioned himself wide-eyed. Snapping his attention, his eyes darted down as a small mewled yawn left the Senator's lips as her arms shifted to stretch her shoulders involuntarily.
Vader's heart pounded while the rest of his body froze staring down at her puzzled sleeping face as her eyes fluttered open with a sleepy confusion, "How long was I asleep?" She yawned coiling into his lap as her dainty fingers gripped the fabric of his tunic.
"A little less than an hour," the Sith mused running his fingers through the curls that were draped across the couch.
"Hmm," she hummed pulling her bottom into his lap to allow her temple to rest against his shoulder. His arms wove around her urging her small body into his chest as he buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her intoxicating scent. Force, this woman. She was something he could never let go.
He needed to be careful, his power over her now was enough to bring her to him. His mind wondered again, isn't that enough? Isn't controlling her moods enough? He questioned to himself as his hands moved possessively to her hair. The man in him wanted it to be but the monster… the beast always wanted more- wanted everything about her- even her mind to be his. Right now she was full of confusion about him, still unconsciously arguing with his presence even when she didn't know. But if they were bound- she wouldn't disagree with his wishes. She would want to be with him- she wouldn't question her feelings towards him anymore. And best of all, she would still contain that fire in her eyes. He could reason with her to trust him. She could play the rebel if she wanted but he needed her to understand the severity of the situation. Once Senators start getting arrested it would be difficult to protect her and even himself if there was evidence against her. Vader needed to guard her even if she didn't want it. Sidious would not think twice about ending her life and Vader took that knowledge seriously.
He moved slowly, capturing her lips with his own as his right hand skimmed across her cheekbone before cupping her face. Her chocolate locks were nestled between his hand and her cheek. When she deepened the kiss, he acquiesced, her delicate fingers raking against the back of his neck pulling him down. Slipping his body out from under hers, never allowing the kiss to break. Then he was above her, pressing her into the leather of the couch. Unclipping his belt, he relieved himself of his weapons allowing the belt to clink to the floor. Her lips were like velvet, the sensation and movement each time was always beyond perfection. That spark they shared was not one of his creation- it was real, one that he could tell existed when he first saw her.
Vader's hand glided up her thigh, purposefully catching his fingers on the brim of her short nightgown before holding the space just below her lung. She was so soft, so tiny, so fragile he found himself needing to remind himself of that fact every time he took her. He swallowed a moan that dared to leave his throat as he thought about their encounter on the balcony. With his metal hand holding her neck, he knew of his power over her- his control- his ability to pleasure her. However, a small part of him was shocked as the skin began to bruise so deeply. When he saw her skin, the instant thought that came into his mind was that he'd pushed his own limits of self-control. One wrong move and he could have seriously hurt her- or even worse accidentally killed her.
Breaking him from the distraction of his own thoughts, Padmé's arms draped around his neck urging him closer trying to deepen the kiss into something more. A low moan escaped his lips as she rubbed her core against his hardened member. The action once again testing his self-control.
Resting his left forearm above her head, he moved his hips with hers. She began pulling at his tunic and robes but when he didn't comply with her wishes, he felt a frown pull at her lips.
"What are you doing?" She breathed against his lips before her hands tightened in his hair, pulling gently at his blond locks.
"What do you mean?" he mumbled as his lips moved to the soft skin below her ear. When she didn't reply, he broke away from the trail of kisses against her neck and frowned staring at her puzzled expression. He searched in her mind for the answer and he sighed, "I can't just kiss you?"
"I just thought that you'd…" she whispered trailing off.
"Every interaction between us doesn't need to result in sex, Senator," he sighed pushing himself off her small body giving her some space. Straightening his robes, he grabbed his belt from the floor setting it onto the glass table in front of him.
"Vader?" Padmé questioned slipping the strap of her nightgown back onto her shoulder.
"Hmm?" He hummed staring back at her.
"Why me?" She rushed running a hand through her hair, "I mean… There's no doubt that I'm under investigation. I just don't see why you'd want to marry me? I have a lot of baggage." She muttered perplexed as her toes touched the floor.
He pondered her question for a moment actually contemplating telling her the full truth. But his reservations urged him against it. "I'm aware of your situation," he stated coolly avoiding her gaze. He knew he couldn't answer her question, not yet anyway… How he'd been her shadow for the past four years deliberately not making himself known.
"That doesn't answer my question," she frowned.
"Well that's the only reply you're going to get," he snapped shutting the conversation down as he stood from his seat, grabbing his belt.
"So you're leaving." She huffed remaining planted on the couch, folding her arms across her chest.
"I don't need to explain myself to you," Vader retorted stepping up the first stair leading out of the room.
"Well if you actually want this to work, you're going to need to learn how to talk to me," she called after him as he stepped up the last two stairs, skipping the middle, before he disappeared around the wall. The irritation was growing across his shoulders, if he had known their interaction was going to end like that, he would have just taken her to avoid it. He inaudibly groaned feeling the unrelenting pressure trapped in his waistband.