A/N: Gosh everyone, sorry it took me so long to update but here is the new chapter with 11K+ words. Between school, school, and well.. more school it has been difficult to find time to write quality material. Also, I wrote (certain parts of) this before the Mandalorian episode… Just saying. One other story related thing, this was going to appear shortly but I'm going to throw it into this authors note now (as well as have it written into the story) YES Padmé is on birth control!
More importantly, THANK YOU so much for every single one of your wonderful reviews! I LOVE reading them and I'm happy you don't mind the smut because in this chapter…there's more. BUT it's all there for a reason as I always try to put plot development along with the indulgent behavior of the characters. Anyway putting smut aside, this is one of my favorite chapters I've written for other reasons :Dx Hope you all enjoy! (btw… this has not been edited - forgive me!)
Chapter 17: Beautiful Monsters
It was an understatement to say she was becoming stir crazy, Padmé was bored out of her force-forsaken mind. Vader would be gone by the time she woke up and it would be dark by the time he returned. Their new routine was beginning to insight fear in her nerves, she didn't want to admit the fact that she felt like an ornament. Felt like nothing more than a play toy he could return home to enjoy. The past few days had felt like an eternity, watching the digits on the chrono tick by until lunch. That's when Sobek and Njord would escort her to the mess hall. Both of them wouldn't utter a word unless necessary. Complete statues.
It had been four days since the incident the first time she'd been taken to the mess hall and she still didn't fully understand why Vader had become so angry. Why now he refused to let her leave his chambers without him present unless it was with Sobek. Though deep down she had an idea of what set him off. Sobek had hinted it himself and she couldn't deny the blatant evidence that Eryx hadn't escorted her at all. She'd only seen him stationed by the locked blast doors of Vader's chambers alongside another Inquisitor. Aker, she believed his name to be. After that first day when Sobek and Eryx had removed their helmets – the Inquisitors no longer wore their usual Death trooper armor but body-formed sleek onyx armor and cloaks instead, much like the Sith Lord himself. Yet there were differences. Vader didn't wear armor. He wore a tunic, robes, as if he didn't need armor. It made Padmé wonder if he believed himself to be untouchable and indestructible. Eryx had said it himself… that their Lord was much more powerful than any of them. But Padmé knew he wasn't a god he wasn't unbreakable, he had scars, she'd seen him bleed…Made him bleed.
With a defeated sigh Padmé eased herself into a steaming bubble bath. The hot water wrapped around her like a tight blanket, goosebump raising on her arms until she immersed her entire body. Resting back against the lustrous obsidian marble she tried to find some solace. Her mind was crumbling into madness because for all intents and purposes she was a glorified prisoner. Why Vader had wanted her to come on this trip with him was beyond her understanding. There was something he was keeping from her – that much was certain. She huffed before submerging her head just until the bubbles were under eye-level. This was the fifth bubble bath she'd taken in the past three days, her skin was almost starting to become permanently wrinkled.
Thump.
Padmé shot up, head darting towards the open fresher door. Someone had just entered Vader's chambers. It was still far too early for lunch – far-far too early for Vader's return. Footsteps. Water sloshed as the young woman lunged to grab her robe from the edge of the tub. Panic set in her mind, last thing she needed was an Inquisitor or someone she didn't even know seeing her in such a state. A gasp whipped from her throat as she spun to see it was Vader standing in the doorway, his hood draped around his shoulders.
"I didn't think you'd be back so soon," Padmé quickly remarked, plopping herself back into the steaming hot water. Instinctively, her arms raced to cover all she could – even if he had seen it all too many times to count.
Vader's tongue brushed across his bottom lip as he stepped into the humid fresher, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You were still asleep when I left earlier. I would have told you this sooner but I wanted you to get your sleep," he mused leaning against the doorframe. "I would like us to leave for Fort Ypso within the next hour or two. It will take us some time to get there."
Padmé perked up at the mention of leaving. "Oh," she breathed, her eyes inadvertently widening a fraction.
Vader smiled -almost as if he were embarrassed- as he dryly laughed, his hand cupping the back of his neck, "Yes, it was never my intention to keep you isolated in my chamber's, Senator. However, some unforeseen events occurred which required my attention; my goal was for us to leave yesterday."
"Oh well, I'll erm…" she muttered glancing around at the ambience she'd created. The fresher was only being kept dimly lit by the flickering light emitted by six candles.
"Would I be able to join you?" Vader queried, taking a step deeper into the thick-aired room. Padmé glanced up at him, her cheeks rosy from the heat of the candles and bath water.
The thought sounded tempting but, "We are to leave, aren't we?"
"In actuality, we can leave any time we wish as long as it's before noon," he assured, golden eyes lambent in the dancing light of the flames. It was a reflex how the woman's teeth slid together slightly. Every time he'd taken her, she should have wanted to say 'no.' She should want to say 'no' to his offer, but as her doe eyes stared up into his confident ones – there was no denying she wanted him, always.
"Okay," she breathed with a weak nod. She didn't dare look at him as he disrobed, it would cause her cheeks to flush hotter than they already were. Just the susurration of his cloak falling into a sea of black made her heart skitter, toes tingle, mind race. She knew what was beneath all those robes and from the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of it. Sculptured tan muscles, golden arm, member almost taunting as it swayed between his legs. Without a thought, she scooched forward and he slid behind her, legs straddling her body. Vader's presence made the bath warmer than it was before.
"You are so beautiful," he cooed in a whisper, the sensation of his breath against her skin sending shivers down her spine. Muscles weak and breath hitched. A pair of lips ghosted across the damp skin of her neck while hands eased their way up her shoulders. Pads of calloused fingers rippled over her collarbone to glide sensually to the crook of her neck. "So soft," his deep voice hummed, the tendrils of his locks titillating her skin.
A mortifying moan slipped past the woman's lips as Vader's mouth engulfed the skin just above her carotid artery. Instantly, she became immersed in his presence, pleasurably suffocating into his body as his golden hand pawed at the skin of her breast. A sharp pull of air coaxed her even deeper against him as his mouth attacked her ear - nipping and tugging the lobe before ravishing the supple spot below. With eyes rolling, eyelids fluttering closed, head falling back against his shoulder- she granted him full access.
"Such a needy girl," he drawled as her bottom reflexively wriggled against his semi-hard member. "Have I not fucked you enough this past week?"
Padmé blushed furiously. The main reason why she wanted to take a bath in the first place was to ease the soreness and tension in her lower body. Every evening when he'd return they'd spend hours together. Yet here she was still wanting him.
"What do you want my little Angel?" If her unyielding desire wasn't dulling her senses, she would have scolded the arrogance plastered in his tone. But she was too focused on the golden hand covered in suds working its way down her flat stomach, submerging under the water and past her belly button. When the tips of his cool metal fingers brushed against her erogenous nub, she lurched backward – water gently sloshing.
Padmé bit her lip, nuzzling her nose into the crook of his neck, "Vader please." The plea sounded so helpless, breathless, feverishly saturated with yearning. She hadn't even noticed her nails had started clawing gently against his abs, a restless reply. The cool metal brushed against her once again, teasing. Her face scrunched, quiet tears of impatience pooling at the brim of her eyes. She didn't want to beg. But there was something about him that made every reservation in her crumble when they were alone.
"You'll have to be more specific," he sultry intoned, his breath tickling her ear.
Padmé's heart felt like it was being mangled in her chest, her sense of pride and effervescent wishes for indulgence clashing in an all-out war. "Please. Touch me," she breathed. Padmé choked a gasp as two metal fingers teased her before plunging inside, hooking her against his frame.
"Even after all we've done, you're still so demure at times," he chuckled, his fingers reaching and relentlessly hitting the spot that made her mewl and tremor with pleasure.
Again, she was at his mercy as his left arm wrapped around her, fondling her breast before it worked up to her throat. His hand clamped down. Holding her flush wish his chest, legs pinning her own. She could feel his gaze fixed upon her face as shameless moans and the sloshing of water filled the fresher. The woman's mind was absorbed with the feeling of his skin, the feeling of durasteel, the sensation of pure pleasure. Toes curling, unashamed whimpers bleated from her lips as she felt her body step closer to the brink.
"You're such a good girl. Now cum for me," he intoned against her damp curls. That pushed her over edge. In the same instant, his hand stringently constricted around her throat, choking the sounds of her whines. Her vision went black for a split second, pure euphoria drowning her consciousness as ever muscle in her tensed. Vader enticed every last ounce of pleasure from her. She was left mindless for what seemed like minutes, jolting slightly from reminiscent spasms. By the time Padmé started to gather her bearings, Vader's grip had loosened, leaving her dazed against his chest. "Why don't we get you clean," Vader crooned pressing a soft kiss on her temple. With a slight shift, she nodded burrowing her nose into the corner of his jaw.
Within the next four hours, Padmé found herself bundled up, standing atop a hardened blanket of snow. They had miraculously trudged up a treacherous steep staircase carved within the mountain without falling. When they finally reached the top, her eyes caught sight of a break in the mountain, a cave. Padmé shook her head, not even wanting to think that, that was the only option through the mountain range. She was panting, the scarf wound around the bottom half of her face beginning to feel more like a wire tempting to choke the life out of her. Already she was exhausted. Now sweating through her numerous layers, almost hyperventilating. They'd undoubtably scaled over six hundred meters and walked over eight kilometers. Even if she'd stayed active for her entire life- she was still out of shape.
"We can rest here before heading into the caves," Vader announced tossing the knapsack chockfull of clothing and supplies onto a massive bolder before plopping down next to it. He didn't even sound winded. He, quite frankly, sounded perfectly normal. Padmé threw herself back against that same bolder, catching her breath. At least finally, she was able to take in the sight of the sublime view of being on an impressive mountainside. The imperial base appeared miniature, out of place within the seemingly inhospitable valley. The contrast between the blue sky and white snow was incredible, the sun's rays refracting off the fractals of frozen water.
"So how much further is it?" Padmé wondered, notching her head towards Vader. It was interesting how his face was still obstructed by the darkness of his cowl even when they were alone. She had half a mind to ask him to remove it.
"There's a river that cuts through the gorge on the other side of these caves, after we cross that we will only be a few klicks away," he yawned, resting back against the stone both his hands cupping the back of his head. Padmé looked back at him completely now, it was interesting seeing him almost carefree.
"No more staircases?" She hoped resting her chin against the shin of his boot. He eyed her for a moment, his hood falling to the stone revealing his face. A slight smirk pulled at the edges of his lips.
"No, no more stairs – well not until later milady," he chuckled lightly, throwing his head back to rest on his hands once again. Padmé eyed him, he was smiling, genuinely smiling. It was lighthearted – he was playfully amused.
The woman pursed her lips, "are you making fun of me?" she huffed, shifting her scarf from her face while fending off a smile which threatened to appear on her face.
"Oh no, I'd be much too frightened to tease a Senator," he mocked his grin only growing larger.
Padmé pursed her lips, her head tilting to the side with her eyes narrowing, "You're insufferable," she scoffed, turning away from him, hiding the smile playing on her features. A shiver raced down her spine feeling a gust of wind rush past her body. Her arms went to tighten around her frame, but a strong pair beat her too it – burying her into a chest.
Vader pressed his cheek onto the top of her head, humming, "I think, at times, you actually enjoy my company and I'm not only talking about when I'm inside you."
Padmé rolled her eyes at him, but she knew he was right. She did enjoy his company. After he'd utterly exhaust her at night, they'd talk until she fell asleep. Speaking with him, being so close to him, made her believe that maybe there was good in him. Good that he couldn't see. Her jaw clenched, she couldn't allow herself to forget who he was – what he'd done.
"Well," Padmé piped up, pulling out of his arms, "Let's be going, shall we?" Vader stared at her a moment, his dull golden eyes filled with confusion and disappointment. He blinked, jumping down off the high ground before gathering their supplies. A frown pulled at Padmé's lips, she couldn't ruin the moment for nothing. "H-how long have you been a Sith?" She spoke faster than her thoughts. If he had been a Sith all his life then how could he even show a modicum of empathy…
"That's a question for another time, Senator," he sighed trudging past her towards the caves.
"Can you at least tell me if you had a life before this," she pleaded spinning to follow after him, jogging to keep up.
"I wouldn't call what I had before a life," Vader dryly chuckled, unclipping the lightsaber dangling from his belt, "Stay close, J'ba Fofi dwell in these caves."
"W-What's that?" It was pitiful how her voice stammered but it did anyway as her hands instinctually clutched onto his cloak. A sheering hum and crimson light echoed, then luminesced through the cave lighting their way. Her heart pounded in her chest, even with his lightsaber it was still dark – extremely dark.
"They are a type of spider," he replied almost dismissively.
"Vader, I don't know if I want to do this," Padmé whispered, her instincts making the hairs on the back of her neck stand and her feet plant in their spot.
He actually had the audacity to laugh. "They are solitary spiders Padmé, even if we do run into one – it would likely be the only one throughout this entire cave system."
The sound of him using her name outside the bedroom caught her attention for a split second until she threw herself back into reality, "You used the word likely, what in Sith's hell does that mean - that doesn't make me feel any better!"
"Lower your voice. But by now, it probably already knows we are here – look," he mused, his lightsaber lowering ever so slightly, shedding an ominous red hue onto the ground. It took every ounce of self-control for Padmé to hold back the scream that was threatening to escape her vocal cords. A thick layer of silky webs spanned the entire pathway, no doubt giving away their location to the beast.
"Vader. I want to go back to the outpost," she breathed, her anxiety spiking.
"You're actually scared. And here I thought you had experience with beasts."
Padmé's eyes flicked to him recalling being strung up in a colosseum on Geonosis. Was he there when that happened? Lurking in the shadows… She quickly dismissed the thought for a later time as Vader began trekking away. She lunged, gripping him. "I don't do spiders. On top of that, I can barely see a damn thing."
Vader hummed, as if a revelation just passed through his mind, "I forgot, your eyes are not adapted to the darkness as mine are. Don't worry I'll keep you safe little one," she could hear the smirk in his voice as his muscular arm wrapped around her waist.
Padmé rolled her eyes – hooking closer to him even if she didn't particularly want to, "Could you be more patronizing?" she snarked under her breath in a low grumble. But her attitude was shattered in an instant as the tip of her toe caught on a stone. If it weren't for Vader she would have fallen flat on her face. "Kriff!" She cursed clutching onto his robes.
"You should…" Vader's haughty tone died. The air becoming still, the cave threateningly quiet. Padmé stared up at him confused, his eyes weren't lingering on her – they were transfixed on the floor. The crimson glow of his saber reflecting off his golden eyes made her quiver as she followed his gaze.
"Holy shit-" Suddenly, Vader's hand clamped over her mouth, dragging her towards the cave wall. Stunned, Padmé tried to control her pounding heart as her eyes adverted from the countless corpses scattering the ground. They'd been reduced to bone, not even skin remaining. The hollow shells of stormtrooper armor and the skeletons of natives alike swathed the ground.
Thunk.
The soft sound caught her ears and immediately fear shred down her spine. Padmé collapsed back into Vader's chest, a pounding heart filling her ears. Swallowing hard, she finally found enough courage to look up. Eight lifeless black eyes stared back in the scarlet glow of Vader's lightsaber and in a split second – all hell broke loose. The beast hissed plunging down from the stalactites towards them, it was all a whirl – Vader moved too quickly for her to even register what he'd done in the darkness. Somehow he'd managed to dodge the goliath spider's attack, hauling her along with him. A yelp belted from her throat as she suddenly found herself on the sticky ground behind Vader. Her mind was discombobulated, her eyes catching sight of the Sith standing before a gnarly gargantuan creature that filled the main culvert to the brim.
Padmé desperately tried to free herself from the floor, but she was trapped. No more than a bug caught in a web. A roar erupted from the spider as it charged. The woman squirmed frantically, only to find herself becoming even more entangled within its swathed snare. A distinct slice filled the air and when she looked up, Vader had carved off one of its front legs before flipping and kicking it in the eyes. It howled in agony, tumbling backwards trying to retreat to the tunnel system above. When it vanished, her heart paralyzed in fear. The fact it has disappeared back into the shadows did nothing to contain the terror wreaking havoc through her body.
"Vader- I can't move," The woman wailed, tugging again at her imprisoned limbs. It was seemingly inhumanly possible how quickly he moved – but Vader was by her side in an instant, his saber effortlessly slicing through the net of webbing. She lunged off the ground into his arms, she was shaking, could barely see a damn thing causing her heart to hammer against the confines of her chest.
"Calm," Vader whispered in her hair and suddenly the emotion washed over her – it was unreal how her heart rate lowered, her breaths steadied, and she was no longer trembling. "We need to move, now."
"Why didn't you just kill it?" Padmé whispered as they began trekking with determination through the cavern.
"Keep going," he ushered, blatantly ignoring her question. Not even giving her time to speed up he groaned, "you're too slow." In an instant, the Sith had flung her over his shoulder and started sprinting. Padmé clutched onto him for dear life, horror crossing her expression as she eyed the barely lit floor below, littered with corpses. She should have noticed the smell earlier – but her nose was too cold. Now she could smell the stench of rotting flesh. Padmé squeezed her eyes shut, trying to focus on anything but her current situation. "That wasn't a J'ba Fofi. That was a knobby white spider," he finally spoke up, his pace never faltering.
"Meaning?" Padmé hollered, still perplexed.
Vader let out a pessimistic chuckle of a breath, "They aren't solitary. They swarm in droves."
As if on cue, the trickles and rustles of tiny steps filled the cavern. Padmé's heart froze over in her chest once again as miniature spiders began racing after them – catching up with ease. "You gotta run faster!" Padmé cried, gripping the Sith with every bit of strength she could muster.
"Could you not try to suffocate me, woman," Vader snorted back, his hands gently tugging on her own to loosen the grip around his stomach.
"They are catching up with us!" She wailed, the spiders were only getting bigger and bigger, closer and closer, their pin shaped claws ruffling the webbing all around them. "Vader!" She screeched as one, the size of a tooka, lunged. Just as its fangs were nearing her head, it was thrown back by something invisible, the Force. All of them began pouncing towards them after that, Vader somehow managing to stave them off with his saber and the Force. Padmé was doing everything in her power to make herself as small as possible, until she felt something crawling down her back. A true scream belted from her chest, echoing throughout the cave. "Get it off!" She cried, trying not to squirm. Padmé couldn't risk Vader by accidentally dropping her – then she'd really be in trouble.
Swoosh.
Vader's crimson saber skimmed just above her back, she could feel its heat, hear its hum too close for comfort. The action had caught her off guard, then the next thing she felt was a prickly corpse rolling down off her head, hitting the ground.
It was in that moment Padmé realized, she could see. Light- light that could only be so bright from the sun! Yet what the sun revealed caused her expression to go blank. A horde of white spiders were advancing behind them like an unstoppable tsunami. Immediate darkness shadowed the entry way, rendering them in the dim light of Vader's red blade once again, when Padmé tried to look ahead. She choked on a scream. Suddenly, there was weightlessness, before her face she was buried in Vader's chest as he hit the ground. There was no way she could see but another distinct slice filled her ears. The sound of tearing flesh, an agonizing hissed roar from the creature. Then her back hit the ground, her head whipping against snow. She knew Vader had lobbed her like a sack of feed but, she could hardly care. Padmé spun to see the Sith reach in the air grabbing hold of the cave entrance with the Force, before yanking down – causing the entire entrance to collapse. It crushed the mammoth beast that threatened to escape – even smooshing most of the smaller ones.
The woman was panting, her hand bracing against a nearby bolder. When Vader's obsidian frame spun, his hood fell as he jogged towards her. Snuffing his lightsaber, he tossed the ancient weapon to the ground before collapsing to his knees. "Are you alright?" He intoned, hands reaching under her armpits, dragging her up into his lap.
"Yes, I'm fine," Padmé breathed the reply, her dainty gloved hands mindlessly clutched the front of his robes. Brown doe eyes connected with a pair of apprehensive golden. It was the most concerned she'd ever seen him. His jaw was tight, adams apple bobbing as he scanned her body. "Vader. I'm fine," she assured him as he began running his hands down her arms. It was like an anxious tick. "Why are they here? I thought they were only found on Dagobah?" The thought of those spiders being able to inhabit a tropical planet and a frigid one made Padmé believe that they were perhaps an invasive species. Vader had said J'ba Fofi would live in that cave system. Was it possible they killed the original spider that used to reside there?
"I don't know," he replied honestly, clipping his lightsaber to his belt. There was uncertainty in his eyes before they returned to their usual emotionless gaze, "We should be going, I want to get to the village by nightfall." Slowly, Padmé nodded as Vader helped her off the ground. Staring across the valley below, she wondered how far away they could be. "We are a few hours away. After we cross the river it's a good hike through the mountains.
The descent down the mountain was quiet. Neither of them spoke a word to one another, it almost made Padmé feel dejected. When they were halfway across the frozen river, she began wondering whether he was he upset with her? Upset with how she reacted in the caves? A frown formed beneath her scarf.
"I'm not upset with you, Padmé," Vader sighed from beside her, making her heart leap – he hadn't spoken in over an hour. "I should have realized the structural difference in the spiderwebs when we first walked in, you should have never been put into that situation."
"You used my name, again" she smiled lightly. "What changed?" Hearing a distinct crack in the ice, Padmé froze, sharp shivers shred across her body. An eerie cascading growl echoed from below the surface, the deep sound reverberating in her hears like a drone of impending death. Everything happened too fast, the ice beneath her feet splintering, a loud roar with the ear hammering sound of the water erupting with violent force. She didn't even have time to react before a whirl of black obstructed her vision as she felt herself be shoved away by ghostly hands. Padmé thought she'd hit the slick ice hard, but she was settled gently safe distance away from… Vader and an enormous creature.
A glacial sea leviathan.
Her breath hitched, Padmé gaped in apprehension her eyes locking onto the back of the Sith Lord. His body stood tall, prepared, unafraid with his crimson lightsaber hanging taught at an acute angle at the side of his body. Then her gaze left the striking black-clad figure to trail up the scaly and feathery neck of the leviathan.
Twisted tan horns protruded from its skull with a beard of protective scales shielding the bend of its neck. Its coloration was a deep shimmering navy in order to camouflage into the depths of the river below. This beast was Vandor's most dangerous predator. She could see the fact swirling within its fiery onyx and ruby eyes. During her time in Vader's chambers she'd read plenty about them. This one seemed to be relatively young. Full grown this beast would be larger than the Sando aqua that lurk the seas of Naboo. It could grow up to be two hundred-fifty meters in length. This one was probably only half that. But it was ginormous in comparison to any human. Perhaps this creature was the largest of its kind now, their species now on the brink of extinction. She'd read that when the Empire first took control the planet four years ago, these leviathans would terrorize military strongholds. Their colossal size crushing everything in their wake. Now their numbers were small… some experts even claimed they were extinct. Seeing one so close was a rarity but it also had her terrified.
What caught Padmé's attention most, was the vast set of gnarly dagger-like teeth which bared in Vader's direction. The gargantuan creature released a piercing shriek entwined with a resounding, booming roar- her hands raced to curl tightly around her ears from the deafening sound. If this animal wasn't contemplating killing them she would have thought it was fierce, majestic, and mythical. It was similar to a wingless dragon but with dense thick and small feathering to protect it from the blistering cold temperatures of the dark depths that lie below. It stretched its neck high into the sky dwarfing and shadowing Vader's frame as he stood seemingly calm and collected.
What the hell is he doing so close to that thing? Her mind screamed as she shuffled against the ice, crawling back as the creature revealed itself further from beneath the ice. It massive talons dug and screeched against the thick steady surface until it's entire body was exposed. Fear echoed into her chest, the beast was colossal! It's stature filling the entire sky! What is Vader doing? Why is he just standing there? It was as if he was waiting for it to make the first move. She couldn't understand the stare the monster had locked on Vader, but something flashed within its eyes as if it were sentient for a moment.
With a shake of its neck, spines along the scaly flesh morphed and raised into a hood. It was angry, but why wasn't it attacking yet? But when she saw Vader's left hand raised slightly- she could tell he was using the Force. Maybe in an attempt to temper the creature? Being petrified didn't stop the bit of warmth touched her heart as she released he didn't want to kill it. This creature had an intense presence. If one could describe the beast that lived in Vader it would probably look much like the creature before them now. It was dangerous but also beautiful. The more and more she thought of its dangerous beauty the more she didn't want Vader to kill it.
It roared again this time with a lunge forward, it's neck craning violently down to swallow the Sith whole! Padmé felt like tearing her hair out, move! She screamed in her mind, too afraid to vocalize aloud. She could only sit and watch as her lover stood completely still not even phased. But with a loud snap of its teeth slamming together it stopped just short of tearing him apart, inches away from the Sith's cowl. It was eye level with him now. Its head dwarfing his body.
Padmé's mouth was agape, what she was witnessing was extraordinarily. Sith or not, Vader remained collected not so much as flinching as the creature's fiery eyes bore through him. Her fingers slipped across the ice, her mind trying to wrap itself around what she was watching unfold. She'd heard stories as a child of ancient heroes that existed before the Jedi and the Sith. Before the invention of interplanetary travel. They were folktales of ancient knights slaying water dragons – creatures that were twice as large as the Sando aqua. They were extinct now. But the tales from that era always depicted the heroes ability and fearlessness when staring in the face of certain death.
The hero always had something to protect, Padmé reminded herself as she watched the silent encounter between Vader and the gargantuan creature. 'I protect what is mine,' his words echoed through her ears. Her heart lurched remembering, how he'd mislead his Master for her. For the first time, Padmé could see him. He was a dark knight. Her protector.
A deep respire released from the creature with plenty of gust to knock the hood from Vader's head. What Padmé didn't have to see was what resided within the Sith's striking eyes, it was the same look the creature had. Power. In that moment, she couldn't think of a single person who would be daring enough to challenge a creature of this magnitude. However, she also knew the Sith before her was undoubtably the most formidable being in the galaxy.
With a swivel of its head, the thorns along the leviathans skin lowered as a deep growl then hiss freed through its teeth. A small gasp left her lips as it turned away. Just as she thought the confrontation was over, it's head twisted for a glance, it's crimson-onyx eyes resting upon her now – sending a bolt fear through her body. It almost seemed to mewl, its expression softening. Something happened then that she could not explain, its eye color morphed emerald before it turned to slither back to lurk the dark depths below.
She was too struck in awe, why had it looked at her like that? Padmé gawked at the absurdly audacious man as he turned snuffing his saber before clipping it back to his belt. Her eyes never left his as he walked closer, kneeling by her side. The first thing Padmé noticed about him were his eyes, he wasn't concerned in the slightest – not how he had been hours ago with the spiders. Still, he looked her over – his golden gaze becoming dull as he inspected her face.
"Vader, w-what just happened?" Padmé blurted out, still in shock.
"All he was doing was defending his territory, I suppose we came to a mutual agreement that we were both trying to protect what's ours. They are semi-sentient beings, he understood my intentions," Vader explained before his hands wrapped around her body to help her from the icy ground. "However, we should go. We do not want to overstay our welcome." Padmé glanced down at the clear ice beneath her feet and a loud screech left her lips as she saw the creatures fiery red and black eyes. She practically jumped into Vader's arms clinging to him, shivering. But when her eyes moved back, the face was gone- it had vanished.
"W-why did it look at me like that?" she breathed- still clutching Vader's robes with a death grip.
"I suppose he has a new fascination about you," he replied, whisking her off the ice to cradling her in his arms as he strode towards the other end of the river.
"Well why?" She prodded, seriously concerned with the creatures so called 'fascination.'
"He was interested in why I had you with me. From my presence I'm not someone that would usually have a defenseless woman around," he explained.
A pout tugged at her expression, "I wouldn't say I'm defenseless," she muttered resting her head against his shoulder.
"In verbal debates you are more than capable of defending yourself but out here, my lady, you are quite the opposite," he chuckled.
"Give me a blaster and I'll show you differently," Padmé huffed, folding her arms over her chest.
Vader outright laughed before his gaze met hers, "A blaster would have never penetrated that leviathans subdermal scales. Even with my lightsaber, I would have had a hell of a time fighting him off."
"Well I'm glad you didn't… he was a very beautiful creature," she murmured eyeing the frozen river bank.
"It's interesting what you classify as beautiful, most wouldn't see him more than a monster," he commented curiously, Padmé's eyes darted up to his hearing the solitude in his tone. A frown pulled on her lips, seeing the color in his eyes battle- the dull gold returning once again.
"Vader…" she whispered, her fingers brushing across his jawline. "You're-"
"Your compassion towards me is misplaced," he sighed, cutting her off.
"I know," she frowned, "but I can't help it."
Vader's eyes shut for a moment, until they flickered open again as he continued walking. They were hardly golden now, azure almost consuming his the entirety of his irises. "You are destroying me Senator…"
What does that mean? Was the only question racing through her mind as they made their way through the mountain pass.
"Stay close," Vader demanded quietly, the hood of his cloak peaking back at her as they continued to move down the snow sheeted path. Padmé nodded quickening her pace to trail closer to his frame. He never needed to ask her twice to keep up. After a close encounter with some luftgriffs, she had seen too much to not listen to him. She inched close to him, centimeters away - she had half-a-mind to wrap her arm around his but, she decided against it.
This place they were in was not one of a normal town. Slowly, her eyes moved away from Vader under the shelter of her fur hood, keeping him in her peripheral as they moved down the only path through the small village. All different types of species congregated in the street, each one she passed looking more menacing than the next and it wasn't because of what they looked like but more so in what they were doing- arguing, smoking, drinking. Vader was right this type of place wasn't familiar to her. The only similar experience she could recall was her time on Tatooine in Mos Espa. For once she was glad to be wearing heavy and covering clothes as the eyes of the people trailed her passing by.
She wasn't afraid but she felt extraordinarily out of place. The burning in the muscles of her legs dragged her out of thought, they'd been walking for hours. Padmé's gloved hands were shoved into the pockets of her heavy body suit even with the warm heavy clothing- she felt like her nose was going to snap off under the fur scarf from the cold. She could feel ice beginning to solidify on her eyelashes and a deep sense of relief washed over her as Vader turned towards a wooden building- one she believed was a tavern. Her eyes lingered at the air above the building, the smoke billowing out of the large chimney. Force, she was excited to be going inside. Without even touching the door, Vader opened the hinged barrier ushering her inside before following in after.
When she felt the heat against the parts of her cheekbones that were still visible, it was a relief to say the least. It was so warm, the wooden building acting as an insulator from the immense cold. She blinked a few times, water droplets began falling from her eyelashes as she followed Vader towards the bar. Once the Sith Lord began speaking a foreign language, her attention inconspicuously traveled elsewhere. All types of shady characters were howling, drinking, gambling, female species falsely ogling over the males who seemed to be winning the current hand. She glanced away at the unsightly behavior before turning her attention back to Vader who was surprisingly extending a drink towards her. Dragging her hand out of her pocket, she accepted the cup as they moved towards the only vacant booth in the large building. She slid into the seat across from Vader before removing the scarf over her face and hood. Her once tamed curls were now static creating a mane around her face as she took a sip of the warm caf to heat the rest of her body. Vader took a sip of his as well, however his hood remained perfectly in place the cup and his hand practically disappearing in the void.
"We will be spending the night here," Vader announced breaking the comfortable silence between them. Padmé frowned but understood that it was too dark to even contemplate returning to the base. She would hate to have another encounter with a pride of luftgriffs or that leviathan in the dark.
"There are rooms here?" She asked before pulling off her gloves and shoving them in her pocket. When she moved back to the warm cup on the table, her fingers tapped against the wooden surface, feeling the heat entering her bare fingertips.
"Yes, upstairs," he stated gesturing towards the large wooden staircase towards the back of the tavern.
"So how did you find out about this place?" Padmé questioned staring around at the uncouth scenery before turning back to Vader.
"It's the only town within a three hundred mile radius of the base, many of the men go here when on leave," he explained setting his drink onto the rough wooden surface of the table. Padmé once again glanced around, unable to understand why these people would partake in such activities. "Would you like a real drink?" He questioned dragging her out of thought.
"What?" She laughed, "I thought you didn't partake in such vices in public."
"I usually don't…but that doesn't mean we can't relax a bit," he clarified draping his arm up against the back of the bench. How could he be so comfortable in a place like this? She'd been to the clubs on Coruscant but even in those businesses, there was more decorum than this place. "Not everyone grows up attending lavish galas and nightclubs Padmé."
"I know that," she pouted almost hurt by his demeaning tone. "And would you not scrutinize my thoughts when we are having a conversation? I really don't need you replying to them… they aren't yours to answer," she muttered running a hand through her hair. After her request, she felt his presence leave her mind.
"Are you at least enjoying yourself a little bit?" He questioned, even though she couldn't see his face- she knew there must be a frown covering his features.
"I really did enjoy myself today, the sights were even more beautiful than said to be," she smiled genuinely. His reaction to her words wasn't expected, he shifted in his seat before his hood snapped towards the bar. She wasn't sure whether he'd recognized someone's presence or something popped into his mind. But before she could ask, he was out of his seat moving towards the bar. Inching closer towards the wall, she watched him as he began speaking to another human, a woman. Padmé felt her heart ice over as she stared with uneasiness. She had long raven hair with a leering smirk pulling at her lips as she spoke. Yet, her face suddenly went pale, her smirk vanishing. Padmé assumed that it was because whatever Vader was saying wasn't what she wanted to hear.
Padmé eyed the men passing the booth obstructing her vision for a moment, glancing away as they stared back intently licking their lips before moving on. She inched as close as physically possible to the wall, taking a sip of her drink. Force, he decided to leave her now? To go talk to whoever the hell that was? After a few more grueling minutes, Vader turned away from the woman before nodding his head at the bartender. Padmé was hopelessly confused watching the entire interaction take place until she saw Vader turn back with two drinks in his hands.
When he moved to slip into the booth, he cursed in some foreign language that she had yet to identify. She was surprised to already smell the alcohol floating in the air from both of the drinks before he handed her the wooden cup. As she took a sip of the surprisingly of the hard liquor, her expression struggled not to sour. Feeling the alcohol rushing down into her body, she couldn't help by eye the black haired woman sitting at the bar. Padmé froze before turning as she met the woman's gaze. "Who is that?" Padmé questioned before watching Vader take a surprisingly large swig of his drink.
"I think the question would be better phrased as what is that?" Vader corrected before making himself comfortable in his seat.
Padmé's eyebrows knitted together not understanding what he meant, "Is she a past girlfriend or something?" The Senator laughed however there was a dryness within the action that may have let her internal feelings about the question slip.
"Is that jealousy I hear Senator?" He snickered, she rolled her eyes knowing that there was a cocky smirk playing on his lips.
Padmé bit her tongue, forcing herself to not entertain his comment, "If she's not that then what is she to you?"
"An associate," he stated shortly taking another sip of his drink.
Padmé glanced down at her hands from his dismissive tone. If she was just an associate then why would she look at him like that? The raven haired woman almost seemed shocked when they were speaking, the hurt in her eyes was evident. It didn't help his case that she was also very beautiful- Padmé knew of his tendencies, what stopped him from having women before her? Padmé internally scoffed at herself, she shouldn't care who Vader had been with. She'd been with other men, it was only natural for people to have past relationships. But even thinking of her own past experiences didn't help the twinge of jealousy she felt. Had he let her see his face during intimate moments? Let that woman touch him like he allowed her?
"Padmé," Vader spoke, breaking her out of the stirring thoughts in her mind, "I'm not involved with her like that."
"Oh? Then what is your involvement?" Padmé prodded trying to get a real answer from him. She heard Vader groan, his hand reaching into his cloak to either brush a hand through his blond locks or hold the back of his neck. His reaction didn't make her feel the slightest bit better- he was uncomfortable which meant something did happen.
"She's a mercenary," Vader explained hesitantly, "I hire her when I need something done off-the-record so to speak."
Padmé was almost surprised by his admittance, maybe he was uncomfortable because it wasn't like him to speak to her about his work. Even so, she knew the answer was not enough to ease her thoughts, but she decided not to press the subject more. They'd had such a nice day together minus almost being killed by snow and river monsters, why let some potentially old fling ruin that? Trying to shake the annoying thoughts from her mind, she downed the rest of her drink- feeling the alcohol burn her esophagus all the way down to her stomach. She let out a small laugh feeling the burn against her cheeks.
She could tell the drink was stronger than she was used to as her senses dulled instantly. Her cheeks were warm, rosy from the liquor as her inhibitions lowered. Her glassy eyes stared at Vader who stood rounding the table before sliding in beside to her. Force, he was so warm. She couldn't help but long to see his face as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Padmé was shocked as his cloaked head moved towards her face, his lips crashing down against hers.
"Vader!" She yelled in a whisper pulling away, "We can't-"
"No one will care Padmé, everyone here is in their own little world," he chuckled before pulling her into another kiss. Her emotions soared as their lips moved in sync, Vader's arm tightened around her shoulder as their tongues danced. A spinning sensation whirled her mind from the liquor; her body was aching for him. Setting all reservations aside, Padmé's fingers gripped the thick fabric covering his chest. She almost felt the urge to jump on him right there, the action wouldn't be against any of the norms of the establishment it seemed. However, there was a sense of decorum she had to abide by resulting her to pull away.
"You said we're staying here tonight correct?" She whispered sensually staring into the void of his cloak. In response, he twisted in his seat- his right hand gently clasping her upper thigh.
"I did," he remarked in a low seductive tone. Her eyes flickered to where his lips would be inside the darkness while his hand slid further towards her most sensitive area. They're lips were so close-
"Hey! I'm Aphra," A woman's voice beamed with disingenuous kindness from across the table. Vader let out an audible growl before his head snapped towards the opposite side of the booth. Padmé's eyes darted to the woman as well- not prepared for her to interrupt them so candidly. "So who are you?" She chirped her eyes darting towards Padmé.
"That is none of your concern," Vader snarled before Padmé had the chance to reply. The Senator seeped back into the seat, not really knowing how to deal with the situation that was unfolding.
"My- my she must be important for you to get so defensive," the woman muttered rolling her eyes, resting back in the booth. Padmé finally had an opportunity to give her a glance over. Countless linear tattoos shrouded her forearm, the Naboo Senator tilted her head slightly- together they almost look like… a circuit board? The innards of a droid. Her skin was tanned as if she had just arrived from a planet dominated by the sun and heat. Above her white brown fur trapper hat a pair of aviator goggles clung to the top of her head and her brown eyes were full of fire and self-assurance. Perhaps under different circumstances they would have gotten along… Padmé's mind skipped over that thought as she truly gazed at the youngness of the girl. She almost looked younger than the Senator herself! Force, she doesn't even look eighteen! Aphra took a long swing of her drink before slamming it on the table the sound causing Padmé to almost jump out of her skin. The Senator's own anger flared when the woman laughed at her reaction.
"Leave," Vader demanded lowly with pure rage dripping from his tone. Padmé inched away from him, as if he were a lit fuse about to explode. She'd never heard the sheer amount of pure ice in his tone before.
"She seems too skittish to be your type Boss," the woman muttered picking her fingernails before her eyes were like daggers darting towards Padmé. "I mean she's too soft, what is she anyway? Some princess?" She snickered, "She sticks out like a sore thumb in a place like this."
"May I inquire what exactly your problem is with me?" Padmé asked professionally, her own eyes throwing the woman's daggers back at her.
"Wow it speaks! That's incredible," Aphra gasped in false astonishment. Padmé flinched as Vader's arm violently swept across the table before practically springing out of his seat in a fit of rage. The tavern went silent, every being in the room watching them now. Only the sound of their wooden cups spinning like dreidels registered in Padmé's ears as she gawked in apprehension. The Senator's eyes darted to Aphra's face, the young mercenary was now struck with fear- frightened by his reaction. Her face was pale, none of her disdainful mannerisms remained. Padmé herself was also startled by his reaction, she hadn't even realized that she'd leapt away until registering that her back was pressed against the wall.
"You have reached the end of my patience. If you hold any value in your pathetic, insignificant, repugnant life, then I advise you leave this place," Vader seethed lowly his voice the most threatening she'd ever heard it. The room was now freezing, as if they'd never left the outdoors even the fire almost snuffed out in the tavern. With hands coiled into tight fists on top the table, Vader's body shaking as an unprecedented amount of darkness and anger radiated off of him. Padmé gulped at his words, feeling almost awful for the woman as she scampered from the booth and out of the building. Once the door slammed shut behind the young woman, the tavern immediately shifted back as if the altercation had never occurred. Slowly, the temperature returned to normal as the fire roared.
However, Padmé knew what had occurred. She'd never seen him truly lose it before… maybe she still hadn't because Aphra's body would be lifeless at the other side of the table. After a few moments, Vader dropped back down into his seat, his body still shaking. Padmé remained silent, frozen- afraid if she said or even moved the action would set him off. After a few minutes, she saw his shoulders begin to relax as he body ceased shaking.
"I apologize for my behavior," Vader said suddenly, his voice was rough truly remorseful. Padmé's eyes darted towards him almost surprised that he had noticed how his outburst affected her. Padmé wet her lips, feeling completely sober after the entire predicament as she moved closer to him once again.
"Would you want to retire for the night? Or- I don't know… go on a walk?" She questioned conflicted about what to say to him. A frown pulled at her lips when he didn't reply. She sighed as her hand reached for his arm to rub it soothingly… or at least she hoped it would be soothing. "We don't need to let that ruin our night," she said quietly, hoping he'd forgive himself.
Once the Aphra incident was behind them, Padmé tried to place their night back onto a more enjoyable path. It was different for the young woman to be in a such a place but it also gave her some insight on the rest of the galaxy. These people were hardened and they used this tavern as an outlet. There was laughing, species of many kinds getting along and having a good night while the music allowed everything to melt together. After downing a few drinks, Vader and Padmé were both joining in on the amusing hysterics. The Senator found herself giggling and flirting with the Sith Lord more so than she ever did. The alcohol was doing its job in loosening her reservations, even subconsciously, it was refreshing being with him so easily, so freely. She found herself doing a fairly decent job at carrying on a conversation with him, it was almost like they were out on a somewhat normal date.
In the back of her mind, she was flustered. Flustered and shocked by the tangible evidence that she was truly trying to make him like her. It was a shock because she'd never given other men the pleasure of hearing her desire for them… Perhaps it was because she figured swooning over a man was degrading. Even so, her political and reserved mindset was taking the backseat to her hormones tonight. Her mind and body alike didn't feel at all embarrassed when she was practically seated in his lap. Her legs dangling over his- her hands tugging at his robes as he continued to whisper sweet nothings into her ear. Padmé hated to admit but, even if she was thrown into this situation unwillingly, the way she acted alone with him was on her own accord.
When the night became early morning, the lovers had reached the point where they'd had enough conversation. Padmé was staggering, her fingers latching onto the Sith's robes as he escorted her up the stairs. Luckily for the young Senator, the man knew where he was going. Finally, they reached the door to their room and when the wooden barrier creaked open, Padmé's inhibitions were nonexistent as she all but tackled him through the door with a hot and crushing kiss. Vader stumbled back wrapping his arms around her small frame dragging them into the room, using the Force to close and lock the door. Her hands that managed to wrap around his neck rushing to tear the cloak from his shoulders and a small chuckle hummed in her ears. "Someone is feeling greedy," he mused against her lips.
Padmé rolled her eyes before their lips continued to devour each other. She had to admit to herself she was more than drunk, the room was spiraling as her back collided against the wall with Vader's body encasing her own. Even through his thick layers of clothing, she could feel every muscle of him. His body that of a celestial being. Unable to contain herself, she threw herself into the passion and lust - her forcefulness surprising even Vader as he tumbled backwards crashing into the wall behind him. Her senses became even more wild hearing him moan against her lips, forcing her to pull away in order to tear off her snowsuit and toss away her boots. Once the pestering clothing was away, Vader's lips were on hers instantly guiding her backwards until the bend of her knees hit a bed. They fell together, their lips never leaving each other's for a moment. Vader's hands were all over her, kneading the flesh over her waist drawing up to her ribs. Both of them were acting on the greedy nature of lust.
Vader pulled away as Padmé started to feel even more lightheaded from the lack of oxygen. Following her lead, her lover removed his hot and heavy garments- throwing them carelessly to the floor. She writhed in anticipation feeling his hands -cold metal and hot flesh- race to the waistband of her leggings yanking them and her panties to her ankles then off her body.
With her barriers gone, Padmé lunged off the bed- crashing into his body with her lips attacking his, their tongues immediately exploring each other's mouths once again. She could feel the roaring fire within the hearth hitting and illuminating their bodies. Force, she didn't want the bed- she wanted to feel the flames. With her decision already made, Padmé dragged them both down to the floor close enough to feel the heat of the flickering and cackling flames against her body. With all her might, she urged him to allow them to roll over so she could be on top and surprisingly he didn't even attempt to stop the movement.
Once above him, she felt a new sense of power- her palms pressing against his bare chest as she tore herself away from his lips. She could feel his all too ready member slipping against her warmth as she tossed her turtle neck over her head. A small smirk pulled at the lips of the man below as she felt the clip of her bra snap, unraveling the fabric covering her breasts. Knocking the teasing smile on his face, her lips smashed against his- her palms slipping from his chest to rest on fur rug beneath them. A whine slipped from the space between her nose and throat feeling his tip brush against her core from the position. Trying to torment both of them further, her lips left his to attack the supple area below his ear.
A loud moan escaped his lips as she continued her assault, nipping and ravenously kissing the skin- making sure to leave a mark. Vader's hands were all over her back until one wrapped around the base of her neck and spine pressing her flush against his chest. The friction between them sent her mind and body ablaze, she inched her knees back- his glorious member sliding into her warmth effortlessly. Hearing Vader's head hit the floor with a groan, her eyes peaked up at his slack jaw and face witnessing pure pleasure pour across his features. With a trail of nips and kisses against his chest, Padmé slowly sat up- biting her lip as she felt him ease into her. Once she was fully nestled, her head threw back in pleasure- her fingers gliding across his chest while her back arched.
"Vader," she inaudibly moaned rotating her head before her eyes connected with her lover's expression. His eyes were fluttered shut as his hands gripped her hipbones- craving her to move again. Realizing she wasn't moving yet, his dilated eyes gazed into her own. "What is it that you want?" She breathed grinding them together allowing her nails trailing down his chest.
His eyes rolled back at the small movement, a low moan escaping his lips from the tease of the movement. "P-Padmé," he struggled almost sounding broken, "Please." He breathed, his fingers tightening against her skin as his hips rutted up to meet hers. Her palms attempted to hold him flush to the floor, not impressed by his plea.
"Hmm…I don't know… I think I need more convincing," she mused with a brutal taunt of seduction as she slowly shifted her hips to get a response.
"Fuck," he groaned in a ragged breath writhing beneath her, "I beg you angel, p-please let me have you." His plea broke through her crazed mind, his words were genuine… he was begging for her to give herself to him. "You have bewitched me, I cannot imagine being unable to have you," he admitted with an unconceivable amount of passion and desperation. Her heart lurched at his words, they weren't sweet nothings. They were real. Padmé could hear it, sense it. It was an unexpected emotional turn of events- her mind going from just plain horny to actual passion. Padmé remained silent for a moment, struck by his words, his plea, his unfathomable desire to have her. Maybe it was the alcohol or her speaking true to her feelings but the words left her lips all too soon-
"You have me," she acquiesced in a whisper, meaning the three words deeply. "Now, take me." A boyish excitement gleamed in his eyes, but hidden beneath the surface there was also insecurity. A small reassuring genuine smile tugged at her lips as their eyes remained locked for a moment. Within the flickering warm light of the fire, his eyes were still large with need but the gold had long since gone- the small rim of his irises were entirely azure. He almost seemed in shock, something flashing across his features before he leaned forward- his left hand capturing her face before passionately bringing their lips together. Emotions poured into her mind, overwhelming her senses from the connection between them. Her mind was spinning, not able to comprehend the blissful madness as Vader rolled them over.
With fingernails like floating feathers, Padmé felt the ripples in his muscles as he thrust his hips into hers- finding a powerful yet slow rhythm. It reminded her of the moment he'd bound them together but his movements were different- there wasn't an ulterior motive. There was something pure that she couldn't explain. Moans slipped from her lips as she met his hips every time. She couldn't pull her eyes away from his, in the flickering light of the fire they reminded her of the fluctuating waves of an ocean. Too many sensations were coursing through her body to even feel self-conscious. He was moving so passionately that it made her heart soar with love for him. His eyes. This wasn't Darth Vader taking her. There was no greed, there wasn't a dark atmosphere surrounding him. When she felt him shift, her eyes fluttered open as his lips met her own. Slowly, he kissed her lips before planting soft pecks on her cheek and forehead.
The kisses he was blessing her with were almost innocent, the pleasure pouring over her as he realized what he was doing. He was making love to her, not fucking, no kinkiness, no power-plays. A small gasp left her lips as her back bowed to meet his lips when her pleasure crested. Padmé's right hand slipped off his back to hold his loosened jaw. "Ah…" she whined against his lips as he simultaneously released a deep moan. Stars were erupting through her vision and body as her eyes struggled to open to meet his eyes. They were still beautifully blue every ounce of darkness drown out from the innocence of his actions. Once his thrusts slowed and the high was flickering like the flames of a dwindling fire, he eased out from her warmth.
She was left in awe, lying on the floor in complete astonishment. Her mind was racing, was that the best sex she'd ever had? It was definitely the most intimate, powerful connection she'd ever felt…
Gently, Vader shifted off of her to settle them into a spooning position. A small giggle left the woman's lips seeing two pillows and his cloak floating over them. After orienting the warm fabric and pillows, Padmé relaxed into her lovers arms. With her eyes fluttering closed, a small blush crept to her cheeks feeling soft fingers brush the curtain of curls behind her ear. Vader's damp locks touched her cheek, Padmé knew his lips would be next. After kissing her cheek, he lightly planted another on her temple and that was the last thing she could recall before being swept into a peaceful slumber.