A/N: IT'S FINALLY HERE! THE NEW CHAPTER - GET EXCITED! Finally finished this chapter everyone, holy moly for only 6K words it was hard to get things right. I still am not 100 percent happy with my word selection but, I really can't mess with it anymore. Anywho! I finally figured out that, in my mind, Eryx basically looks like a younger Paul Walker (Rest in Peace) with green eyes. Also, this hasn't been edited AT ALL because I wanted to get it out to you lovelies. Without further ado here's the new chapter!

Chapter 21: Leave the Past Behind

Rolling the vertebrae in his neck, Vader fastened the buckles on his glove. He clenched and expanded his prosthetic hand beneath the leather. The gears were still rotating incorrectly creating an awful grinding sound as he moved his fingers. His jaw tightened, annoyance cloaking him for a moment. Damn leviathan, he cursed to himself before removing his glove once again – revealing his golden and black durasteel arm. In the bath it had the same issue – consistently grinding, even the Senator noticed the difference. He found himself contemplating whether to even fix it again. He was seriously considering to have one foraged from Beskar instead. Either way, he still needed it fixed -to some extent- before leaving his chambers.

Rummaging through his dresser, he grabbed the leather case that was settled in the back of the drawer. It was fully stocked with replacement parts and tools for his arm. Before leaving, he took one last glance at the Senator sprawled out in the sheets her breasts on full display. Vader bit his lip, setting the case down for a moment to walk over and pull the comforter back over her body. He winced when he bent his leg slightly - it was at a disappointing thirty percent, significantly less than what he figured. Chunks of skin were still missing. Having skin grafted was something he'd had done in the past but, he'd deal with that once they arrived on Naboo. After covering the Senator with the sheets to just below her chin, he raked a hand through his dark blond locks. They should have left for Naboo by now. Though, he couldn't find it in himself to disturb the Senator from her sleep.

Grabbing his robe, he flung the material over his shoulders while a pair of black sleep pants hung at his hipbones. Just before leaving the overpass, he summoned the windows to morph opaque – blocking out the sun that was just beginning to rise. The star was starting to peak over the mountain tops, the moons becoming lost in the pastel blue sky. Once the overpass fell dark, Vader frowned - there was one more thing he'd meant to show the Senator before they left Vandor. All he'd have to do was order for his shuttle after nightfall. Vader shunned himself, he shouldn't want to show her such things – and yet his mind was already made up wanting to – nothing would change the guidance of the Force.

Leaving the Senator to sleep, he reached his office planting himself at the desk to immediately begin working on his arm. The man rolled his eyes, prying his way into the inter-workings of his arm swiftly identifying the problem. One of the main shafts had been slightly bent – the gear had practically disintegrated. Vader couldn't understand how it had become such a way but, at least it was something he could resolve in a timely manner. For the better part of an hour, he replaced the shaft, as well as three other gears that seemed to be on their way to splintering. He was lucky that the neural interface hadn't been impacted over the years.

"Why don't you just upgrade to a cybernetic arm?" The Senator's voice wondered, his head snapped towards the door – he was so focused he didn't even realize she'd woken up, let alone was resting against the doorframe with a curious expression - watching him.

The man composed himself a moment before a small smile tugged at his cheeks, "Well first, I wouldn't be able to easily fix a cybernetic system myself. There are many more moving parts. Second, synth-skin is extremely fragile," Vader explained, testing his hand once again. The silence of the gears working in sync was music to his ears. "Better to have an arm that can't be easily chopped off."

"Well that's a morbid thought," the Senator muttered, waltzing into the room. Vader's tongue brushed across his bottom lip as his eyes drifted down her body. She was donned in a lacy baby blue robe that reached just above mid-thigh with her breasts marginally covered. "Anyway, is it fixed now?" she wondered, plopping down in the seat across from him.

His eyes glanced back to her face. "Yes," Vader nodded as he began storing his tools back into the leather case.

"And how do you feel… I mean your leg?" She whispered demurely.

"It's fine," he informed her, finding her shy attitude fascinating. He rarely saw her act in such a way. He could see the blush forming across her cheeks as she nodded her head - brunette curls bouncing slightly. Fighting against the urge to peek inside her mind, he tested his hand once again to distract himself.

"Why do you think it came here?" The Senator wondered with a small frown on her lips. Immediately he knew what she was asking about. The leviathan and it's reason for attacking the base. Vader contemplated her question for a moment. The remaining leviathans would never attempt to attack the base. Many had tried in the first year of the Empire but, after installing 1.4 FD P-Towers their attacks on the base were hopeless. Vader knew that it had come to see him. That was it's only purpose. What the creature had said to him was still perplexing to the Sith. The characterization of insanity is performing the same action time and time again, yet expecting different results… A switch went off in the man's mind. That creature knew. He'd seen the Senator's mind and what the Sith had hidden from her. Was he aware of the situation that happened at Fort Ypso? Had the creature thought Vader had erased the Senator's memories again? If so… what did he mean by what he'd said? The Sith grimaced.

"He came to see me-"

"To see you? That thing almost killed you-"

"I had it under control," Vader retorted with a scowl. She was right though, at one point it had gotten so livid that it would have killed him. The black abyss of its eyes still remained clear in the Sith's mind. It's gnarly teeth barring in his direction with such enmity. Vader knew how it felt to feel such a way. Complete blood lust.

"It let you go Vader," The Senator whispered, standing from her seat. "Perhaps he was trying to tell you that…you're not invincible." Her voice was soft, a fleeting warning as she left the room. The Sith bit the inside of his cheek, the room less inviting without her in it. Rubbing the stubble on his chin, he thought of every action he made during the confrontation – what he could have done differently. Something irked him about what the Senator had said, invincible, he never thought of himself as such. Perhaps he carried himself that way as a necessity for his position. Shaking his head, his eyes stared to the metal of his arm. Between the scars and lost limb, it was obvious he was not invulnerable. However, even with the lost limb, the scars – he defeated all his adversaries. Even with the injured leg, he would have broken that creatures mind before being killed.

Pushing himself from his chair, he left his office to see the Senator staring out the panoramic window, her legs nestled under her bottom. Vader followed her gaze, the shattered ice from the leviathan had already refrozen but, the gagged splinters cast throughout the surface still showed that something had happened. "I never claimed to be invincible," the Sith announced, he watched he shoulders tense. "No being is unconquerable."

The woman's eyes slightly narrowed, "yet you strive to be such."

"Yes. If not, I would have been killed many years ago." He replied in an even tone, wondering closer to her. A frown formed across her features as she glanced down at her manicured nails. There was an emotion emanating from her that made the hairs on his neck stand. Empathy. He may have shared some of his past with her, but there was still many things she didn't know about him. The good and bad.

"How did you end up in Palpatine's care?" She asked, taking a leap of faith that he wouldn't completely shut down and leave her wondering. Vader hadn't shared that story with anyone. Only Sidious knew what truly happened. Till this day, Vader did not believe his Master's tale of what happened. Biting the insides of his cheeks, he glanced away from her.

"A story for another time," he replied quietly, leaving her to sit alone. His mind was beginning to split from her question. His instincts warning him not to be so vulnerable around her – Sidious would sense it. He couldn't share his past with her any more than he already had. At that thought he turned away. "Wait Vader!" He heard her voice squeak, jogging after him. "Please, I'm sorry for asking," she breathed, her hand brushing down his human arm. Her touch simmered against his skin. Even now, she still made his dead heart pound. Suddenly, her lips were on his, desperate. Hands entwining in his locks as he kissed back. It didn't take long for things to escalate, Vader ushering her back until she hit the wall behind her. Fuck, kissing her, touching her was better than anything he had ever experienced. He gave a low gasp as her hands reached for his waistband.

Something came over him that was carnal at that point, her wanting him. That was all he wanted. He grabbed her hands away, shoving them against the wall. He panted for a moment, his eyes shut, head craned above her ear. "My past isn't something you'd want to know, Senator." He breathed, his eyelids fluttering open.

"You don't know what I want," she breathed back, her chocolate eyes staring into his.

"I know you want to return to Naboo to see your family – make sure they are safe. I know that you want to restore democracy to this galaxy. I know that you want someone who can love you. I know that you want control of your own destiny," he declared, his hand moving from her wrist to cup her cheek. "I also know that it pains you to think that almost everything you want is out of reach. I don't even need to look inside your mind to know these things about you." A gasp left her lips, tears welling in her eyes. "You want to know my past because it's a mystery. But sometimes the past should be left behind us. There are many things that you want because of the past -those desires should be left there."

"Fuck you," she quivered, shoving him away. He planted himself, her action not even phasing him. "The past makes us who we are – my question to you is - who are you? What do you want? You've been Palpatine's sword since you were a child, always following his will. Is that what you want?" She countered, venom on her tongue.

"I will deal with him when the time comes." His voice was cold, there was only animus behind his words. The Senator's eyes widened, seemingly shocked. Vader knew it was a risk sharing such a thing with her, however he protected her thoughts - there was no way anyone could know his plans… "An apprentice will always attempt to overthrow his Master." Sidious knew Vader would not sit idly by for much longer.

"How?" She wondered, her voice just above a whisper.

"I have ways…" He replied quietly, "However, I'm certain he is preparing for it as well." This was the first time Vader had ever spoken to anyone about his plan to overthrow the Emperor. He still wasn't sure if he could trust her… When he was away, she'd still defy him. If she were to potentially contact the rebellion there was a chance she could ruin his plans.

"If or when you overthrow him… then what? You've already shared with me you're not politically savvy. How are you going to control the star systems? The same way he is now?" She queried, her eyes sharing with him that she was almost afraid to hear his answer.

"I haven't thought that far ahead," Vader admitted.

The Senator's jaw dropped a fraction, "You haven't given it any thought?"

"I have but perhaps having you by my side will make things easier."

The woman's eyes narrowed, shoulders straightening, "There's no way in Sith's hell I'd help you if the galaxy were still under the grip of a dictatorship."

"You've already have helped me, Senator," Vader responded. "You've shown the people that maybe I do have a soul."

A resentful scowl cloaked her expression, "So what- you chose me to benefit your succession?" She chided folding her arms across her chest. A frown pulled at the Sith's lips.

"No, that's not why-"

"Then why?!" She cried, her warm brown eyes widening a fraction.

"We've discussed this," Vader muttered rolling his eyes.

"'To protect me,'" She mocked, "I call bullshit on that! You know what I think! I think you just can't help having complete control over everything! You just can't help yourself and wanted someone of your own to control!"

Vader's own expression soured at that point, "I would have chosen a much easier opponent if that were the case Senator."

"No! You relish the fact you have to work hard to keep me under control!" She snapped, poking him hard in the chest with her index finger, "It's some sick fucked up kink you have!"

Vader felt ever muscle in his body tense and before he knew what he'd done, he'd shoved her hard into the wall dominating her body with his own. "I've had many women Senator and apart from yourself there is not one I have respected," he growled.

"Oh wow, that makes me feel so much better," she quipped venomously, sarcasm oozing from her tone. "You call what you've done to me respectful? You are completely mad if you believe the shit coming out of your mouth! Altering my thought process - memories! You call that respect!?"

"I did what I had to do to protect you!" His voice boomed.

"Protect me!? Or to protect yourself!?" She wailed, squirming against his grasp. Her brown eyes were shimmering with tears of anger and resentment. Her accusation threw him off his train of thought - he hadn't expected her to say such a thing. He was silent for a moment, a pained smile pulled at the woman's lips as she chuckled a mocking laugh. "You can't even deny it," she spit, her lips curling. That's when she tried to truly break from his grasp, but his hand slammed down against the stone wall beside her head – creating a tight cage. A gasp escaped her lips, "Let me go!" The demand squeaked from her lips.

Vader couldn't take it anymore – cracking the bones in his neck, his body slammed against hers, crushing their lips together. Desperate to do anything to shut her up. That's when a set of teeth bit down, shooting pain through his lower lip. Recoiling, he pulled air through his teeth until a sharp whip of a palm lashed against his cheek. The smack rang his ears, the sting of her hand enduring. He couldn't even gather himself as she shoved him away trying to make a quick escape. Like a strike of lightning his hand caught her wrist – spinning her around. His caught her other arm as she tried to strike - he was finished with her antics.

"You bastard, let me go," she seethed. Immediately he granted her request, a yelp left her lips as she lost balance tumbling onto the marble floor. With a thud, she hit the ground. The brunette's curly locks were frizzy, robe drawn down her shoulders, but what caught his attention most was her eyes and the pure disdain swarming inside them. Vader's heart lurched when he saw her nose scrunch up - a sob hiccuping from her lips. He could only watch as she scrambled across the floor, quickly gaining her footing before racing away. His eyes never left the space on the floor, even when he heard the door slam shut.

His eyes slowly pulled closed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Fuck, he cursed himself as he slowly wondered towards the bedroom door. He stared at it for a time, hearing her sobs from beyond the barrier. Deep down he knew she was right. He'd done everything for himself. On top of that, he didn't need to be so harsh with her. There was a part of him that wanted to apologize, while the monster in him believed she deserved this pain. Taking one last glance at the door, he turned away. Peaking in her mind, he saw that she wanted to be alone. Truthfully she didn't want to be alone… but all she wanted was to be away from him.

Striding back into his office, he threw himself into his chair – cupping his forehead. His brain was splitting trying to determine what to do. He couldn't resolve this now, he would never be able to resolve the true tension between them without giving something up – his control. Vader knew he couldn't – not yet anyway. She was still too unpredictable. Ringing reached his ears and dread washed down his shoulder as he called his commlink into his grasp. "What," he barked into the device.

"The Executor is ready for your arrival, Lord Vader," Piett announced swiftly. Vader mouthed a curse. He wanted to show the Senator something before they left, but now his chances of even getting her out of the bedroom without a fight were slim to none.

"We will arrive after nightfall," The Sith replied automatically.

"U-Understood my Lord." With that Vader hung up the device, chucking it across the room. He knew Piett wanted a definitive time, yet the Sith was unable to give it to him. He couldn't give up. Perhaps after she saw… She wouldn't fight him tooth and nail every inch of the way.

Clasping the buckle on his chest plate, Eryx made his way out of his chambers. They were finally leaving this desolate fucking planet. The inquisitor wondered who the fuck would ever want to end up in a place even remotely like it. No gorgeous women, it was fucking freezing, and damn - no one had a sense of humor. Trekking down the hall, he headed for the Sith Lord's chambers – the sun had finally set and Vader had sent for him to gather the Senator. A test, Eryx thought to himself with an eyeroll. Needless to say he was surprised when Lord Vader asked him to retrieve her… All too convenient. Reaching Vader's quarters, the inquisitor knew he wasn't there – he'd sense him immediately. However, the Senator was and even if he couldn't hear her thoughts, he could sense her sadness. A sigh left his lips, great… making me the bad guy. Rolling his neck, he knocked on the door. Waiting a few moments, he heard no movement – her location hadn't changed. Knocking a bit harder, louder he hoped that she'd get up and get over herself.

However, she never moved. Checking the chrono, his leg bounced – he wanted to get off this damn planet as much as she seemed to want to before. Without even thinking, he entered the code to the Lord's chambers. He wasn't about to treat this woman with kid gloves. "Senator Amidala," Eryx called towards the bedchambers. Suddenly, he heard scrambling, comforter rustling. That's when the door slid open, the petite Senator standing with annoyance plastered on her features. He couldn't help it as his eyes slid down her frame, she was only donned in a short, thin sky blue silk robe. Heat flooded him before his eyes snapped back to her face. "We are departing for Naboo, get dressed," he ordered, clearing his throat.

"Do I have enough time to bathe first?" She wondered, leaning against the doorframe. His eyes fell slightly, her nipples hard beneath the smooth fabric. "My eyes are up here." His attention jumped back to her scowl.

"Forgive me, you are… Never mind. We depart in an hour," Eryx quickly stated, "I'm sure you'll find your chambers on the Executer sufficient enough to bathe, Senator."

The woman rolled her eyes, "I'll be out in a minute," with that the door slammed shut in his face.

"Fuck," he cursed turning away, taking one last glance at the door before heading to the sitting area. Biting the inside of his cheek, he took a seat on one of that lavish couches. Gazing around, Eryx found himself coveting Vader's chambers. You could see the entirety of the gorge, the view must show the wicked sunrise, fuck he would have it made if it weren't for Sidious. Resting back on the couch, he twirled the hilt of his saber within his hand. His head rested back on the leather, wishing he had a death stick. That thought sprung questions in his mind. He tried to remember the last time Lord Vader had actually went out with them. Fuck, it must have been what – months? Ever since the Senator entered the picture he'd changed his routine, he even seemed cleaner. When was the last time they were covered in sweat and blood? It had been far too long since Almas. Eryx was itching for a fight. For a nice fuck. Force, the Senator waltzing around was rough. It wasn't like the Lord not to share. There was something different about her, something important that Eryx had yet to pinpoint.

After a few minutes, the inquisitor heard the door slide open – his head swiveled back. He kept a straight face, but shit he really needed time away from this woman. Sporting a tight pair of leggings and a cropped cut-out shirt showing off her toned mid-drift, he hadn't seen a woman in so long that it made him envious. Black high heeled suede boots made her a few inches taller but still she was much shorter than any of them. That's when it hit him, Vader's women at the palace looked almost identical to her… However, none of them shared her intellectual gaze. She was calculating, her eyes immediately analyzing him.

A smirk pulled on his lips as he stood from the couch, he was still a solid five inches taller as she strode towards her. "I think that's close enough," she muttered, strolling past him.

A toothy grin covered his face, "Please, LordVader would have my head if I touched you again."

"You said something like that the first time and yet here you stand," she sighed offhandedly. She was annoyed, but there was something else – she was angry. Eryx clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, damn he must have really fucked up for her still to be pissed. "Tell me, do you look at all women as though you want to eat them?" She sniped, her brown eyes sending daggers in his direction.

"My apologies, I haven't been out in a while," Eryx laughed.

"Probably a good thing; less dead women on the streets," she deadpanned grabbing her clutch from the kitchen counter.

Shots fired, he thought to himself as his teeth clammed together, "You really don't like me," he chuckled, raking a hand through his hair.

"I feel sorry for you," she corrected, weaving her hair up into a loose bun.

Fucking hell, "Well aren't you a ray of sunshine today," he muttered sarcastically, resting his elbow on the countertop. "Listen, I just came to bring you to the ship-"

"Then why are you talking to me," she snapped, "Walk me to the ship like the little pet that I am already."

Eryx retreated at that statement. He knew of Vader's fixation. It consisted of keeping her within reach at all times. Even Eryx found his tendencies to be a bit excessive. He had her office, her old apartment, her commlink – everything under surveillance. Even when they were supposed to be focused on battle strategies, he'd check in on her. If Eryx could feel anything at all, he'd feel sorry for her. Who would want a Sith Lord obsessed with them? Turning on his heel, Eryx headed towards the door waiting for her to leave first. The woman rolled her eyes as she stepped out walking down the hall. For a while they walked in silence. The Senator's hard gaze morphing into one of sadness as the closed in on the hanger bay.

"Are you not excited to be going home, my lady?" He asked against his better judgement. Her eyes flashed to him for a moment, no doubt calculating whether he actually gave a damn or was just trying to spite her in some other way. Truthfully, all Eryx wanted to know what just that – if she was looking forward to being back with her own people. Away from the bureaucratic bullshit and perhaps evenVader.

"I am excited," she nodded, hearing the sincerity in his voice. "Have you ever been?"

"No actually, but I've heard it's nice there." He replied, "I'm looking forward to not seeing snow for at least another few years."

A small smile tugged at the Senator's lips, "It'll be cooler there this time of year in Theed, but it's still warm enough to go swimming." The gleam of excitement in her eyes was refreshing. He watched her expression, her eyes had lightened but that didn't cover the dark circles that shadowed them. Eryx watched her further, she looked exhausted – her eyes puffy. Had she been crying?

"That's right –Varykino. Lord Vader mentioned something about it," Eryx hummed, that's when her eyes flashed to him.

"Is that where we are eventually going? To my lake house?" She wondered, her eyes staring into his.

"I believe that trip is one the Lord wanted to make with you alone," he revealed, raking a hand through his hair. All four of them had instructions to stay in Theed. It seemed Vader didn't want the Emperor knowing his movements and all of them answered to Sidious. Or at least those were the rules. Yet, rules were meant to be broken and Eryx would always have Vader's back. There was no doubt Vader knew this, which was the only explanation Eryx could gather as to why he wasn't dead yet. When push came to shove, he'd do whatever it took to land Vader on the throne.

"Nice," the Senator muttered, a frown returning to her features. Eryx's expression mirrored hers, why did seeing her upset cause a reaction from him? Perhaps it was because she was prettier when she smiled.

"From what I've gathered, we will be in Theed for a few nights before you both leave."

"Thank you for letting me know," she lightly smiled with a nod. "I know this great club a few blocks from my flat that I've been dying to go to since I came of age. Never really had the chance…"

Eryx's own excitement spiked, "Well you should go," he shrugged, playing it cool.

The Senator burst out laughing, "Like Vader would actually let me go," she chuckled dryly.

"Maybe not alone, but he knows we haven't been out in months. All of us are chomping at the bit," he admitted. "Maybe all of us going out would be beneficial." A true melodic laugh left her lips, his blackened heart pounded in his chest. Making his instincts tell him to flee. He couldn't even contemplate truly flirting with her – even looking at her the wrong way, Vader would break his face again. How long had it been since he'd actually felt something towards anyone? He couldn't recall. As an orphan he had no one, when Vader found him and till this day there was respect. To a point anyway. But when it came to the Senator, Eryx liked poking the bear. What made him hesitant was that he couldn't control himself from doing it. He was a trained, elite soldier – he could be patient, have self-control. Yet, this woman was different. There was something about her and whatever it was told him it had to do with Vader's feelings towards her. No inquisitor had access to the Sith's thoughts but emotions they could feel. Sobek has been outraged for the past month over them. Aker, Njord, didn't really care. As for himself, he was drawn to what was making Vader actually feel.

"I can't imagine you all actually dressing in plain clothes, you walk around like war machines," she giggled, glancing up to him.

"You've only been around us when we're working-" a smirk was beginning to pull at the edges of his lips.

"Eryx." The Lord's voice rang through his ears. The inquisitor's eyes to his left– tearing away from the Senator. He hadn't even realized they'd reached the hanger bay. The Sith was dressed in his usual robes and tunic, hood drawn, face shielded in darkness. The inquisitor sensed the Senator tense beside him, her emotions mixing like a vortex. Immediately, Eryx fell to one knee.

"Lord Vader, I brought the Senator as you asked," the inquisitor monotonously affirmed. His mind completely ceased every feeling that he ever felt, becoming numb. Yet Vader never made the attempt to see his thoughts.

"Come with me Senator," Vader demanded, his attention completely on the woman standing beside him. The inquisitor kept his head craned down, "Eryx you are dismissed."

"Yes Lord Vader," he acknowledged, slowly rising from his place. Eryx's eyes narrowed, confusion washing over him. Vader escorted the woman to a snow speeder, giving her his outer fur robes before she hopped on. Then his eyes lingered on Vader's shuttle, it was prepped and ready for their departure – where is he taking her?

"Stay with the shuttle, we will return in an hour." The Sith's voice rang through his mind. Eryx shortly nodded towards Vader, his reaper cowl burning holes into him. With that, the Sith slipped in front of the Senator. In a matter of moment, the speeder's engine revved, launching the Sith and Senator into the darkness of Vandor's night.

"Where are we going?!" Padmé called over the wind, hoping her question would reach Vader's ears. She was freezing, teeth already chattering – the wind hit her face too hard forcing her to burry into the Sith's back. Force, she would have dressed differently if he'd just said something. Even though his cloak provided plenty of warmth, she wasn't prepared to go trekking through snow – she'd worn heels! With zero clue of where they were going, his erratic maneuvers were spiking her adrenaline. Her arms wrapped around his stomach tightly, the speed in which they were going almost made it seem like they were in a rush.

They rode through the night, it was at least twenty minutes away from the base by the time the speeder began to slow. Feeling the wind subside, Padmé popped her head out from the shelter of his back. Allowing her eyes to adjust, she was shocked to see he'd taken them to the mountain's peak. She'd seen the trail from their bedroom window wondering what could be up there and now – here they were. When the speeder slowed to a stop, her eyes immediately landed on the night's sky. Immersed, the colors that danced in the sky above she'd never witnessed in person. "The lights are what you wanted to show me?" She whispered, within the silence of the night she heard him sigh. The back of his hood dipping back to look at her.

"How I treated you was wrong, I'm sorry," he admitted, his voice soft – remorseful. She sat there dumbfounded for a moment. Biting her lip, she wasn't sure what to say. Tearing her eyes away from his cowl, she stared up at the sky. An aurora, she thought to herself. Even though she'd been to countless planets – on each one there were many things she hadn't witnessed. She'd always be too busy being shuttled from city to city, never really appreciating natural phenomenon's of each system. "I wanted to show you this place earlier, I should have told you to dress warmer." Padmé had been so fixated on the sky, she hadn't realized her body was quaking.

"It's okay… thank you for showing me," she whispered. A sigh left the Sith, cowl falling to his shoulders as he stared at the dynamic flickering spirals of color.

"When I was a child I would always look up at the night's sky," Vader revealed, his voice just above a whisper. The woman's lips parted as she watched his longing eyes. "It was my reminder that there were other worlds. And just maybe, if I were strong enough - I'd be able to save my mother and take her far away from pain." The woman watched sorrow permeate his expression. Padmé's heart lurched, the illuminations flickering in the reflection of his watery eyes.

"Vader you don't need-" she began to whisper.

"I do, you need to understand." Vader argued, his voice never losing its softness. Biting her cheek she listened. "When Sidious found me, I was a slave," he admitted, Padmé's heard dropped in her chest. "A six year old slave born on Tatooine." A switch went off in the Senator's mind, the conservatory - the plants! "With no father, we had to protect each other – or try to anyway." A frown fell on Padmé's lips as she recalled the older scars on his back, the deep striations caused by a whip. She knew the deep rigid scars, she had run her fingers over them many times. Vader's jaw clenched his eyes becoming painfully cold – his voice one of numbness, "When Sidious found me, I'd just received thirty lashes for trying to steal a ration for my mother. All I can really remember from that day are snapshots," he whispered, deep in thought, "I can recall the slave masters bringing forward my mother. The next image I can recall is blood - everywhere and Sidious standing at the entrance of the slaves quarters." Vader sighed, "She'd been torn apart by one of the beasts they kept locked in the crypt or that is what Sidious explained to me. Sidious used my rage to train me – turned my misery into anger. He saved a boy that day, but who I was before then and who I am now are completely separate."

Padmé remained silent, trying to digest everything he had just explained. Opening her mouth, the only thing she could utter was, "I'm sorry." A forlorn smile pulled at the Sith's lips before he dryly laughed.

"It was a long time ago, anyway… we should be getting back," he muttered, revving the engine. She watched him take one last glance at the sky, his eyes morphing with the colors dancing in the sky. They were transforming from blue to gold – locking any emotions away. Padmé frowned as he immediately began racing them back towards the base. What bothered her is that he hardly seemed phased telling her – he'd learned to cope with loss differently than she had. He'd also learned to compartmentalize and the extent of that was what feared her the most.

A/N: Just reiterating that I am so happy to finally get this chapter out. Luckily, I think I have one more chapter to write from scratch before I jump into material I already have finished. Which means (cross your fingers) I'll have chapters out sooner after the next one.

Story Clarifications:

1. Does Padmé have feelings for Vader or is she just being manipulated?

Both! The butterflies/spark in this story are supposed to represent their natural connection, but in many scenes Padmé's complacency is due to Vader's control. I wanted there to be a very blurry line between manipulation and actual feelings because even though it muddles things just a tad - it is how she would truly react to his influence.

2. Padmé's cursing in Chapter 21

I made her partially lose it here because I couldn't imagine her character not being completely outraged and just plain disrespected. Cursing is meant to show breaks in her composure and it also demonstrates that she's reached the end of listening to him lie. When reading this, think about how you'd feel only having access to one person and you know that person deliberately altered what you knew - anyone would be angry. But Padmé especially because she is an extremely strong and independent character. She may have overlooked the fact when he admitted doing these things but Vader had been influencing her emotions there - here (Ch. 21) he had not.

3. Obi-Wan & Padmé's Past relationship

This relationship will not interfere with Vader and Padmé but! It will certainly try lol. When I think about at their past relationship in this story, I look at Obi-Wan as basically replacing what Anakin was to her in the prequel trilogy. ***However, she did not have the same attachment for Obi-Wan in this story as she did with Anakin*** I've tried to hint to this in past chapters with the way Vader felt about them.

4. Inquisitors, friends or subordinates?

Subordinates, just because they are closely knit does not change the fact Vader has the ultimate say at the end (besides Sidious). My goal is to clarify the inquisitors role within the next few chapters.

5. There's already so much content here and they've only been together less than 2 months - is there going to be a time jump?

Yup, there will be one after the gala on Naboo and after their wedding.

6. The back and forth of snuggling then arguing.

#1 Hormones - when in doubt, blame it on biology. Second, when I think about both Padmé and Vader, the first thing that comes to my mind is that they are extremely headstrong. The slightest disagreements can trigger a confrontation- so on so forth. I wanted to keep the arguments because it shows how he still does not completely have control over her spirit. Yoda said something to Obi-Wan earlier in the story that hinted to this dynamic. Anyway we will get into that deeper down the road lol.

Alright everyone, hopefully this answers some of your questions!