A/N: My only hope is that this chapter has no missing words! I went back to read some of the earlier chapters and so many were missing... Anywho, hopefully with everyone knowing the next chapter is also half written helps make up for the few months of delay! ;) Hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 35: Sacred Falls
Padmé's eyes were still heavy as they drew open, the cabin dark sans the small light emanating from the fresher. Stretching out, she felt the empty mattress beside her – the sheets still warm meaning Vader had not been gone long. With a yawn, she dragged herself from the bed. Switching on the lamp, she hauled herself to the closet, tossing on a robe before languidly strolling into the fresher. She half expected herself to sleep the entire trip to Naboo, but as she took a glance at the chrono it seemed they still had a few more hours in transit aboard the Executor. Beginning her morning routine, she brushed her teeth before hopping in the shower. Washing her body, she moved delicately around the new scar at the base of her abdomen. It was almost fully healed, the scabbing now minimal. Studying the discolored skin, it was a marvel how well the wound had healed. The scar that would remain wouldn't be as nasty as she once believed.
Within the next half-an-hour, she was out of the shower, washing her face and dabbing on various ointments. That was until she heard the main door to Vader's chambers open. Her hand froze upon her cheek as she peeked out into the main quarters. "Threepio will be in with your breakfast shortly," Vader said in passing as he floated towards his chiffonier.
Padmé bit her lip, rinsing off her hands as she went to join him in the next room. "Okay," she hummed quietly, taking a seat by the porthole. Even if the window was opaque, blocking the intense light of hyperspace, she could still feel the chill from beyond the hull. "What is the schedule for when we arrive on Naboo?" The Senator wondered with a small notch of her head. Vader peered up from his datapad, his eyes briefly connecting with her gaze before his attention returned to the screen.
"That is for you to decide," he replied passively.
The woman's brows furrowed, "I don't understand."
"This is not a political gathering, nor do I have business this time around. Whatever you'd like to do we can. There is just one thing I need to show you later on in the afternoon."
"It will be late morning when we arrive in Theed," she stated aloud, more to herself than to Vader. "I suppose I wish to go visit my parents first, I'm sure they are still concerned. Probably what to see my beady little eyes to determine my health and safety for themselves," she muttered, resting her elbows on the table.
"As you wish," he announced blankly with a slight nod.
Padmé tugged her arms inward hearing the complete lack of emotion in his voice, knowing they were basically back to square one in regard to their relationship. They'd been cold to one another since that night on his terrace, only speaking to one another when necessary… Even if they still slept together, Vader hadn't romantically touched her since before the incident. She wasn't sure how to make their situation more amiable, nor did she know if it was the right idea to do so… All she knew was that the awkward silence and tension between them was becoming frustrating. It was much more enjoyable when they would speak freely to one another.
"I need to return to the bridge, I will be back to gather you once we arrive above Naboo's atmosphere," Vader stated, turning on his heel towards the main blast doors. Like a true apparition he was gone within seconds. A muted curse left the former Senator's lips as she faceplanted into her palms. She couldn't apologize to him nor allow herself to withdrawal what she'd said that night. With a rough groan, she shot up from her seat in order to rummage through the closet. Padmé eyed each gown carefully, settling upon a scarlet silk dress with a matching set of heels. She tossed on the fabric, intentionally leaving herself bare underneath. She wasn't sure if what she had planned was the right choice to make, but it was better than waiting around for him to make the first act towards a truce. She knew it would take decades to get that from someone like him.
Exiting their quarters, nervousness crawled across her skin as she entered the main lift. If she remembered correctly, the bridge was only two floors down and on the left. Brushing down her dress, Padmé entered the command deck. Her eyes immediately falling upon the darkest entity, the one whom held the greatest authority. Freezing in place, she couldn't help the fervent anxiety that washed down her spine as the Sith's death reaper cowl notched in her direction.
"Leave us," Vader's voice demanded, on command the navigation and intelligence officers rose from their seats - quickly exiting the bridge. Their eyes never fell to her once as their gaze locked on the floor, trekking from the room in haste. Waltzing deeper into the chamber, Padmé's attention was drawn to the viewport, the whirl of hyperspace beyond them.
"Didn't mean to interrupt," the woman whispered, watching Piett linger a moment before leaving just like the other men. Vader remained a statue at the helm of his dreadnought, unmoving as she wavered deeper into the chamber. "Are we alone?" she wondered, the kindness of her voice the only other sound beside the soft patter of her heels.
Vader's head notched downwards, pressing a button behind him before he uttered, "Yes."
"The past few weeks have been draining, walking around on eggshells can do that. As such, I would like to offer you a truce," she hummed, locking her feet in place as she stood only a few feet away. Vader shifted, his cowl tipping ever so slightly, drifting downwards until it drew back towards her eyes. "I already informed you that I would act as a treaty negotiator with pivotal systems. If you still trust me to perform such work, in order for that to bear fruit – we must work together. That also means we must trust each other's judgement." Padmé couldn't read the Sith at all as his face remained in dark, indestructible, shadows. "I will no longer question what you do, but you must return that same respect - especially during negotiations. With the understanding that you also want something different for the future, I will work with you to achieve that and if some point down the road we begin to disagree with one another – we will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we work together."
"Agreed," Vader intoned after a few moments of silence.
Shakily, Padmé stepped closer – her fingers reaching up to the loose collar of her dress. With one small movement, the dress fell from her shoulders, the fabric a puddle at her heels. That's when she heard it, Vader's breath hitch until his chest began moving more rapidly than it was before. Unhurriedly, Padmé reached for his belt unfastened it before letting it clatter against the floor. With half-hooded eyes, she gazed up until the void of his cowl as she sunk to her knees.
"Padmé," Vader's tone was rough, throat seemingly dry. "You don't-" He was cut short by his own hiss when she freed his throbbing member. That's when her eyes fell away from the abyss only for her nerves to heighten a fraction. Padmé had never done this with him before, she knew he was large, but she had never faced his length and girth like she was now. Suppressing her feelings of uneasiness, she didn't hesitate to glide her tongue against his tip - testing his composure. Then she was met with a firm grip on the back of her head, unconsciously pressing her closer until her lips were wrapped around him. Sucking and capturing him inch-by-inch, she found herself struggling to relax her throat enough to take him completely. Tears pricked her eyes as she fought down her gag reflex when his hips shifted. With her tiny fingers twisting against the fabric of trousers, she bobbed her head around him - feeling his tip hit dangerously deep in her throat every time. Once she found her nose gently pressing against his skin, tears had begun streaming down her face.
"Angel, you don't have to go so deep," he drawled with a moan, tangling his fingers in her hair. She hummed against him as she bobbed, taking him even deeper - her lips reaching the hilt as she swallowed. Vader's grip dangerously tightened as she took him fully. "Fuck," he trembled, unable to help himself as he drew her head back only to guide her back down his length. Her jaw was straining when he began thrusting in harmony with her own movements. His tip rocked her throat, no doubt bruising the sensitive flesh. "Look at yourself," he groaned as she bobbed, his fingers reaching for her temple. She gasped as images imprinted at the forefront of her mind. Vader's other hand keeping her head buried against him as heat gushed to her core. Seeing her tear-stained rosy cheeks, leather grip fisted the back of her head while her mouth was stuffed with his cock. Padmé moaned as she continued her ministrations, saliva drooling down her chin. The sloppy, wet sounds that bounced off the walls of the bridge were mortifyingly loud.
Her bare knees dug into the metal floor as Vader's presence became thick and rapacious, his hands tightening on the back of her head, knowing she'd become acquainted. Helplessly whimpering against his length, Padmé tugged fabric, struggling to keep herself collected as his thrusts became close to overbearing. Fresh tears streamed as she tried to keep herself collected with her throat relaxed and cheeks hollowed. A growl from above caught her attention, Vader all but dragging her against him, taking her senselessly. Teeth grazing him slightly, she attempted to draw him back to reality. Immediately, Vader took a sharp intake of air. His hand suddenly yanking back her head until his member popped from her mouth.
"Stay with me," she whispered hoarsely, staring up to the void of his cloak. His displease was tangible, but reluctantly he nodded - releasing her hair to clench the brim of the control panel.
He captured her chin between his thumb and index finger. Padmé didn't respond as she broke out of his hold. Hungrily taking him again, bobbing her head while the tip of his cock battered her throat. His hips remained a statue as his hands clenched against metal. With quiet virile moans, he let her work at her own pace. She toyed with him, her tongue dancing around his length and tip teasingly as she drew back before taking him to the hilt once again. Padmé could hear his groans become desperate, his grip tightening as he shifted closer - her throat pinched in pain as she swallowed against his length. The moment afterwards she heard a loud guttural moan leave him, boots shifting against metal as his member twitched. Pinching her eyes shut, she drank what he'd given her - the liquid pouring down her throat. Her dilated brown eyes lingered up at him, her head never ceasing to bob until she felt him soften. Popping him out of her mouth, his breaths were strained. He was hunched over above her, death incarnate looming, struggling to collect himself. After a few moments, he quietly slipped himself back into his trousers.
"Shit," Vader panted, his thumb reaching to brush across her swollen lips. "I'm sorry if I hurt you," He breathed, regret swarming his tone as he gently gathered her from the floor to place her on top the control panel.
"You didn't," she rasped in a whisper, her throat rubbed raw. Padmé watched him shuffle through his robes, slipping out a small square piece of fabric before gently blotting her cheeks. "Vader," she murmured, placing her hand over his, "I can clean myself, it's alright." She assured him. He shook his head, his attention falling to her knees. Padmé's eyes followed, red bruises and blotches of friction burn were forming on her ivory flesh. Brows furrowing, her hands masked the injuries quickly. "Don't worry about it," she struggled to say, her vocal cords arguing with every sound.
"Kriff, I'm so sorry." Swollen lips parted, Padmé tried to overlook the concern in his voice as he raked a hand through his dark blond tresses - knocking down his hood. His golden eyes were wavering, shame flooding his expression.
"Vader, I'm alright," she confidently announced. His eyes flashed to her face as a frown pulled at his lips. That's when his attention darted to the blast doors, his men no doubt growing puzzled beyond the metal barriers.
"We need to exit hyperspace soon," he announced, gathering her dress from the floor. Hopping off the panel, Vader helped slip her back into her dress. Her arms shuffled, hands shifting her sleeves before wiping the remnants of her tears. Raking her manicured nails through her curls, she tried to tame them as best as possible – yet she couldn't contain the fizziness before the blast doors dragged open. Piett trekked back into the chamber – eyes adverting themselves.
"The initiation from hyperspace must commence, my Lord," the Admiral stated with some reluctance.
"We should be stationed above the planet within the hour, I will come retrieve you then," Vader whispered in her hair. Padmé nodded watching the influx of men returning to their posts. Brushing her hands down the scarlet fabric, uneasiness crawled across her skin from the side glances by men as they situated themselves back at their stations. "Piett, escort her back to my quarters," the Sith announced, discretely shifting, and resituating his own robes.
"Yes, my Lord," the man quickly nodded, approaching her with a small smile as they left the bridge. The walk back to her quarters was done in silence, she half had a mind to speak to the Admiral – though she knew her voice would still be hoarse. "It is wonderful to have you back on board, my Lady," the admiral announced as the blast doors closed behind them.
"Thank you," she smiled, her voice rough even to her own ears. "Will you be joining us on Naboo?"
Piett stared down at his boots before he looked up back down the hall, "My place is with the Executor, my Lady."
Padmé froze in her steps as she stared at him, the soldier turning in bewilderment, "You never leave the ship?"
The man stood in thought for a moment, until he shook his head, "I haven't been off the ship in several years. Wherever she goes, I go," he smiled, gesturing his hand as they kept walking.
"D-does that ever bother you?" Padmé wondered, "I-I mean you must at times wish for a change in scenery."
The man's eyebrows furrowed, "I've never really given anywhere else much thought. In Lord Vader's absence my duty is to command the ship and at times the fleet."
Padmé nodded as they continued their journey, here I thought I lived for my job… "Well… there is a celebration on Naboo for my birthday. Perhaps, I can get you off this ship for one evening," the woman gave him a gentle smile.
"N-no that is not necessary, my Lady," he assured her with a pleading smile, "I do not mean to be disrespectful… It's just, when Lord Vader is away, this ship is my responsibility. When he is required to be other places, I do not wish for him to be questioning the status of his ship nor squadron."
Listening to him speak, Padmé could hear the respect that he had for the ship and for Vader. Piett was willing to give up all other luxuries in order for Vader to have a peace of mind while he's away. "Well thank you for holding down the fort," she giggled, a large smile grew on the man's expression.
"Not a problem," he chuckled. "As I'm sure you know, the festival will be beautiful. I've seen the holonet showings and the rumors of the celebration are remarkable. Quite a birthday celebration."
"I've never actually been so I'm looking forward to seeing it in person for the first time," Padmé hummed as she felt the lift slow.
"Y-you've never been?" He gaped, confusion helpless across his expression.
"When we traveled to Vandor earlier this year, that was the first time I had left Imperial Center in four years," she admitted, "I suppose now that I am no longer a Senator, I will be traveling more often. Before that I was queen, so the holiday didn't exist yet."
"If you don't mind me asking, my Lady… What do you believe will be the trajectory of your career?"
"Negotiations," she revealed, "that's actually why I went to go speak with Lord Vader."
The man nodded, "I suppose you will see plenty travel in the future then, will you be joining Lord Vader more often?"
"I'm not quite sure about the specifics. Though, I'm certain some systems will not find Death Squadron's presence appropriate, so I may need an alternative method of transport."
"That's fair," he mused, "I suppose any planet would find its presence disconcerting."
"Speaking of the fleet, where is it?" She wondered, Piett's friendly expression suddenly faded.
"The fleet is still above Queel's atmosphere," he hesitantly reveled, "however, it should arrive above Naboo within forty-eight hours."
"Why?" Padmé wondered, her eyebrows furrowing.
"Well…it is unusual for the command ship to be away from its armada," Piett explained as they stood in the hall outside of Vader's main chambers. Even if the slight waver in the ship was soft, Padmé glanced to the observation room down the hall, realizing they just exited hyperspace. "My apologies my Lady, but I must return to my post. It was a pleasure speaking with you as always." Padmé nodded, while the man bowed before turning on his heel back to the lift. A frown tugged at the woman's lips as she entered her bedchamber. Why is Vader's fleet still in the Queel system? She wondered, stripping herself of the provocative dress to change into something more comfortable. Slipping on new undergarments, she tossed on an oversized sweater with a flowing skirt – it might have made her look like a sack of fabric but, she was aiming for comfort not esthetics. Pressing the window controls, the massive porthole seeped into transparent – heart lurching as her eyes gazed upon her home world. She didn't even register to turn as the main doors to the chamber slid open. However, when a pair of arms wrapped around her, she couldn't help but sink into them.
"The shuttle is ready to depart whenever you are," Vader murmured in her ear, his lips pressing a delicate kiss on her jaw.
"How busy will we be for the rest of the day you think?" She languidly wondered.
"Depends on what you have planned," he shrugged, wrapping his arms around her more tightly as his hand slipped under her sweater. "Except for the small thing I have scheduled later this afternoon."
"Can you give me a hint of what we will be doing?" she hummed, losing her train of thought as Vader's lips began pressing a trail of kisses down her neck.
"I want it to be a surprise," he whispered against her skin, his hand molding around her breast – squeezing it gently. Padmé couldn't help but stand there, feeling the electricity of his touch send waves of warmth through her body. She missed the feeling of him over the past several weeks, Force, she hadn't realized how much until that exact point.
"Either you take me to the bed, or we should be going," she purred sultry. Within a moment, she was hoisted into his arms – a giggle leaving her lips as he tossed her upon the bed.
Padmé shifted her blouse as they stepped up to her parents flat, her cheeks flushed as she nestled against Vader's side. Before she had the chance to knock, the door flew open – her mother burying her into a surprise hug that almost tore the soul from her body. "Holy kriff, mom you just scared the living hell outta me," she gasped, returning the tight hug.
"I thought you said you'd be here by noon!" Her mother huffed, pulling away to allow them inside.
"We got caught up," the woman's daughter answered casually.
"Yeah, caught up, in what sheets?" Her sister hooted from the other room. Padmé's cheeks paled a fraction from the insinuation as Vader cleared his throat.
"Sola, I swear you know how to make any situation uncomfortable," her mother chided. "It is wonderful to see you both, would either of you like a drink? Lunch should be ready in just a few minutes."
"Mom, you didn't have to make anything, we could have just ordered something-"
"Padmé since when has this family ever ordered food?" Her mother asked, from the corner of her eye she watched Vader wonder over towards her father. Even if her mother was joyful… her father's eyes told her he was concerned. Perhaps Vader had sensed it, that concern was something they'd have to rectify before they left.
"It wouldn't hurt just once," Padmé shrugged, "saves us from cleaning dishes."
"You've gone soft – go figure," Sola muttered rolling her eyes. "I wonder when the last time was you even cleaned a dish, I wonder if you still know how!" She laughed handing her a glass of wine.
"It's not even one o'clock Sola," Padmé muttered rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, but we are celebrating! So, drink," she laughed tossing herself onto the sofa. The younger sister rolled her eyes as she took a sip. By the time Padmé glanced back towards her husband and father, her dad's eyes had become less troubled.
"So, I don't get a 'hello,' dad?" She dryly laughed as she strolled towards him.
"Of course, you do sweetheart, I was just waiting for your mother to calm down," he chuckled giving her a tight hug. "It is wonderful to see you safe," he whispered against the top of her head.
Nodding gently, Padmé found herself pulling away, "I'm sorry we are a couple weeks behind schedule-"
"Why the hell are you apologizing?" Her sister butted in, her eyes dead serious. "You could have died; you shouldn't be sorry about anything." Suddenly, the room fell quiet… the former senator's eyes flashed to the floor until a warm arm wrapped around her waist.
"Lunch should be ready, let's go check Sola," her mother announced, trying valiantly to brighten the mood as she stole her sister into the next room. Force, Padmé could just hear the earful her sister was about to receive.
"She has an interesting way of showing people she cares," her father muttered, sighing as he sat back down on the sofa. Padmé knew that the statement was more directed to Vader than herself, but she still and will always be caught off guard by her sister at times.
"I hope you will be able to stay longer than the last time you both were here. Pooja has a recital at the end of this week, and I know she will be ecstatic if you joined us," Her father shared with a wholehearted smile.
"Of course, I believe Vader intends to leave at the end of next week but, I plan on staying longer. No more Senate sessions has its perks," Padmé giggled. "I would love to come watch. I can't believe how much either of them have grown," she admitted, with a weak smile.
"Four years is a long time for a child. I think Pooja was only two when you were appointed Senator."
Padmé's heart fell as did her gaze as she picked at her nail bed. It hurt her so much every year, knowing she missed their birthdays. It felt impersonal to send a card and present. "I- I intend to be here more," the woman whispered, "I know I've missed a lot and I know I can't make up for lost time but-"
"Padmé… no one here blames you for missing those days," her father assured her as he glanced towards Vader. "When Emperor Palpatine was Senator of Naboo, I always knew he had a certain reliance upon you. Even when he became Chancellor, he relied upon you in the Senate. It only makes sense for him to want you there for the early years of reconstruction."
"He always did call me his protégé," Padmé muttered weakly. Her mind felt like it was going hundreds of parsecs a minute thinking about how to change the topic of conversation. She could practically reach out and touch the ice wall that was building directly beside her. "Anyway, let's discuss something else. Whenever I hear his name, my mind always goes straight to policy. Work has been my life for too many years. It's time for me to have a few weeks for myself."
"Well, I am guessing your mother has no doubt reprimanded your sister long enough. Lunch should be ready," her father smiled as he stood, strolling into the kitchen. Padmé's eyes glanced to Vader's, they had changed in shade since they'd arrived – more sulfur than gold. With dainty hands, she toyed with the collar of her husband's button-down shirt.
"Vader," she cooed, his eyes immediately snapped in her direction – the color of them morphing back to a warm golden. "Let's go try to be normal?" A weakly smiled, he nodded standing from his place before offering her a hand.
Just as they set out to do, the couple was able to have a normal family lunch. No turbulence – only laughter and lighthearted conversation. Sitting back in her seat, Padmé felt as though she'd have to roll herself out of the house. "I might fall over and hibernate for a decade if I eat one more bite," she groaned, standing to begin gathering the plates.
"Oh, don't worry about that dear, I will get those," her mother assured her, quickly standing to snatch the plate from her hands. "Why don't you go and show Vader your bedroom, I don't believe he saw it the last time you were here."
Padmé's eyes flashed to her husband as a small smirk tugged at his lips. The woman's cheeks flared, "You're telling me you haven't turned it into a storage room or something?" She wondered somewhat horrified thinking of her husband, a Sith Lord rooting through her stuffed animals.
"Gods no, you still need somewhere to sleep when you visit," she chuckled. "You should see her teddybear collection, and I'm pretty sure your blanky is up there too. You didn't get rid of that thing till your second term as queen," her mother laughed. The blood drained for the former queen's cheeks as she suddenly felt mortified.
"Thank you so so much for that mom," she muttered with an eye roll.
Hearing Vader chuckle from behind her, Padmé turned to him sending playful daggers in his direction. "Laugh at me if you must but it is true, my teddy bear collection is one to be desired," she huffed, grabbing his hand, and tugging him away from the table. When Vader's lip pulled between his teeth to hide the outrageous smile that would have grown, the woman's eyes narrowed as they began their ascent up the stairs.
"You actually find this amusing, don't you."
"You don't? I think your family are the only people I've met who actually know you."
"In politics it's impossible to have your own identity," Padmé said quietly as they reached the top of the stairs. It was a flash from the past as she walked down the wooden hallway. Turning the knob and opening the door, the lights flicked on and immediately she was thrown a decade into the past. Padmé gestured Vader to head in first while she stood by the door. "It's small but cozy, old fashioned but practical… Oh my gods, they actually put the entire collection on the bed." Her eyes widened witnessing the number of teddy bears towered upon the twin sided bed.
The smile on her face faded slightly as she looked back to Vader. There was an unreadable expression on his face as he picked up one of the push toys – his metal hand dwarfed it. However, he held it so tenderly that it almost broke her heart seeing him such a way. "Y-you okay?" Padmé wondered, her hand resting upon his shoulder.
"Yes," he nodded, clearing his throat as he set the stuffed animal back in its place.
"You can talk to me," she whispered, intwining their fingers.
"I had this bear when I was little," he whispered, his hand reaching for it again. Padmé's heart hammered as she stared into his ever-melding gaze. A swallow shoved down her throat as she analyzed the bear again… her heart crumbling to the abyss of her chest as she recalled whom she had received it from. Padmé shook her head, unable to allow herself to believe that it was no more than a coincidence.
"P-Palpatine gave me that," she murmured, "it was right before I became queen… the first time I'd ever met him actually. He'd given it to me for my birthday."
"My mother gave it to me; it was the only toy I had really."
"V-Vader-," she stuttered.
"You couldn't have known," he laughed, "It's actually quite interesting… how I would find this here."
"What do you mean?" Padmé whispered, not really sure whether or not to feel concerned or relieved by his reaction.
"It means he always intended for us to be together," Vader seethed.
"Are you saying he meant for you to find that here?" Padmé gaped, her childhood room suddenly feeling ominous. She wasn't sure whether the disconcerting feeling was emanating from Vader or knowing the truth behind where the toy had come from. Whatever it was, she needed to drag Vader away from whatever his thoughts were devolving into. "V-Vader we should just head back downstairs. We don't need to let this ruin the rest of the day," she tried to comfort him.
The Sith sighed as he set the toy back once again, "Well out of all places for it to end up, I'm happy it came to you – no matter how it found you."
"V-Vader?" Padmé whispered approaching him again as the room fell silent. When his lips were suddenly fervent on her own, a yelp escaped her as he shoved her back against the door. His iron grip had already snaked up her skirt jerking off her underwear. When his hand collapsed over her mouth and his member split into her – a muffled scream hummed the room as he trusted her into the door. She could feel his rage, his anger as her spine pounded against wood. A growl escaped him as his hand slipped from her mouth to her neck, squeezing it with unimaginable strength as he panted against her ear. Something tugged at her mind and sudden euphoria and pleasure engulfed her – eyes lulling as she went limp against the door, a strangled scream whistling from her throat.
"Padmé," Vader's voice dragged her out from the darkness, the world speckled as she tried to hold up her head. "P-Padmé," he repeated, lugging her off the door and into his lap on the ground.
Her temple bounced against his shoulder as she came too, "You can't take your anger out on me like that ever again," she murmured, voice hoarse. "You better kriffing pray my parents didn't hear any of that." Shoving herself up and off his lap, Padmé brushed down the fabric of her skirt. Rolling her eyes at the torn underwear on the floor, she could only hope she had a spare pair that fit in her dresser.
"I wasn't-"
"Stop, I know the truth. You can't hide it from me," Padmé seethed as she squeezed into a new pair of undergarments. "Collect yourself and I'll meet you downstairs," she snapped, snagging a silk scarf to cover the inevitable handprint that would appear. With that she left the room without a second glance before slamming the door. Wincing as she made her way down the steps, Padmé found herself met by three sets of eyes.
Sola's shook her head as she slumped back against the sofa, "Would you like a glass of wine, sister?" she hummed, pouring practically half the bottle in one glass.
"Sure," Padmé smiled, trying to dismiss the awkward air in the room.
"Nice scarf," her sister mused in a whisper as she handed off the glass. Padmé rolled her eyes as she took a sip of the white liquid. Hearing a set of footsteps approaching the top of the stairs, she didn't hesitate to take another, larger sip as Vader entered the room. "I was wondering if you both could pick up Ryoo and Pooja? Their school is only a fifteen-minute walk away. Also, will how beautiful the weather is this time of year – the trip is soothing." Sola was offering her sister a saving grace. Her eyes telling her, 'Get the fuck out of the house and by the time you get back everything will have died down.' "They have early dismissal today because of the holiday. I know you both have somewhere to be around three so, after you nab them from school, I'll take them."
"Sounds great," Padmé beamed, setting down her glass while her attention flicked to Vader. Getting the message, he followed her to the front door and with that they said their quick farewells as they left the flat. "You're lucky my sister knows when to stop teasing me," Padmé sniped, folding her arms over her chest as the chill of fall pinched her cheeks.
"I thought this was supposed to be soothing," Vader muttered as he fell in place beside her, "Do you even know where we are going?"
Padmé stopped on a dime, staring at him with narrowed eyes, "You do realize that I was queen of this entire planet. That I grew up in this city. They attend the same school I did when I was their age. Gods, did you hit your head or something?" Vader inched away as a chuckle left him.
"That was probably the most stupid question I have asked in my life," he said aloud as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Padmé bit her lip, trying to hide the smile that was trying to form across her expression.
Though she couldn't stop the giggle that left her, "Nice to know you're just a person sometimes," she sighed with an eyeroll.
"She is right though, that is a nice scarf," he hummed, his flesh hand pinching the fabric.
"I'm still livid, don't try to crack jokes," she scoffed, flinching away from his touch. Suddenly, his hand grabbed her forearm and dragged her into his arms.
"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have acted so rashly… It wasn't the time nor place-"
"Or the right mindset," she huffed, cutting him off. "I-I-" she toned down her voice as they began to draw the gaze of strangers… whispers flowing between people as they stopped and stared. Padmé ignored them a moment, "I don't mind the roughness… I just don't appreciate the anger that comes with it," she explained quietly, her eyes never leaving his. "We need to keep moving before the whole city shows up." The crowd across the street staring had grown exponentially, the soft murmurs between them ruminating louder. Vader eyed them cautiously before grabbing her hand and collapsing her within his arm.
"This is why I wear what I do," he whispered in her ear, "Usually, no one would dare look at me."
"I must say, you are less intimidating without the battle regalia," she shrugged, hurrying along with him towards the school. "Also, you need to understand, people don't really know what you do. Especially here, Naboo is probably one of the most sheltered planets." When a drip fell onto her cheek, Padmé glanced at the overcast sky.
The soft patters soon morphed into a rainstorm, water plummeting as they raced towards the school. Curses swarmed her mind as she clung to Vader's blazer which was nestled upon her head. She knew her sister read the weather; the whole endeavor was set up to end such a way. Reaching an awning, Padmé stopped – panting, her breath condensing in the air as she looked to Vader. "Did my sister know this was supposed to happen?" She yelled, hoping he'd hear over the battering of rain.
A boyish laugh left him as he wrapped his arm around her back, "Perhaps," he mused kissing her forehead.
"Why didn't you tell me!" She cried, "I must look like a drown rat by now! We should have taken the speeder!"
"But where's the fun in that?" He smiled, his lips molding against her own.
Padmé stared at him dumbfounded when she pulled away, "You call getting hypothermia fun-"
"Now you're being dramatic," he chuckled, "Come on, aren't we close?" He wondered his head turning to view the street. Padmé's expression fell, the rain was so heavy that she could barely see two feet forward let alone the opposing side of the road.
"Can we just grab a cup of caf? Wait till the storm dies down?" She hollered, knowing the perfect spot was only a few yards down the sidewalk. Vader nodded, snagging her hand as they ventured back into the rain. Sprinting towards the next awning, Padmé dragged him towards the door – shoving it open as she shivered, shaking off some of the rain.
"Forgot your umbrella?" The man hooted behind the counter, that was until he turned around – his expression morphing into shock. "Q-Queen Amidala?" He stuttered dropping the tin cup in his hand.
"I didn't know the weather actually," she giggled, disregarding his shock as Vader shuffled in by her side. The shop was empty, no doubt because of the rain.
The teenage boy flashed her a smile, his eyes moving to Vader as he quickly approached the counter. "W-What can I get you?" He beamed, his hands folding behind his back.
Padmé glanced back – the Dark Lord's perplexed eyes analyzing the menu, "Two cups of caf, black, please," she shivered, looking forward to the warm on her hands.
"Of course," he nodded, spinning quickly to fetch their drinks.
"So, this was your plan?" Padmé asked, her eyes lingering towards her husband's warm golden gaze.
"Truthfully, I didn't know it was supposed to rain this much. Your sister only had the word rain at the front of her mind at the time."
"Here you go," the boy smiled, shuffling over their drinks.
"Thank you," Padmé replied, sifting through her pockets.
"There is no charge, my Queen. It's your birthday tomorrow," he assured, stepping away from the counter.
The woman shook her head lightly, continuing to pull the credits from her pockets, "Tomorrow," she repeated, handing him the cash. Padmé spun towards Vader, handing off his cup as they headed towards a booth. Tossing his drenched jacket over the seat beside them, Padmé slipped into the seat – Vader folding in after.
"Force, I needed this," she hummed folding her hands over the warm cup. Practically snuggling up to the drink, she leaned her side on the toasty body to her left.
"How are you still so warm?" She quivered, inching into him more as she blew over the hot liquid. "On Vandor it was the same, you were practically an oven."
"I just don't get cold," he muttered, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Immediately, she was met by intense warmth. It enfolded her effortlessly as she took a small sip of caf. Resting against his shoulder, her hand reached up to the drenched silk scarf – setting it upon the table. Her eyes were fluttered closed, until she felt Vader stiffen.
"What's wrong?" she whispered, her eyes gazing up into his – though his eyes were elsewhere staring at the boy beyond the counter who quickly adverted his gaze. When he swiftly made an exit towards the back, Padmé could only sit there in confusion.
"Your neck," Vader whispered standing from his seat, without a second thought she snagged his shirt.
"You will do nothing here. I don't care what is going through that kid's mind… It doesn't matter," she ordered, Vader's eyes were trained upon the back of the café until he sighed grabbing his blazer.
"We should go then," he said quietly, hoisting her from the seat. Taking one last sip of caf, Padmé frowned as she set down the ramekin. Gathering her scarf from the table, her eyes lingered upon the back of the store as they left. The rain was still tumbling, though at least now she could see the school from where they stood.
"Could you call us a transport? I'm not trying to walk back with two younglings in this." She questioned, holding his arm tightly. Vader nodded without hesitation and gathered his commlink. After making the brief call, they rushed towards the academy. Once they were safely under the rotunda, an exhausted sigh fell from her lips. She struggled to collected herself, yet it wasn't until she saw Ryoo and Pooja that required her to become composed.
"Auntie Padmé!" They squealed simultaneously, launching towards her with such vigor that when they collided, she was almost tossed the ground – Vader keeping her footing with his arms.
"My goodness, you both have become much stronger," Padmé strained coiling her arms around them.
"Ewww! You're drenched Auntie!" Pooja recoiled, both of them hoping away to a safe distance as the woman stood laughing endlessly.
"Unfortunately, so," she sighed, her eyes lingering back to Vader as his head dipped – back towards the street, an onyx speeder waiting for them idly. "Luckily, we can just pop into the hover… you both ready to head home?" Padmé genuinely smiled, heat warming her heart as they moved towards their transport.
Both of them pouted, rolling their eyes as they stood adamantly, "Are we going back to the big city with you?" Ryoo frowned thumping her foot as she huffed in defiance.
Padmé glanced to Vader, his expression exceedingly lost as they lingered at the entrance. "I'm staying here for a while; we can go back to grandma and grandpa's-"
"But that's boring," Pooja whined, "why are you staying here?"
"This world is our home. You must remember that. I love this place more than anywhere else. That is why I am here," Padmé asserted, her expression firm as she argued. "Now, let us be going." The former queen ushered them, snagging their shoulders she urged them to the backseat of the speeder – lifting and securing them as she slipped to the center seats. When her eyes glanced towards the pilot's seat, she almost coughed in shock. It was Eryx, the inquisitor stepping out, rounding he speeder and into the passenger's seat with Vader replacing him.
The quick ride back to her parent's house was done in silence, well- almost in silence if it weren't for the two spirited adolescents bouncing in the backseat. Resting back against the headrest, the woman's mind was whirling – she hadn't even known Vader's inquisitors had joined them for this journey. Force, she didn't even know Eryx was healthy enough to travel.
Once the speeder came to a slow stop, Padmé didn't hesitate shoving open the door – escorting the two bundles of energy to their grandparents' home. "Are you leaving again Auntie?" Ryoo wondered with a small frown as she stared inside to her mother waiting.
"No, I will see you tonight at dinner," Padmé assured her with a tight hug. "I will see both of you later, okay? I just need to make a quick errand. I love you," the woman sighed pulling them both into a hug. "I have never stopped loving you both," she whispered pulling away. "I will see you both in a few hours."
"Otay!" They both chimed rushing into the house, the former Senator stared inside watching her parents gather them adoringly – seemingly devoted as Padmé quietly shut the door. Slumping against the metal, a frown tugged at her lips as she rushed back to the speeder. They believe I've forgotten about them- her thoughts were ceased as the inquisitor exited the onyx vehicle… standing on the curb as he held the door.
"They are quite the rays of sunshine on this dreary day," Eryx chuckled as he gestured her into the speeder.
"Don't we all wish we had that energy?" She supposed, glancing at him, toying, as she slipped into the seat.
"Eh not really," he smiled, shutting the door. The woman rolled her eyes as she glanced to Vader. Her heart lunged as he sped away… Glancing in the side mirror, she watched Eryx's figure become too small to perceive. It tore away at her that she hadn't even known he'd been on Naboo.
"You should have told me he came with us," Padmé remarked, nestling against the window.
"Why?" Vader uttered, his eyes flashing to her before returning to his flight path.
"I would have preferred to know that he was healthy enough to travel. Last I heard-"
"You should know he is more resilient than a normal individual. You shouldn't have questioned his abilities."
A scoff left her unintentionally, "I would have liked the head's up, and I would have appreciated a conversation with him when we were aboard the Executor."
"There is no reason for you to speak with him," Vader muttered as he dove to the edge of the waterfalls of Theed.
"H-he saved me," Padmé argued as the speeder came to a halt. "He deserves at least a 'thanks.'"
The Sith shifted in his seat, his hands twisting around the yoke. "He already knows your feelings. There is no need to reiterate them." When Vader stepped from the speeder, Padmé's head twisted towards him as he strode to her side of the vessel.
"What are we doing here?" She wondered, her eyes lingering up at the most coveted mansion on the brim of Theed's most precious falls. Escorting her out of the speeder, Padmé's gaze remained on the house. Her eyes only fell away to view the misty view of the mountains in the distance.
"Happy Birthday," he intoned, leading her towards the front gates. With her heart hammering, she stared up at the massive structure in complete confusion.
"V-Vader-" she stuttered, her heels dragging against the stone walkway. "Wait… this isn't even in my budget." Her mind was frazzled, even the apartment she lived in on Coruscant was subsidized by her Senatorial position – there was no way she could afford the space on her own.
"It's in ours," he assured her, notching his head as he twined his arm around her waist – escorting her towards the elegantly carved wooden doors. Biting her lip, she raked her nails through the ends of her wet curls. "This planet will always be your home," he whispered, with one slight movement of his hand- the doors drew open to the most graceful foyer. The entirety of the house was solid stone – shaped from the foothills that used to house most of Theed. It wasn't until a few hundred years previous that they demolished the mountain system. Polished quartz and obsidian ran endlessly through the walls and floor. The double revolution staircase taking her breath away as it remained seamless– carved from the very same stone.
"I haven't had it furnished yet, I thought you'd want a say in that," he informed her quietly.
"The owners never wanted to sell when I was Queen," she whispered, her fingers gliding against the stone railing. "Force, they wouldn't even allow me here…"
Vader slipped his arms around her softly, pressing a delicate kiss against the top of her head, "That was then… this is now," he reasoned, his warmth encasing her wholly. Her heart trembled in her chest as she ascended the stairs.
Ever since she was a youngling, it had always been her wish to look upon the balcony that resided in the home. It was perfect, nothing capturing the mountain range to the west the way it did. Not even the palace had the immaculate, unobstructed view. However, her feet froze on the second step, her mind lurching towards the dread of how Vader could have obtained such a prized piece of property.
"I bought it, Padmé… the owners intended to move to Coruscant. I may have assisted them with that effort, but other than that- I did buy it outright," he assured, overhearing the concern in her mind. When he pressed a genuine kiss upon her temple, tranquility seeped into her body.
"Is that the truth?" she murmured, eyes lingering at her scuffed heels.
"I realize I have lied and deceived people… However, this is not one of those times," he shared assertively, she'd only heard that unequivocal passion a select few times before- when they were on Vandor and at their wedding…
"Show me where I want to go then," Padmé crooned, turning towards him – wrapping her arms around the Sith's neck. Gently, Vader gathered her in his arms, carrying her up the steps and towards what she believed to be the master bedroom. Her eyes scanned the space, shocked to see it was even more striking than any other she'd seen. Without a word, he carried her to the balcony. With the autumn sun waning against the horizon, both of them watched it fall – Vader placing her upon her feet. With longing eyes, she watched Naboo's sun fade, peaking through the fog as it disappeared leaving the sky a marvelous painting. Before that moment, the colors were ones she'd only dreamt. Now they were real.