Bleary and disoriented, Padme rolled over and collided with Dorme's back with a start. What the – oh. Right, yes. She had stayed with the girls last night. Smiling at the back of her friend's head, she carefully pushed off the blankets and climbed out of bed. They were so kind to her last night, she might not have made it through without doing something stupid without them.
Letting them sleep, the Senator slipped out of the room and heard the door slide shut behind with her a quiet whoosh. Her stomach felt a little off but it was nothing close to the nausea she suffered just yesterday and she was glad of that. There were far too many troubles in other areas of her life to be bedridden with morning sickness again.
She hoped Anakin was alright wherever he ended up. He had probably gone to see Vader and talk over the situation with his brother – the two were closer than any pair of siblings Padme had ever met. Distantly, she let her fingers cup her stomach as a small pang of sadness flared in her heart. Her child would likely never have a sibling to share that bond with and that pained her. She and Sola had always been so close as girls, always playing and scheming and driving their parents to madness. What a shame this child would never know such closeness.
It wasn't an easy thing to admit, even just to herself, that she had not handled things correctly last night either. Padme had allowed her secret fantasy of Anakin being delighted by the baby's arrival in their lives to warp her expectations so much that his true reaction had cut straight to her heart. She knew him. He didn't like change or the stress it brought into his life. He and Vader were children of horrific abuse. Of course he had reacted so negatively so such an unexpected surprise!
But then, Anakin hadn't handled things right either. Far from it.
Between them, there had been too much shouting and crying when they both needed to be rational and think together. Their lives no longer belonged to themselves from this moment onwards and that was a frightening prospect even to Padme who longed for this child so very badly, but they needed each other to get through it. She needed her partner, her Ani right now more than ever.
Sighing, the Senator stepped through the opening doors to the living room and gasped, almost leaping into the air to find her lover laying haphazardly across the sofa. Hearing her fright, Anakin bolted upwards, muttering a curse and quickly cupped his head in his hand. "Oh fuck…" he muttered, "Padme! I wanted to be up before you were awake but I must have dozed off."
She couldn't believe he was here! When had he come back? "I wish I'd known you were here," she said sadly. Had he spent the whole night like that? While her furniture was bespoke and hand-crafted by the finest professionals Naboo had to offer, even Padme would not relish an entire night crumpled up there, especially not if she were as tall as he was. "Why didn't you go to bed?"
Swinging his legs off the edge of the couch, Anakin sighed tiredly. "Wouldn't feel right being in there without you. I, uh, Angel we need to talk."
"Yes," she said, "we do." In the corner of the room, a pile of wood and tools lay abandoned against the wall and the Senator frowned. She hadn't been made aware of any necessary repairs being carried out in the apartment. Padme was very particular about who was allowed inside her home and especially so since she and Anakin had begun hiding their relationship. "Is that mess yours?" She asked.
The Prince followed her confused gaze and gave a short chuckle, "Oh, yeah that was me. I'm sorry." He patted the space beside him on the couch and Padme wearily made her way around to sit by him. "I got thinking last night, about the baby and how I reacted." His eyes met hers, wide with absolute sorrow and heartbroken regret. "My love, I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve any of that."
"No," she shook her head, "I didn't. You scared me, Anakin. I… It was like I didn't know who was in there! You've never spoken to me like that before." The way he had looked at her… she had been afraid he hated her! Utter contempt had filled his eyes, her heart broke all over again just to remember it. Everything he said had been so wildly vicious and antagonistic. It wasn't like him, it wasn't the sweet, caring man Padme had fallen so deeply in love with.
"I know," Anakin pulled her hand into his own, "I – I lost my mind. I don't know what came over me… No, that's not true at all." He shook his head, "I'm scared, Padme. I am so afraid and it – it took over. I couldn't think straight." He was quiet for a long moment, staring out of the wall-length windows at the passing traffic soaring through the sky and she waited, allowing him to gather his broken thoughts together. "My mother died in childbirth. I never knew her. If – if something were to happen to you… Padme, I couldn't bear it." He turned to her then, eyes glistening with the sheen of unshed tears, "I can't live without you."
She did not pause to think or truly make sense of everything he said, all she knew was the man she loved was hurting far worse than she had ever anticipated. Padme felt like an idiot. How had she not remembered what happened to Empress Shmi? Of course the very idea of her in childbirth would terrify him, it was only natural! "Oh, Ani," she threw her arms around him, gathering her love in her arms so tightly they could almost merge as one. If she had only known such depths of fear ran within him… "I'm not going to die in childbirth, Anakin," she whispered, dusting kiss after kiss to his hair, his wet cheeks and finally his mouth so softly that they barely touched at all. "I promise you."
"No," he placed only enough distance between them for their eyes to meet. One trembling hand lifted to cup her face so tightly, as if he believed he could will her to stay with him always. "No," he said again, "I promise you. You're going to have the best doctors in the galaxy at your beck and call going forward, I'll see to it. My father never took care of my mother but I won't be like that. I won't become him."
He seemed to tremble in her arms at the mere notion of following in Emperor Sidious' footsteps and though he was suffering, Padme was glad of it. Although he may not be aware of it, Anakin already knew how to differentiate himself from the example of fatherhood he knew – this was a good thing! He had already set an alternate path for himself as a man and a father. He would see it for himself in time.
"You won't," she agreed, laying a hand over his own, "You're not capable of it because you have love in your heart where he did not. And…" it was still difficult to form these words on her lips but it was time that Padme accepted her reality and began to adjust. "I know this baby isn't what you wanted, I do, but we need to be better than last night for them. We are going to be parents, Anakin, we have to be better."
Anakin looked away, clenching his jaw uncomfortably and released her cheek with a trembling breath. "I'm sorry for the things I said. I wish I could say I didn't mean them but that's behind me now, I promise you." He did not meet her eyes, staring forward toward the high statue of a Nubian Goddess as though it may come to life before them at any moment. "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," at last his eyes found hers, "You're the only person I could ever do this with."
It hurt but it was his truth so Padme forced herself to let it go. What more could she expect of him? Neither of them had properly communicated their desires for their future and Anakin unequivocally did not wish for a child while she couldn't wait to be a mother, but he was standing by her and their baby. He was pledging himself to them and accepting the responsibility. She only hoped… she hoped meeting their child would truly change his mind.
"I forgive you," she whispered because it was the truth. One terrible, heart-wrenching fight would not be their ending, they loved each other too deeply to allow that. If Anakin could forgive her mistakes then she could offer the same in return. This was love. This was them. In the end, they were going to be fine, Padme truly believed it. Hesitantly, the Senator reached out and took her lover's hand, bringing it to her stomach. He tensed at once and she saw him clench his jaw again before dragging his reluctant eyes to meet hers once more. "We forgive you, Ani."
"I…" he shook his head, "I'll do my best, Padme…" he said, touching her stomacher firmer now, "I don't know what I'm doing but I'll be the best that I can."
"That's enough," she whispered with a smile, "that's all that I ask of you, Anakin."
He leant forward with a groan, bending at the neck to lay his forehead to hers. "I wanted to give you something. A big, grand gesture to show my commitment to you and this… the baby. I wanted to build you a cradle," he gave a breathy laugh and the warmth of his breath painted her face. "I got all the materials – everything I thought I needed to make you the best, stupid cradle in the galaxy but…"
"But what?" Padme pulled back, "What happened?"
Was that the explanation for the pile of wood in the corner? She wanted to laugh and kiss him and hold him close for the utter adorableness of such a confession. How late had he stayed up attempting to design and build this cradle from nothing? Her smile died a moment later, as Anakin held up his other hand which he had so carefully kept beyond her view until this moment, wrapped in white, gauzy bacta-laden bandages. "It turns out tools and alcohol aren't the optimal combination when one wishes to build something."
Padme kissed him. She kissed him and kissed him and kissed him.
Otherwise, she did not know if she would laugh or smack him senseless.
Two weeks later.
Padme gasped and then cried out when Anakin threw her body to the mattress, rolling their flushed, heated bodies around so that he once more had control of their lovemaking. Pinning her hands down by either side of her head, he began to thrust faster, moaning with every passionate stroke, making her wetter and wetter with each passing moment.
Unable to touch him, the Senator arched her hips to meet him every time, forcing him deeper inside her where the stiff tip of him nudged her sweet spot with each entry. It was sensual euphoria, especially when her lover, well, her fiancé reared back and slid his hands beneath her hips, kneading the firm flesh of her backside as he lifted her hips off the bed and took her that much harder.
She hadn't been entirely sure of the state of their relationship after Anakin's furious quasi-proposal and held back from asking lest it had been something else spoken in anger and regretted in the morning. However, when he came to her mere days later with a ring made of three bands decorated by considerable Mandalorian diamonds all the way around and a grand, immensely sparkling central diamond in an oval shape, she had been speechless.
The ring was an extravagance Padme had never imagined herself wearing. Such a substantial, stunningly exquisite piece of jewellery was fit for an Empress, not a Senator and she was grateful, truly, for it must have cost a fortune of credits – likely more than some people earned after years of work, but she couldn't help the pang of disappointment she felt whenever the ring caught her eye.
Maybe she was simply being spoiled and not appreciating what was being offered, but whenever Padme had imagined her engagement to Anakin, her visions were full of romance and surprise and absolute, unconditional joy. The reality was rather serious and business-like, as if they had made a logical decision rather than a declaration of their love for one another.
Padme cried out as her climax rushed through her, arching nearly her entire body off the bed to be closer to him, to plea silently that he never stop, not ever lest the pleasure fade even the tiniest bit. Anakin held her through it, gripping her backside and working his hard body to ride her through the intense satisfaction coursing through her every nerve. He felt so good inside her! Spreading her tender flesh so deliciously, she half-thought the aftershocks might be enough to plunge her into another orgasm right away.
His breathing grew erratic and she watched as he threw back his head, biting his lip to hold back the loudest of his pleasured cries. She loved how vocal Anakin was in bed. It aroused her endlessly to hear his moans and groans as he took her, claiming her for his own forever. It only took a few more moments for him to reach his peak, gasping her name as he rut into her furiously, wringing every scrap of bliss he could from her body.
"Mmm," he groaned, collapsing against her and Padme wound her arms and legs around him in a stifling full-body embrace, savouring their closeness before the day's beginning tore them out of bed. "Best way to start the day…" Anakin nuzzled her neck gently as he rolled off her before she began to complain about his weight. She made to follow, smiling, as her stomach gave a warning lurch and –
Darting out of the warmth of their bed so quickly, Padme dragged the bedsheet with her as she rushed to the refresher. Just barely making it, the Senator heaved the contents of her stomach into the basin. Gods, this is terrible, she thought as another round of sickness came over her. Fresh sweat began to bead on her forehead as her body flushed and her stomach continued to loop and twist inside her uncomfortably.
A moment later, as she vomited yet again, Padme felt her dangling hair being tugged back softly, freeing her face from its curtain. "You're alright," Anakin's soothing voice came from behind her, his free hand rubbing gentle lines up and down her bare arm. "You're alright, Angel. Just breathe through it…"
Finally, her stomach began to settle and she slumped back against her fiancé heavily, closing her eyes as his lips placed affectionate kisses to her temple. "I'm not looking forward to several weeks of this," Padme muttered miserably, "I'm sorry for ruining the mood," she sighed, "I expected this but not quite so intensely."
She hadn't found an opportunity to speak to her family about any of their news quite yet. They knew she was in a relationship but not who with and they certainly were unaware of her engagement and pregnancy! Everything had happened so quickly and there had been such trouble for them at first, Padme wanted to get her bearings before telling her family the news.
This meant, she was unable to speak to her mother and have her share any advice she remembered from her own pregnancies. Not to mention, Sola and Darred were still struggling to conceive, Padme knew it was a sensitive subject for her sister. The coming conversations would be exhaustive, that was certain.
"Here," Anakin handed her a glass of water and she drank gratefully before spitting the contents out to freshen up her mouth. "You're carrying our child, there's going to be some sickness here and there. Don't worry about it." He helped her to stand and brought in a nightgown while Padme brushed her teeth. Feeling far fresher already, she bundled up the blanket and returned it to the bed.
"I know it's still early but I'm so excited to pick out some things for the baby's room," she smiled, letting her wardrobe door slide open. Sabe wanted the official nursery to be completed by the time they made an announcement so pictures could be shared with the public and Padme was more than happy to make early preparations. Of course, when the time came, everything they selected would have to be uprooted and moved to the house on Naboo when they got around to finding it, but in the meantime, it would be nice setting up her nursery here since they would have no need to move one into the Imperial palace.
Anakin cleared his throat as he gathered what he needed to shower in his arms. "Yeah…" he said flatly, "I… I'm sure we'll find everything you want."
Though she had a day full of important meetings and a pile of work taller than her to get through, Padme had cleared her schedule in its entirety for the day. She wished that choice had come from their mutual excitement to start preparing, but the reality was that this was Anakin's only free day before his mission to Crait. If things there were as dangerous as he had made it seem, well, she needed to them spend every possible moment they could together. She wanted his thoughts and opinions where the baby was concerned in case…
No, she wouldn't think like that, not when they had an exciting day ahead of them!
After a thorough session in the refresher – Padme had not been able to resist climbing in beside him which had pushed them forty-five standard minutes behind schedule – Anakin dressed in a simple deep blue tunic she had purchased for him and a pair of dark trousers. She had slowly been trying to push him toward allowing colour into his wardrobe instead of living in various shades of black all of the time and finally, her efforts were beginning to pay off.
Choosing to dress casually herself, Padme selected a pale, powdery blue, long, loose-sleeved cropped top and matching ankle-length skirt. Just beneath her belly button, a jewelled broach hung, its fringed edges dancing with every step she took. A flat, silver headdress clipped securely on her head, curling perfectly around the small, braided knots she pinned on either side of her face whilst the remainder of her curls cascaded in a loose ponytail along her back. It would not be long before outfits such as these were out of bounds as her body outgrew them, so she wanted to enjoy herself while she could.
In the highest level stores on Coruscant, there was an element of privacy they could not expect elsewhere if spotted shopping together, so the couple avoided the Embassy mall where most expectant families would shop, instead opting for specialised boutiques which mostly lay empty save from the shopkeepers all too willing to help.
As they approached the store whose signs claimed to specialise in hand-made cradles, Padme glanced over her shoulder and felt her smile die to see Anakin's expression. Sheer dread painted his handsome face, as if he would rather spend his day anywhere than here. True, in the past, whenever he was forced to leave her for some mission or another, they would spend the day before he left her in bed, making love for hours and truly savouring one another. She could understand why he might feel a little reluctant to spend the day baby shopping instead, but what if he left her and never came back? There would be nothing for the baby which Anakin had any choice in – the child would have nothing of their father's influence to grow up with. The thought terrified her!
And yet Padme paused, holding back a sigh as she looked up at her fiancé. If they weren't somewhere quite so public, she would have reached for his hand or laid her own on his chest but the Senator battled her instincts away, maintaining a respectable distance between their bodies instead. "You don't look very happy, Ani. I know it's not the ideal way of spending our last full day together but I…" She trailed off, feeling her shoulders slump as defeat spread across her body, "Would you prefer to go back? I can always do this with Dorme and Sabe another day? Or my mother once we tell my family. I'm sure she'll be more than happy to help."
"No," he shook his head, "I should be here." Just as hope began to flair to life inside of her, Anakin spoke again. "It's just as much my responsibility as yours."
Responsibility. His duty. hHs burden to endure. That was how he saw preparing the nursery, wasn't it? Padme wished she could help the deep sadness which rushed through her then but even as she smiled and nodded, her eyes stung just a little. His hesitancy ran far deeper than simply being uninterested in shopping for the baby, Anakin, despite his apologies still viewed this accepting their child as a necessity, not something he ever desired. She knew he was trying to hide it from her because he wanted to make her happy and be a good father and she appreciated the effort, truly…
But Gods, was it truly too much to ask that he feel a little happy about their child?
"Okay," she nodded and turned to enter the store.
Inside, everything was a variation of white, pale blue and pink. Row after row of vastly differently designed cradles stood proudly on spinning hover platforms for display purposes. Padme spotted intricate cribs crafted in rich gold hues and family emblems bearing jewels and glittering birthstones, cradles with large quilted designs in leather and cloth and more simplistic, wooden carved options. She had never realised just how many choices were would be!
To her surprise, a blue fleshed twi'lek man appeared from around the corner instead of a sales droid which was far more common in such stores. He wore a white shirt bearing the store's logo and a wide, sparkling smile as he approached to offer assistance. However, as Anakin turned to face the man, his smile fell away as disbelief burst brightly into his wide eyes. "Oh – uh, my word! Your Highness!" He fell into a low, unpractised bow as shaking knees struggled to hold firm. "This – this is truly an honour! There are no words to – "
"Force damn it," Anakin muttered behind her. Things would have been easier with a droid. They didn't recognise people or whisper to others about who wandered into their stores... Padme pressed her lips tightly. They were going to have to handle this very carefully.
"Actually," she forced a tight smile, "I'm your customer today, sir." The man stood upright once more, though his excited eyes did not leave Anakin. "My sister is having a baby and I thought a cradle would be the perfect gift though I'm not exactly an expert on the subject."
"Ah, oh, I see." He nodded, though his gaze flitted suspiciously between them, "And I – is your highness merely accompanying our esteemed Senator today?"
"Her sister once worked as a palace aide," Anakin lied smoothly, following her guide without prompting, "I knew her quite well. When I heard the happy news, I wanted to send something with my regards also."
"So generous! The salesman laughed, clapping his blue hands together, "Well, I think that you both will be impressed with our offerings today." He tipped his head toward the displayed cradles behind him, leading Padme through as they browsed. "Now, there are several factors we should take into consideration when purchasing a cradle. Do we know if it's a single pregnancy firstly?"
"Oh," she frowned. She hadn't thought of that which felt silly in hindsight. Anakin was a twin, those genes ran in his blood so there was every chance this baby would be one of two. "She's still early… but twins run in my family, so I suppose it's a possibility."
The salesman gave a short hum and nodded. "You and your sister are twins? Well, they say that gene tends to skip a generation, don't they?"
"Thank the force," came a quiet murmur from behind them. Had they been alone, she might have glared at Anakin over her shoulder to quieten him. Instead, Padme smiled brighter at the salesman as they drifted toward simpler styles of cradle near the back of the store.
"Nevertheless," he said, "you can always opt for something beautiful but sturdy, this way it can remain in the family and be used for each successive child, creating an heirloom of sorts. Many expectant mothers tend to enjoy this idea."
As did Padme. The thought of having multiple children using the same cradle warmed her heart as she imagined the pictures and holos they would have of each child using it. And, if properly looked after, perhaps her grandchildren would continue the tradition one day in the future. It was a beautiful vision, one that made her heart soar… though it could never be. This would most certainly be her only pregnancy and child so there would be nobody to pass it along to, especially if Sola never had a child of their own.
Maybe they could gift it to Vader one day when he had a child of his own on the way? If it couldn't be an heirloom for her children, it would make a precious one for his.
"That's a lovely idea," she smiled at the salesman whose bright eyes lit with further excitement at the prospect of a sale. He led her through his vast selection as Padme ran her fingers along each, enjoying the smoothness of them against her skin. They were all adorable! She could picture every one of them in a big, light room overlooking the gardens on Naboo. It would be so perfect…
"Do we know if you're having a niece or nephew, my lady?" the twi-lek asked curiously as the cradles began to favour girlish or boyish designs.
Daring to glance over her shoulder to Anakin, Padme found his eyes elsewhere, uninterested in such questions regarding their baby and she bit her lip. He would come around eventually, he had to. She had faith that his love would grow when the baby was bigger and more tangible. Right now, it was merely an idea he did not like. She just had to wait a little, that was all.
"Not yet," she shook her head, "Sola – my sister – said she's only around twelve weeks or so. Apparently, it's too soon to tell what she's having."
"Ah, I see." He nodded sagely, "Perhaps something more gender natural then?"
As they pursued further, for a few moments, the only sound in the store was the click of Padme's heels with every slow step she took across the hard flooring. The selection was just so difficult to choose from! Whatever they chose today had to be perfect. It had to be the , as she paused to consider a cradle bearing small flowers carved along the white panelled sides, from across the store, Anakin broke his petulant silence.
"Hey, uh… What about – I mean, this one is nice, I suppose?" From where he stood, Padme could not see the cradle he had picked out but she did spy the way his arm lifted to rub awkwardly at his nape. An obvious sign of his discomfort. Still, nothing could have stopped the Senator's smile as she rushed around the shelves with the salesman at her heels. He was being active! Whether she would particularly like whatever it was Anakin picked out didn't matter because he was finally making an effort! It was definite progress and Padme's heart soared.
When she reached him, the Senator gasped. A cradle painted the palest yellow stood on a revolving platform which allowed them to see every inch of the product. Above hung a sheer, tulle triangular curtain which ended mere inches from the flooring just like the drapes Padme once had in her room as a little girl. It was beautiful! Inside lay a stuffed shaak wearing a purple bowtie – the strangest and sweetest toy she had ever seen and tears sprung to her eyes at the sight of it. So vividly, she saw the most perfect little boy with blonde tufts of hair and bright blue eyes shining with joy as he clutched the stuffed animal in bed night after night.
"You don't have to like it," Anakin said quietly as Padme tentatively touched the smooth railings with shaking fingers. "I – I mean, there are probably others you like better, I just thought that – "
"It's perfect," she whispered, "I lo – Sola will love it." She wished so badly that they were alone so she had the freedom to kiss him senseless and wind her arms tightly around his neck. He chose their cradle! He chose their baby the most beautiful cradle and Padme longed to show him her appreciation for his involvement. This truly meant the galaxy to her and she prayed he knew that.
"Wonderful!" The salesman clapped his blue hands together happily as he beamed. "Now, this particular model runs at two thousand four hundred and fifty credits but I can offer discounted delivery to all core worlds, as a gesture of my gratitude for your highness' presence in my store this fine day. Where is the mother to be living? Naboo, I assume?"
"Oh, it only has to be shipped to 500 Republica, actually," Padme reluctantly tore her eyes away from the crib. "I would rather give it to my sister in person when I see her. It's more personal that way."
"I see…" He glanced with narrowing eyes between her and Anakin once more before his smile reappeared. "Well, in that case, I can have the product shipped at no extra cost at all!"
After paying and the salesman happily waving them off with promises of delivery within three days, Padme dragged Anakin into several specialised boutiques offering seemingly endless hand-knitted socks, cardigans and onesies for little ones at a vastly inflated price and while she knew there were less expensive options, the Senator purchased several sets of coloured socks and a handful of colourful blankets since they did not know the gender yet because this was her only child. She wanted them to have the very best she could offer.
With her bags in hand, Anakin and Padme began to make their way back to his azure cruiser before she bankrupted herself too quickly. As they walked, she longed to slide her hand into his and feel close to him after shopping for their child but unfortunately, they were still in public so she maintained a respectable distance between them. Colleagues and friends didn't hold hands after all.
Distracting herself, Padme smiled up at her fiancé. "Ani, what would you prefer us to have, a boy or a girl?"
She suspected that every parent to be had a secretive preference one way or the other, it was only natural, wasn't it? Beside her, he gave a lazy, one-shouldered shrug. "Healthy," he said flatly. Her smile fell and the Senator faced forward instead. Just when she had thought Anakin may be warming up to the idea of a baby, he reminded her how little enthusiasm he truly had. He didn't want a little boy or girl, he didn't want a child at all.
Stoking her dying excitement, Padme forced a fresh smile across her lips as she steeled herself to look at him without disappointment. "Well, I think it's a boy which is exciting since I've always wanted a little boy. He'll be the first one born into my family since my father." Ruwee loved to joke about being so surrounded by women, he lauded Darred as his sole ally against Padme, Sola and their mother and whisked her brother-in-law away after family meals for drinks to discuss whatever sporting event they were both interested in that month. It was a sweet little tradition and she couldn't wait to see Anakin included too. If her instincts were correct and this baby was indeed a boy, Ruwee would be overjoyed.
"How can you possibly know?" Anakin laughed as they reached the cruiser, "Advanced technology can't even tell for several more weeks."
"I just know," she smiled as he pulled open the door for her, closing it when Padme climbed in. "Sometimes, a mother's intuition is stronger than any technology." As he got inside beside her, she could not resist touching him any longer. Her hand trailed upwards along his strong arm and then higher to caress his smooth, freshly shaven cheek. Anakin smiled and turned, affectionally kissing Padme's palm as he started the engine. "Thank you for doing this with me today, Ani. I know you don't… I know there are other things you would rather have spent your time doing."
"Hush," he murmured catching her hand as she made to withdraw it and lifted it to his waiting lips. "How could I ever regret any moment spent with you, Angel?"
Padme smiled as her hand returned to her and she settled comfortably while Anakin carefully piloted them through the busy sky traffic toward the Imperial palace. She crossed her legs and looked at the man she loved, mindlessly rubbing her hand over her stomach. "Say I'm right, which I can guarantee that I am, that we're having a boy… Are there any names you would like for him? I know it's still so early, but it's nice to be prepared."
"I haven't even had a chance to think about that!" He shook his head with an airy laugh, "Why are you rushing all of this?"
Glancing skyward, she shook her head. "It's just that…" What was she supposed to say? It felt like tempting fate to speak of her worries out loud. The very idea that he may not return to her and their child frightened Padme worse than she could ever tell him. Anakin was her love and the father of her child! If he didn't come back… she couldn't bear to think about it and yet, for the sake of the baby, she had to. If they didn't discuss names now, they might never have another chance. Instead of that, she said, "I'm just excited is all..." the lie sounded weak to her own ears, "I've been thinking about naming him after my father. He would love that."
As if sensing the direction of her thoughts, Anakin reached one hand over to squeeze her leg comfortingly. "Absolutely not," he laughed airily, "No offence, Angel, but no son of mine will be named Ruwee. It's an old man's name."
Despite the slight against her father, she threw back her head with laughter and it felt so good. Everything had been so tense and serious lately, she could barely remember the last time they had had any real fun together. As the cruiser came to land in the private hangar bay he shared with Vader, Padme decided they needed to enjoy themselves before the day slipped away from them and their duties kept them apart for the remainder of these last few days.
They walked through the royal gardens hand in hand, though Anakin insisted on carrying the bags of baby things, as if the slight weight would be too much for her to bear. As they passed the red-bricked wall leading into the late Empress' garden, a flicker of mischief awoke within the Senator. Rarely did anyone other than staff come all the way out here and that was merely to tend to the lavish greenery in the mornings, so it was a safe assumption that they were alone.
Tugging her beloved's hand, Padme stepped backwards until she felt the cool, harsh press of brick against her. Anakin followed, watching her with visible confusion painted across his handsome face. "What are you…?" The words died in his throat as she undid the powdery blue buttons of her shirt, allowing the soft, velvety material to fall apart and reveal her breasts to the cool afternoon air. Her nipples peaked immediately, drawing her fiancé's attention as his eyes fell and lingered obviously upon them. "Padme!" He sounded scandalised, glancing frantically over his shoulder for anyone heading in this direction. "Are you crazy? What are you doing?"
Smirking, Padme reached out and tugged her love forward and despite his shock, he came oh so willingly to her. "I'm crazy for you…" She looked up into his eyes. It was nice to be the one crafting corny lines for once. Usually, Anakin was quick on his feet, spinning lines of romance most women only experienced in holo-vids and works of fiction. It made him laugh even as he blushed and looked around for staff every few moments.
He was hesitating too much for her enjoyment, so Padme lifted and wound her leg around him, hiking up her skirt in the process and she felt the warmth of Anakin's hands on her bare waist a moment after the bags dropped by his sides. No matter the circumstances, he was powerless against her advances and he gave in with a groan, kissing her so fiercely, she was sure her lips would be swollen when it was over.
With the mission to Crait mere days away, she wanted them to be young and reckless without a care in the galaxy. And she wanted to make love to him right here and now, where anybody could stumble across their rutting, straining bodies as they lost themselves to one another.
"I want you," Padme suckled his earlobe, thrilling in the resulting shudder which wracked through Anakin's whole body. "I want you now."
"What's come over you?" He mumbled into her neck, suckling on the sweet spot that made her shiver. "We could be caught!" Despite his protests, Anakin's fingers began pushing down her underwear. They slipped down her legs, catching on the heel of her shoe as she stepped one leg out. He lifted her by the thighs as their mouths clashed hungrily yet again. Padme loved for how erratic his breath grew. She fisted a handful of his sandy hair, tugging his head back to seal her lips to his neck. If he would be going to battle, he would do it wearing her markings as armour.
Pulling away, she grinned at him breathlessly as she frantically undid Anakin's belt and trousers, helping him shuffle them down to free himself from their tight confines. Every ounce of her willpower came together to hold back the Senator's guttural cry when he thrust into her deep and hard. She clawed at his back through his shirt in response, hissing as he stretched her. "You… okay?" He panted. "Does it hurt?"
"No," Padme shook her head, "I'm fine – It's perfect… Don't stop!"
Kissing his way along her jaw wetly, Anakin did as she asked, taking her fast and deep before someone could find them this way. The rough bricks bit into and chafed the exposed skin of her lower back but the slight pain was nothing in comparison to the thrilling pleasure throbbing through her body. She clung to him harder, doing her best to arch into his every thrust as he moved inside her.
"Oh!" A keening cry burst out of her lips as the pressure began to build all too quickly. "Oh, Anakin!"
"Shh, love," he grunted, "you have to be quiet!"
They moved faster against each other. It was heaven, it was perfect! Bending at the neck, Anakin took her hardened nipple in his mouth and suckled desperately, creating tinging lines of pleasure running along her body and between her legs. She gasped as his tongue circled the stiff nub expertly, just barely holding back another sharp cry.
"Anakin… uh… Oh! I'm going to cum, oh Gods, I'm gonna cum!" Padme panted frantically as the pleasure grew and grew, tightening in her belly, making her body arch and thrust into him furiously, seeking that final push and she was there! She –
"Oh, fuck!" A new voice was ice water thrown over the fire of their passion. Sheer horror came over the Senator to see Vader rapidly making his way toward the hangar bay shaking his head. "I'm so sorry!" The dark-haired Prince called over his shoulder, "I didn't see anything!"
Anakin withdrew so quickly, he almost let her tumble to the grass as he tried to shove himself back into his trousers. A series of vulgar curses tumbled out of his mouth as Padme redid her buttons and hiked up her underwear. Of anyone who might have found them, why did it have to be Vader? Anakin's own brother! How was she ever going to look him in the eye again?
She could have wept from humiliation and there was nobody to blame but herself…
"Vader!" Anakin called, "We – we're decent, it's fine!"
"Honestly, it's no problem!" The future Emperor called back without looking over his shoulder, "I was actually admiring this flower bush over here as I walked so truly, no damage done. I – I'll see you soon, brother... Padme… enjoy your day."
The moment Vader disappeared around the corner, a peel of laughter bubbled up and burst out of Padme's mouth before she could control herself. She slapped her palm over her mouth but the laughter only came harder, even when Anakin turned to glare furiously at her. She truly couldn't help it! What a mess! None of them would be able to look anyone in the eyes for weeks!
"This is not funny!" Anakin rolled his eyes but Padme spied the twitching at the corner of his lips. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to suck a full breath into her heaving stomach. "You're an idiot," he scooped up the bags and marched toward the palace doorway and though she followed merely steps behind, the Senator still struggled to stop laughing.
By the time they made it to Anakin's wing, the hilarity had faded enough for the ache in her belly to calm somewhat. As she settled down on one of the wide, red armchairs, Padme realised her comm was blinking with a message. It couldn't be anything work-related, this was her personal device for family and friends. Most likely, it was her mother reaching out for their weekly catch-up conversations, a time she truly valued and looked forward to. Her work and relationship kept her so busy, seeing her family in person had become unfortunately rare these days.
"Good morning, my darling," Jobal's voice blew through the small speaker as Anakin pottered around behind her. "I'm sorry I seem to have missed you but I'm sure we will speak soon. I just wanted to tell you that your father and I will be coming for a visit in three days. I know this is very short notice and you are a busy woman so I do hope you'll be able to spare even one day for us? Sola has expressed an interest in coming along so I believe we can have a wonderful time. We might even drag your father to a show or two! I also hope we'll be granted an opportunity to meet this mysterious paramour of yours, Padme! How long has it been now? A year? Your father and I don't understand why you keep your personal life so hidden from us, my child! Regardless, I will reach out to you again this evening and we'll see you soon! Have a wonderful day, sweetheart. I love you."
"Well," Anakin's voice broke the quiet which lingered after her mother's message as he laid his hands on her shoulders, "I would say we're long past due a family visit. You've met all of mine, already."
Three days? Her whole family would be on Coruscant in three days? Nervousness and excitement flared within her with this news. It had been so long since Padme had made it home for a visit and she missed them all greatly but introducing Anakin was not exactly like bringing a regular man home! He was a Prince! Her family would have questions and would probably act strangely and embarrass her. Not to mention telling them about the engagement and baby! Her head spun to imagine it all!
"I want you to meet them, I do! And I'm sure they're going to love you when the shock wears off." She sighed, leaning back into his touch as Anakin bent down to kiss her forehead. "We have so much news to tell them… my father might faint."
"If Ruwee is a good father, he'll knock me out," he laughed, "I probably deserve it."
"Hush," she sniggered, reaching up to cup his neck as Anakin made to stand properly once more, dragging his lips to hers despite the awkward angle. "They have known that I'm in a happy, committed relationship for the year we've been together. The only reason I've delayed your meeting is because of your status, Ani."
He moved around the sofa and urged Padme to stand for a moment so that he could sit, allowing her to curl up in his lap, leaning her head comfortably on his shoulder. "You don't think that they'll take it well?"
"It's not that," she shook her head, "They will love you but I'm afraid. My mother adores nothing more than to brag proudly about my accomplishments to her friends, but she tells me in every conversation we share that it's long past time for me to settle down and start a family. When she knows we're going to be married and have a baby, I can't trust she won't let it slip."
Instead of fretting, Anakin merely laughed, holding her closer. "A little gossip breaking out on Naboo won't be the end of the galaxy, my love. It's only a matter of time before I face my father's council anyway. I don't want you to worry about it. What I want you to do is detail exactly which weapons your father and brother-in-law own so I can prepare myself."
Despite her stress, Padme cackled, playfully smacking his chest with a roll of her eyes. "None. We are a peaceful family!" After a moment, she grew serious, "This visit is coming only three days before you leave. Will you have the time to meet them? I'll understand if you – "
"I will make the time," Anakin took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, "They're going to be my family too. Maybe if all goes well, after I'm disinherited, I'll follow your sister's husband's example and take your name too."
She grinned, cupping his cheek, "Anakin Naberrie does have a nice ring to it…"
He lied. He lied. He lied.
Hadn't seen a thing? Impossible! Vader had stood frozen when he came across them riding each other against the wall for several seconds before Anakin sensed his presence and he'd all but ran towards the hangar bay as an escape. The Prince landed his cruiser and climbed out, heading down into the urban planet's lower, seedier levels where anonymity was guaranteed for the right price.
Since he had taken on more authority in ruling, even in secret, Vader had attempted to distance himself from such places as these – it could not be good for an Emperor to be rumoured to frequent pleasure houses regardless of how high class they were. If he were not so assured of the Madame's discretion, Vader would never allow such weakness into his life.
Still, he was a man with needs and since Miri had been dismissed, there was no one in the palace he could call upon to sate them as easily as before. Vader did not have the energy to charm and seduce this night.
He had seen everything! Padme's face tight with pleasure, her bare thigh, her perfect, perky little breasts bouncing each time –
Fuck, he needed a release.
The most twisted, sickening part… Vader could not tell which had thrilled him more… Padme, moaning wildly as uncontrollable ecstasy rushed through her body or… or his brother, utterly free for once. Loud. Happy. He had seen Anakin's passion only on the battlefield before, channelled into every calculated strike of his lightsaber through their enemies, but it had been nothing like this.
All this time, Vader had known Padme and Anakin were happy together – why else would they be committed to each other? But when they spent time together, all three of them, there were no secretive touches or inside jokes murmured at the table. They had never so much as kissed in Vader's presence. To know two people were in love was a very different experience than the visual inside one's mind.
He had not known they were so passionate with one another.
The envy was searing.
Inside the building posing as a hotel lay plenty of plush red sofas, armchairs and erotic holographs projecting from the black velvet walls. Men and women of all races lingered around in various states of undress, drinking and giggling and making eyes at Vader as he entered. A known man, a royal man, was a guarantee of plenty of credits in their pocket by morning, after all.
The Madame, a blue and red togruta draped in a tight, white satin slip, approached Vader wearing a surprised smile. A death stick hung from her painted lips. "We haven't had the pleasure of your company in some time, your highness! I can have your favourite girl sent up to the usual room if it pleases you?"
He glanced across the room, spotting Leena by the grand fireplace, twi'lek and ravishingly beautiful with her black and white colouring, petite features and big, irresistibly expressive eyes. Black leather cords wrapped delicately around each of her white lekku, perfectly matching the revealing scraps of black satin which contained her milky breasts and the skirt which barely concealed her backside. She was a vision and as tempting as ever… but not today.
"No," Vader shook his head. "I want something different this time." His golden gaze hunted the options laid throughout the room, narrowing his eyes as he considered and then rejected each woman for one reason or another. Hair the wrong shade. Hips too wide. Breasts too big. The Prince looked and looked until, at last, she walked by him, smiling coyly as she moved. Long, chestnut hair coiled into perfect curls, artificially, but it would suffice. Big brown eyes glanced at him through her lashes making his heart race. She was slender and dressed in a white, gauzy dress which ended at the knee… Perfection, he thought. "Who is that?" He asked without tearing his eyes away.
"Ah, Azura," the Madame hummed, "she'll cost ya a pretty credit, though I suppose that's no problem for you, is it?" She laughed, "I'll have her sent up. Would you care for refreshment while you wait?"
"Whiskey," Vader nodded, "Corellian if you have it." The woman clicked to gain the attention of one of the silver protocol droids milling around. "And before Azura comes to my room, I have a small request."
"Hm?" Her eyebrow rose, "And what is that, Highness?"
"Have her draw two dark freckles on her cheeks," he demonstrated where and she nodded, repeating the information to the droid who padded off to make preparations. "One more thing," Vader called after the droid who paused and awaited its new orders. He knew what he wanted… it just felt strange to seek it out, even in a place such as this. "I need another."
Surprisingly, the Madame barely batted her eyes when the Prince requested a viewing of the human men in her service. This was a far easier hunt than picking Azura, he dismissed any who did not fit the description he required within a moment. In the options which remained, Vader could scarcely believe what he found. Tall, muscular and blonde, the very moment the man's piercing blue gaze found his, there had been no other option. The only flaw was the shorter, straighter hair but that could be forgiven.
"Highness," the Madame smiled tightly around a fresh death stick, "this is Russal. I'll have him sent up."
After finishing his whiskey and then three more, the Prince allowed the silver droid to show him to the room he received upon each visit. Inside, Azura and Russal awaited his presence fully clothed on the bed, though his arrival severed whatever whispered conversation they had been sharing. Good, he thought, it feels more real this way.
The pair stood and Russal made to remove his crisp, green dress shirt when Vader held up a hand, halting his movement. "No, don't undress. Sit over there." He gestured to the plush blue armchair in the corner of the room facing the bed. "That's all I need from you."
The young man did as he commanded, lowering himself in the chair though he raised a curious eyebrow. "This all you want from me?"
"It's a fantasy, silly," Azura giggled, "it's specific."
"Clever girl," Vader smiled, admiring the two perfectly placed freckles which had appeared on each of her cheeks. "Now, you're in love with him," he gestured to Russal, "You have been for years. You're mad for each other and engaged to be married. But, you can't fight your desire," wrapping an arm around the petite woman, the Prince pulled her body to his, glancing at the subtle swell of her breasts from this new angle. "You want me but you know you shouldn't. You'll resist me at first but eventually, you will lose yourself and give in. Understand?"
Azura ran her hands up and down Vader's chest with a slow nod. "I do."
"And me?" Russal asked, "You want me to just sit?"
Filling his hands with Azura's backside before their little game began, Vader already felt himself begin to swell and harden in his pants. "I want you to watch. Silently. Just watch. Also, your name isn't Russal while I'm in this room. It's Ani. And you," he squeezed the woman in his arms' breast. "Your name is Padme."
And then, it began.
As it happened, Azura was quite the little actress, moaning her denials as Vader kissed her neck from behind, pushing away his hands with declarations of love for her Ani though she shuddered and quaked in his arms. Gasping when he slid down her dress and caressed her breasts, playing the wilting flower so delectably, he wasn't sure he could stand it. "You shouldn't…" she panted as he kissed his way between her legs, "Oh Gods! Oh, we can't! Stop, we can't do this… I – oh! Oooh… feels so good…"
He had positioned her upside down on the bed so that while his tongue flicked her clit, drawing ragged moans of protest from her lips, Vader could look up to find blue eyes watching.
Watch me take her, he thought, taking his place between Padme's legs, teasing her with the tip of him before sheathing himself in her warmth. Finally, finally, she 'gave in' and begged for Vader's passion and victory filled his blood. He had her in every position he could devise with his lust-addled brain.
Eventually, the Prince had Padme ride him facing her fiancé while his hands wandered every inch of her body as her moans heightened in pitch and frequency. Vader sensed the shift within her, acting melting into genuine pleasure as he took her harder, thrusting faster and deeper inside her. Flicking his gaze over Padme's slim shoulder, he found blue eyes observing keenly.
Watch me make her mine, brother…
The woman above him came with a sharp wail and Vader erupted beneath her. After a few moments, Padme rolled off his body with a tired sigh, collapsing into the sheets on her belly. Sweat beaded across her body beautifully but Vader's attention was lured elsewhere for the moment. Ani watched with narrowed eyes and he felt himself begin to smirk. "Now you," he motioned to the man, "come over here and hit me."
"Excuse me?" Ani looked taken aback.
"I just fucked the woman you love before your eyes… Hit me."
The blonde sighed and nodded, pushing himself up and off the armchair as Padme began a whole new performance of screeching apologises at her husband-to-be, begging him to forgive them both as he approached. Blue eyes blazed into Vader's and a cold, violent shudder tore through the future Emperor. He blinked. Pain exploded through his jaw satisfying and agonising both at once.
Rolling his jaw, the stinging pain lingered as the Prince reached back blindly to find Padme once more.
As Emperor, everyone in the galaxy would belong to him, body, mind and soul to do with as he pleased. But when Padme had the child, neither she nor Anakin would be his any longer. They would give themselves to the infant utterly and there would be nothing left for Vader.
Padme wrapped her arms around him and began kissing his neck as Ani sunk to his knees before him. It was wrong – this wasn't the fantasy he desired and yet heat filled his stomach, hardening his cock once more as the couple teased and pleasured him, whispering devotions into his ears.
"Why deny yourself?" Ani whispered as his lips dusted fleeting kisses to Vader's belly, "You can have us both…"
"Yes," Padme licked the shell of his ear, "we belong together. All of us."
The three of them remained in the room all night long and he emerged to a bill for which most men's eyes would have watered in panic to see. Regardless, the Prince felt reborn and utterly sated though he had barely slept a wink. For one glorious, deliriously euphoric night, Anakin and Padme belonged to him. They were his.
Dawn rose over the Imperial centre as Vader climbed back into his cruiser. This night had given him one realisation if nothing else… if he was to be the Emperor and claim all which was his, then he had to join Anakin on Crait to destroy the Rebels with his own hand once and for all. And then, the Prince's mind wandered to his father's journals, then it would not be long before the galaxy was his.
