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[Anakin is quick on his feet, striding from the docks as if he does this everyday. He can't allow himself to be weak or confused; he has to keep his feet firmly planted and then, in private, panic later.]

This is one hell of a welcome. [He scowls darkly and there are shadows around his eyes as if he has spent many nights not sleeping.] I'm not anyone's prisoner. If you think you can hold me, you are sorely mistaken.

[The flash of his lightsaber can be seen - his one remedy for the horror that is bearing down on him.]

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I'm not. [The words are whispered shakily and he closes his eyes at her touch, taking a moment - only a moment - to breathe.]

You can tell me anything. [His eyes open again, staring at her intensely.] Let's go.

[He wraps an arm around her waist.]

We shouldn't stand out in the open like this anyway.

[She cups his cheek, thumb tenderly brushing over skin.]

You are. But that's alright, because I love you too.

[The thrill of saying those words that runs through her will never get old.

She nods, curling an arm around his waist in return and leads the way back to where she'd been assigned a room. Once they reach the rather plain, but serviceable room, she closes the door behind them and leans against her husband again.]

...Ani...I'm...I'm pregnant.

[He smiles faintly, warmed by everything that is her. No one can match her in his heart - except for maybe their child - and he is determined to not lose either of them. Once they are in the room, his surprise at her revelation is only because he already knew. He has known for...months?

Gently, his hands drop to her hips and he can barely feel any difference.]

Padmé... We must be from different times. [That must be possible - otherwise why would Grievous be around?] I know you're pregnant. You have been for some time.

[His smile is sudden.] You're more beautiful than ever as our baby grows.

[He makes her heart race and she will playfully claim it's not fair! Padmé rests her hands on his chest before slipping her arms back around his neck. Because she can, and they're behind closed doors anyway.]

Different times? I suppose that would make sense, since you already knew. [And he doesn't seem upset, so that's an added bonus.

She laughs and leans up to kiss him.]

I'm glad you think so!

[She has no idea what is to come and he doesn't have the strength or courage to tell her. So instead he lifts her completely into his arms, pressing a flurry of kisses down her neck.]

You told me and I've never been happier. [Or more terrified.] I'll take care of you and our baby. You will be able to rest here, away from all the politics.

[No idea at all! She still has complete trust and faith in him being good. She grins at his 'attack' of kisses and threads a hand through his hair. He won't drop her.]

It will be a nice vacation. And you can rest as well. You must be tired. [She knows he is. The shadows under his eyes tell all.]

[Never. He will fail in practically every way possible, but he will never drop her. Scooping her against his chest with his arm under her legs, he walks to a comfortable chair, sitting down with her in his lap.]

I'll sleep better with you. [Has their fate been changed?] There is...a lot...I need to tell you. I just need you to believe in me, Padmé. Even if I do...something horrible. I've felt so desperate lately.

[She leans against him, trusting completely. When he sits, she only shifts to settle a bit more comfortably in his lap. An arm remains curled around him while the hand that had been playing with his hair moves back to his cheek.]

You have me here. I'm not leaving without a fight.

[She leans her forehead against his, eyes studying his.]

Talk to me. Tell me what's happened?

[He's scaring her, but she doesn't voice her fear. He needs her to listen, and believe in him. She does.]

[She has fought enough. They have fought enough. He wishes he could bring an end to all of it and the Jedi had failed him time and time again.]

I saw...you die. I've had visions of it almost every night. [Thus him looking a bit exhausted. No, a lot exhausted.] Palpatine promised to help me save you; to overcome the limitations the Jedi set on me. He spoke of a way that I could be stronger than Death.

[He can't meet her gaze directly.] He is...Sidious. The Sith Lord we have been battling since we first met. I didn't know. I did what he asked me to do and I...

Padmé, please don't hate me.

[Her blood almost freezes when he speaks, but she doesn't interrupt him. What he's saying is a lot to take in.

The hand on his cheek tries to move his head so he would look at her after a moment. Her heart might be pounding, and there might be a tremble to her body, but this is her husband.]

Ani, look at me please. Don't turn away from me. What you need to do is stay with me. Don't go back to him, alright?

[His eyes cloud with tears - true tears from a man with a broken heart; a broken soul. He presses close to her, inhaling her sweet scent shakily.]

I killed...Jedi. I killed younglings. I cut them down...

[He grimaces, barely suppressing a sob.]

I hate myself; I hate what I have done. I can't take it back. I can't forget...

He calls me...Darth Vader. [His throat tightens around the name.]

[She shakes her head in denial, though she feels in her heart that he's only telling her the truth. Even though it hurts. She kisses his cheek, arm curling tighter around him.]

He's been using you, Anakin. You need to do better now. Do not continue as his pawn!

[Her denial is completely understandable. Anakin adores her and when he is with her, all of his good qualities shine. She's right. He places a hand on her stomach, protective and loving, nodding resolutely.]

If I see him, I will kill him. And when you give birth, I will be beside you. Nothing will happen to you.

[She rests a hand over the one he puts to her stomach and kisses him again.]

I will hold you to your promise, Anakin. Do not fail me. [Though her words might seem harsh, there's a hesitant hint of a tease in her tone. She has to believe he's still her kind Anakin.]

[The idea that he has failed her makes him sick with anguish and fury. Sidious has no right coming in-between them and Anakin, so very belatedly, is noticing the strength of his wife. He had told her he had seen her death and she had brushed it aside to focus on him.

She does that sort of thing all the time. He presses his lips to her forehead.]

I am Anakin Skywalker. I am your husband and, for now, I am refraining from using my powers. I will protect you with them if necessary, but that's all.

[Her death only frightens her because of what it means to others. To her family. To the people who depend on her to fight and represent them.

She tilts her head up to kiss him softly, pouring love and belief into it.]

That's right. You are my husband, and I will not let you go easily.

[His lips twitch and he embraces her fully, sighing against her shoulder.]

I can't bring anyone back, but I won't let Sidious continue. Our baby will know peace without him manipulating everything.

[Her hand returns to carding gently, soothingly through his hair.]

What matters is how you go forward from here, knowing what you do.

[He rubs over her back, soaking in this contact. They can have so little of it and this is what grounds him.]

Here. [Anakin takes his lightsaber off of his belt and holds it out to her.] Hold onto it. It will protect you.

[She almost melts under his hand, needing these precious moments just as much as he does. She's missed him.]

Anakin...

[But she accepts the weapon after a moment and clips it to her belt. She has a feeling it matters to him. If it helps relax some of his worry, she'll do it.]

You need to stay safe too.

I've got other ways to protect myself. [He smiles at her concern and kisses her gently.] Strike out with it and your enemy won't stand a chance. In fact, he won't be standing at all.

[The look in her eyes tries for scolding but the kiss is a successful distraction. Then she shoves at his chest with a helpless little laugh, scolding melting to incredulous amusement.]

I'm not going to aim to kill!

[Unless it's Grievous.]

Do what you have to, Padmé. [He is serious about this, stroking her cheek with his thumb.] For yourself and the baby. Or...

At least buy time so I can get to you.

I will. I always do. [She leans into the touch as she promises him.]

I won't put our baby in unnecessary danger.

I know you won't. [He softens and gives her a grin.] You are the best mother; I'm the one who has to work on being a father.

[And not an insane murderer.]

Edited 2019-06-17 10:23 (UTC)

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