#featuring. padme amidala. ( desireandduty )

[exitiosae-arch]

continued from here !! ft. @desireandduty​ .

Even if she was aware of who this woman was for her, and that the two became close ever since they met, closer after learning the truth ... It didn't mean that she was the one she called mom, not after spending so long with her adoptive parents, those who loved and took care of her for years as if she was theirs. And in the end, she was. She was the Princess of Alderaan ... Even now, with the planet entirely destroyed, as well as all of those who perished in the explosion. The Organas included.

While she remained strong in front of others, as she found herself alone with Padme, she couldn't help the sobs which shook her entire body, as her arms wrapped around the older woman tightly. It happened so quickly that she didn't even have time to register what happened until it was too late. " They're gone ... All of them. Because of him. " And that was the worse part, as she had been forced to watch the whole thing, while not being able to do anything to stop it.

[moonofiego]

He was well aware that what he said wasn't making much senses. Had anyone said those words to him before he experienced it for himself, he would have said they were crazy at best. And would have told them as such. Kriff, he too believed he had gone insane when he came back because things like that were not meant to happen. It didn't make any sense that one would see the future, and ... What he saw was also beyond the worse he could have imagined. And yet ... There Anakin was, telling Padme about things he saw. Not all of it, of course. There was a lot of it he wasn't ready to share. Probably never. It wouldn't happen this time. So it didn't matter ... Right? No, this time he would end up dying in here. Maybe that's what he deserved.

❝ I wasn't gone, Padme ... I came back, and I was in the same place. Yet for me, it was as if I spent years in the future. For Sith Sake, I ended up getting a few white hair. ❞ No, he wasn't gone for two weeks, or any given time. Had even seen her about a few hours later so he wasn't too sure what exactly she meant by his departure. Maybe her own memories were getting spotty. It happened.

But for the rest ... ❝ There were things I needed to do, things you couldn't be involved in. I had to keep you away from me, and that seemed like the perfect solution. ❞

Padmé leaned forward across the table in an effort to hear him better. The fact that he wouldn't look at her gave her pause. Whatever tale he had to recount, she was now more curious than ever, but slightly wary. The more he spoke, the more shocked and worried she became. The idea of traveling into the future was... odd to say the least. It had never once occurred to her that he could be losing his mind, but perhaps the isolated conditions of his imprisonment had contributed to some sort of mild insanity?

And yet, she just couldn't believe that of Anakin. He'd always been special, had abilities beyond what any other Jedi possessed. And he had once had visions that did actually come true, about his mother. She sat in silence for a long moment, contemplating what he had told her. If this was true, if Palpatine was what Anakin claimed, then it made sense of something she had sensed in the later stages of the Clone War. She and thousands of other Senators had grown very suspicious of all the power Palpatine was amassing. They'd been finishing up a petition to deliver to the Supreme Chancellor in his office the very week that Anakin had returned and promptly thrown the Republic (and her personal life) into chaos.

Finally, she spoke as softly as he had: "Is that where you were those few weeks that you'd disappeared? You were in the future? Is that why you came back and said you wanted to-" She had to pause and swallow around the lump in her throat that arose along with this memory. "-divorce me?"

[exitiosae-arch]

“Why are you — saying all these things —” or gimme some Anidala angst

If the words he was telling her were not already heartbreaking, as he had the sensation of having his heart being pulled out of his ribcage and stumped upon over and over ... The way his wife responded to him was even worse. He could hear the pain in her voice, her confusion ... Probably wondering just what happened since they last saw each other. For her, it had been a few days at most but for him ...

It felt like months. Months spent in a future so chaotic, so tragic that only thinking about it brought tears to his eyes. He had seen too much, been through too much to even think about letting these events unfolds and he was willing to do everything in his power to make sure that it would not happen. He had a lot to do, and no one to trust with that kind of information. He couldn't risk it ; putting others in danger as he tried to undo what was yet to be done, so that the ones he loved would be safe.

And ... He needed to start with Padme, who died not because of nightmares he may have had, but because of how he reacted to them. Of everything that took place, so he believed that she would be much better without him around. No matter how heart shattering such decision was ... He knew it was for the best. He couldn't be selfish, not anymore.

I'm doing this for you Padme, for everyone. Please do not make this harder. He sighed, before finally letting his blue eyes fall upon her facial features, ones he would sure miss so deeply. " Because it's over. I can't ... I can't do this. You and me ... You were right to refuse me back then. We made a mistake, one that I wish to rectify. " He whispered. " I ... I already signed the papers, it's only missing your signature. "

[moonofiego]

A giggle was heard as her mother made her twirl some, little dress flowing around as she made a 360 while never letting go of the hand that was holding her. Small feet slowly guiding her away from the forest she was so tempted to explore. Later, she promised herself. One day, she'd discover all that she can. ❝ Mh ... ❞ She looked quite focus, for such a simple question. ❝ Grilled cheese ! ❞ Plus, she did have some of these shapes made for cooking so that she could do them in something other than their boring square shape.

She instantly lightened up at the mention of the pond, before giving a few nods. ❝ They must be so hungry mommy, we have to ! ❞ Truth was, Leia often forgot about them -- Her mind mostly drawn to those that were in the sea but ! She wouldn't tell them that. They were her friends, after all.

It was an honest question and one that Padmé had few answers to, as there were few meals she'd made so far that produced more than polite smiles from her family. Once Leia was on her feet, she used the hand she was holding to give her a little twirl. "Well I was thinking a veggie stir fry, since I know you and Luke like those. And they're pretty easy to make. Or we can just do sandwiches, if you want something simpler. Maybe a grilled cheese?"

Together they walked down the forest path and back to the house. "Shall we stop by and feed the koi first?" she asked, nodding in the direction of the pond. It had taken some time for them to update and improve the lawn of the house they'd bought on the outskirts of Theed, especially because the interior of the house had needed fixing first. But one of the first things Anakin had done was create a koi pond, under the shade of a cherry tree in one corner of the yard. It's a beautiful, peaceful place to sit and think and also a fun pastime for the twins.

[moonofiego]

It was usually much easier— Not that he had much trouble either but he wasn't used to having to fight while also making sure that his wife wouldn't get hurt. With Ahsoka, with Obi-Wan ... Of course, he was also worried, but it was their scene just as much as it was his. When it came to Padmé though? He knew that she was strong enough to take care of herself but it didn't mean that he was okay with her being right where she would be risking her life at every given second. They were lucky that battle droids were not as smart as Artoo ... Or he doubt he would have been able to keep going.

Usually— He also wasn't used to getting kisses in the middle of a battle, obviously. He doubted that Padmé would appreciate it if it did happen— Not that there was anyone on the battleground with who it could happen, even under the adrenaline. " I love you too, angel. " And really, he was so tempted to take her back for a kiss but it wasn't the right moment nor the right place.

Taking her hand in his own, and with the help of Artoo when it came to opening the door, he ran with her towards the main entrance the very moment his loyal captain arrived. He would recognize that ship everywhere. " Get in, Senator. " He said with a wink. " I need to take care of something real quick. " He nodded towards Rex, before running away. He had a ship to take full control of first.

Watching Anakin fight was a sight to behold. He moved with such grace, such precision, knowing exactly where each bolt would hit in time to block them all. As he defended them both against the onslaught of battle droids, he looked every bit the hero that the Holonet has painted him to be. There was no one she'd rather have at her side in a tight situation than him.

Once he got a blast door between them and the rest of the droids, Padmé could finally lower her blaster. She looked over at Anakin, smirking to herself at the look he was giving her. If they weren't in this situation, she'd want to kiss him. And now that the thought entered her head, she can't resist rising up on tiptoe and pulling his head down for a quick kiss. "I love you, you know."

Plan B sounded as good to her as Plan A had, so she nods and lifts her blaster again. "Sounds good. Let's go then." She charged through the doors again and down the corridor, ducking into doorways and behind pillars as often as she could and taking out multiple droids as they made their way down the corridor together. When they got to the end of it, though, the doors were still shut. "Artoo! We need these doors open," she called out. After a couple of flustered beeps from the other side, the door opened to reveal the faithful astromech in the main hangar. And, looking out into the chasm of space behind him, she saw a smaller ship approaching that she very much hoped was Rex.

[moonofiego]

His eyes were flickering everywhere in the small room, wondering if there were any cameras -- Without a doubt, there were probably a few couple of them. And so, when he would talk again, the man's voice would be much lower, for only Padme to hear. He couldn't look in her eyes though, too shameful to do so. After what he did to her, to them, it was hard to believe that this truly wasn't a dream. That it truly was the Senator of Naboo standing before him. Instead, blue eyes would be fixed on the cuffs around his wrists. Cuffs that were used to stop him from using the force. He was considering nothing but a criminal now. If only they knew. ❝ You were right about the old part. ❞ He said, attempt at a joke but the flat tone of his voice probably didn't make it sound as such.

There ... That was the question, wasn't it? The one which will either change everything for the best ... Or for the worst. She would either believe him or think he belong more in an asylum than in this prison. He wasn't too sure which one was best. He wasn't too optimistic, and wouldn't dream of hoping that he'd one day get out of this place. Other than by being sentenced to death.

❝ I was sent into the future. ❞ He started, biting down onto his bottom lip which was so dry. When was the last time he was given something to drink? He didn't quite remember. ❝ I'm not sure how it happened, even now, but I ... I saw everything that would come to be, everything that was already being put into place. I saw ... I saw you dying, my fall to the darkness because of his manipulations which have been going on for as long as I've known him. ❞ He refused to say his name, not when it was nothing but poison. ❝ I saw ... Luke as my future self fought with him, cut his hand. I saw everything Padme. Everything. I couldn't let it happen. ❞

Despite how badly he'd hurt her, and how angry she was with him for ripping her heart out and stomping it to pieces three years ago, Padmé had no desire to see him be executed for his supposed crimes. She also just plain did not believe that he was guilty of a crime. He was reckless, yes, but he was honorable, loyal to a fault. He wasn't a lunatic or a senseless murderer. If he'd killed Palpatine there had to be a reason for it. "Despite what you did to... us, I don't actaully want to see you dead, Anakin," she said, looking at him with something like amusement flickering in her eyes. "So go on. Tell me your side of it."

But the amusement vanished when he answered. Palpatine was the Sith Lord that had been rumored? "He... what? But he seemed so old and frail..." She was shocked for a moment, but the more she thought about it, she could at least see it. After all, hadn't she, Bail and now-Chancellor Mon Mothma all suspected that Palpatine was not going to divest himself of the power he had amassed over the three years of the Clone Wars? To be sure, she'd never thought he was a Sith Lord, but she'd come to greatly distrust him, by the end of things.

As she turned over his words in her mind, one phrase snagged in her thoughts. "What do you mean you saw what he was going to do?" she asked, brows furrowed in confusion. Did he have another vision?

[moonofiego]

She had to relax some before talking again, her giggling fit not being interrupted even when the woman stopped her tickles. Leia has always been very ticklish, a few of those and she definitely lost it, would even drop from the couch at times because of how loud and bodily moving her laugh would become. ❝ Nothing ! ❞ Leia didn't think that telling Padme about her plans was a good idea ... Plus, if it didn't work today, it didn't mean it wouldn't work later on so might as well keep her ideas for herself.

Observing the hand which was raised towards her, she ended up taking it before standing up, stretching some and dusting off her skirt with her free hand so that most of the dirt would fall off. ❝ What are we going to make, mommy? ❞ She enjoyed cooking, but it was usually something she did in the company of her father, who actually seemed to know what he was doing. With her mother ... It was definitely fun, but rare were the times when the taste was also there.

After just a few seconds, Padmé stopped tickling and instead dropped to her knees in front of Leia, looking at her with smiling eyes and a smirk. "A plan huh? And what was that exactly?" Whatever it was, she's glad to know that it was somewhat interrupted, because she suspects it had something to do with Leia hiding further in the forest. Or at least not wanting to go inside.

It was dusk already, and she knew that the boys would be returning from their trip into Theed soon. It was time to get dinner going. "Why don't you tell me on the way home," she said, standing and holding out a hand to Leia. "Daddy and Luke will be home soon, and I bet they'll be hungry when they get here. You can help me make dinner for everyone if you want."

While it was true that Padmé was possibly the least talented cook in the Naberrie-Skywalker family, she had at least by now learned to do a basic stir fry.

[moonofiego]

Rare were the times when Anakin's improvised plans worked on the first try, he would always have to think of an alternative. Or more than one, depending on the kind of trouble he'd find himself him. This time was no different, even though his focus was on something ( or someone ) in particular -- And it definitely wasn't himself. Padme knew him well when it came to that part. He heard the droids before he saw them and already came to the conclusion that the escape pods were no longer an option. Not until they dealt with them, at least.

And here they came, as the lightsaber in his hand came to live. In a quick succession of movements, he would block bolts after bolts, cutting the battle droids which came a bit too close in half while also using his free hand to push the others further back and with one swift movement, he managed to shut the door so that none other could enter. For now.

He chuckled, noticing the vibrating excitement coming from his lover, and really it filled him with joy to see her like this even if he'd much rather her being on much safer ground than the one they were currently in. He knew she was able to fight, hold her own ... And he couldn't help but think to himself just how beautiful she looked. ❝ Rex is close by. All we need to do is reach the main hangar and let him know we have arrived. ❞ He said in a hushed town, blocking some more bolts coming their way until the battle droids were all down, thanks to their joint effort. ❝ Artoo is taking care of the doors as we speak. ❞ Or well, he was supposed to.

The reason she was so reluctant to put herself in an escape pod and head for the safety of his ship was that Padmé knew Anakin quite well. She knew that he would not prioritize his own safety as much as she would wish. That he'd be determined to get to the bottom of this, that he took risks greater than she ever would...

She also knew that this was just part of being married to a Jedi Knight, and a General at that. Still, she hesitated to take his offered hand and give in to his plan. "You'll be right behind me? You promise?" she asked, her face serious as she looked up at him and let him pull her closer so they could head for the escape pods together.

Before he could answer, she heard the telltale, rhythmic clatter of Separatist battle droids marching down the corridor just around the corner, coming ever closer. "Shit. Sorry, Ani," she said, giving him an apologetic smile. As the droids came around the corner and blaster bolts began to fly, she looked hurriedly around for anything she could hide behind, but the corridor was totally empty.

Her only shield was Anakin himself, but she knew he wouldn't let a single bolt get past him to hit her. And once he'd downed enough droids, she seized her opportunity to nimbly crouch down and roll over to one of them, grabbing its blaster for her own and then darting back over to Anakin's side, where she began shooting back at the small party of droids that had come, presumably, to apprehend and arrest them both. "New plan?" she asked him, sparing a glance sideways and grinning just a bit. It was kind of thrilling to fight beside him like this.

[moonofiego]

The little one was actually quite proud of herself. Why wouldn't she? Her mother had yet to find her which definitely meant something ... Right? Leia was certain she now became an expert in the art of hiding. It was the seeking part she was definitely still struggling with. For now, though, it did not matter ! She would keep on hiding, hoping that her mother wouldn't find her. She didn't want the game to end.

Because she knew what it would mean. It was already getting quite late, and the woods were definitely not the safest place to be in come nighttime. Papa said so. Many times. And while she did manage to sneak out every now and then, out of curiosity, it was never too long before she was sent back in with a hard glance. She always wanted to go further away than she was permitted to.

Her eyes were over the horizon, feet about to lead her away as she thought her mother didn't know where she was ... But then she felt it. Fingers that came to tickle her, making the youngest Skywalker squeal in pure delight. She was fully aware of who it was that was tickling her. ❝ Mommy ! ❞ She said in between a fit of giggles. ❝ You were not ... You were not supposed to find me just yet ! I had a plan ! ❞

It is honestly a struggle for Padmé not to begin laughing along with Leia. The girl's laughter is truly infectious, and nothing brings her joy quite like seeing her children so happy and carefree. The whole game of "letting Leia win" never lasts that long when the whole family played, because Luke can't really stomach just letting his little sister beat him. He's at the age where he stubbornly insists on calling Leia "little" sister, no matter how often Padmé reminds him he is only older by a whopping five minutes and thirty-two seconds.

As soon as she notices Leia beginning to move, Padmé leans back behind the tree, lest Leia notice. She's honestly not that observant yet, but Padmé is being careful for just a bit longer. Once she hears the giggling resume, she assumes Leia is in another "hiding spot" and peers around again. This time, she does have to listen for the giggles, because Leia is temporarily out of sight. "Oh but I will, princess. Your mommy is very good at hide and seek, you know."

All of a sudden, the laughter stops, and now she actually has to search. It doesn't take long, though, for her to spy Leia's dark brown braids behind a bush. She has to hand it to the little one. She actually picked a good spot this time. Now it's just a matter of sneaking around slowly and carefully until she's approaching Leia from behind. As quietly as possible, she creeps up behind Leia, hands outstretched, intending to announce her presence by tickling the girl's sides.