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It was only a few hours of rest before Laic was awake and crying because he was hungry again. Dormé stirred, pulling Anakin closer for a moment before remembering this was their baby, their little Laic, and he needed them.
Anakin awoke to the sound of their son weeping and still disorientated and half asleep he murmured something entirely unintelligible before tightening his embrace around Dormé as she pulled him near.
‘Laic,’ she said.
Anakin opened his bleary eyes once more and furrowed his brow before reality set in.
‘Could you get him for me? Maybe he’s hungry again. Or maybe he misses us. Can you tell through the Force what he’s feeling?’
‘Oh Force!’ he said as his cheeks burned as he realized this wasn’t a dream. At her request Vader smiled and was soon slipping out of bed as he reached out through the Force to their son in the hopes of catching his emotions. ‘I believe he’s hungry,’ he said as he gently lifted their son out of his cot. Quietly he approached to play their little one into his ama’s arms. ‘I’m going to get you some food too,’ he added recalling Sabé’s words.
‘There now, Laic,’ Dormé said as she set about feeding him. She then looked to Anakin. ‘Oh--I just remembered. I actually cooked while you were away--I think there were seven courses...I wonder if Lady Sabé was able to salvage any of it.’ She blushed deeply. ‘I was trying to keep my mind off things, but then Laic did a fine job of it himself.’
‘Keeping your mind off things, indeed! Force help me, nothing stops you when you’re mind is on something isn’t it?’ he mused in pride before chuckling as he agreed to see if Lady Sabé was able to salvage it.
Fortunately she had and it wasn’t long before Anakin had a droid warm some of the food up for them -as he had long since learnt that cooking in Dormé’s absence was never a wise course of action. After a little while Anakin was silently entering with a bed table filled with Dormé’s cooking and two glasses of blue milk. Setting in on the table next to her Anakin took a seat by Dormé’s side once more as he waited patiently for Laic to finish his meal before setting the mini table on the bed and taking Laic from her arms so Dormé could eat herself.
‘I don’t imagine you had a chance to notice how clean the house, did you?’ Dormé added, incredibly embarrassed at her actions. ‘That was another thing to do, at least until Lady Sabé stopped me. She wasn’t happy about it and I wasn’t happy about her trying to make me sit down for two minutes.’ She chuckled.
‘I can only imagine! It’s just too bad I couldn’t be witness to that!’ he said between laughter before he became distracted by a smiling Laic. ‘You find that funny too don’t you little one? Yes, your Ama is quite a Force to reckon with let me tell you,’ he said in amused tones as he winked to their baby.
‘Did you have a chance to eat?’ she asked Anakin out of concern.
‘With all this excitement I admit it hadn’t really occurred to me,’ he admitted before adding that he would have something to eat once she was finished. Anakin chuckled and was soon kissing Laic’s brow as the baby tried to mimic his Daddy’s smile. Soon Anakin was gently touching Laic’s cheek only to have the little one wrapping his tiny hand around Anakin’s finger causing the young father look at Dormé in joy.
Dormé watched Anakin and Laic as she ate and thought this had to be one of the happiest moments of her life. However, once she was finished, she reminded Anakin about having something to eat and took Laic so he could do so.
The days were filled with many impromptu lessons and soon Anakin learnt how to change diapers how to dress Laic and the different sounds of their son’s tears. If there was a world outside of his wife and their son Anakin didn’t pay it any heed as this was heaven to him and he was loathed to depart from it to face reality.
Anakin relished his new role as father and did whatever he could to help and was happily rewarded with many kisses by Dormé which he equally enjoyed. It still felt surreal to be able to do this, to wake up every morning to the sight of his beloved and their son, just as it was equally blissful to fall asleep in Dormé’s arms with their son present. In this heaven there was only one concern and that was Dormé’s health and the health of their son. AS much as Dormé wanted to return to her kitchen Anakin was insistent that she took it easy.
But in time, he was reminded once more of Delaya and soon he found himself wondering what sort of home his beloved would like and what sort of home would suit both Dormé and their son. On this particular morning as the droid prepared breakfast for them Anakin decided now was as good a time as any to speak to Dormé about Delaya and the possibility of finding a home there.
‘I don’t suppose the healer has spoken to you about when you and Laic would be up for travelling did she?’ he began casually before adding with a mischievous smile. ‘As I think it’s about time we think about finding ourselves a more permanent home on Delaya,’ he said eagerly.
‘She said it would be safe now,’ Dormé said cheerfully as she slipped her arms around him. ‘Though I think that means I can lift a finger or two in the kitchen too,’ she added with a wink.
‘You can’t blame me for being a little cautious. Your idea of unwinding is completing a days’ worth of work in that kitchen in under an hour!’ he teased back as he poked out his tongue in reply.
At his gibe, Dormé pinched his side, though she knew it was so. ‘Not true!’ she objected. ‘I looked over the locations again,’ she said.
Anakin laughed at her objection and pretended to dodge her pinching as he poked his tongue out at her once more. ‘It is and you know it!’ he teased back in mock snobbish tones before grinning.
‘I’m not sure which one would be best. It’s hard to decide when it’s not in person...especially with the cost—’ This fact reminded her that the emperor was dead, which meant Anakin had control of the empire. ‘Anakin, have you had any contact with Coruscant since after—’ She didn’t finish the thought, for she didn’t want to encourage any bad memories.
As their conversation grew serious Anakin nodded in agreement to her words. Though when she spoke of the cost he was about to shrug it off when her question reminded him of the fact that since his father’s death he hadn’t really thought about the Empire at all. His cheeks immediately burned at the realization as he knew how incredibly foolish his lack of action had been. ‘No, I can’t say I have,’ he finally admitted as he bit his lip. ‘It’s just—to be honest I hadn’t thought about it at all. Not since Laic’s birth,’ Anakin concluded softly. ‘I guess I better look into that right away,’ he admitted in reluctant tones.
Dormé nodded in understanding as she tightened her embrace around him. ‘I’m just concerned about having enough credits to afford the type of life we want on Delaya. We can get my inheritance from Naboo for starters...’
Anakin gave a hint of a smirk to Dormé’s words as he shook his head. The former Sith Lord was fairly certain funds would not be a problem. ‘Not to worry, I have my own accounts and I assure you, credits will be the least of our worries,’ Anakin said as he gave her a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek.
Upon thinking upon it more concisely, she added, ‘But if you’ve changed your mind about Delaya, since you’re in charge of the empire, then that’s fine too. I’ll live wherever you are. Laic and you are my home,’ she insisted with a smile.
Vader’s heart fell to the unintended weight of her words. He didn’t want to rule and truthfully dreaded the idea of being Emperor of anything. Her assurances certainly helped but it didn’t change the situation and the fact he was now in charge. ‘Is it wrong for me to wish I could just walk away from the title of emperor?’ Anakin asked softly as he furrowed his brow.
His question stunned her, for she had thought he would want to rule, to have the power to do whatever he wanted or change things from the way Emperor Palpatine did them. But Anakin had always been a follower, trying to please whom he was raised to believe was his father. In truth, his question spoke to her deeply and she shook her head. ‘I think you should do what your heart tells you,’ she said in a soft but powerful voice.
‘I have all I’ve ever wanted, ever dreamed of, I don’t want anything more,’ he admitted with a shy smile.
Dormé trusted him completely and knew that everything would work out as it was meant to. It was for this reason that she didn’t question him further on matters of the empire. She thought it could fall apart all around them for all she cared, so long as their family was unaffected. ‘As long as our family is happy and safe, I am happy too,’ she added, giving him a kiss.
The former Sith Lord tightened his embrace around her as he gently kissed her lips. ‘I love you so much Dormé,’ he murmured in sincerity before smiling at her final remarks. IN the end that was all that mattered to him too and in silence he readily returned her kiss as he ran his fingers through her long hair.
Laic made noises because he wanted attention and love too. Smiling, Dormé went to pull their little one into her arms, asking, ‘How would you like to see Delaya?’
‘We could go as early as this afternoon if you like,’ he suggested before his eyes fell to Laic as he couldn’t resist giving their son a smile and a wink.
Laic blew bubbles as he tried to use his lips and tongue to speak.
‘I’ll take that as a yes,’ Dormé laughed.
Laic mimicked her smile before being distracted by Daddy.
Anakin grinned to Laic’s reply and kissed the baby’s brow before chuckling softly at Dormé’s words as he leaned in to steal a kiss from his beloved. ‘All right then. I’ll get everything ready for our departure,’ he said in eager tones. He couldn’t wait to show Dormé the lakehouses he had been looking at during their time apart. Anakin hoped that one of them would be perfect for his family and was eager to hear Dormé’s thoughts on them.
The houses were varied in design and though Anakin was terrified of the ones near to the water he did his best to combat his fears so Dormé could look around. It didn’t stop him from lingering about her as close as possible while constantly fidgeting nervously with his utility belt the entire time. While many of the houses were vast and beautiful only one seemed to fulfil everything both Anakin and Dormé desired.
Laic, for his part, was completely oblivious to his parents’ explorations for he was asleep most of the trip.
Though Dormé wanted to have a larger hand in the moving process, Anakin still insisted she take it easy and she gave in, though she was specific about the placement of furniture. ‘Laic needs you in one piece and so do I!’ he gently teased before giving her a kiss.
After having a bite to eat and helping Dormé put Laic to bed, Anakin’s thoughts began to wander and it wasn’t difficult to see that Dormé had the same thoughts in mind. As such it wasn’t long before he was slipping his arms around his beloved and drawing her into a passionate kiss. ‘I think it’s about time we try out some of the rooms of our new home,’ Anakin purred between kisses. It had yet to occur to him that despite it being a month since Laic’s birth, he still needed to be careful with Dormé when it came to such matters.
Dormé was in full agreement of his assessment and began undoing his belt. Between eager kisses, she was going to remind him to take it slowly, but in all honesty, it was hard for her to resist. For her it already been too long and she couldn’t imagine how hard it had been for Anakin. Even though he never complained, she doubted that it was in any way easy.
Anakin was only too happy bask in Dormé’s presence and was soon eagerly removing her gown while hungrily kissing her lips and throat. Though he had been mindful of her healing state Anakin couldn’t deny that it had been the most difficult lesson in restraint he had ever had. However Laic provided a grateful distraction, one Anakin was only too happy for. Just being around his family filled him with a joy he had never known. But at the same time Vader couldn’t deny that he been dreaming of this moment ever since the birth of their son.
However as much as Anakin wanted to ensure he was careful as he knew Dormé was still recovering it was hard not to forget oneself and inevitably Dormé had to repeatedly remind him of her healing state. Nevertheless despite the more painful reminders—as he was so lost in the moment any other attempts to catch his attention were missed—it was definitely worth the wait.
When their desires were temporarily tamed, Dormé snuggled closer to him. It was then she noticed some of the damage she had done to his skin and felt her cheeks warming. ‘I’m sorry,’ she mumbled, feeling quite badly about having hurt him.
Holding her near, the former Sith Lord gave a sheepish grin as he couldn’t resist giving her gentle kisses. ‘Force, remind me never to anger you!’ he lightly teased with wink as he motioned to some of the reminders left on his shoulders. But growing serious once more, Anakin soon apologized for not being more gentle and soon promised to be careful in the future. ‘I’m sorry I should have been more mindful. I hope I didn’t—I mean I hope your okay,’ he gently asked in concern.
‘No—well not much anyway. I’ll wager you got the worst of it,’ she replied.
‘That’s very true, although knowing me you’ll probably have to remind me again,’ he added as he gave her a sheepish look.
His remarks caused her to laugh. ‘I should think those would serve as a reminder next time,’ she teased back.
His own pain was minimal but well deserved, Dormé’s was not. ‘I will try to be more mindful in the future,’ he promised softly deciding that perhaps blocking her emotions from his thoughts would ensure that he wouldn’t forget.
Brushing her nose against his, she whispered, ‘I know you will...try that is.’ Dormé winked at him before admitting her heart. Growing more serious, she added, ‘I’ve missed this.’
At her admittance Anakin nodded softly in reply as he gave her a gentle squeeze. ‘So have I,’ he said gently while beginning to play with her hair before adding with a grin. ‘But I can’t say it wasn’t worth the wait.’
‘I think so too,’ Dormé replied, smiling at him and running her fingers through his hair before kissing him again. ‘I wonder if we’ll have another baby soon,’ she said, grinning.
He gave a contented smile to her words before returning her kiss as he played with her hair as well. At her hopeful remarks Vader beamed to the thought as he gave her a squeeze. ‘I think that would wonderful if we do! I hope one day that we have lots of little ones running about our home, that our house will always be filled with laughter and the sounds of little footsteps,’ he mused in contentment. ‘Though knowing my luck they’ll all love the water as much as you and I’ll have to find ways to trick them into coming out of the lake for bedtime!’ he added with laughter.
‘Well...’ Dormé began tentatively. ‘If we continue gently trying, we might be lucky if we aren’t already.’ She blushed at the possibility, hoping it was so, but certainly not getting her hopes up. She could only imagine what it would be like to have their home just as he said. It was a wonderful thought.
Anakin beamed finding Dormé’s idea to be a wondrous one and hoping that she was right about possibly being already pregnant. ‘Great Force I hope your right! That would be so wonderful!’ he said in contentment before speaking of his dreams for the future.
Dormé chuckled at his remark. ‘At least you wouldn’t have to worry about them having enough exercise...or either of us for that matter! I’m sure we’d spend most of our time chasing them around to make sure they don’t get into too much trouble.’
At her teasing Anakin chuckled as he gave her a squeeze. ‘Now that’s my kind of life,’ he mused with a grin. ‘I can just see it now long summer days playing with the little ones by the water -or in your case in it-’ he said with a chuckle before giving contented sigh.
Dormé giggled at his musings. ‘Come now, we’ll get you in the water eventually. You know it,’ she teased. ‘You won’t be able to resist.’
Anakin made a face as he shuddered to her teasing before chuckling as he stole a quick kiss from her. ‘The only way I won’t be able to resist as you put it is if you distract me,’ he purred before stealing another kiss as though exemplifying the distractions he had in mind.
Dormé giggled at his remark. ‘Mmm my favourite kind,’ she remarked mischievously between kisses.
‘Or playing with the knick knacks I made or ones they’ve made as I teach them. You’d sing them your lullabies and I could tell them stories or you could read to them,’ Anakin continued in blissful tones as he continued to play with Dormé’s hair.
The thought of reading to them and telling stories made her heart swell with joy. ‘It’s perfect. All of this,’ she murmured before giving him a kiss. She couldn’t wait to see what their future held and at the same time felt as though she could stay just like this forever.
They remained quite peaceful like this until Laic protested and was soon joining them in bed. ‘He missed us,’ she said. ‘Didn’t you, Laic?’
Laic kicked his legs as he laughed at Ama’s smiling face.
Anakin was all smiles as he gently played with Laic’s hair while grinning until Laic’s laughter caused him to look at Dormé as his eyes shone with loving joy and pride. ‘He’s much happier now, isn’t he?’ she laughed upon observing Laic’s giggle.
‘You’re easy to please aren’t you little one,’ Anakin murmured in amused joy as he reached out to have his finger held by Laic’s hand.
‘See that kicking? Imagine that against your ribs,’ she lightly teased Anakin.
‘Great Force, Laic! It would seem you don’t even know your own strength!’ he remarked in laughter as Laic accidentally kicked his arm in demonstration. As Dormé spoke to their son Anakin grinned as he gave her a gentle squeeze.
‘Luckily, Daddy’s stories make you sleepy or else I would never get any rest,’ she said to their son.
‘While Daddy’s stories are good, I think we can both agree that Ama’s lullabies are much better,’ Anakin said in gentle and proud tones to Laic.
Laic had no idea what his parents were saying, but sensed their emotions through the Force. He thought it was terribly funny seeing Daddy’s reaction to his kick and tried to tell him so.
Anakin chuckled finding Laic’s language to be both endearing as well as amusing. HE could feel the little one’s contentment through the Force and gently reached out to touch Laic’s Force signature with his own as a means of silent communication.
Dormé took Anakin’s words as an invitation and softly began to sing a lullaby that would become very familiar to Anakin and their children. Anakin was right; it didn’t take long for Laic to fall asleep to it. She kissed Laic’s forehead, watching him sleep for a little while as she grew sleepy as well. At least her energy had more than doubled since the first few days after his birth.
When Dormé began to sing Anakin gave a contented sigh as he began to play with her long hair while watching their son drift to sleep. In time Anakin too grew sleepy himself as Dormé and Laic’s contented peaceful thoughts caused his own to grow relaxed and peaceful.
‘I love you,’ she murmured.
Anakin gave her a gentle squeeze as he studied her intently. ‘I love you so much too, my beautiful goddess,’ he replied in soft but sincere tones before gently kissing her.
The End
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