𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐕𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ❸❼

Haha! I'm not dead you guys!!!...not yet at-least... but I'm ready to get back in the game;) I have been working a lot, so it's to be expected that I will post a chapter or two every month. I know I said I would have a few chapters already written, but for those of you that actually read that post—well I never actually did it :(  I've really just been trying to find myself again and figure out what I want for myself and all that jazz for these past few months, so bare with me cause it's been a slow process...now, I hope this chapter is much enjoyed because it is well over due for you guys! So enjoy, babies <3 I haven't forgotten where I am leading this story or those of you that enjoy it! Thank you!!!
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The moment Ani and I arrive at the Senator of Naboo's apartment, we both step in and are graciously greeted by 3-PO. "Ah! Master Ani and Mistress Eden! I am so delighted to see you both back in one piece!"

I smile at Anakin, who stood at my side, wearing a small smirk before looking to the golden droid. "It's good to be home and away from the chaos for once. Is Padmé home?" I begin to look over his shoulder, but 3-PO's little mechanical squeaks bring my attention back to him as he moves into my line of vision. "Indeed she is. But I'm afraid she's a little tied up in a meeting—"

"Not anymore, 3-PO." Padmé says gently. My lips widen into a smile as my best friend appears around the corner from her studies with Xander and my darling mother in tow. "I was wondering when you two would finally come by." Mom exclaims with a knowing smirk.

I glance at Anakin, exchanging lopsided grins before I step around the droid and into her open arms. "I know, I'm sorry." With a soothing rub on my back and a quick kiss on the side of my head, Mom takes a step back with a soft expression as she rests her hands on either side of my swollen belly. "Nonsense, my love. You both rightfully deserved some alone time after being apart for so long."

After the warm welcomes were exchanged, Padmé leads us to the living area where we sit around the coffee table as 3-PO pours everyone a cup of Cassius tea. "So, Anakin, how does it feel to be the talk of the era yet again?" Padmé asks with a smirk, bringing the tea cup up to her lips for a sip.

Anakin bashfully chuckles and shifts in his seat while placing his mechanical hand on my bent knee. "It's ego-boosting, that's for sure." I snicker as I nurse my cup close. "I don't think they've ever stopped talking, Padmé."

"And who wouldn't love a charming poster boy." Mom adds with a sly smirk. With the apples of his cheeks burning bright, Anakin bashfully shakes his head while emitting an almost uncomfortable chuckle. "Valentina, you're far too kind."

All joking aside, I take a quick sip of the warm tea before leaning forward to place my cup on the coaster. "We haven't done this in a while." Xander and Padmé's brows twitch with confusion before I explain. "Being together in a relaxed manner. No danger lurking around the corner. It's nice." I mumble sweetly, looking at everyone's care free expressions. Mom's eyes brighten as she hums while swallowing her drink, quickly placing her cup down as I did. "We should host a dinner. I can't remember the last time we were all in the same room and ate as a family." 

Tucking my legs under me, I smile softly and nod. "I was actually going to mention something along those lines. I just didn't want you all to think that was the only reason Ani and I came over." Truthfully, thinking about the end of the war, I was worried about my family and how they would fit the narrative if things start to play out as I've seen. I'm just overwhelmed and have a sense of helplessness deep in me that I've been trying to push away, and what better way to distract my fear than surrounded by friends and family?

Xander shakes his head gently and places his arms around his wife's slim shoulders. "Eden, no matter the time of day, you and Anakin are always welcome. Even if it is an excuse the escape reality, for all that you both do to keep us and the galaxy safe, I think we owe you that much and then some."