The Fate of Angels

5. Numb

"Every step that I take is another mistake to you

Caught in the undertow"

- Numb by Linkin Park

The twins open the door the minute I whisper for them to let them in, without so much a second of hesitation which implies that they must have been eagerly waiting by the door. They crack the door open to let me slide in before closing it quickly behind me. Leia stands up on her tip-toes to lock the door before scampering back into the safety of her room while Luke bounces up and down on the bed, looking indignant. "Can we go back out and play now? I was about to finally win" He whispers, his tone hushed as his blue gaze darts around nervously. Leia huddles in the blankets on her bed, wide brown eyes peeking up from behind a stuffed shaak. "There's someone who'd like to meet you so why don't we go out and then perhaps when your finished, you can both go back out and play" I coax, trying to stay optimistic because they aren't going to budge if they realize there's a chance they won't get to continue their game. Leia perks up and shoves her toy aside as she skips over to the doorway, glancing over her shoulder at Luke who's slid off the bed and is mid-prance over when he skids to a halt. "Wait…Do we have to see that scary guy?" He questions, his eyes narrowed with anxiety and Leia slides backwards, shaking her head slightly. "No way, if he's not going out there then neither am I, that guy breathes weird" Leia whispers, turning to go back to her bed. I quickly grab her wrist and guide her back to the door with Luke following, a look of apprehension plastered on his childish features. "Listen you two, that man out there is a guest and we have to be polite so your going to introduce yourselves and answer any nice questions that he has. If you don't know how to answer a question, it's probably one you shouldn't answer" I explain and Leia seems to relax slightly. 

"I'm tired, can't we just stay here and nap?" Luke whines, his blue eyes pleading. "Really? I would have thought after that cake that you two had, you'd be full of energy" I smirk before scooping him up and carrying him out the door with Leia following. 

"I thought you said you cleaned up the mess" Luke muttered, glaring daggers at Leia who's wearing a smug look on her face although it quickly disappears when I lead them back into the living room. 

Vader hasn't budged an inch and the silence is unnerving but I need to remain confident for the twins who've already slowed their pace and I can tell by their expressions they're doing that silent communication thing.I don't pretend to understand what goes on between them and I've questioned them once or twice but they keep their connection guarded and I suppose it offers them comfort to be able to communicate with each other so as long as it doesn't cause any problems, Im' fine with it. They continue to glance at each other and it's easy to tell their weighing whether they can flee back into the safety of their rooms. I set Luke down and he settles onto the chair farthest away from Vader with Leia squeezing herself onto the seat as well. I sit down on the opposite couch and the twins dart over, sitting on either side. Vader watches silently and the fact that I can't see his expression makes everything worse as I have no idea of what he could be thinking about.

"What are your names?" He asked, his deep voice rumbling throughout the room. Luke chews on the side of his lip but is the first to answer, "My name is Luke" He pipes up before growing quiet and picking at a loose string on one of the chair cushions. Leia glances at her brother before raising her chin slightly, bravely trying to conceal her anxiety and in that moment, she's the spitting image of Anakin, confidence and all. "I'm Leia and I'm Luke's twin, he's only older by a little bit, I'm taller though." She replies loftily, stunning her brother and I with her boldness. I can't see under Vader's mask but strangely, I can tell by his tone that he's taken aback by her courage when faced with such a daunting figure. "Yes, you certainly are taller. How long have you lived here? Do you like it here?" He asks, shifting slightly in his seat.  This time it's Luke that replies, eager to outdo his sister. "She's taller but I'm older. We've lived here since we were little I think. Mother doesn't let us leave  so we've never been anywhere else but it's fun here, there are lots of places to make forts" Luke explains, running a hand through his hair nervously before sliding back into his seat. "There's lots of grass here" Leia chimes in, seemingly pleased with her observation. I pull Leia into my lap and try and distract myself with braiding her hair as I try and focus back in on the conversation. "There is a lot of grass here, I agree. How old are you two?".  Leia lets out a groan of annoyance and wiggles out of my grasp, rolling her eyes in annoyance, her gaze silently accusing me of embarrassing her. "We're five years old, our birthday was yesterday" She crows, smirking slightly at the thought of being a 'big kid' now.