The Slave Boy

Chapter 8. Plans

A moment passed, time froze perhaps, but Vader had not seen it coming until it was happening. The weakened boy began to cry, moving and pushing up against the mass of the Sith Lord, burying his head in the tough fabric of the cape, little frame shaking as he clung to the black clad man.

Luke wasn't sure whether to actually believe Vader or not, but the man had been so kind, had not been mean or cruel, and though Luke knew he should probably be angry with a man claiming to be his long dead father...there was some bond between them Luke hadn't realized til now, and he could not find it in him to question that soft and tender bond.

Vader, after a moment of shocked stillness, gently wrapped his arms around the frail body, holding him as close as he dared, wishing he could coo over the child and hum as Shmi had done to Little Ani. But as his vocoder could not do such a thing, Vader went a different route and remained silent, a silent, gentle comfort for his long lost son.

Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise, Kenobi had not indoctrinated the Jedi life into Luke, nor had Luke been given a family for very long. The boy had no connections, no life to go back to... yes, Luke was all Vader's, all his own. Not to ever be forgotten. The boy would be safe with Vader, he would learn and live, Vader would even put off teaching him the Force and instead teach the boy to be a child for a few years. It is what Padme would have wanted, surely. Oh, Vader wished Padme was here now, she would have guided his hand, teach him to hold Luke just right, show Vader how to properly convey love and support to his broken child.

But without her, Vader would do the very best he could. He was a new man now, transformed by bonds of love for one person, and one only.

He was a father.

***

Nearly three weeks past before Luke started to take a turn for the better. The doctors even set a possible date for him to be released, which had filled Vader with joy when he told his son and earned one of the boy's few happy smiles.

Luke had grown to accept that Vader was indeed his father, and it had not been hard. The boy was so eager for love, so ready to trust every word that escaped Darth Vader's mouth, so happy when the black clad Sith spoke to him about what Naboo was like and how wonderful his life would be from now on with his father. However they had yet to breach the subject about Luke's mother, and something deep inside continuously told the boy not to ask, not yet anyway.

Vader eventually decided to go to the lake house and prepare it for Luke, and such was the discussion they were having on this sunny, bird song filled morning.

"Can't I go with you?" Luke asked, for he had become more vocal around Vader than anyone else. Vader was glad for that, but the boy seemed just a tad bit overly attached, and Vader wanted the lakehouse ready for Luke before he was released.

"I am afraid not, Luke. You have not been released from the hospital yet." The boy opened his mouth but Vader silenced him with a simple raising of his hand. "You are still healing as well, you can walk the hall I know, but you cannot ever make it back without some help."

Luke quieted at that, he was not an arguer and he did see the logic in it, but he was also deflated at Vader leaving, even for a good cause.

Vader smiled softly, though Luke did not see it. Being loved, being needed so much by his son was a wonderful feeling, he hoped Luke never lost this need for a father as Vader slipped a finger under the boy's chin, raising the blonde head to look at him. "I will be back before dark, Janny will take care of you until then." He reassured, for the boy indeed trusted Janny, who came by to check on them every hour or so and had taken a slightly big sisterlylike fondness towards the boy it seemed.

Luke nodded quietly, accepting before offering a slightly smaller smile, deciding it best not to argue. After all, Vader was taking care of him and did not need to be argued with.

The Sith nodded in approval, pulling his hand back and ruffling the soft hair gently before standing. "Be good." He said before walking out the door, smiling slightly when Luke, even without knowledge of his Force attunement, mentally gave a goodbye to his father, using their link Luke did not know existed.

***

The country side of Naboo was a jewel to be found in the whole Galaxy. It's hills were always green, rivers always a deep and beautiful blue, and by the lakes was a tall summer house, large and made in the traditional Naboo style of architecture.

Here Vader strode through the house's halls, knowing them well as he hunted for the room Padme had spoke of when wanting to have Luke on Naboo...

"Ani I want to have our baby back home on Naboo, I can go early and fix up the baby's room." The young woman said, turning to her husband with a bright, hopeful smile for the perfect future she saw before her. "I know the perfect spot, right by the gardens." She then added softly...

Vader slightly shook himself from the bittersweet memory, entering in a softly painted yellow room, a transparisteel door leading out to a small balcony and showing a beautiful view of the gardens, lake and rolling hills beyond. Flowers of every color bloomed though Vader could not see them in his red hued vision. However he did feel a warmth in the room despite it being empty. Perhaps it was the feeling that this indeed was the room Padme intended for their baby. He ventured into the wide space slowly, the ceiling was tall, giving the gentle illusion of even more space as Vader looked around, finding a large closet and a 'fresher off to the side. The room itself would easily house a twin bed near the window beside the balcony door, a desk over there, shelves for books and maybe a few toys too, if Luke was into that sort of thing.

After a bit of planning Vader decided he would have to put orders in for the things he would need for Luke, the orders would have to be anonymous so Sidious didn't suspect anything...

"Kriff... Sidious." Vader cursed inwardly. He had not thought so far as to what to do if Sidious found out about Luke. Well, Vader would not allow Luke anywhere near that vile man. Definitely not! Vader would sooner relive Mustafar all over again instead of allow Sidious within a world's reach of his son.

Vader took a calming breath, he would think of these things as he got the house ready for Luke. Sidious was a far off threat for now, and Luke's health and comfort was what mattered right now. Perhaps, when he was strong and well trained in the Force then they could overthrow Darth Sidious together. But there was much work to be done before that possibility could happen.

With an inward sigh Vader looked around the room once more before turning swiftly, striding out with purpose, brushing aside his troubling thoughts hammering away in his mind, and soul.

Author's Note.
Again with the long awaited update, Mesa bombad sorry XD. But I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Comment your thoughts and vote of course, I love feedback and remember, the Force is with you, but you are not a Jedi yet.