I Ain't Settlin' by Addicted2StarWars (Day 3)

[kenobifan]

Checked story on Oct 26, 2011


Title: I Ain’t Settlin’
Author: Addicted2starwars
Rating: PG
Summary: Padmé is heartbroken but determined to find happiness. She runs into an old friend and finds out it might have been under her nose all along. But other forces may try to ruin that idea. AU

Prologue

Padmé kept running. She couldn’t stop and pushed herself to run harder. The fitness center in the Senatorial Building had become a safe haven for Naboo Senator, Padmé Amidala.

Over the past three weeks, she had become addicted to exercising. Padmé had always taken good care of herself, but this wasn’t about health or appearances. It was about forgetting. Padmé concentrated on the upbeat music coming into her ears. She was hitting the twenty-minute mark and could feel herself tiring, only to push more.

Sabé walked in looking for her employer and best friend. She had suggested running to Padmé when the dumb-ass dumped her, but now she wondered if that was such a good idea. Padmé had begun running everyday and often several times a day.

“Come on, Padmé.” Sabé said as she walked up.

“Let me cool down.” Padmé responded out of breath; wiping the sweat off her forehead. She ran for a little while longer before getting off the running machine.

“How much longer are you going to keep this up?” Sabé asked a bit accusingly. She truly was worried about her. It was Padmé’s second relationship to end badly in the last six months.

“Sabé, I’m fine. I enjoy running. When it stops being fun, then I’ll stop.” Padmé responded as they walked back to her apartment suite.

“I think you’re spending too much time in there.” Sabé wasn’t afraid to tell her the truth. “And it would be one thing if you were going to check out the guys that were working out, but you’re not.”

“I’m sorry I’m not as guy obsessed as you and the other girls.” Padmé was quickly getting aggravated with the accusations.

“I think we need to find you a man.” Sabé said as they stepped into the turbo lift.

“Sabé!”

“I’m not the only one that thinks that! And no more politicians. They suck.”

Padmé cleared her throat and put on an offended face for her friend.

“You know that I don’t mean you! What I mean is you need something new. Not someone exactly like you. Someone that can offer something new.”

“Sabé, don’t.” Padmé’s face was serious. She wasn’t ready to put herself out there yet.

Sabé worried that if she didn’t put herself back out there that Padmé would throw herself into her work or running and stop looking for her ‘someone’. “Okay,” she said even though they both knew not to hold their breath.

[kenobifan]

Chapter One

It had been two weeks since their discussion on their way home from the gym. And sure enough, Sabé had been right, Padmé was running more than ever and running in the little free time she had.

“Padmé, my cousin is coming in town. I was hoping we could all eat third meal together.”

Padmé looked up from her data pad, “Sure, that’s fine.” She went right back to reading. Padmé was shocked, though; when they sat down to eat.

Sabé had conveniently forgotten to mention that it was one of her older male cousins. The good looking one, too. Ray Madalop was an artist, undiscovered of course.

But he was a little too self-conceited for Padmé’s taste. Most of their meal conversation revolved around him and his success. Padmé was sure their family didn’t have any conceit, because he contained it all. About halfway through the evening Padmé realized what was going on.

Sabé knew she was caught when Padmé declared that she was to retire to her room for the evening.

Ray stood up, out of respect, from the table. Padmé hadn’t expected him to do it, so she was a bit surprised.

“Goodnight, Milady, and may your sunrise be as beautiful as the sunset I was able to spend with you.”

Padmé did her best to hold in her laughter. But when the young man went to bow, he lost his balance and stumbled. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep a chuckle from escaping.

Sabé sighed and held her head in her hands. The young man quickly said that he was but soon left him with his sneaky cousin.

Padmé sat down on her bed and began changing into her sleepwear. She wasn’t mad at Sabé but she just wished she could’ve been warned. Padmé lay down and grabbed the extra pillow beside her head and snuggled close up to it.

The feel of having something next to her made her feel better. But without his warmth, it didn’t bring the same comfort.

Padmé wondered how she could pine for a man that treated her so badly. Barraton had seemed so sweet. He didn’t care bout all the fame that she had.

He didn’t care if she was a Senator or a waitress down in Coco Town. Padmé missed him. But he had left when she told him she didn’t think they should sleep together. She knew how to handle men that only wanted her for her social status. But never had she had a serious enough relationship that the breakup could be over sex.

Sabé hadn’t cared for him too much so she wasn’t too upset to see him go. But she had shown concern on how it affected Padmé. She had become quiet and withdrew herself. Very much like she had she had at dinner tonight.

Padmé hugged her pillow closer just wishing it could hold her back. Padmé wanted someone to hold her, and she knew she could never lie in Barraton’s arms again. She knew she needed to forget and move on. But it was easier said than done.

It had been nice having a male at dinner again but she was sure the next time it would not be Ray. Padmé considered, maybe I should let Sabé set me up with someone. Maybe it’ll do me some good. Padmé smiled at her decision and thought again. As long as they aren’t related to her. Padmé closed her eyes to attempt a peaceful night's sleep.

[kenobifan]

Chapter Two

Anakin was glad he had been able to get his master away from her tonight. Anakin didn’t mind being honest, he didn’t care for Siri too much. When the ban on attachments was lifted, Obi-Wan and Siri had started a relationship. But that was nearly three years ago.

Anakin knew more about their relationship than Obi-Wan thought he did. Drunken Obi-Wan was a lot more open. The relationship progress had stopped and they didn’t seem to be heading toward anything. They argued more than they let on.

Anakin often wondered if he only stayed in that relationship because he felt safe. He knew his Master deserved much better.

“So what did you tell her we were doing? Cause I know if you’d told her the truth, you wouldn’t be here.” Anakin said knowingly.

“I don’t lie to Siri.” Obi-Wan said. “I just didn’t tell her the whole truth.”

“I don’t understand, Master. You love her but she doesn’t trust you. Not even to come out with me.”

“Anakin, don’t.” Obi-Wan tried to stop him. Every time Anakin talked like this and bluntly pointed things out, Obi-Wan would question things. “Anakin, we loved each other and that’s all that matters.”

“Let's forget I brought it up and just get some drinks.”

“Okay.” Obi-Wan let his bit of anger fade into the Force as they entered the establishment.

*************************************************

Padmé and Sabé walked into Hirardell, a club on the lower levels of Coruscant. It was good enough that Padmé didn’t need to worry too much about protection but just low enough there wouldn’t be any senators there.

It had been Sabé’s idea and at first Padmé had been hesitant but now she had warmed up to the idea. A night away from the worries and self-pity would be good.

They took a seat at a nearby table and watched the occupants of all species roam around. A good-looking man walked up to them.

He had reddish hair and hazelnut eyes. A wonderful combination, in Padmé’s opinion. He was well built and sported a short beard and mustache that suited him.

“Hello there, ladies, how are you tonight?” His accent quickly gave away that Coruscant was his second home.

“We’re doing well, what about you?” Sabé glance over as Padmé gawked a bit at the handsome young man.

“I’m doing pretty good myself. My name is Cody and I’ll be glad to get you ladies anything you need. Would you like something to drink or snack on maybe?”

“I’d like a shot of Corellian whisky,” Sabé said and then elbowed Padmé to give him her order.

“Oh, umm, I’d like a Polyquaterim-7, no ice, with a shot of Savareen brandy.”

“Alright,” he wrote it down and closed up his order book, “I’ll bring these right out for ya.” Cody walked away toward the bar.

“You can close your mouth now, Padmé ” Sabé chuckled.

“My mouth was not…”

“Save it for the upcoming debates, yes it was.”

“Well, he is very attractive.” Padmé admitted.

“No, Padmé, he’s hot.”

“Shh, he’s coming.”

“Hi there, here you go.” He placed their drinks in front of them. “Anything else I can get for you?”

“Umm, not right now. But thank you.” Sabé said for her oh-so silent friend.

Padmé would glance his way more often than once. Once, he caught her but just smiled and waved. Padmé did enjoy the way he flirted with them when he brought them more drinks. By now Sabé was heavily intoxicated and Padmé knew that was bad news for both of them.

“Come on, Sabé, we need to get you home.” Padmé stood up.

“Not till you get Dody’s comm number.”

Padmé laughed, everything is so much funnier when you’re drunk. “His name is Cody. I can come back and get it another night.”

As the room wobbled Sabé decided Padmé was right. It was definitely time to go home. Padmé tried to help her friend up but both stumbled in the process. Sabé landed back in her chair. Padmé would’ve bit the floor if two hands hadn’t caught her waist.

She looked to see a set of beautiful green eyes staring back at her. As well as two sets of blue. The man owning the hands currently on her waist she didn’t know but the other two she knew fairly well. All three that stood before her were Jedi.

“Are you alright, Milady?” asked the mystery man. He helped her stand and released her.

“Well, Senator Amidala, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Obi-Wan said and gave a slight nod of recognition.

“Please, Obi-Wan, we are not in the Jedi Temple or in the Senate Chambers, there is no need for such formalities.” Padmé rubbed her temples. “And my head hurts too much for them.”

“Are you okay, Padmé? ” Anakin asked, concerned.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She said before returning her attention back to the mystery man. “I know these two trouble makers, how’d you get stuck with them?”

Obi-Wan smiled as she slurred a few of her words. “This is Knight Jason Xendix. He’s a friend of ours and he just returned from the Outer Rim.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Knight Xendix”

“My pleasure, Milady. Are you and your friend leaving already?”

Padmé looked to Sabé, whose head was currently resting on the table. “No, not yet, pull up a seat.”

Anakin leaned over to Obi-Wan, “She’s intoxicated. They both are!” He was shocked.
But Obi-Wan had remained good friends with Senator Amidala over the years. It may have been some time since they’d last spent some time together but he wasn’t surprised.

“And so are we,” Obi-Wan commented. Followed by a laugh at his Apprentice’s shocked face.

[kenobifan]

Chapter Three

“I’d love to stay, but I have to report to the Council early tomorrow.” Jason said as he stood up.

“Oh, that’s too bad. I wish you could stay.” Padmé managed to get out.

“I would, but duty calls.” Everyone turned to look at Sabé who had burst into laughter.

“He said, doody!”

“Can we get some chav, please?” Anakin called out to their waiter.

“No, Anakin. We’re going to take these two back to their apartment.” Obi-Wan commented. “I think they’ve had enough for tonight.”

“We’ll catch up later.” Jason said to the table and turned to leave.

Sabé used the table to pull herself up. “Anakin, get her before she hurts herself.” They were able to get to the Senate Apartments virtually problem free. Getting into the apartments was another story.

Obi-Wan tried to move them through the entryway to the turbo lift as quickly as possible. Obi-Wan remembered the floor number and pressed the button. They only got a few strange glances from security but it was late enough that no one was around.

Sabé barely made it to the common room sofa. Padmé wobbled in and sat down at the table in the kitchenette. “Thanks you.”

“You’re welcome,” Obi-Wan chuckled.

“I’m hungry.” Padmé tilted her head and smiled at Obi-Wan.

“Please don’t talk about food.” Came the slur from the sofa.

A loud chuckle came from Anakin as well as an “OH Sith!” when Sabé threw up on him. Obi-Wan wanted to laugh, but decided it may be too early in the night to make fun of him.

Anakin took care of the mess in the common room. Obi-Wan concentrated on making chav and some food for Padmé and Sabé. That being the reason why when Padmé slid her arms around him it surprised him.

“It’s been a long time since you’ve come around here.”

“Yes, I’ve been a tad bit busy.”

“I’ve missed you being around.” She whispered in his ear.

“Umm, Padmé, I think you need to sit down.” Obi-Wan pulled her arms from around her and set her down in the chair.

Padmé looked at him with her face scrunched up. “I’m sorry.”

“Obi-Wan, I put Sabé in, what I’m guessing is, her room.” Anakin said trying to get the stain off of his tunic.

“Hi Anakin!” Padmé said rather high pitched.

“I’ve never seen her like this Master.” Anakin looked at Padmé with large eyes.

“Anakin, she’s human just like us. We all need to blow off steam. She just wasn’t watching how much steam she was blowing off, tonight. Luckily we were there to get them home before any reporter caught wind of it.” Obi-Wan placed some bread in front of Padmé and she ate it up.

Padme stood up and stumbled into her room and closed the door without saying a word. Obi-Wan knew normally she would’ve said something but tonight was definitely some different circumstances. “We’ll comm and check on them in the morning.”

“Oh that’ll be fun.” Anakin said smiling as he thought about the hangovers that they were going to have when they woke up.

****************************************************

Padme rolled over and immediately regretted it. The sun was too bright for her eyes and she immediately pulled the covers back over her head. She would’ve gone back to sleep but there was a beeping that wouldn’t stop coming from the corner of the room.

She stumbled over to pick up the little annoying object and listened to the recording. She heard an old friend’s voice and remembered Obi-Wan bringing her and Sabé home. Her hand went immediately to her forehead.

Padme dialed the comm code and waited.

“Hello?”

It shocked Padme to hear a female’s voice come from the other end. “I’m sorry I must have hit a wrong button.”

“Sure, bye.” Was the curt reply, and the line went dead.

Padme knew she hadn’t messed up the code. Who was that? She decided to use his personal code. And there was no answer. “Obi-Wan, it’s Padme. I just wanted to say… um thank you for bringing us home last night. I’d love to make it up to you. You know how to reach me. I’ll talk to you soon, Bye.”

[kenobifan]

Chapter Four

“Sabé you’re going to need to cancel my second meal meeting with Bail and reschedule for tomorrow.” Padme said casually as she glanced up from the stack of work in front of her.

“What! Padme, you can’t just reschedule at the last moment. What do you want to cancel for?” Sabé looked at her suspiciously knowing that Padme didn’t cancel plans for just anything.

“I have another meeting.” She mumbled under breath.

“Another meeting? With who?” Sabé smiled and sat down in front of Padme’s desk.

“Just a friend.” Padme spouted casually, all the while refusing to look up from her work.

“What friend?”

“I do have friends, Sabé.”

“I know you do, but you’re being very secretive about this friend.” Sabé grinned.

Padme sighed annoyed. “It’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, okay?”

“Okay, that’s all you had to say.” Sabé got up and walked across the room. “So, how’d this happen?”

Padme put down her data pad and rolled her eyes. “He called and asked if I’d like to go to second meal with him. I said yes and forgot about eating with Bail. Bail will understand. I haven’t seen Obi-Wan in a few years and would love to catch up.”

“Uh huh!” Sabé smiled and walked off.
***************************************************

Obi-Wan smiled as he saw Padme walk into the dinner. She certainly had changed since the last time he saw her. She looked more beautiful and more intelligent. He quickly stood and bowed, “It’s good to see you again, Milady.”

“I think we both know each other well enough not to use the silly formalities.” Padme sat across from Obi-Wan.

“I agree. So, how have you been, Padme?”

“Very well, and you?”

“I can’t complain. How are the Senate and Coruscant treating you?”

“Both can be cruel but it makes life much more interesting.” Padme smiled.

“Can I get you a drink, Missy?” asked the robotic voice of their server.

“Java juice, Please? What about you? Anakin still keeping you on your toes?”

Obi-Wan laughed, “On occasion but for the most part he’s calmed down.” The meal continued on that way. With joking and catching up and the occasional flirtatious remark. That was when his commlink began to chirp. “I’m sorry could you hold on? I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” Padme sat and waited until he returned and sat down. “Anakin didn’t set anything on fire, did he?” She joked and took a sip from her cup.

“No, it wasn’t Anakin. It was Siri.”

“I’m not keeping you from anything am I?”

“No she was just wondering what time I was getting home.” Obi-Wan stated lowly and took a nervous sip from his own cup.

“Your…wife?” Padme almost choked on her drink.

“No! Uh no she’s my girlfriend; I think is the right choice of words.”

“Oh! I’m sorry if I’m keeping you from her.”

“No, Padme, I told you, you’re not keeping me from anything. Now, stop worrying.”

Padme felt her heart sink at the revelation he was with someone. It was then that she realized that she had wanted this to be more than just second meal between friends. The meal ended not long afterwards.

But the big surprise was Obi-Wan calling the next day to schedule another meeting with Padme. Sabé had, of course, taken the message while Padme had been in a meeting.

“You are going to call him back, aren’t you?” Sabé looked at her best friend with an expecting face.

“I can’t, he’s seeing someone.”

“But you want to go, right?”

Padme nodded, “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it because I can’t go.”

Sabé hadn’t seen Padme act like this after a meal with just a friend. And all because he’s in a relationship. Sabé sat down beside Padme and put a consoling hand on her shoulder; Sabé finally understood. “You like him, don’t you?”

Padme looked her friend in the eye. “Yes, and there’s nothing I can do about it. He loves her; they’ve been together three years.”

“Did he tell you he loved her?”

“No,” Padme looked confused.

“Well, then, there’s still hope.” Sabé said with a smile.

“I’m not going to ruin their relationship in hopes that it’ll make me happy!”

“That’s not what I’m saying, Padme. Just go to eat with him.”

“I’ll think about it.”

[kenobifan]

Chapter Five

It was a beautiful place, this garden. Little purple and yellow flowers had boomed beside the pathways they walked along. Padme and Obi-Wan had just finished their third meal together this ten.

Padme was trying hard not to get attached but she was failing, miserably. The more time she was with him, the more she wished they could stay together for longer periods of time.

Obi-Wan was oblivious to how close he was becoming to Padme. He was having an easier time talking with her. And they could talk about everything under the sun.

Obi-Wan escorted her to her building and was off to meet Anakin. He was a little disappointed that he had to leave but he had to tend to his responsibilities.

“You’re late again, Master. Second time this ten are you okay?”

Obi-Wan removed his robe and outer tunics, preparing to spar. “I’m fine.”

“Where were you?” Anakin asked casually.

“At second meal, come on lets go.” Obi-Wan took his defensive stance.

“You’re hiding something,” Anakin stated knowingly and lunged into an offensive attack. “You’ve been acting strange the last couple of days.”

“Anakin, please, concentrate on what you’re doing.” Obi-Wan was trying to keep his own mind focused.

“What would you hide from me?” Anakin began to ponder the question inside his own mind. “Its not like you’re meeting some woman.”

Obi-Wan missed the block and was glad the power had been turned down on the sabers. Anakin realized that he had just identified the problem. He shut off his saber and looked at Obi-Wan. “Who is she?”

“It’s not what you’re thinking Anakin. I just ate with Senator Amidala. That’s all.”

“You and Padme? Does Siri…?”

“Do I what?” Siri asked as she walked into the room. She walked over and grabbed Obi-Wan’s tunic and robe and brought it to him.

“Um, plan on interrupting our practice again today?” Anakin quickly covered.

“Yes, I do.” She said as she handed Obi-Wan his clothing.

“I can’t today, Siri. I’m not hungry and I was late getting here. Anakin needs to work on his forms.”

“Why were you late?”

Obi-Wan suddenly felt guilty but was tired of her pushing her way on him all the time. “I was eating with Jason and it ran over.”

Anakin knew it was a lie; he had eaten with Jason that day because Obi-Wan hadn’t been around.

“Well, I guess I’ll meet up with you when you’re done.” She walked over and placed his things back on the bench but sounded annoyed.

“You better watch it, Master.” Anakin warned after Siri left the room. “You remember what happened when I was seeing Tacey and Reilla at the same time.”

Obi-Wan had to laugh at the remembrance of that episode. Anakin had ended up with two helpings of the Temple’s Boma-mush stew. He smelled unpleasant for at least a week. “Siri always did say you were a bad influence.”

“Which I never understood.” Anakin took his beginning position.

“Me either. We have a hard time talking sometimes. And apparently you’re one of those ‘touchy’ subjects.”

“I’m your Padawan! You have to talk about me!” Anakin said a bit offended. “I bet Padme doesn’t feel threatened by me.”

“Stop playing Anakin, we need to finish.”

“Okay, okay. But just think about what I said. Training with the smell of Boma-mush was pretty bad once, let’s try to avoid it.”

“I’ll do what I can.” Obi-Wan chuckled as they continued their practice.

***************************************************

The next day the Temple Dining Hall served the unpleasant smelling stew known as Boma-mush. Both Anakin and Obi-Wan decided to skip that meal and head to Dex’s Dinner in Coco Town.

[kenobifan]

Chapter Six


“You look like you just saw an angel.” Sabé grinned as Padmé came in.

“I just had a good meal, that’s all.” She replied quickly.

“With Obi-Wan?”

Padme giggled as she played with the small flower in her hand. “Yes, with Obi-Wan. We went for a walk in the T’iil Gardens.”

“Sounds kind of romantic for two friends.”

“Oh please, we’ve taken walks down there, Sabé.”

“I just think he’s getting a little attached to you…” Sabé never got to finish the sentence because the apartment’s comm unit began to beep. Sabé saw the incoming code and rolled her eyes. “It’s for you.”

Padme rolled her eyes in return. “That doesn’t tell me anything.” Her facial expression changed however when she saw who’s code it was. “Kriff, I have to go take a shower. Do you mind taking it for me? Tell him I’ll call him right back, I just have a meeting that I need to get ready for. Please?”

“Fine.”

Padme thanked her and walked into the fresher. Sabé wanted to know why Obi-Wan was calling. Was he interested in Padme or was this just two friends eating together way too much?

“Hello, Obi-Wan.” She smiled politely.

“Hi, Sabé. Is the Senator around?”

“No, Padme had to get ready for a meeting with the Supreme Chancellor but I’m sure she’ll comm you back as soon as she’s done.”

Obi-Wan sighed, “Well, tell her don’t worry about it. Just to meet me at the park tomorrow around the same time.”

“May I ask a question Master Kenobi?”

“Of course.” Although he really didn’t want her to.

“Are you still seeing that other girl?”

“I am seeing someone if that’s what you mean.”

“Then why are you seeing Padme so much? She’s my friend and I’m just looking out for her.” Sabé was not about to see Padme’s heart broken again. Not if she could help it.

“Padme knows about Siri.”

“But does Siri know about Padme?” Sabé said in return.

“I have to get off this line, will you please just tell Padme?”

“I’ll tell her.” Sabé could hear a voice in the background of Obi-Wan’s comm link.

“Thank you.” And Obi-Wan cut the transmission.

Sabe knew that Padme had come to love their visits but she was treading dangerous ground. And Sabé knew that Padme knew it.

***************************************************

“Obi-Wan! Where are you?!?” Siri called out as she reached his quarters at the Temple. And it was safe to say that Siri wasn’t happy.

“Uh-oh.” Anakin mumbled from his spot at their table.

“I’m in the kitchenette.” Obi-Wan called back. Obi-Wan knew she must have had a run in with the Council. They weren’t as close-minded as they had once been, but then again they weren’t quite the most open-minded either.

“Anakin, leave!” Siri looked straight at Obi-Wan.

Anakin had a feeling their discussion from the past few days had done nothing to convince Obi-Wan to tell her. Anakin had seen that look before and it wasn’t a good one. “Uh, yeah, I’ll see you later, Master.” Anakin left quickly.

Siri slammed a holopic on the table as soon as she felt Anakin leave the apartment. “What is this?”

Obi-Wan hadn’t thought about it at the time it happened but lo and behold someone would’ve gotten a picture of it. He had been hugging Padme in the garden. They had just eaten a small meal and taken a walk as always. Padme had been picking the flowers… stop it Kenobi! This isn’t a time for a trip down memory lane! Obi-Wan shook the thoughts from his head.

“Do you have anything to say about it?!?”

“Siri, its Senator Amidala. We ran into each other a few weeks ago and promised to have meal together to catch up. I haven’t seen her in a few years and thought it would be nice. I promise.”

Siri looked at him, “I don’t believe you.” She sniffled.

Siri could put up a front but sometimes she was way too emotional for Obi-Wan. “Siri, we just ate together and took a walk.” But the whole time he was trying to defend his friendship and innocence in his meeting with Padme, something about the whole thing felt wrong. He kept hearing Anakin in the back of his mind saying “She doesn’t trust you.”

“You promise?”

“I promise, Siri.”

Siri took his answer although the look of suspicion was on her face the rest of the night. Obi-Wan had almost expected her to ‘forbid’ him from seeing Padme again, although he knew that would’ve done no good.

***************************************************

Obi-Wan’s comm started chirping as he sat with Anakin and Jason at Hirardell. He worried it was Siri but was pleasantly surprised to see it was Padme. He wondered when he had started looking forward to Padme’s calls so much.

“Kenobi.”

“Obi-Wan, it's Padme.”

“Hi, how are you?”

“I’m good. Sabé said that you wanted me to call you about eating together.”

Anakin’s eyebrow rose as well as Jason’s. Both knew about the arguments that had come about this week between Siri and Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan saw the looks on their faces. “Um, it’s going to be hard to get together this ten.”

“Oh.” She didn’t mean for her disappointment to be so readily heard. Then again, she didn’t know anyone else could hear her either.

“Things are going to be hectic that’s all.” An idea hit him, “But you know, Anakin, Jason and I are down at Hirardell’s if you want to join us.”

“That sounds nice. I might.”

As they ended the conversation and he noticed his friend’s faces, he realized how much he really did want to see Padme. And suddenly, he was tired of lying to Siri and making excuses.

[kenobifan]

Chapter Seven

Obi-Wan was still sitting at their table talking with Anakin and Jason when he saw Siri walk into the club. He was surprised that she would come in here. That was when he saw that she was with someone. And not one of her girlfriends from the Temple.

The man was tall and well built and had dirty blonde hair. Obi-Wan was surprised but he didn’t feel jealous. That confused him a bit, but said nothing. Anakin had noticed that the two had walked in.

“Who’s that?”

“I don’t know.” Obi-Wan said calmly as he took a sip from his drink.

Padme walked in and spotted them instantly. Her eyes instantly met Obi-Wan’s and a smile appeared on both their faces. She had a hoard of beings to wade through, but she mouthed, ‘hi’ to him.

She watched as his smile grew wider. She had almost reached their table when a blonde woman dressed in Jedi robes stepped in front of her.

“Can I help you?” Padme did not recognize the woman.

“Yes, you could stay away from my man.” She said rather defensively.

“Excuse me? I’m just trying to get to a table of my friends.”

Obi-Wan could tell this was not good. Anakin could see it as well. “Hi Padme. I’m glad you got my message.” Anakin said stepping between the two women.

Siri looked at Anakin. “Don’t lie for him!”

Obi-Wan drained his drink and walked over to the three of them. Obi-Wan was trying to let his built-up frustration with Siri out into the Force, but it was like it wouldn’t allow him the release.

“What is she doing here?”

Obi-Wan replied with a question, “What are you doing here?”

“I came out with a friend of mine.”

“So did I.” He responded hotly.

Padme had never seen him lose his temper, not even slightly. It was then that she realized that this must be the woman Obi-Wan was seeing. A bit of guilt swept over her features and could be picked up by those standing with her.

“This isn’t your fault Padme.” Obi-Wan turned to her as he felt her emotion.

“You’re right, it isn’t her fault. It’s yours!” She stabbed his chest with an accusing finger.

“Siri, let me remind you that you came here with another man.”

Her face turned red partially with embarrassment and then with anger. “And…”

Padme decided this was not her place and left. Anakin had tried to stop her, but knew she should. Her presence was just fuel to the fire. Padme had never wanted to affect Obi-Wan’s relationship with Siri. She had specifically tried not to.

She arrived at her apartment and Sabé was sitting in the common room on the sofa. “You’re back early. Everything okay?”

It didn’t take long for Padme to break into tears and tell her everything that had happened at the club. “I knew I should’ve left it alone. But he just kept saying let’s go, and I couldn’t say no.”

Sabe put her arm around Padme. “You liked him a lot, Padme. It’s going to be okay.” She knew that normally it wouldn’t hurt as bad but with the absence of Barraton in her life made it just more painfully obvious.

They both stayed up that night watching holovids and eating Neuvian sundaes.

[kenobifan]

Chapter Eight

Padme was sitting in the common room on the floor. She had canceled her meetings for the day and sat with Sabé. Padme didn’t want to dwell on what happened. Twice she had fallen for a man that didn’t really love her. She pushed it to the back of her mind and got up to get dressed for the day.

Padme heard the door chime and wanted to ignore it. But Sabé got to it before she could tell her otherwise. Padme didn’t want to see anyone and Sabé knew it and would make some kind of excuse.

“I want to see her. Please, just let me talk to her.”

“No, she said she didn’t want to see anyone. And I’m sure you’re low on the list of people she wants to see.”

“I need to talk to her. I have to tell her something.”

Padme could hear Obi-Wan’s voice, a tone almost desperate. She stepped into view. “What is it?” She asked with her hands folded across her chest.

“Padme, I didn’t mean for it to happen…”

“Yeah I know, but she found out anyway. What do you want?” She raised her voice.

“That’s not what I meant.” He responded calmly. She just stared at him. “I don’t love her Padme. I might have at one time, but not anymore.”

She just kept listening. Her face showed how she felt. Her hurt was clearly worn as well as her impatience. “I don’t care to hear about how much you do or don’t love her.” Padme turned to walk back to her bedroom.

“I love you!” He shouted; a little frustrated that she hadn’t seen it.

“What?!?” She and Sabé said in unison. Padme turned back to walk toward him. Sabé smiled knowing that this was good news and walked into the other room.

“Padme, I thought it was going to be just eating and catching up. But the more we spent time together the more, I don’t know. I didn’t want to not see you.”

“What happened to Siri?” Padme tucked a curl behind her head.

“I don’t love her. We grew apart and were just too comfortable to change. We were comfortable, but not happy. She got her things and left.” Obi-Wan reached out and placed his hands on her upper arms. “I love you.”

There was nothing else she knew to say. “I love you too.” She whispered, before she wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her.

THE END