Post by dearben on Feb 13, 2011 9:56:47 GMT -5
It is nearing dawn, and Coruscant’s skyline is a vision. Yet for me, it represents danger, and uncertainty.
I want to be here, so that I can lend my voice to the critical debate of the MCA, the Military Creation Act, but at the same time, is it hard to be here. Especially when threats on my life costs me the life of my friends: Corde` has died protecting me. I will never forget her sacrifice.
As much as I detest using sympathy for getting one’s way in politics, I hope that my speech in the Senate earlier this afternoon will help veer the Senate in a more diplomatic direction when finding a solution to the ever-growing threat of war, and not with a threat of their own.
However, the sadness of Corde’s death and my frustration with the Senate are not the only things haunting me.
Chancellor Palpatine and the Jedi Council feel that I cannot go without protection, so they have assigned a Jedi Knight to protect me.
And not just any Jedi Knight. But in fact, Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.
I am both delighted and devastated. Scared and oh so ready to see him again…after ten years.
Once upon a time, I was in love with him.
During our flights from one end of the galaxy to the other during the Trade Federation Blockade, Obi-Wan had been my friend. He calmed my fears and gave me bravery. And I could feel his genuine kindness for me, his genuine desire to see me happy. That’s when I knew I loved him. And I knew that if I didn’t tell him at one point while he was still in my presence, I might never get another chance, and regret it forever.
Padme walked along one of the palace’s parade walks, enjoying the crisp, late night air, all the while looking for Obi-Wan. The moons were bright, so it was not hard to spot him, leaning against the railing, looking ahead. Though, Padme guessed that he was not taking in Naboo’s beauty, but thinking of Qui-Gon.
Sensing her presence, he turned to look at her as she walked up to him. They smiled at each other as she joined him.
“I hope you enjoyed today,” Padme said.
“I did, truly,” Obi-Wan said. “I’m glad you’re people are happy once again. And also, I would’ve been a hypocrite had I not enjoyed myself.” He smiled.
Padme laughed lightly. He was referring to their talk yesterday, when Padme nearly called off the celebration, not thinking it was appropriate so soon the wake of Qui-Gon’s death. Obi-Wan argued otherwise, telling her to be at the head of the celebration, enjoying the day.
“Thank you, for being there, Obi-Wan.”
“You’re welcome, Padme,” He said warmly. In private, their were no formalities between them.
It was especially easy for Obi-Wan now, to see Padme as a beautiful girl, for see was no longer donning her extravagant cape and fan, only her white sleeveless, form-hugging gown.
“Obi-Wan,” Padme took a deep breath. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I’ve been waiting…”
“Yes?” Obi-Wan asked.
Padme was nervous. She was sure that Obi-Wan could sense how her stomach was doing flips.
But if there was encouragement from one thing, it was that Padme was almost certain Obi-Wan had feelings for her, too.
She wasn’t stupid. And she’d been trained to be observant while being extremely discreet. She’d seen Obi-Wan looking at her when he thought she wasn’t noticing on a handful of occasions. And how he pretended to feign ignorance when bumping into her.
Yes, her womanly instincts told her that her feelings were not one-sided.
“Obi-Wan,” Padme began again. “You’ve become a dear friend to me, and for all you’ve done, I can’t begin to express my gratitude,” She looked up into his eyes. He was looking at her, a patient, expectant expression on his beautiful face. “But I can’t keep inside anymore that I love you,” She said simply. Obi-Wan looked surprised, but calm. “I know that now something would be impossible, but one day-”
“Padme,” Obi-Wan interrupted her, his face now conflicted but firm. “I can’t.”
Padme looked surprised, and confused, but it was silent for a long, painful moment as they stared into each other’s eyes. Obi-Wan finally tore his gaze away, his eyes fixed upon something across the courtyard.
“I’m a Jedi,” And he really was now, officially a Knight. No longer just a Padawan. “It’s my life. And now Anakin is, too. And there are rules.” He sighed, trying not to feel how Padme was trying to repress her heartbreak, but failing. “I just can’t. The Order is my life.” He turned back to her, his expression a little softer, but oddly professional. The sudden detachment made it worse for Padme. “I hope you understand.”
Padme swallowed, recovering from the shock. She knew he spoke sincerely about the Order, and Anakin, but a small part of her wondered if he was just trying to deny his feelings for her. But, if he had feelings for her, he would’ve told her, wouldn’t he? Heartened by her confession?
She nodded. “Yes, of course,” She lied. She couldn’t look into his eyes. “I’ll let you retire. Good night.”
She turned, and walked away. It was difficult not to look back at him, to see the look of regret that was undoubtedly on his face, as clear as the hurt was on hers. But she didn’t. Wouldn’t.
I was fourteen, but with all my political training, and having spent half my life in the government, not having a true childhood, I was an adult in a young girls body. And the love I felt for Obi-Wan had been true. A part of me still wonders to this day if he’d ever felt anything for me.
But there is a time and place to focus on that. And now is not such a time.
I hear Jar-Jar’s voice excitedly announce the Jedi have arrived. He’s here.
Transforming, a talent I’m known for, I become professional, yet friendly. I turn, and walk towards Obi-Wan. He bows deeply.
“It’s a great pleasure to see you again, my lady,” He says smoothly as he takes my hand.
I try to ignore how my heart leaps at his touch.
“It has been far too long, Master Kenobi,” I say sincerely, smiling.
When we sit down, Obi-Wan tells me that he and Anakin are here only to protect me, not to look into the assassination attempts. Anakin does not like this. But we will both have to make the best of Obi-Wan’s decision.
The discussion is soon over, and when I walk toward my room, I don’t look back at Obi-Wan.
I thought it would be easier to do than it was ten years ago.
To say I’m annoyed would be a severe understatement. In the night, I survived another assassination attempt - though, credit for me standing here today goes to Obi-Wan and Anakin - only to receive an executive order from Chancellor Palpatine to return to Naboo. I, of course, would never complain about this out loud, but no one seems to understand the importance of why I’m here. Having been my first trip to Coruscant in ten years, I did not come half way across the galaxy for some social visit. Every vote toward the bill that is the MCA is crucial!
But, nevertheless, I give Jar-Jar final instructions, and pack my bags in a slightly frustrated whirlwind.
It is late morning, and my door chimes. Dorme` goes to answer it, and soon, Obi-Wan is standing in the doorway of my bedroom.
“Senator,” He bows.
“Master Kenobi,” I greet him, nodding.
“I bring you news from the Jedi Council,” Obi-Wan says. I look at him expectantly, not daring to hope they are letting me stay. I’ll leave the camera’s uncovered for Force sake! “I am to escort to Naboo, for your protection.”
My eyebrows go up in slight surprise, but the rest of my face is neutral.
“And who is investigating the plot behind the attacks?” I inquire.
“Master Windu.”
Well, the Jedi are pulling out all the stops, aren’t they? With Master Windu investigating who’s behind the assassination attempts, and Obi-Wan protecting me, on the surface why, it seemed nothing could go wrong.
Though, I know that is far from promised.
Obi-Wan and I travel as refugees, to remain as inconspicuous as possible. The trip to Naboo is long, and however unpleasant it may be, there is a slight awkwardness between us. But we make the best of it, and of course neither us mention, hardly dare to think about that night on Naboo. We’d both rather be slowly eaten by a hungry sarlaac. Well, Obi-Wan would, anyway. But, I’m not going to make it more awkward than it already is.
Obi-Wan watched as Padme quickly walked away, until she turned into the palace, and he could no longer see her. He didn’t even trust his thoughts until he could no longer feel her.
He turned back to the railing, leaning against it. He closed his eyes. Obi-Wan wished Padme knew how hard it was to completely reject and push away her feelings.
Of course he had feelings for her. Maybe not as strong as hers - yet. Given the chance, he knew he’d be enraptured with her, so in love that he’d leave the Jedi Order for her, perhaps training young Anakin independently or leaving when Anakin was a Knight.
But he had to be realistic, for both his and Padme’s sakes. It would only end in heartbreak, a heartbreak which would be much worse than what Padme was feeling now. He couldn’t do that to her, enter a relationship with her, give his heart to her, and then have it be taken away.
No, he was doing the right thing. He was protecting both him and Padme from a life of misery. He was now a Knight, and Force only knew if she was going to continue to be in public service after her reign as queen was over. They would never have time for one another, no matter how bad they would want it.
He was doing the right thing, he was sure.
Obi-Wan frowned in the darkness of night. At least, he thought he was sure.
I almost took the dress off. It was cruel, really. The soft, yellow gown melted into pink and purple as it went down had hardly anything to it. My entire back was so seductively exposed. My shoulders as well. By the looks of it, if I so much as sneezed it would come apart. That would be interesting.
I know the dress will make Obi-Wan…uncomfortable, but I don’t change. If one thing as changed, it’s my perspective of my relationship with Obi-Wan. Well, my almost-relationship. But, that’s why I’m behaving this way, until he can’t stand it anymore.
I don’t want to be this way. I’m not some cold, bitter woman. But, neither is Obi-Wan some detached, emotionless Jedi. He’s a great Jedi - that I do not doubt for a second - the great Jedi I saw that he was ten years ago and more. I don’t know what changed him from the young man that I met and fell in love with - Qui-Gon’s death, and the heartbreak thereof? The sudden responsibility of raising Anakin, the Chosen One? Or me, telling him that I loved him and wanted to be with him, and only him?
Whatever it is, I now realize what I’ve sensed all along: Obi-Wan is lonely. I can make him happy. But can I coax him out of his Jedi-hardened, long-suffering shell?
Obi-Wan coming back into my life has also made me realize something else: I never fell out love with him. I made myself believe that, to ease the hurt of his rejection. But it wasn’t true, not really.
“Senator,” Obi-Wan, after he slips up, showing his shock at seeing me in such a revealing gown, and allowing himself to see for the first time my transformation from fourteen-year-old girl to grown young woman, recovers, and treats me to a warm smile. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you,” I say. Dinner will be ready soon, and I motion for Obi-Wan to sit, for he’d stood when I entered the room. Detached or not, he is always a gentleman.
We start dinner with small talk, but slowly, eventually we are comfortable enough to enter a straight forward discussion of our lives from the past ten years. I ask about Anakin’s training, which Obi-Wan said was going well, except for some occasional frustrations at Anakin’s recklessness. I sensed as much when I was in Anakin’s presence. The common youthful mix of intelligence muddled by immaturity. Anakin had both.
He genuinely wants to hear about my decision to stay in politics and become Senator.
“The Senate is becoming corrupt,” Obi-Wan says in tone that suggests he has stated this a thousand times, which I don’t doubt was to his student. He mentioned earlier Anakin’s fascination of how politics works. He obviously is trying to break him of that curiosity. “All they care about is war now. As much as I don’t doubt and hope you can make a difference, Senator, one voice for a peaceful approach will only fall on deaf ears.”
“Maybe,” I say with a shrug. While I think he tends to exaggerate just a little, he isn’t entirely wrong either. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t stop trying,” I wonder if I’m the only one who knows the double meaning of my words. “That’s why I became Senator, so that I could continue serving the people, of the entire Republic.”
I thought I saw him thinking of a retort, to tell me that my views are foolish and unrealistic, but instead, he surprises me with a charming smile.
“Then I’m confident you will continue to be the one shining light for democracy in the Senate,” He says, his voice ringing with friendship, instead of formality.
“Thank you,” I say, and I can’t help but smile back.
The rest of the meal, to my delight, consisted of friendly conversation, since Obi-Wan and I had seemed to found common ground since meeting for the first time in ten years yesterday.
The next day went well, too. We spent most of the day outside, talking. I can’t tell if he can sense my feelings for him or not. I myself think I’m doing a good job of not being obvious, but then I remember that Obi-Wan is an extremely gifted Jedi. I know that if he really wanted to, he could read my very thoughts. While some might find that disconcerting, I don’t mind.
That night, as the two of us are standing against the railing on the balcony, I can see that Obi-Wan feels somewhat awkward again. Another daring dress, black, leather with bejeweled details this time, might have something to do with it.
This night mirrors that night on Naboo in every way.
“It is a beautiful night,” Obi-Wan comments, looking up at the stars.
“Yes,” It is warm, too.
We turn to each other, and say each other’s names simultaneously, and then laugh awkwardly.
“Senator.”
“No, what were you going to say?”
“Just that it’s good to be on Naboo again,” Obi-Wan says. He looks back at me. “I think fondly of it often.”
“Well, if the Separatist movement turns into an full-scale war, I may relocate to Coruscant. So, I have to enjoy my home while I can,” I say simply.
“That makes you sad,” Obi-Wan said, sensing it and hearing it in my words.
“Of course,” I turn, and place my hand on his arm. “But, you’ll be there, at least some of the time…” I look up at him in earnest, and he meets my eyes, and I’m surprised to find that they’re tender. “Obi-Wan, I-”
“I know, Padme. You don’t have to say it,” My heart starts pounding when he removes my hand and hold it in his. Is he going to reject me again? Or will he finally say the words I’ve been longing to hear? “That night, ten years ago, when I wouldn’t let you in…I realize now that that was only my fear talking. I’d already had so much fear in me, and all you wanted was to save me, and I was too afraid to take that chance,” He takes both of my hands in his, and looks into my eyes once again. I’m speechless. “I’m finally ready to take that chance, Padme. I love you, and if you still-”
He’s silenced by my lips. He’s surprised at first, but then wraps his arms around me, kissing me back.
“I love you, too,” I say, breathless.
He sighs in relief, and holds me tighter as I raise my hands to his face, our lips melting against each other again. Our lips convey our urgency, and I fumble with his belt, wanting it off. We part, and his takes it off, now allowing me to take of his tunic and undershirt.
He then lifts me off the ground, carrying me into my bedroom, but tonight it will ours. The doors to my balcony are open, the breeze blowing against the white curtains, the moonlight making everything ethereal. But we leave the doors open. Let the summer night hear our throws of passion.
Afterwards, we simply hold each other. My eyes are closed, and I’m so happy. Obi-Wan and I are finally going to be together.
“So, are you finally going to stop being cruel to me now?” Obi-Wan asks comically.
I laugh. “Me?” I prop myself up, pressing myself against him. “All this time I thought I was doing you a favor.” I place a kiss on his neck.
He wraps an arm around me. I can hear his smile.
“I guess that’s why we’re meant to be.”
~~~~~~
ha ha, leave me some reviews if you do so desire!
I want to be here, so that I can lend my voice to the critical debate of the MCA, the Military Creation Act, but at the same time, is it hard to be here. Especially when threats on my life costs me the life of my friends: Corde` has died protecting me. I will never forget her sacrifice.
As much as I detest using sympathy for getting one’s way in politics, I hope that my speech in the Senate earlier this afternoon will help veer the Senate in a more diplomatic direction when finding a solution to the ever-growing threat of war, and not with a threat of their own.
However, the sadness of Corde’s death and my frustration with the Senate are not the only things haunting me.
Chancellor Palpatine and the Jedi Council feel that I cannot go without protection, so they have assigned a Jedi Knight to protect me.
And not just any Jedi Knight. But in fact, Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.
I am both delighted and devastated. Scared and oh so ready to see him again…after ten years.
Once upon a time, I was in love with him.
During our flights from one end of the galaxy to the other during the Trade Federation Blockade, Obi-Wan had been my friend. He calmed my fears and gave me bravery. And I could feel his genuine kindness for me, his genuine desire to see me happy. That’s when I knew I loved him. And I knew that if I didn’t tell him at one point while he was still in my presence, I might never get another chance, and regret it forever.
Padme walked along one of the palace’s parade walks, enjoying the crisp, late night air, all the while looking for Obi-Wan. The moons were bright, so it was not hard to spot him, leaning against the railing, looking ahead. Though, Padme guessed that he was not taking in Naboo’s beauty, but thinking of Qui-Gon.
Sensing her presence, he turned to look at her as she walked up to him. They smiled at each other as she joined him.
“I hope you enjoyed today,” Padme said.
“I did, truly,” Obi-Wan said. “I’m glad you’re people are happy once again. And also, I would’ve been a hypocrite had I not enjoyed myself.” He smiled.
Padme laughed lightly. He was referring to their talk yesterday, when Padme nearly called off the celebration, not thinking it was appropriate so soon the wake of Qui-Gon’s death. Obi-Wan argued otherwise, telling her to be at the head of the celebration, enjoying the day.
“Thank you, for being there, Obi-Wan.”
“You’re welcome, Padme,” He said warmly. In private, their were no formalities between them.
It was especially easy for Obi-Wan now, to see Padme as a beautiful girl, for see was no longer donning her extravagant cape and fan, only her white sleeveless, form-hugging gown.
“Obi-Wan,” Padme took a deep breath. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I’ve been waiting…”
“Yes?” Obi-Wan asked.
Padme was nervous. She was sure that Obi-Wan could sense how her stomach was doing flips.
But if there was encouragement from one thing, it was that Padme was almost certain Obi-Wan had feelings for her, too.
She wasn’t stupid. And she’d been trained to be observant while being extremely discreet. She’d seen Obi-Wan looking at her when he thought she wasn’t noticing on a handful of occasions. And how he pretended to feign ignorance when bumping into her.
Yes, her womanly instincts told her that her feelings were not one-sided.
“Obi-Wan,” Padme began again. “You’ve become a dear friend to me, and for all you’ve done, I can’t begin to express my gratitude,” She looked up into his eyes. He was looking at her, a patient, expectant expression on his beautiful face. “But I can’t keep inside anymore that I love you,” She said simply. Obi-Wan looked surprised, but calm. “I know that now something would be impossible, but one day-”
“Padme,” Obi-Wan interrupted her, his face now conflicted but firm. “I can’t.”
Padme looked surprised, and confused, but it was silent for a long, painful moment as they stared into each other’s eyes. Obi-Wan finally tore his gaze away, his eyes fixed upon something across the courtyard.
“I’m a Jedi,” And he really was now, officially a Knight. No longer just a Padawan. “It’s my life. And now Anakin is, too. And there are rules.” He sighed, trying not to feel how Padme was trying to repress her heartbreak, but failing. “I just can’t. The Order is my life.” He turned back to her, his expression a little softer, but oddly professional. The sudden detachment made it worse for Padme. “I hope you understand.”
Padme swallowed, recovering from the shock. She knew he spoke sincerely about the Order, and Anakin, but a small part of her wondered if he was just trying to deny his feelings for her. But, if he had feelings for her, he would’ve told her, wouldn’t he? Heartened by her confession?
She nodded. “Yes, of course,” She lied. She couldn’t look into his eyes. “I’ll let you retire. Good night.”
She turned, and walked away. It was difficult not to look back at him, to see the look of regret that was undoubtedly on his face, as clear as the hurt was on hers. But she didn’t. Wouldn’t.
I was fourteen, but with all my political training, and having spent half my life in the government, not having a true childhood, I was an adult in a young girls body. And the love I felt for Obi-Wan had been true. A part of me still wonders to this day if he’d ever felt anything for me.
But there is a time and place to focus on that. And now is not such a time.
I hear Jar-Jar’s voice excitedly announce the Jedi have arrived. He’s here.
Transforming, a talent I’m known for, I become professional, yet friendly. I turn, and walk towards Obi-Wan. He bows deeply.
“It’s a great pleasure to see you again, my lady,” He says smoothly as he takes my hand.
I try to ignore how my heart leaps at his touch.
“It has been far too long, Master Kenobi,” I say sincerely, smiling.
When we sit down, Obi-Wan tells me that he and Anakin are here only to protect me, not to look into the assassination attempts. Anakin does not like this. But we will both have to make the best of Obi-Wan’s decision.
The discussion is soon over, and when I walk toward my room, I don’t look back at Obi-Wan.
I thought it would be easier to do than it was ten years ago.
To say I’m annoyed would be a severe understatement. In the night, I survived another assassination attempt - though, credit for me standing here today goes to Obi-Wan and Anakin - only to receive an executive order from Chancellor Palpatine to return to Naboo. I, of course, would never complain about this out loud, but no one seems to understand the importance of why I’m here. Having been my first trip to Coruscant in ten years, I did not come half way across the galaxy for some social visit. Every vote toward the bill that is the MCA is crucial!
But, nevertheless, I give Jar-Jar final instructions, and pack my bags in a slightly frustrated whirlwind.
It is late morning, and my door chimes. Dorme` goes to answer it, and soon, Obi-Wan is standing in the doorway of my bedroom.
“Senator,” He bows.
“Master Kenobi,” I greet him, nodding.
“I bring you news from the Jedi Council,” Obi-Wan says. I look at him expectantly, not daring to hope they are letting me stay. I’ll leave the camera’s uncovered for Force sake! “I am to escort to Naboo, for your protection.”
My eyebrows go up in slight surprise, but the rest of my face is neutral.
“And who is investigating the plot behind the attacks?” I inquire.
“Master Windu.”
Well, the Jedi are pulling out all the stops, aren’t they? With Master Windu investigating who’s behind the assassination attempts, and Obi-Wan protecting me, on the surface why, it seemed nothing could go wrong.
Though, I know that is far from promised.
Obi-Wan and I travel as refugees, to remain as inconspicuous as possible. The trip to Naboo is long, and however unpleasant it may be, there is a slight awkwardness between us. But we make the best of it, and of course neither us mention, hardly dare to think about that night on Naboo. We’d both rather be slowly eaten by a hungry sarlaac. Well, Obi-Wan would, anyway. But, I’m not going to make it more awkward than it already is.
Obi-Wan watched as Padme quickly walked away, until she turned into the palace, and he could no longer see her. He didn’t even trust his thoughts until he could no longer feel her.
He turned back to the railing, leaning against it. He closed his eyes. Obi-Wan wished Padme knew how hard it was to completely reject and push away her feelings.
Of course he had feelings for her. Maybe not as strong as hers - yet. Given the chance, he knew he’d be enraptured with her, so in love that he’d leave the Jedi Order for her, perhaps training young Anakin independently or leaving when Anakin was a Knight.
But he had to be realistic, for both his and Padme’s sakes. It would only end in heartbreak, a heartbreak which would be much worse than what Padme was feeling now. He couldn’t do that to her, enter a relationship with her, give his heart to her, and then have it be taken away.
No, he was doing the right thing. He was protecting both him and Padme from a life of misery. He was now a Knight, and Force only knew if she was going to continue to be in public service after her reign as queen was over. They would never have time for one another, no matter how bad they would want it.
He was doing the right thing, he was sure.
Obi-Wan frowned in the darkness of night. At least, he thought he was sure.
I almost took the dress off. It was cruel, really. The soft, yellow gown melted into pink and purple as it went down had hardly anything to it. My entire back was so seductively exposed. My shoulders as well. By the looks of it, if I so much as sneezed it would come apart. That would be interesting.
I know the dress will make Obi-Wan…uncomfortable, but I don’t change. If one thing as changed, it’s my perspective of my relationship with Obi-Wan. Well, my almost-relationship. But, that’s why I’m behaving this way, until he can’t stand it anymore.
I don’t want to be this way. I’m not some cold, bitter woman. But, neither is Obi-Wan some detached, emotionless Jedi. He’s a great Jedi - that I do not doubt for a second - the great Jedi I saw that he was ten years ago and more. I don’t know what changed him from the young man that I met and fell in love with - Qui-Gon’s death, and the heartbreak thereof? The sudden responsibility of raising Anakin, the Chosen One? Or me, telling him that I loved him and wanted to be with him, and only him?
Whatever it is, I now realize what I’ve sensed all along: Obi-Wan is lonely. I can make him happy. But can I coax him out of his Jedi-hardened, long-suffering shell?
Obi-Wan coming back into my life has also made me realize something else: I never fell out love with him. I made myself believe that, to ease the hurt of his rejection. But it wasn’t true, not really.
“Senator,” Obi-Wan, after he slips up, showing his shock at seeing me in such a revealing gown, and allowing himself to see for the first time my transformation from fourteen-year-old girl to grown young woman, recovers, and treats me to a warm smile. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you,” I say. Dinner will be ready soon, and I motion for Obi-Wan to sit, for he’d stood when I entered the room. Detached or not, he is always a gentleman.
We start dinner with small talk, but slowly, eventually we are comfortable enough to enter a straight forward discussion of our lives from the past ten years. I ask about Anakin’s training, which Obi-Wan said was going well, except for some occasional frustrations at Anakin’s recklessness. I sensed as much when I was in Anakin’s presence. The common youthful mix of intelligence muddled by immaturity. Anakin had both.
He genuinely wants to hear about my decision to stay in politics and become Senator.
“The Senate is becoming corrupt,” Obi-Wan says in tone that suggests he has stated this a thousand times, which I don’t doubt was to his student. He mentioned earlier Anakin’s fascination of how politics works. He obviously is trying to break him of that curiosity. “All they care about is war now. As much as I don’t doubt and hope you can make a difference, Senator, one voice for a peaceful approach will only fall on deaf ears.”
“Maybe,” I say with a shrug. While I think he tends to exaggerate just a little, he isn’t entirely wrong either. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t stop trying,” I wonder if I’m the only one who knows the double meaning of my words. “That’s why I became Senator, so that I could continue serving the people, of the entire Republic.”
I thought I saw him thinking of a retort, to tell me that my views are foolish and unrealistic, but instead, he surprises me with a charming smile.
“Then I’m confident you will continue to be the one shining light for democracy in the Senate,” He says, his voice ringing with friendship, instead of formality.
“Thank you,” I say, and I can’t help but smile back.
The rest of the meal, to my delight, consisted of friendly conversation, since Obi-Wan and I had seemed to found common ground since meeting for the first time in ten years yesterday.
The next day went well, too. We spent most of the day outside, talking. I can’t tell if he can sense my feelings for him or not. I myself think I’m doing a good job of not being obvious, but then I remember that Obi-Wan is an extremely gifted Jedi. I know that if he really wanted to, he could read my very thoughts. While some might find that disconcerting, I don’t mind.
That night, as the two of us are standing against the railing on the balcony, I can see that Obi-Wan feels somewhat awkward again. Another daring dress, black, leather with bejeweled details this time, might have something to do with it.
This night mirrors that night on Naboo in every way.
“It is a beautiful night,” Obi-Wan comments, looking up at the stars.
“Yes,” It is warm, too.
We turn to each other, and say each other’s names simultaneously, and then laugh awkwardly.
“Senator.”
“No, what were you going to say?”
“Just that it’s good to be on Naboo again,” Obi-Wan says. He looks back at me. “I think fondly of it often.”
“Well, if the Separatist movement turns into an full-scale war, I may relocate to Coruscant. So, I have to enjoy my home while I can,” I say simply.
“That makes you sad,” Obi-Wan said, sensing it and hearing it in my words.
“Of course,” I turn, and place my hand on his arm. “But, you’ll be there, at least some of the time…” I look up at him in earnest, and he meets my eyes, and I’m surprised to find that they’re tender. “Obi-Wan, I-”
“I know, Padme. You don’t have to say it,” My heart starts pounding when he removes my hand and hold it in his. Is he going to reject me again? Or will he finally say the words I’ve been longing to hear? “That night, ten years ago, when I wouldn’t let you in…I realize now that that was only my fear talking. I’d already had so much fear in me, and all you wanted was to save me, and I was too afraid to take that chance,” He takes both of my hands in his, and looks into my eyes once again. I’m speechless. “I’m finally ready to take that chance, Padme. I love you, and if you still-”
He’s silenced by my lips. He’s surprised at first, but then wraps his arms around me, kissing me back.
“I love you, too,” I say, breathless.
He sighs in relief, and holds me tighter as I raise my hands to his face, our lips melting against each other again. Our lips convey our urgency, and I fumble with his belt, wanting it off. We part, and his takes it off, now allowing me to take of his tunic and undershirt.
He then lifts me off the ground, carrying me into my bedroom, but tonight it will ours. The doors to my balcony are open, the breeze blowing against the white curtains, the moonlight making everything ethereal. But we leave the doors open. Let the summer night hear our throws of passion.
Afterwards, we simply hold each other. My eyes are closed, and I’m so happy. Obi-Wan and I are finally going to be together.
“So, are you finally going to stop being cruel to me now?” Obi-Wan asks comically.
I laugh. “Me?” I prop myself up, pressing myself against him. “All this time I thought I was doing you a favor.” I place a kiss on his neck.
He wraps an arm around me. I can hear his smile.
“I guess that’s why we’re meant to be.”
~~~~~~
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