Post by dearben on Feb 13, 2011 15:27:07 GMT -5
checked on 26 Oct 2011
Author's Note: What was meant to be a three part story turned into a fairly short first part and then a really long second part. So I apologize up front if this rambles on a bit. I didn't get a chance to clean it up before sending it to Courtney.
This chapter is supposed to serve as a clearer picture of just how alternate this universe is, more insight into Obi-Wan's past, and further cementing of the bond between Obi-Wan and Padme. It takes place fairly late at night, the same day as the first chapter. The Trade Federation has been defeated, as has Darth Maul. And Obi-Wan is struggling with the events of the day.
-----------------Beginnings: Chapter 2
As she made her way through the streets of Theed, Padme reflected that she had never seen them so active. Not even at her coronation. All around her, people were talking, laughing, even dancing to the music that the various street musicians were playing. She allowed herself a small smile, happy that her people were finally safe.
The activity proved to be perfect for her mission. Make it to the hospital without drawing any attention. Dressed in a simple pale green dress, her hair in a single braid down her back, she easily blended in with everyone else. Although a few of the young men cast a glance her way, Padme paid no attention to them. She sailed through the crowds, not stopping for anything.
The hospital did not have many people around it. The celebrating crowds had enough sense to keep their noisy festival away from there. Padme paused at the top of the steps and looked over her shoulder, her dark eyes scanning for any sign of Captain Panaka. If he should discover her deception, she knew he would be angry. Relieved to see no hint of his presence, she hurried inside.
She knew exactly where to go and as she neared the room, a wave of warmth swept through her. The door opened soon after that and the reason she had come stepped out into the hall. He closed the door quietly behind him and turned to her, bowing slightly in greeting.
“How is he?” she asked, her eagerness to hear the news outweighing the need for formal greetings.
Obi-Wan grimaced a little, but he nodded slowly.
“He is unconscious still. Which is for the best. They said that he will be in quite a lot of pain when he wakes up. How is Anakin?”
She smiled as she remembered how she had last seen Anakin.
“Anakin is very happily asleep in guest quarters after eating more food than I ever thought possible. And he has taken to one of the palace cats, who is sharing his bed.”
He laughed at that and shook his head. The sound had a queer effect on Padme. She felt that same warmth she had felt earlier surround her. Stepping closer to Obi-Wan, she put a friendly hand on his arm and squeezed it slightly.
“How are you?” she asked in a small voice.
Obi-Wan stared at her for a moment and Padme could tell he was trying to decide how much to tell her. He was trying to protect her, although she had no idea from what.
“I am....very tired,” he finally said. They began to walk down the hall as they talked. “I've been meditating, attempting to center myself in the Force. It hasn't been easy.”
“Well, of course not. You're worried about Qui-Gon and-”
“No. No, that's not the only reason, Padme,” he surprised her with the interruption. “It's not even the biggest reason. Qui-Gon, for all intents and purposes, should be dead. That saber should've stabbed him all the way through. I saw the move the Sith was about to make, recognized it immediately. My master shouldn't be alive right now.”
Padme frowned as Obi-Wan led her outside and the two of them sat down on a nearby bench. She took in a few of the sights and sounds around her, letting them sink in a bit before speaking. They were around the side of the hospital, away from the festivities. A nearby fountain lent a pleasant sound to the location, complimented every so often by a soft breeze that blew through the trees. Just as she started to say something, Obi-Wan spoke up.
“It's very peaceful out here. I think I might envy you your home world, Queen Amidala. Neither of mine are what you would call peaceful.”
“I thought we agreed I was Padme,” she reminded him. “And no, Coruscant is not peaceful at all. But where is your family from? You mentioned earlier that you had a sister.”
“I was born on Talus. Second child, actually, by only four minutes. My twin brother's name is Owen. He still lives there in Dearic.”
The queen reflected that Obi-Wan's demeanor didn't indicate that he was very close to his brother. But, then again, he had been taken away to Coruscant...
“How old were you when you were taken to the Jedi Temple?” she inquired. He raised an eyebrow and she quickly backpedaled. “I don't mean to pry, of course. You don't have to tell me.”
“No, it's fine. I'm just not used to people asking me about my past. All my friends already know everything about it. I came to the Temple when I was three. My sister had just been born. And she came there just two years later.”
“Did your family visit often?” Padme asked, not entirely sure why she was prying into his life. He smiled, although it seemed to be tinged slightly with bitterness.
“My mother came to visit us quite a bit. She brought Owen a few times. Father was...Father was very busy. And, eventually, Owen stayed with him. He runs the family business now. Father died when I was fifteen, just a few years into my training with Qui-Gon. Mother has returned to her own home world. She missed it desperately. I still see her often, sometimes alone and sometimes with Lea. It depends on where our missions are taking us.”
Padme hesitated before speaking, not wanting to sound judgmental. Being a Jedi sounded so very lonely. If she had children, she was certain she couldn't give them up for training. Even if she could still visit them.
“It's not as bad as it sounds,” he reassured her. “I know it sounds horrible and lonely. But I love my family very much. I miss them sometimes, but I also have Qui-Gon. And I have my friends. It's a different type of family, but it's family nevertheless.”
She nodded slowly, understanding his words and meaning. After all, weren't she and her handmaidens a type of family. They were just as close as she and Sola were. In some ways, even closer.
“Do you want your own family?” she suddenly asked. He stared at her, clearly surprised by the question. Padme thought he wasn't going to answer until he reached into a hidden pocket of his tunic and pulled out a round pendant. After looking at it for a moment, he handed it to her. She turned it over in her hand, examining the intricate carvings on the piece.
It was not a fancy material, but it was heavy. Padme came to the conclusion that it was possibly a type of stone, polished to a gleaming ivory. The Jedi symbol was the most prominent carving on the front, surrounded by several other patterns that Padme did not recognize. On the back, she saw what appeared to be a text of some sort.
“It's an ancient text, dating back to the foundation of the Jedi Order.”
“What does it say?” she asked, her fingers tracing over the carving.
“It says 'Forever Yours',” he replied softly. His voice suddenly sounded odd and when she glanced back up at him, she quickly saw that he was somewhere very far away.
Padme examined it a while longer, feeling the weight of it in her hand. She had a room in the palace filled with nothing but jewels for her use. Most of the pieces ceremonial jewelry, things that were available to be worn for formal occasions. Jewelry that had taken her breath away when she first saw it. Somehow, she felt that this simple white pendant on the thin leather strap would make them pale in comparison. And she instinctively knew why.
“She must love you very much,” she finally said. When he didn't respond, she continued. “What's her name?”
He smiled, his eyes still a bit unfocused as though he had only partially returned to his present situation. Padme returned the pendant to him, not missing the light caress his thumb gave it as he put it safely back in the pocket.
“Her name is Siri Tachi. We promised each other that we would marry two years ago, although the Jedi Council will not formally recognize the promise until we have both been Knighted. And then there will be another year to wait for the actual marriage ceremony. Or joining ceremony, as some call it. I'm not sure what it's called here on Naboo.”
“Marriage,” she informed him. “For what it's worth, Obi-Wan, I think she's a very lucky girl to have someone like you.”
She didn't miss the slight flinch that he made. Even if she had, there was no missing the sudden tension that filled the air. More than a little concerned, she put her hand over his own and was surprised when he suddenly let out a choked sob.
“Obi-Wan,” she breathed. “Oh, Obi-Wan. What's happened? This is more than worry over Qui-Gon.”
Obi-Wan shook his head, struggling to control his tears. Padme grew bold and, taking his chin in her other hand, turned his face to hers.
“I am your friend, Obi-Wan. Nothing you tell me will make me think less of you. And I would never betray your secrets.”
The intense sorrow in his eyes made her positively ache inside. No one should have that amount of sadness in them, especially not Obi-Wan. He continued to fight his sobs and, although she wanted to tell him to just let it go, a voice inside told her that she needed to let him do this on his terms. When he had regained some control, Obi-Wan took a shaky breath and Padme heard her proclamation from earlier that day tossed back at her.
“I've failed, Padme. I failed the Jedi Order, I failed Siri, I failed Qui-Gon...what's worse, I failed the Force itself.”
Padme forced herself to remain silent, letting Obi-Wan tell his story without prying him with questions.
“By now you've seen the security tapes, I suppose. You've seen Qui-Gon battling the Sith and how it ended. But did anyone question how I managed to do what I did?”
She shook her head in response. The speed of Obi-Wan's intervention was something she had merely attributed to the use of the Force. What a Jedi could or couldn't do was a mystery to her.
“I told you that saber should have stabbed Qui-Gon completely through. That he should be dead. But when I saw the blow coming, I was still trapped behind the last shield. When I realized what would happen, I felt a wave of...” Obi-Wan's voice broke off as he swallowed a small sob and Padme waited patiently for him to regain control. After a deep breath, he continued. “I felt rage. I felt it in a way I never have before. It was a devastating crush of rage and loss. I couldn't let that demon kill my master. Qui-Gon is the only father I have left. And I wasn't going to lose another father if I could prevent it from happening.”
His eyes were practically burning into hers and Padme thought she could almost feel the anger he was describing. Obi-Wan's hand gripped hers tightly, almost painfully. But she held on to it tightly, afraid that it might be the only anchor he had at the moment.
“I have no idea how I got through that shield, Padme. But I know it should not have been possible. I used my anger and my fear to manipulate the Force instead of letting the Force use me. Somehow, I passed through that shield and deflected the blow, turning it from fatal to severe. And I continued to let my emotions guide me when I fought him. It all might have ended in disaster, simply because I did not have the strength to let go of someone I loved.”
“But it didn't end in disaster, Obi-Wan. You defeated the Sith and Naboo is safe. So is Qui-Gon,” Padme tried to reassure him. He shook his head, though, turning away from her. She frowned a little, trying to see the main issue at hand. After reflecting on what he had said, she risked speaking again. “It's not really the outcome that matters. It's the means by which the outcome is achieved.”
Something inside him seemed to light up and Padme almost smiled when she realized that he was happy she understood.
“Exactly. Padme, what I did...I touched the Dark Side. I did what I have been taught to believe is the worst thing a Jedi can do. To allow one's emotions to rule one's actions is a very dangerous path for a Jedi to even start down. I have basically betrayed every Jedi Master who has ever had a hand in teaching me. My actions could cost me the woman I love. Siri is such a bright star in the Force. Her presence is...I can't describe it. Why would she want to spend the rest of her life with a Jedi who has allowed himself to touch the Dark Side? No matter how briefly I might have done it.”
“Because she loves you, Obi-Wan.”
He gave her a dubious look and she sighed.
“I don't pretend to know much about the Force, Obi-Wan. But I happen to be of the opinion that love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Love for one's home, love for one's family...love for someone you plan to spend the rest of your life with. I don't know Siri. But I have the feeling that she is not a woman who would suddenly be repulsed by the man she wants to marry simply because he made a mistake.”
“That's a very simplistic outlook,” he countered, his tone implying that he disagreed.
“Love shouldn't be overly complicated,” she immediately responded. He sighed, unable to argue with that statement.
“I think the worst part is that some part of me enjoyed what I was doing,” he said, his voice nearly a whisper. “To know that a part of me would enjoy the Dark Side of the Force...I just always thought it would be something that would repel me. All of me.”
“There's a phrase I heard a Jedi use once. He was ancient, a guest in our classroom. I suppose he had become a sort of teaching ambassador for the Order. He said that Jedi were taught not to surrender to the temptations of the Dark Side.”
Obi-Wan smiled bitterly. Padme shivered a bit at the sight. It was terribly out of place.
“'To the temptations of the Dark Side, do not ever surrender',” he said in a slightly gruff voice. At the odd syntax, Padme raised a questioning eyebrow. “Master Yoda doesn't speak in the way most people do.”
Padme took a deep breath, not sure if she would be stepping over a line or offending him in some way by saying what she was about to say.
“I know I'm very young by...well, by most people's standards. But it's been my experience that people don't surrender to temptations because they feel bad. Isn't that the core of why the Dark Side is so dangerous? Because someone will lose themselves in it?”
He stared at her unblinkingly and she watched him almost nervously. His face was a perfect mask and she couldn't tell what he was thinking at all. Had she hurt him somehow? Was he angry? Would he be dismissive of what she had just said?
“Padme Amidala, you are a singularly impressive young woman,” he finally stated. She let out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding and he smiled. Padme noted gratefully that it was one without a hint of his earlier bitterness. “I don't know if you plan to continue in politics, but I'm extremely thankful that I will not have to go up against you in the Senate.”
She shook her head dismissively and plunged ahead, voicing the thoughts that were suddenly racing through her mind.
“Obi-Wan, I understand that you are shaken, that you are on unfamiliar ground right now. But I believe with all that is in me that you will find your center once more. And in the meantime, if you ever find that you need to talk with someone who is not part of the Jedi Order, please remember that I am your friend. Never hesitate to contact me. To tell you the truth, I'm almost a little desperate for friends outside the palace myself.”
He laughed a little at that and Padme rejoiced at the sound. She knew that his inner battle was far from over, but she firmly believed every word of what she had just told him. And she felt a sadness welling up within her that she wouldn't be able to see much more of him in the future. Of course, there were always holo-transmissions. But that was a poor substitute, really.
“I believe I will take you up on your offer. I have to admit that there are times when I wish I could confide in someone outside the Order.”
“You'll always have me, Obi-Wan,” Padme declared, then blushed at the way her statement sounded. Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows in amusement, but didn't comment, much to her relief. They sat there on the bench for a moment in friendly silence, their hands entwined as the peaceful stillness of the night washed over them. A few notes of music drifted towards them on the evening air and they were both reluctant to break the spell. But Obi-Wan finally stood up and Padme followed quickly, her hand never leaving his. Without saying a word, he began walking slowly back towards the entrance of the hospital. At the door, he turned to face her.
“I'll be with Qui-Gon all night if anyone needs to speak with me,” he informed her. She nodded in understanding, giving his hand a final squeeze before finally releasing it. As he started to inside, Padme called out his name and he turned back to her.
“I've heard that there is a room with a thousand fountains in the Jedi Temple,” she said, feeling slightly foolish. “The rumor is that a great many Jedi go there to meditate sometimes. I'm afraid...I'm afraid we don't have anything quite so calming here. But there are a few fountains in my private gardens and if you think the atmosphere might help you with your meditation, it would be an honor for me if you would use it.”
In response, he walked back over to her and placed a friendly kiss on her forehead. As he did so, he found himself marveling at how quickly and easily this bond had formed between them. It was something he felt was surely the will of the Force. Smiling down at her, he reflected that he was very lucky to have gained a friend like Padme through this mission. A mission which he hadn't been very eager to embark upon in the first place. Mentally, he thanked Master Windu for ordering that the blockade mission be assigned to Qui-Gon and himself.
“Please believe me when I say, Padme, that the honor would be all mine.”
She smiled then and they parted once more, each of them feeling that, somehow, their friendship would be a comfort to both of them in the years to come. Neither could see the storm clouds on the horizon that would test them both as individuals and strain their friendship to the breaking point.
~~~~~~
Sorry for not getting this up this morning - I didn't check my e-mail until like noon, and I was at work.
But, here is the second part to Mel's awesome story! Great work hun! 
Be sure to leave her some great reviews! ;D
Author's Note: What was meant to be a three part story turned into a fairly short first part and then a really long second part. So I apologize up front if this rambles on a bit. I didn't get a chance to clean it up before sending it to Courtney.
This chapter is supposed to serve as a clearer picture of just how alternate this universe is, more insight into Obi-Wan's past, and further cementing of the bond between Obi-Wan and Padme. It takes place fairly late at night, the same day as the first chapter. The Trade Federation has been defeated, as has Darth Maul. And Obi-Wan is struggling with the events of the day.
-----------------Beginnings: Chapter 2
As she made her way through the streets of Theed, Padme reflected that she had never seen them so active. Not even at her coronation. All around her, people were talking, laughing, even dancing to the music that the various street musicians were playing. She allowed herself a small smile, happy that her people were finally safe.
The activity proved to be perfect for her mission. Make it to the hospital without drawing any attention. Dressed in a simple pale green dress, her hair in a single braid down her back, she easily blended in with everyone else. Although a few of the young men cast a glance her way, Padme paid no attention to them. She sailed through the crowds, not stopping for anything.
The hospital did not have many people around it. The celebrating crowds had enough sense to keep their noisy festival away from there. Padme paused at the top of the steps and looked over her shoulder, her dark eyes scanning for any sign of Captain Panaka. If he should discover her deception, she knew he would be angry. Relieved to see no hint of his presence, she hurried inside.
She knew exactly where to go and as she neared the room, a wave of warmth swept through her. The door opened soon after that and the reason she had come stepped out into the hall. He closed the door quietly behind him and turned to her, bowing slightly in greeting.
“How is he?” she asked, her eagerness to hear the news outweighing the need for formal greetings.
Obi-Wan grimaced a little, but he nodded slowly.
“He is unconscious still. Which is for the best. They said that he will be in quite a lot of pain when he wakes up. How is Anakin?”
She smiled as she remembered how she had last seen Anakin.
“Anakin is very happily asleep in guest quarters after eating more food than I ever thought possible. And he has taken to one of the palace cats, who is sharing his bed.”
He laughed at that and shook his head. The sound had a queer effect on Padme. She felt that same warmth she had felt earlier surround her. Stepping closer to Obi-Wan, she put a friendly hand on his arm and squeezed it slightly.
“How are you?” she asked in a small voice.
Obi-Wan stared at her for a moment and Padme could tell he was trying to decide how much to tell her. He was trying to protect her, although she had no idea from what.
“I am....very tired,” he finally said. They began to walk down the hall as they talked. “I've been meditating, attempting to center myself in the Force. It hasn't been easy.”
“Well, of course not. You're worried about Qui-Gon and-”
“No. No, that's not the only reason, Padme,” he surprised her with the interruption. “It's not even the biggest reason. Qui-Gon, for all intents and purposes, should be dead. That saber should've stabbed him all the way through. I saw the move the Sith was about to make, recognized it immediately. My master shouldn't be alive right now.”
Padme frowned as Obi-Wan led her outside and the two of them sat down on a nearby bench. She took in a few of the sights and sounds around her, letting them sink in a bit before speaking. They were around the side of the hospital, away from the festivities. A nearby fountain lent a pleasant sound to the location, complimented every so often by a soft breeze that blew through the trees. Just as she started to say something, Obi-Wan spoke up.
“It's very peaceful out here. I think I might envy you your home world, Queen Amidala. Neither of mine are what you would call peaceful.”
“I thought we agreed I was Padme,” she reminded him. “And no, Coruscant is not peaceful at all. But where is your family from? You mentioned earlier that you had a sister.”
“I was born on Talus. Second child, actually, by only four minutes. My twin brother's name is Owen. He still lives there in Dearic.”
The queen reflected that Obi-Wan's demeanor didn't indicate that he was very close to his brother. But, then again, he had been taken away to Coruscant...
“How old were you when you were taken to the Jedi Temple?” she inquired. He raised an eyebrow and she quickly backpedaled. “I don't mean to pry, of course. You don't have to tell me.”
“No, it's fine. I'm just not used to people asking me about my past. All my friends already know everything about it. I came to the Temple when I was three. My sister had just been born. And she came there just two years later.”
“Did your family visit often?” Padme asked, not entirely sure why she was prying into his life. He smiled, although it seemed to be tinged slightly with bitterness.
“My mother came to visit us quite a bit. She brought Owen a few times. Father was...Father was very busy. And, eventually, Owen stayed with him. He runs the family business now. Father died when I was fifteen, just a few years into my training with Qui-Gon. Mother has returned to her own home world. She missed it desperately. I still see her often, sometimes alone and sometimes with Lea. It depends on where our missions are taking us.”
Padme hesitated before speaking, not wanting to sound judgmental. Being a Jedi sounded so very lonely. If she had children, she was certain she couldn't give them up for training. Even if she could still visit them.
“It's not as bad as it sounds,” he reassured her. “I know it sounds horrible and lonely. But I love my family very much. I miss them sometimes, but I also have Qui-Gon. And I have my friends. It's a different type of family, but it's family nevertheless.”
She nodded slowly, understanding his words and meaning. After all, weren't she and her handmaidens a type of family. They were just as close as she and Sola were. In some ways, even closer.
“Do you want your own family?” she suddenly asked. He stared at her, clearly surprised by the question. Padme thought he wasn't going to answer until he reached into a hidden pocket of his tunic and pulled out a round pendant. After looking at it for a moment, he handed it to her. She turned it over in her hand, examining the intricate carvings on the piece.
It was not a fancy material, but it was heavy. Padme came to the conclusion that it was possibly a type of stone, polished to a gleaming ivory. The Jedi symbol was the most prominent carving on the front, surrounded by several other patterns that Padme did not recognize. On the back, she saw what appeared to be a text of some sort.
“It's an ancient text, dating back to the foundation of the Jedi Order.”
“What does it say?” she asked, her fingers tracing over the carving.
“It says 'Forever Yours',” he replied softly. His voice suddenly sounded odd and when she glanced back up at him, she quickly saw that he was somewhere very far away.
Padme examined it a while longer, feeling the weight of it in her hand. She had a room in the palace filled with nothing but jewels for her use. Most of the pieces ceremonial jewelry, things that were available to be worn for formal occasions. Jewelry that had taken her breath away when she first saw it. Somehow, she felt that this simple white pendant on the thin leather strap would make them pale in comparison. And she instinctively knew why.
“She must love you very much,” she finally said. When he didn't respond, she continued. “What's her name?”
He smiled, his eyes still a bit unfocused as though he had only partially returned to his present situation. Padme returned the pendant to him, not missing the light caress his thumb gave it as he put it safely back in the pocket.
“Her name is Siri Tachi. We promised each other that we would marry two years ago, although the Jedi Council will not formally recognize the promise until we have both been Knighted. And then there will be another year to wait for the actual marriage ceremony. Or joining ceremony, as some call it. I'm not sure what it's called here on Naboo.”
“Marriage,” she informed him. “For what it's worth, Obi-Wan, I think she's a very lucky girl to have someone like you.”
She didn't miss the slight flinch that he made. Even if she had, there was no missing the sudden tension that filled the air. More than a little concerned, she put her hand over his own and was surprised when he suddenly let out a choked sob.
“Obi-Wan,” she breathed. “Oh, Obi-Wan. What's happened? This is more than worry over Qui-Gon.”
Obi-Wan shook his head, struggling to control his tears. Padme grew bold and, taking his chin in her other hand, turned his face to hers.
“I am your friend, Obi-Wan. Nothing you tell me will make me think less of you. And I would never betray your secrets.”
The intense sorrow in his eyes made her positively ache inside. No one should have that amount of sadness in them, especially not Obi-Wan. He continued to fight his sobs and, although she wanted to tell him to just let it go, a voice inside told her that she needed to let him do this on his terms. When he had regained some control, Obi-Wan took a shaky breath and Padme heard her proclamation from earlier that day tossed back at her.
“I've failed, Padme. I failed the Jedi Order, I failed Siri, I failed Qui-Gon...what's worse, I failed the Force itself.”
Padme forced herself to remain silent, letting Obi-Wan tell his story without prying him with questions.
“By now you've seen the security tapes, I suppose. You've seen Qui-Gon battling the Sith and how it ended. But did anyone question how I managed to do what I did?”
She shook her head in response. The speed of Obi-Wan's intervention was something she had merely attributed to the use of the Force. What a Jedi could or couldn't do was a mystery to her.
“I told you that saber should have stabbed Qui-Gon completely through. That he should be dead. But when I saw the blow coming, I was still trapped behind the last shield. When I realized what would happen, I felt a wave of...” Obi-Wan's voice broke off as he swallowed a small sob and Padme waited patiently for him to regain control. After a deep breath, he continued. “I felt rage. I felt it in a way I never have before. It was a devastating crush of rage and loss. I couldn't let that demon kill my master. Qui-Gon is the only father I have left. And I wasn't going to lose another father if I could prevent it from happening.”
His eyes were practically burning into hers and Padme thought she could almost feel the anger he was describing. Obi-Wan's hand gripped hers tightly, almost painfully. But she held on to it tightly, afraid that it might be the only anchor he had at the moment.
“I have no idea how I got through that shield, Padme. But I know it should not have been possible. I used my anger and my fear to manipulate the Force instead of letting the Force use me. Somehow, I passed through that shield and deflected the blow, turning it from fatal to severe. And I continued to let my emotions guide me when I fought him. It all might have ended in disaster, simply because I did not have the strength to let go of someone I loved.”
“But it didn't end in disaster, Obi-Wan. You defeated the Sith and Naboo is safe. So is Qui-Gon,” Padme tried to reassure him. He shook his head, though, turning away from her. She frowned a little, trying to see the main issue at hand. After reflecting on what he had said, she risked speaking again. “It's not really the outcome that matters. It's the means by which the outcome is achieved.”
Something inside him seemed to light up and Padme almost smiled when she realized that he was happy she understood.
“Exactly. Padme, what I did...I touched the Dark Side. I did what I have been taught to believe is the worst thing a Jedi can do. To allow one's emotions to rule one's actions is a very dangerous path for a Jedi to even start down. I have basically betrayed every Jedi Master who has ever had a hand in teaching me. My actions could cost me the woman I love. Siri is such a bright star in the Force. Her presence is...I can't describe it. Why would she want to spend the rest of her life with a Jedi who has allowed himself to touch the Dark Side? No matter how briefly I might have done it.”
“Because she loves you, Obi-Wan.”
He gave her a dubious look and she sighed.
“I don't pretend to know much about the Force, Obi-Wan. But I happen to be of the opinion that love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Love for one's home, love for one's family...love for someone you plan to spend the rest of your life with. I don't know Siri. But I have the feeling that she is not a woman who would suddenly be repulsed by the man she wants to marry simply because he made a mistake.”
“That's a very simplistic outlook,” he countered, his tone implying that he disagreed.
“Love shouldn't be overly complicated,” she immediately responded. He sighed, unable to argue with that statement.
“I think the worst part is that some part of me enjoyed what I was doing,” he said, his voice nearly a whisper. “To know that a part of me would enjoy the Dark Side of the Force...I just always thought it would be something that would repel me. All of me.”
“There's a phrase I heard a Jedi use once. He was ancient, a guest in our classroom. I suppose he had become a sort of teaching ambassador for the Order. He said that Jedi were taught not to surrender to the temptations of the Dark Side.”
Obi-Wan smiled bitterly. Padme shivered a bit at the sight. It was terribly out of place.
“'To the temptations of the Dark Side, do not ever surrender',” he said in a slightly gruff voice. At the odd syntax, Padme raised a questioning eyebrow. “Master Yoda doesn't speak in the way most people do.”
Padme took a deep breath, not sure if she would be stepping over a line or offending him in some way by saying what she was about to say.
“I know I'm very young by...well, by most people's standards. But it's been my experience that people don't surrender to temptations because they feel bad. Isn't that the core of why the Dark Side is so dangerous? Because someone will lose themselves in it?”
He stared at her unblinkingly and she watched him almost nervously. His face was a perfect mask and she couldn't tell what he was thinking at all. Had she hurt him somehow? Was he angry? Would he be dismissive of what she had just said?
“Padme Amidala, you are a singularly impressive young woman,” he finally stated. She let out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding and he smiled. Padme noted gratefully that it was one without a hint of his earlier bitterness. “I don't know if you plan to continue in politics, but I'm extremely thankful that I will not have to go up against you in the Senate.”
She shook her head dismissively and plunged ahead, voicing the thoughts that were suddenly racing through her mind.
“Obi-Wan, I understand that you are shaken, that you are on unfamiliar ground right now. But I believe with all that is in me that you will find your center once more. And in the meantime, if you ever find that you need to talk with someone who is not part of the Jedi Order, please remember that I am your friend. Never hesitate to contact me. To tell you the truth, I'm almost a little desperate for friends outside the palace myself.”
He laughed a little at that and Padme rejoiced at the sound. She knew that his inner battle was far from over, but she firmly believed every word of what she had just told him. And she felt a sadness welling up within her that she wouldn't be able to see much more of him in the future. Of course, there were always holo-transmissions. But that was a poor substitute, really.
“I believe I will take you up on your offer. I have to admit that there are times when I wish I could confide in someone outside the Order.”
“You'll always have me, Obi-Wan,” Padme declared, then blushed at the way her statement sounded. Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows in amusement, but didn't comment, much to her relief. They sat there on the bench for a moment in friendly silence, their hands entwined as the peaceful stillness of the night washed over them. A few notes of music drifted towards them on the evening air and they were both reluctant to break the spell. But Obi-Wan finally stood up and Padme followed quickly, her hand never leaving his. Without saying a word, he began walking slowly back towards the entrance of the hospital. At the door, he turned to face her.
“I'll be with Qui-Gon all night if anyone needs to speak with me,” he informed her. She nodded in understanding, giving his hand a final squeeze before finally releasing it. As he started to inside, Padme called out his name and he turned back to her.
“I've heard that there is a room with a thousand fountains in the Jedi Temple,” she said, feeling slightly foolish. “The rumor is that a great many Jedi go there to meditate sometimes. I'm afraid...I'm afraid we don't have anything quite so calming here. But there are a few fountains in my private gardens and if you think the atmosphere might help you with your meditation, it would be an honor for me if you would use it.”
In response, he walked back over to her and placed a friendly kiss on her forehead. As he did so, he found himself marveling at how quickly and easily this bond had formed between them. It was something he felt was surely the will of the Force. Smiling down at her, he reflected that he was very lucky to have gained a friend like Padme through this mission. A mission which he hadn't been very eager to embark upon in the first place. Mentally, he thanked Master Windu for ordering that the blockade mission be assigned to Qui-Gon and himself.
“Please believe me when I say, Padme, that the honor would be all mine.”
She smiled then and they parted once more, each of them feeling that, somehow, their friendship would be a comfort to both of them in the years to come. Neither could see the storm clouds on the horizon that would test them both as individuals and strain their friendship to the breaking point.
~~~~~~
Sorry for not getting this up this morning - I didn't check my e-mail until like noon, and I was at work.
But, here is the second part to Mel's awesome story! Great work hun! 
Be sure to leave her some great reviews! ;D
Well written and I liked their character development here, and even Siri's inclusion --- VERY interesting AU.
