Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine. I'm just borrowing them for a
little fun in my own world.

Author Note: This originally started off as a challenge to do a short "Obi
and Ami end up stranded together" fic. It ended up a 9 part epic, but hey,
when the muse speaks I listen. Enjoy! And please tell me what you think!

~~~~~~~~~
Coruscant

"What is my mission my Masters?"

Obi Wan Kenobi waited for an answer, noting the long looks the Jedi Council
members were giving each other.

"To Naboo must go you, immediately," Master Yoda replied in his strange,
stilted dialect.

Obi Wan stifled the quick thrill the words sent through him, conjuring up a
pair of fine eyes and soft brown hair.

"The Senator has need of me?" he asked quickly, noting the raised eyebrows at
his response.

"The Senator has received several threats on her life," Master Windu began in
a solemn voice, noting the quick flash that came and went in the Jedi
Knight's eyes.

"Protection she needs. Provide it you shall," Yoda offered with little
preamble.

Obi Wan considered their words for a moment before speaking.

"Do you mean me to go to Naboo and act as her bodyguard?" he asked, a bit
confused as to what they were asking of him.

"Among other things, you will also help seek out her enemy and bring him to
justice before he follows through on his threats," Mace Windu finished
quietly.

"If killed she is, the future gravely altered will be," Yoda offered
cryptically as Obi Wan turned to him.

"She plays that important a role in the future of the Republic then?" he
asked, wanting to make sure he understood.

"She does," was the only answer he received.

Nodding, pushing his excitement to the back of his mind, Obi Wan rose and
bowed to the council.

"Then I take my leave of you. I will go to Naboo and make sure she is
protected. Am I to take Anakin with me?" he asked, surprised again to see the
strange looks passing between the council members.

"Remain here your Padawan will," Yoda offered, holding up a gnarled hand when
Obi Wan began to offer a protest.

"His training is at a crucial stage. It must not be disturbed. Seeing Padme
will only serve to distract him. And that cannot be allowed," Mace stated
quietly.

"Keep about your mission secret from him you must, distracted must he not
be," Yoda instructed, sending Obi Wan a long look.

After a moment of silence, knowing they were right, Obi Wan nodded his head
in reply, then turned and left the council chambers.

Once he'd cleared the room, he allowed the smile to break over his face.

He was going to see Padme.

He suddenly frowned.

How in the world was he going to be able to keep this secret from Anakin?
~~~~~~~~~~~
Several hours later he was still puzzling over that dilemma when his Padawan
burst into their chambers.

"Master, there you are, I thought you were going to come watch me spar with
Tal Jilli this afternoon," Anakin offered, sprawling over the large sofa in
the center of the main room.

At 18, Anakin Skywalker was a far cry from the small slave boy he'd first met
on Tatooine.

Tall and muscular from hours of training, hale and hearty from several years
of living among and learning the ways of the Jedi, Anakin Skywalker was
generally thought highly of by his fellow Jedi.

But there was an elusiveness to him that gave one the impression he was not
always there. A way his eyes had of shifting that spoke of things best left
unsaid. A darkness that seemed to overcome him at certain moments, few and
far between, but there nonetheless.

It worried Obi Wan at times, the darkness he sensed every now and then in
Anakin.

But he always managed to shake off those worries, convinced they were simply
the mood swings of a growing teenage boy.

Lord knows Qui Gon had suffered through enough of his adolescent moods.

"Master?"

Anakin's voice brought him back to the present.

"I'm sorry Ani, I was thinking about a new mission the council has for me,"
he offered as Anakin perked up.

"A new mission? Great, I'm ready to get out of here for a while, where are we
headed?" he asked enthusiastically, eyes lighting up.

Obi Wan sighed, trying to figure out how to word things, knowing he could not
tell his Padawan exactly what he was doing, and for whom.

If Anakin thought Padme was in any danger, there would be no stopping him
from wanting to go along.

"Actually, it is a solo mission, one I have been chosen for alone," he
offered quietly, watching the frown appear on his Padawan's face.

"A solo mission? We have never been sent on separate missions before, is
there some reason you don't want me with you?" Anakin asked in confusion.

Obi Wan sighed and tried to smile.

"It was the council's decision, not mine," he replied. "They believe your
training is at a crucial stage and must continue. You are not to be
disrupted. So they are sending me alone, but it should not take more than a
few weeks at the most," he offered, noting his Padawan still looked confused.

"But I want to go, I'm tired of training and learning only at the Temple, I
want some adventure, some intrigue," Anakin enthused as his Master sighed.

"Trust me, there is no danger involved in this mission. It is more of a fact
finding one, and I know you would grow bored," Obi Wan offered carefully,
seeing his Padawan deflate a bit.

"It's not adventurous? Then maybe it will be better to stay here," he mused,
still not looking happy.

Obi Wan smiled.

"On the bright side, you'll get a few weeks free of your demanding Master,"
he teased, smiling again as the young man's eyes crinkled with laughter.

"A benefit to be true, but I think I will miss you," he offered almost
wistfully.

Obi Wan fought down his emotions as he looked upon the boy he'd trained from
childhood.

The boy who was fast growing into one of the most powerful men he had ever
known.

The boy he'd grown to think of as his son.

"I'll miss you too Ani, but you can't tell me that aside from your studies,
there aren't some 'distractions' around to ease your pain," he offered slyly,
seeing those eyes light up again.

Anakin, like his master before him, had quite a reputation with the ladies,
Jedi or not.

"Very true, a new one arrived this week," his Padawan shot back, his eyes
brightening.

"I'm sure you will keep busy. Mind your studies and do not fall behind," he
offered, lightening the mood as Anakin rolled his eyes at him.

"Yes Master, whatever you say Master," he whined, the affection in his eyes
bellying the sarcastic tone in his voice.

Obi Wan couldn't hold back a smile.

"You sound a lot like me when Qui Gon would tell me the same thing," he mused
as Anakin burst into laughter.

"If he could see you now, he'd probably say you're only getting what you
deserve," he shot back, as Obi Wan smiled.

"That he would Ani, that he would," he replied as he headed for his quarters
to pack.

"Don't get into any trouble out there, I'd hate to have to come rescue you,
Master," came the lilting call from the main quarters as he entered his
bedroom.

He was still smiling several hours later as he boarded the shuttle he would
be piloting to Naboo.

As soon as he'd successfully left the Temple, his mind turned to the mission
at hand.

He had to find Padme's enemy and keep her safe at the same time.

A challenging task no doubt, one that meant working closely with the young
woman he'd had sporadic contact with over the past few years.

It was a challenge he found himself eagerly anticipating.

At the moment though, he refused to examine why.

As he flew off into the night sky, he never noted the two figures, one tall,
one small, watching his craft disappear.

"Think right this is do you?" Yoda asked his companion.

"I don't know," Mace replied quietly, "I just don't know."

The two Jedi Masters remained silent as they watched the ship's lights
disappear from view.
~~~~~~~~

"Senator, Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi is here to see you."

Naboo's Senator forced down the little skip her heart did at hearing the
familiar name.

"Send him in," she replied, in what she hoped was a casual voice.

It really would not do for her aides to see that she was rattled.

And relieved.

She had only been able to hope as to whom they would send.

She caught her breath as he entered the room, for a moment, not recognizing
him with a beard.

Then again, they had only seen each other sporadically over the past few
years.

"Senator, it is good to see you again."

If she hadn't recognized his face, she could not have mistaken that voice.

It starred in most of her more vivid dreams.

"Jedi Kenobi, it has been too long," she replied as she rose from her desk
and moved forward to meet him.

Obi Wan forced down the surge of pleasure that swept over him as he watched
her small figure moved towards him.

She was even more beautiful than he remembered.

The past 10 years had allowed her to mature into a beautiful young woman, a
far cry from the girl he had rescued so long ago.

He had seen her several times since she had become Senator, but only for a
few moments in passing here and there. Time enough only to exchange greetings
and updates about lives, but no more.

But each time, she managed to take his breath away with her beauty and grace.

Now was no exception.

He only hoped he could remain composed as he reached out to take her hand.

Both caught their breath at the shock that ran up their arms as their hands
touched.

Padme quickly pulled back, hoping she didn't look as rattled as she felt.

For his part, Obi Wan was struggling to do the same, more affected than he'd
thought by the simple touch.

"I only wish your visit could be under more pleasant circumstances," she
managed as she moved back towards her desk, hoping the distance would allow
her to regain her composure.

Obi Wan struggled to push down his emotions and answer in a normal voice.

"We will get to the bottom of this matter Senator. I promise you I will keep
you safe until we do," he offered, feeling his heart skip a beat at her
smile, small though it was.

Padme forced herself to compose an answer instead of getting lost in eyes
she'd dreamed about for far too long.

"Did you come alone, I haven't seen Anakin," she offered, watching as his
eyes crinkled as he smiled.

"I arrived alone. Anakin is in the middle of an important training sequence
and it was thought best he remain on Coruscant," he offered as Padme smiled.

"I do hope he is doing well, it seems so long since I have seen him, or you
for that matter."

Obi Wan sighed.

"We have been traveling the galaxy far and wide these past years, hardly ever
in one place for more than a few months at a time. It seems there are always
matters and important dignitaries needing our presence throughout the
galaxy," he responded.

A niggling worry that had been hanging at the back of her mind surfaced at
his words.

"I hope it is not an inconvenience for you, having to guard a mere Senator,"
she replied stiffly.

Obi Wan smiled, clearly able to sense her worries.

"Not at all, your safety is of high importance, I am honored to provide and
protect it," he replied with a smile, glad to see her tense stance relaxed
slightly.

"Thank you," she replied quietly, smiling at him in return.

He forced himself to center on his mission, not on the way his heart sped up
at her smile. Taking a deep breath, he focused all his concentration on the
matter at hand.

"Now, I need to start by knowing everything you do about the person
threatening you," Obi Wan replied as the two settled down to business.
************
Several hours later found Obi Wan conferring with the Jedi Council via an
in-house comlink on the matter.

"At this stage, I really cannot say what we are dealing with. The initial
information is sketchy, just a few voiced threats, a distorted voice, easily
accomplished with a special device," he offered when asked for a progress
report.

"You sense nothing else about the messages?" Mace asked with concern.

Obi Wan sighed.

"I do not sense a great evil, but again, it could be masked, if someone
powerful is behind it. I do not know. I must do more research before I can
say," he replied.

"Great evil you do not sense, hummm, trap that could be," Yoda offered in
reply.

Obi Wan sighed again.

"It could be Master Yoda, but I cannot say for sure," was all he could reply.

"Very well then, continue you must, updated you keep us however," Yoda
replied as the others signed off.

Obi Wan sighed as he offered his goodbyes and ended the connection.

He really wished he knew what they were facing here, but as he'd told the
council, he just did not know at the moment.

All he knew was the chill hearing that mechanical voice threatening her life
sent down his spine.

The soft door chime broke him from his reverie.

Rising, he moved to the panel, his Force sense telling him who was on the
other side.

"Senator," he greeted as the door slid open to reveal a much less formal
looking Padme, dressed in a simple violet gown, hair down and flowing over
her shoulders.

"Please call me Padme, it is so much less formal, even after all these
years," she replied with a nervous smile.

He thought it was charming.

"Then Padme, come in, and please call me Obi Wan. I think we've earned that
right, even if was nearly 10 years ago," he replied, glad to see her smile
become more natural.

"Then Obi Wan it is. It has been so long, I thought we might catch up
properly," she offered, trying not to sound nervous as she forced herself to
remember to breathe at the sight of him after so many years of dreaming.

He smiled and motioned her inside, feeling a slight surge in his heartbeat as
her singular scent imprinted itself on his mind as she passed him.

Spicy yet sweet, it seemed to suit her perfectly.

He'd never forgotten it.

Motioning for her to take a seat on the sofa, he settled next to her, smiling
into her eyes.

She wondered what to say.

She had hoped he would respond to her need to talk and invite her in, but now
that he had, she wasn't sure what to say.

The Senator would know, she always did.

Padme however was at a loss.

Obi Wan hid his smile at her nerves.

His weren't doing much better at the moment.

"From everything I hear, you're doing a wonderful job for your people," he
began, trying to ease the awkward silence between them.

She smiled, breathing again.

"I try, but it is a difficult job in these days and times, as I am sure, no
doubt, you know, guessing from the few conversations we have had over the
past few years," she replied as he sighed.

"Every mission we see more and more chaos, things are going downhill fast as
the corruption spreads throughout the Republic," he answered in a troubled
voice.

"It is getting so I don't know who to trust these days," she replied as he
nodded.

"Sadly, the Jedi are the same. There have been reports that some have aligned
themselves with the opposing forces, turning to the dark side," he answered
softly.

Padme sighed, realizing how dangerous and dark a world they really lived in.

But enough depression and talk of work for the night.

It had been far too long since she'd last seen the man she dreamed about
nightly.

She wasn't going to waste this opportunity.

"Enough of this depressing talk, tell me how Ani is doing," she inquired,
watching as his eyes sparkled as he began to fill her in on his Padawan's
exploits.

Obi Wan watched her laugh as he told her about one of Ani's more daring
stunts, refusing to analyze the relief he felt at sensing she only inquired
about his Padawan as a friend would.

Padme was enjoying hearing tales of the former boy she knew, though she
probably could not call him 'boy' now.

But in her mind, that was always what Ani would be.

A boy.

In front of her sat a man.

A man she'd wanted to get to know better for some time now.

"He would have loved the reception we are having tomorrow night for the
visiting royalty of Thaleel. From what you say, he would have loved the
party," she offered, watching the concern appear in the Jedi's eyes.

"A reception here tomorrow?" he asked, getting a sudden sense of unease.

Padme sighed.

"Required really, we must show them the Naboo hospitality. I usually dread
these things, but with you here, it seems more bearable," she offered, hoping
she didn't sound too daring.

The thought of a dance with him was enough to set her heart racing.

Obi Wan was more concerned with other matters however.

"I wonder if it is such a good thing to have you attend, considering there is
a threat on your life. What better place than a crowded party for an
assassination attempt?" he worried quietly.

She sighed, familiar with this argument. She'd heard it enough from her own
security personnel.

"Security is at an all time high and I will take no unnecessary chances,
besides, I have you here to protect me now as well," she offered, reaching
over to squeeze his hand in reassurance, glad to see a smile crack his
serious features.

She loved when he smiled.

It might have been years since she'd seen it, but his smile still had the
power to take her breath away.

She was also fast finding she loved the feel of his hand in hers.

"I only hope it is enough," he murmured, as he met her gaze. "I would hate to
think of anything happening to you," he finished, surprised to see her blush.

He was also surprised at how wonderful it felt to hold her hand.

Her skin was so soft to his rougher touch.

Padme forced her racing heartbeat to slow, despite knowing that as a Jedi, he
was probably well aware of it anyhow.

"I know you will protect me with your life, and that is all I need to know,"
she whispered as their gazes locked.

For a few moments, they simply stared into each other's eyes, hands clasped
tightly.

Both simply absorbed the feelings flowing through them.

But neither was ready to acknowledge, much less admit to them.

Padme was the first to break the silence, knowing it was time to leave.

Before she did something really stupid, like ask him to fulfill some of the
more vivid fantasies she'd had about him over the past years.

Shoving that thought down, praying he hadn't sensed her conflicting emotions,
she struggled for words.

"I should go. I have a long day of meetings tomorrow, not to mention the
reception to prepare for," she began, rising gracefully to her feet.

Obi Wan followed, stretching as he straightened to his full height.

Padme fought to regain her breath at the sight of his beautiful body in
motion.

"I will join you in your office tomorrow morning to go over security plans,
if that is all right with you," he offered as he followed her to the door.

"Why don't we start with breakfast first? I could have the chefs make some of
your favorites, if you tell me what you want?" she offered, biting her lip as
she realized how forward the words sounded.

Obi Wan bit back the reply he was tempted to give.

It would probably shock her senseless if he told her what he really wanted.

"That sounds fine to me, around 9 or so?" he offered, feeling a tug at his
heart as she smiled.

"I will see you then, sleep well Obi Wan, I am truly glad that you are here,"
she replied softly as she left.

For a few moments, he remained silent, staring after her.

"Not as glad as I," he whispered to himself as the door slid shut.

"Not half as glad as I."
~~~~~~~~~

He'd spent a lot of time watching her throughout the day, and if he were
honest, it wasn't just in hopes of keeping her safe.

She fascinated him.

He'd always thought her intellectual and charming the few times they'd talked
over the years, and privately, considered her one of the most beautiful women
he'd ever met.

Nothing he'd seen over the past day and a half had changed that impression,
only strengthened it.

He found himself watching her every move, noting the way her shoulders tensed
when confronted with an unpleasant task.

The way her chin lifted when she was challenged.

The soft smile that crossed her face when dealing with any issues relating to
children.

The appealing way she licked her lips when she was nervous or uncertain.

Which seemed to happen a lot when he was around.

The thought made his heart flutter strangely.

Surely he couldn't be falling in love with her, not so quickly.

Besides, Jedi did not have time for love. While it was not expressly
forbidden, he knew of far too few relationships that had lasted between other
Jedi. The nature of the Jedi life did not lead to lasting relationships.

But all the reasoning in the world could not stop the pounding of his heart
as he saw her excuse herself from her conversation with the Queen and move
towards him.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to center himself, knowing he still needed all
his wits about him.

Despite his attraction to her, he sensed danger in the air.

He knew something was going to happen tonight.

He had to remain alert.

"You look so solemn Obi Wan, this is a party, you should at least try
smiling," Padme offered wryly as she came up to his side.

She caught her breath as she felt the warmth of his body so close to hers.

She'd been keeping him in sight throughout the night, almost finding she
resented the fact she must do her duty and entertain her guests, when she
really wanted to be talking with him.

Or better yet, dancing.

She was determined that want would come to pass tonight.

It was a large part of why she had excused herself from the Queen and
wandered towards him, smiling at the deep look of concentration on his face.

She knew he was worried about her safety, and part of her thrilled to the
fact that he cared.

But he was still too serious.

Security was high, he was there to protect her, she felt wonderful and the
last thing she wanted to worry about was an attempt on her life.

She wanted to dance with her Jedi.

Now the trick was to get him to agree.

Her breath caught as he sent her a slight smile along with his reply.

"I am worried Padme. I sense a disturbance in the Force, something troubles
me tonight," he mused, trying again to pinpoint the source of his unease.

His concentration was severely hampered by the scent of her perfume and the
warmth he could feel from her body so close to his.

Padme sighed.

"Security is high, and I have you here to protect me, don't worry so much,"
she began, stopping at the wry expression on his face.

She sighed again.

"Don't look at me like that. I know you Jedi are an uptight bunch, but all
that stress is not good for you, you need to relax, enjoy life a little bit,
have some fun," she cajoled, watching as he forced back a smile.

"We are not all 'uptight' as you call us," he shot back, feeling slightly
slighted at her words, even though he knew she meant them in jest. "We just
take our responsibilities very highly," he offered, fighting back a smile as
she huffed.

"So you feel that responsible for me and my safety do you Obi Wan Kenobi?"
she asked, feeling her senses kick into high gear at the look she saw flash
through his eyes.

"That I do Padme, that I do," he replied, staring deep into her eyes, wanting
her to know he meant the words.

"So you would prefer I remain near you all night, so you can protect me if
the need arises?" she continued, smiling to herself as she saw him begin to
puzzle out the meaning behind her words.

"That would be nice," he offered rather lamely, knowing she was going
somewhere with this, but not quite sure where.

"Good, then you should dance with me," she finished solemnly, hoping her
nerves were hidden from him.

That was about as forward as a woman could be.

And she so wanted to be in his arms, even if it were only for a few moments,
on a crowded dance floor.

"Dance with you?" Obi Wan asked, hoping he did not sound as panicked as he
felt.

Not a good idea.

The thoughts he was having about her would only intensify if he took her in
his arms and held her close on the dance floor.

Not good if he needed his senses alert to protect her from harm.

Then again, everything inside him was screaming that he might be her biggest
danger tonight.

"What, Jedi do not dance?" she teased to hide her nervousness at his response.

"It's not that, it's just, " he began, but she cut him off by grabbing his
hand and tugging him towards the dance floor.

"I will not accept no for an answer, "she urged, knowing she was being
forward, but noting he was following her willingly.

"Padme, I don't think this is such a good idea," he began again, but stopped
as all words fled his mind as she slid her arms around his waist and smiled
up into his eyes.

She felt wonderful in his arms, as if they were made to fit together
perfectly.

Even if there was the proper amount of space between them.

He felt his heartbeat quicken at the soft look in her beautiful eyes as she
looked up at him.

"Still think this is a bad idea Obi Wan?" she asked, finding her voice was
huskier than she would have liked.

The raspiness of her voice sent a shiver down his spine as he instinctively
tightened his hold on her waist.

"It is not the worst idea I've heard," he teased, realizing there was no
place else he wanted to be at the moment.

He'd spent so long serving others, just this once, he was going to do
something for himself.

He was going to allow himself to feel.

Dancing with a beautiful woman certainly qualified for that.

Smiling, he began to sway with her to the romantic ballad the orchestra had
launched into.

Padme caught her breath again as their bodies brushed against each other as
they moved.

He was holding her at a proper distance, they were barely touching.

It was still the most heavenly sensation she had ever felt.

Obi Wan was marveling at the fact that he felt so close to her, could feel
her warmth and vibrant life force as if she were pressed tightly against him.

It was the most incredible sensation he had ever felt.

Padme was thinking the same thoughts as she let her body drift closer to his
as they slowly swayed to the music.

Sighing, she let her head drift towards his shoulder, as she moved closer to
him, uncaring of who might be watching.

Obi Wan swallowed hard as her head came to rest lightly against his neck.

Unconsciously, he brought her up against him, their bodies touching as he'd
only imagined.

She fit perfectly against him, her head falling naturally into the curve of
his neck. Her soft breath against his skin sent licks of fire running through
his body as he struggled to remain in control of the emotions swamping him.

Padme was reveling in the feel of his body against hers. He seemed to
anticipate her every move as they swayed, bodies pressed tightly together.

She had never felt like this before.

She wanted to feel more.

She needed to feel more.

Raising her head, she let her gaze find his.

The banked emotion she read in his eyes set her body on fire.

"Obi Wan," she whispered, sensing he was about to kiss her as his head moved
towards hers.

Obi Wan knew he was lost the minute those beautiful eyes met his.

"Padme," he whispered, closing the distance between them until he could feel
her breath against his lips.

Knowing this was wrong, but realizing nothing had ever felt so right, he let
his lips brush hers in the gentlest of kisses.

And at that instant, as he felt her soft lips against his for the first time,
he sensed the blaster fire before he heard it.

Without stopping to think, he broke the kiss, pulling her to the ground,
covering her body with his as the blaster's shot rang out through the
courtyard.

He was oblivious to the screams of terror that erupted around him, all he
could feel was the terror flowing through the young woman beneath him.

"Padme, are you all right?" he asked when his heart had stopped pounding long
enough for him to breath again.

Her scared white face looked back up at him.

"I'd be better if you'd let me breathe," she tried to joke, the fear coursing
through her system nearly overpowering her.

Obi Wan sensed this as her rolled off of her, still keeping his body in front
of hers protectively as he looked quickly around to make sure the danger was
gone.

He felt the evil presence no more.

But he now knew what they were dealing with.

It was dark.

It was evil.

It was all too familiar.

Shivering, he stood, pulling her to her feet next to him.

"You're sure you are all right?" he asked quietly, brushing a strand of hair
from her forehead as some color began to return to her cheeks.

"I'm fine, are you okay?" she asked in concern, eyes checking him for
injuries.

"Fine, I felt his intention to fire just before he did. It went right over
us," he replied, turning to make sure those around them were okay.

"Senator! Senator, are you all right?"

Padme straightened as she heard the voice of her security chief, turning to
see him rushing through the crowd.

The now very agitated and confused crowd.

"I am fine, but our guests? Was anyone injured?" she began, immediately
falling into her Senatorial mode.

"I am not sure, but the King and Queen are shaken up, perhaps you might go to
them," the chief responded as she nodded, turning to glance at Obi Wan.

"See to them, attend to your duties, I am going to take a look around to make
sure he is truly gone," he offered, reaching over to take the outstretched
hand she offered.

For a moment, their hands linked and their eyes met, the echo of their kiss
lingering between them.

"Be careful, please," she whispered, fear not only for herself, but for him,
now entering her heart.

"Always," he replied, squeezing her hand in reassurance, smiling at her as
she nodded and turned to follow the chief through the shaken crowd, no fear
evident on her lovely face as she began offering words of reassurance.

He had never been more impressed in his life.

An attempt had just been made on her life, yet despite her fear, which he
could feel surrounding her still, she held herself proudly as she went about
the task of reassuring her guests.

But he was far from reassured.

Someone had tried to assassinate her.

And he was lucky he'd sensed it at all.

He shuddered as he realized what could have happened.

He should have been alert, on guard, aware of the danger before the blaster
was even fired.

But he had been too wrapped up in her scent, her touch, the feel of her in
his arms and her lips against his.

That distraction could have cost Padme her life.

He could not afford to make that kind of mistake again.

But staying here, so close to her, he wondered if he could stop himself.

Sighing, he reached for the comlink, knowing he had to inform the council of
what had happened.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nearly an hour later the party had dispersed and an emotionally and
physically exhausted Padme found herself sinking gratefully into an empty
chair.

"Padme, are you okay?"

She smiled as Obi Wan's concerned voice penetrated the fog that seemed to be
gathering around her head.

"I'm fine, just tired, and a little tense," she offered wryly as the Jedi
came to sit beside her.

For a moment, they sat in silence, simply absorbing the comfort of being next
to each other.

The echo of their kiss lingered as well as they shot surreptitious glances at
one another when they thought the other was not looking.

Obi Wan was the first to break the silence.

"I am sorry," he began, stopping her as she made to speak. "I should have
been more aware, more alert, I should have sensed this before it happened,"
he offered morosely.

Padme sighed.

She had figured out from his looks about a half an hour ago that he was
feeling guilty, as well as scared.

While she was battling those feelings too, she knew she did not regret
kissing him.

She could still feel his touch, and it was enough to send shivers running
through her body.

She forced the thoughts down as she saw his head turn to her, his eyes
speculative.

She'd forgotten he could read minds.

"You saved my life Obi Wan, you have nothing to feel sorry for," she offered
quietly, reaching to clasp his hand tightly, willing him to sense her
thoughts and know she meant the words.

Obi Wan sighed, her sincerity shining like a beacon in the dark night.

She did not blame him.

But he blamed himself.

And he knew the council was not happy either.

Which was why they had made a decision.

He wondered how she would take it.

"Thank you for that Padme," he began quietly as he looked into her eyes.
"Unfortunately, the Jedi council does not feel the same. They are determined
you be removed from Naboo while this matter is thoroughly investigated," he
began as she tried to object.

"Nonsense, this is my planet, my people," she began, but he cut her off.

"Your attacker was a Sith Lord," he stated quietly, watching as her words
trailed off and her eyes reflected her shock.

"A Sith Lord? They exist? I thought they were only legend," she whispered as
he sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"They exist," he offered wearily. "And they are growing as the Republic grows
darker," he finished sadly.

"You are sure it was a Sith Lord?" she asked, watching as he nodded. "But why
would one be after me? I am only a Senator, I have no real power, as the
Senate has proven," she finished bitterly.

Obi Wan sighed.

"Nevertheless, you are the target of a Sith Lord, so the council would like
you to return to Coruscant with me where a formal investigation will be
launched, now that we know what we are looking for," he finished, sighing as
he read the annoyance in her eyes.

But then again, what had he expected.

He would have been disappointed if she hadn't offered a protest.

"I must not leave my people, especially after tonight," she began, but this
time was cut off by her security chief.

"Senator, with all due respect, I think Jedi Kenobi is right. It is not safe
for you here. Your people would understand, they love you and want you to
remain safe," he offered quietly.

Padme bit her lip, knowing her chief had a point, but still feeling as if she
were deserting her people.

"You are not deserting them, you are helping them," Obi Wan whispered softly,
reading her mind as her head turned to his. "By staying safe, staying alive,
you can continue to fight for them," he finished quietly, seeing the
resolution finally dawn in her eyes.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Padme knew what both men said was right.

She needed to stay alive to do her job, to help the people she'd sworn to
protect and fight for.

She just hated feeling as if she had no choice in the matter.

"You always have a choice Padme," Obi Wan whispered, for her ears alone. "The
difficulty is in choosing what is right," he finished softly as her eyes rose
to his.

She sighed, knowing he was right.

What other choice did she have?

"I will go with you to Coruscant. We will get to the bottom of this and then
I will return home," she stated quietly as Obi Wan nodded.

"An investigation is already underway, we leave on a transport in several
hours," he offered quietly, getting to his feet and holding a hand out to
help her rise.

Padme smiled slightly as she let him pull her to her feet, still able to feel
the charge that zinged up her arm at the contact.

Even through her fear she still wanted him.

At least she would get to be with him on Coruscant.

She smiled, deciding to make the best of the situation.

After all, if she had to be in a safe place, the safest she could think of
was with him.

Obi Wan smiled as she slipped her arm through his as they walked from the
courtyard.

Once they arrived in Coruscant, she would be safe, in the Jedi Temple.

He would also have other Jedi to help protect her.

Which meant he might just be able to explore whatever it was he felt growing
between them.

He sensed Padme was hoping the same.

Of course, there would be Anakin to deal with.

The thought sent a pang of guilt through him as he realized his Padawan would
be angry at not being allowed on the mission.

But he would have his Angel safe and sound on Coruscant.

The thought sent a bolt of jealousy through his system.

He was disgusted at the emotion, knowing it did not become a Jedi.

Jealousy and anger led to the dark side.

He would not give in to it.

Besides, from the way Padme had responded to him earlier, he had little doubt
she was interested at all in his Padawan as more than a friend.

Which could pose another problem.

Anakin's attachment to her remained strong, even though he had seen her even
less than Obi Wan.

If something were to develop between them, no doubt Anakin would feel
betrayed. He knew his Padawan too well to think otherwise.

It made him uneasy.

But he couldn't deal with that now. He had to make sure he got Padme safely
to Coruscant.

But the sense of unease stayed with him, even as he left Padme in her room to
gather her things.

Forcing the unease down, he set about making sure their transport was secure
and ready to go, his mind still dealing with the effect bringing Padme to the
Temple would have.

But the Masters had been adamant.

She could not be lost, or the future would be gravely altered.

So said the Masters.

Obi Wan wished they would say a little more in this case.

But he knew that was not going to happen.

Shrugging off the sense of doom, he set about preparing for their departure.
~~~~~~~~

Three hours later found Obi Wan and Padme streaking through space, headed
directly for Coruscant.

Padme sighed as she stole furtive glances at the man in the pilot's seat.

He really was handsome.

It was kind of unfair when she thought about it.

No one deserved to be that good looking.

She quickly averted her gaze as she saw Obi Wan turn to smile strangely at
her.

Blushing, she focused on the matter at hand and what would be done about it
when they arrived.

"What will happen when we get to Coruscant?" she asked, curious to see if he
had thought that far ahead.

Then again, he was a Jedi, so he'd probably been thinking that far ahead
before he'd even been sent to protect her.

"You will be safe Padme, hidden away in the Jedi Temple until we can capture
and destroy the Sith Lord that is after you," he replied seriously, worry
seeping into his voice as he remembered how close she'd come to dying a few
hours earlier.

"Would you stop that?" she asked in frustration as she picked up on his
fears. "I am fine, I am going to be fine. I will be surrounded by plenty of
Jedi, not to mention you and Anakin, I hardly think any Sith Lord would brave
that much wrath," she offered, surprised at the quick flash that came and
went in his eyes.

She couldn't tell what it was, but it perked her curiosity.

"We will keep you safe, I won't let anything happen to you, I promise," he
replied softly, unconsciously switching tenses.

Padme felt her heart rate accelerate as she heard the possessiveness in his
words.

To her surprise, she found she liked hearing it.

Liked knowing he was feeling possessive of her.

Which was saying something for a powerful, independent senator who liked
being in control of every situation.

Forcing her mind to calm before he read her thoughts, she closed her eyes and
settled back into her seat, falling into sleep with a small smile on her lips
as she remembered the feel of his lips on hers.

Obi Wan stole a glimpse at her as she relaxed into the seat next to him,
easily able to tell when her breathing evened out and she dropped into sleep.

Sensing she was oblivious, he let his gaze wander unabashedly across her
peaceful features.

Her skin looked nearly translucent in the ships soft light. There were slight
signs of strain around her eyes and mouth, but they were slowly smoothing
away as she relaxed. Her hair fell in lose waves to frame her shoulders, and
showcase her heart-shaped face.

He felt his lips go dry as he watched her small pink tongue unconsciously
emerge to wet her full lips, making them glisten in the soft glow of the
ship's instrument panels.

If he closed his eyes, he could still feel those lips against his, feel the
slow heat that seemed to simmer between them whenever they were around each
other.

Could still feel the way her body felt pressed to his, every curve merging
with his angles and planes as if they had been made for each other.

If the Sith Lord had not chosen that moment to fire, Obi Wan could not say
where things might have gone.

But his body certainly could, and was clearly making that obvious if she
happened to awaken and look over at him.

He forced his body to calm, knowing he must master control before they
reached Coruscant.

If he could not regain control of his emotions, he would certainly give them
away to his fellow Jedi, not to mention his padawan.

Who most definitely would not look approvingly on the situation.

He sighed as he rubbed his forehead, realizing things were only going to get
more complicated from here on out.

What he wouldn't give for just a little more time alone with her before
having to deal with everyone and everything else in their lives.

He sighed as he turned back to the instrument panel and began to calculate
their position and how long it would be before they reached Coruscant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The lurch of the ship brought Padme suddenly awake several hours later.

"Obi Wan?" she asked in confusion, her gaze going to the tense figure sitting
beside her.

"Hold onto something Padme, something's wrong with the ship's generator. I'm
trying to locate the problem so I know what to fix," he muttered, frantically
working through the charts and diagrams in his head to figure out what was
happening.

Padme simply strapped herself into the seat, the jerks and bumps literally
banging her against the heavy metal of the seat back.

She remained quiet, knowing he needed silence to sort things out.

Strangely, she felt no fear.

She trusted him.

She knew he would keep her safe.

That was all that mattered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obi Wan sighed in frustration as the computer's diagnostic program flashed
the same information at him over and over.

Nothing seemed to be working and the ship was fast losing altitude, the bumps
more frequent and jarring.

"Padme, we are going to have to land somewhere. I need to actually go look at
the generator myself, but we can't stay airborne," he finally offered, noting
she was pale, but did not look afraid.

"Is there a planet near-by?" she asked, pulling up the star charts on the
screen in front of her.

"I think so," he mused, pointing to a small dot on the chart. "Jarka is
closest, but all our research says its uninhabited."

"Well, we'll just have to find out, won't we," she muttered as he nodded and
turned back to the controls.

"Strap yourself in, this is going to be a bumpy ride," he offered, grabbing
the control shift and maneuvering the ship towards the planet looming in
front of them.

Thank God he had sent a holomessage to the Temple before they left. When they
did not arrive as scheduled, a rescue crew would be sent out immediately.

Padme clenched her hands into the armrests on either side of her as the ship
dropped rapidly through the planet's atmosphere.

Her stomach was churning, but she forced the nausea down, sending a quick
prayer heavenward that Obi Wan did indeed know what he was doing.

"I've done this several times before Padme, relax," he replied with a tight
smile.

She blushed, quickly closing off her thoughts, embarrassed he'd picked up on
that one.

Obi Wan smile slightly as the ship broke through the crowds and into the
sunlight.

He frowned as he noted the heavy wooded area below them.

He scanned the ground frantically, knowing he needed space to land.

"Obi Wan, right there," Padme motioned as she spotted a sparsely populated
area of land.

"Hang on, this could be quite an impact," he muttered, bracing himself for a
crash landing.

"Obi Wan, I trust you," Padme whispered, heart in her throat as the ground
loomed nearer.

Quietly, she reached over and placed her hand against his arm in silent
support.

"I won't let anything happen to you Padme," he replied quietly, turning to
look into her eyes as he squeezed her hand, conveying in that look everything
he knew he could not say at the moment.

Nothing more needed to be said.

Turning back to the control panel, he made some final adjustments as they
sped towards the earth.

A few moments later the screeching sound of metal impacting the ground was
all that could be heard for miles.

~~~~~~~~~

Her head hurt.

That was the first thing to register as Padme's eyes fluttered open,
squinting in the harsh light of the sun.

As things slowly came into focus around her, she noted that she was slumped
over the control panel in the otherwise still intact cockpit.

Other than the splitting headache, she seemed to be in one piece. Moving
slowly she tested her limbs as she untangled herself from the seat, wincing
at the aches and pains that radiated through her body. But while she was
sore, nothing seemed broken.

A low moan drew her attention to Obi Wan, who himself was slumped over the
controls.

"Obi Wan, are you all right," she managed, forcing down her fear as she
struggled to reach towards his prone figure.

Obi Wan winced as his eyes squinted open, only to face the harsh glare of the
morning sun.

His head hurt, most probably from where it had knocked into the control
panel, but overall, he sensed nothing was broken.

He moaned low in his throat as he struggled to move, the pain in his temple
jabbing at him.

Suddenly, he remembered his passenger.

Fear coursed through him as he immediately reached out to find her life force.

He breathed a sigh of relief as he felt it, strong and steady, if filled with
pain.

Her soft voice reassured him again.

"I think so," he managed, lifting himself from the seat and turning to see
her small figure working its way towards him.

He winced as he noted the cut on her forehead and the stiff way she was
moving, knowing she must be in pain from the bumps and bruises. But a quick
sense told him she was not seriously injured.

Still, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as she reached him, her
presence strong and warm around him.

Padme caught her breath as she noted the slash of red across his forehead and
the wince of pain he couldn't hide as she reached up to gently touch the
tender skin.

"You're hurt," she whispered, feeling a wave of something she couldn't
identify sweep over her as her fingers brushed against his forehead.

Obi Wan forced himself to ignore how wonderful her soft touch felt, even
through the throbbing pain.

"You are injured as well," he replied, noting the cut on her forehead was
bleeding. He couldn't stop his own hand from rising to brush across her skin.

Padme caught her breath as her eyes locked with his.

Finally, assured the other was all right, they broke apart, turning to look
at the damage around them.

"Well, it looks like the body of the ship is still intact, I'm hoping the
control systems aren't damaged," Obi Wan murmured as he moved towards the
door, pressing the panel and breathing a sigh of relief when it opened
automatically.

"The circuits don't seem to be damaged, that's a good sign I guess," Padme
murmured as she allowed him to help her out of the craft.

The two squinted as the heat of the planet's sun beat down on them as they
took their first good look at their surroundings.

"It's beautiful," Padme whispered in awe, hearing Obi Wan's agreement in his
soft sigh.

The tall trees surrounded the small valley they'd managed to land in, their
green leaves blowing gently in the soft breeze. The grass they'd landed on
was a deep forest green color, a brilliant contrast to the blue sky overhead.
Wildflowers dotted the landscape, their colorfulness adding just the right
touch to the already picture perfect setting.

Obi Wan let the peace and serenity of the area seep into his system,
immediately feeling a sense of calmness flood over him.

Padme too felt a sense of serenity as she breathed in the crisp air, glad
this planet wasn't a dull barren place.

"I have heard tales of Jakar, but none described it as this beautiful," Obi
Wan murmured as he gazed around him.

"Well, if we had to crash somewhere, at least we found someplace nice," she
offered with a small sigh.

Obi Wan suddenly realized the brevity of their situation as he turned back to
survey the ship.

While it was scratched up pretty badly in some places, there didn't seem to
be any structural damage. He walked around the ship, noting dents here and
there, but no leakage or breakage of any kind.

"I suspect the ship is intact, but I am willing to guess something in the
generator is not," he murmured as he managed to open the panel that provided
access to said part.

Padme watched him examine the ship, wondering if they would be stuck on this
planet for a while.

She sighed and frowned sharply at herself when she realized she wasn't
exactly adverse to the idea.

It was a beautiful place, far away, it seemed, from all responsibility, all
people and by that thought, all attempts on her life.

More importantly, it was simply her and Obi Wan.

No distractions.

Nothing but each other.

A shiver slid down her spine at the thought of being alone with him, on their
own little section of this planet.

She smiled as she moved towards him.

~~~~~~~~

Obi Wan sighed as he realized several of the wires were shorted out and
snapped in half. It was nothing that couldn't be repaired, if one had the
right tools and parts.

Tools and parts that could only be found in a mechanic's shop.

And from what he'd read about Jakar and what he'd observed so far, there were
no mechanic's shops in the near vicinity.

He sighed, rubbing his forehead as he realized they were stuck here until
help arrived.

He felt his heart quicken as he realized that in some deranged way, he had
gotten his wish.

Time alone with Padme, before having to face the reality of their lives.

Part of him was ashamed he could be thinking about being alone with her, when
they could be trapped here for he knew not how long.

Another part of him was jumping up and down for joy.

"Well, can you fix it?" Padme asked, coming up behind him, smiling as he
turned and offered a sheepish smile in reply.

"Yes, it's a simple fix," he began, feeling his heart rate accelerate at the
flash of disappointment that shot through her eyes. "But only if you have the
right tools and replacement parts, which I don't," he finished, trying not to
smile as he noted the frustration mixed with happiness in her gaze.

Obviously, her mind was running along the same track as his.

"So we're stuck here until someone realizes we did not arrive as scheduled
and comes looking for us?" she asked, fighting down the insane urge to giggle
and dance for joy.

"It looks like it," he replied, running a hand through his hair. "I sent our
flight plan to the Jedi Temple, and when we do not arrive, they will begin
searching. They know the course I set, so they'll search until they find us,"
he offered, hoping he sounded reassuring.

Padme sighed.

While she was looking forward to time alone with him, the Senator in her
could not help but surface.

"Do you think it will be long? I hate to leave my duties unattended," she
offered quietly, thinking of what could happen if she were reported missing.

Obi Wan sensed her worry and immediately sought to assuage it.

"Trust me Padme, the search will begin and they will keep it quiet. No one
will know, and I suspect we will be rescued within a few days," he replied,
glad to see the relief dawn in her eyes.

That worry off her shoulders, Padme decided it was time to make the most of
the situation.

"Well, if we're going to be here a while, maybe we should explore a little to
see what our surroundings are like," she offered, getting an enthusiastic nod
in return.

"That sounds good, but first we need to take care of that cut on your
forehead," he began, disappearing back into the ship for a few seconds, only
to emerge with a first aid kit.

She swallowed hard as his gentle fingers applied salve and a bandage to the
wound.

Even the light brush of his skin against hers was enough to send a tremor
through her body.

His face so close to hers was another distraction.

Reminding her of their dance, and the way he'd leaned down, ever so slowly,
until their lips met.

She blushed as he pulled back, a knowing glint in his eyes.

Obi Wan knew what she was thinking, because he was thinking it himself.

He wanted nothing more than to lean down and kiss her, but he had to
concentrate, to figure out a way to keep them both safe for however long they
were here.

The talking and anything else that might arise from it could come later.

He smiled as he pulled back, watching as she turned to him and began to
doctor the cut on his own forehead.

He swallowed hard as her soft breath brushed over his cheek as she carefully
applied the bandage, her lips pursed in concentration, her scent nearly
overwhelming him.

Padme forced her traitorous body to relax, knowing there would be time for
these feelings later.

Right now they needed to figure out other things.

"Good as new," she stated as she smiled into his beautiful eyes which were
locked with hers.

Suddenly, she felt an impulse to do something she'd wanted to for what seemed
like forever.

Smiling, she pulled his forehead down to hers and lightly kissed the bandage.

"There, a kiss makes it all better," she whispered, pulling back to smile
into his surprised eyes.

Obi Wan forced himself to remember to breathe, the feel of her lips against
his skin, even through the bandage, burned into his soul.

He suddenly smiled.

Turnabout was fair play after all.

Smiling into her eyes, he leaned forward, cupping her face in his hands as he
brushed a tender, lingering kiss across her own bandage, feeling her breath
hitch in at the contact.

Padme forced her eyes to remain open as she felt his lips against her heated
skin.

She couldn't help the sigh that escaped as he pulled back.

"Now that we're 'better,' what's say we go exploring," he offered, knowing
they needed to get moving before it got any later.

Besides, he needed to walk off some of the desire he could feel growing for
the young woman smiling back at him.

"I'm ready when you are," she replied, laughing as he pulled her to her feet.

The two slowly wandered towards the trees, talking quietly about their
surroundings and what they would need to find to survive however long they
might be here.

Padme breathed the scent of the forest in as they moved through the trees,
the sunlight still bright enough to guide their way. It really was a
beautiful planet, the sound of birds alive in the trees above them.

"I have not heard birds in ages," Obi Wan murmured, delightedly looking
around him as several of the aforementioned creatures fluttered through the
treetops above them.

"It is a shame so many have become extinct in these times," Padme murmured
quietly as they moved.

"It is nice to know they still can find a home somewhere," he replied.

Several minutes later the duo stopped, staring in awe at the sight before
them.

A huge waterfall streamed down into a large pool, lit up by the rays of the
sun as they filtered through the trees. Flowers of all kinds and colors grew
around the natural pond, giving the scene an almost unrealistic quality.

Padme sighed, never having seen a natural waterfall before.

"It is so beautiful, I never dreamed anything could be so beautiful," she
whispered in awe, unconsciously gripping Obi Wan's hand.

Obi Wan was also impressed with the sight, amazed that there could be such
natural beauty in such a manufactured world.

"It is almost like a dream," he replied as he tightened his grip on her hand.

For moments, they simply stared, absorbing the serenity and beauty around
them.

Obi Wan was the first to break the silence.

"At least we have fresh water and in all likely hood, dinner," he mused,
motioning to the fish swimming around the pond. "We can also bathe," he
murmured delightedly, missing the blush that crept across Padme's face at the
words.

She forced her mind to stop picturing the Jedi without his clothes,
frolicking in the water.

She had to swallow hard at the image those thoughts evoked.

Struggling to come back to herself, she forced her brain to start thinking
rapidly.

"We probably should find some wood or something, I have a feeling it is going
to get cold tonight," she offered as he nodded.

Carefully, they began to make their way back through the forest, hands still
linked.

When they reached the clearing again, Obi Wan immediately went to the ship,
looking around for whatever provisions might be on board.

"We're in luck," he crowed, emerging from the ship with a huge smile. "There
are a few food items stored on board, and I bet with some ingenuity, we could
catch some fish for dinner," he replied, glad to see her face light up.

"Fishing, how wonderful! I've never done that before, but always wanted to,"
she admitted, smiling at his strange look.

"My grandfather spoke highly of it, though he did not get to do it often,"
she offered in explanation, feeling her heart skip a beat at his smile.

"Then I will have to show you. I'll let you catch our dinner," he teased,
glad to see her eyes light up.

"Just you wait, I'll catch us the best fish you've ever seen," she boasted,
smiling as he burst into laughter.

"I've no doubt you will Padme, but if we're going to have fish for dinner,
we'd better find some wood to make a fire to cook it over," he offered,
laughing with her as they moved back towards the woods.

Padme smiled, feeling relaxed and free for the first time in months.

They might be stranded on an uninhabited planet, but they were together.

That made it all worthwhile.

Obi Wan smiled to himself as he sensed her thoughts loud and clear.

He felt the same.

While they were stranded, they were together, and maybe now they could
explore what they'd started last night on the dance floor.

Smiling, the couple laughed and talked as they began to gather what they
would need for the night.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Several hours later found the two sitting around a fire, relaxing after a
fine fish dinner.

Padme, to Obi Wan's delight, had caught several large fish, providing plenty
of food, as she'd promised.

And he now had the indelible image of her splashing around in the water,
looking young and carefree and extremely beautiful, burned into his mind.

Her stress and worry were gone for the time, despite their situation, and he
was determined to keep it that way.

He knew they would be found soon, could sense it through the Force. But until
then, he was going to do his best to make sure she forgot about everything
but having fun and enjoying life.

Something neither of them would be able to do when they were back on
Coruscant, amid their responsibilities and scrutiny from those around them.

He sighed, realizing for the first time, he was dreading going back to his
life's work as a Jedi.

But he wasn't going to think of that right now.

He was going to enjoy this time together, away from everyone and every
responsibility, and make sure Padme did as well.

~~~~~~~~~~

Padme smiled as she watched him from across the flickering flames.

For the first time since he'd arrived to protect her, he looked completely
relaxed, no worry lines creasing his temples.

She knew he was still concerned for her safety, but on this deserted planet,
they both really were quite safe.

She planned to keep that relaxed attitude around until they were rescued.

Besides, it provided a wonderful opportunity for them to get to know each
other away from all their duties and responsibilities.

For once, she was reveling in acting like a normal woman, instead of a
Senator with the future of a planet in her hands.

And she was going to act like a normal woman, who just happened to be in the
company of a breathtakingly handsome and charming man.

She was going to make the most of this opportunity, starting by getting to
know more about the man she'd been fascinated with for what seemed years.

"Obi Wan, what were you like as a child?" she asked, watching as a wry
grimace appeared on his face.

"Well, I am sure my master would have said I was not always easy to deal
with," he offered, a tinge of sadness appearing in his eyes as he mentioned
Qui Gon.

Padme sighed, knowing he still missed his friend and mentor.

She did too.

But she would not let either of them think back on that depressing time while
they were here.

"Really, I take that to mean you were a difficult child?" she teased,
watching as he pretended to bristle at her words.

The glint of amusement in his eyes gave him away however.

"I was never allowed to be a child," he answered truthfully, watching as her
eyes darkened. "From the moment Qui Gon accepted me as his Padawan, my
training and lessons began. I really did not do much but study in my early
years, but developed a little more freedom in the later ones," he offered,
surprised at the look that appeared in her eyes.

It sent his heart racing.

"So, does that mean you have a social life?"

Padme bit her lip, wondering if she had gone too far with the question.

But she'd wanted to know, and damned if she was going to sleep tonight
without finding out.

Obi-Wan smiled before replying.

"Jedi can ill afford a social life, our lifestyle is really not conducive to
lasting romantic attachments," he began, hiding his smile at the flash of
distress that shot through her eyes.

It sent a thrill through his body.

"But," he added, "when I do get free time I have been known to socialize at
an establishment frequented by Padawans on Coruscant," he finished, hiding
his amusement at her reaction.

Padme was working hard to keep her mind shielded from him, not wanting him to
know what was going through her head at his words.

She kept picturing him dressed in tight fitting pants and a billowy top, no
doubt drawing the attention of every woman and probably a few men, in said
club with simply a smile.

She didn't like the feeling of jealousy that thought sent shooting through
her blood.

She forced her mind to calm as she saw him smile, hoping he hadn't read her
mind.

"Well, at least you get out, which is more than I can say for me," she
muttered, turning to throw another stick of wood onto the fire as she stared
pensively into the flames.

Obi-Wan picked up on the comment, his own curiosity peaked.

"So I take it Naboo's Senator does not have time to socialize with others,
not even in her diplomatic duties?" he asked seriously, watching her
shoulders slump as she sighed.

"Socializing with other rulers, senators and dignitaries is one thing, I've
been doing it all my life, ever since childhood. But then becoming Queen so
young, my childhood was gone in a flash and all time for anything unrelated
to Naboo's future had passed," she offered as she picked at the grass
surrounding her.

Obi-Wan waited quietly, sensing she would continue when she was ready.

"Maybe that's why I don't consider those diplomatic dinners socializing. It's
work. Most of the time these are people I would not chose as personal
friends, so there is not much room for more than the pleasantries," she
offered.

Obi-Wan sighed, realizing in many ways, her life mirrored his.

"I know what you mean," he offered reflectively, as she turned her troubled
gaze to his. "So much of my time is taken up with diplomatic missions and
foreign affairs, not to mention Anakin's training, it is rare I get a night
to relax, and even rarer that my friends are able to relax with me," he
offered with a sigh.

Padme smiled softly at him.

"At least you have those times," she replied, turning her face back to the
fire. "Sabe and I are sometimes able to steal away for a few hours, but never
far and never off the grounds of my home, it is too risky. But those few
moments when we can catch up, simply be friends, are moments I treasure more
than I can say," she finished sadly.

The two sat silently for a few moments, reflecting on the states of their
lives.

Suddenly, Obi-Wan smiled.

"I have an idea," he stated, watching as her head turned to his.

"Enlighten me then Jedi," she teased, her heart skipping a beat at the smile
he sent her.

"When we get to Coruscant, when this threat to you is taken care of, let's
meet at the bar whenever we get the chance, and for a few hours, forget about
everything but enjoyment in our lives," he offered, seeing the spark begin to
glow in her eyes.

"You really think we could do that? Get away from all our responsibilities
and simply enjoy each others company for a night?" she replied wistfully.

He smiled.

"I think we are already doing that, we would just be in a different
atmosphere," he whispered, smiling as the blush rose on her cheeks.

Padme fidgeted slightly, knowing he was laughing at her blush, but unable to
stop the warm feeling that flooded through her at knowing he wanted to spend
time with her even after they were rescued.

"Do we have a promise?"

She felt her heart race as his husky voice carried to her across the
flickering flames. Turning her gaze to his, she almost lost her breath at the
intensity in the blue orbs staring back at her.

"Promise," she whispered, unable to find any other words.

Obi-Wan smiled as he held out his hand.

Taking a deep breath, Padme placed her hand in his.

Both jolted again at the sensation that shot through them as their skin
touched.

Obi-Wan's mouth went dry as his hold tightened on her hand, unable it seemed,
to release it.

Padme was struggling to remember how to breathe as her fingers tightened in
his, her eyes locked on the swirling depths of his.

Without conscious thought, Obi-Wan pulled her towards him, hazily aware that
this was probably not a good idea.

But then again, as his master had always said, sometimes, it was better to
follow your heart than your head.

Padme let him pull her closer, knowing that this was what she'd been hoping
for since he'd strode so confidently into her office three days ago.

They continued to stare into each other's eyes as they moved closer, neither
sure what to say or do, except go where the moment led them.

Obi-Wan lost himself in her eyes as his free hand moved to cup her face,
unconsciously stroking the smooth silk of her cheek with his thumb.

Padme knew she had stopped breathing at the touch, as his gentle hand drew
her face closer and closer to his.

For a moment, they paused, their lips nearly touching, waiting it seemed, for
something again to distract them.

When the moment passed, Obi-Wan smiled.

Padme's return smile was cut off by the feel of his lips on hers.

And in that moment, everything changed.

~~~~~~~

Padme closed her eyes as she felt his lips press gently against hers.

Sensations she'd never felt before burst over her body, a sweet, intense
craving for something she wasn't sure of.

But she was finding part of that craving satisfied by the feel of his lips
against hers.

Obi-Wan lost himself in the touch of her lips, the scent of her all around
him completely intoxicating.

Carefully, he pressed against her mouth, probing gently as her lips opened
under his.

Padme sighed as she slid her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as she
tentatively reached her tongue out to tangle with his.

His low moan brought a sense of womanly satisfaction to her body.

Threading her fingers through his hair, she gently caressed the back of his
neck, marveling at how smooth and warm his flesh felt beneath the tips of her
fingers.

Obi-Wan knew he was fast losing all control as her soft caresses tightened
his body unbearably.

But still, he could not bring himself to pull away, his hands, through no
will of their own it seemed, were wandering up and down her back, stroking
her as she stroked him.

The feel of her lithe body pressed against his was almost too wonderful to
bear.

Padme moaned as she rubbed herself against his chest, delighting in the
friction the contact stirred in her heated body.

She gasped for air as Obi-Wan suddenly pulled back, his eyes like fire as
they gazed into hers.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to bring his ragged breathing under control.

It was too soon.

The time was not right.

He sighed as he tried to let the Force flow through his body, calming and
soothing his heated desire until the moment was right.

For he had no doubt now that their moment was coming.

"Padme, we must stop," he managed in a whisper, his arms still locked around
her waist.

Despite the fact that every nerve in her body was screaming otherwise, she
knew he was right.

This passion between them was getting out of control, too soon, too fast.

But she was loath to give these wonderful feelings up just yet.

"Would you at least hold me tonight?" she asked quietly, almost insecurely,
knowing only that she never wanted to leave his arms.

Obi-Wan sighed as he pulled her tightly to him, stretching them both out in
front of the fire, pulling the light blanket he'd retrieved from the craft
over them.

He was too weak to deny them both this simple pleasure.

"Padme,'" he began as she turned her head up to his, her arms firmly wrapped
around his waist, her body spooned against his.

"What Obi-Wan?" she whispered, seeing the emotions filtering through his eyes.

"I want you to know that I do not take what happened tonight lightly," he
began, seeing her eyes crinkle as she waited for him to finish. "I have
feelings for you," he managed, not sure how to get the words out, but knowing
they must be spoken.

"I know we have only just met again, but I can't deny that I want to know you
better than any man ever has, or ever will," he whispered hoarsely, seeing
she understood what he meant as he looked into her eyes.

Padme felt tears building behind her eyes as she heard the sincerity in his
voice. Her heart was rejoicing at the fact that he did feel something for
her, just as she did for him.

"I feel the same," she replied softly, seeing his eyes light at her whispered
words. "I was always drawn to you, but I did not realize how much until you
walked into my office such a short time ago," she managed as she reached a
hand up to cup his cheek.

"I know this is wrong in so many ways. You are a Jedi, I am a Senator, and
our lives do not allow time for romance or relationships, but I can't help
myself Obi-Wan, I want you in my life. I want you," she whispered, knowing
she meant every word.

It might have only been three days, but she had never been more sure of
anything in her entire life.

She wanted this strong, brave Jedi more than she could ever say.

Obi-Wan felt his heart catch as he read the want and need in her gaze.

She might be young, but her feelings were true, he could sense that even if
it wasn't obvious in her expressive eyes.

"Oh Padme, I want you too, so much," he whispered, leaning down to brush his
lips across hers.

She sighed and leaned into the kiss, knowing she had never felt more special
in her entire life.

When they finally parted for breath, he snuggled her head against his chest,
willing his body to relax, knowing they both needed sleep.

"What are we going to do?" she finally whispered, feeling his chest move
under hers as he sighed.

"For the moment, we are going to sleep. Tomorrow, we will deal with things as
they come. Tonight, I just want to hold you," he replied softly, feeling her
lips curve into a smile against his chest.

"That sounds like a wonderful plan," she answered sleepily, drifting off into
blackness, safe and secure in his arms.

Obi-Wan yawned as he too let sleep claim his tired body, his arms tightly
wrapped around the woman lying next to him, a smile on his face.

~~~~~~~~~

Rating: *** R ***

(NOTE RATING CHANGE! Nothing graphic however)

Notes, disclaimers and such in Part 1

~~~~~~~~~

Padme smiled as she awoke to the long forgotten sound of birds chirping
around her. She used to love to hear the birds outside the palace window in
the days she had been Queen. Their song always symbolized to her a new day,
full of possibilities.

Stretching, the smile widened as she found her body restrained by a strong
arm across her waist, only then noting her back was snuggled nicely up
against another warm body.

Obi-Wan.

She remained still, content to absorb the peacefulness she felt as she heard
the Jedi's even breathing as he slept. The rhythmic movement of his chest
against her back gave her a feeling of safety and security she hadn't
realized she'd been lacking.

She would happily stay here, in his embrace, for the rest of her days.

"That could be rather uncomfortable, but very pleasurable no doubt."

She jumped as she heard his voice rumble against her ear as his arm tightened
across her waist, his head coming to rest on her shoulder.

"Good morning to you too," she managed, knowing her voice sounded breathless,
but unable to think very clearly with his soft breath against her ear.

Obi-Wan smiled as he felt her relax back against him, noting how her
heartbeat sped up against where his arm lay.

He sighed, relishing this closeness he'd never felt before. To tell the
truth, he'd never felt as peaceful as he did at this moment.

But, he knew they needed to get up and moving, making sure they were prepared
for another day on this planet. He had a feeling the Jedi would be out
searching for them, but wasn't sure when they would discover their location.

Not that he was in any hurry to move at the moment.

"So, what shall we do today?" he teased as she laughed and rolled in his arms
so they were face to face.

"I know what I'd like to do," she began, seeing his eyes spark at the
innuendo in the words, "but since it would probably offend your Jedi
sensibilities, I suppose we better settle for finding more food and a
possible shelter," she finished, smiling as he laughed.

"I think you might be surprised at how un-sensible I'm feeling at the
moment," he replied, hearing her breath catch at the words.

He smiled, then reluctantly separated from her, rising to his feet to
stretch, offering her a hand up.

"But since neither of us is ready for that at the moment, let's go see if we
can't clean up a bit in our lake," he offered, seeing her eyes light up at
the mention of the water.

"That sounds wonderful, maybe we can find breakfast along the way," she
replied, smiling as she let him pull her to her feet.

She felt a swift burst of satisfaction as he grabbed her hand and entwined
their fingers as they walked.

This was about as close to perfect as she could ever hope to get.

Smiling, laughing and simply enjoying each other's presence, they made their
way into the wilderness.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that afternoon found Padme trying to salvage what she could of the
supplies from the transport while Obi-Wan worked to build a makeshift shelter
from various tree branches and foliage they'd discovered throughout the area.

She turned to call out that she'd found the remaining medical supplies, only
to stop mid-call, swallowing hard as she noted he had removed his shirt in
the heat of the daytime sun.

The muscles in his well-formed back seemed to flow and ripple as he worked,
the symmetry almost heartbreakingly beautiful.

Not to mention heart-stoppingly gorgeous.

Forcing her baser emotions down, she turned back to her search, determined to
have control of her vocal chords before trying to speak again.

Across the way, Obi-Wan smiled as he felt her turn her gaze from him, fully
aware she had been staring.

And if he were truthful, he had to admit he'd shifted several heavy branches
to make sure she'd noticed the musculature of his bare back and shoulders.

He felt the now familiar pang of arousal settle in his system, knowing he
needed to focus on something other than how gorgeous Padme looked wearing
nothing but a pair of his trousers, cut off at the knee to allow for the
stifling heat, and another of his billowy shirts, the sleeves pushed up to
her elbows.

Sighing, he turned his attention back to his task, smiling as he noted he had
built quite a nice little shelter for the two of them.

His smile widened as he heard her moving, turning to see she was stoking the
small fire, getting ready to prepare the fish they'd caught that afternoon.

His eyes crinkled with amusement as he watched her bite her lip as she began
to slice and de-bone the fish, her face focused in concentration. To his
surprise, she hadn't balked at the task, instead, taking to it with a vigor
that was amusing and fascinating.

Just another facet of this woman he was beginning to realize fascinated him
more and more with each passing moment.

It was going to be extremely hard to leave her.

He frowned at the thought, trying to push aside the thoughts of what would
happen when they were found.

He didn't want to deal with those thoughts at the moment.

Tomorrow would come soon enough.

Today was theirs to enjoy.

"You know, if you stare any harder your eyes might fall out," Padme called to
him, breaking his concentration.

Smiling sheepishly, he moved towards her, settling himself at her side as she
poked at the fish now frying over the fire.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. There's nothing more intriguing than watching
a well-respected Senator struggling to de-bone a fish," he teased as she
swatted him on the arm.

"It might be old fashioned, but I still remember how to do a few things, like
cook over an open fire. When I was little, I used to go into the woods of
Naboo with my father. We'd spend several days living off the land, an old
tradition he had kept with his father, and his father before," she
reminisced, a small smile on her face.

Obi-Wan was fascinated by the play of emotions on her face, the tender note
in her voice as she recalled what was obviously a wonderful memory.

In the firelight, she looked almost enchanted.

Padme stopped, suddenly self-conscious at the way he was staring at her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to bore you," she whispered, blushing at the look in
his eyes.

Obi-Wan smiled.

"You weren't boring me. I find it fascinating to hear stories of you as a
little girl. It seems so unlike the competent woman I've grown to know over
the last few years," he replied, smile widening as she blushed even redder.

"Well, I was not allowed to be a child for long," she replied, her tone
growing wistful. "I had to assume my duties as Queen so early in life, I was
denied a real childhood, much like you I suppose," she finished, referring to
their conversation of the night before.

Obi-Wan sighed, staring into the fire, the two resting in a complacent
silence.

"Well, we both might be bound by duty in our everyday lives, but here, on
this little planet, away from everyone, I'd like to think we can just be
ourselves," he murmured wistfully, unconsciously reaching out to twine his
fingers with hers.

Padme smiled softly, tightening her fingers on his.

"I admit Obi-Wan Kenobi, in the past few days, I have seen sides of you I
very much like," she answered quietly as his eyes rose to hers.

His heart sped up at the look in her eyes.

"And what sides would those be?" he managed a hoarse reply.

She smiled.

"The human side," she began, stopping as he began to interrupt, a question in
his eyes. "By that I mean the side of you I suspect you don't show that
often. The way you talk to me about your past, your childhood, your fears and
worries, things I suspect you haven't even told Ani," she continued, seeing
the understanding appear in his eyes.

"I've also seen your romantic side," she went on, a little more bashfully as
his eyes lit up at the words. "You make sure I have enough food, or shelter,
before you even think of yourself. You do your best to make me smile, to make
me laugh, to take care of me, even though I am perfectly capable of looking
after myself," she added quickly, seeing his smile widen.

"But, it is nice to know you are there to protect and defend me. And most
importantly, you treat me like a human, not a former Queen or a Senator. You
treat me like a woman, you make me actually feel like a woman, and I find
that side of you most fascinating of all," she trailed off, unable to meet
his eyes now.

Obi-Wan swallowed hard at her words, knowing she meant them.

"Padme," he whispered, reaching with his hand to tilt her chin up to his.
"You are the most remarkable woman I've ever known. It's an honor and a
privilege to know you, and I consider myself the luckiest man alive to get to
see you like this, the beautiful, caring, loving woman you hardly are allowed
to show in your profession," he whispered.

This time she swallowed hard as she looked deeply into his eyes.

"You bring that out in me Obi-Wan. I've never felt this way with anyone, any
man, other than you," she replied, reaching her free hand up to cup his cheek.

For a few moments, they stared at each other in silence, hearts pounding,
breath hitching in and out in soft pants.

He knew it was wrong.

Knew it was something he would probably regret in the near future.

Knew it was something Anakin would never forgive him for.

But even knowing all that, he couldn't stop himself from leaning down to take
her lips with his.

This time, the kiss was hot and heated, tongues tangling urgently as their
lips met again and again, neither it seemed, willing to give up the
incredible sensations.

Padme felt her heart pounding hard against her chest as she slid her arms
around his neck, pulling him closer, letting her body lead her through the
maelstrom of emotions swamping her.

His lips were hard and firm and oh so desperate. His arms were tight around
her waist, almost as if he were afraid of losing her if he let go. His body
was pressed against hers, every part seeming to fit perfectly against him.

The urgency building in her system emerged as a low moan, nails digging into
the back of his neck as she took the kiss even deeper.

Obi-Wan was struggling not to simply throw her down and ravish her right then
and there, the desire swamping him was so overpowering.

But she was still innocent in so many ways, the last thing he was going to do
was rush this.

Besides, he might never get the chance to hold her, touch her, love her, like
this, again.

Pulling her tightly to him, he explored her body, his hands running over her
soft curves, learning what she liked from her soft moans and eager cries. His
lips began planting a trail of kisses across her neck, feeling her vocal
chords vibrate against his lips as she mewled against him.

His hands continued their journey, stroking her gently, but enough to arouse
her body to a fever pitch, much like the state he was in at the moment.

Stretching out on the ground, he pulled her fully against him, maneuvering
their bodies so he was on the hard ground, Padme perched above him, her hips
straddling his waist.

Padme moaned as she felt him shift positions, the new one bringing her into
complete contact with the evidence of his desire.

The sensation was unlike anything she'd ever felt.

Unconsciously, she arched her hips, rubbing her pelvis against his. She
smiled at the harsh groan the action received as his hands tightened on her
hips.

"You like that?" she whispered, moving again, seeing his eyes go dark.

"More than like," he growled before leaning up to pull her head down to his
and recapture her lips while he arched upwards against her.

She knew she shouldn't be doing this.

Knew they were jeopardizing everything, including the future of the boy they
both loved.

Knew this was the worst thing she could do with her life in the state it was.

But she couldn't resist the knowledge that despite all that, it felt right.

Right to be in his arms, kissing his beautiful skin, reveling in the fact
that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. There were no rules, no
regulations, no doubts in this moment.

She was going to live in it to the fullest.

"Obi-Wan, make love to me," she murmured against his ear, her body pressing
against his again.

Obi-Wan fought a quick battle with himself, knowing from the start it was a
losing situation.

With another moan, he crushed her lips to his and slid his hands into the top
of the now bagging shirt she was wearing.

For moments, nothing could be heard but the sound of ripping clothing and
breathless moans as bare skin was uncovered and discovered inch by torturous
inch.

The mewls and cries as he found the most sensitive areas on her body.

The groans of exquisite ecstasy as she found the sensitive spots that had him
crying her name, begging her never to stop.

Their joining was hot, heated, and more wonderful than either had imagined as
they took each other to the stars again and again in the darkness of the
night.

Finally, as the soft rays of dawn began to emerge, they lay at peace, wrapped
in each other's arms, covered by a soft blanket.

Padme wondered only if making love always felt this incredible, this
wonderful, this right.

"Only when it's with the right person my love," he whispered softly against
her ear as she smiled, realizing he'd once again read her thoughts.

"I know you are the right person, I think I've always known," she murmured,
turning her head so her ear rested against his chest, the sure, strong beat
of his heart reassuring her as nothing in her life ever had.

"I too believe I've always known, although I'd have been hard pressed to
admit it," he replied, feeling her smile against his chest.

He caught his breath as she tilted her head to gaze up to his eyes, the
solemn wonder in them astounding him.

"No regrets?" she murmured, trying to keep the anxiety from her voice as she
brought to light the one concern lingering in the back of her mind.

His soft smile erased all doubt.

"Not a one," he whispered, knowing he spoke the truth.

It might not have been the right thing, or the right time.

They could have just complicated an already overly complicated future.

But he couldn't bring himself to regret one moment, one sigh, one cry as
she'd crashed over the edge into ecstasy with him.

If they never had another night together, he knew he would never regret this
one.

Padme closed her eyes, the relief streaming through her body nearly making
her weak.

She knew he meant the words.

She knew things would not be easy, this would not be easy, it might never
happen again.

But she couldn't regret a moment of this wonderful night.

"Good, then I'm hoping you're up to a repeat performance?" she teased, moving
sensuously against his hardening body.

Obi-Wan groaned, pulling her lips down to his for another kiss.

"You woman, are going to be the death of me," he muttered without much
resistance as she began to plant kisses along his collarbone.

"But what a way to go," she whispered.

His low groan was the last sound either of them uttered for quite some time
after.

~~~~~~~~

Padme smiled as she watched Obi-Wan gathering wood for their fire. It had
been a marvelous day, the two of them exploring their temporary home, and
each other, on and off for most of the daylight hours.

Now as twilight darkened the horizon, she found herself comfortably wrapped
in his robe to ward off the chill of the night air.

She found herself wishing they might never have to leave.

The thought made her frown, as it brought to mind all the duties and
responsibilities she held, all the people counting on her, probably worried
out of their minds since her disappearance. She should feel guilty being away
from them, enjoying herself so much while they struggled through so much
suffering.

"But everyone needs an escape from suffering, even if it is by accident,"
Obi-Wan murmured quietly as he came to sit beside her, using his lightsaber
to start the fire, the rest of the firewood stacked nicely next to the fire
pit.

She sighed and leaned into his embrace, letting the warmth of the flames and
his body heat soothe the chill of the night air.

"But I am their Senator, I'm supposed to be fighting for them, doing my best
to help them live through the corruption all around us. And here I am,
wishing we never had to leave this place, wishing we could stay here,
together, for the rest of our lives. It's selfish and wrong," she murmured as
she buried her head against his shoulder.

Obi-Wan sighed as he brushed his lips across the top of her head.

"It is not selfish to enjoy life, to take advantage of the things it has to
offer. This is a moment in time, a small moment that will be over much too
soon, we deserve to enjoy it and make the most of it," he whispered,
tightening his arms around her.

"I know, but I don't want it to end, what happens after we're rescued?" she
managed, lifting her head as she voiced the question that had been nagging at
her for the past few hours.

His eyes darkened as he sighed.

"When we are rescued, you will go back to your duties, although most likely
under the Temple's protection, and Anakin and I will be sent on missions of
peace throughout the galaxy," he whispered sadly as she shuddered and nestled
closer to his body.

"What you're saying is that we won't be alone, or even together, for a long
time, isn't it? Not even our 'club' escape nights can happen," she whispered
sadly, seeing the pain reflected in his eyes.

Obi-Wan was silent a moment, remembering their lighthearted 'promise,' trying
to figure out how to say what he knew he must.

"Padme, know that I would do anything to be with you," he whispered, seeing
her eyes fill as he leaned down to brush a gentle kiss across her lips before
continuing. "But we have to think of our responsibilities, our duties, and
most importantly, Ani," he finished, seeing her eyes cloud at the mention of
his Padawan.

"How does Ani figure into this? He is just a boy, a dear one, but still a
boy," she whispered.

Obi-Wan sighed.

"He is not so little now Padme, and his feelings for you," he began, only to
be stopped by her fingers across his lips.

Taking a deep breath she looked him straight in the eye, knowing it was time
to admit the truth.

"He might be a young man, but to me, he is still Ani, the sweet boy I knew
years ago and hope to stay friends with for a long time forward. But you,"
she paused, reaching up to cup his face in her hands, intensity ringing in
her words as she continued. "Obi-Wan, you are the man I love, the man I want
to love for the rest of my life," she whispered, seeing his eyes spark at her
words.

Obi-Wan was silent for a moment, simply absorbing the words he'd dreamed of
hearing more often than he'd cared to admit. The joy that filled his system
suddenly overflowed as he leaned into her touch, smiling into her eyes.

"Oh Padme, I love you too, but I never dreamed you could love me," he
whispered, leaning down to place another kiss on her waiting lips.

For a moment, they simply reveled in each other's love, holding tightly to
each other, lost in the kiss.

When they finally parted for breath, Obi-Wan held her tightly to him, feeling
happier than he had in years. He never wanted to let her, or this feeling go.

But the reality of the situation quickly overwhelmed him, like a dark cloud
creeping over the horizon.

He sighed as he stroked her cheeks and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Padme, Anakin can never know how we feel about each other," he whispered
softly, stopping her before she could speak. "If he were to find out, I don't
know what it would do to him. You know he loves you, even as young as he is,
he has always loved you," he finished, smiling to himself as her eyes lit up
with frustration.

"I know he feels strongly for me, but I don't feel that way about him. I love
him dearly, but I'm not in love with him," she argued as he simply sighed and
pulled her closer.

"I know that, I do, but there is a darker side to him, a side that I think
would be dangerous to provoke, and knowing how we feel about each other could
be detrimental to his training," he replied, hesitant to bring up something
he'd only felt vaguely through his Force senses.

Padme turned her head up to his, immediately picking up on his feelings.

"What is wrong? Is something happening with Ani?" she asked quietly, watching
as his eyes turned far away as if troubled. She could sense the unease
sweeping through his system as if it were her own anxiety.

Obi-Wan instinctively tightened his grip on her waist as he tried to explain
his sense of foreboding.

"I don't know, it's just a feeling I get every now and then. It is so
insignificant at times, yet at others, it is like a cold chill sweeping down
my spine. And Anakin has not been the easiest Padawan to train, although I
suspect Qui-Gon would have said the same about me," he offered wryly.

Padme sighed and snuggled closer to him, offering her body warmth against the
chill.

"If you sense something, I'm inclined to believe you are right, but really,
is Ani's training so difficult?" she asked curiously.

Obi-Wan sighed.

"It is not that it is difficult, it is just that there is a lot of anger and
pain inside of him. He still misses his mother, feeling anger that he was
freed and she was not. He is learning to control it, but every now and then,
I see a darkness in his eyes that frightens me," he admitted, feeling
immediately disloyal to be thinking such things of his Padawan.

Padme picked up on his turmoil and reached again to cup his face in her hands.

"I believe it takes more than most would expect to frighten you Obi-Wan, so
don't discount those feelings. But do not feel guilty about them, you sense
what you sense for a reason. But do not let those feelings consume you, worry
you, or else you are the one I fear for," she whispered, looking deep into
his eyes.

He sighed, seeing all the sweetness and goodness reflected in her eyes,
wondering how he had gotten so lucky that she had fallen in love with him.

Wondering when she had gotten so wise.

"When did you become the elder here?" he asked quietly, smiling as her
laughter echoed on the breeze around them.

"I seem to remember getting some rather good advice from your own Master,"
she responded, smiling as they contemplated Qui-Gon's memory together.

"I wish you could have known him better, he was a remarkable man," Obi-Wan
whispered, smiling at the image of his Master he carried in his mind.

"I feel I do know him, through you," she replied, smiling into his eyes he
hugged her closer.

For a few moments, they remained silent, content to reflect on their memories
and enjoy the closeness of the moment.

But Padme still felt a need to resolve their conversation of earlier.

"Obi-Wan," she began, turning her head so she could see his face, "I
understand why you do not want Anakin to know about our feelings, but it is
going to be very hard to keep them hidden," she whispered truthfully, getting
a sigh in reply.

"I know, but we must, I fear what could happen if others knew," he answered
sadly, his eyes growing solemn. "This time here is all we can have, anything
else is too dangerous at the moment," he finished, seeing her eyes fill with
tears.

Padme contemplated his words, knowing deep in her heart that he was right,
but not wanting to believe him.

But she was a Senator, she had responsibilities and duties as well, duties
that could be viable to saving millions of lives. Duties that could be
compromised by loving a Jedi.

She only wished she could find a way to make a relationship with Obi-Wan work.

"My sweet Padme," Obi-Wan whispered, picking up on her thoughts clearly, "How
I wish we could make a relationship work as well. But that is not to be the
case, at least not for the moment, the Force has different ideas, different
paths for us to follow," he finished sadly, knowing he spoke the truth.

Their paths would not fall together.

No matter how much he loved her, he knew there could be no future with her.
The Force was whispering that to him even as he held her tighter, not wanting
to let this moment go.

For once, he wished things could be different.

Padme felt a tear slip down her cheek at his words, knowing deep in her heart
that he was right. It was not meant for them to be together.

At least not yet.

And that was going to give her hope.

"The time might not be right, but someday, I know it will," she whispered,
holding onto him as tightly as she could, knowing her tears were escaping
despite her tight control. "And when that day comes, nothing will stop me
from being with you," she whispered, leaning up to capture her lips with his.

Obi-Wan groaned against her lips, his own emotions too near the surface to
resist.

He slid his hands into her hair, holding her tightly against his body as he
ravaged her lips, delighting in her heated response to his hard kisses.

When they finally parted, gasping for air, Padme began pulling at the tunic
he wore over his shoulders.

"Padme," he whispered, heart in his eyes as he read the desperation in hers.

"Our time here will be over far too soon," she whispered as her hands slid
under the cloth to find heated bare skin. "Until then, make me forget
everything but how much I love you, how much I will always love you," she
pleaded as she began planting kisses across his collarbone.

Obi-Wan knew he was lost as he felt her hands slide down his body, stroking
him to a fever pitch unlike any he'd ever known.

With a small groan, he gave into her demands, toppling her onto her back and
beginning a thorough exploration of her body, knowing this would more than
likely be the last time they could ever be together like this.

Something in the Force told him their rescuers, led by Anakin, were on the
way. He knew they would arrive tomorrow.

But until then, he was going to forget about everything but tonight, and the
woman he loved more than life itself, a living flame in his arms.

And for a long while after, the only sounds that echoed through the night sky
were the cries and moans of ecstasy of two souls joined forever in mind and
spirit, yet destined to remain apart in body.

~~~~~~~~~~

Obi-Wan sighed as his body slowly awakened, a small smile breaking over his
face as he felt Padme's warm body pressed tightly against his. Her hair fell
over her shoulders and onto his, her face nestled quite comfortably against
his arm, wrapped in his embrace.

She fit against him perfectly, and after several days with her, he wondered
how he would ever be able to go without waking up to her every morning.

His smile faded as he realized he might never feel her warmth, her kiss, the
joy of watching her fly over the edge into ecstasy, again in this lifetime.

He had already put them in grave danger, giving in to the feelings that if
Anakin ever realized, could destroy them all.

But it was done, he now must live with the consequences.

It was going to be the hardest thing he'd ever had to do, concealing his
feelings for Padme from his Padawan, hoping Anakin never picked up even a
hint of them.

Especially knowing that she was to be a huge part of both their futures. The
Force had allowed him to see that, although not in what capacity.

The thought of her with Anakin made his stomach turn, but he realized that
the future was a constantly changing thing, something he had no control over.
If it was to be, it was to be, no matter that it might kill him slowly inside.

"You're thinking about Anakin, aren't you?"

He jumped at Padme's soft voice as she turned her head to gaze into his eyes.

"You know me too well," he replied softly, tightening his arms around her and
laying his head against her shoulder with a small sigh.

Padme forced the sadness from her mind as she snuggled back against him,
content for the moment to simply enjoy being held so tightly in his arms as
the morning rays of the sun began to peak over the horizon.

She had been awake for several minutes now, and had sensed the seriousness of
his feelings through their mental bond. She knew he was worried what would
happen when they were rescued, what it would mean for their future.

Her own emotions were troubled, warring between duty and desire.

"I have to believe there is a reason for this," she began softly, sensing he
was listening intently. "You are always telling me the Force has reasons for
every action. I cannot believe it did not foreordain us loving each other
without allowing us to be together, even if it is not in the immediate
future," she finished, feeling his arms tighten around her.

"I feel that too, although the wait will be unbearable," he whispered,
planting a soft kiss against the back of her neck.

"We will just have to be strong, something both of us are good at doing. We
can be strong for each other, and even Ani, hiding our feelings because of
our love for him," she whispered, leaning up to capture his lips in a soft
kiss.

He sighed as he relaxed into the embrace, again thinking how right this felt.

Just as he was about take things further, he felt a familiar tug in his mind.

~~ Master? ~~

He immediately pulled away from Padme, pulling her head to his chest as he
quickly forced down his amorous emotions before responding to the mental call.

~~~ Anakin? ~~~

~~ Thank the Gods! You are okay? Both of you? ~~

He sighed as he heard the worry in his Padawan's thought.

"They've found us, haven't they?"

He nodded at Padme's statement, trying to ignore the way she moved against
him as she struggled into a sitting position. Focusing on his Padawan, he
sent a reply.

~~~ We are fine. We have been waiting for you ~~~

~~ Good. I should be there in about 10 minutes. I'm glad you both are okay,
Master. ~~

Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile at the true affection in the thought.

He hadn't realized how much he had missed his Padawan.

~~~ It is good to hear your voice. We will be waiting. ~~~

He sighed as he felt Anakin close his mind, although the bond that had been
missing for the past few days remained firmly established.

"I take it you were talking to Ani?" Padme asked, feeling a sense of
melancholy overcome her as she realized their idyll together was over.

"He will be here in about 10 minutes," he offered quietly, looking deep into
her eyes as she stared at him.

Padme swallowed hard, knowing she had to compose herself, to bury her
feelings deep inside if they were going to pull this off.

But she wanted one final moment, one final kiss to remember on the long, cold
nights she knew were ahead of them both.

"Kiss me, once more, please," she whispered, noting his head was already
lowering towards hers.

Obi-Wan groaned as he pulled her tightly against him, the kiss turning deep
and desperate, hands and lips roaming across each other one last time.

Finally, Obi-Wan dragged himself away, knowing they had very little time left.

"I love you Padme, never forget that, no matter what happens," he whispered,
brushing away the tear that slid down her cheek.

Padme fought down her emotions, leaning into his caress, memorizing every
sensation.

"I love you too Obi-Wan, I will always love you, no matter what happens," she
echoed back, leaning up to plant another soft kiss against his lips.

The two held each other tightly for a moment before Obi-Wan again pulled back
and rose to his feet, offering her a hand as she rose as well.

"This time with you has been the most wonderful of my life, I just want you
to know that," he whispered, as he slipped his tunics over his head.

Padme did not trust herself to speak as she dressed, the emotions tearing
through her still too raw to express.

She felt a terrible pain at having to leave him, at being parted from him.

But she knew it was for the best. It was what they had to do.

For now.

"I swear, one day, someday, we will be together, damn the Force and all its
odds," she whispered passionately as she looked at him in the fast fading
darkness.

"That's a promise I won't let you break," he whispered, reaching out brush a
finger down her cheek, giving her a soft smile that broke her heart anew.

They stared intently at each other for a moment, their eyes expressing
everything they could not say in words.

Suddenly, Obi-Wan stiffened as he heard the sound of a small ship enter the
atmosphere.

"Our rescuer has arrived," he offered quietly, his eyes watching the silver
ship grow larger and larger.

"I wish we had more time," she whispered back, reaching out to touch his
shoulder.

"Someday my love, someday, I promise you," he whispered, reaching to plant a
kiss against her palm, reluctantly separating himself from her as the ship
settled to the ground.

He couldn't help but smile through the pain as he saw Anakin's worried face
appear as the door panel slid open.

"Master!"

He smiled as Anakin strode forward, relief and affection in his eyes. To his
surprise, his Padawan pulled him into a quick hug, the relief flowing through
him evident in the Force around them.

"It is good to see you. I was worried for a while that I'd lost you," Anakin
managed, pulling back quickly, suddenly looking embarrassed at his display of
affection.

Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile.

It was moments like these he wanted to ignore the voices and thoughts in his
mind.

"I missed you too Anakin, but I had no doubt you'd find us," he replied as
his Padawan nodded, although his attention had now moved behind him.

He had to force his baser instincts down as he watched Anakin's face light up
as the younger man moved around him and headed straight for Padme.

"Padme! Or should I say Senator Naberrie," Anakin called excitedly, as he
offered a hand and a quick bow.

Padme couldn't help but laugh at his gesture, surprised to see how much he'd
grown since the last time she'd seen him. He was taller and much broader
shouldered, with the traditional Padawn cut and braid, and eyes of a crystal
blue that seemed to see beyond their years.

"Ani, you can call me Padme as you've always done, it's good to see you
again," she replied, smiling as he pulled into a quick hug.

She couldn't help but compare how different it felt to be in his arms instead
of Obi-Wan's.

With Anakin, it was almost a sisterly feeling, of comfort and friendship. His
embraced did not make her heart pound or her knees weak, like his Master's
did.

And there was something she sensed in him, something darker than the innocent
child she'd left with the Jedi nearly 11 years ago. It was not an
uncomfortable sensation, but not a pleasant one either.

Obi-Wan's worries flashed into her head for a moment as she shivered slightly.

"You are cold, come, we must get you warm and home," Anakin offered eagerly,
pulling back and offering his arm as he motioned towards the ship.

She smiled and took the offered arm, her gaze sliding to Obi-Wan, half amused
to find a look of jealousy, quickly masked, in his eyes.

"Come Obi-Wan, I believe my two rescuers should have the honor of walking me
to the ship," she called, holding out her hand, seeing his eyes calm as he
moved to her side and linked their arms.

"So, my Master took adequate care of you?" Anakin teased, missing the look
the two shot each other.

"Very good care, I have never felt safer," she murmured, giving Obi-Wan
another long glance, letting the emotions fill her eyes as his answered in
turn.

"Everyone will be relieved to have you both back. And after this, you will
stay at the Temple with us, under our protection," Anakin said excitedly as
Obi-Wan shot him a glance.

"Then the others believe this was part of the attempts on Senator Naberrie's
life?" he asked quietly, exchanging a look with Padme.

Anakin frowned.

"I was the first to suspect something was wrong. I could feel a disturbance
in the Force. I knew you were in trouble Master, so I went to Master Windu
and convinced him to listen to my worries," his Padawan replied with a wry
laugh.

Obi-Wan couldn't help but laugh.

"I am sure he was not an easy audience to convince," he replied as Anakin
smiled.

"But he did eventually listen, and when no word was heard from you, they told
me where you'd gone and allowed me to do some investigating," he continued as
they reached the ship's entrance.

Padme smiled as she felt both Jedi together lift her into the cockpit, amused
at how easily they worked together without thinking about their actions.

A well matched Master and Padawan if she did say so herself.

"What did you find out?" Obi-Wan asked as they all settled into their seats.

Anakin frowned again.

"I managed to contact the maintenance workers on Naboo. None of them had
performed the routine check on your ship, having been told the other had
already done it," he began as he began punching in their course.

"So it was tampered with," Obi-Wan murmured quietly, turning quickly to give
Padme a reassuring glance as he felt her fear rising.

"So this mysterious person threatening me is truly out for vengeance," she
murmured, shivering at the thought someone could hate her, and her people,
that much.

"Don't worry Padme, Masters Windu and Yoda have agreed you need Jedi
protection and you will receive it until this matter is figured out," he
offered, unable to keep the excitement from his voice.

He had to admit, he was looking forward to spending more time with his Angel.
She was even more beautiful than he remembered, and he just knew that given
time, and close proximity, she would fall in love with him as much as he
loved her.

Obi-Wan frowned to himself as he sensed his Padawan's exuberant feelings,
something in his heart twisting as he realized how complicated this situation
had just become.

Anakin could never know that Padme loved him, and he her. The consequences
would be far too monumental, and perhaps deadly. He must bury these feelings
deep inside, never letting the young man sitting across from him know how
deeply his feelings ran.

It only made the emptiness inside him grow.

But a spark of hope had sprung up at Anakin's words about protecting her. It
would be torture to be so close to her and not touch her, kiss her, but he
would at least be near her.

And for that, he would be thankful.

"Well, I am glad I will have you both protecting me, you make a good team,"
Padme replied, feeling her heart tighten as she saw Obi-Wan smile at her, a
special smile she realized he would only give to her.

"We will always protect you Padme, never doubt that," Obi-Wan replied, his
words hiding hidden meanings only she would understand.

His message received, she smiled back at him, conveying with her eyes that it
would be all right.

Besides, she would obviously be seeing more of him if he and Anakin were to
guard her.

Which meant she would have to be even more careful to hide her feelings.

The sadness was nearly overwhelming as she watched the two Jedi talking
quietly in the front seats of the ship.

She hated not being able to express her love for him.

But she knew she must remain silent, if only to protect the eager young man
who kept shooting her looks of adoration from his position piloting the ship.

She could already tell that Obi-Wan had been right, that Anakin's feelings
for her had not changed in the years, and that he was already half-way in
love with her.

Unfortunately, she was completely in love with his Master.

But she could not think like that at the moment. She had to focus on building
her defenses, hiding her love and doing her duty as things got darker in the
world around them.

It was going to be a long, tiring road.

But as she saw Obi-Wan turn and smile softly at her, she knew that no matter
what, she would not be traveling it alone.

They might be apart, they might have to hide their love for one another, but
he would always be with her, and she him.

The thought gave her comfort as they sped closer and closer to Coruscant.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Altered things have been, have they not?"

Mace Windu turned at Yoda's words, a troubled expression on his face.

"I fear great harm will come from these events. If only they had not been
stranded together," he mused as the two stared out into the Coruscant sky.

"A path the Force has chosen for them. Altered it may not be," Yoda replied
cryptically.

"I only hope that path does not get us all killed," Mace muttered as his gaze
again swept over the bustling city around them.

Yoda remained silent.

The two men continued to stand in silence, staring out the window, waiting
for the ship to arrive.

Neither wanted to voice the fears they had about what would happen when it
landed.

~~~~~~~~~

The End

(I know, I know, but we all know Obi-Ami can't have a happily ever after, or
we screw up the entire original Trilogy. This is just a scenario I believe
would set up Anakin's final fall. After all, what better incentive to turn to
the dark side than to realize the woman you love, adore and worship is in
love with someone you trusted and called friend or perhaps brother? Then
again, that's me trying to write Episode III. But it's fun to imagine isn't
it?

Hope you enjoyed! Feedback is absolutely craved and responded to with
absolute joy!)