Disclaimer: I own nada, except for myself. Well, not even, I'm a minor! You know the drill.
Dedication: Dedicated to Padawan Sabe and Padme Skywalker, they convinced to write another.
Storyline: The FINAL addition to the Obi/Cadi series. F-I-N-A-L! Do not ask for more! I love the stories too but I'd rather they go out with some quality than just become mindless, which they would have after a while. Don't hate me. Oh, and this isn't done. I'm still finishing up the end but didn't want to keep you guys waiting any longer.
This story…is about…l-love. The woman I…love-d…is…
Dead.
*1*
Steamy was the word.
Cadi lifted her drowsy eyelids back to her surroundings. It was midnight, pitch black except for the cloudy white steam that enveloped them, the moons were full and cast playful cerulean shadows across everything. Beads of condensation coated what of her body wasn't immersed in the pool of water in which they lay. The clouds of steam wafted around them in swirling dances. In a word: it was beautiful.
"How did you ever find this place?" she breathed in wonderment. They were on Yavin 4, in the twilight season. It was really remarkable; the jungles were never completely left without light, but instead were washed over in the reflections of the surrounding moons.
"You know me, I've a knack for finding remote planets," Obi's sweet voice came from behind her as his fingers laced over her waist.
"Mm," she replied thoughtfully as she leaned her head back to rest against his heart.
"What?" he asked with a slight laugh, obviously sensing her uneasiness.
Cadi shook the thought away, "Nothing, I'm just waiting for Anakin to come storming in and pull you away from me," her hand absently came up to touch his face. Beneath her fingers she felt the coarse bristles of his new beard. He'd grown it after one of Anakin's punky friends has asked him for the chemistry homework a few weeks ago, thinking he was still a Padawan. She laughed quietly as she remembered how he had fumed about it for days, a man of 35 still being mistaken for a teenager! "Where is the kid?" she asked after a silent moment.
"He went off on his own to visit Padme," he replied distantly.
"The Nubian Senator?" Cadi's memory was vague.
"Yes. They've become…fond of each other," there was a tinge of humor in his voice.
"Awww, little Ani is growing up," she said, reminiscing, "makes me feel old."
"Makes *you* feel old?" he chuckled softly, then added, "they remind me of us."
"In what way?"
"Oh, little things," his eyes unfocused as he distantly traced the curves of her body, "the way he falls all over himself when he sees her, or the way she carries a stiff upper lip when they're in public, but once in a while slips him flirty glances…"
"Ah yes, my infamous barrier you never stopped complaining about," she pinched him playfully.
"Yes, well, now it's Anakin's turn to be driven crazy," he pinched back, "He's already determined to marry the girl."
"Marriage? Isn't that against the Code?" Cadi asked, already knowing the answer.
"Cadi, *relationships* are against the Code," he reminded, "but it happens anyway," he added coyly. She was silent for a while.
"We never got married," she commented at last.
"You don't want to get married," he said, a bit indignantly, "You've said a thousand times 'if you want to fuck up a good romance-'"
"Get married," she finished for him, "I know, but you never even tried to ask," she teased.
"Enough Council members know about us already, have you ever thought about how much outside attention a proposal would bring us?"
"Hush, let's not talk of what's outside," she drew herself closer to him, "now it's just…us."
"Now that sounds appetizing," he tilted her chin for a tender kiss.
"This trip was one of your better ideas, fuzz head," she complimented.
"My pleasure," he grinned contentedly, "I figured you would need a nice getaway before you go on that disgusting mission the Council gave you," he fought a sneer.
"You're still mad about that, huh?" she cupped his face in her hand as she watched his eyes meld in conflict. The other day the Council had told her she was going to Nar Shardaa in the next week; she'd be posing as a concubine in order to get cozy with the head of the Hutts.
"You would think there was a less degrading way of getting information from someone," he said bitterly. The Council's order had infuriated him, but Obi had silenced his anger and instead whisked Cadi away to this spot for a few days of quiet time together…
That had been two days ago, and already they would be leaving in the morning.
"Obi-Wan," Cadi said seriously, "maybe we should put our relationship on hold while I'm there-"
"No," he said immediately. She knew it was not an answer to argue with.
"Okay," she conceded softly, "but promise me you won't get jealous." Her eyes glowed in the twilight, and for a long moment he just held her gaze, taking in the fractional changes in her lustrous violet irises. How could she be this brave? How could she let the Council use her like this?
But, Obi-Wan guessed, that was why he loved her.
"I promise," he whispered at last. There was a glimpse of relief in her eyes as she resumed her relaxed state against him. Obi laid his head back against the stone that surrounded the hot spring; he had a bad feeling about this.
***
"I know you were on a break with Padme, Anakin," Obi said, his voice sounding worn, "this mission requires your attention now."
The young man didn't look happy, but he gave a reflexive "Yes, Master," anyway. Obi watched as his Padawan eased down into the copilot's chair, distant thoughts of Amidala already clouding his eyes. "So where are we going?" he asked at last.
"Nar Shadaa," Obi stated simply, not in the mood to explain.
"The Hutts? What in the universe for?" the boy persisted, completely oblivious.
"We're serving as backup for a fellow Jedi," Obi wasn't in the mood to get into the 'dating' argument either.
"Wait a second," the Padawan's eyes narrowed in obscure memory, "isn't this Cadi's mission?"
"She is the Jedi for whom we are providing backup," Obi allowed.
Anakin said nothing, but his Master could feel the irritated thoughts pinching at the edges of the boy's mind.
"What?" he inquired.
"It was my understanding she was going on a solo mission," Anakin snorted.
"I volunteered our services," Obi kept an authoritative calm in his voice.
"Nice of you to speak for me," he sneered.
"It is my duty as your Master," he replied easily, throwing a "don't mess with me" glance at him. Anakin averted his eyes, instead gazing out the view port into empty space. Obi sat back in the pilot's seat, slowly unclenching his teeth.
"So, if sometime in the future, Force forbid, *Padme* is in trouble," Anakin began after a while, keeping his head turned away, "will I have the option of 'volunteering our services?'"
Obi thought admirably. "Always in motion is the future," was all he said. He got no physical response, only the sensation of those irritating thoughts that were pinching at his Padawan before now sinking their teeth in.
***
If she ever saw a Hutt again, it would be too soon. Cadi had high tolerance, but not this high. And she'd only been here for a week. She sighed as she placed the dark purple veil over her face. With a final begrudging look in the mirror, she walked into the office…
"//So you do not want money?//" the vile creature asked in disbelief.
"No," Cadi kept her voice smooth, beguiling.
"//I am no fool//" the glob rumbled, "//You must want something.//"
"That is correct," she mock-absently toyed with the buttons of her blouse.
"//Well then?//" it lifted a nonexistent eyebrow.
"I want-" she pretended to think, "I want to be on the inside," she whispered.
"//Explain//" it seemed intrigued, which was good.
"I want to see the inner workings of your business. The money- the power- it's so-" she daintily traced her lips with her tongue, "enticing."
"//I see//" it said curiously, "//I will see what I can arrange//"
"No!" she brought her hand up to her head, as if to faint. She increased her breathing rate, her chest rising and falling beneath the sheer blouse. She noticed its eyes wandering; it was going for it… "Do not torment me so!"
"//Well…//" it blinked slowly, its lust getting the better of it.
"If you let me in, I am yours," she teased. she thought.
"//At all times?//" the pupils became slits.
"At all times," she cooed.
"//Deal, what harm could you possibly be?//" the eyes flicked to the guards behind her. "//Take her to my personal suite//" it commanded with the wave of a stubby hand. Two more slugs oozed up to escort her. Cadi allowed the gangster a captivating smile and sashayed out of the room.
The bed was gigantic, to be expected from a race that carried such…stature. Overall the room was decorated with intentionally expensive-looking furniture, a few dim lights and a couple tanks filled with small amphibians/soon to be snacks.
Slowly she began to change. Unaccustomed to much of anything besides her Jedi robes, Cadi found the scanty, black lace negligee a bit awkward. But she could cope. She wrapped the sheer black netted over robe around her tightly, making sure she left it tantalizingly open at just the right angle. With nothing to do but wait, she curiously walked around the room to familiarize herself with it.
***
They were almost to the top. Obi-Wan put a little extra effort into his next tug on the rope they were climbing. It had taken a while to land some place inconspicuous, and since their Jedi mind tricks were useless on Hutts, Obi and Anakin had had to do things the hard way. In other words, instead of strolling into the building after a simple wave of the hand to the doorman, they had to climb their way up the skyscraper from the outside.
"This is such fun Master! Thank you so much for letting me tag along!" Anakin called sardonically from behind and under him.
"I'll make a mental note that you prefer more trying missions, Ani," he called back with a grunt as he continued climbing.
Praise the Force the head of the Hutts' suite was only on the 70th floor. At last they'd made it. Obi planted himself as firmly as possible on the balcony ledge and pulled his Padawan to his feet. Carefully he eased himself closer to the transparisteel for a glance into the room. It appeared empty except for a figure he recognized as Cadi.
"Stay here, I'll call you if I need you," he commanded softly to Anakin as he slipped through the glass doors.
"At least I can eavesdrop," the Padawan replied to nobody.
his Master sent sternly. Anakin huffed and leaned his head against the wall, he'd just climbed seventy stories to stand here and wait.
For a brief moment Obi's breath was taken away. It was, after all, the most salacious outfit he'd ever seen her in. Cadi was clad in sheer black lace from plunging neckline to toe, on her feet were black leather strapped heels that made her taller than he was. The fuzzy-hemmed negligee barely made her mid-thigh, the mesh over robe trailing behind her as she walked about the room.
"Remind me to buy you some lingerie when this mission is over," he said cleverly. He watched her spin around as she recognized his voice.
"What are you doing here?" she gasped in surprise.
"Anakin and I volunteered to back you up," he gave her a discreet kiss.
"I'm sure Anakin had a big say in the decision," she said warily, "you shouldn't have come."
"Is it not my duty to aid my fellow Jedi in guarding peace and justice in the universe?" he asked innocently.
"Very cute, Obi-Wan," she chided, "you promised you wouldn't get jealous."
"I swear to you I have come in all diplomacy," he gave a playful bow, "just know that my Padawan and I are at your service if needed, M'Lady," he threw her a dashing smile. Cadi sighed.
"Fine, but you shouldn't be here, he's bound to arrive any minute-"
"I shall make myself scarce when the time comes," he soothed, "for now, let us pretend that we are not Jedi."
Cadi raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what are we?"
"We are lovers," he stood behind her and kissed her neck, "no- scratch that- we are newlyweds-"
"This is no time for games, Fuzzy-Wan," she warned.
"Yes, that sounds good- newlyweds," he continued, "honeymooners in fact! We are on our honeymoon in a decadent suite…" he began to sway with her playfully.
"Snack slugs included?" she teased, throwing a disgusted glance at the tanks around them.
"And let us pretend," he kept going, "that we are free of the burdens of the universe. My new bride's greatest concern is to please her husband, and mine in turn is to please her…"
"I think I see where this is going," she said dryly. She untangled his arms from her waist, allowing herself a giggle, "Obi, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but I've got work to do."
Obi started to answer, but he caught something in that instant. A falter in her sense, a slight dimming flicker in her eyes… "Cadi, are you all right?" he asked, his brow furrowing with sudden alarm.
"What? I'm fine, Obi," she said with slight confusion, "don't worry about me," she offered him a soft smile.
"I just- I sensed something-" he attempted to explain.
"I'm a little tired, that's all," she assured him. Then broke into a laugh, "Who knew being a whore took so much energy?" she said, somewhat bitterly.
"Well…" he gazed at her harder, trying to figure out what that flicker had been…
"Obi!" she said sternly, "You worry too much. I'm okay, I swear, now go!" she gave him a shove toward the balcony.
No sooner had he stumbled and caught his balance when the door slid open and her new 'buddy' slithered in. Obi thought fast and dove beneath an ornate chest; he was not seen. Cadi spun around early enough to look inconspicuous, her set-in-stone Jedi face disguising her nervousness.
"I've been waiting for you," she cooed in a voice Obi barely recognized.
"So I see," the Hutt replied shortly. He snapped his pudgy fingers and two more of them slithered in, heavy chains in their arms. Cadi risked a nervous glance at Obi's table, her violet eyes screaming "Get out!" He nodded slightly and started to get to his feet. But he paused as he realized- those chains were for her. Cadi had come to the same conclusion of late; the two guards were already securing her wrists.
"I assure you these won't be necessary," she said, a twinge of her true self back in her voice.
"//Perhaps//" the creature replied warily, "//You are mine now, are you not?//" Obi cringed.
"As we agreed," she answered cautiously.
"//Then your freedom is entrusted to me//" he stated matter-of-factly.
"I understand," she said slowly, trying to ignore Obi's frantic look, "but I ask that I remain free of constraint- to allow…flexibility," she fluttered her eyelashes. The Hutt regarded her in tense silence for a moment, its eyes narrowed.
"//If I were you,//" he answered at last, "//I'd be more concerned about keeping myself free of the Rancor's jaws//"
"I understand," Cadi knew opposing that would be hazardous.
"//Good- shall we move on then?//" he slithered towards her as the guards made their way out. Cadi took an instinctive step backwards, feeling along the edge of Obi's table as she went. She pretended to knock something over, and as she bent down to get it she locked eyes with the hiding Obi-Wan.
she sent like a shrill alarm in his head. He shook his head zealously; he wasn't going to leave her now, not in this situation.
she sent forcefully,
I won't be found he replied sharply,
she sent more gently this time I don't want you to see she threw him a desperate glance as the oozing slug ran his hand down her arm.
he insisted.
but the thought was cut short as she was grabbed roughly and tossed down onto the bed. Obi clenched his teeth and fingered his lightsaber; she was right- he couldn't sit still for this. As the bulbous alien loomed before her, she tilted her head at the most inconspicuous angle manageable and mouthed the word "Go" to him.
Rising to a crouch slowly, Obi crept back out onto the balcony without making a sound. With a last distraught glance at what was unfolding inside, he edged himself around the ledge of the balcony.
"I take it things went smoothly," Anakin's smart mouth greeted him.
"To a certain extent," Obi-Wan replied calmly, immunized from the boy's comments by now.
"So now what?"
"Now we go back to the hotel," he began to prepare for the descent.
"And?"
"And," Obi said with a sigh, "we wait."
Anakin's jaw clenched, but he said nothing.
Dedication: Dedicated to Padawan Sabe and Padme Skywalker, they convinced to write another.
Storyline: The FINAL addition to the Obi/Cadi series. F-I-N-A-L! Do not ask for more! I love the stories too but I'd rather they go out with some quality than just become mindless, which they would have after a while. Don't hate me. Oh, and this isn't done. I'm still finishing up the end but didn't want to keep you guys waiting any longer.
This story…is about…l-love. The woman I…love-d…is…
Dead.
*1*
Steamy was the word.
Cadi lifted her drowsy eyelids back to her surroundings. It was midnight, pitch black except for the cloudy white steam that enveloped them, the moons were full and cast playful cerulean shadows across everything. Beads of condensation coated what of her body wasn't immersed in the pool of water in which they lay. The clouds of steam wafted around them in swirling dances. In a word: it was beautiful.
"How did you ever find this place?" she breathed in wonderment. They were on Yavin 4, in the twilight season. It was really remarkable; the jungles were never completely left without light, but instead were washed over in the reflections of the surrounding moons.
"You know me, I've a knack for finding remote planets," Obi's sweet voice came from behind her as his fingers laced over her waist.
"Mm," she replied thoughtfully as she leaned her head back to rest against his heart.
"What?" he asked with a slight laugh, obviously sensing her uneasiness.
Cadi shook the thought away, "Nothing, I'm just waiting for Anakin to come storming in and pull you away from me," her hand absently came up to touch his face. Beneath her fingers she felt the coarse bristles of his new beard. He'd grown it after one of Anakin's punky friends has asked him for the chemistry homework a few weeks ago, thinking he was still a Padawan. She laughed quietly as she remembered how he had fumed about it for days, a man of 35 still being mistaken for a teenager! "Where is the kid?" she asked after a silent moment.
"He went off on his own to visit Padme," he replied distantly.
"The Nubian Senator?" Cadi's memory was vague.
"Yes. They've become…fond of each other," there was a tinge of humor in his voice.
"Awww, little Ani is growing up," she said, reminiscing, "makes me feel old."
"Makes *you* feel old?" he chuckled softly, then added, "they remind me of us."
"In what way?"
"Oh, little things," his eyes unfocused as he distantly traced the curves of her body, "the way he falls all over himself when he sees her, or the way she carries a stiff upper lip when they're in public, but once in a while slips him flirty glances…"
"Ah yes, my infamous barrier you never stopped complaining about," she pinched him playfully.
"Yes, well, now it's Anakin's turn to be driven crazy," he pinched back, "He's already determined to marry the girl."
"Marriage? Isn't that against the Code?" Cadi asked, already knowing the answer.
"Cadi, *relationships* are against the Code," he reminded, "but it happens anyway," he added coyly. She was silent for a while.
"We never got married," she commented at last.
"You don't want to get married," he said, a bit indignantly, "You've said a thousand times 'if you want to fuck up a good romance-'"
"Get married," she finished for him, "I know, but you never even tried to ask," she teased.
"Enough Council members know about us already, have you ever thought about how much outside attention a proposal would bring us?"
"Hush, let's not talk of what's outside," she drew herself closer to him, "now it's just…us."
"Now that sounds appetizing," he tilted her chin for a tender kiss.
"This trip was one of your better ideas, fuzz head," she complimented.
"My pleasure," he grinned contentedly, "I figured you would need a nice getaway before you go on that disgusting mission the Council gave you," he fought a sneer.
"You're still mad about that, huh?" she cupped his face in her hand as she watched his eyes meld in conflict. The other day the Council had told her she was going to Nar Shardaa in the next week; she'd be posing as a concubine in order to get cozy with the head of the Hutts.
"You would think there was a less degrading way of getting information from someone," he said bitterly. The Council's order had infuriated him, but Obi had silenced his anger and instead whisked Cadi away to this spot for a few days of quiet time together…
That had been two days ago, and already they would be leaving in the morning.
"Obi-Wan," Cadi said seriously, "maybe we should put our relationship on hold while I'm there-"
"No," he said immediately. She knew it was not an answer to argue with.
"Okay," she conceded softly, "but promise me you won't get jealous." Her eyes glowed in the twilight, and for a long moment he just held her gaze, taking in the fractional changes in her lustrous violet irises. How could she be this brave? How could she let the Council use her like this?
But, Obi-Wan guessed, that was why he loved her.
"I promise," he whispered at last. There was a glimpse of relief in her eyes as she resumed her relaxed state against him. Obi laid his head back against the stone that surrounded the hot spring; he had a bad feeling about this.
***
"I know you were on a break with Padme, Anakin," Obi said, his voice sounding worn, "this mission requires your attention now."
The young man didn't look happy, but he gave a reflexive "Yes, Master," anyway. Obi watched as his Padawan eased down into the copilot's chair, distant thoughts of Amidala already clouding his eyes. "So where are we going?" he asked at last.
"Nar Shadaa," Obi stated simply, not in the mood to explain.
"The Hutts? What in the universe for?" the boy persisted, completely oblivious.
"We're serving as backup for a fellow Jedi," Obi wasn't in the mood to get into the 'dating' argument either.
"Wait a second," the Padawan's eyes narrowed in obscure memory, "isn't this Cadi's mission?"
"She is the Jedi for whom we are providing backup," Obi allowed.
Anakin said nothing, but his Master could feel the irritated thoughts pinching at the edges of the boy's mind.
"What?" he inquired.
"It was my understanding she was going on a solo mission," Anakin snorted.
"I volunteered our services," Obi kept an authoritative calm in his voice.
"Nice of you to speak for me," he sneered.
"It is my duty as your Master," he replied easily, throwing a "don't mess with me" glance at him. Anakin averted his eyes, instead gazing out the view port into empty space. Obi sat back in the pilot's seat, slowly unclenching his teeth.
"So, if sometime in the future, Force forbid, *Padme* is in trouble," Anakin began after a while, keeping his head turned away, "will I have the option of 'volunteering our services?'"
Obi thought admirably. "Always in motion is the future," was all he said. He got no physical response, only the sensation of those irritating thoughts that were pinching at his Padawan before now sinking their teeth in.
***
If she ever saw a Hutt again, it would be too soon. Cadi had high tolerance, but not this high. And she'd only been here for a week. She sighed as she placed the dark purple veil over her face. With a final begrudging look in the mirror, she walked into the office…
"//So you do not want money?//" the vile creature asked in disbelief.
"No," Cadi kept her voice smooth, beguiling.
"//I am no fool//" the glob rumbled, "//You must want something.//"
"That is correct," she mock-absently toyed with the buttons of her blouse.
"//Well then?//" it lifted a nonexistent eyebrow.
"I want-" she pretended to think, "I want to be on the inside," she whispered.
"//Explain//" it seemed intrigued, which was good.
"I want to see the inner workings of your business. The money- the power- it's so-" she daintily traced her lips with her tongue, "enticing."
"//I see//" it said curiously, "//I will see what I can arrange//"
"No!" she brought her hand up to her head, as if to faint. She increased her breathing rate, her chest rising and falling beneath the sheer blouse. She noticed its eyes wandering; it was going for it… "Do not torment me so!"
"//Well…//" it blinked slowly, its lust getting the better of it.
"If you let me in, I am yours," she teased. she thought.
"//At all times?//" the pupils became slits.
"At all times," she cooed.
"//Deal, what harm could you possibly be?//" the eyes flicked to the guards behind her. "//Take her to my personal suite//" it commanded with the wave of a stubby hand. Two more slugs oozed up to escort her. Cadi allowed the gangster a captivating smile and sashayed out of the room.
The bed was gigantic, to be expected from a race that carried such…stature. Overall the room was decorated with intentionally expensive-looking furniture, a few dim lights and a couple tanks filled with small amphibians/soon to be snacks.
Slowly she began to change. Unaccustomed to much of anything besides her Jedi robes, Cadi found the scanty, black lace negligee a bit awkward. But she could cope. She wrapped the sheer black netted over robe around her tightly, making sure she left it tantalizingly open at just the right angle. With nothing to do but wait, she curiously walked around the room to familiarize herself with it.
***
They were almost to the top. Obi-Wan put a little extra effort into his next tug on the rope they were climbing. It had taken a while to land some place inconspicuous, and since their Jedi mind tricks were useless on Hutts, Obi and Anakin had had to do things the hard way. In other words, instead of strolling into the building after a simple wave of the hand to the doorman, they had to climb their way up the skyscraper from the outside.
"This is such fun Master! Thank you so much for letting me tag along!" Anakin called sardonically from behind and under him.
"I'll make a mental note that you prefer more trying missions, Ani," he called back with a grunt as he continued climbing.
Praise the Force the head of the Hutts' suite was only on the 70th floor. At last they'd made it. Obi planted himself as firmly as possible on the balcony ledge and pulled his Padawan to his feet. Carefully he eased himself closer to the transparisteel for a glance into the room. It appeared empty except for a figure he recognized as Cadi.
"Stay here, I'll call you if I need you," he commanded softly to Anakin as he slipped through the glass doors.
"At least I can eavesdrop," the Padawan replied to nobody.
his Master sent sternly. Anakin huffed and leaned his head against the wall, he'd just climbed seventy stories to stand here and wait.
For a brief moment Obi's breath was taken away. It was, after all, the most salacious outfit he'd ever seen her in. Cadi was clad in sheer black lace from plunging neckline to toe, on her feet were black leather strapped heels that made her taller than he was. The fuzzy-hemmed negligee barely made her mid-thigh, the mesh over robe trailing behind her as she walked about the room.
"Remind me to buy you some lingerie when this mission is over," he said cleverly. He watched her spin around as she recognized his voice.
"What are you doing here?" she gasped in surprise.
"Anakin and I volunteered to back you up," he gave her a discreet kiss.
"I'm sure Anakin had a big say in the decision," she said warily, "you shouldn't have come."
"Is it not my duty to aid my fellow Jedi in guarding peace and justice in the universe?" he asked innocently.
"Very cute, Obi-Wan," she chided, "you promised you wouldn't get jealous."
"I swear to you I have come in all diplomacy," he gave a playful bow, "just know that my Padawan and I are at your service if needed, M'Lady," he threw her a dashing smile. Cadi sighed.
"Fine, but you shouldn't be here, he's bound to arrive any minute-"
"I shall make myself scarce when the time comes," he soothed, "for now, let us pretend that we are not Jedi."
Cadi raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what are we?"
"We are lovers," he stood behind her and kissed her neck, "no- scratch that- we are newlyweds-"
"This is no time for games, Fuzzy-Wan," she warned.
"Yes, that sounds good- newlyweds," he continued, "honeymooners in fact! We are on our honeymoon in a decadent suite…" he began to sway with her playfully.
"Snack slugs included?" she teased, throwing a disgusted glance at the tanks around them.
"And let us pretend," he kept going, "that we are free of the burdens of the universe. My new bride's greatest concern is to please her husband, and mine in turn is to please her…"
"I think I see where this is going," she said dryly. She untangled his arms from her waist, allowing herself a giggle, "Obi, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but I've got work to do."
Obi started to answer, but he caught something in that instant. A falter in her sense, a slight dimming flicker in her eyes… "Cadi, are you all right?" he asked, his brow furrowing with sudden alarm.
"What? I'm fine, Obi," she said with slight confusion, "don't worry about me," she offered him a soft smile.
"I just- I sensed something-" he attempted to explain.
"I'm a little tired, that's all," she assured him. Then broke into a laugh, "Who knew being a whore took so much energy?" she said, somewhat bitterly.
"Well…" he gazed at her harder, trying to figure out what that flicker had been…
"Obi!" she said sternly, "You worry too much. I'm okay, I swear, now go!" she gave him a shove toward the balcony.
No sooner had he stumbled and caught his balance when the door slid open and her new 'buddy' slithered in. Obi thought fast and dove beneath an ornate chest; he was not seen. Cadi spun around early enough to look inconspicuous, her set-in-stone Jedi face disguising her nervousness.
"I've been waiting for you," she cooed in a voice Obi barely recognized.
"So I see," the Hutt replied shortly. He snapped his pudgy fingers and two more of them slithered in, heavy chains in their arms. Cadi risked a nervous glance at Obi's table, her violet eyes screaming "Get out!" He nodded slightly and started to get to his feet. But he paused as he realized- those chains were for her. Cadi had come to the same conclusion of late; the two guards were already securing her wrists.
"I assure you these won't be necessary," she said, a twinge of her true self back in her voice.
"//Perhaps//" the creature replied warily, "//You are mine now, are you not?//" Obi cringed.
"As we agreed," she answered cautiously.
"//Then your freedom is entrusted to me//" he stated matter-of-factly.
"I understand," she said slowly, trying to ignore Obi's frantic look, "but I ask that I remain free of constraint- to allow…flexibility," she fluttered her eyelashes. The Hutt regarded her in tense silence for a moment, its eyes narrowed.
"//If I were you,//" he answered at last, "//I'd be more concerned about keeping myself free of the Rancor's jaws//"
"I understand," Cadi knew opposing that would be hazardous.
"//Good- shall we move on then?//" he slithered towards her as the guards made their way out. Cadi took an instinctive step backwards, feeling along the edge of Obi's table as she went. She pretended to knock something over, and as she bent down to get it she locked eyes with the hiding Obi-Wan.
she sent like a shrill alarm in his head. He shook his head zealously; he wasn't going to leave her now, not in this situation.
she sent forcefully,
I won't be found he replied sharply,
she sent more gently this time I don't want you to see she threw him a desperate glance as the oozing slug ran his hand down her arm.
he insisted.
but the thought was cut short as she was grabbed roughly and tossed down onto the bed. Obi clenched his teeth and fingered his lightsaber; she was right- he couldn't sit still for this. As the bulbous alien loomed before her, she tilted her head at the most inconspicuous angle manageable and mouthed the word "Go" to him.
Rising to a crouch slowly, Obi crept back out onto the balcony without making a sound. With a last distraught glance at what was unfolding inside, he edged himself around the ledge of the balcony.
"I take it things went smoothly," Anakin's smart mouth greeted him.
"To a certain extent," Obi-Wan replied calmly, immunized from the boy's comments by now.
"So now what?"
"Now we go back to the hotel," he began to prepare for the descent.
"And?"
"And," Obi said with a sigh, "we wait."
Anakin's jaw clenched, but he said nothing.