Flashback

Padme stood anxiously on the veranda waiting for him, even if it was dark out, she waited. He had promised he would come, like he did almost every night. When the familiar speeder pulled up Padme smiled with joy. She couldn't help but run out to greet him. When he was out and saw her coming he scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around. Then he held her close and kissed her, completely oblivious to the city buzzing all around them. They didn't care, all they saw was each other.

"I was so worried you wouldn't come tonight." Padme said.

"Nonsense, you would know if I wasn't." Obi-Wan teased, kissing her lips once more.

"True," Padme replied, touching his chest playfully.

"How about we go inside? I don't want you to catch a cold." Obi-Wan said sweetly.

"Of course Master Kenobi."

"Padme, we've been courting for almost a year, I've told you to dispense the formality."

"I know. I just like calling you that. Now let's go inside." Padme said, taking his hand, but he didn't move.

"Allow me," he said, slipping his hand on Padme's underside and lifting her into his arms.

Padme shrieked then giggled with surprise.

"You're so full of surprises." she said.

"At least it'll never get boring."

"True," Padme then gave him another kiss. Not being able to let go of one another, they continued to

kiss as Obi-Wan carried her inside. He carried her to the apartment's main living room. Still locking lips, he placed her on the couch and she pulled him down on her. He struggled to reclaim his lips from her so he could speak, more so his own weakness than hers.

"As much as I enjoy this..." he sighed as Padme kissed his neck, "this, uh...this isn't all I came for."

"Sorry Obi-Wan, the bedroom is off limits for tonight. I've gone through too many sheets this week." Padme teased as she ruffled his hair.

Obi-Wan chuckled in embarrassment, "That's not what I meant."

"Oh, well, here is fine too. The couch is rarely used. We could-"

"Padme please, this is serious."

She looked in his eyes and touched his cheek. "And you think I'm not,"

Her expression was sly. Obi-Wan blinked.

"Look, maybe if I just do it now maybe you'll understand."

He then got off of her and stood in front of her. He looked nervous.

"I'm not sure I do," she said, sitting up.

Obi-Wan reached his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Padme's eyes widened.

Oh my stars! Obi-Wan took her hand and knelt down in front of her.

"Padme...will you marry me?" he spoke, his voice light and sweet.

On her finger he placed a ring. Padme felt a smile stretch across her lips and he heart leap from her chest. What was she to say? Obi-Wan could never get married! He was a Jedi, or still was he? She felt her mouth open but no words came out.

"Please, say something." Obi-Wan said, moving to sit beside her, still holding her hand.

"I don't know if I can." she said.

"You don't know if you can marry me or you don't know if you can say something?"

"Both. This is...this is crazy. You can't get married, you're a Jedi."

"I don't have to be. I'll withdraw from the Order."

"Obi-Wan, you mustn't do that. They're all you have."

Obi-Wan touched the cheek of her worried face, "Yes, but you are all I want."

No matter how wonderful that made her feel she still had to put him first. She wouldn't let him give everything up for her.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Why else? I love you."

"Yes, but we talked about this. Marriage is impossible."

"Nothing is impossible Padme. Besides, I think we've exceeded it already by falling in love. Do you not want to go further on?"

"No, it's not that at all. It's just...I don't want you to throw your future away for me."

"What future," Obi-Wan said in disgust, rolling his eyes.

"The Jedi. You're so close to becoming a Master. And what about Anakin? Who else will guide him down the right path?"

"He'll get a new Master. He doesn't need me."

"It's not just that. He does need you. I know of the pain you two have shared since Naboo. You rely on each other to get through the day, don't take that away from him. But more importantly, don't take it away from yourself."

"I'm not losing anything. I don't need those things. I need you! I've found my purpose in life. My destiny is to be with you, not waste away in a life I don't want. Please Padme, be my wife. We won't have to sneak around anymore, we won't have to be alone...we can finally have a child. Don't you want that?"

Padme sighed sadly, "It all sounds so wonderful Obi, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you left the Order. Your destiny is to become a great Jedi. That Obi-Wan is your purpose in life, not me." she then touched his hand, in his palm she placed the ring. Obi-Wan looked at it for a second then back at Padme. He then took it and put it back on her finger.

"Keep it," he muttered softly. Padme looked at hi wide-eyed.

"As a promise of my undying love for you," he added, then kissed her forehead.

"Obi...I love you," Padme whispered softly as she laid her head on his shoulder. He stroked her hair softly as she settled into her favorite place to fall asleep. She'd stick to her word but there was nothing wrong with this. This was beautiful. They didn't need rings or ceremonies to show ownership. Her heart, now and forever, belonged to Master Kenobi.

Padme had decided to tidy up the apartment a bit before Anakin was due home. Maybe it would impress him to see a clean house, or her actually doing something for him for once. She was organizing the closet when Sabe came in with a box.

"Hey Padme, what's this?"

Padme immediately stopped what she was doing and stared at the chest Sabe was holding with wide eyes.

"Padme, are you ok?"

"Where did you find that?"

"Under the bed. It was really dusty. What is it?"

Padme took the box from Sabe, trying her best not to drop it from her state of shock. She then walked back out in to the bedroom; Sabe followed her. Padme sat on the bed and placed the chest in her lap.

"Padme, please, what's wrong? What is that?"

"It's my treasure chest. I thought I left it back on Naboo with my parents. I took it there with me and I promised myself I would leave it there in the safety of my room."

"Safety? What are you talking about? What's in there?"

"My treasures. No one else has seen them."

"Can I see them?" Sabe asked eagerly.

"I haven't opened it in years. It'll be like a stroll down memory lane."

"Happy ones I hope."

"Well...yeah...but bittersweet." Padme said sadly.

"Padme, if it's too much we don't-"

"I'm fine. It's been in the dark too long to turn back now."

Padme then blew off some more dust and lifted up the latch on the wooden box. It creaked as she lifted up the lid. Her heart beat fast and her palms grew sweaty as she looked down in it.

So many memories where to begin, she thought. The first thing that caught her eye was a piece of paper. It was black and white with a fuzzy shape on it. She picked it up delicately.

"Oh my god," she gasped, staring wide-eyed at it.

"What? What is it?" Sabe asked.

Padme was too stunned to answer. Paralyzed by shock, she didn't remember keeping this.

I didn't think I still held onto this…

A tear fell down her cheek. She then put the stick down. Sabe picked it up to look, then gasped.

"Oh my stars Padme, when were you pregnant?"

Padme fought back the tears. "3 years ago." her voice was shaky.

"And...Who was the father?"

"Obi-Wan," she managed to pipe out, before crying some more.

"How long did it last?"

"6 weeks."

"Padme, I'm so sorry." Sabe said, hugging Padme tightly.

"It's alright. We did the right thing. I...I don't regret it. I shouldn't regret it. I can't imagine what life would be like if I was pregnant again."

"But who would be the father, Anakin or Obi-Wan?"

"Neither of them! I don't know which one I'd be more afraid of."

"Oh..." Sabe said, looking in the box to change the subject. She came across what looked to be a necklace. "What's this?" she asked curiously pointing at the bunched up gold chain. Padme picked it up and dangled it; hanging on it was a ring. Sabe touched the ring gently.

"It's beautiful. Padme, why don't you wear this?"

"I can't."
"How come?"

"Because...Obi-Wan gave me this ring...when he asked me to marry him."

Sabe's mouth fell open. "What?! You have kept so many secrets from me! Why didn't you marry him?! He loves you, and you could have avoided this whole mess with Anakin."

"I know, I know! I chose not to marry him because I didn't want him to give up his life."

"Then what happened with Anakin?"

"I can't explain what happened there, it just did. And..." Padme felt her lip quiver, "I regret it so much." she managed to say before covering her face to cry.

"Oh Padme, I'm so sorry." Sabe said, then wrapped her arms around Padme again.

"Thank you for finding this Sabe, thank you." Padme said sincerely.

"You're welcome, but what are you going to do with it?"

Padme paused to think. "I want you to take it."

"Me? But why?"

"Because I can't keep it here. If Anakin found it...well...I don't even want to think about that. But please Sabe, take it. Hide it away some place safe. No one else must know about this."

"But what about Dorme?"

Padme hesitated, "Fine, you can her...but no one else! These things must never see the light of day ever again, do you understand?"

"Yes, completely. I'm sorry this is all so hard, but I promise to help in any way I can."
"Thanks Sabe."

"You're most welcome. I promise you we're going to get you out of this mess."

"Oh if only we could." Padme said sadly. Again Sabe hugged her friend.

"Everything will be alright. Don't talk like that." Sabe said, stroking Padme's shoulder gently.

"Alright. Maybe, just maybe, we can."

"There, that's right."

It was hard for Padme to actually believe what they were saying. She knew things would get worse before they got better. Now she found she had no faith and just said that to make Sabe happy. She knew she was treading on thin ice, and it only time would tell when it cracked beneath her. It was only a matter of time before she fell in and eventually drowned, but who would be the one to rescue her? She prayed to God in Heaven that it would be Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan felt the deepest urge to confront Anakin. He needed to talk to him about all this. Of course he believed Padme, but at the same time he was in denial. Anakin had been his best friend. What happened? Ever since he lost Padme to him there had been distance between them. What was he to do? He had to talk to Anakin! Obi-Wan was clever, maybe he could talk to Anakin about it, but indirectly.

Obi-Wan roamed the Temple search of Anakin, but couldn't find him. Maybe someone had seen him. At that moment one of the younger padawans was passing him.

"Excuse me young one, have you seen Master Skywalker today?" he asked.

"Yes Master Kenobi. He was in the Archive Library, but I'm afraid that was a few hours ago."

"Do you know where he is now?"

"No, but you could check his sleeping quarters."

"Right. Thank you for your help."

"Any time Master Kenobi," the youngling said, bowed, and then walked on.

Obi-Wan speed walked all the way to the living quarters. Anakin's room was right down the hall from his own. The light on the panel indicated he was in, but it was locked.

Do I really want to do this? Obi-Wan thought. Then the thought of Anakin going home to Padme entered his mind. He had to keep Anakin here as long as he could. Maybe I shouldn't bring it up then. Maybe some casual talk would be better.

Suddenly the door opened in front of Obi-Wan and there stood Anakin. He jumped back in surprise, putting his hand over his heart.

"Ah! Master, I didn't know you were there," Anakin said, catching his breath.

Obi-Wan chuckled to play along, "Sorry Anakin."

"How long have you been standing there?" Anakin asked curiously.

"Just for a few moments. I need to talk to you."

"Can it wait 'til later? I'm about to leave."

"I'm afraid it cannot." Obi-Wan said sadly.

Anakin frowned at him, then sighed. "How long will it take?"

"Not long, I promise." Obi-Wan said optimistically.

"Alright, if you insist." Anakin said, then gestured Obi-Wan to follow him back into his room. The door shut behind him as he entered Anakin's room. It was quite a mess! Clothes were everywhere! Odds and ends to who knows what! A model of a Naboo Starfighter, which Anakin had accidentally flown as a kid during the Battle of Naboo lay on the nightstand. Obi-Wan took in a breath. The room had an awful stench to it; he recognized the smell, though he couldn't place what it was at that moment. Anakin sat down on his bed, which was untidy with its blanket thrown aside and pillows wrinkled. He unhooked his lightsaber and held it in his hand for a moment, then placed it beside him, but didn't let go of it completely. Obi-Wan used the force to uncover a chair that was buried and sat down.

Anakin looked at Obi-Wan with a hint of anger in his eyes," Well, I'm here. What's so important you have to keep me from going home?"

The fact that you're most likely going to go home and hurt the woman I love, Obi-Wan thought.

"Anakin..." he said, hesitating on what to say. "I...I would like to know why you prohibit me to visit the Senator."

"I told you before Obi-Wan, I don't fell so comfortable with you wanting to be around her. I know you and her had a romantic past. I don't know why you won't just leave it at that!"

"Anakin, I assure you Padme, uh… Senator Amidala and I are just friends; we haven't seen each other in a long time."

"I don't care. The answer is no. Now leave it alone!" Anakin said angrily.

Obi-Wan lowered his head. This was bad. He didn't want Anakin to leave the Temple angry; it's possible he'd go on a rampage and do who knows what to Padme. He had to get him to cool off.

"Alright. I'm sorry Anakin." Obi-Wan said sincerely.

"Is this why you're keeping me here? Because you seek permission to see her?'
"No, no. I just wanted to talk to you. We don't talk like we used to."

"Well, I'm not your padawan anymore so maybe that's why." Anakin spat out.

Obi-Wan remained calm, "True, but that doesn't we can't bond right?" he said, trying to smile.

It didn't help. Anakin's face still had a sour expression.

"If you call this bonding. Look Obi-Wan, I'm tired. All I want to do is go home and rest. We can bond some other time. Good night." Anakin then got up to leave.

Obi-Wan noticed that Anakin did not re-attach his lightsaber.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan said.

"What?!" Anakin responded, rather annoyed.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

Anakin stopped in his tracks, then turned back around. Obi-Wan saw him roll his eyes. Anakin reached his hand out to supposedly call on the Force to retrieve his weapon, but nothing happened. He made a slight groan and Obi-Wan saw him clench his fist. He sighed then walked over to his bed to pick it up.

"Are you alright Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked, curious to know why a simple task as retrieving his lightsaber was difficult for Anakin.

"I'm fine, just tired." Anakin said. Obi-Wan could sense the hostility growing between them and decided it was best to stand down, at least for now.

"Alright, have a good night Anakin." Obi-Wan said.

"You as well Master." Anakin said, then he was gone.
Obi-Wan pondered in his mind the thought of letting Anakin go tonight. Surely Padme was shook up from Obi-Wan's last visit, when he discovered the truth about her and Anakin; that had been 2 weeks ago. Obi-Wan returned to his own room. He took off his robe and belt and kicked off his boots. He plopped down on his bed. He could feel a migraine begin to grow in his head.

Two weeks! It had been 2 weeks since he'd seen her. He hadn't had a chance. Anakin had gone home all those nights and refused Obi-Wan's requests to stay, and Obi-Wan wouldn't risk a visit in the day, it was too much to lose. But he missed Padme terribly. His heart ached for her, his lips lust to taste her skin, and his lungs to breathe her in and warm his soul. He prayed that all was well and they would see each other soon. A miracle would bring them together soon, he could feel it in his heart.

Hang on Padme, I love you.