Disclaimer: It's George's sandbox. I just play here, because it's fun!
AN: Here's chapter 37! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Forever Destined
Chapter 37: An Interesting Evening
Sola calmly entered the penthouse with Obi-Wan's arm around her. Ruwee and Jobal stood up.
"Hello mother...father..." Sola greeted.
"Hello sweetheart," Jobal said, as she enveloped her eldest daughter in a hug. Jobal hugged Ryoo and Pooja as well.
"Father," Sola said, as she hugged him.
"Sola," he replied. Sola could tell that her father was holding back a lot of anger. She glanced at Anakin and Padme, noticing that her sister was visibly stressed. She guessed that Anakin had probably told her father that he would not tolerate any of the usual stuff he pulled with Padme.
"Mom, dad, this is Obi-Wan," Sola introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. And Mrs. Naberrie," Obi-wan said, extending his hand. Ruwee shook it briskly and Jobal nodded her head.
"Well, dinner is on the table. Let's go before it gets cold," Elana said to break the tension. Ruwee and Jobal were silent most of the meal, as conversation commenced around the table, as it normally did when they were all together. As the meal neared the end, Jobal finally spoke to Sola who was next to her.
"Padme tells us you have a job now," Jobal mentioned.
"Yes, it's working with Healer Enrin and Healer Offee in the Temple. It's very satisfying work since I work with a lot of the younglings. I am also thinking about taking some classes at the university next semester," Sola said.
"Who will look after the girls?" Jobal asked.
"Pooja is in school all day now and Ryoo has her classes at the Temple during the day. Next year, she'll officially become Obi-Wan's padawan, so she'll come home with him in the evenings," Sola replied. Jobal gasped.
"She's going to become a Jedi?" Jobal exclaimed. The four Jedi sitting at the table raised an eyebrow at Jobal's horrified tone. Padme had not been kidding when she told them that her parent's didn't like Jedi.
"She has great potential, Mrs. Naberrie," Obi-Wan replied.
"Sola, how could you allow this?" Ruwee asked.
"It was Ryoo's decision, father and she very much likes her studies in the Temple," Sola replied. Ruwee glared at Padme, as if saying that it was her fault. They still blamed Padme's influence on Sola's departure and her divorce from Darred. Wisely, Ruwee was silent, thanks to Anakin's warning glare, practically daring him to say anything against his wife.
"I think it is time we accept each other for who we are and face the fact that we are family now," Elana wisely advised.
"Elana is right," Dooku added.
"We are trying to accept this...but it will take time," Jobal replied.
"Why mother? Why is it so hard to accept that Sola and I are happy? If you love us, then you would have already accepted it. But the real truth is that if Anakin and I didn't have children, you wouldn't be here," Padme said.
"You're the reason that we lost our farm," Ruwee said sternly.
"I know, Palo told me. Did you put him up to it?" Padme asked.
"What are you talking about?" Ruwee asked.
"He was harassing me again the other day and he was very intent on 'teaching me a lesson'. But then, you know all about it, don't you," Padme said. Ruwee was silent and did not deny her claim.
"Mr. Naberrie, Palo is a security threat to my family. I cannot have him coming anywhere near them and if you're encouraging him, then you're a security threat too," Anakin said sternly.
"I just told him to talk to her and tell her what happened. I did not tell him to attack her," Ruwee argued.
"Well he did try to attack her! And right in front of the twins too! Damn it, she's your daughter! How could you ever willingly let harm come to her!" Anakin yelled.
"I didn't want any harm to come to her, you have to believe that!" Ruwee yelled back.
"Until you give me reason to believe that you're not a threat to her, I cannot allow you or your wife to be alone with her or the twins. If you really want to make this work, you both have a lot of work to do," Anakin replied.
"We do want to make this work, Anakin. I can't believe you would tell me that I cannot spend time with my daughter and my grandchildren!" Jobal exclaimed.
"You can spend time with them, but know that a third party will be present if you do. Padme's security is very tight and they're almost always on duty. You won't even know that they're there, but they will be and they report to me," Anakin stated.
"This place is very new to us. We've lost everything, but we are trying. And whether any of you like it or not, Padme is responsible for our losing everything. She was promised to Palo, who's father is regional governor of the mountain villages. Once she married you, we were shunned," Ruwee stated.
"So, you'd rather sell your daughter to an evil man for a piece of land, rather than let her be happy and just find some place else to live?" Anakin asked angrily.
"It is our way," Ruwee half growled.
"I don't care about your 'ways'. Padme is not a piece of property for you to sell to the highest bidder," Anakin yelled.
"You wouldn't understand our traditions. Besides, you obviously won, Jedi. She's married to you," Ruwee replied.
"Why were you really talking to Palo, Mr. Naberrie?" Anakin questioned.
"Are you accusing me of something?" Ruwee asked. Anakin smirked.
"I'm not convinced your visit here is completely friendly. Something doesn't add up and I'm going to find out what it is. And if I find out that Padme or my children are in danger because of something you've done, you won't have to worry about finding a place to live," Anakin threatened.
"I was talking to Palo, because he is family...or supposed to be anyway. I'm not up to anything, as you put it," Ruwee snapped.
"Right," Anakin replied sarcastically. Padme looked away from her father; not liking the look he was giving her. It was how he used to look at her when she was a girl and she'd done something he didn't like. It was the look he gave her just before she received a whipping from him. A bad memory of her father's belt coming down harshly on her back assaulted her.
"I need some air," Padme said abruptly, as she stood up. She pulled Anakin with her and they went out onto the balcony. Shmi watched her youngest son embrace and comfort his wife, as she held her granddaughter.
"Mama...daddy!" Leia called and pointed.
"That's right Leia...that's your mommy and daddy," Shmi cooed to her.
"I assure you all that I am not up to anything. Your son is jumping to conclusions," Ruwee said.
"Anakin is just protecting his family, Mr. Naberrie. If you truly are sincere, then we have a wealth of patience for you while you adjust. But...if you are up to something that will hurt Padme, you'll have more than just Anakin on your hands to contend with. We ask only for kindness on your part. A little would go a long way," Qui-Gon promised. Ruwee nodded in understanding.
"I'm going to freshen up. Obi-Wan and I have plans tonight," Sola said, as she excused herself.
"Sweetheart, do you mind if I come help you?" Jobal asked. Sola contemplated her question for a second and then nodded.
"If you want to mom," she replied.
Sola sat down at the vanity and began brushing her hair.
"Sola, I need to tell you that Darred is getting remarried," Jobal said. Sola scoffed.
"The poor girl. I pity her," Sola replied.
"Sola, he was your husband," Jobal scolded.
"And he was a terrible one too. It will be fine with me if never see that man again. I've moved on with Ben and I am happy. So, drop it mother," Sola snapped, as she began dressing in a very nice light blue dress.
"I've missed you and the girls terribly, Sola. I guess the sentiment is not returned," Jobal said sadly.
"What do you expect, mother?" Sola snapped again.
"I...I don't know. I...I just want to be close to you again," Jobal replied.
"Well, a small piece of advice then. Do not speak of Darred again and start accepting your daughters for who they are. Now, if you'll excuse me mother, I have a date with a very handsome Jedi Knight," Sola said, as she stalked out of the room.
Anakin held her tightly in his arms for several minutes. Their bond was completely open and every emotion she was feeling, he felt too. He saw all the bad memories her father brought back just with his very presence, but his love for her slowly ebbed away the bad feelings.
"I'll never let him hurt you again, Padme. He has one last chance and if he tries anything, he's out of your life for good. I won't let them hurt you," Anakin promised her.
"I know. I'm safe as long as I'm in your arms," she replied, with a soft, watery smile.
"Are you okay now?" he asked. She nodded.
"Yes...I just needed a little air, but now I need you," she replied, as she pressed her lips to his. Anakin slanted his head over her lips and kissed her deeply with all the love he held for her in his being. Padme's knees weakened under his searing passion and she let him hold her up completely.
"I know this is probably a mean thing to say, but I've never felt more satisfied than I did when I saw the fear on my father's face when you told him what you would do to him if he tried to hurt me again," Padme said.
"It's not mean at all Padme. Maybe now he knows what it felt like for you all those times he caused the same fear in you," Anakin replied.
"I love you," Padme said.
"And I love you too, angel," he replied, as he captured her lips in another soul searing kiss.
Anakin and Padme arrived home. They put the twins down and showed Ruwee and Jobal to a guest room, before retiring themselves. Padme sighed deeply and Anakin wrapped her in his arms. She reveled in the solace of his arms and felt the stress slowly melt away, as he kissed her deeply.
"Make love to me, Ani," Padme whispered breathlessly. Anakin swept his angel into his arms and slowly carried her to bed...
Much later, he collapsed into her arms, as they entered the afterglow period.
"Mmm...ohh Ani," she moaned, as they continued their long, passionate kisses, their bodies still fully entwined.
"I love you so much," Padme said breathlessly.
"I love you too, my sweet angel," he replied, as he shifted his weight over her. Padme stroked his face and ran her fingers through his hair. He rolled on to his side and pressed her against him, face to face with her. They entwined their legs and continued to softly touch and caress each other.
"Feeling better, star nymph?" he asked playfully. She blushed under his hot gaze.
"Very much so, thanks to my gorgeous and amazing husband, which happens to be you," she said, biting her lip playfully. He gave her a sexy smirk and kissed her lips before his expression turned serious. He stroked her beautiful face and stared into her chestnut colored eyes.
"I meant what I said, Padme. They get one last chance and if they try to hurt you again, then they're gone. You're my wife and the mother of my children. I'll let no harm come to you or our babies," he said. Padme's eyes watered. She kissed him hard and deeply, kindling the fire between them.
"You're mine, angel," he whispered.
"I know...and you're mine, Ani," she replied. The fires of passion burned hotly again, as they fed their hunger for each other again...
Sola was a little confused when they arrived at the Temple and couldn't help notice the mysterious smile on Obi-Wan's face.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked.
"You'll see. There's something I'd like to show you," Obi-Wan said, as he led her through the Temple halls and to a room she'd never been in before.
"Now, close your eyes," Obi-Wan said. Sola sighed and did so, as he led her into the room. He smiled, as he saw Aayla had done what he asked even after she teased him mercilessly. The candles were lit and there was a large cushion on the floor. Obi-Wan lowered the lights and then took a tiny marble in his hand. The marble activated and the room filled with stars.
"Okay, you can open them," Obi-Wan said. Sola did so and gasped.
"Oh, Obi-Wan, this is beautiful," Sola said, as she gazed around at the stars.
"Well, when you said that you missed seeing the stars on Naboo, I knew I had to bring you here," Obi-Wan said, as they sat down on the cushion and gazed up.
"Thank you...this is wonderful," Sola said, as she kissed him.
"There's also another reason I brought you here. I have something very important to tell you," Obi-Wan replied, as he took her hands in his own.
"Sola...after Siri left me, I did some really foolish things. I turned my back on love. It wasn't until I met you that I think I truly started to heal. You've been hurt too, but you taught me that you can't give up on love. I had forgotten how amazing it was to feel in love until you, Sola. I promise that I will never ever hurt you. I'm in love with you, Sola and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much," Obi-Wan confessed. Sola wiped a few tears away.
"I've never been in love before and it's the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. I love you too, Obi-Wan," she cried happily.
"Oh Sola," Obi-Wan said, as he pulled her into his arms. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, as Obi-Wan lowered her onto the cushion. Their lips met again and again in deep, searing embraces. After a long while of cuddling under the star display together, Obi-Wan spoke.
"It's getting late. I should get you home," Obi-Wan said.
"Take me home with you...to your place," Sola replied.
"Sola...I don't want you to do anything you're not ready for," Obi-Wan answered.
"But I am ready, Ben. I'm ready to feel what it's like to be with someone I love and someone who loves me back. I've never had that...and I want it, I crave it!" she said passionately.
"Are you sure?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I've never been more sure. Take me home with you. I...I want you to make love to me...tonight," Sola told him. Obi-Wan kissed her softly.
"I love you so much, Sola and I promise this will be the most wonderful night of our lives," he replied. She smiled.
"I know," she replied, as they stood up and slowly exited the star room, heading for his speeder.
Obi-Wan stared into her beautiful gypsy eyes, as he slowly carried her to the bedroom in his arms. Carefully, he set her on her feet, as they continued to gaze passionately at each other. Their lips molded together, tongues clashing and passion flowing ever so effortlessly between them. Obi-Wan was determined to take this slow for Sola's sake. While Sola was not a virgin, this was very much her first time in many ways. It was her first time being with someone who loved and cared for her more deeply than anything in the galaxy. It was not her first time having sex...but it was her first time making love. Obi-Wan was determined to show Sola how different the two were. He would not carelessly take her, as her poor excuse for a husband probably had. He would not use her body for his own physical release and then leave her like he had with so many others. No...he loved this woman and she had changed him. She made him the man he wanted to be and he was ready for a lifelong commitment to her. He would show her how much he loved her and he would seek to show her unspeakable pleasures, before he sought his own pleasure. Tonight...he and Sola would make love and it would be the beginning of something beautiful and incredible between them. Obi-Wan carefully released the clip in her hair and Sola shook her head, letting her dark chocolate curls spill around her shoulders. The Jedi tilted his head to capture her full, enticing lips in a loving kiss. He moved his lips ever so passionately over hers, drinking in her sweet taste. Slowly, his lips moved down her cheek and finally to the nape of her neck where he spent several moments tasting her gloriously soft skin. Sola wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself as closely as she could to him. Slowly, she began unbuttoning his tunic and let it fall to the floor. She marveled at the bare flesh on his defined, muscled torso. Obi-Wan's eyes were dark with desire and passion, as he slowly unzipped her dress. Sola's heart pounded in anticipation of all that was to come. Carefully and most gently, Obi-Wan tugged the dress down her slender form until it was in a puddle at her feet. Obi-Wan's eyes devoured her nearly bare form, as she stood before him in just lacy white undergarments. Sola looked down shyly, as Obi-Wan stared at her in awe.
"You're so beautiful..." Obi-Wan uttered, as he captured her lips again in a soul searing kiss. Sola gasped, as Obi-Wan's hands moved along her sides, sensually stroking her bare skin. He broke the kiss and smiled softly at her, as he raised his hand and slowly dimmed the lights to a soft, romantic glow. Their lips met again, as they let their passion consume them for the very first time...
Obi-Wan rolled onto his side and Sola laid in his arms, facing him, as they came down from their powerful lovemaking. Obi-Wan stroked her cheek and kissed her softly, as they entered the afterglow period of the intense lovemaking they had just wrought. Finally, Obi-Wan rolled onto his back and Sola laid atop his sweat slicked chest.
"Oh Ben...that was...ohhh..." Sola moaned, as she cuddled her naked form against his own.
"I know...it was incredible. Force...I've never felt anything like that before," he said. He was still in awe too, more so than he predicted he would be. He knew that sex with Sola would be better than most since he loved her...but what they had experienced was completely mind blowing. He'd had sex with a lot of women in the past and none of that remotely compared to what he'd just experienced. If he had been questioning the depths of his feelings for Sola thus far, all his insecurities about love and commitment had been completely wiped away by their passionate expression of love. Being with her...feeling her...making love to her had seared through his entire being. He had found what he denied existed for so long. He had found what his little brother had found. He had found soul searing, all binding and encompassing love. His broken soul was healed and all because of the woman that laid cuddled atop him.
"I love you..." Obi-Wan told her.
"And I love you too, my Jedi," Sola whispered, her breath tickling his damp skin. Their lips met again, kindling the burning fire between them again. Sleep would wait and they would spend the night lost in each other...
Padme's mood the next morning was considerably better. In fact, as he was almost giddy with happiness. Her wonderful husband had seen to that and the memories of last night still sent shivers down her spine. She was also extremely happy for her sister, who had left her a quick message on her comlink last night, saying that she would be at Obi-Wan's and that he had told her that he loved her. She was ecstatic for her sister, glad she had finally found love and happiness. Not even the presence of her parents had spoiled her mood. Her father was in the living area, while her mother had asked if she could feed the twins their cereal. Padme agreed and decided to go about making cloudberry pancakes, especially since Anakin loved them. She hummed a tune to herself, as she sliced shuura fruit and set it on the table. Then she went back to the counter and poured a bowl of cloudberries into the batter, before mixing. Luke whined and pushed the spoon away.
"Bewies!" he called to his mother. Padme turned and looked at their adorable cherub faces and her slightly stressed mother. The twins were a handful, but she didn't feel sorry for her mother in the least.
"They didn't finish it," Jobal said.
"It's all right mother. There's only a few bites left. They want their berries, don't you angels?" Padme cooed to them, as she put a handful on each of their trays. The twins grinned and then each picked up a berry with their chubby hands and put them into their mouths. Anakin came into the kitchen after finishing his morning meditation.
"Daddy!" Leia called, as she bounced in her seat.
"Morning princess," Anakin replied, as he kissed her head.
"Good morning, Anakin," Jobal said.
"Good morning, Mrs. Naberrie," Anakin replied, as he kissed Luke's head. He chuckled, as he watched his son munch on the cloudberries. Luke grinned up at him, his face smudged with the remnants of the light blue berries.
"Morning, buddy," Anakin said, as he approached his wife at the stove and kissed her cheek.
"And how's the most beautiful woman in the galaxy this morning?" Anakin asked playfully. She giggled, as he blew in her ear.
"I'm wonderful, thanks to you," she replied, as she flipped the pancakes.
"Smells great, angel," Anakin said, as he poured some juice and sat down. Padme set a plate stacked highly with pancakes on the table and sat down next to her husband.
"Darling, shouldn't we get Sola up for breakfast?" Jobal asked. Padme and Anakin shared a smile.
"Sola's not here, mother. She stayed with Obi-Wan last night," Padme replied.
"Oh...um, I'll go call your father for breakfast," Jobal said quietly. Padme giggled and took a bite of her breakfast. Anakin ate hungrily and the twins babbled to each other, as they ate their berries.
Palo entered the Chancellor's office after being summoned.
"You wanted to see me, your excellency?" Palo asked.
"Yes, come in son, come in," Palpatine said, playing the part of the kindly old man he used to fool everyone.
"Palo, I'm afraid I received a disturbing claim against you, yesterday. It would seem that Senator Skywalker has filed a restraining order against you," Palpatine said.
"Sir, I can explain. I believe the Senator is overreacting, as I only wished to talk to her," Palo said, trying to play innocent.
"I know son, but you must be careful. Her husband is a dangerous Jedi and I wouldn't want to see you get hurt," Palpatine said, acting concerned.
"Chancellor, my father is disappointed in me that I have been so humiliated by this Jedi. As you know, Padme has been promised to me since she was ten and I am a failure in his eyes, because I cannot make her my wife. This Jedi husband of hers has ruined my life!" Palo said.
"Yes, I know son. I would like to help you, but I'm just not sure what I can do. As long as her husband stands in your way, I am afraid there is nothing you can do," Palpatine said regretfully.
"I only wish I could get rid of that meddlesome Jedi...but so far, it doesn't seem like anything can kill him," Palo said.
"You know son, there is more than one way to kill a Jedi," Palpatine said cryptically.
"What are you talking about?" Palo asked.
"You must promise that if we speak candidly, it will go no further," Palpatine said.
"Of course, your excellency," he replied.
"I too want to get rid of Skywalker, for he stands in the way of my rule. This galaxy is so chaotic and if I would be allowed to do so, I could bring order to it," Palpatine said.
"Of course, but it is the Jedi that hold that power back from you," Palo replied. Palpatine suppressed an evil smirk.
"Blind fool...you will be the perfect pawn,"
"Exactly. But I have a way that we could get rid of Skywalker, if you were willing to do the dirty work. Because of my position, it must appear that my hands are clean," Palpatine replied.
"What must I do?" Palo asked.
"I'll warn you. It is treacherous...and perhaps even what some would call evil," Palpatine said. Palo's face darkened.
"I'll do whatever I have must to get rid of that bastard Jedi and teach Padme once and for all why she does not dare cross me," Palo said darkly.
"Good. Now, let's discuss this plan in great detail. You see, the timing must be perfect..." Palpatine said. Palo nodded eagerly.
"Fool...you will help me get rid of Skywalker, but instead of being rewarded with Padme, you'll be rewarded with death..." Palpatine thought evilly...