A/N: Well, I managed to get you guys the next chapter. Just don't expect 38 anytime soon, DRL is being really evil this week. Tons of things that have to get down first before I can write. In the mean time, enjoy.

Chapter 37: A Neighbor

Obi-Wan had just finished moving the last of the flower arrangements when he heard the buzzer to the front door ring again. He rolled his eyes as he said, "Now what?" before approaching the door. When he opened the door he saw a middle aged man with short graying hair standing before him carrying a very large floral arrangement. "Not another one!" Obi-Wan stated with exasperation.

"Oh, I am sorry. I… I just wanted to meet my new neighbors." The man stuttered slightly when he saw the annoyed look on Obi-Wan's face.

"Neighbor?" Obi-Wan asked as he took in the regal wardrobe of the man before him. His face softened when he realized this was not another deliveryman.

The man smiled when Obi-Wan's facial features softened, relieved that the younger man before him was not angry at his intrusion. His tone grew stronger and more confident as he said, "Yes, I am Senator Len Itappa of Roon. I live down the hall from you and I figured I would welcome you."

"Oh!" Obi-Wan said in surprise and then wishing to make up for his rude behavior said, "Would you like to come in for a moment Senator?"

"I do not wish to intrude." Senator Itappa stated while shaking his head. "You must be rather busy having just moved in. I just wanted to bring this gift over."

"Thank you Senator, that is very kind." Obi-Wan stated as he took the flower arrangement from the older man. "Come on in, you are not intruding on anything."

"Thank you," Senator Itappa stated before stepping into the apartment. Obi-Wan left him in the sitting room for a moment while he took the floral arrangement to the kitchen before joining his guest once more. He found the Senator standing in the middle of the sitting room silently looking over the room with a kind smile on his face.

"Do you live alone?" The Senator asked pleasantly.

"No, my wife Aila is in the back bedroom. She is not feeling well." Obi-Wan stated. He spoke through gritted teeth at the last part.

"Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Please send her my best wishes."

"I will Senator, thank you." Obi-Wan stated amiably before politely changing the subject. "So, you are from Roon? I thought they did not have representation in the Republic?"

"That is true. We have only gained our representation in the last few weeks. I am the first Senator from the system. We have been fairly isolated in the past, but hopefully our allegiance with the Republic will help my planet prosper and grow."

"I see." Obi-Wan stated simply.

"What system do you serve?" The Senator asked.

"Oh, I am not a Senator. I am a Jedi Knight." Obi-Wan said.

"A Jedi! And you are married?" Itappa asked skeptically.

"Yes, it is the reason why we are living here." Obi-Wan said trying to reign in his angry emotions once more.

The Senator looked at Obi-Wan shrewdly noting that his posture had tensed up. "The Jedi Council does not approve of your marriage?"

Obi-Wan sighed as he said, "No." He paused before continuing. "They have granted me an exception so that I can stay in the Order, but they do not approve of my marriage. I had to leave my quarters at the Temple because they tried to hurt my wife."

"Oh my! That is terrible!" Itappa said with remorse. "I thought the Jedi were good and compassionate."

"So did I." Obi-Wan whispered to himself so that Itappa could not hear him before saying, "There are good people in the Order, but my marriage has come as a bit of a shock. Change is hard for the Council to deal with."

"Well, if you love her, I do not see anything wrong with your relationship. It is only natural for us to want to find people to share our lives with. I was married once myself. Unfortunately, my dear wife died in a tragic boating accident on my planet."

"I am sorry." Obi-Wan stated sympathetically, not knowing what else to say.

Senator Itappa just shook his head as he said, "I loved her dearly and I think some of my happiest memories are from our marriage, but now my people need me. I still have a purpose and I know that somewhere she is smiling at me."

Obi-Wan smiled as he said, "She is one with the force."

Senator Itappa nodded his head, "Yes, I believe she is. If she were still around she would be happy to live next to such a young couple. I am sure she would say that you should cherish your time with one another and do not listen to what others might think about you."

"Your wife must have been very wise." Obi-Wan said with a smile.

"That she was." Senator Itappa smiled fondly before checking the chrono on his wrist. "Now, I must be leaving. I have my first day in the Senate tomorrow and I am sure you are still settling in."

"Very well, Senator. It was a pleasure to meet you." Obi-Wan stated as he walked the Senator to the door.

"And you as well, Jedi Knight?"

"Kenobi. Obi-Wan Kenobi." Obi-Wan finished for the Senator.

Senator Itappa stopped before the open front door and said, "Well, it was nice to meet you Knight Kenobi. I hope that when your wife is feeling better we may be able to share dinner with each other. I am still new to the area and it would be nice to dine with you and your wife."

"Thank you Senator, it would be our pleasure." Obi-Wan stated. "Thank you for the gift."

"You are most welcome. Farewell, I hope to see you again soon."

"You as well." Obi-Wan stated as he closed the door behind the Senator. Obi-Wan glanced out the balcony and saw that it was getting dark outside; he had spoken with Senator Itappa for a fairly long time. Obi-Wan was not fond of many Senators, thinking they were corrupt, but there were a few he trusted. Senator Itappa seemed like a nice gentleman and like someone he could trust. However, the rest of the Senate had not tainted him yet. Obi-Wan would wait until his next meeting before passing judgment on the new Senator. However, at the moment this was not important. All he wanted to do was return to his bedroom and get some sleep with his wife by his side.

Aila awoke the next morning feeling rejuvenated. She also felt very warm because a pair of strong arms were wrapped around her pinning her against Obi-Wan's body. She could feel his hot breath against her neck as he slept next to her. Not wanting to wake him up, she gently tried to pry his arms apart so that she could get out of bed. However she was stopped when the arms tightened around her and a sleepy voice asked, "Where do you think you are going?"

"I was going to go locate the fresher and get cleaned up." Aila answered.

"It is to your left, but you are staying here and resting with me." Obi-Wan stated before snuggling his face against her.

Aila rolled her eyes and pushed against his arms once more as she said, "I am not tired. I want to go get a shower."

Obi-Wan did not release his hold on her and said, "You need to rest."

Aila turned within Obi-Wan's embrace so that she was now facing him. "I am rested enough, will you please let me go."

"No, it is too early." Obi-Wan stated. His eyes were still closed, but a smile crossed his face.

Aila knew he was playing with her and an idea formed in her mind so that she could get what she wanted. "Please." Aila stated huskily before pressing her lips against Obi-Wan's in a slow languorous kiss. Obi-Wan did not loosen his hold on her, but Aila had expected that. She then pulled away from her kiss and breathed hotly into his ear, "Please." Then she lightly licked the outer shell of his ear teasing his flesh with the faint touch.

Obi-Wan moaned and moved his hands to caress Aila in response. However, Aila took the opportunity to wriggle free from his grip before running to the fresher and closing the door behind her. Obi-Wan could hear her giggling at her cunning behind the door. He had to admit that she was very clever; he had not even foreseen her actions through their force bond. Smiling at this thought, Obi-Wan crawled out of bed and joined his wife in the fresher. They could share their morning shower with each other.