Chapter 18: The Proposal

Barriss's POV

Barriss sensed unease within Obi-wan as soon as the three of them entered the apartment. Yet, the Mirialan teen shrugged it off as possibly anxiety from what transpired in their meeting with Masters Biliabba and Vos. If Barriss was being honest with herself, she was unsure with her answer about the new order as well. How does her intentions of progressing her healer study fall in line with what the Jedi have planned? Where will they go to complete her Jedi training? Will she be separated from Ahsoka? Barriss wished all the rising questions came to mind when she gave her answer yet Anakin and Ahsoka looked so happy that she felt she couldn't refuse. Maybe when her Master returns from Alderaan, they can talk more about their next move. Until then, Barriss was getting excited to have an extended sleepover with Ahsoka.

"Barriss?" Obi-wan says as he knocks on her bedroom door.

Barriss was curious as to why Obi-wan would need anything from her and opened the door, "Yes Obi-wan?"

Obi-wan nervously blurts out "Are you all packed?"

Barriss takes a step back and looks to her bed, which still had some items that needed to be put away, "Not quite, why do you ask?"

Obi-wan looks over his shoulder, which was strange to Barriss since Luminara would be the only other person in their home so why the strange behavior?

"I was going to escort you to Anakin and Padme's, Luminara says she'd like to take a nap before our trip, so that would leave just me to take you" Obi-wan finally says.

"Okay, just give me a minute or two and I'll be ready" Barriss politely replies. As she finishes packing, Barriss begins to feel sentimental. For some reason, the teen became nostalgic to the days where life was simple. She and her Master followed a thorough routine until the war started and now that it was over, their lives have become busier. Now, both Mirialan women are starting romantic relationships and soon they will leave the only life they've known on Coruscant indefinitely. Though Barriss was not one for confrontation, she intends to ask her escort for the reasoning for his odd behavior. If Obi-wan has done something to cause her Master pain, she will consider reaching for her lightsaber again. From this moment forward, Barriss will protect what's left of her now past life.

Barriss leaves her bedroom to find Obi-wan in the dining room, still looking anxious. The man nearly jumped out of his seat.

"Are you alright Master Kenobi?" Barris asks, raising a brow.

"Yes, I'm sorry, got a lot on my mind" Obi-wan says sheepishly.

"Alright, if you say so" Barris reponds before walking into Luminara's bedroom. Luminara was sitting on her bed, looking stressed. Barriss kneels down before her and holds her Master's shaking hands.

"Master, what's wrong?" Barriss asks with concern.

Luminara shakes her head and exhales, "Nothing darling, for whatever reason I'm just full of nerves. Everything is changing so quickly that I feel like I have no control. I'm sure I'll feel better once I'm in Alderaan."

Barriss offers Luminara a hug before telling her, "It's okay to feel nervous when things change Master. I think a nice, relaxing trip is what you need. It's like the Masters said, we don't have to report to Lothal immediately. We can take our time…"

Luminara laughs a little and kisses the young woman's cheek, "When did you grow up on me and become so wise?"

Barriss smiles back and admits, "I've learned it from you of course. You were always so good with me whenever I felt anxious. Remember the night when I was younger and we had that awful thunderstorm where the apartment was shaking terribly?"

Luminara smiles at the memory, "Of course I do. You were 12 at the time and even though you hid your fear well, I looked up from my book to see you shaking like a leaf on the couch. I called you over and you sat on my lap and I believe I sang you a Mirilan lullaby, the one I know."

Barriss continues the story, "Yes, you did and you had the most beautiful singing voice Master. I remember staring up at you in awe. That out of all the younglings, I was chosen to be your Padawan. I was sure the other kids would have been jealous!"

"Oh please, you're just biased!" Luminara laughs.

"No, It's true! I'll never forget that night. You made me my favorite tea and stayed up with me until I fell asleep. You made something so terrifying into something so peaceful and I'll always admire that for as long as I live" Barriss finishes.

Luminara pulls Barriss up for a loving hug and whispers, "Have fun with Ahsoka, don't get into any trouble, okay?"

"Always, Master. Sorry, but you'll forever be my Master and I still like calling you that" Barriss answers before pulling away and smiling at Luminara before leaving with Obi-wan, who stood smiling by the doorway.

"Thank you for taking her my love," Luminara tells Obi-wan.

"Of course, be back soon" Obi-wan says closing the door behind Barris, "Shall we?"

Obi-wan's POV

Obi-wan can sense something within Barriss that he couldn't exactly pinpoint. It didn't feel like aggression or contempt, but it didn't feel entirely blissful either. Once they both took their seats in the speeder Obi-wan has been driving post-war, he decides to break the silence.

"So, Barriss, looking forward to spending some time with Ahsoka? Luminara tells me you two are doing a lot better now?"

"Yes, we are in a good place now" Barriss replies, not looking at Obi-wan.

"Damn… I may have my work cut out for me…."

"That's good! I always thought you two were a good pair" Obi-wan says awkwardly as he pulls onto the speedway towards Anakin's place.

"Thank you," Barriss answers flatly.

"Well, I suppose I should just cut to the chase then if she doesn't want to talk much…"

"So Barriss…" Obi-wan says, clearing his throat, "There's been something I wanted to ask you before we leave for Alderaan."

"Oh? Is that why you were acting so strange earlier?" Barriss inquires, still looking ahead.

"Shit…"

"Why yes! It's something of importance and I wouldn't feel good about going forward with it until I had your blessing?" Obi-wan responds, trying hard to conceal his growing anxiety.

"Blessing? Master Kenobi, you are within your rights to do as you please without my permission… unless this involves my Master?" Barriss suggests, now looking at Obi-wan.

Obi-wan couldn't quite read Barriss's expression and decided to push on, "Yes, it does. As you know she and I have gotten much closer over the last weeks."

"I've noticed," Barriss said quickly.

"Good… so with that being said, there's something I must ask" Obi-wan proposes seeing Anakin's home coming to view. The man didn't have much time left.

"I'm listening…" Barriss pushes politely, her fingers starting to drum the side of the vehicle.

"This trip to Alderaan is meant to be a romantic setting for a proposal. Barriss… I plan on asking your Master to marry me…" Obi-wan finally confesses.

Barriss gasps, which led to Obi-wan slamming on the brakes next to their destination.

"You want my blessing so that you can ask my Master to marry you?" Barriss repeats looking like Obi-wan just told her that he was pregnant.

"Yes?" Obi-wan squeaks, anxiously awaiting what the teen will say next.

"Hey, y'all okay over there?!" Ahsoka shouts from her bedroom window looking at the couple in the speeder.

"Yeah, we're fine! Give us a moment!" Barriss shouts back at her girlfriend as she slumps into her seat a little.

"Barriss are you alright?" Obi-wan asks gently.

"Yes, I'm alright. It's just like my Master told me moments ago… everything is changing and it's a lot to process" Barriss says admittedly.

"Yes, that appears to be the case" Obi-wan says quietly.

"She loves you very much and has for a long time" Barriss says looking back at the Jedi next to her, "I've always known that I believe. I've admired her for so long that I guess I've become protective of her. I only wants what's best for her and if that means a future with you Master Kenobi… then I approve"

"But you're also afraid of losing her…" Obi-wan points out that Barriss's feelings have become clear to him.

With a sigh Obi-wan tells Barriss, "Trust me when I say that whether your Master accepts my proposal or not, you will always be her top priority. She talks about you and your time together whenever we're alone all the time. Barriss, you take up alot of space in Luminara's heart and that will never change. I just know that I love her dearly more than life itself and I want to prove that love to her with marriage. There is only room for one Mrs. Kenobi and I want Luminara to fill that role. I'd die for her Barriss and I nearly did when I fought Grievous, it just seems silly to date someone that I've known for decades and grew to love to not just go forward with marriage. I've even gotten her a Mirilan ring!"

Barriss's eyes widened when she saw the ring Obi-wan showed to her. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry the girl has ever bear witness too and she can't fault the man for not showing respect for their culture.

"It's beautiful…" Barriss says under her breath before looking back up at Obi-wan.

"You're right Obi-wan, you've demonstrated how much my Master means to you and she practically glows whenever you're around her or whenever you're brought up in conversation. Since I'm happy when she's happy, then… I accept your plans to propose."

Obi-wan couldn't help but pull Barriss into a hug, "Thank you for understanding Barriss… you have no idea how much this means to me and how much it will mean to her when I tell her we had this conversation."

"Of course, thank you for telling me even though you didn't have to," Barriss replies, smiling.

"Your opinion matters a lot to me now that we'll be family soon, hopefully..."

"Obi-wan, she will say yes I'm sure..."

"Well…."

"I'm going to go now Obi-wan, I think I've held Ahsoka off long enough" Barriss says pointing to a very displeased looking Ahsoka who was walking up to Barriss.

"Can I have Barriss now?" Ahsoka says jokingly as she pulls Barriss and her luggage out of the speeder.

Obi-wan laughs, "Yes, she's all yours. Take good care of her now or Luminara will not be happy!"

Ahsoka rolls her eyes, "Duh!"

"Obi-wan!" Barriss calls out one last time.

"Yes?" says Obi-wan.

"Good luck!" Barriss says with a wink.

Obi-wan returned the smile and started the speeder up again, making his back to Luminara.

Luminara's POV

"Oh Ben... it's beautiful here!" Luminara squeals in excitement holding Obi-wan's hand as their private transportation (courtesy of Senator Bail Organa) lands in a docking bay on the city outskirts.

"Indeed it is" Obi-wan replies, giving Luminara a kiss on the cheek before Bail approaches the couple.

"Welcome to my home!" Organa says extending a hand to the couple.

"It's gorgeous, thank you for all the accommodations Senator" Luminara responds with a quick bow.

"Yes, thank you Senator, you are too kind" Obi-wan chimes in.

"It's no trouble! A friend of Padme's is a friend of mine! You will be staying in our guest lakehouse, I think you'll find it to your liking" Bail winks at Obi-wan which catches Luminara off-guard. Obi-wan just shrugs his shoulder at her sideways glance.

"I don't think I've seen him flinch so quickly…"

The Senator then opens a backdoor to his personal landspeeder while his guards store the couple's luggage away. Luminara and Obi-wan express their thanks once more as Bail gets into his driver's seat and speeds away. The scenic trip through Alderaan's many green valleys enchanted Luminara. In all her years of traveling the galaxy, the Jedi Master cannot recall another world that was so green and the skies so blue with picturesque mountain tops and crystal clear waters surrounding her. Naboo was surely a close second, but life seemed peaceful here. Houses and settlements were spaced out and even in the city, the population was not as dense as it can be in Naboo. If privacy was of value to anyone, this would be the world to live in. Luminara was already infatuated with it. Though she didn't catch Obi-wan staring at her until Bail stopped by a charming, white lakehouse that Luminara suspected was their accommodation.

"What is it?" Luminara asks her beloved with a grin.

"Nothing… happiness just looks good on you" Obi-wan answers, his face mirroring hers.

"After you my lady…" Bail says taking Luminara's hand as she exits the vehicle with Obi-wan following.

"Oh Bail, this is lovely! I could get used to this!" Luminara says with glee as she swings herself around one of the pillars that made up the front of the estate. Obi-wan continues to stare in awe at her.

"I'm glad you think so! That's very generous coming from a war hero, please let me show you two around!" Bail said leading the way.

The lakehouse was a single story home with a cozy living area and a fully stocked kitchenette followed by three additional massive bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bathrooms. The interior design reminded the couple of where they were with the rooms being painted in pastel blues and greens with mostly white furniture. As for the back area, the couple saw that they had their own private hot springs adjoined by a private lake. There were an array of row boats and water vehicles docked for outdoor recreation. It was the first time Luminara ever felt that she was in a fantasy world where she had luxurious accommodations like a queen,

"You should have everything you need, but please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I hope you two enjoy this home as much as my family does in the summer" Bail warmly says after showing the couple around.

"We'll see you in a few days then?" Luminara asks eagerly to be alone with Obi-wan again.

"Yes, my lady, I shall return for you both" Bail replies kissing Luminara's free hand.

Obi-wan then shows the Senator out as Luminara walks into the Master suite to unpack her belongings. The woman let out a breath of relief as all her worries melted away. This is what she needed, Barriss was on to something for sure. Luminara then feels Obi-wan's arms wrap around her waist.

"Care to join me in the hot springs, I believe it is customary to go in the nude" Obi-wan whispers as he kisses Luminara's neck.

"Yes" Luminara moans back, allowing for the man to completely undress her which earns a happy squeal from her.

Obi-wan's POV

"I...Ben Kenobi… have the most beautiful woman who has ever lived"

Obi-wan thinks to himself as he continues to marvel at Luminara's beauty in the hot springs. He can watch her dip her head into the water and rise back to the surface on repeat for eternity and never get bored. The way her raven colored hair framed her elegant face and the way her olive-skin shined in the light with the water glistening not to mention her full breast and her large, amethyst eyes. He was one lucky man. Satine wishes she could look as good as his Luminara. The Duchess couldn't hold a candle to Luminara's radiant smile. It's a smile Obi-wan has never witnessed until he kissed her for the first time back on Mortis. Gone were the forced smiles he would see in battle and in came the happy Mirialan she was always meant to be.

"You've been staring at me alot today," Luminara says with a smirk as she swims up to him.

"Well you can't blame a man for marveling at fine art and my dear that's you" Obi-wan winks before pulling her up to his lap which made her giggle in response.

"Ben Kenobi, you better not by lying to me" Luminara chuckles before kissing her lover.

"Never my darling, in fact you have no idea what plans I have in store this evening" Obi-wan says teasingly.

"Oh?" Luminara looks up at him in curiosity.

Obi-wan nods his head, "In about an hour, one of Bail's private chefs will be here to prepare us dinner and then I'm going to take my pretty woman out to the boats where I will serenade my love her while we watch the sunset, which I hear are incredible."

"As if today couldn't get better," Luminara says with her smile still intact.

"Stay with me long enough and you'll find out I'm full of surprises," Obi-wan says into her ear as he grabs her buttocks under the water.

"Ben, don't be so naughty when we have a guest coming" Luminara snickers, moving up to exit the springs, throwing a towel at Obi-wan, "We should get ready!"

"Of course!" Obi-wan shouts back as he watches her dry off and head back to the house.

"We're getting closer… gotta get this right!"

Luminara looked ravishing in her evening gown. She wore a long sleeved navy gown with a light blue corset that flattered her chest. Along the cuffs of sleeves and all around her scoop neckline were white embroidered flowers. Luminara wore her hair freely which made Obi-wan's breath hitch seeing her natural waves rest perfectly down her back. Obi-wan also notices little white flowers throughout Luminara's ebony locks. To finish it all off, she wore a pair of pale blue flats that went with her corset. The man couldn't keep his jaw from dropping. As his simple white button down dress shirt and brown slacks with black dress shoes paled in comparison to his companion.

"Luminara… I'm speechless" Obi-wan confesses, showing her to her seat on the back porch of the lake house.

Luminara blushes and says, "You can thank Padme!"

"Remind me to invite her over for dinner" Obi-wan replies, which made Luminara laugh.

As planned Bail's chef prepared a fantastic meal for the couple with a bottle of fine wine to go along. Obi-wan felt as if he was a Padawan again fumbling over his words because of a crush. Luminara seems to have shared similar emotions as her cheeks were tinted pink every time she met the man's eye. After an hour of reminiscing their fond childhood memories together, Obi-wan gets up to extend an arm to Luminara, "To the boats, my dear?"

Feeling the ring box inside his pocket, made Obi-wan's pulse quicken as he knew the time had come. Soon Bail and his crew will illuminate the skies with multicolored paper lanterns that will paint the night sky as the Jedi ask the biggest question of his life. It was Padme's idea to incorporate the lanterns into the proposal to give a clever nod to Luminara's name. Obi-wan hopes it will render her speechless as he presents the ring. Obi-wan gently helps Luminara into their boat, doing everything he can to keep his hands from shaking. He then proceeds to row the boat to the centerpoint of the lake which has now become a hotspot for fireflies. All the sources of lighting both natural and artificial will make this proposal perfect in Obi-wan's mind.

"You were right love, the sunsets here are beautiful, it's too bad we couldn't finish our dinner soon enough to see it from the water" Luminara quietly says admiring the fireflies.

"No worries darling, I think the fireflies will do..." Obi-wan responds just as quietly, his body starting to panic.

"I have to get this right!" the Jedi thought to himself as he looks at the love of his life, "It has to be perfect… for her… for Luminara…"

Right on cue, the paper lanterns lit up from all around the lake and were raised into the dark sky. To the couple's surprise, they noticed Anakin, Padme, Ahsoka, and Barriss standing beside Bail and his people toss lanterns up into the sky as well giving the couple their brightest smiles.

"Obi-wan… what's going on?" Luminara says in shock, tears already starting to stream down her face seeing their friends have a hand in the beauty surrounding them.

Heart in his throat, Obi-wan takes Luminara's hands and holds them. He pauses for a moment to drink it all in. Luminara glowed with all the lanterns floating around them and her violet eyes twinkled. She was an angel and it was time for Obi-wan to ask. The man reaches in his left pocket for the ring box and opens it to show the ring which made Luminara gasp.

"Luminara Unduli… loving you has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. Through your grace, you have made me a better man. Your kindness opened my eyes and your bravery became my source of strength. I can only aspire to be half the Jedi you are because my darling you are the most beautiful gift that has ever graced the galaxy. The light in your soul is enough to destroy any darkness. I look into your eyes now and I see an angel… flung from the cosmos to teach us all what love really is. You are my entire heart and there's nothing I would not do for you. So I ask now before our friends and family…. Will you, Luminara, marry me and make me the happiest man that has ever lived?"

Luminara cups her mouth and begins to cry more happy tears before answering, "YES! I will marry you Ben Kenobi!"

Obi-wan begins to shed tears of joy himself as he slides the ring onto Luminara's finger. The crowd behind them cheered and applauded as the couple sealed the proposal with a kiss. In that moment, everything was perfect. Luminara Unduli will soon be Mrs. Kenobi.