Snowhere to Go: Chapter Seven

My personal cabin onboard was far more luxurious than it used to be. For my naming day a couple of years ago, Dormé had it completely redone. It appreciated the gesture, but seeing Obi-Wan inside it now made me aware of how tacky it must seem to him. Unless, of course, he had a fondness for purple velvet.

The wine I poured for us was as rich and dark as the thick carpet beneath my feet and I presented the drink to him with a smile. We sat together in a conversation area near one of the portals and sipped at the beverage silently.

"This wine is robust and full-bodied. An improvement to the last one I tried."

This is how our conversation was going to go? What were we going to talk about next? The weather?

"Do you drink much wine?"

"No, not often," he admitted with a smirk. "When dealing with Anakin, I try to keep a clear head."

"Speaking of Anakin," I stated before setting my glass on a nearby table. It was time to be brave, although I wasn't exactly sure what to say. "How did he manage to fool Dormé into thinking he was dead?"

"Oh, that," he replied, setting his glass down as well.

Was he expecting me to say something else? I wondered what exactly. Curious.

"It's a lesson he learned as a young padawan. Useful during times of hypothermia, a low oxygen atmosphere, predatorial attacks: Things of that nature."

"You can do that as well?"

"Of course," he smiled in a most charming way. "Although it's been quite a few years since I attended the academy, I recall how to do a few things."

He had said that last part with some sarcasm. Had I just offended him in some way? I hoped not. Why was I so nervous? This was Obi-Wan! The person who had saved my life on multiple occasions, and I wasn't just talking about the Naboo invasion. He had been there for me during several awkward social interactions. He always made me laugh, which helped settle my nerves during those situations. What was I thinking? Just sitting with him without saying a word was comforting. But how could I tell him that?

"I didn't mean to offend you. I realize you're far more mature than.…"

"You mean, old?"

I was afraid of this. I should've just gone with my gut and ignored Dormé's advice. I should've just let things occur naturally. Why push it? If we were meant to be together, it would just happen, wouldn't it?

"Of course not!" I blushed. What was wrong with me?

"I'm just kidding," he quickly explained. "I knew what you meant."

He picked up his glass again and this time, took a long drink. As he did so, I took a long, deep breath and exhaled it slowly.

"I'm sorry," I explained as he finished the glass. "I'm allowing my emotions to get in the way of my ability to think."

"You do seem to be out of sorts." Obi-Wan leaned forward onto his knees, close enough for me to notice the gray color edging his irises. I could lose a lot of time inside them.

"What's troubling you?"

"Huh?"

I felt a blush radiate up from my neck and my face got hotter because of it.

"Padmé," he said in a low tone I felt vibrate against my skin. "We've known each other a long time. If there's anything bothering you, just tell me."

"Ok," I replied, my heart rate doubling when he reached out to grasp my hand. I realized it was his way of comforting a friend, but it was doing more things to me than he realized. "You see. Dormé is convinced that…I mean, I may have given her the impression….that you and I could be…more than just friends."

I swallowed the lump which had formed in my throat. I hated to bend the truth as I just had, but I wasn't ready to admit my feelings. Not yet. Not when my thoughts were so jumbled. I could probably think better if he wasn't sitting so damn close!

His eyes widened, but surprisingly, he hadn't released my hand.

"Is that the reason for the prank?"

I nodded my head in agreement. "She thinks distracting Anakin will allow you and I to spend more time together. I wanted you to be aware of it just in case there are more unexpected occurrences in the future."

He released my hand and sat back in his seat. I was worried I'd said too much or that he had seen through my avoidance of the actual truth. However, a smile slowly spread across his face and I didn't know what was on his mind.

"To think: I was worried this mission was going to be a bit dull."

Dull? Did he just say dull? Does he think I'm dull? Well, this certainly changed things. The lump which had previously been in my throat just dropped to my stomach and was sitting there like an anchor.

"I'll be sure to keep my eyes open. Thanks for the warning. It would be best If I got back to the bridge and check on Anakin before he flies us into an asteroid field or something. I'll see you later."

And just like that, he was gone. I, on the other hand, couldn't move from my seat. His cheeky comments had banished my dreams and shattered my hopes. I wasn't sure what time it was, but going to bed suddenly sounded like a good idea. Once I got there, I might just stay for the duration of this trip!