Title: The Seduction of Obi-Wan Kenobi

Author: Ticklesivory

Summary: Obidala. Dormé is going to try and teach Padmé the Art of Seduction. Her victim is none other than Obi-Wan. A night spent together at a Gala will test them all.

Genre: AU Humor/Drama/Comedy/plus a few more probably

Setting: AOTC/ROTS time without all the angst

Warnings: A little frivolity and possibly some mild sensual stuff here and there

"Girls Just Wanna Have Funds"

As a member of the Capital Improvement Committee, I took pride in an achievement I had gained three years ago: the establishment of seasons on Coruscant. For years, the environment was regulated to be twenty-one degrees Celsius. Every. Single. Day. True, it offered a sense of continuance, reliability, and comfort. At the same time, it also eliminated the joy that can come with change - a change of the weather, a change of outdoor pleasures, and possibly most important - a change of clothing.

I loved shopping for new styles the cooler season brought, as well as the variety of get-togethers and social events it would bring. For example, coming up in two days was the third annual Transition Gala, and I was really looking forward to it. It was a time for gathering with those outside my inner circle of friends and colleagues to enjoy dining, drinking, as well as dancing with new acquaintances. It was open to all and in past years, had hosted nearly one thousand beings. One of the indirect inspirations of the gathering was the unspoken competition between the females who attended, regarding the uniqueness of their gown.

My assistant, Dormé, and I had taken the day off to find the perfect one. I was looking for something original with unique lines. Perhaps in a shade of light blue or maybe even silver.

"Holy smokes, these are expensive!" my friend whispered to me.

"They're definitely not off the rack," I reminded her. As a politician, I had a certain reputation to uphold when it came to my wardrobe and was expected to set an example. It was a responsibility I didn't take lightly and therefore, nothing but the best would do for this particular occasion.

While we looked, I imagined myself in each dress I viewed, unable to come to a decision about any of them. As usual, Dormé kept me entertained.

"Here. This one looks like it was made from the hide of a dewback. It even has udders. Look."

The two of us giggled, unintentionally drawing the attention of one of the sales droids.

"May I be of assistance?"

"No thank you," I offered before changing my mind. "These particular items seem a little outdated. Do you have anything else? Perhaps something in the back I could look at?"

"Identification please," the recorded voice announced before turning up its palm to me.

I placed my hand onto it and felt the warmth of light passing across my skin.

"Senator Amidala," the droid addressed me flatly. "Come this way."

"Wow. It pays to be famous, I guess," Dormé quipped while following me through a curtained door into a room with half a dozen shoppers. I recognized a few colleagues, as well as some Holonet celebrities.

"These should suit you," the host told me in its tinny voice before rolling away.

"Much better," I heard Dormé announce before we took a seat.

Instead of the outfits being on display, they were being modeled before us. I'd been to this particular store before but had come alone. Dormé looked like a child in a sweets shop.

"There! That one. No, wait," she changed her mind. "That one would look fantastic on you! No? Okay," she continued. "What exactly are you looking for?"

I wasn't sure. Two years ago, I'd had the privilege of dancing and dining with Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi. I'd had such a fantastic time, I looked forward to the event the following year, only to be disappointed to discover he and his apprentice had been sent on a mission. After some discreet investigation, I'd discovered he was planning on attending this year's event, so I was being particularly, well…particular.

"Something attractive but not too flashy. Provocative but tasteful," I added.

"Provocative? I see," my friend teased, nudging my shoulder. "If he does show up this year, don't just dance with him. Do something about it!"

"What do you mean? We spent most of the evening together the last time. We even ate dinner at the same table. That was something, wasn't it?"

Dormé looked at me as if I were speaking utter nonsense. "Are you kidding? Women have needs, you know. You haven't been on an actual date, in what? Six months? And when was the last time you had sex?"

I immediately shushed the woman. This wasn't the place or time to be discussing my private life!

"Sorry," she whispered, leaning toward me. "You had your chance two years ago, and then last year, he didn't even show. If he does come this year, you're going to have to go for it! Or else, what are you going to do? Wait for another year and hope for the best? You're not getting any younger, you know."

"Fine!" I spat out, drawing annoyed looks from other customers. I smiled at them sweetly to apologize and then whispered my reply. "I'm not going to make a fool of myself."

"Honey," Dormé told me with a conspiratorial grin. "There are ways and wiles no man can resist. Allow me to teach you."

I'd agree to anything to end this conversation! However, a certain dress just made its appearance that stole away my attention. The bodice was skin-tight and made from shimmering silver, with ties on the corset that were lined with small silver jewels. The skirt was long and its color shifted from white to silver and then ice blue. It looked like starlight or one of the snowflakes I'd seen on a cold, distant planet. It was tasteful and beautiful, as well as provocative.

I immediately pressed the buy button on the armrest of my seat. In response, the model stopped and began slowly rotating to reveal the flow of the fabric. Her figure was comparable to mind and I thought the gown would certainly catch a certain someone's attention. It was perfect, and I was pleased with my purchase, if only it wasn't for the slightly overweight Dressillian Senator who had apparently pressed her purchase button at the same time I had.

"This is a one-of-a-kind offering from designer Julias Neekan. The bidding begins at the purchase price and will continue until a winning bidder remains." The sales hostess announced.

Already, the price was outrageous, but I had to have that dress! I glanced over at Senator Morrivado. Her orange skin would definitely not be complemented by the color, regardless of the fact it simply wouldn't fit! I wanted to say so but held my tongue. There were tailors available for modification, but it was an impossible task! Surely!

I increased my bid by 100 credits. Morrivado did the same. I smiled at her and she smiled back, revealing several missing teeth. I increased it again and yet again before Dormé touched my arm.

"Are you certain about this?"

My eyes were bigger than my bank account, but I'd have to make up for it later. There was no turning back now.

When the war was over, I had spent three times what the dress was worth, but I'd won. After I'd paid for it and it was wrapped and in my arms, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was proud of my accomplishment.

Dormé on the other hand looked at me warily. "You'd better make sure you get your money's worth out of that thing."

Thanks to her comment, the glee was gone and apprehension set in.

A/N: Teaser chapter! Chapter 2 will come after I complete "Quarantine!"