Chapter Nine

"Blissful Breakdown"

"Are you sure she's coming?"

"Yes, I'm sure Tanner," I told my personal driver. "Just be patient and wait a couple of minutes."

Finally, Dormé stepped around the corner and across the platform before loading onto the transport. Anakin had taken her as far as the station but had obviously turned back to be with his Master.

"What a night!" she let out in a single breath as she plopped down on the seat across from me. "Things didn't go quite as planned, but as you said, at least you got to know Obi-Wan well enough to realize he isn't the man for you. Who could've guessed? These Jedi Masters are stuffy and smart, so honestly, I don't understand what you saw in the first place. No, I'll take that back. He is gentle on the eyes, but heavens, does he have that pretentious thing going on! I thought Master Windu was bad, but Obi-Wan may have him beat."

While she rattled on, I stared out the window. The snow had stopped falling and the dull gray shades had returned. The snowfall had been just like the moment I'd shared with Obi-Wan, it had lasted but a little while and was over far too quickly. Hopefully, we would have the chance to meet again soon, although he hadn't mentioned it. Should I contact him or wait? I wasn't sure if I could be that bold. I already missed him and my mind was filled with the pleasant memories of my evening; the slow and tender way he had kissed me, the clean and spicy smell of him, the way his beard had tickled my neck, and how he had so happily gazed at me as the snow drifted down upon us. It was a peaceful and pleasant memory I would keep with me for a long time. Was he thinking about it too?

"Are you even listening to me?" Dormé interrupted my thoughts. "What are you mooning about? Did I miss something?"

I realized too late I was wearing a silly smile, but I couldn't help myself. "I'm just tired," I told her as an excuse. "Despite everything else, I had a good time."

Something close to a laugh escaped her mouth. Actually, it was more like a snort.

"You didn't get to eat, only danced twice, and then found out the crush you've had for the past eleven years was a waste of energy! That doesn't sound like such a good time to me."

"Well," I continued, my head immediately filled with visions gray-green eyes, a brush of beard, snowflakes, and a charming smile, "You know me. I'm always trying to look on the bright side of things."

As soon as I'd said that, the transport shuddered and we quickly lost altitude.

"Strap in, ladies," Tanner told us. "I'm going to have to put the ship down. Engine trouble."

I was concerned, but not overly so. We were still in the Federal District and could easily catch another transport. What was bothering me was the amount of guilt on my best friends' face.

"This is you, isn't it?" I said with bitter realization.

"I swear, Mi'Lady. I forgot about this one! I meant to fix the problem myself, but I got sidetracked and I didn't make it back out to the garage!"

"What did you do?" I nervously asked with growing concern, now seeing tendrils of smoke fly past the windows.

"The engine's overheating. No big deal."

"It is a big deal since we can't get home!" I replied. "What was the purpose in this?"

"Uhm…" she answered while nervously chewing on her bottom lip. "You'll figure that out soon. Sorry."

Indeed, not long after we'd landed and Captain Tanner had opened the engine compartment, another speeder approached and set down, blowing what little snow was left on the ground off the grate and into the lower traffic lanes.

"Mi'Lady. Your rescuer." Dormé's announcement was said with as little fanfare as possible.

"Hello, Obi-Wan," I said to him, unable to disguise my smile.

"Fancy meeting you here," he told me with a wink. "Anakin informed me there might be trouble. He was worried this one particular ruse had slipped someone's mind."

"She already confessed," I informed him.

While Anakin volunteered his mechanical expertise to help Tanner, Dormé supervised. Soon, another argument began and Obi-Wan and I walked to the rear of the transport just out of ear-shot.

"I miss the snow," I told him randomly.

"It is beautiful," he replied as I blushed. He was looking directly at me when he'd said that.

Perhaps, I could be bold after all, I decided, as I reached for his hand to pull him closer.

"We're in public view, Senator," he noted as his eyes watched the variety of transports and speeders passing by.

"I don't care," I surprised him by saying. "At least not right now. I'm pretty sure a temporary lack of self-control isn't going to de-rail either of our careers."

"As you wish," Obi-Wan told me before bending his head and claiming a warm, fabulous kiss. I could feel his callused thumbs brushing my cheekbones as he gently tilted my head. For a few seconds, I wondered how and where had a Jedi learned to kiss like this, but then decided I wouldn't spoil the moment with wandering or jealous thoughts. I would simply stay focused as he lifted my spirit to the stratosphere.

"Mi'Lady, the ship is fixed."

Dormé's voice sounded as if she were far away, somewhere back down on the planet, while I was drifting on a cloud high above her.

Or maybe it was all the champagne. No. I quickly changed my mind. I most certainly was sober and Obi-Wan's kiss was captivating.

"What's going on here?"

We parted just long enough for Obi-Wan to turn his head, although I kept my concentration on him. I really couldn't care less what my assistant had to say right now.

"Are you telling me you two were in cahoots this entire time? Were you both playing me for a fool? Is that it? Are you kidding?"

"Dormé, come on. Leave them alone."

It was Anakin's voice I heard next, though I was transfixed and chose to ignore them both. Apparently, Obi-Wan had the same idea. Somewhere there was music playing. It was a slow, rhythmic tune with a lazy four-count melody and we were powerless to its appeal. Without speaking a word, Obi-Wan pressed my hand to his chest and wrapped his other arm around my waist as we continued to sway to and fro, our eyes locked onto one another. I had never had an out-of-body experience before. This was my first and I prayed it would never end.

We were back in the clouds with no sense of time, no responsibilities, no traffic.

And no Dormé.

/End

A/N: As good a spot to end as any. Didn't think this one would last very long. I'm going to go ahead and move on over to "A Greater Devotion." Thanks to everyone who the time to leave a review. I appreciate it!