AN: It's here! Finally! Hope you all enjoy this one xx

Obi-Wan could hardly hold himself together. Time seemed to be moving so slowly and yet so fast. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he ran a shaky hand through his hair and looked without seeing as Luke and Leia played with their toys on the floor.

He had watched Padmé's appeal to the rebel alliance over and over with the twins in the operations building earlier. It was funny, how that message had arrived only hours after the twins had been adamant that Anakin was alive. There had been mixed opinions around the camp about assisting Vader, which was to be expected, but he'd been relieved to see that Yoda, Mace and Mon Mothma were firmly in the belief that aid was necessary to defeat Sidious. It was a golden opportunity, but they were also wary of a trap, and waited on Padmé's return to ask her their own questions.

Whilst waiting, they'd talked for hours about the best course of action to launch an attack on Imperial Palace. So far, the plan was looking solid, with only a few variables. But the chance of success wasn't high, and they would be vastly outnumbered.

Military tactics aside, Obi-Wan was still conflicted about Darth Vader himself. The last encounter he'd had with the man had been brutal, so brutal that he'd nearly lost his life, saved only by his wife's pleas for mercy. Back then, he'd been the embodiment of the Dark Side; a walking maelstrom of cold fury and ruthlessness.

It was hard for him to believe that such a person could be changed. But after hearing the conviction in his wife's voice, as well as Luke and Leia's testimonies, and remembering Qui-Gon's insistence that he would bring balance, he was willing to believe. His Padawan must be alive, or else he would never have set his Padmé free, or spared their daughter. It was not the way of the Sith.

Obi-Wan was so preoccupied in his thoughts that he barely registered an incoming call from one of the officers at operations. He announced that the ship from Dorin had docked in the hangar bay. Obi-Wan leapt to his feet at hearing the news but the officer was quick to inform him that she was being escorted directly to them for their privacy, for which he was grateful. He didn't exactly want the entire camp to see him kissing his wife senseless, but then again, he was so impatient to have her in his arms, he wouldn't care if they did.

Striding to the door, he looked out to see if they were close. The twins, who had heard the call, came to stand beside him, surveying the forest which led down to the base. Artoo whistled and extended his scanner. A soft breeze moved through the air and rustled the thousands of leaves above them.

"There!" Leia pointed, exclaiming loudly.

Luke and Leia were out the door before he'd even spied two figures they'd seen coming round the side of a nearby tent.

He barely had time to take in the sight of her because he was running forward, and then she was in his arms. There was a collision of quick, desperate kisses, of noses nudging against each other, of his hands in her hair and on her shoulders and on her neck. Pressing his forehead against hers, their breath mingled between them as he held her close, feeling her warm body beneath his hands and thanking the Force over and over. He could feel her relief and her alleviation as tangibly as if it were his own. Alive. Real. Here.

The officer who was holding her bags deposited them on the ground, and with a warm smile and a salute, turned and left them to their reunion.

Looking down at Padmé's upturned face, he took in the beautiful, beloved, familiar shapes of her features as he cupped her cheek. It was the same face he'd known for over half his lifetime, the same face he'd seen in sadness, in joy, in ecstasy, in anger, in every scenario and every emotion, day in and day out for almost the last decade. This was the one person in the galaxy who knew his very core, his soul, and he knew her better than she knew herself.

Achingly familiar and adored, every strand of chestnut hair, every freckle, every eyelash, every single detail of her face, everything he had missed, was illuminated and glowing in the forest light. Her expression was so open and vulnerable as her eyes searched his own face.

"Obi-Wan…" she whispered.

Cradling Padmé's soft cheek, he kissed her again, slowly, tenderly, pouring out all of his love and relief. Deprived of her familiar taste and smell like a starving man, he drank in the presence of the woman he loved as their bond rekindled with each movement of their lips against each other. A part of him that had grown cold since their separation came to life, and he was sure the twins could feel his Force presence glowing with joy. They'd glued themselves to Padmé's waist in their own fierce hug, ignoring the kiss which they'd usually term as 'gross'.

His wife kissed him back with equal tenderness, but her hands didn't reach up to wind around his neck as they normally would've done. Breaking the kiss, he pressed his forehead against hers and looked down to see the reason why her hands were engaged. In Padmé's arms, caught in the middle of their embrace, there was a tiny baby who looked only a few weeks old.

As he reached down and a small hand came up to seek him, and he felt a whirlwind of emotion. His own child, a fusion of the very best of him and Padmé, mystically formed into life. He couldn't believe it.

Somehow, against all the odds, his wife and child had not only survived, but they'd made it back safely to him across half the galaxy.

How could one so tiny and vulnerable ever be in the presence of Vader and live? It was a miracle. Her survival was physical proof of Vader's mercy.

To his further amazement, he detected the tiniest glimmer of a Force signature surrounding the child. He thought he'd felt it before, when she was still in Padmé's womb, but he'd never been sure. Now though, he knew for certain. Junie's presence was not as overwhelmingly bright as Luke and Leia's had been as new-borns, but it was there nonetheless. Like a beautiful twinkling star, it was pure and entirely unmarred, for all she knew was the love of her mother. How could he, with all his battle scars, failures and fears, have ever contributed to a child so wonderfully bright? It was a wonder.

"Hello my dear," he whispered as the trees rustled overhead.

Padmé was watching their interaction closely, as were the twins, who were being uncharacteristically still and quiet, acknowledging the importance of the moment.

Reverently, Obi-Wan brushed a finger over her forehead and down her cheek, and he smiled when she wriggled, her eyes locking onto him. Through the Force he could sense the state of her mind, and though it was cloudy and mostly unintelligible, he could detect an awareness of love for Padmé. He hoped that soon, she would recognise him, Luke and Leia in that light as well.

Padmé unclasped the sling that kept the baby pressed against her, and passed Junie into his outstretched hands. Carefully, he lifted her fragile body up and cradled her against his chest where she belonged. Tears of relief and happiness began to appear, making his face warm and his throat ache. Was Qui-Gon watching on? Was he smiling, even though he'd chosen to break the Jedi Code?

He remembered holding Luke and Leia at this age. How inadequate he'd felt then, and how inadequate he still felt now. He remembered how the twins used to imitate him as they grew, copying what he said and what he did, especially when they'd been toddlers. A feeling of unworthiness was quick to rear its head, but Padmé seemed to sense this and moved closer to him, standing on her tiptoes to place a kiss on his cheek and to wrap her arms around his waist.

"She's been looking forward to meeting you," she said softly with a tender smile.

The two of them looked down at their tiny daughter, who, along with the two nine years olds beside them, were the centre of their universe. Being a father wasn't something he ever expected to be, nor did he ever think that he'd ever allow himself to have attachments that ran so deeply, but he was still a Jedi at the core of his being, despite how he'd broken the Code. These children weren't just the light of his life, but were all representative of a brighter, better future for the entire galaxy and the rebuilding of a revitalised Jedi Order.

One day, they would all surpass him, and he vowed in that moment that he would do his best for her, and for Luke and Leia, offering all of his unconditional love and protection, even at the cost of his own life.

"She's…" he couldn't find the words.

"Perfect?"

He nodded, angling her so that the twins could clearly see her. Leia peered up and carefully adjusted the blanket around her chin, before delicately touching the top of her head in a small caress.

"Hi Junie. I'm Leia."

Obi-Wan couldn't deny the warmth he felt at seeing their first meeting.

"This is Luke," she gestured to the shy boy beside her. "He's your brother. But sisters are better, you can play with me more if you want. I have better games usually."

"Can I hold her?" Luke asked, ignoring Leia's remarks.

Gingerly, Obi-Wan passed the baby into his son's open arms and showed him how to hold her. "Carefully now, she's very fragile."

Luke beamed down at her, and Junie stared up at him, waving her arms and letting out a long cooing noise. "She's so light, she hardly weighs a thing."

"When will Junie be able to talk?" Leia asked, her dark eyes twinkling with wonder as she smiled down at her.

"Not for a while," Padmé said, still with her arms around his waist. She pressed the side of her face into his chest and he wrapped her up in a warm embrace, placing his chin atop her head.

"You'll have to be patient with her," he added. "And you'll need to set an example for her to follow. She'll be looking up to the both of you as her role models."

"We will," Luke agreed eagerly.

"The birth…was it all…?" he asked Padmé, unable to imagine her pain at having to go through labour alone.

Padmé nodded against his chest, and he heard her breathe in with a sniffling nose. "You were there in my mind."

He let out a long breath. "I am so proud of you. Look at what you did, all alone," he stroked her hair and held her close, kissing the top of her head as she wiped some tears away.

"It's been a long journey, come, rest a little before we have to meet with everyone."

"And who is everyone?" she asked as they gradually moved off back towards the hut. She kept her arm around him, not wanting to be apart even for a moment.

"Some new faces, some old."

"I can't rest for long, there's too much to do."

He put his arm around her shoulder and watched as Luke very carefully followed them with Junie securely in his arms. Leia was acting as his guide, making sure there were no tree roots or branches under his feet.

"Then we won't keep you for long," he kissed her temple. "I know you are a woman of action."

Reluctantly, she agreed to rest for a little while and they headed back to the hut. Threepio went to pour them some drinks, and Artoo rolled over with a nonstop stream of happy beeps and whistles at seeing his old mistress. Padmé's face lit up at seeing the droids, though she was saddened to hear Threepio's memory had been wiped.

"It's been far too long Artoo. I bet you've got a lot of stories worth sharing from your time serving Alderaan. I certainly have a great many things to tell you."

Artoo beeped excitedly but Threepio cut him off. "I wouldn't trust a word my companion says Mistress Padmé, he seems to delight in making up incredulous stories. I am convinced he has a few short circuits."

She laughed a little at hearing the familiar banter and accepted a drink. It was so strange to see her, sitting and smiling in his company surrounded by the children. He could almost fool himself into thinking that life was suddenly back to normal, and that he would be taking Luke and Leia to school in the morning. But, of course, things were still far from normal.

If the plan went ahead, he and Padmé would have to go to Coruscant, and the children would have to stay with a trusted friend for their own safety. Obi-Wan was considering Caleb and Hera, or perhaps Sabé for the job. It was their future that they had to fight for, and he knew it was the right thing to do, but still, it would not be an easy decision to part again.

Trying not to let his thoughts race too far ahead, he focused on the here and now, and sat beside his wife with Junie in his arms. Trying to make her smile at him, he pulled all sorts of funny faces and tickled her. Luke and Leia talked as fast as they could to Padmé about everything that had happened recently, and Artoo rocked from side to side on his astromech legs, happy to see everyone back together.

A little while later, the family headed to the centre of the base to reunite with old friends, and to convince the alliance that aiding Vader was in their best interests.

"There are mixed opinions, but the majority seem to be in favour of going to aid Vader purely from the standpoint that this sort of opportunity shouldn't be passed up. However, people are wary, and rightly so, that it could all be a trap," he said to her as they approached.

"And do you think he will betray us?" Padmé asked.

"I hardly know what to think myself, but I trust your evaluation, as well as Luke and Leia's," he answered truthfully.

"He won't betray you," Luke said assuredly, who had been listening. "Are we going to Coruscant too?"

Obi-Wan met Padmé's gaze and she gave the briefest nod to imply 'you say it'.

He turned to his son. "It's too dangerous Luke. You, Leia and Junie will stay with a friend for your own safety."

"What? No, I have to come with you!" he ran forward to him and tugged on his tunic.

"You are far too young to see such a battle."

"I'm not too young, Leia and I were the best in our year group!" he pleaded.

Pausing a moment on their walk, he put his hand on his son's shoulder. "I am very proud of you both, but we are talking about the Emperor. Even Master Yoda couldn't defeat him. There will no more debate about this."

"But I need to come with you!"

"Luke, no. And that is final."

"Please-"

"No," he replied sternly.

"But the Force is telling me to help Vader!"

"You have already helped Luke. Getting yourself killed is not going to help anyone."

Frowning angrily, his son simply avoided his eyes and went into what he called a Luke-sulk. When Leia didn't get her way, it usually meant an oncoming heated argument, and when she was younger, stamping her feet and crying. But Luke tended to simmer more in his negative emotions, bottling it up and then lashing out later.

"Come now, your mother and sister have only just got back, you don't want to ruin it with being in a bad mood, do you?" he looked down at him.

"…No," he mumbled.

"I know you're upset, but this is for your safety."

Letting him have some time to cool off, he turned back to Padmé and they continued on. Soon, people were crowding around them and shaking Padmé's hands, welcoming her back with enthusiasm. Reunited with Mace, Yoda and Mon Mothma, Padmé had a big, beautiful smile on her face. She was truly back in her element amongst the people, serving and helping others.

Proudly, Obi-Wan watched as she sank back into her role of senator. Once a great figure of the Republic and an advocate for democratic rights and liberal legislation, her reputation amongst the rebel alliance far surpassed his own, and she was utterly deserving of it. One woman in particular was eager to see her, and came running through the throng, only stopping when they were face to face.

"Mi'lady…"

Padmé's face was frozen in shock as she searched the woman's face in disbelief. "Sabé? Is that you?"

Simultaneously they closed the gap between them in a fierce, tearful embrace, and behind Sabé, the Royal Guard of Naboo were cheering. They rushed forward to reunite and speak with the woman that they had continued to serve with unyielding loyally, long after her supposed death. Adjusting Junie against his chest, Obi-Wan watched on with a pleased smile. He tried to get Luke out of his sulk but with little effect, and he hoped tomorrow morning he wouldn't have to say goodbye to him whilst they were on bad terms.

Throughout the day, Padmé was instrumental in convincing those select few that knew about Anakin's turn to Vader, as well as the majority who didn't know, that this was the best chance they'd have at eliminating the Emperor. She answered all concerns and questions perfectly, acknowledging flaws in the mission, but also providing evidence from her testimony, as well as the twin's, that Vader was trustworthy enough to side with in this unprecedented opportunity.

As grisly as it was, many supported the idea that once the Emperor was dead, Vader would be a far easier target to eliminate afterwards. Obi-Wan wasn't sure what he thought about that now. If his apprentice really was still alive, he didn't know where that left him. Perhaps that was a question to ask Qui-Gon. He hoped if everything went to plan, he could talk to Vader after and negotiate an outcome that worked to everyone's benefit, but the future was thickly clouded.

With her carefully delivered rhetoric, more and more humans and aliens became convinced it was the best chance they'd get, and the base became intensely busy with preparations to leave the next day.

When twilight fell and the stars were coming out, Sabé led the very tired family back to their shelter, escorting them with a lantern through the darkness.

"Now that we're alone I can tell you some wonderful news. Your family on Naboo are all alive mi'lady, they survived the purge despite their affiliation to you and Anakin," she said, the light swinging in her hand.

The shock of the news for both him and Padmé made him reach out his arm to steady her.

"Alive? And my nieces…?"

"They are well," she reassured her. "Ryoo is eighteen now and doing well for herself. Pooja is fifteen, and she's been studying politics with hopes to serve in the Imperial Senate. Just like her aunt."

"They're alive…" she repeated, looking up at him with a teary smile.

"Who's Pooja and Ryoo?" Leia asked, tugging on Sabé's sleeve and rubbing her eyes with a yawn.

"Your first cousins," she answered with a smile.

Her mouth fell open. "Cousins? We have other family?"

"You have grandparents too," Padmé said to her, wiping a tear from her cheek.

Obi-Wan placed a thoughtful hand on his chin where his beard used to be. This news couldn't have come at a better time. If he and Padmé were to fall in the battle to come, he now had peace of mind knowing that the children had family on Naboo who would take them in and raise Junie in their absence. It was not something he wanted to envision, but it did make the decision to leave and fight a fraction easier. He imagined Padmé was thinking the same thing.

ooooo

Once they arrived back at the hut, Sabé asked to speak to them both in private. Leaving the twins with the droids, they stepped aside to speak quietly, lest Luke and Leia were trying to eavesdrop.

"I just wanted to speak to you both about your decision," she said, turning to them both, her face illuminated against the shadows by the lantern. "Are you sure you're doing the right thing? I've fought Vader before, he's a monster. I worry that this is all a trap."

"I understand your concern. You must be one of the only people here to have fought him and lived," Padmé replied. "But I've had plenty of time to analyse the situation over the past few months, and I know in my heart we can trust him tomorrow. Besides, this is our best chance at getting a full force to Imperial Palace, when will this opportunity ever come again?"

"The Force is also telling me this is the right path. Although the future is clouded, I don't sense any trepidation," Obi-Wan added, rocking June gently in his arms as she was fast asleep.

"He killed Anakin. He killed so many Jedi…he's the reason you both had to hide for nine years."

Padmé winced but didn't falter. "The Emperor is the greater evil here. Trust me."

She frowned. "I don't agree with this. But…I do trust you mi'lady."

Exchanging another glance with her husband, Padmé pushed forward the topic they'd briefly talked about earlier in the day when they'd had a moment to themselves. The twins needed looking after whilst they went to fight, and Sabé was the ideal bodyguard.

"Thank you, my friend," she said sincerely. "Now, there is something we must ask of you. We need someone trustworthy to guard the children whilst we travel to Coruscant."

"We know Bail Organa would rather die than reveal the location of the base to the Grand Inquisitor, but we cannot be certain that he didn't find out some other way where the children are," Obi-Wan continued.

Padmé rubbed her eyes, exhausted after her long day. "Please, can you protect them and take them somewhere safe to hide? There's no one that we trust more than you. Their lives are far more important than ours."

Sabé nodded and offered her a small smile. "Of course I will."

Moving forward across the earthen floor, Padmé hugged her, feeling like she had not only gained back her best friend, but a sister, and a key part of herself. Sabé hugged her back, and when they withdrew, she could see the beginnings of tears in her eyes. She wondered what she ever did to deserve such a devoted sister.

"Once you leave, I will take them to orbit around Kesmere. It's not too far, and we can jump if the Inquisitor appears," she offered, and they all agreed on the plan.

Their conversation drew to a close and the couple headed back to their shelter whilst Sabé went back to her crew. Padmé didn't have time to ruminate on anything from the day, as Luke and Leia were running the droids ragged around the room. Half-naked and refusing to get washed and dressed for bed, she really hoped they would be better behaved for Sabé.

When they were finally asleep and the droids were powered down, she crawled into bed beside Obi-Wan, seeking her favourite place to lie on his chest in the darkness. Instantly enveloped in two warm arms, she let out a long weary breath and let down her guard for the first time in months. Her and her children were in the safest place they could possibly be.

It felt like they were all back on Bakura in the blackness, where the shadows concealed their true location. Melting beneath his touch, she sought his lips and, in the darkness, she traced his face, letting herself be wrapped up in that fantasy for just a few moments. This could be the last night she ever had with them all, who knew what tomorrow would bring.