She woke up with strong, muscled arms wrapped around her, protectively. She blinked her eyes open, in that dreamy stage between waking and sleep, her head resting on his chest and slender digits sprawled out on his well- defined stomach. She smiled, having awoken from the most restful sleep that had come over her in a long time. The sun shone through the curtained balcony, giving the room a nice glow.

She recalled the events of last night, the kiss he had given her and later, falling asleep in each other's arms. When she remembered the kiss, it made her feel warm, it sent a surge of emotion and excitement through her. But they had left it at that and chosen to sleep only. She knew that neither of them was ready for anything else just yet.

The rise and fall of his chest, with his easy breathing, lulled her again. And she began to recall a time, long ago, just before he had left Naboo, after the parade for the vanquishing of the Trade Federation. He had revealed something to her then, a hint of his feelings that she'd always suspected, but never allowed to come to the front of her mind. Her memory was vivid as she saw herself dressed in the elaborate white gown, the night quickly falling and the sound of the waterfall filling the balcony around her. He had come out, arms folded behind him, looking very handsome in his new robes. She had felt ridiculous, having to speak to him with so much outfitting and make-up. She could remember his voice clearly, as it was then, young and so full of hope. He told her he would miss her, though not in so many words. She had smiled politely and replied that she would miss their conferences. But it was clear, he had stammered, he did not really want to leave. And she was distressed that he was leaving.

She blinked, feeling a low groan come from the Adonis lying under her. He snapped her back into reality before she could feel any of the melancholy she had felt then. She slipped her eyes shut, pretending to be asleep.

"Padmé," he groaned softly, taking in a breath. He wrapped his arms around her a little tighter and looked down at the woman he knew was not asleep, but very much awake and thinking. He smiled down at her, the glow of the sun making her hair look fiery and accenting the thin body snuggled against him. "I know you're awake," he whispered.

She smiled and lifted her head to look at him. "I can't fool you, can I?" She watched him shake his head gently in reply. She stared deeply into his eyes. He was so amazing, and he was hers now. She could feel those protective arms around her for the rest of her life. And as strong and independent as she had been all her life, she needed him now more than she would let on.

He was happy there just holding her and it seemed like he could go on like that forever. He pulled her up towards him, tightening the embrace and he felt that twinge of excitement as she gave him one of those sweet, private smiles he'd come to cherish. He didn't want to say what he was thinking just then, but he had to tell her. "I have to contact the Council today."

He said this gently, his low voice making her tingle, though the words were unnerving. She was afraid the Council would send him away. She knew he had to speak the truth. He couldn't very well make up threats. "Must you," was the only reply she could muster up, her eyes still half closed from the sprinkles of light in the room.

He sat up, pulling her up with him and leaned his head in to plant a tender kiss on her forehead. He then sat back and gave her a charming smile. "You know that I must. I am bound to the Council. And I gave my word I would report to them frequently. They are still very concerned for you, as am I."

She let a small sigh escape her lips as she laid her head on his chest and fixed her dark eyes on his shining, blue-green orbs. She was concerned, a concern prominently displayed on her delicate features. This affair that they were beginning had many obstacles in its path. How could they ever hope to overcome them? "What are we going to do," she whispered to him, his face visibly changing and becoming more solemn as she spoke, the smile fading.

"Don't worry Padmé. I'm certain the Council will not call me back to Coruscant."

"Not yet.. but when they do, what then?"

"I won't leave you. I can't. But you must understand my duties as a Jedi."

She gave a small nod, a frown making her face look darker, almost moody. She knew he had a job to do, just as she did. And she did not what to think about what they would do if he were called away, if the Order found out. When she had married Anakin, the Council was furious. Only they were too busy with the Clone Wars and the separation of the Republic to take action. Nonetheless, the move was frowned upon and Anakin was never really the same afterwards. He'd let himself become attached and she saw by his temper, by his possessiveness, why the Jedi Order forbid it in the first place. But Obi-Wan was a far cry from his apprentice. She knew he would not turn out that way. She knew in her heart things would be different with him.

He only watched her, catching glimpses of what she was pondering in that pretty little head of hers. He stroked her hair, running his large digits through the dark, auburn locks that framed her face. He wished so to comfort her, to quiet her mind of all worries, though he felt them too. But he was hopelessly bound to her now, as well as the Order. He would not give either one up. "Don't worry Padmé," he repeated in a comforting, calm tone.

Oddly enough, the mere sound of his voice lifted a great burden off her shoulders. It was as if her mind, body and soul had followed his one voiced order all at once. It was truly amazing, the affects he had on her. She rolled off him a bit and stood up, the covers easily sliding off her and revealing the thin, white nightgown she'd worn. She felt his eyes on her as she opened the curtained balcony and let the light stream in. She turned, smiling and feeling the heat rise in her cheeks as he studied her intently. "Stop staring at me Master Jedi, and go speak with the Council," she said with a small, coy smile.

He let out a small laugh and sat up, stretching as he did and groaning a little. He'd slept very well and it was a shame to have to leave the bed. He would convey to the Council that he still felt the need to remain close to Padmé, that he had been sensing a great disturbance in the Force as of late. He had not wanted to freely admit it, but the Council had to know the truth.

~

Obi-Wan stood before the rather large computer that would transmit his image and voice to the Jedi Council. He took a deep breath, glancing over the coordinates he had typed in, making certain the message would go to Coruscant, to his Masters. He closed his eyes and opened them after a bit. He had to calm his thoughts and quell his emotions. Master Windu and Master Yoda could not see him in such a state.

Finally, he pressed the final button, beaming his image. He stood up straight, looking towards the small camera eye, awaiting the image of his Masters to appear on the holo-deck. Almost instantly, the figures of Mace Windu and Yoda appeared.

"Master Kenobi, we have been anxiously awaiting your communication," came the words of Master Windu.

"I'm sorry Master, I have not been able to reach you until now."

"Troubled, you are, Master Kenobi. Hm," spoke the tiny figure of Master Yoda in his usual, curt style.

"Yes, Master Yoda. I sense a disturbance in the Force. I have for some time. Somehow, I feel the Senator may be in danger," the words chilled him. He hadn't spoken them until now.

"We have sensed this disturbance as well. You believe then, that you should keep a close watch on the Senator," asked Master Windu, almost casually.

"Yes, Master. I believe fate has sent me here to be more than a counsel to the Senator."

"Protect the Senator, you must. In grave danger, she may be. On her, our future relies," said Yoda, rather cryptically.

"Excuse me, Master Yoda, but what do you mean our future relies on her," asked Obi-Wan, puzzled by the statement of his Master. He had sounded timid because he did not feel it right to ask such a question.

"About that, worry not, Master Kenobi. Hm? The Senator, must you worry about. The Senator, must you protect," he emphasized his last words.

Obi-Wan let a small frown play upon his lips. "Yes, Master," he replied, rather gravely. "I shall be in contact with you soon."

"May the Force be with you," answered Master Windu.

And there, the images faded, leaving Obi-Wan alone in the cold, white, sterile, computer room. He felt that same disturbance now, growing stronger each time it pulsed through him. But what did Padmé have to do with the future of the Jedi? This puzzled him like nothing else had. Why did Master Yoda not tell him what it meant? But he shook his head gently. He had to go to her now. Despite the warnings and the feeling of dread, he was beyond pleased that he would be able to stay with her, to keep close watch over her. That was what he'd wanted out of this communication.

~*~*~*~To be continued~*~*~*~