Come Undone

Chapter 3

           After making a brief but vital stop at the Security station, Anakin made his way to Padmé's apartment, each step lighter than the last. When he reached the entrance, however, he paused. Undoubtedly Obi-wan would follow within the hour and, as was his want, would more than likely disregard the warning to stay away. Anakin knew that there was no easy way around this, no simple solution… Perhaps it was just as well that Obi-wan found out this way. The shock alone might prevent him from simply dismissing the situation out of hand and turning things over to the Masters on the Jedi Council…  Maybe…

           Pushing thoughts of his Master aside, Anakin keyed in his personal access code and entered the darkened apartment.

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            Back at the Jedi Temple, Obi-wan Kenobi had found a solitary corner in the Garden of Fountains. Many Jedi chose this place to meditate, even in the later hours of the day, but for once, (and admittedly much to his relief) Obi-wan found himself alone there. He sat cross legged among the quiet pools and plants, closed his eyes and tried to open himself to the force.

            Why Anakin? Why must you test me? What are you hiding…?

             No reply from the ethereal, not even a whisper from his own inner voice that he had come to rely on so much…

             Why…?

             Go to him… find him Obi-wan… you will find your answer now…

             The voice was a new one, vaguely reminiscent of something…. Someone….

              Go… bring your Padawan to heal, Jedi Master… the voice entreated seductively.  Go…

              Be patient Obi-wan! A new voice echoed through, this one lovingly familiar. Have faith that he will choose the right path, but beware Padawan! … Guide him…

             Master? Obi-wan sent out through the force, trying to connect, to hang on to Qui-gon's essence but it was fading fast.

             Have faith… be strong… trust your feelings not just your senses… Guide him…

             The voices dissipated, and Obi-wan came up from his meditation trance, eyes wet with tears but with new found strength. This time, he would not fail.    

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               The room was dark and suspiciously quiet, and although Anakin's senses picked up no signs of danger or threat, he instinctively put his hand to his light saber.

               "Padmé?" he called out softly. "Padmé?"

                "I'm here Ani," she answered melodically from her bedroom doorway. "I was hoping you would come…"

                  Anakin stared at her, speechless. She was dressed in a clingy nightgown with a modest robe hanging loosely from her shoulders. Her petite form had grown, for want of a better word… curvier…

                  Padmé bit her lower lip in the style reminiscent of her husband's. "I know, I must look…"

                  "Beautiful…" he finished for her, finding his voice at last. "Just… Beautiful…"

                   As if waking from a trance, Anakin looked around, confused. As if she could read his mind, Padmé answered the question before he could ask it.

                    "With Jar-Jar," she smiled. "He was kind enough, and understanding enough to know that I might want to share this time alone with you. Dormé and the Droids are staying with him tonight." She arched her eyebrow playfully, "unless you want them to come back…"

                     Anakin crossed the distance between them in a heartbeat, taking her into his arms. Wordlessly, he kissed her forehead and held her close. Slowly, Padmé moved his left hand over to her rounded belly and giggled softly as he shyly pulled it away.

                     "What?" she began to laugh a little more. "Are you afraid of your son? He's been quite busy today, it's almost like he knew you were coming home to us…"

                     "Afraid?" he snorted indignantly. "I've faced the Sith, lead a thousand troops to battle against a hundred thousand battle droids, and survived numerous attempts of Master Obi-wan's cooking! What makes you think that I'm 'afraid'...?"

                     "Then put your hand here…" Padmé entreated softly, taking his hand in her own. "You can feel the baby move sometimes…"

                      Anakin guided their interlaced hands up the front of her body, eliciting a soft moan from his wife. "I can think of much more entertaining things to do with my hands," he purred lecherously. "If you'll give me leave, I'll show you…"

                      With that, he swept her up and into his arms and carried her off into the bedroom, his only concern being the attentions of his loving, beautiful wife…