Chapter 35
The Ties That Bind
Anakin was waiting for Obi-Wan and Sabé when they arrived the following day, his expression welcoming. "Master Obi-Wan!"
"Anakin," Obi-Wan nodded to him, noting that his former padawan still wore his braid. "I hear you've been knighted."
Anakin nodded, tying the boat to the dock securely before stepping back. "Three days ago," he confirmed.
Obi-Wan stepped from the boat, reaching up to flick Anakin's padawan braid. "Then why do you still have this?"
Sabé stayed seated where she was as the men enjoyed their reunion, watching them with a smile on her face. She was glad they were reunited; Anakin and Obi-Wan were a great team.
"Master Yoda gave Padmé and I permission to marry along with my knighthood," Anakin told him, a slight blush coming to his cheeks, "She's going to cut it off at the wedding tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Sabé asked shocked.
Anakin nodded, turning to look at her. "Tomorrow," he confirmed. "Sorry, Sabé, I didn't mean to ignore you."
She chuckled. "It's alright. It's my lot in life I think."
Obi-Wan extended his hands to her and she grasped them firmly. Gently, he pulled her to her feet, drawing a shocked gasp from Anakin as she stepped out of the boat under her own power. "But... I thought..."
Sabé laughed. "Obi-Wan was right when he said I couldn't walk awhile ago, Anakin. The surgery the medics did managed to restore me. You look as shocked as Obi-Wan did when he found out," she teased.
Anakin closed his mouth with a snap. "Padmé will be thrilled. She's bedridden and wishes she could be here. Carré paid us a visit a few days ago and managed to hurt her throat pretty bad. She got away; again."
Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder and squeezed. "One thing at a time, Anakin. You're to be married tomorrow and Carré is gone. I have Master Windu's assurance that she's no longer on the planet."
"They saw her leave?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "They couldn't track her ship, though. Rest easy."
Anakin sighed in relief and then turned to Sabé, extending his arms. She stepped into his embrace with a smile and hugged him tightly as he hugged her. "I'm so glad you're alright, Sabé, I thought I'd failed you too."
She laughed softly, pulling away, "No guilt," she admonished, "there's no place for it here. I slipped. There wasn't anything you could have done beyond what you tried, alright? Quit beating yourself up, I'm fine."
He laughed, letting her go. "Alright, I'll stop. I still feel guilty though."
"Well don't, that's my job. Now, why don't you show us to our rooms and then I can give Obi-Wan a tour."
Anakin grinned. "Don't forget to show him the island," he told her, his eyes twinkling.
"Island?" Obi-Wan asked pointedly, trying to figure out what exactly he'd missed.
Sabé just laughed. "I hope you brought your bathing suit, my love, it's a place that has to be seen to believed."
Anakin nodded his agreement and helped them with their bags before leading them into the cottage.
*Are they here, Anakin?*
*Yes, Ami.* he replied smiling as he took his leave of Obi-Wan and Sabé, the couple having opted to share a room. *I'm coming.*
She waited impatiently, plucking at the sheet. She wanted to see her friend. The door to Anakin's room opened and she shifted her gaze to him.
Anakin stepped inside and closed the door, taking the time to look at her critically. Her neck was now a large blue and yellow bruise, the damage having been decreased by some Force aided healing, but her vocal chords were still tender. She looked beautiful sitting in a pool of sunshine, her hair pouring about her shoulders like warm liquid chocolate. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he crossed to her. "Good afternoon, beautiful."
"Flatterer." Her voice was slightly hoarse, almost a croak, and she spoke in almost a whisper.
He sat next to her, "Don't speak," he scolded with a gentle smile, "not if you don't have to. I'm sure Sabé will want to talk to you soon, so save your energy for her, alright?"
*Alright.* she agreed silently.
"That's better." He leaned down and gently kissed her. "Sabé said she'd be by shortly and that she and Obi-Wan have something they need to tell us. Think you're up to handling both of them at once?"
She stuck her tongue out at him in a childish gesture he found endearing. *I've got a bruised throat, not a broken back. I'm only staying in bed because I heal faster this way.*
He grinned. "Good point. Sorry, M'lady," he teased.
She swatted him and he grinned. Reaching out, she pulled him closer, and Anakin placed his head on her breast, listening to her heartbeat as she ran her hands through his hair. They enjoyed the silence, simply basking in each other's company as they waited for their friends to make an appearance.
A knock sounded on their door about ten minutes later but Anakin didn't move. His eyes were closed, his breathing soft and even. The soothing motion of Padmé's hands had put him to sleep. He'd been exhausted with worry for her, and their friends. Now, with Carré off planet, he'd finally given in to the exhaustion in his body. Not that she minded, but Padmé figured he could have picked a better time. *Anakin.*
He grumbled softly in his sleep, his mind twirling slowly as it fought against her silent summons.
"Padmé?" the door cracked open and Sabé peaked in.
Padmé looked up, surprise lighting her face as her friend stepped into the room, under her own power! Her eyes widened and a brilliant smile crossed her lips. Sabé could walk! She shoved Anakin gently, trying to wake him up again as she stretched one hand out to her friend.
"Just a few..." Anakin mumbled softly.
Sabé laughed, making his eyes fly open. Anakin jerked sharply, but didn't move further as the motion tugged on his padawan braid. Slowly, Padmé unwound the length from around her hand and allowed him to move. Anakin blushed as he looked at Sabé. "Sorry, it's been a long couple of weeks."
"Don't apologize to me. You can come in Obi-Wan, they're not doing anything unseemly."
Obi-Wan peeked his head around the corner. "You sure about that?"
Sabé grinned. "Yes, I'm sure. If Anakin gets any redder, his head might explode."
Obi-Wan looked to his former Padawan and chuckled. "You have a point. That's a lovely shade, Anakin."
"Go sit on your ligthsaber."
Sabé, Obi-Wan and Padmé laughed. Padmé's turned into a slight cough and Anakin was immediately beside her, offering her a glass of tea to ease the pain.
Sabé and Obi-Wan settled around the room, Obi-Wan sitting in the only chair as Sabé sat near him but on the bed next to Padmé. They watched concerned as she grimaced, fighting the pain to swallow, and finally pushed the cup away. Anakin looked at her worried, but she waved him away.
"You're not fine, that was obviously painful."
She glared at him and he chuckled softly.
"No. I won't stop. Why won't you-" He paused, grimaced and shook his head before continuing, "I still say the bacta-"
He paused again, his eyes narrowing. "Padmé..." his voice held a warning note.
"Stop it."
Anakin and Padmé turned to look at Sabé in surprise. "What?" he asked confused.
"You're having half a conversation," she scolded him, "It's like listening to a holo call without being able to see the other end. I know she's hurt, but cut it out!"
He laughed suddenly. "Sorry, we've been communicating like that for the last three days, I didn't even realize I was speaking out loud."
"Well, you were." Sabé looked at Padmé concerned. "Are you going to be alright?"
Padmé nodded, offering her friend a smile. "I'll be fine," she said in a hoarse whisper.
Obi-Wan leaned forward on his knees. "We have something to tell you both. Aside from the obvious that Sabé is healed, of course."
Anakin settled against the headboard beside Padmé, looking at his Master curiously. "Is this the big secret?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "And Sabé wanted the honors."
Sabé reached out for his hand, grasping it and squeezing it tightly before turning to face their friends. "The council has granted us permission."
Anakin's jaw dropped. "No way!"
Obi-Wan chuckled, nodding. "Yes, Anakin. However, Sabé and I are only going to be married the traditional way, we're not going to Force bond."
"Why not?" Padmé's question was quiet, but caught everyone's attention.
Sabé's smile faded a bit. "It's a personal matter on my part. But regardless, we're going to be married and happy."
Anakin eyed Sabé for a long minute, drawing her attention. Their eyes locked, and he could almost read the reasons she'd refused in her gaze. His eyes narrowed. Him. She wasn't going to bond with his Master because of him. Guilt stabbed through him, followed quickly by blind anger. How dare she base her decision on what she'd seen! He could change her mind, he knew he could, if he just pushed...
Padmé's hand curled around his arm, drawing him back into the present and he shook his head to clear it. What had just happened, had he actually contemplated forcing Sabé into bonding with his Master? He swallowed had, dropping his gaze to Padmé's hand and slid his hand around hers. He needed the physical contact, the anchor of her touch. She squeezed gently. Anakin felt as if he'd been punched in the gut. He'd been thinking of turning his power on the woman his mentor, his father figure, loved. What was wrong with him? Confused, he shut every conflicting emotion he was feeling away into a carefully shielded place and lifted his head, smiling. "Congratulations. Both of you."
Sabé and Obi-Wan smiled their thanks and Anakin pushed himself free from the bed and Padmé's grasp. "If you'll excuse me," he said softly, turning to the window and leaping through it. Padmé shook her head sadly. She could feel the confusion, the turmoil he was feeling. She didn't hear a splash and knew he must have caught the wall lower down to swing himself into the kitchen, or was it dinning room? Either way she knew he was nearby. Probably headed for the terrace. She fervently wished she could go to him, to hold him while he was forced to sort through the unexpected surge of emotions. But she couldn't. Any movement of her head still sent pains up her neck.
Sabé got her attention by taking her hand. "Padmé? Is Anakin alright?"
She nodded carefully. "Yes." She whispered, not bothering to use her voice. "He'll be back when he's thought himself out."
"Maybe we should..." Sabé glanced at Obi-Wan, who started to rise.
Padmé shook her head sharply, flinching as pain raced up her neck. Stupid bruises and muscles anyway. "No. Anakin will come back when he's ready."
Sabé sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't..."
Padmé held up her hand, a smile on her face. "It's not your fault," she assured her as best she could while whispering. "Come here and hug me, Sabé, so I can congratulate you properly."
Sabé laughed softly and gently hugged her friend. "I'm glad you're alright, Padmé." She said sincerely.
Obi-Wan, Sabé and Padmé continued to talk, Obi-Wan and Sabé doing most of the talking and getting her water or tea as she needed it. An hour slipped by, then two, with no sign of Anakin. Padmé quietly began to worry that something had happened to him, but couldn't go to check. Worried, she finally called an end to their discussion, Obi-Wan and Sabé leaving to give her some privacy, and looked longingly towards the window. Wherever Anakin was, she hoped he was alright.
The Ties That Bind
Anakin was waiting for Obi-Wan and Sabé when they arrived the following day, his expression welcoming. "Master Obi-Wan!"
"Anakin," Obi-Wan nodded to him, noting that his former padawan still wore his braid. "I hear you've been knighted."
Anakin nodded, tying the boat to the dock securely before stepping back. "Three days ago," he confirmed.
Obi-Wan stepped from the boat, reaching up to flick Anakin's padawan braid. "Then why do you still have this?"
Sabé stayed seated where she was as the men enjoyed their reunion, watching them with a smile on her face. She was glad they were reunited; Anakin and Obi-Wan were a great team.
"Master Yoda gave Padmé and I permission to marry along with my knighthood," Anakin told him, a slight blush coming to his cheeks, "She's going to cut it off at the wedding tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Sabé asked shocked.
Anakin nodded, turning to look at her. "Tomorrow," he confirmed. "Sorry, Sabé, I didn't mean to ignore you."
She chuckled. "It's alright. It's my lot in life I think."
Obi-Wan extended his hands to her and she grasped them firmly. Gently, he pulled her to her feet, drawing a shocked gasp from Anakin as she stepped out of the boat under her own power. "But... I thought..."
Sabé laughed. "Obi-Wan was right when he said I couldn't walk awhile ago, Anakin. The surgery the medics did managed to restore me. You look as shocked as Obi-Wan did when he found out," she teased.
Anakin closed his mouth with a snap. "Padmé will be thrilled. She's bedridden and wishes she could be here. Carré paid us a visit a few days ago and managed to hurt her throat pretty bad. She got away; again."
Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder and squeezed. "One thing at a time, Anakin. You're to be married tomorrow and Carré is gone. I have Master Windu's assurance that she's no longer on the planet."
"They saw her leave?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "They couldn't track her ship, though. Rest easy."
Anakin sighed in relief and then turned to Sabé, extending his arms. She stepped into his embrace with a smile and hugged him tightly as he hugged her. "I'm so glad you're alright, Sabé, I thought I'd failed you too."
She laughed softly, pulling away, "No guilt," she admonished, "there's no place for it here. I slipped. There wasn't anything you could have done beyond what you tried, alright? Quit beating yourself up, I'm fine."
He laughed, letting her go. "Alright, I'll stop. I still feel guilty though."
"Well don't, that's my job. Now, why don't you show us to our rooms and then I can give Obi-Wan a tour."
Anakin grinned. "Don't forget to show him the island," he told her, his eyes twinkling.
"Island?" Obi-Wan asked pointedly, trying to figure out what exactly he'd missed.
Sabé just laughed. "I hope you brought your bathing suit, my love, it's a place that has to be seen to believed."
Anakin nodded his agreement and helped them with their bags before leading them into the cottage.
*Are they here, Anakin?*
*Yes, Ami.* he replied smiling as he took his leave of Obi-Wan and Sabé, the couple having opted to share a room. *I'm coming.*
She waited impatiently, plucking at the sheet. She wanted to see her friend. The door to Anakin's room opened and she shifted her gaze to him.
Anakin stepped inside and closed the door, taking the time to look at her critically. Her neck was now a large blue and yellow bruise, the damage having been decreased by some Force aided healing, but her vocal chords were still tender. She looked beautiful sitting in a pool of sunshine, her hair pouring about her shoulders like warm liquid chocolate. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he crossed to her. "Good afternoon, beautiful."
"Flatterer." Her voice was slightly hoarse, almost a croak, and she spoke in almost a whisper.
He sat next to her, "Don't speak," he scolded with a gentle smile, "not if you don't have to. I'm sure Sabé will want to talk to you soon, so save your energy for her, alright?"
*Alright.* she agreed silently.
"That's better." He leaned down and gently kissed her. "Sabé said she'd be by shortly and that she and Obi-Wan have something they need to tell us. Think you're up to handling both of them at once?"
She stuck her tongue out at him in a childish gesture he found endearing. *I've got a bruised throat, not a broken back. I'm only staying in bed because I heal faster this way.*
He grinned. "Good point. Sorry, M'lady," he teased.
She swatted him and he grinned. Reaching out, she pulled him closer, and Anakin placed his head on her breast, listening to her heartbeat as she ran her hands through his hair. They enjoyed the silence, simply basking in each other's company as they waited for their friends to make an appearance.
A knock sounded on their door about ten minutes later but Anakin didn't move. His eyes were closed, his breathing soft and even. The soothing motion of Padmé's hands had put him to sleep. He'd been exhausted with worry for her, and their friends. Now, with Carré off planet, he'd finally given in to the exhaustion in his body. Not that she minded, but Padmé figured he could have picked a better time. *Anakin.*
He grumbled softly in his sleep, his mind twirling slowly as it fought against her silent summons.
"Padmé?" the door cracked open and Sabé peaked in.
Padmé looked up, surprise lighting her face as her friend stepped into the room, under her own power! Her eyes widened and a brilliant smile crossed her lips. Sabé could walk! She shoved Anakin gently, trying to wake him up again as she stretched one hand out to her friend.
"Just a few..." Anakin mumbled softly.
Sabé laughed, making his eyes fly open. Anakin jerked sharply, but didn't move further as the motion tugged on his padawan braid. Slowly, Padmé unwound the length from around her hand and allowed him to move. Anakin blushed as he looked at Sabé. "Sorry, it's been a long couple of weeks."
"Don't apologize to me. You can come in Obi-Wan, they're not doing anything unseemly."
Obi-Wan peeked his head around the corner. "You sure about that?"
Sabé grinned. "Yes, I'm sure. If Anakin gets any redder, his head might explode."
Obi-Wan looked to his former Padawan and chuckled. "You have a point. That's a lovely shade, Anakin."
"Go sit on your ligthsaber."
Sabé, Obi-Wan and Padmé laughed. Padmé's turned into a slight cough and Anakin was immediately beside her, offering her a glass of tea to ease the pain.
Sabé and Obi-Wan settled around the room, Obi-Wan sitting in the only chair as Sabé sat near him but on the bed next to Padmé. They watched concerned as she grimaced, fighting the pain to swallow, and finally pushed the cup away. Anakin looked at her worried, but she waved him away.
"You're not fine, that was obviously painful."
She glared at him and he chuckled softly.
"No. I won't stop. Why won't you-" He paused, grimaced and shook his head before continuing, "I still say the bacta-"
He paused again, his eyes narrowing. "Padmé..." his voice held a warning note.
"Stop it."
Anakin and Padmé turned to look at Sabé in surprise. "What?" he asked confused.
"You're having half a conversation," she scolded him, "It's like listening to a holo call without being able to see the other end. I know she's hurt, but cut it out!"
He laughed suddenly. "Sorry, we've been communicating like that for the last three days, I didn't even realize I was speaking out loud."
"Well, you were." Sabé looked at Padmé concerned. "Are you going to be alright?"
Padmé nodded, offering her friend a smile. "I'll be fine," she said in a hoarse whisper.
Obi-Wan leaned forward on his knees. "We have something to tell you both. Aside from the obvious that Sabé is healed, of course."
Anakin settled against the headboard beside Padmé, looking at his Master curiously. "Is this the big secret?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "And Sabé wanted the honors."
Sabé reached out for his hand, grasping it and squeezing it tightly before turning to face their friends. "The council has granted us permission."
Anakin's jaw dropped. "No way!"
Obi-Wan chuckled, nodding. "Yes, Anakin. However, Sabé and I are only going to be married the traditional way, we're not going to Force bond."
"Why not?" Padmé's question was quiet, but caught everyone's attention.
Sabé's smile faded a bit. "It's a personal matter on my part. But regardless, we're going to be married and happy."
Anakin eyed Sabé for a long minute, drawing her attention. Their eyes locked, and he could almost read the reasons she'd refused in her gaze. His eyes narrowed. Him. She wasn't going to bond with his Master because of him. Guilt stabbed through him, followed quickly by blind anger. How dare she base her decision on what she'd seen! He could change her mind, he knew he could, if he just pushed...
Padmé's hand curled around his arm, drawing him back into the present and he shook his head to clear it. What had just happened, had he actually contemplated forcing Sabé into bonding with his Master? He swallowed had, dropping his gaze to Padmé's hand and slid his hand around hers. He needed the physical contact, the anchor of her touch. She squeezed gently. Anakin felt as if he'd been punched in the gut. He'd been thinking of turning his power on the woman his mentor, his father figure, loved. What was wrong with him? Confused, he shut every conflicting emotion he was feeling away into a carefully shielded place and lifted his head, smiling. "Congratulations. Both of you."
Sabé and Obi-Wan smiled their thanks and Anakin pushed himself free from the bed and Padmé's grasp. "If you'll excuse me," he said softly, turning to the window and leaping through it. Padmé shook her head sadly. She could feel the confusion, the turmoil he was feeling. She didn't hear a splash and knew he must have caught the wall lower down to swing himself into the kitchen, or was it dinning room? Either way she knew he was nearby. Probably headed for the terrace. She fervently wished she could go to him, to hold him while he was forced to sort through the unexpected surge of emotions. But she couldn't. Any movement of her head still sent pains up her neck.
Sabé got her attention by taking her hand. "Padmé? Is Anakin alright?"
She nodded carefully. "Yes." She whispered, not bothering to use her voice. "He'll be back when he's thought himself out."
"Maybe we should..." Sabé glanced at Obi-Wan, who started to rise.
Padmé shook her head sharply, flinching as pain raced up her neck. Stupid bruises and muscles anyway. "No. Anakin will come back when he's ready."
Sabé sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't..."
Padmé held up her hand, a smile on her face. "It's not your fault," she assured her as best she could while whispering. "Come here and hug me, Sabé, so I can congratulate you properly."
Sabé laughed softly and gently hugged her friend. "I'm glad you're alright, Padmé." She said sincerely.
Obi-Wan, Sabé and Padmé continued to talk, Obi-Wan and Sabé doing most of the talking and getting her water or tea as she needed it. An hour slipped by, then two, with no sign of Anakin. Padmé quietly began to worry that something had happened to him, but couldn't go to check. Worried, she finally called an end to their discussion, Obi-Wan and Sabé leaving to give her some privacy, and looked longingly towards the window. Wherever Anakin was, she hoped he was alright.