Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Author's Note: I've always been a fan of the Shmi/Qui-Gon relationship and was disappointed that it didn't get a chance to flourish in the movies.

Memories of the Past

Shmi sat as young Beru did her hair in tradition Tatooine style. She was getting married today. She was marrying Cliegg Lars, a wonderful man in his own right. "There," Beru said, handing Shmi a small mirror, "All finished."

Shmi didn't even recognize herself in the mirror. "Thank you, Beru."

Beru embraced Shmi, "you're welcome," Beru turned and left the room, leaving Shmi to her own thoughts.

She loved Cliegg, respected him, and enjoyed being a mother to his son Owen. She missed her Anakin and his savior, Qui-Gon. She wondered what happened to Qui-Gon and Anakin after they left Tatooine. She hadn't heard from her son since he left. She knew that he would be a terrific Jedi Knight.

Her lips curled into a small smile at the memory of her son and Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon had been a great comfort to her. Just a hand on her shoulder or helping her off a tall beast, he was a help. He offered comfort to her and she missed him, almost as she missed her son.

She touched her shoulder and the memory of Qui-Gon's hand resting on her shoulder, offering comfort. The few days that he had spent on Tatooine were a great comfort to her.

His hand gripped her shoulder and Shmi reached up and touched it. "Anakin," she whispered.

"He'll be fine," Qui-Gon whispered, "He's a good pilot."

Shmi tightened her fingers around his, "I know, but I still worry."

She closed her eyes at the memory, almost as if it pained her.

"Here let me help you," Qui-Gon said, reaching up to help her down.

"Thank you," Shmi said, placing her hands on his shoulders, as he wrapped his hands around her waist and helped her down. He smiled down at her.

Shmi opened her eyes. Comfort.

She almost laughed. Beru would call her constant reference to the word comfort repetitive. She stood up and surveyed her dress. It was dressier than her regular clothes, but nothing spectacular, weddings in the desert weren't must of a party.

Shmi bent her head, the memory of Qui-Gon still fresh in her mind, as if it had happened yesterday. She felt a hand land on her shoulder and she reached up and gripped it. Qui-Gon, she thought.

But when she turned she was looking at Owen's face. "Owen."

"Are you ready?"

Shmi gave him a small smile and laced her arm through his, "Yes." She walked with Owen out of the room, and taking one glance back she felt as if she glancing back and Qui-Gon and saying goodbye.

THE END