Padme woke up the next morning feeling more whole and more safe than she had in years. In the haze of waking up, she distantly wondered why. When she had awakened fully, she remembered. She felt herself still securely in Obi-Wan's arms. Her head was still rising and falling with his steady breathing. She wished she could freeze this moment in time forever. She slowly lifted her head so she could see his face. He was still sleeping. She studied his face, as though trying to engrave it on her mind. Her heart swelled with love and she had to blink back tears. I will not let his first sight of me this morning be my tears! She rested her head again on his chest.
Obi-Wan woke up just a few minutes later. He blinked away the sleep and noticed Padme's head was still on his chest. She looked so peaceful and she had a slight smile on her face. He couldn't help but smile himself. He started stroking her hair and she opened her eyes. "Good morning," he said softly.
"Good morning." She stretched lazily. "You know, this is the nicest morning I've had in a long time."
Obi-Wan waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Is it our luxurious accommodations or the company?"
Padme laughed out loud and smacked his shoulder. "It's the accommodations, of course!"
Obi-Wan smiled at her. "I thought as much." He touched her cheek gently. "It's good to hear you laugh."
"It felt good." Padme lifted herself up into a sitting position and looked down at him with a warm smile.
A droid then came with their breakfast. It put the dishes in the dispenser and sent it into their cell.
Obi-Wan got up reluctantly. "Are you ready for our gourmet breakfast?" He held out a hand to help her off the cot.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Padme made her way to the table and sat down. Obi-Wan again sat across from her. She watched him as they ate. She didn't want to take her eyes off of him. She wanted to cherish every moment they had alone together. She didn't even mind so much that they were in this dismal cell, as long as she was with him.
Several hours later, they were still sitting at the table talking and holding hands. They immediately took notice as the ship started to descend. Padme took in a sharp breath and squeezed Obi-Wan's hands tightly. Panic started to build in her, but she fought it down.
Obi-Wan could see the fear in her eyes and could feel it in the vise-like grip of her hands. He knew that the fear was not for herself, but for him. There was so much he wanted to say to her in these last few moments, but couldn't voice them. He got up from the table and held out his hand to her. She took it and got up. He pulled her into an embrace. They clung to each other tightly, tears flowing. Both held on tight, unable to let go. They separated a bit moments later to look into each other's eyes. Despairing of losing each other and facing the uncertainty of their future, they let go of their barriers. They kissed each other fervently, desperately. They kissed as if they were trying to capture a part of the other's soul.
Obi-Wan reluctantly broke the kiss and held her face gently in his hands. "I love you, Padme. I have for a long time, but I wasn't able to tell you."
Padme flung herself back in his arms. "I love you too, Obi-Wan! I've loved you for a long time, but I couldn't speak the words! You'll always be my best friend and my lifeline, no matter what happens!"
Obi-Wan kissed the top of her head. "My dearest, Padme." He pulled away again to look into her eyes. He had a determined look on his face. "Fight them, Padme! Whatever happens, don't let them win! Promise me! I promise you that I will do the same."
She looked into his eyes and once again took strength in them. "I promise, Obi, I promise!"
They felt the ship land. Almost at the same time, they heard a door open and many footsteps heading their way. Darth Vader walked up to the doorway, flanked by a large group of Stormtroopers. Vader studied the two people in the cell. They were holding each other. Their eyes were red and puffy from crying. He got the distinct impression that they had been locked in a passionate embrace not too long before. He again felt a flare of jealousy, followed by a rush of anger and hatred. They will both pay!
Vader turned off the force field and stepped aside. Two Stormtroopers went in with binders. They bound the hands of both Obi-Wan and Padme behind their backs. The other troopers stood nearby, blaster rifles at the ready. One of the troopers motioned for them to go. Padme and Obi-Wan looked at each other again and walked out of their cell. The Stormtroopers formed a square around the two prisoners and escorted them off the ship, followed by Darth Vader.