Author's Note: For those who want me to hurry up and get them together -- your wish is my command. Enjoy!

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Obi-Wan sat nervously on the fallen tree, acutely aware of the close proximity of Padmé. He could feel the warmth of her body radiating toward him, but not so much now as two hours ago. He glanced up to the star-filled sky and it finally dawned on him as a foggy puff of his breath escaped his mouth. Idiot! She must be freezing! He quickly sloughed off his thick Jedi robe and wrapped it around her.

Padmé was growing comfortable in the silence, simply enjoying the time she was getting to spend with Obi-Wan. She had noticed the temperature had started to drop after the sun's setting, and was grateful when he wrapped his cloak about her. She breathed in deeply. She could smell his essence in its fibers, she could feel the warmth of his body in it caressing her. Even if he didn't speak to her, the joy of this moment was enough… well, almost. After a moment's thought, she removed the left side of the cloak and offered it to him. She was somewhat surprised when he scooted even closer to her and accepted her offer. No ulterior motive for the gesture, she prided herself. She was simply being kind to a dear friend.

Obi-Wan drew himself into the warmth of the robe and her body. Survival techniques in situations like this had been a vital part of his Jedi training. Even though they probably would not be stranded for long, his instincts told him to keep them warm. However, his real reason for his present position was much more selfish. He wanted to be closer to her and this gave him an excuse.

He glanced to her moonlit features and wondered why she had been so quiet. In all the years he had known her, she had always been outspoken. Perhaps she was uncomfortable with the fact that she was nearly sitting in his lap. This was ridiculous. One of them had to speak. After a moment of conjecture, he decided it would have to be him. He owed her an apology anyway.

"I would like to apologize for my behavior in your apartment a few weeks ago. I don't drink that often, especially champagne."

"Don't worry about it. If I had known how much it was going to affect you, I would have offered you something else." They both gazed into the stars once more.

"And abandoning you like I did on your trip to Naboo. The medic never did figure out what caused my allergic reaction. I suspect it had something to do with the shuttle's alien occupants."

Padmé grimaced and closed her eyes, the guilt gnawing away at her.

He continued. "I've never had such an allergic reaction like that before. It nearly swelled my trachea closed by the time I reached the medic facility."

Padmé's eyes squeezed tightly as she bit her lower lip.

"I wish I could know exactly what caused it so that I could avoid it in the future. I don't want to go through that again!"

That was it. She couldn't take it any longer. The words exploded from her mouth. "Niktolian pheromones."

"Pardon?"

"It was Niktolian pheromones." Her voice was much quieter now and she turned slightly to face him, the blood rushing to her face. "I'm so sorry Obi-Wan. I……" she didn't quite know how to say this, but he deserved an explanation. "I was wearing pheromones, in order…to…attract…"

Obi-Wan could feel his pulse quicken as he dreaded the words he expected from her. Anakin. She had changed her mind about him. Of course she had. He was young, handsome, brave,...and he loved her.

"You."

He couldn't hide the shocked look on his face. And then it all began to fit together like a puzzle. The pheromones….the red silk dress…the champagne….the music….the seductive looks. Kenobi, you fool!

He reached for her small trembling hand and grasped it tightly, noting the smile that quickly lit up her face.

"I'm sorry Padmé."

Her smile faded just as quickly. This was it. He was going to tell her there was no way that he could return her affections. The Jedi Code forbid it, and he was dedicated to the Code.

"I didn't realize how you felt. I wish I would have told you sooner…."

That it's impossible….go ahead… say it. Her heart was prepared to hear the words, but she knew that wouldn't stop it from breaking.

"….that I feel the same."

What did he just say? She had to hear that part again. "What?"

He grasped her hand even tighter. "I feel the same about you, Padmé. How could I not? You're beautiful, intelligent, strong, and usually so outspoken. I love that about you."

Wait. Did he just say love? The blood had rushed into her head and was pounding in her ears and she wasn't sure she heard him correctly. She was definitely not sure what she heard him say next.

"Stick out your tongue."

"Hmmm?" Somewhat perplexed, she did as he asked as he removed a small handkerchief from his tunic and dabbed one corner of it on the moistness of her protruded tongue. He then proceeded to wipe away a spatter of mud from her upper lip. Apparently tucking the cloth into his hand, her heart seemed to skip a beat as she could feel his fingers lightly tracing her lips and noticed his eyes were drawn to them as well. The realization that he was going to kiss her caused her body to tremble.

The entire universe seemed to slow down as Obi-Wan's mouth descended to hers. His kiss was so gentle and sweet that Padmé thought she would faint. She nearly did as his whispered words following the kiss reached her ears. "I love you."

She opened her eyes to assure herself she was still awake and that this was not a dream, and was startled by the glare of bright lights peering through the tree branches above them and the sound of thrusters hissing as their rescuers made their descent.