Many thanks to everyone who reviewed or sent me an email for the last chapter. I appreciate you taking time to read and give me your hints in order to improve upon my fics.
PrincessSkywalkerOrgana: Well, we shall see what the Force has in store for the Skywalker family. Although if Luke and Leia are any indication, then the entire galaxy is in trouble.
Emerald Green Queen: Thanks for your review. Both Padme and Anakin were in need of a long vacation. As far what will happen, tune in to find out ;).
Lady-Vader1023: Welcome to the story and thank you so much for your review. Well, better late than never :) I am happy to know that you enjoyed this last chapter. There will be more twin antics in this upcoming chapter.
AMAPADME: Thank you so much. I believe Anakin is unfamiliar with the concept of Murphy's law. So we shall see soon what will happen. :)
Pokey1984: It is good to see you back. Thank you so much for your kind review. The story has definitely taken on a new life with subsequent chapters relying more on each other than the early ones. The twins are definitely a handful and will probably become more opinionated as they get older.
LVB: Thanks a bunch. Always nice to stir more plot bunnies, as evil as they can be. I thought that with Anakin and Padme, both older and wiser would look back at their whirlwind romance with a certain amount of humor. Glad to know that you enjoyed. Hope you like this next update :).
Natalie-Corr: Thank you so very much. Still blushing after your wonderful comments. Next chapter coming up shortly.
Eridala: Thank you so very much. I really try to keep the characters as true to form. Hope you enjoy this update!
GallyHoshi: I appreciate your comments. As for Obi and Sabe, your wish is my command :). Enjoy!
Countess Jackman: Thanks so much. Update here!
Lokigirl: Anakin is very good at tempting the fates. We shall see soon whether or not they were paying attention ;).
Lunatigerstar: What can I say but thank you so very much. Hope you like this next one :).
A/N: My heartfelt thanks goes out to Jenn who beta this chapter for me. Enjoy!
We lay together, blissfully unaware of the passage of time. My beautiful angel and I were so entranced with one another that we hadn't left our room for the entire day. As we cuddled, a slight laugh escaped my lips, catching Padmé's attention.
"What's so funny?"
I smiled as I reached over to kiss her forehead. "I was just thinking about the twins and how they are doing with Obi-Wan."
A wicked grin spread across my wife's face as she answered, "If I know my darlings, they are adding a few more grey hairs to his beard."
We both laughed as I could imagine my aging Master trying to avert Force induced temper tantrums. "That's what he gets for making that outrageous bet."
My wife turned on her side towards me as she mockingly said, "Well, you know how slippery we politicians are, we're not to be trusted."
"I happen like my sneaky little politician," I teasingly said as I brushed my hand against her exposed arm. "Especially in the dark."
Padmé arched her brow in amusement. "Is the Jedi's revered Chosen One trying to seduce a disdainful senator?"
"Absolutely, Milady."
"Well then, what are you waiting for?"
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi spent the majority of his life training to deal with crises of all kinds. From embattled worlds to disputing neighbors, he had handled each mission with the utmost poise and professionalism. As a General during the Clone Wars he was responsible for leading his Clone Army divisions on dozens of successful campaigns throughout the Outer Rim, some of which were the most brutal of the entire conflict. His Jedi training had prepared him for many things, but he found himself lacking in the realms of romance.
These thoughts raced through his mind as he sat next to the beautiful woman who intrigued him. Sabé had suggested this water ride which traveled through several dark underground tunnels which wound about the park grounds. Each time they went underground, where the lights were dimmed, the Jedi felt her moving closer to him. Obi-Wan nearly choked out in laughter when he thought he could use Anakin's advice about what to do in these situations. Then again, he mused, he would probably never live to hear the end of it. So alas, he was on his own with this one.
"What's the matter, Obi-Wan?" asked the heavily accented Nubian. "You seem pensive."
He shook his head quickly as he answered, "Not at all, Milady. Just lost in thought."
Sabé released a rather unladylike snort at his reply. "Obi-Wan, how many times do I have to ask you to call me by my name?"
"Just one more time," the Jedi Master meekly answered.
The light brown haired woman leaned closer, smiling sweetly as she fixed her gaze upon him. To her, he still was as handsome as the day she first met him nearly seventeen years ago. In fact, Sabé preferred this older, more refined version of the brash Jedi that saved them during the Trade Federation occupation of Naboo. Although it was obvious he was new to the ways of love and romance, Obi-Wan seemed to have an aura of confidence, which made him that much more desirable.
"Please, say my name," she requested at slightly above a whisper.
"May I ask why, Milady?" he teased.
Moving even closer so that their faces were mere centimeters apart, Sabé whispered, "Because I like the way you say it."
The Jedi Master suddenly realized his heart rate jumped several beats as he watched the approaching lips of this amazing, alluring woman. While he pondered what they would feel like pressed against his, he inhaled her jasmine perfume, becoming intoxicated with her entirely. At that very moment, all Obi-Wan wanted to do was wrap himself around her and share their spirits through a much desired kiss.
Without conscious thought, he muttered, "Anything for you….Sabé." At the same time, he placed his hand under her chin, lifting it up as he moved towards her lips. Out of the slits of his closing eyes, he saw her smile as her eyes were also shutting in anticipation. Carefully drawing closer, Obi-Wan could feel her breath as he was about to brush her lips with his own.
However, at that same moment, the darkness of the ride was supplanted with the bright sunshine, followed by two high pitched voices. "Uncle Obi! Uncle Obi! Look who's here!"
Both Obi-Wan and Sabé's eyes shot open as they rapidly drew away from one another. At the embankment following the pathway of the ride stood the Skywalker twins along with their cousins, Ryoo and Pooja Naberrie who were giggling incessantly. The Jedi Master unconsciously ran his hand through his hair, while Sabé nervously straightened herself in her seat.
He offered them a forced grin as he said, "Nice to see you both. We'll meet you at the ride's entrance."
The four children nodded happily as they ran ahead. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan gave Sabé a shrug of resignation as he said, "Unfortunately, Milady, duty calls."
The former handmaiden smirked as she said, "To be continued later, Master Kenobi."
"But of course, Sabé," he replied with a wink.
As the ride finished, the two disembarked to greet the newcomers. Ryoo, who was now fourteen years old and strongly resembled her mother Sola, politely curtseyed as Obi-Wan joined them. Meanwhile, ten year old Pooja Naberrie simply waved at the Jedi while running over to give Sabé a crushing hug.
"My, you two have gotten big," he remarked.
"And prettier?" Ryoo asked, batting her eyes.
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows in amusement as he said, "That too, young one."
"Hello, Ryoo," Sabé greeted; however, the teenager was too entranced with the Jedi to pay much attention. While she always thought that her Uncle Anakin was quite breathtaking, he belonged to Aunt Padmé and was the twin's father, making him completely off limits. However, Uncle Obi-Wan had always been kind to her and told them stories about when he and Anakin would chase around the galaxy, helping people. Ryoo could listen to his heavy Coruscant accent for hours as she imagined that she was a Senator like her Aunt and he was the one assigned to protect her.
While she was lost in her daydreams, Pooja bluntly said, "Don't mind her, she's just got a crush."
The elder Naberrie girl turned abruptly towards her sister as she menacingly growled, "I do not, Poojy."
"Do too and don't call me Poojy. You know I hate that."
Ryoo grinned wickedly as she mocked, "Poojy, Poojy, Poojy…"
The youngest sister stomped her foot on the ground as she was about to charge at her. Anticipating her attack, Obi-Wan grabbed her quickly and picked her up, hoping to avoid a fight. "Now, now you two. We're supposed to have fun today." He then turned his attention towards Ryoo. "Besides, Sabé and I will need your help in taking care of Luke and Leia."
Wanting to remain in the Jedi's good graces, Ryoo beamed as she answered, "Of course we'll help you, Uncle Obi-Wan." She then shot a jealous glare at Sabé, who nearly exploded with laughter at the teenager's antics.
As the group continued to walk, their momentary silent reverie was broken when the twins spotted the stand where the Corellian rock candy was sold.
"I want, I want," screamed both Luke and Leia. "'member you promised, Aunt Sabé, 'member?"
Sabé smiled nervously at Obi-Wan before placing her hands on the jumping children's shoulders. "Okay, I know I promised." She then took them by the hands and led them over while Pooja followed closely behind.
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Ryoo stood a short distance away. The Jedi was gazing about the fairway in an attempt to spot attractions that the twins should avoid. However, the oldest Naberrie girl was fixated upon his every movement.
"You know, I like how brown your hair is."
Obi-Wan nodded curtly in response. "Thank you for saying so, Ryoo."
"And I think your eyes are very nice too." Obi-Wan sighed deeply as she continued, "and you look quite fit in your tunics."
Seeing that Sabé was returning alone, while Pooja and the twins were busy chewing on their pieces of candy, Obi-Wan asked Ryoo, "Would you mind getting me a cup of Dantooine cider?"
"Anything for you, Master Jedi," she said happily as she skittered across the fairway.
The light brown haired woman gave Obi-Wan a bemused look as she returned to his side. "What did you say that got her dashing off like that?"
A wicked smirk crossed his face. "I asked her to get me a cup of Dantooine cider."
Sabé shook her head quickly in confusion as she queried, "But they don't sell that on Naboo—or anywhere else except Dantooine."
"I know," Obi-Wan replied with a wink. "I thought she needed a distraction other than my supposed good looks."
She chuckled merrily. "I'm surprised you didn't use one of your fabled Jedi mind tricks."
"Unfortunately, all the members of the Naberrie clan are not weak willed—otherwise the thought had occurred to me."
Sabé playfully slapped his chest as she said, "Obi-Wan that's horrible."
"I was only joking," he mirthfully said as their hands unconsciously touched. The two stirred momentarily, watching what the other would do. Finally, the Jedi Master placed aside his inhibitions and interlocked his fingers with hers while brandishing a slight smile. His pulse began to race as he pulled her closer, all the while staring into her deep brown eyes.
A mischievous smile eclipsed the beautiful woman's face as she said softly, "What about Ryoo? She'll be jealous."
Obi-Wan only chortled in response as he drew closer to her lips and took in Sabé's intoxicating scent. He was about to partake in her soft, beautiful lips when he felt a slight tug at his tunic. Slightly withdrawing to see who had disturbed yet another moment, young Pooja looked distressed as she continued to pull.
"What's the matter, honey?" Sabé asked curiously.
The small girl shrugged as she said, "I'm afraid my cousins have gone off to do something rather rash."
Both Obi-Wan and Sabé rapidly surveyed the area to see where those two ran off to, which didn't take long. Across the fairway, Leia was being levitated by her brother onto one of the penned shaaks.
"I'm gonna put you down, Leia. We're gonna get in trouble."
The little girl scrunched her face as she demanded, "Don't you dare, or else I'll smash your model starfighters when we get home."
"No you won't because I'll tell Dad."
Leia leered at him as she mocked, "Tattle tale."
The sandy hair boy folded his arms defiantly as he said, "No, I will tell Master Yoda."
"Nu-huh."
"Uh huh."
"Liar. He wouldn't believe you."
"Yes he would because he knows that you are a meanie."
"No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"No—uh, hi Uncle Obi-"
As Luke turned around to see the imposing figure of the Jedi Master standing behind him with the equally intimidating former handmaiden, he lost his focus thus causing Leia to plummet to the ground. She released an ear piercing scream as she pointed to her behind; meanwhile, the sandy haired boy looked as if he was about to laugh. However, he spotted the disapproving look from Obi-Wan, causing him to look down in feigned shame.
"What were you two doing, Luke?"
He raised and lowered his shoulders dramatically as he muttered, "I don't know."
The Jedi raised his eyebrow in curiosity; meanwhile, Sabé went over to pick up Leia in an attempt to soothe her pain. "It sure seems to me like you knew exactly what you were doing."
Before Luke was about to answer, he glanced over at his sister who was still shrieking, but gave him a brief grin, just to let him know that she was putting on a production at his expense. This usually didn't work with their parents, who learned most of Leia's antics early on; however, both Obi-Wan and Sabé were novices where they were concerned, thus making them susceptible to her ploys. Luke simply sighed as he knew he would have to take the brunt of the chiding; at least for now.
"Leia asked me to lift her on the shaak so she could ride it."
Reverting to the posture he usually held whenever Anakin got trouble as a youngling, Obi-Wan nodded slightly at the boy's explanation. "Well, you should not have done that. Leia could have gotten hurt when you lost focus."
Luke shrugged his shoulders while shooting a death glare at his twin sister who was soaking up Sabé's attention. "I know…"
"Tell her you're sorry."
The small boy winced as he heard the Jedi's request. "Do I have to?"
"Yes, young Luke. A Jedi freely admits when he or she is in the wrong."
He sighed deeply as he walked over to Leia and Sabé. While reaching for her leg, he muttered, "I'm sorry for dropping you."
However, the little girl continued to cry as she sobbed, "Bottom hurt."
"I know, honey. It will be alright," Sabé said soothingly.
Finally having enough of Leia's antics, while his hand was still on her leg, Luke pinched and twisted the skin behind her knee, causing her to wail in pain.
Becoming concerned, Sabé continued to rock her as she turned to Obi-Wan. "I think this little one has had enough for one day. I'll find Ruwee and Jobal so they can take her home."
The brown haired child immediately ceased her crying as her squeaky voice pleaded, "No Aunt Sabé, I'm okay now."
A look of victory crossed Luke's face as the two adults realized that they had been outwitted by a three year old. A scowl formed along Sabé's face as she asked, "Were you just pretending to be hurt to get your brother into trouble?"
Leia batted her eyes as she gave her a slight shrug. "No young lady, that won't work on me this time."
The little girl turned to see her gloating brother; meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Pooja were both shaking their heads as they stared with disapproval in their eyes. So, doing the only thing the little princess had left to her, Leia released another ear piercing cry.
The Jedi Master noticeably sighed as he wondered what he did in this or a former life that the Force always placed him in such precarious situations, which were usually due to his former Padawan, one way or another.
Later that evening back at the Naberrie's mountain home, Obi-Wan and Sabé gently put down the sleeping forms of Leia and Luke Skywalker onto their small beds. As they watched the twins, the former handmaiden whispered. "It is amazing how peaceful they look when they are asleep."
"Indeed," Obi-Wan said. "You couldn't tell what little gundarks they are when they are awake."
Sabé softly chuckled as she quickly nodded her head. Well, one day we will have our revenge on them."
"How so?"
"By reminding them of days like this when they are grown up and have children of their own," she said with a glint in her eye.
Obi-Wan lightly chortled as she said, "That would be quite something."
As he walked out of the twin's bedroom, the revered Jedi Master felt himself being yanked back into Sabé's outstretched arms. Before a conscious thought could enter his mind, Obi-Wan felt a pair of the softest lips brush his as he wrapped his arms around her. The two embraced until finally withdrawing from the lack of air.
"I've been waiting for that all day," said Sabé in an overtly satisfied tone.
A strange smile crossed Obi-Wan's face as he reached over to kiss her forehead. She looked puzzled by his change in demeanor as she asked, "What is it?"
After giving her a brief kiss, he whispered, "I've been waiting for this my entire life."
TBC-Reviews and comments are always welcomed :)
