Disclaimer: It's George's sandbox. I just play here, cause it's fun.
AN: Here's chapter 16! Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Never Gone
Chapter 16: Our Secret
Lea yawned and raised her head from her pillow. She knew it was very early, but Obi-Wan was already up and meditating by the window. The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon. She got up and donned her robe, before padding over to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. He smiled and opened his eyes, before leaning down and pressing a soft kiss on her lips. She frowned when she saw the pensive look on Obi-Wan's face.
"What's wrong? You're not regretting last night, are you?" she asked. He pulled her closer in response.
"Of course not. I was completely serious when I told you I loved you and I do. I'm just...worried about some things," Obi-Wan replied.
"I'll talk to Padme later this morning. I know we can trust her and Anakin with this," Lea replied.
"It's not that so much," Obi-Wan replied.
"Then what is it?" Lea asked.
"I have to report to the Council today and I'm not sure how much longer this assignment will last. The war is escalating," Obi-Wan said.
"But isn't Padme still in a lot of danger?" Lea asked.
"Possibly, but there have been no attempts on her life since we returned to Coruscant," Obi-Wan replied.
"I...I can't stand the thought of you going to war," Lea said, as she choked back a sob. Obi-Wan hugged her tightly.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. If that possibility comes, then you have to believe that I will come back to you," Obi-Wan assured her. She looked up into his eyes before kissing him deeply.
"Now, no more tears this morning. I better slip out before anyone else gets up," Obi-Wan said. Lea nodded and kissed him again, before he slipped out and went to start his morning rounds on security.
Obi-Wan stood on the veranda, as the very early morning sun shone through. Security was quiet and he took the time to enjoy his morning meditation. Something was lighter in his spirit this morning. He knew what it was. He knew that it was love, but he had never imagined love would feel like this. Love was something to be denied by the Jedi, seemingly as it had no place in the life of servitude to the people. It was seen as a weakness and one that could lead to the dark side. But he was seeing a different side of love now. He saw the sense of strength, completeness and fulfillment that this emotion brought to him. He now fully understood that look that Anakin got in his eyes every time he looked at Padme, for now it was how Obi-Wan looked at Lea. Love felt so right! Why did his masters shun emotion? He knew that were cases where the loss of a loved one had driven one to the dark side. But was forbidding the emotion and attachment really the answer?
It's good to see that you are finally opening your eyes padawan," a ghostly voice spoke. Obi-Wan's eyes widened, as he saw his dead master's Force spirit standing before him.
"Master?" Obi-Wan asked in astonishment.
"I'm afraid I have a bit of explaining to do Obi-Wan. I know that you've always felt that I favored Anakin over you. That isn't true Obi-Wan. I know I should have come to you earlier, but I needed to make sure you were ready to hear the things I have to tell you," Qui-Gon told him.
"No master, it wasn't right for me to feel jealous of Anakin. I am sorry," Obi-Wan replied.
"There's no need to be sorry Obi-Wan. Perhaps, I was a bit hasty in insisting that he be trained. But do not mistake, he is the chosen one, though you were not ready to train someone like him. Now you are I believe," Qui-Gon replied.
"You want me to train Anakin behind the council's back? Master, isn't that dangerous? If the Sith were to find out he's being trained, they could try to turn him," Obi-Wan asked.
"Obi-Wan, the Jedi have become complacent. They are serving a Republic that no longer functions in the best interest of the people and they refuse to change. The Sith have adapted so well that they are able to conceal themselves from the Jedi. But they will not be able to hide from Anakin very long, for he is already sensing the dark tremors. He is unsure what they are and does not know if he can talk to you anymore. His love for Padme is his greatest strength, but also his greatest weakness. He needs your guidance, especially since you now share this situation with him," Qui-Gon replied. Obi-Wan lowered his head.
"That is my fault again. I have closed off from him lately, because I feared I was becoming too attached. I was beginning to like having him around. He's like the little brother I never had," Obi-Wan gave a small smile. Qui-Gon chuckled.
"Don't worry Obi-Wan, Anakin will forgive you. Remember, you both share something in common now. Anakin may be the one prophesied to bring balance to the Force, but the prophecy says nothing about him doing it alone. But with yours and Padme's complete support, I know he will fulfill his destiny. Your training of Anakin will be discreet," Qui-gon told him.
"But master, what if the council gives me a new assignment? Padme seems to be out of danger, and while I don't want her to be in danger, I can't train Anakin if I'm in the outer rim fighting," Obi-Wan said. Qui-Gon smiled slyly.
"You may want to read the petition Padme will be submitting to the Chancellor today then. It will upset the loyalists immensely. And Gunray has still not given up on his revenge against her," Qui-Gon replied. Obi-Wan suppressed a frustrated sigh. He knew that Padme and her allies were trying to do what was best for the Republic, but they were playing a dangerous game. He was worried for both she and Anakin. He decided to inform Captain Typho to increase security watches immediately.
"I've always been proud of you Obi-Wan, and I always will be," Qui-Gon said, as he faded.
"Thank you master," Obi-Wan replied.
Padme yawned deeply and stretched her arms over her head. She snuggled against Anakin's chest and placed a kiss on his neck. She kissed his lips and he smiled. She smiled at him, before getting up and going to the fresher. She came out a few minutes later in her robe and quietly slipped out of their bedroom and headed for the kitchen.
Shmi and Jobal were working busily in the kitchen, while Lea and Sola chatted at the table.
"Good morning little sister," Sola said cheerily.
"Good morning," Padme said, as she sat down. Shmi poured her a cup of caf and set it down for her.
"Thank you Shmi," Padme replied.
"Where's Anakin?" Lea asked.
"He's still asleep," Padme answered, just as Sola giggled.
"What are you reading?" Padme asked Sola, who had a data pad in her hand.
"You and Anakin are all over these holo tabloids, little sister," Sola laughed. Padme groaned.
"Oh don't listen to anything they say Sola, they're terrible," Padme chided.
"Oh I don't know. Some of these headlines are quite creative," Sola teased.
"Like this one: Amidala attends gala with sexy stranger. Or this one: Engaged! Amidala announces intentions to marry handsome escort," Sola teased. Padme rolled her eyes.
"I hate holonet reporters," Padme grumbled. Sola chuckled and then spotted something on Padme's neck.
"What is that on your neck?" Sola asked, as she pushed Padme's curls out of the way. Padme quickly covered her neck back up with her hair.
"Nothing," Padme replied.
"Oh that's not nothing little sister. You certainly are a lucky woman," Sola giggled. Padme blushed. She remembered last night's antics very visually. Needless to say, she and Anakin had a little too much wine.
"Padme, breakfast will be ready in about ten minutes," Shmi announced. Grateful for the escape, Padme stood up.
"I'll go wake Ani," Padme replied. Sola laughed under her breath.
"I bet you will," she whispered. Lea couldn't help but laugh, but she was certainly glad Sola didn't know about what she and Obi-Wan had done last night or Sola's teasing would shift to her.
Padme came into their room, just in time to see that Anakin was awake.
"Morning sweetie," Padme said, as she sat down on the bed beside him.
"Morning angel," he replied, as she kissed him.
"Breakfast is almost ready," Padme said.
"Great, I'm starved. Do you have to be at the Senate today?" Anakin asked.
"No, we're still in recess until tomorrow. I do have that meeting with the Chancellor later this afternoon though,. Do you think you might come with me?" Padme replied.
"Of course, I read your proposal and while I agree with you of course, I worry about your safety," Anakin said.
"I know, that's why I'm glad you've become part of my security," Padme said, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Well, who better to protect you than someone who is with you all the time. Besides, I'm still worried about your safety. I feel that Nute Gunray won't stop his attempts to have you killed, so I feel better if I'm there with you," Anakin replied. She kissed him tenderly.
"I feel better too," she said, as she released him and started walking toward the door.
He got up and donned his sleep pants and robe, before following her out.
After breakfast, Lea quietly pulled Padme aside and to her room.
"What is it Lea?" Padme asked.
"Padme, I have something to tell you and it has to be a secret. The only other person you can tell is Anakin," Lea replied. Padme looked at her with concern, before sitting down on the bed beside her.
"What it is?" Padme asked.
"Last night...Obi-Wan and I admitted our feelings for each other. We need your help Padme. Obi-Wan and I trust you and Anakin, but this has to kept a secret," Lea said nervously. Padme smiled and hugged her.
"Of course we'll help you," Padme replied.
"You're...you're okay with this? Even though he's a Jedi?" Lea asked.
"Lea, there is nothing wrong with being in love. I know that it has to be scary to be in love with someone who supposedly isn't supposed to love, but the heart makes you do crazy things," Padme giggled. Lea smiled.
"Thank you for understanding," Lea said.
"Of course I understand. Think about it Lea, Anakin was almost a Jedi himself," Padme replied.
"Do you think you would have fallen in love with Anakin if he was a Jedi?" Lea asked. Padme didn't even hesitate.
"I know I would have. I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else. I'm sure that if Anakin were a Jedi, I would be feeling the same apprehension as you are," Padme replied.
"We can't let the Council find out. They would expel Obi-Wan," Lea said, as a tear slipped down her cheek.
"What is it Lea?" Padme asked.
"Obi-Wan said that he has to meet with the Council today. The war is escalating and he thinks they may dispatch him to the outer rim," Lea cried. Padme hugged her tightly.
"Oh Lea, I'm so sorry. But we don't know that yet. They may feel that I still need the protection, especially after my meeting with the Chancellor today," Padme said. She didn't know what she would do without Anakin, so she couldn't imagine what Lea would go through if Obi-Wan went to war.
"Thank you Padme, I think I'm going to take a warm bath," Lea said, as she left for the fresher. Padme nodded and left for her bedroom.
Padme smirked and shed her robe upon entering the fresher. She stepped into the shower and wrapped her arms around his waist.
He chuckled and turned around to face her.
"You'll never believe what Lea just told me," she said, as she walked around him and wet her hair under the shower head.
"What is it?" Anakin asked. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
"They have a little secret that they need our help keeping Ani," Padme replied.
"They as in Lea and..." he trailed off.
"Obi-Wan. They're in love Ani," Padme replied.
"Really?" Anakin asked in amazement.
"Yes, but they need our help hiding it Ani. The Jedi Council can't find out or they'll expel Obi-Wan," Padme replied.
"Well of course we'll help them, but I don't think they should have to hide their love," he replied.
"I know sweetie, I don't think they should have to either," Padme replied.
"I'm happy for them. Obi-Wan needs a good woman in his life, just like I need you," Anakin said, as he leaned down and kissed her lips. She moaned into the kiss, as his hands began to roam over her wet body.
"I need you too Ani," she said breathlessly...
Much later, while Padme was dressing for her meeting, Anakin and Obi-Wan finally got to speak.
"Anakin, I want to apologize to you. I haven't meant to be so cold to you lately. I was...afraid of what my feeling for Lea would mean and I pushed a friend away while I was at it," Obi-Wan said.
"You're forgiven already. I know it must have been scary for you to go against the code," Anakin replied.
"Yes, but more than worth it," Obi-Wan replied, with a smile. Anakin returned the smile.
"Yeah, love is definitely worth it," he replied.
"Master Qui-Gon spoke to me this morning," Obi-Wan mentioned. Anakin turned his head.
"I'm glad," he replied.
"He wants me to train you," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin blanched.
"Really?" he asked, in amazement.
"If you're willing. From what I've seen you do so far, I'd say you're ready for saber training. But we must be very discreet about this. No one must know, except Padme and Lea of course," Obi-Wan replied.
"I am willing and thank you Obi-Wan. This means so much to me," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan smiled and pat his shoulder.
"Well, we are almost family," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin beamed brightly.
"I guess we are," Anakin replied. The two men went back inside, knowing Padme would be ready to leave any minute.
Padme came out dressed in a dark purple senatorial gown. She was met by Anakin, whose arm she took, as he led her out the door. They were flanked by Lea, Obi-Wan, Captain Typho, and three of his security officers. She wondered if all the security was a little much, as she realized that Obi-Wan wasn't taking any chances. Ani had said earlier this morning that he was also worried about her safety and she just hoped nothing would go wrong...