Disclaimer: Star Wars and all associated characters, plotlines, and worlds (good and bad) are property and copyright © of George Lucas (aka The Richest Man in Hollywood). This is purely for fan entertainment only.
Also a warning… this fanfic is rated MA for adult themes. It is also "Obidala"… in other words, if you're offended or otherwise do not like the pairing between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, then please don't read further to spare yourself the irritation. Otherwise, enjoy!
Chapter 2 - Pointless to Resist
The dark room seemed perfect for brooding. It seemed to envelope even the holo-link Lord Vader had found himself spending a significant amount of time in front of. He had watched footage of Padmé and Obi-Wan in their little tavern, let the anger wash over him and the betrayal fuel his energy, keeping him more aligned with the Dark Side. For a while, he had doubted himself.
He had doubted that he was capable of maintaining his current course, dominating everything in sight. He had wanted nothing more than Padmé back in his arms, before realizing her dead to him, just as he was to her. He had used the grief to keep the anger at a manageable level.
It had been a pity that he had not tried to control the rage before ordering the entire treetop village at the moon of Endor burned down. He had seen the chatty barmaid's body scorched and helpless, and felt a sense of satisfaction. Obi-Wan and Padmé would never have this refuge again, could never have fond memories of the place where they had conceived their child.
And that child was the only reason he maintained his calm, had allowed them to escape. It was the best way he could think of to get revenge on Obi-Wan- to take his child away from him. He could already tell that Obi-Wan held a sense of protection and pride over his unborn child. That pride could well be his undoing, if he grew attachment to it as well.
And even further, he was positive that if he did not try to intervene, then his dream from long ago would come true. He was sure that his intervention had prevented her death this time, but he would do no such thing, this time. And her death would be a more final sense of revenge. If he could not have her, neither could his former Master.
The holo-link also provided a link with his new Master, the ruler of the new Galactic Empire, Darth Sidious. And he found himself receiving directions instead of instruction, yet again. But he still held his knowledge of the new Force sensitive child to be born, and that his child was alive. He could not be admonished. "Why did you let Obi-Wan get away?"
Normally it would be a reprimand. He turned it around, however. "So that I can let him lead me to other Jedi, perhaps Master Yoda." He replied, almost smug.
The Emperor cackled, his blue image in the holo-projector bouncing. "Very good, my Apprentice. See to it that you finish the rest of your list. We must eliminate the Jedi while they are at their weakest."
Vader inclined his head. "Yes, Master." He had already known this would be the next step, while he was waiting on Obi-Wan to decide whether he wanted to act on his new feelings of hatred and jealousy, and for Padmé's child to grow to term. The games had begun.
Sabé kept quiet, watching their reactions, allowing them their peace. She had seen her mistress go through quite a bit of pain at Anakin's hands, and now wanted to murder him herself. She could only imagine it being high on Obi-Wan's priority list as well. She decided it best to not show them the rest of the images from Endor's moon. She did not think it was a good time to let them know about the destruction that Darth Vader had brought to the planet, the innocent people that died because of their chosen hiding place.
Sabé smiled as she watched Padmé finally learn calm at Obi-Wan's hands. It was the first time she had seen her mistress be able to quickly be subdued from her inner turmoil. She knew it must be even harder, this time. Sabé did not understand how she was coping with the loss of her children, her husband, and her career. It would have been enough to drive her to distraction long before.
But she guessed it must have something to do with the Jedi Master who was steadfastly holding her in his arms, taking in her best interests. Sabé had always admired his inner calm, supposed that he had taught a few tricks to Padmé as well.
Only Padmé saw the turmoil in Obi-Wan's clear blue eyes, knew the slight tension of his muscles from the anxiety racking his brain. She knew he needed his peace, and she welcomed the calm herself. It was nearly time for her midafternoon nap, she could feel fatigue creeping in. "Sabé, you had said our room was already prepared? I think I'm going to need a nap."
Sabé rose, picking up bags Padmé had brought with her. "Yes, they're ready for you at any time. Is the sickness coming in the evening as well? I can have your tea prepared when you wake."
A smile of relief washed over Padmé's face, removing any worry she had entertained about coming to Sabé. Her friend knew what was best. "No, I don't think I'll need your concoction this time, but I will definitely need it in the morning."
Obi-Wan grinned at Sabé's nursing instinct, knowing at once that Padmé was in good hands with Sabé. "Alright, let's get you to bed, then."
Sabé carried the bags only to the door, allowing them their privacy. As soon as the door was shut, Padmé brought her hand up to Obi-Wan's face, studying his eyes once more. "What did Vader say to you?" she inquired, frowning softly.
He took her hand in his own, kissing her gently. "Don't worry about me." He said softly, tucking away all of the frustration, betrayal, anger, and guilt he had carried with him since the confrontation on Endor's moon.
She shook her head. "It's too late for that, I love you. Therefore, I worry about you." Padmé kissed him back, gently, "I've always worried about you."
Obi-Wan returned the kiss, his passion rising at hearing her proclamation. He drew her to him, trying to forget everything but her lips, push away the foreign feelings. It had been years since feeling that way, and he was not sure how to handle the emotions now that they had returned. The last time he had felt anger this strong had been when he watched Darth Maul slaughter his Master, Qui-Gon.
He had felt and used the anger even then, and as Vader had reminded him so very tactfully, it made him stronger. He sought out Padmé's lips, looking for solace against the confusion still raging in him. She was his last constant, and even she was a constant reminder that he was no longer going down a traditional Jedi path.
He shut that out as well and found inside Obi-Wan the man instead of Obi-Wan the Jedi with all of the Jedi expectations. He let his hands roam over her back, find a comfortable resting spot in the small of her back, pulling her tighter still.
Padmé gasped at the sudden passion, feeling the temptation to give in completely to whatever his whim was. She was speechless until one last coherent thought floated through her passion muddled brain, and she voiced it aloud. "You're just trying to distract me." She whispered it, not positive herself that she did not want to be distracted.
He drew back, his eyes reflecting the same heat she felt, "Be quiet and kiss me." He commanded. She complied, feeling the warmth spread from within her until she was about to explode. They had not gone down this path, such frenzied lovemaking, since they learned of her pregnancy.
She idly wondered why before giving in to it, replacing thoughts for returning his kisses, feeding his own fire. He resumed his exploration of her back, moving his hands through fabric to seek sensitive skin in place. She delighted as his touch sent shivers up her spine. He picked her up, depositing her lightly onto the freshly prepared bed, dispensing with formalities.
She was breathless as he moved, his hands tugging off clothing as if they would both burn alive. She felt he probably would, as heated as his skin revealed to be. She did not have time to marvel, however, as he quickly moved on, bending his head down to kiss bare skin revealed.
The passion fogged his brain, he felt no longer capable of controlling every action, pursuing what he calculated in advance would be the best route to provide Padmé with pleasure. This time, he simply wanted release. He did not allow her to take charge, instead found her liquid center and drove in.
She twined her arms about him, encouraging the act, seeking him out in their bond. He was not blocking her out this time, and she found herself flooded with the passion he had been engulfed in, understood immediately why he was moving quicker than usual. But on the edge of the passion, she glimpsed the other feelings he had been holding back from her. She felt his anger.
Fear welled within her but she suppressed it, unsure that she had interpreted it correctly and not wanting to distract him, let him feel her own fear. She pressed her cheek to his shoulder, holding him tight as he got wrapped tighter in their personal whirlwind.
He lost himself to it, collapsing into culmination, found release. His body sagged, rolled over, and then drew her close. "I love you." He murmured into her hair, too worn out to move. She laid still as he fell asleep, no longer sleepy herself.
No, now she was worried. Obi-Wan, why didn't you tell me? This was how it had begun before, with Anakin- he would not let her know about his fears, his anger, until it was too late. And then, he would not let her help him out in the solution to the problem.
She sighed, moving Obi-Wan's leaden arms to his sides, wiping sweat from his brow. So unlike you. What has changed? Padmé stroked his damp hair back, then realized that he had cut his hair very similar to the Padawan cut that she had first known him to have. He looked so much younger with the cut, and with his beard shaved from his face.
The physical changes were apparent, but she did not know what could have happened, or Darth Vader could have said to make him so angry. She replayed the scene in her mind, heard again the spars as they argued over her. Padmé could only surmise that all of the taunts together had angered him, as well as the realization that Vader had completely consumed his brother and friend.
Padmé's heart leapt at remembering the same thing- Anakin was truly gone. A small part of her still clung to the past that they shared, the children that were theirs. She had been fingering the japor snippet back on Endor's moon, after seeing Darth Vader. She had sensed Obi-Wan's hope, knew that he had hoped the same.
But Vader had proven to have been the stronger one. She had lost the japor snippet to Darth Vader just as she had lost Anakin as well. And as Obi-Wan had embraced her on the ship, on their way off Endor's moon, she was convinced that it was for the better. But now as he slept, his anger tainting their bond and silence reigning, she was not so sure. She was afraid.
Sleep tugged at her troubled mind, and she closed her eyes, no longer contemplating the fate of Obi-Wan at her side. She let herself fall into the void, allowing herself rest. There was nothing she could do while he was sleeping.
Obi-Wan woke from his nap before Padmé and slipped out of the bed before he could rouse her. She had a troubled look on his face, and he had half an idea as to why. He knew she had glimpsed the darker feelings lurking beneath the surface. And he did not want to hide anything from her, but he was not ready to discuss them with her.
Truly, he was not even ready to confront himself with them. He headed towards the bathroom, knowing a shower was in order. The steam would be good to clear his mind and he knew he would get more sympathy from Padmé in his quest to remain silent if he did not stink.
A half amused thought bumbled through his sleepy brain, wondering how far away she might stay if he did not bathe, and so thus keeping himself from having to explain himself. He corrected himself quickly- that would mean he could not silence her again, in that way. He could not help a grin at recalling their frenzied activities.
But the grin faded as he remembered Padmé's troubled face. He shook water from his hair and towel dried the rest of his body, donning a robe. He would have to make amends some way. He sat down lightly on the edge of their bed, not wanting to disturb her.
His eyes drifted over her sleeping body, lightly trailed across curves under the covers. He smiled possessively as he came to her abdomen. He unconsciously read the Force signature there, detected that the life inside was healthy and growing. He soothed the child's presence and Padmé's alike, hoping to calm her enough to get her to sleep well instead of tossing and turning.
She felt his gentle touch and did indeed relax more, her body straightening out a bit. He lingered for a moment longer, watching her sleep, then moved opposite her to sit and think. He had not meditated since the duel.
Let me know what you think about this one, about the changes in Obi-Wan. They're less subtle, I hope.
Thanks to everyone who is still reading- you guys have no idea how giddy the reviews make me, how tickled I am to see that there are still people reading this little Obidala endeavor.