Chapter 6

Padme settled into Coruscant nicely, Chancellor Palpatine helped her find a beautiful apartment over looking the city. She had a lot of space and a lovely view; she was really looking forward to a new chapter in her life.

One thing that bothered her however was being so close to the Jedi temple and to Obi-Wan. The last two years had been tough, but she got through it, she realized she had gotten through the most difficult time in her life and that she was indeed a strong person. She could get through anything now.

Her first day in the senate was rough; she had only spoken to the senate once when she was Queen, when she pleaded for help when the droid army came to Naboo. She had forgotten how tough some of the senators were. She came home exhausted and a little frustrated.

She was caught off guard when she heard the doorbell, she heard Dorme going to the door and heard her talking to someone.

"My lady, you have a visitor."

"A visitor?"

"Yes, Master Kenobi is here."

Padme was shocked to see Obi-Wan standing in the doorway, he looked very different, his hair had grown out and he had a full grown beard. He definitely looked like a Jedi master now.

"Master Kenobi, please come in."

"Thank you my lady" Obi-Wan said bowing.

"That will be all Dorme thank you" Padme said quietly then waited for Dorme to exit the room.

"Obi-Wan, I'm surprised you are here" she said as they both sat down on the nearby couch.

"I came to see how you are doing, how was your first day as a senator?"

"Challenging but I'm anxious to take on the work."

"I'm sure you will serve Naboo well."

She gave a small smile, her voice suddenly changing said, "Obi-Wan what are you doing here, I've been doing just fine without you."

"I don't think you have Padme."

"Well, I am doing as fine as can be expected given everything that happened between us, part of the reason I accepted the offer to serve on the senate was because I wanted a fresh start in my life away from Naboo."

"A new start is a good way to let go of the past."

"Yes, that's why I asked why you are here."

"I wanted to see you, I still worry about you."

"Well you don't need to, I'll be fine, I'm a big girl now, I'm 22 you know."

"Yes I know" he said smiling, he noticed she was even more beautiful than the last time he saw her on Naboo.

"I appreciate the visit, but I think it's best we keep our distance, don't you agree?"

"I do, I just came to make sure you were settling in well."

"I am; Chancellor Palpatine has been a lot of help."

"That's good" though Obi-Wan never cared for the Chancellor but was glad to hear he was helping Padme. "If you ever need anything…."

"You'll be there I know" she answered with a small smile.

"Well, I better return to the temple, I need to meet with the council later" he said as he rose from the couch.

"Thank you for stopping by."

"Padme, I wish things could be different."

She slowly walked over to him and hugged him wrapping her arms tightly around him, he did the same.

After a few moments he pulled away from the hug and looked at her, he wanted to lean in and kiss her passionately but he knew he couldn't instead he kissed her forehead.

"Goodbye" he whispered in her ear, he couldn't look at her in the eye for fear of kissing her and not being able to stop for he still loved her so very much.

"Goodbye Obi-Wan" she said as he quickly turned and left the apartment. Once she heard the door shut she sat back down on the couch, tears streaming down her face.

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When Obi-Wan returned to the temple he spent hours meditating in his room. He reached out to the force to help him deal with the pain he felt in seeing Padme. He was glad he got to see her again though the painful memories of the past came flooding back. He decided he couldn't visit her again unless he was ordered by the council to do so. Thankfully he never ran into her on the streets or in the senate building, he wondered at times if she had purposefully avoided his path. But he felt it was for the best, she had come to Coruscant to start a new life, he wasn't going to interfere with her wishes. It wasn't until two years later that he saw her again.