Obi-Wan stood inside one of the many turbolifts of the Galactic Senate building and hesitantly punched the button that would take him to the floor where Padmé's office was located.
It had been three days since he had spoken to her in the restaurant, and he couldn't wait any longer to see her again. He often visited the Senate regarding Jedi business, but it wasn't anything official that brought him here today.
The turbolift stopped on the fifth floor and an elderly senator that Obi-Wan recognized as Senator Bendon from Ithoria stepped in. Obi-Wan nodded a greeting, but just before the lift door closed, he stepped out.
This was too obvious. He couldn't even think of a good excuse as to why he was here in the first place. And he couldn't lie to her if she asked. Lying to Padmé was the last thing he wanted to do, especially when it was dishonesty that had gotten them into this mess in the first place.
This was too soon, he decided. He hadn't completely thought this through. Maybe some other time when he was better prepared.
Obi-Wan punched the descent button and waited until the turbolift once more reached the fifth floor, the doors sliding open to reveal a somewhat surprised, but quickly pleased-appearing Senator Amidala.
"Obi-Wan! What are you doing here? Ani told me that you two were being sent on a mission to the Rim."
The Jedi Master grinned at the young woman's pleasant nature and friendliness. She was such an amazing young woman. He gladly joined her on the lift, silently thanking the Force for the opportunity. The coincidence only confirmed his belief that he was doing the right thing. That they were meant to be together. He just had to be careful and do this right.
"The mission has been postponed." He responded, checking the control panel to ensure that the lift was heading for the lobby as his brain worked frantically for an answer to her question. "I was following up on some information from Senator, uhm, Bendon." Obi-Wan gritted his teeth at the lie. That had come a bit too easily, he thought, but he couldn't tell her the truth. Not yet. It was too soon.
The lift eased into its descent and silence filled the small space. Obi-Wan grinned as he turned to take in the beauty of the young woman standing beside him, fighting the urge to reach over and release the dark curl that had entangled itself in her earring.
"I've been keeping up with the news concerning the formation of the Loyalist Committee." He stated instead. "Congratulations on your appointment."
"Thank you." Padmé's eyebrows twitched in curiosity. Once again, there was that infamous friendliness that Dormé had spoken of.
Maybe her handmaiden was right. Maybe Obi-Wan had finally forgiven her. The possibility warmed her heart and sent a flush along her skin.
"It seems that you've adjusted well to your life and career here on Coruscant." The Jedi Master stated kindly.
"Yes, I have. Mostly." Padmé responded with a smile. "Sometimes it's difficult. I miss my family, and Galactic City is so unlike Naboo. It's always busy and noisy. Home is quiet and peaceful. I miss the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves on the trees and the roar of the distant waterfalls."
Obi-Wan listened and carefully watched the young woman describing her homeworld. Her features took on a yearning quality, but she was practically glowing.
No. Not glowing. Radiant. That was the word. She was radiant and oh so very beautiful.
But behind that mask of radiance, he could detect a sadness, and he could blame no one else but himself for that. If only he hadn't been so selfish and could have forgiven her when she had asked him to. Then they could have at least been friends. Very good friends, he corrected himself. And he could have helped her acclimate to her life on Coruscant more quickly. And then perhaps the veil of happiness that she now wore would not be necessary. Maybe, she would be truly happy.
Perhaps it wasn't too late, he thought as the turbolift doors opened to reveal the expansive and crowded lobby of the senate building.
What now? She was obviously heading somewhere. Would it be too forward to ask what she was doing for second meal? Was it too early for second meal?
Obi-Wan returned her slight smile as he motioned for her to step from the lift, immediately following behind her.
Take it slow, Kenobi, he warned himself. No need to push things. This was much too important to rush.
And so with a deep bow and extension of his hand, he smiled broadly. "I hope you have a pleasant day, Padmé. And I hope to see you again soon."
But when he began to turn away, he felt a slight tug from the small hand that still grasped onto his, and he turned around to face her once more, his features revealing his own curiosity.
"Obi-Wan?" The tip of a pink tongue darted out to moisten her full lower lip and the Jedi Master could sense the hesitation in her voice. "Would you care to join me for a cup of tea?" Her dark eyes scanned to the lobby diner behind them and then back to meet his gaze. "I mean, if you have the time." She began to ramble, her words now flowing quickly and more nervously. "Jedi are quite busy I understand, especially when training an apprentice, and I imagine that Anakin causes you quite a bit of trouble, so I…"
Her words abruptly halted as the brush of soft lips and a slightly coarse beard and moustache touched against her bare knuckles.
And then as a pair of aquamarine eyes met hers and a flash of white teeth caused her blood to race, she heard the words "It would be my pleasure, mi'lady," and suddenly, to Padmé Amidala, everything was right in the galaxy.