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Chapter Sixteen

"The Best Part of Waking Up..."

(go ahead and finish that...you know you want to!) ;)

There was a sense of déjà vu playing out in her mind when Padmé awoke the following morning. Once again, Obi-Wan had wrapped himself around her, pulling her tightly against him from behind. The only difference was, this morning, there was no obvious firmness pressing into her back. However, there were other similarities. She had, at some point, laid her head in the crook of his arm, while his other was firmly about her middle. His outer leg was on top of her own as well. She was thoroughly imprisoned and enjoying every second of it. Perhaps, if she lay still, she could linger in this moment; in the quiet, peaceful moment before responsibilities prompted them to move; or until Dormé woke up.

"Good morning," a low voice huskily whispered in ear, causing her skin to prickle.

He was awake, and Padmé immediately wondered how long he had been, or why neither one of them had moved yet.

"Good morning," she replied after clearing her throat. "How do you feel?"

"Much better, thank you."

Padmé stared at the far wall, then at the doorway leading to refresher, not sure what to say or do. Although Obi-Wan held her tightly against him, he hadn't moved or attempted to caress her in any way. It was a rather odd situation, but not one she wasn't pleased to be in. Padmé quieted her mind and continued to take advantage of the moment. She would move only after he did and not a second before.

Unless, of course, they were interrupted.

"Mi'Lady?" An unwelcome voice called out from beyond her door. "There's a package outside on the veranda. Would you like for me to bring it in?"

"That's fine, Dormé," she replied loudly, deeply disappointed the moment had been stolen from them so quickly.

"I guess we'd better go see what it is," Obi-Wan suggested, though he had yet to move, she noticed.

"It's from the Temple," Dormé soon announced through the sealed door. "Want me to open it?"

"No!" Padmé answered with annoyance. Dormé knew she hated it when other people opened her mail!

Forcing herself to rise, Padmé went to retrieve a robe and wrapped herself in it before opening the door. Dormé stood there bearing an idiotic smile as well as a package wrapped with brown paper. Indeed, on the top was a seal bearing the emblem of the Jedi Temple. It was addressed to Obi-Wan. "Thank you," Padmé replied, grabbing the delivery before immediately shutting the door. She enjoyed the look of complete disappointment on her assistant's face perhaps a bit too much.

When she returned to the bed, Padmé noticed Obi-Wan had managed to scoot himself back to the headboard and was leaning against the bolster. His coloring was improved, and he didn't seem out of breath, which was a great improvement.

She handed the package to him, but couldn't wait for him to open it. She had apparently slept all through the night, and drank far too much tea before going to bed.

When she had returned from the 'fresher, she discovered Obi-Wan had opened the parcel. Spread across his lap were two or three pairs of leggings, tunics, and smallclothes; all in the various shades of brown the Jedi seemed to favor.

"It's from Bant," he announced. "She shouldn't have gone to all this trouble."

"You've grown that fond of satin?" she teased him.

"Actually, yes," he answered back. "I'll have to speak with the Supply Officer when I get back to the Temple. Perhaps there are some adjustments which can be made. Maybe some satin boxers? Who would know?"

Padmé snickered, thoroughly enjoying his mood. When there wasn't danger pressing in about them, Obi-Wan had a wonderful sense of humor and expressed it freely.

"I'll help you dress this time," she suggested, "unless you would prefer I go find Anakin."

Some unidentifiable light brightened his eyes, before a small grin revealed itself. "I'm at your service. Just promise to be gentle with me."

The simple task of getting him off the bed was complicated by his weakness. Padmé did all she could do to help, although she sensed he may have also used a touch of the Force as well.

She offered him the smallclothes first, averting her eyes as he allowed her dressing gown to drop to the floor. One leg at a time, and his free hand was constantly on her shoulder. The leggings were next, donned in the same procedure. She was able to help the most with the tunic, however, suggesting he sit while she pulled it over his head.

Following a swipe of his hand through his copper locks and beard, he looked as he should, although in a far more casual setting.

"Give me a minute to prepare for the day and I'll help you to the common room," she suggested. "I'll have Dormé cook something for us to eat."

"While I distract Anakin away from the kitchen," Obi-Wan commented. "Unless, of course, you prefer your food on the far side of well done."

"Good idea," Padmé agreed with a radiant smile that reflected in eyes, which were more blue than green this morning. She was locked onto that blue-gray gaze, overcome with the strongest urge to kiss him, but fought against it. Instead, she reached out to grab his hand and give it a comforting squeeze.

As she walked to the refresher, however, she decided that perhaps when she took her shower, she should opt for the cold setting.