I JUST POSTED A CHAPTER BEFORE THIS ONE, TWO IN ONE NIGHT IF YOU MISSED IT. As always, thanks for reading - CG

Anakin slept as sound as boca dragon in hibernation. His snores seemed to rise to the heavens, while Padme laid beside him, soundly awake! Her legs shook violently, in the aftermath of their lovemaking. She stared into the darkness, her mind on the future... focused on a time where their lives would no longer be a secret, and they could rejoice in the love they had found in each other.

Suddenly, Anakin jolted upright. As though someone had doused him with a bucket of water.

Padme turned and looked at her husband, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. Drops of sweat poured down the side of his face.

"Obi-Wan knows."

"What?"

"He's here," Anakin said. There was a twinge of worry in his voice. Then suddenly, a loud knock upon the door.

"Do something, hide!" Padme exclaimed.

And let her suffer the consequences for their actions alone? What kind of husband would he be? Anakin swung his legs to the side of the bed.

"It's useless. I better face him."

Padme shrunk beneath the covers. Unsure of what might happen next. Would he storm into the bedroom? Demanding the truth of them both? She reigned her emotions in, gathered the bed sheet around her, and walked across the room. She found a gown and matching robe, then slid into it while Anakin slipped into a pair of black pajama pants.

Anakin walked across the room, then paused before the door.

"Stay here."

Padme nodded.

Anakin walked across the apartment to the front door. And with a wave of his hand, it opened. Just as he sensed, Obi Wan was on the other side.

He stared at Anakin, a look of disappointment and pain on his face as he took his padawan in... he seemed quite comfortable, standing there, half nude, shirtless in a pair of pants. There was something in his eyes that was unapologetic, as he moved aside, to let his master in.

"You could be at no loss, in knowing why I'm here."

"No, Master," Anakin replied, lips tight.

"Anakin... it has to end."

"Why?" Anakin barked.

Obi-Wan flung his hands in the accusingly. "After all I've taught you, you can honestly stand there and ask me such a question?"

"I love her."

Obi Wan sat on the sofa and hung his head. "I know, Anakin... but you took a vow. You have responsibilities... and you, must honor them. Unless of course, your wish is to be expelled. That would come as a great disappointment to many, as you are known as the chosen one."

"I love the Order, I can't leave," Anakin pleaded.

"And yet, you cannot stay. Not as long as you carry on with this affair, with Senator Amidala. This affair could ruin her life... her career as well as yours. If you love her, you will give this relationship up. I have no reason to believe Senator Amidala would cause this to happen. I knew how you felt about her. I knew because it was never a secret. But I never thought you would act on your fantasies." Obi Wan sighed.

"I've disappointed you. Haven't I, Master?"

"No, Anakin. I'm the one who failed." Obi Wan stood then walked toward the door. "You must make a choice. I sincerely hope, for all of our sakes, that you make the right one."

Anakin's eyes fell to the floor. No matter how old he was, Obi Wan always managed to make him feel like a boy.

"Yes, Master."

And with one last disappointed look, the Jedi Master was gone.

Anakin returned to bed, unable to meet Padme's eyes.

"He doesn't know that we've married. He's asked me to end it. To walk away."

"I understand," Padme said, nodding her head.

Anakin pulled her close and wrapped his body around her. He was like a warm, soothing blanket.

The ache in her heart was heavy. Lead heavy. Hours ago, she was like a bird soaring through the air, the wind beating against her wings... and now, it was as though someone had shot her out of the sky and she was in a freefall...away from the clouds, away from the heavens...away from her husband.

She wasn't mad at Obi Wan. She considered him a friend. She was grateful that he had spared her the embarrassment of Confronting her, and that, he only had their best interests at heart. But why did it have to be that way? Why was she in tug of war for Anakin? If they both could have him, it would be a win-win situation.

Best of all... It would make Anakin happy.