Chapter Four

He knew she was embarrassed, although he had assured her that he was thankful for her presence, that it wasn't her fault. However, along with his reassurances came the repeated warning of staying on board. He would never forgive himself or Dormé if anything bad happened to her.

The T-16 cruiser actually had no private quarters. There wasn't room for any. It did have a convertible bed of sorts, comprised of the firm cushioned benches which bordered the Main Hold. It was on it that he and Padmé relaxed while the ship hurtled through space.

Her head was planted on the hollow of his shoulder, his one arm supporting her back, while he toyed with her hand that lay atop his chest. It occurred to Obi-Wan as they passed the time in relative silence that her presence did more to soothe his frettings than an hour's worth of meditation. She was a calming salve to his nerves, and the answer should be obvious. He should ask her. Without delay. However, he simply could not rid himself of the nagging feeling he would be a disappointment to her, or she would tire from his long absences.

"I know a little about Lin-Hyt," she broke the silence abruptly. "My father purchased a bowl carved from Lin wood to give to my mother for their anniversary years ago."

"That must've cost him."

"I think it was meant to be a salad bowl, but you're right. It was so expensive, she put it on display in the kitchen behind glass and I don't recall our family ever using it for anything. Even during holiday gatherings. It was a lovely piece, though. I remember staring at it sometimes, losing myself in the twisting designs in the wood."

"Then, you can understand why the Gaw-Lin are ready to fight to protect their harvest."

"I do," Padmé agreed, "but what I don't understand is how the Cro-Hyt can be so selfish as to dam up the water the others need! Don't they know whatever damage they do to the Gaw-Lin affects them as well?"

"Some of the most devastating battles in the galaxy have occurred over petty differences and selfish motives." Obi-Wan pointed out as he caressed the back of her hand and wrist. "Naboo was no exception. A little over 500 Gungans lost their lives that day."

Padmé lifted herself up onto her elbow to gaze down at him with concern. They had never discussed this subject before, and she wasn't sure she should even bring it up. "As well as Master Jinn. Devastating indeed."

He gazed up at her smiling. Beautiful, thoughtful Padmé. He hadn't mentioned the numerous palace soldiers which had also been killed during the Battle of Naboo. She had to have known some of them personally, and yet her worry was for him. A question was in her eyes, and he answered it without forcing her to voice it.

"Losing Qui-Gon was difficult, but I was prepared for the possibility. I know that sounds strange, but a Jedi's life is rather precarious. We put ourselves directly in the path of danger on nearly every mission we attend. Eventually, fate will catch up to us."

She needed to understand that, and he wasn't sure how many ways or times he could explain it.

However, instead of appearing indecisive or worried, she smiled down at him. "Then we should take advantage of the time we have together, don't you agree?"

'Live in the moment, Padawan,' was an old adage of his Master's, and one Obi-Wan hadn't really tried to understand or follow until now. For once, Qui-Gon's words meant more than just random philosophy for his Padawan to study and meditate upon. The words were applicable in this instance, and he decided to put them into practice.

With one hand he reached up and loosened her hair, releasing a clasp which allowed her long, dark curls to tumble freely down upon his chest. Obi-Wan sighed audibly at the soothing sight and feel of it as it touched upon his skin. In return, she ran her fingers through his beard, her gentle caress pausing to trace his lower lip. Desire coursed through his veins, plummeting to pool at his depths when she leaned down and kissed him. Softly at first, and then with slightly more pressure, her mouth moving deliciously over his, until her tongue deliberately snaked out, swiping over his teeth, sparking a fire in his groin and causing a rumble of vocalized frustration to erupt from his core. Obi-Wan twisted and turned her, pinning Padmé onto her back. He gazed down upon her, noticing the dilated pupils which caused her dark eyes to appear almost black, a predatory, teasing smile lifting her mouth.

"You do enjoy torturing me, don't you?"

"It was just a kiss," she replied, feigning innocence.

Obi-Wan took a moment to clamp down his natural male reaction. He'd made a promise to her and he was going to keep it. But her orneriness deserved whatever punishment he could offer.

"I'll show you a kiss," he playfully threatened, dipping low to capture her mouth, the pressure immediate and demanding. She opened readily to his assault, arching her back to meet his embrace, and not only greeted his tongue's invasion, but joined him in the erotic dance with perfect timing. For a moment, Obi-Wan forgot who was supposed to be in control in this situation, and he pulled away to gather his wits, applying his lips to the soft skin of her throat and suckle an earlobe. Her body was taut and coiled in his hands, and he slowed his advances, running his fingers languorously down her arm before returning to her mouth, and applying kisses that were far less ambitious. This was a game he couldn't afford to lose, and Obi-Wan realized he was just barely ahead, which meant he'd better quit.

He released her, a smug smile of victory on his face, although hers didn't quite reveal an expression he'd expected or else she was an excellent actress. Obi-Wan decided on the latter when he noticed the increased rate of pulsations along the vein in her throat, the rapid intake of her breath, and the further extension of her pupils. He'd done his job quite well.

His brow shot up expectantly, awaiting her response.

"I've had better," she claimed before his fingers found their mark. If he couldn't make her succumb through his kiss, then he would do it by tickling her.

"Stop, stop!" she screamed at him between squeals of laughter. "You're going to make me pee myself!"

Obi-Wan ceased the sweet torture and settled back down beside her, brushed a curl away from her face and then drew her close. Further words were not exchanged and none were needed. Contentment radiated between them as they began to doze. For now, the worries and doubts of their future were beyond his concern. Live in the moment, he'd been told. And that's exactly what he did.