Standing on her apartment's balcony, Everett let a small smile grace her face when she heard the doors slide open and soft-footfalls making their way to her. Arms slid around her waist, lips pressing against her shoulder.
"Welcome home," she murmured. She turned around, arms wrapping around his neck. Her fingers combed through Obi-Wan's hair as she smiled at him.
Three years had passed since they had declared their love to each other. Three years of war keeping them apart. Three years of stolen moments.
"I missed you," he said, resting his head against hers.
"It's been five months, Obi-Wan. I was fearful you wouldn't return."
"Never fear for me," he whispered. "I will always return to you." She huffed, stepping away from him.
"I wish you wouldn't promise things like that."
Moving away, she walked inside the apartment, Obi-Wan following her.
"You cannot promise that you will return, Obi-Wan. This is war. And yes, maybe we've survived it for the past three years. But who is to say we'll still survive the next three?" Sighing, Obi-Wan picked up a bottle of wine, pouring himself a glass. He poured one for Everett as well, setting it down on the table as he settled onto the sofa.
"I suppose you are right," he conceded. "But please allow me the sentiment." Everett nodded slowly, picking up her wine glass.
"Where is Anakin?"
"Being the poster boy like always."
She sat down, cuddling into his side. He wrapped an arm around her, basking in the gentleness of the evening.
"I thought the whole operation was your idea?"
"So? He enjoys the attention far more than I ever could." She looked up at him, cheek resting against his shoulder.
"You are hiding something."
"No, I'm not—"
"Please don't lie to me."
"Anakin killed Dooku. We are not supposed to kill when our opponent can be easily brought in for judgement."
"Did he feel trapped? In a position where he could not allow Dooku to escape?"
"I don't know. I was unconscious for most of that ordeal."
Obi-Wan regretted the words the moment they left his mouth. Her eyes had already been filled with worry, but now they were wide with concern.
"Obi-Wan—"
"Evy, darling, I'm completely all right. The med droids cleared me." She brought a hand up to her face, rubbing at her eyes. He grabbed her hand, pulling it away so he could meet her gaze. "Everett, I am alive and well. The Chancellor is back home." He leaned in close to her, brushing their noses together.
"And I do not have to report to the council until mid-morning."
The idea of an uninterrupted evening made both of them smile. It might have only been five months since they last saw each other, but it had been far longer since they've been guaranteed a night of peace. Obi-Wan stood, grabbing her hands. He pulled her to her feet, smiling at her.
"Come to bed with me," he coed. "It's been far too long since I've last woken with you in my arms."
In the morning, Everett awoke to the sun streaming through the window. Obi-Wan's arm was wrapped around her stomach. She shifted in his arms, staring at his relaxed expression. He never looked more at peace than when he was sleeping. She leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his mouth. He stirred, eyes opening to meet hers.
"You've got a meeting," she said. He sighed, the relaxed looking disappearing.
"Don't remind me." He kissed her forehead before sliding out of bed. He walked over to the refresher, the door sliding shut behind him.
She sat up, hugging her knees as she looked out the window. The streets of Coruscant were always busy. Even early in the morning.
"A credit for your thoughts?" called Obi-Wan. She turned her head to see him leaning against the doorway of the refresher, dressed in fresh robes.
"Just that I'm happy you are home."
"Everett… I heard what happened while I was gone."
Sighing, she hid her face.
"I was hoping to wait until you were back. I don't need you to get hurt worrying about me."
"How far along were you?"
"Four months," she whispered. "It was a boy."
"Oh, Evy." He hurried to her side, pulling her into his arms. They had never discussed children, but the first time she'd fallen pregnant, they found themselves ecstatic about the idea. Even if it would mean Obi-Wan's banishment from the Order. But it seemed the Force wasn't ready for them to procreate. They'd lost two—three now after only a few months. Everett put on a brave face, yet Obi-Wan knew her heart was breaking.
"But Obi-Wan, it just not be time yet," she whispered into his chest.
"Did you name him?"
"No… is that awful of me? We never named the others so I just—" Tears welled up in her eyes and she let out a broken sob. He just held her tighter.
"It's all right, Evy. It's all right."