Respite

Braylen, Anakin

As they arrived back on Naboo, the peaceful surroundings brought a sense of calm to Braylen, Anakin, and Padmé. Braylen suggested they head home and rest after the long journey.

"Yes," Padmé said with a tired smile, "after six months, I'm more than ready to sleep in my own bed."

Braylen and Anakin made their way to their home, and as they approached, they saw Shimi working in the garden. Anakin's voice broke the quiet.

"Mom, we're home!"

Shimi turned, her face lighting up as she rushed over to greet them. "Ani! Braylen! You're back—thank goodness."

Braylen smiled warmly. "It's good to be back.

Why don't you tell me how you've been while I make dinner?" suggested Shimi

"That sounds great right about now," Braylen replied as they entered the house.

As they settled in, Braylen began recounting the events that led to their sudden departure. "Well, the first thing you should know is that the Chancellor was murdered. That was the real reason for our sudden departure from Coruscant."

Shimi gasped, and Anakin added, "Then there was trying to find out who was responsible, which we never did."

"Where were the Jedi in all this?" Shimi asked.

"Unfortunately, even they couldn't do much," Braylen said, shaking his head. "In fact, I had to go to the Council myself to answer some questions they needed help with."

"And believe it or not," Anakin interjected, "the Senate has been deadlocked for six months."

Braylen nodded. "During that time, I started my own investigation into what happened."

"Did Ani go with you?" Shimi asked, concern touching her voice.

Braylen shook his head. "No, he stayed behind to protect Padmé."

Shimi smiled, a little teasing glint in her eye. "Well, that's good. Does that mean you two got to know each other better?"

"Mom!" Anakin groaned, embarrassed. "It wasn't like that."

Shimi laughed softly, but her attention turned back to Braylen. "And what about you, sweetheart? How have things been for you?" he asked,

"It's been peaceful," Shimi replied. "I spent most of my days doing chores or visiting the Naberrie family. Their daughter has met someone, by the way."

"Oh? Who?" Anakin asked, curious.

Shimi shrugged. "She wouldn't say. But I think she's smitten."

Dinner came to an end, and Braylen leaned back, satisfied. "That was delicious, Shimi. Thank you."

"Why don't you both get ready for bed, and I'll take care of the dishes?" Shimi offered, starting to clear the table.

Braylen stood up and placed a hand on her arm. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," she insisted with a smile.

"Thanks, Mom," Anakin said, already heading off to his room.

As Shimi stood at the sink, washing the dishes, Braylen quietly approached her from behind, slipping his arms around her waist. She stilled for a moment, surprised, before relaxing into his embrace.

"You didn't really think I was going to leave you alone after being away for six months, did you?" Braylen murmured softly in her ear.

Shimi chuckled and leaned back into him. "Well, I didn't want to push you too hard, but…"

Braylen grinned, pressing a gentle kiss on her neck. "Why don't we leave the dishes and head to bed? I've missed you."

Shimi smiled, turning in his arms to face him. "Deal."

They left the dishes for the night, retreating to the quiet comfort of their home.

Padme'

After such a long time, Padme decided to go to her parents' house instead of the palace for the night. As she stepped through the door, she called out, "Mom, Dad, I'm home."

Her mother, Jobal, emerged from the kitchen, smiling warmly. "Hey, sis, welcome back. Dinner is almost ready."

Padmé took in the familiar surroundings, already feeling the tension of her recent journey fading away. Sola, her sister, entered the room with a curious smile. "So, how was your trip?" she asked.

"Exhausting," Padmé replied, sinking into a chair.

"Why's that?" her father, Ruwee, asked as he joined them.

"It's the Senate," Padmé said, shaking her head. "Did you know it took them six months to decide on a new Chancellor?"

Ruwee raised his eyebrows in surprise, but Padmé quickly waved a hand. "But I don't want to think about work. I want to talk about what's been going on with you all."

Sola grinned, clearly eager to share. "Ah, my favorite subject!" she said playfully. "Dad's been busy with a few new building contracts."

"And I've been spending a lot of time with Shimi lately," Jobal added. "She's become a good friend to me."

Padmé smiled at the thought of her mother and Shimi growing close. "That's wonderful, Mom."

Sola leaned forward with a mischievous smile. "I'm thinking of going to Alderaan soon."

"Why Alderaan?" Padmé asked, intrigued.

"Just need a change of scenery," Sola replied nonchalantly, though Ruwee chuckled and added, "She means she met someone."

"Dad!" Sola groaned, her face turning pink as she rolled her eyes.

Padmé couldn't help but laugh, feeling a deep sense of comfort and joy being home with her family. Despite everything happening in the galaxy, moments like this reminded her of the importance of staying connected to the people she loved. She was truly glad to be home.