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"You're right, it isn't the same," she agrees, retrieving her own datapad to call up the volume she'd been slowly reading. While she did vastly prefer physical volumes, it was easier to continue from where she'd left off this way. "And I've visited many places with the method you suggested, allowing my vision to match their own. But I've heard so many stories already from the Organas that I'd like to be able to participate in the telling in the future."
She settles down on the opposite end of the couch from Obi-Wan, slipping off her boots to curl her legs up and get more comfortable. "And I intend to ask them about their preservation methods for the older parts of the city. Even after all these years, there are still sections of Theed we're trying to restore, and I know the Queen would appreciate advice on how best to proceed."
She settles down on the opposite end of the couch from Obi-Wan, slipping off her boots to curl her legs up and get more comfortable. "And I intend to ask them about their preservation methods for the older parts of the city. Even after all these years, there are still sections of Theed we're trying to restore, and I know the Queen would appreciate advice on how best to proceed."
Watching Padmé get comfortable, Obi-Wan gives a knowing look at her last remark. "Ah. Now I see where the 'indirectly work-related' part comes in." He gives her another reproving look, before it melts into an indulgent smile. "I suppose so long as you're relaxing, it can be allowed. But if you start to get tense, I shall have to find a way to distract you..." His tone is warning, and his face stays innocent and slightly stern, but his eyes make it quite clear what he's implying.
Oh yes, she knows exactly what he's implying and wholly approves. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind," she acknowledges quite seriously, though there's a thrilled mischief in her eyes. She'd never say no to a little well-timed distraction, after all. And he is so very good at it.
Trying to hold in a laugh, he nods at her and asks, "Is that why you're sitting over there? Am I already so distracting you can't bear to touch me?"
...Actually, that might very well be the case; he's certain that if she curled up against his side, he'd hardly be able to read two words of his own book, but he hadn't considered until after saying it that the same might be true for Padmé.
Still, it's a lazy afternoon, and what he finds he wants most is to spend it curled up with his wife.
...Actually, that might very well be the case; he's certain that if she curled up against his side, he'd hardly be able to read two words of his own book, but he hadn't considered until after saying it that the same might be true for Padmé.
Still, it's a lazy afternoon, and what he finds he wants most is to spend it curled up with his wife.
She doesn't even try to hold in her responding laugh, lifting the datapad for a moment to shield her face before dropping it to her laugh. He is that distracting, of course, and she won't deny it.
"That may be somewhat true, yes, but I'm also sitting over here so I can do this." And she proceeds to resituate herself to laying down with her head on one of the coach's decorative pillows and her legs draped over a certain distraction's lap. Perfectly comfortable once more, she lets out a loud sigh of contentment.
"That may be somewhat true, yes, but I'm also sitting over here so I can do this." And she proceeds to resituate herself to laying down with her head on one of the coach's decorative pillows and her legs draped over a certain distraction's lap. Perfectly comfortable once more, she lets out a loud sigh of contentment.
Delighted at both her reaction, and the ensuing repositioning, Obi-Wan grins, placing a hand comfortably on her shin while he holds the datapad in his other hand, propped on one of her legs.
Watching her for a moment, a look of abject affection crosses his face, mesmerized by her. Padmé is beautiful, but he's never been unduly swayed by outward appearances, and has met plenty of gorgeous people who inwardly turned his stomach. Padmé's beauty shines through, coming from her strength of spirit, her courageous stubbornness, her innate sense of empathy, and her morals to do all she can to protect those around her. It's no wonder he's in love with her.
...It's no wonder Anakin thinks he's in love with her, although Obi-Wan knows from experience that his apprentice simply hasn't spent enough time getting to know Padmé to know her well enough to be in love. Even if you're startled to discover you love someone, as he was at first with Padmé, he knows that the best love grows slowly, through shared experiences and complimentary ideals.
Not exactly what he should be thinking about on what is now essentially his honeymoon, Obi-Wan thinks wryly, pushing the bittersweet thoughts and memories away and turning to his book. The hand on her leg starts kneading the muscle unconsciously, working the muscle in a sort of lazy massage.
Watching her for a moment, a look of abject affection crosses his face, mesmerized by her. Padmé is beautiful, but he's never been unduly swayed by outward appearances, and has met plenty of gorgeous people who inwardly turned his stomach. Padmé's beauty shines through, coming from her strength of spirit, her courageous stubbornness, her innate sense of empathy, and her morals to do all she can to protect those around her. It's no wonder he's in love with her.
...It's no wonder Anakin thinks he's in love with her, although Obi-Wan knows from experience that his apprentice simply hasn't spent enough time getting to know Padmé to know her well enough to be in love. Even if you're startled to discover you love someone, as he was at first with Padmé, he knows that the best love grows slowly, through shared experiences and complimentary ideals.
Not exactly what he should be thinking about on what is now essentially his honeymoon, Obi-Wan thinks wryly, pushing the bittersweet thoughts and memories away and turning to his book. The hand on her leg starts kneading the muscle unconsciously, working the muscle in a sort of lazy massage.
Edited 2018-09-24 14:38 (UTC)
The way he looks at her -- she's never had anyone look at her quite that way before. Gazes filled with gratitude and adoration hadn't been uncommon when she was Queen, but never before had someone watched her so openly with such affection. Warmth filled her up inside and she was so utterly content with her life in that moment that it nearly took her breath away.
She turned her attention to her book just before he did, her concentration focusing on an examination of a religious site in the heart of Alderaan's capital. It was a beautiful temple she'd heard of from Breha, and her thoughts drifted to perhaps planning a trip soon for herself and Obi-Wan. After a few months back on Coruscant, they would undoubtedly need a little escape from the hustle of their daily lives.
That gentle kneading was relaxing, his very touch helping to chase away any tension her muscles held. Add in the exertions of their morning and how little rest she'd gotten and, well, not twenty minutes later Padmé was drifting off to sleep, datapad resting against her chest.
She turned her attention to her book just before he did, her concentration focusing on an examination of a religious site in the heart of Alderaan's capital. It was a beautiful temple she'd heard of from Breha, and her thoughts drifted to perhaps planning a trip soon for herself and Obi-Wan. After a few months back on Coruscant, they would undoubtedly need a little escape from the hustle of their daily lives.
That gentle kneading was relaxing, his very touch helping to chase away any tension her muscles held. Add in the exertions of their morning and how little rest she'd gotten and, well, not twenty minutes later Padmé was drifting off to sleep, datapad resting against her chest.
It takes a few moments for him to realize why Padmé is so relaxed against him; he glances over to confirm that she's asleep, resting peacefully this time. He hopes, even if it's a brief nap, that she can recover some of the rest she lost due to the previous night's nightmare. ...Not to mention other strenuous activities they'd engaged in already.
Walking. Walking could take a lot out of you, of course.
Inhaling deeply with utter contentment, Obi-Wan turns back to the book of tales, fascinated by the rich history glimpsed in the stories, if one is versed in recognizing such things. Which he is, thanks to his rather unique Jedi education. There seemed to be an awful lot of singing and dancing in the stories, which doesn't fit very well with his memories of first meeting the Gungan people - but then he recalls the celebration after the invasion was stopped; the last thing he'd wanted was to celebrate, but he dimly recalls seeing several Gungans performing jigs and great spinning dances.
The spirit of the stories catches up with him, and Obi-Wan begins humming, then eventually singing softly as his mind, caught up in the almost-musical cadence of words in the stories, supplies lyrics.
He's stopped kneading Padmé's leg, but continues to stroke it, almost as one would a cat. It's not sexual, just a simple, unconscious show of affection and intimacy.
Walking. Walking could take a lot out of you, of course.
Inhaling deeply with utter contentment, Obi-Wan turns back to the book of tales, fascinated by the rich history glimpsed in the stories, if one is versed in recognizing such things. Which he is, thanks to his rather unique Jedi education. There seemed to be an awful lot of singing and dancing in the stories, which doesn't fit very well with his memories of first meeting the Gungan people - but then he recalls the celebration after the invasion was stopped; the last thing he'd wanted was to celebrate, but he dimly recalls seeing several Gungans performing jigs and great spinning dances.
The spirit of the stories catches up with him, and Obi-Wan begins humming, then eventually singing softly as his mind, caught up in the almost-musical cadence of words in the stories, supplies lyrics.
He's stopped kneading Padmé's leg, but continues to stroke it, almost as one would a cat. It's not sexual, just a simple, unconscious show of affection and intimacy.
Edited 2018-09-24 17:57 (UTC)
That little droid really was incredibly endearing; she wouldn't want to face it in a fight, especially if it was protecting Poe. She could just tell that the affection they had for each other was completely mutual.
Standing, Padmé stepped back slightly to get her bearings, finding Coruscant and Naboo, still the anchors of her universe, before locating the tiny pinprick of light that was their sun. She had to move to the very edge of the map to reach it, lifting her hand to point at the location. "This is our system," she explained with a glance back at him.
Standing, Padmé stepped back slightly to get her bearings, finding Coruscant and Naboo, still the anchors of her universe, before locating the tiny pinprick of light that was their sun. She had to move to the very edge of the map to reach it, lifting her hand to point at the location. "This is our system," she explained with a glance back at him.
He nodded at that, having moved as well to locate where they'd started from, "So this is where we were, Marveth. Bee, show me D'Qar?" The droid trundled forward again, chirping once and making the planet in question flash twice.
The three points were roughly equidistant from each other, which was the first thing Poe noticed, brow furrowing a little, "So, that's weird." His brow furrowed, glancing from one to the other and back, "And even just having gotten the coordinates reversed somehow wouldn't have done it. That would have sent us off..." He gestured towards the edge of the map nearest him, "Somewhere into the wilds."
The three points were roughly equidistant from each other, which was the first thing Poe noticed, brow furrowing a little, "So, that's weird." His brow furrowed, glancing from one to the other and back, "And even just having gotten the coordinates reversed somehow wouldn't have done it. That would have sent us off..." He gestured towards the edge of the map nearest him, "Somewhere into the wilds."
It doesn't make any sense, but then why would it to her? "I wish I knew more of the science behind all of the variables at work here," Padmé lamented almost apologetically while studying the spaces between those pinpricks of light. "I'm afraid I won't be of much help with this part of the problem."
Which she did feel regretful about, truly. Finally she had the chance to do something important again, something to help someone that would matter, and instead she simply felt useless.
Which she did feel regretful about, truly. Finally she had the chance to do something important again, something to help someone that would matter, and instead she simply felt useless.
Truthfully Poe didn't really have any better idea than she did how something like this could have happened, which was what had him moving carefully through the starfield, and through the room even as he said: "Bee, show me what the next ones in the sequence would be, here," A gesture to another point somewhat above the location of where they were, "And again here." Another point below where they'd intended to be, since while they were equidistant, the two ends were at an angle to each other, not quite a spiral because there weren't enough points for that, but definitely that angle.
He gave her another easy smile, "I don't really know either, not like this kind of thing has happened before, so throw a couple ideas, we'll see if anything sticks."
He gave her another easy smile, "I don't really know either, not like this kind of thing has happened before, so throw a couple ideas, we'll see if anything sticks."
Somebody get me a hammer, wanna break all the clocks and the mirrorsThe galaxy had changed while Padmé Amidala slept.
And go back to a time that was different, a time when I didn't feel like there was something missing
Now my body and mind are so distant, don't know how to escape from this prison ♪
Sleeping was the easiest way for her to comprehend what had happened to her. Some sort of stasis, an experimental technology kept from the Senate's knowledge, some thing had kept her alive all these years, unchanged, only to wake alone and without answers. It took days for her to grasp the magnitude of her situation, hiding on the outskirts of a city on an Inner Rim planet from the soldiers who walked the streets with terrible purpose. The years that had passed, the rise of the a power she had fought so desperately against...
Finally, she reached out to an old friend, an ally she stilled hoped she could trust. The plan Bail Organa put into place was elaborate and more dangerous than any in which she had ever taken part, but with the state of the galaxy she understood the risks. She was both liability and asset, but the Emperor could not know she was alive. Sheev Palpatine could not know.
It was a nightmare from which she would never wake.
With her hair cut and her dress plain, Padmé waited for the contact she'd been promised. What lay ahead for her was unknown, a safeguard for herself and the group fighting to restore the Republic, but she trusted Bail. Her faith in him was all she had left.
At last there's the sound of light, purposeful footsteps approaching. The young man who appears a moment later is about her own age, slight and somber. He takes her in with one quick, keen look, and says, "Are you the governess?"
It's the right phrase, enough to show he's the person she's waiting for, and it's given with easy civility, like the formality it is; he's already moving toward her as he speaks. He can't be mistaken. Even if there were some other small-but-dignified human woman standing there, he's taken care to memorize her face.
It's a little unnerving, all the same, to see it on a living woman. Cassian takes care not to let that thought show.
It's the right phrase, enough to show he's the person she's waiting for, and it's given with easy civility, like the formality it is; he's already moving toward her as he speaks. He can't be mistaken. Even if there were some other small-but-dignified human woman standing there, he's taken care to memorize her face.
It's a little unnerving, all the same, to see it on a living woman. Cassian takes care not to let that thought show.
The words are expected and yet they still take her aback. Governess, as it she were being taken to care for children. Her children perhaps, who were alive and safe... but who she couldn't see because of the risk to that safety. Every day without them is agony, exacerbated by the loss of her husband and made worse still by the state of the galaxy.
Even breathing hurts some days.
"I am," she confirms, knowing it isn't necessary. "Thank you for escorting me." That is necessary, for the sheer fact he's risking his life for a stranger. If they were caught... Steeling herself, she straightens her back and picks up the small bag she carries. Her tone is casual but dignified, not quite business but not friendly either. Respectful, for he deserves nothing less for all he's doing. "Please, lead the way."
Even breathing hurts some days.
"I am," she confirms, knowing it isn't necessary. "Thank you for escorting me." That is necessary, for the sheer fact he's risking his life for a stranger. If they were caught... Steeling herself, she straightens her back and picks up the small bag she carries. Her tone is casual but dignified, not quite business but not friendly either. Respectful, for he deserves nothing less for all he's doing. "Please, lead the way."
The galaxy had changed so quickly. Everything they had ever known about it had suddenly been turned on its head in a matter of days. The Jedi were no more, the Republic was now the Empire, and someone they both dearly loved was gone. But now they were fugitives, on the run from the very entity they had sworn to protect and preserve.
After the events on Mustafar, with Padme giving birth to twins, they had taken refuge on Alderaan under Bail Organa's protection. Their shared friend had issued reports of their deaths to help hide them from their pursuers. After Padme had time to rest and heal, they needed to go into hiding. They were issued new identities, given a small worn down ship, and supplies to last them for some time. In what had been a whirlwind of events, they eventually found themselves on the remote planet of Lah'Mu in the Outer Rim.
Kenobi was a common name, and rather unsuspecting despite the fact that there was a Jedi with it on top of the wanted fugitives list. Obi-Wan had decided to change his first name to Ben, an old code name he had used once or twice. While a single man with the name might stand out among records, one with a wife and two children would not be so easily noticed. Especially when they appeared to be an ordinary young family who were joining a group of settlers.
With Bail covering their tracks, they plunged into their new life. Acquiring an out of the way plot of land outside of a small settlement. A run down house already stood there, having been abandoned by previous owners who had decided this life wasn't for them.
Only a few days into having arrived, before they could fully get settled, a storm had proved that the structure wasn't as sturdy as they hoped. Thus the next day found Obi-Wan on the roof. The former Jedi Master of renown banging away as he tore off old roof slats and replaced them. He knew this would have to be done sooner or later, but it proved to be sooner as the leaks had been significant. He was not used to this sort of work, he had been a Jedi and a General in a war after all, but he would have to. This was their life now. He was just an ordinary man with an ordinary family living an ordinary life.
After the events on Mustafar, with Padme giving birth to twins, they had taken refuge on Alderaan under Bail Organa's protection. Their shared friend had issued reports of their deaths to help hide them from their pursuers. After Padme had time to rest and heal, they needed to go into hiding. They were issued new identities, given a small worn down ship, and supplies to last them for some time. In what had been a whirlwind of events, they eventually found themselves on the remote planet of Lah'Mu in the Outer Rim.
Kenobi was a common name, and rather unsuspecting despite the fact that there was a Jedi with it on top of the wanted fugitives list. Obi-Wan had decided to change his first name to Ben, an old code name he had used once or twice. While a single man with the name might stand out among records, one with a wife and two children would not be so easily noticed. Especially when they appeared to be an ordinary young family who were joining a group of settlers.
With Bail covering their tracks, they plunged into their new life. Acquiring an out of the way plot of land outside of a small settlement. A run down house already stood there, having been abandoned by previous owners who had decided this life wasn't for them.
Only a few days into having arrived, before they could fully get settled, a storm had proved that the structure wasn't as sturdy as they hoped. Thus the next day found Obi-Wan on the roof. The former Jedi Master of renown banging away as he tore off old roof slats and replaced them. He knew this would have to be done sooner or later, but it proved to be sooner as the leaks had been significant. He was not used to this sort of work, he had been a Jedi and a General in a war after all, but he would have to. This was their life now. He was just an ordinary man with an ordinary family living an ordinary life.
Edited 2019-04-19 14:20 (UTC)
The days had gone by so quickly and in such a blur that Padmé could hardly keep them straight, the passage of time only really noted by the changes in her children. Already she could see them growing, tiny changes in their reactions, and already they were making it know that they were two different individuals. Rarely did the two sleep at the same time, and while Luke cried more often than Leia, the little girl's screams were more than loud enough to prove she had a perfectly healthy set of lungs.
Everything had changed. Her life, the galaxy, the future her children should have had. It was devastating to think of as a whole, her heartbreak over all that loss too much to bear in one lump sum. What made it possible to survive was the presence of the twins... and of Obi-Wan. Her dear friend who had lost as much as she but still chose to flee with her to safety on this far off world. She hadn't asked it of him nor had the strength to argue — she needed him, her children needed him.
And so here they were, Obi-Wan up on the roof while she cleaned up the water that had gotten absolutely everywhere in the house. The twins had eaten and Leia was somehow sleeping through the raucous while Luke examined the soft mobile of colors suspended above the crib (a gift from Breha before they'd left Alderaan). Both babies seemed completely at peace for the moment, so Padmé took advantage of the opportunity to haul the damp bedclothes outside to the line she'd constructed the day before and that had thankfully held up against the storm. The work was good for her; despite the ache in her soul, she still found solace in doing things with her hands, which helped immensely when sleep and true rest were in such short supply.
With the bedding situated, she moved to the edge of the house, calling up during a break between the banging, "Do you need any help?"
Everything had changed. Her life, the galaxy, the future her children should have had. It was devastating to think of as a whole, her heartbreak over all that loss too much to bear in one lump sum. What made it possible to survive was the presence of the twins... and of Obi-Wan. Her dear friend who had lost as much as she but still chose to flee with her to safety on this far off world. She hadn't asked it of him nor had the strength to argue — she needed him, her children needed him.
And so here they were, Obi-Wan up on the roof while she cleaned up the water that had gotten absolutely everywhere in the house. The twins had eaten and Leia was somehow sleeping through the raucous while Luke examined the soft mobile of colors suspended above the crib (a gift from Breha before they'd left Alderaan). Both babies seemed completely at peace for the moment, so Padmé took advantage of the opportunity to haul the damp bedclothes outside to the line she'd constructed the day before and that had thankfully held up against the storm. The work was good for her; despite the ache in her soul, she still found solace in doing things with her hands, which helped immensely when sleep and true rest were in such short supply.
With the bedding situated, she moved to the edge of the house, calling up during a break between the banging, "Do you need any help?"
The work also helped to hide the ache in Obi-Wan's own soul as well. He really hadn't had much time to himself to dwell on the happenings that led to this point, and he was glad for it. The fact that he was not alone made it both easier, and yet added responsibility. Padme and the children were relying on him, and he had to be strong for them all.
When he heard her voice, Obi-Wan paused in what he was doing to look up. Raising a hand, he wiped the sweat from his brow, and offered her a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, but I have it covered."
He glanced over to the sheets that were now flapping about in the breeze on the line nearby.
"Besides, I'm sure you have your own hands full at the moment."
Between the babies and the fact hat she was taking care of the water inside the house, it was a lot to do. One thing they did not lack at least was the ability to work together.
When he heard her voice, Obi-Wan paused in what he was doing to look up. Raising a hand, he wiped the sweat from his brow, and offered her a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, but I have it covered."
He glanced over to the sheets that were now flapping about in the breeze on the line nearby.
"Besides, I'm sure you have your own hands full at the moment."
Between the babies and the fact hat she was taking care of the water inside the house, it was a lot to do. One thing they did not lack at least was the ability to work together.
They had always worked together well, their friendship built on shared experiences and respect before it had become its own entity. Before their love for Anakin had tied them even more closely together... as their grief would do from now on.
Padmé watched him for a moment, wondering for a moment if he'd ever done anything like this in his life, before sighing quietly. "I would help if you asked, no matter what I was doing," she informed him gently, without any note of irritation or upset. But then she shifted her stance, hands going to hips as her tone became a fraction more playful. "However, if you fall through the roof, you will most certainly be cleaning the mess yourself."
Padmé watched him for a moment, wondering for a moment if he'd ever done anything like this in his life, before sighing quietly. "I would help if you asked, no matter what I was doing," she informed him gently, without any note of irritation or upset. But then she shifted her stance, hands going to hips as her tone became a fraction more playful. "However, if you fall through the roof, you will most certainly be cleaning the mess yourself."
Had he ever done anything like this? No, not really. He was trying though, and had gotten a few pointers from one of the other settlers in town. Obi-Wan would just have to learn as they went. What he lacked in experience, he had in will.
The man chuckled though at her playful words, deciding that maybe he could sit down and take a break. The air was incredibly humid and muggy after the storm and sweat clung to the simple shirt he was wearing. Not at all pleasant. So a breather might do him good anyway. His legs hanging over the edge of the roof as he sat.
"I'll keep that in mind, my lady," he said with equal playfulness. Though her willingness to help was certainly appreciated. She wanted to feel useful, and he could understand that completely. Thus his gaze strayed over to a tall machine nearby.
"I don't suppose you know anything about vaporator programming? With the recent rain, it will need adjusting for the increased water content in the air."
The man chuckled though at her playful words, deciding that maybe he could sit down and take a break. The air was incredibly humid and muggy after the storm and sweat clung to the simple shirt he was wearing. Not at all pleasant. So a breather might do him good anyway. His legs hanging over the edge of the roof as he sat.
"I'll keep that in mind, my lady," he said with equal playfulness. Though her willingness to help was certainly appreciated. She wanted to feel useful, and he could understand that completely. Thus his gaze strayed over to a tall machine nearby.
"I don't suppose you know anything about vaporator programming? With the recent rain, it will need adjusting for the increased water content in the air."
She was glad to see him settle in for a break. There was work that needed to be done, yes, but they shouldn't push themselves to the point where it would be detrimental to their health, not with the strain they were already under.
She was also glad that he returned that playfulness. As difficult as this new life would be, learning to live without Anakin and with the pain of all they'd lost, she felt very strongly that it was important for him to have these moments. Neither of them was allowed to waste away in their grief.
Turning toward the vaporators, she frowned for a moment before glancing back up at Obi-Wan. "I believe I worked with something similar on Karlinus. I'm not certain, but I'll take a look."
She didn't hesitate then to cross the short distance to the nearest vaporator, trusting Obi-Wan to listen for the babies and let her know if they needed her. Opening the access panel to the controls was the easy part, and not for the first time she wished she had Anakin's affinity for machines. She wasn't completely lost though, and thankfully it only needed an adjustment and not an actual repair.
She was also glad that he returned that playfulness. As difficult as this new life would be, learning to live without Anakin and with the pain of all they'd lost, she felt very strongly that it was important for him to have these moments. Neither of them was allowed to waste away in their grief.
Turning toward the vaporators, she frowned for a moment before glancing back up at Obi-Wan. "I believe I worked with something similar on Karlinus. I'm not certain, but I'll take a look."
She didn't hesitate then to cross the short distance to the nearest vaporator, trusting Obi-Wan to listen for the babies and let her know if they needed her. Opening the access panel to the controls was the easy part, and not for the first time she wished she had Anakin's affinity for machines. She wasn't completely lost though, and thankfully it only needed an adjustment and not an actual repair.
He was always listening. Not just with his ears, but with the Force as well. While he would have to keep his powers hidden, he could never fully shed his connection to the ever present energy that was life itself. If the babies were in distress, he would feel it.
Thus why he was confident enough to jump down from the roof after Padme, following her to the vaporators. He watched with some curiosity as she tried her hand at adjusting them, and eventually approached. Leaning in from behind her to view her work. He meant nothing by it, but he was very close. His body occasionally lightly touching hers as he inspected her work.
“Yes, I believe that will do. Well done.”
It was good to know that they both had such a wide range of talents. It certainly put him more at ease about their ability to survive here with two little ones to look after.
Thus why he was confident enough to jump down from the roof after Padme, following her to the vaporators. He watched with some curiosity as she tried her hand at adjusting them, and eventually approached. Leaning in from behind her to view her work. He meant nothing by it, but he was very close. His body occasionally lightly touching hers as he inspected her work.
“Yes, I believe that will do. Well done.”
It was good to know that they both had such a wide range of talents. It certainly put him more at ease about their ability to survive here with two little ones to look after.
Padmé's time with refugee relief work as a child and her training while queen and senator had given her a wide range of skills to draw from in their new life, and what she lacked could be sought from the neighboring settlers. She was a quick learner and enjoyed working with her hands, so she had little doubt they would succeed in making this life work. No, what she worried about was the possibility that he might come to resent her for all of this. After all, hadn't Anakin made those terrible choices because of her?
The thought was one that emerged at the darkest moments when grief and despair rolled in like a rising tide, and it was one she refused to share with Obi-Wan. It remained buried in those emotions, other thoughts and musings piled on to drown it out in the hopes that he would never pick up on it through his abilities. She couldn't bear to have that conversation with him. Not yet.
His closeness while she worked didn't bother her in the slightest. On the contrary, she found comfort in his nearness, unconsciously leaning just that bit closer, instinctively seeking further comfort in his company. They were all each other had now, and as guilty as she felt about that at times, she would never send him away.
"Thank you," she murmured, securing the panel in place again before turning to face him, the lack of space between them suddenly becoming even more apparent. But still, she didn't move away, instead staring up at him with eyes that saw perhaps more than he might wish. Lifting a hand to gently touch the back of her fingers to his cheek, she observed, "You look tired, Obi-Wan."
The thought was one that emerged at the darkest moments when grief and despair rolled in like a rising tide, and it was one she refused to share with Obi-Wan. It remained buried in those emotions, other thoughts and musings piled on to drown it out in the hopes that he would never pick up on it through his abilities. She couldn't bear to have that conversation with him. Not yet.
His closeness while she worked didn't bother her in the slightest. On the contrary, she found comfort in his nearness, unconsciously leaning just that bit closer, instinctively seeking further comfort in his company. They were all each other had now, and as guilty as she felt about that at times, she would never send him away.
"Thank you," she murmured, securing the panel in place again before turning to face him, the lack of space between them suddenly becoming even more apparent. But still, she didn't move away, instead staring up at him with eyes that saw perhaps more than he might wish. Lifting a hand to gently touch the back of her fingers to his cheek, she observed, "You look tired, Obi-Wan."
That was what he respected about Padme. She was always willing to get her hands dirty. To get down into the trenches with those at the bottom when there was no such requirement of her. Most politicians wouldn’t lower themselves to such humility. She was truly selfless. A quality that would have made her an excellent Jedi if she had been gifted with the Force. They would both get through this, and hopefully raise two happy, healthy children in the process. Obi-Wan was determined to be a good father to them.
But resent her? Surely not. It would grieve him if he knew she thought that way. None of this was in any way Padme’s fault. It’s true she didn’t stop Anakin from falling in love with her, but Anakin should have known better. It was a failing on Obi-Wan’s part. No, Padme was just as much a victim as anyone.
When she turned to face him is when Obi-Wan truly became aware of their close proximity. He might have stepped back for respect of her space. Except the touch on his cheek stopped him, his eyes softening a bit. He had done much the same after he came to Padme’s side on Mustafar. How worried he had been for her then, and he could see her concern now.
“It’s been a long few weeks,” he admitted. Which was true, but he also wasn’t mentioning how little he had been sleeping. Kept awake by his own thoughts, and the few moments he did sleep was plagued by nightmares. “You’re tired as well.”
But resent her? Surely not. It would grieve him if he knew she thought that way. None of this was in any way Padme’s fault. It’s true she didn’t stop Anakin from falling in love with her, but Anakin should have known better. It was a failing on Obi-Wan’s part. No, Padme was just as much a victim as anyone.
When she turned to face him is when Obi-Wan truly became aware of their close proximity. He might have stepped back for respect of her space. Except the touch on his cheek stopped him, his eyes softening a bit. He had done much the same after he came to Padme’s side on Mustafar. How worried he had been for her then, and he could see her concern now.
“It’s been a long few weeks,” he admitted. Which was true, but he also wasn’t mentioning how little he had been sleeping. Kept awake by his own thoughts, and the few moments he did sleep was plagued by nightmares. “You’re tired as well.”
The way her fellow politicians had handled things during the war had at times frustrated Padmé to the point of anger. It's true that not everyone was able to do what she did, every being had their own individual limits, but so many of them had been perfectly capable but entirely unwilling to put themselves in those 'lower' positions despite their people's trust. It was because of that trust that Padmé did everything she did — the Naboo expected her to represent their interests and work for the betterment of the galaxy and she had done everything in her power to meet that expectation.
Tired was putting it lightly. Offering him a worn smile, there was a hint of laughter in her voice as she corrected, "I have twins who need to eat constantly and never sleep at the same time. I'm exhausted."
She knew from Sola's experience with motherhood that having even just one child was tiring, but she'd had nothing to draw on for the care of twins. If Obi-Wan hadn't come with them, she had no idea how she would have managed caring for the babies and the homestead; she was capable of a great many things but that would have stretched her too thin.
Nevermind her own collection of nightmares that ate at what little rest she did manage...
Tired was putting it lightly. Offering him a worn smile, there was a hint of laughter in her voice as she corrected, "I have twins who need to eat constantly and never sleep at the same time. I'm exhausted."
She knew from Sola's experience with motherhood that having even just one child was tiring, but she'd had nothing to draw on for the care of twins. If Obi-Wan hadn't come with them, she had no idea how she would have managed caring for the babies and the homestead; she was capable of a great many things but that would have stretched her too thin.
Nevermind her own collection of nightmares that ate at what little rest she did manage...
Edited (forgot a thing) 2019-04-28 18:29 (UTC)
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