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?"
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.”
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...
Her response earned her a light chuckle as he looked down at his feet for a moment. “Yes, of course,” he said quietly, knowing that was all too true. He had done his best to be helpful with the twins and take care of whatever they or Padme might need. Giving her sleep was unfortunately beyond his abilities. Plus he knew very little about caring for babies and sometimes felt he was rather useless at times. Being in the way rather than a help.
He finally looked back up at her with a resigned smile. “Then perhaps we should try to rectify that.” His gaze then turned to the sky and the clouds that were rolling through.
“The weather report said the clouds should be gone by this evening. It might even be clear enough to see the rings tonight.”
Yes he was suggesting they do some quiet stargazing. There wasn’t much else to do out here in the middle of a barely habited planet. Plus he heard that it was quite beautiful on clear nights.
Obi-Wan had been completely wonderful with the babies. He might not have much experience with such young children, but he'd never once hesitated to help with them no matter what was needed despite how overwhelming it must all be for him. There were no words for what that meant to Padmé.
Though she wasn't at all sure how he meant to rectify the situation of her barely getting any sleep. Still, she'd be interested to see him try.
"Well, that's something we shouldn't miss," she decided with a grateful smile. The suggestion was a lovely one, and so far it really had been quite cloudy ever since they'd arrived on the planet. And with everything they had both been through, they could use some beauty in their lives.
The man’s smile broadened when she took well to the idea. They definitely could use some peace and take a moment to slow down. They would need to get comfortable with their new lives, and what better way to start?
“I’ll finish putting on the last few slats and make a trip into town. There’s enough time before it gets dark.”
Perhaps he had something in mind for their little star party? There was certainly a little glint in his eyes that suggested it. The first glimmer of happiness he’d had in weeks.
She couldn't help but laugh at the way his smile grew and that look in his eye. It wasn't a full laugh, just an echo of the bright thing she'd once let loose into the world, but it was still something.
"Why, Ben Kenobi, I think you might be up to something," she theorized playfully. Of course, it wasn't exactly a theory when she knew it to be true, but she did wholeheartedly approve. "I look forward to finding out what it is."
It was good to hear her laugh, and it brightened his smile even more. He hoped to hear that much more in their future.
“I wouldn’t know what you’re talking about, Tsabin Kenobi,” he said back. It was said merrily, though it was still strange to call her that. To him she would always be Padme. He was at least starting to get used to it.
With that he put some distance between them again.
“I suppose I should get back to work. The vaporators are in good hands.”
Turning, Ben walked back towards the house where he would get back up on the roof and finish replacing it. It wasn’t long after that he did what he said he would do. Taking the beaten up old speeder they had bought into town to pick up a few things. He was back just as it started to get dark. The clouds having passed through quickly and revealing a clear sky just as the first stars began to appear.
It felt strange to be called Tsabin, but there was no other name that meant as much to her, and so few people knew Sabé by that name that it wouldn't spark any association. And, if by some unfortunate luck they did run into someone who knew her dear friend, a family connection was an easy enough tale to spin.
Padmé finished adjusting the other vaporators before returning to the house, where she found two wide awake hungry babies in need of attention. It wasn't until they were finally both settled that she put the bread into the oven, the dough a bit more moist than she would have liked but risen enough after an afternoon of proving. She was selecting other ingredients for their dinner when she heard the speeder approach.
"Come on, Leia, let's go see what's he been up to," she murmured to the baby held snug against her in a sling made of cloth. The curious little girl was presently watching her mother with rapt attention while her twin brother gurgled up at the mobile. Moving to the door, Padmé opened it and stepped outside into the dusk, calling, "We came to see what you've brought us."
He was already standing beside the speeder and pulling a wrapped bundle from it when Padme emerged with little Leia. A warm smile on his face as he took the parcel in his arms and crossed the gravely ground towards them.
“Curious, are you?”
A light teasing in his voice as he came up to them, reaching out to gently stroke the baby’s cheek before leaning down to kiss her forehead. On his way back up he also offered Padme a chaste yet affectionate peck on her cheek as well.
“Come along then. I have something for everyone.”
Obi-Wan then moved into the house, taking the bundle with him and placing it on the table where he began to unwrap it.
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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?"
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.”
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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...
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He finally looked back up at her with a resigned smile. “Then perhaps we should try to rectify that.” His gaze then turned to the sky and the clouds that were rolling through.
“The weather report said the clouds should be gone by this evening. It might even be clear enough to see the rings tonight.”
Yes he was suggesting they do some quiet stargazing. There wasn’t much else to do out here in the middle of a barely habited planet. Plus he heard that it was quite beautiful on clear nights.
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Though she wasn't at all sure how he meant to rectify the situation of her barely getting any sleep. Still, she'd be interested to see him try.
"Well, that's something we shouldn't miss," she decided with a grateful smile. The suggestion was a lovely one, and so far it really had been quite cloudy ever since they'd arrived on the planet. And with everything they had both been through, they could use some beauty in their lives.
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“I’ll finish putting on the last few slats and make a trip into town. There’s enough time before it gets dark.”
Perhaps he had something in mind for their little star party? There was certainly a little glint in his eyes that suggested it. The first glimmer of happiness he’d had in weeks.
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"Why, Ben Kenobi, I think you might be up to something," she theorized playfully. Of course, it wasn't exactly a theory when she knew it to be true, but she did wholeheartedly approve. "I look forward to finding out what it is."
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“I wouldn’t know what you’re talking about, Tsabin Kenobi,” he said back. It was said merrily, though it was still strange to call her that. To him she would always be Padme. He was at least starting to get used to it.
With that he put some distance between them again.
“I suppose I should get back to work. The vaporators are in good hands.”
Turning, Ben walked back towards the house where he would get back up on the roof and finish replacing it. It wasn’t long after that he did what he said he would do. Taking the beaten up old speeder they had bought into town to pick up a few things. He was back just as it started to get dark. The clouds having passed through quickly and revealing a clear sky just as the first stars began to appear.
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Padmé finished adjusting the other vaporators before returning to the house, where she found two wide awake hungry babies in need of attention. It wasn't until they were finally both settled that she put the bread into the oven, the dough a bit more moist than she would have liked but risen enough after an afternoon of proving. She was selecting other ingredients for their dinner when she heard the speeder approach.
"Come on, Leia, let's go see what's he been up to," she murmured to the baby held snug against her in a sling made of cloth. The curious little girl was presently watching her mother with rapt attention while her twin brother gurgled up at the mobile. Moving to the door, Padmé opened it and stepped outside into the dusk, calling, "We came to see what you've brought us."
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“Curious, are you?”
A light teasing in his voice as he came up to them, reaching out to gently stroke the baby’s cheek before leaning down to kiss her forehead. On his way back up he also offered Padme a chaste yet affectionate peck on her cheek as well.
“Come along then. I have something for everyone.”
Obi-Wan then moved into the house, taking the bundle with him and placing it on the table where he began to unwrap it.