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As the time passes, unnoticed by the Jedi, Obi-Wan allows his thoughts to peacefully drift, inspecting each as it floats through his head, but leaving them mostly uncensored. He's long since learned how to deal with even dark, negative thoughts constructively. (Something he wishes he knew how to teach his apprentice.)

Now, his thoughts circle around friendship, the bonds formed between individuals and how emotions can enhance or detract from his duty. How his duty has shifted significantly, but not actually changed: he's still charged with protection of those around him, but now he must center that protection on one individual before others. If, for example, Padmé and the Chancellor are together when there's an attack, Obi-Wan's duty is now to protect Padmé first, despite the Chancellor being of higher rank and influence politically. It's not so different than before, but even just putting her above others inherently means that he will be focused more on her at all times, and that's before factoring in that they will be living and traveling together all the time, constantly influencing each other's actions and thoughts.

There is nothing he can do to prevent his feelings for her from growing, and if he tries to stop them, it will very likely lead to frustration and anger, perhaps even resentment toward the Council or Padmé herself. It's the antithesis to all he was taught, but he was also taught never to hold one life above another, for all life is sacred and a part of the Force. But the fact that they have a week alone together tells him growing a bond is expected. So he will take this time, learn to relax and get used to being, if not in the same place, at least constantly by the same person's side. When he has the chance, he will speak with Master Yoda and ask for his counsel.

Becoming aware of changes in the environment, he senses Padmé moving toward him. He slowly comes back to himself, and notices more time has passed than he expected; his body begins registering that he's hungry, and while he's used to discomfort, his backside isn't entirely pleased to have been sitting lotus-style on the hard ground for so long. Obi-Wan stands and brushes off his robes as Padmé draws near, looking toward her and smiling peacefully in greeting.

She'd been able to see him from a distance as she descended the steps down to the lake's edge; he'd looked peaceful, calm and comfortable in his space. It's the impression she'd always had of the Jedi growing up, hearing stories of them and catching a few in passing while on Coruscant. Now that she knew quite a few of them... Well, it's truer for some than others, that's for certain.

"Dinner's ready if you are," she informs him in an easy tone, returning his smile with one of her own. "I may have made too much for just the two of us, I'm usually cooking for an entire family."

She always helped in the kitchen when she was at home in Theed, preparing meals for her parents and Sola's sweet family. Occasionally her niece and nephew would help and she'd be reminded of her own childhood.

"Of course," Obi-Wan responds easily,moving up beside her. In what feels like a bold move, he reaches out to place his palm at the small of her back for a moment, just until they have turned back toward the manor. It's an easy, familiar gesture, polite, but still feeling strangely intimate.

To cover his apprehension at the move, he says "If it is too much, I'm sure it will keep long enough for left-overs or a late snack. I tend to never refuse food, for I've learned never to assume it will be readily available at a convenient time."

It might feel bold to him, but it's normal for Padme. She's been surrounded by bodyguards and handmaidens for the last decade, all of whom have had their own brand of close, familiar gestures. It feels right to her, and she follows her instinct to maintain that closeness between them by looping her arm through his as they ascend the steps.

"That's a very practical mindset to have, especially in your line of work," she comments without an ounce of criticism. She is completely sincere in her assessment. "I'll endeavour to make sure you are fed well and often in our time together, at least."

The boldness only comes from the fact that it is not necessary to guide her in such a fashion. He merely wants to touch her, however fleeting and innocently, to see just where the boundaries for this marriage are, in his mind and heart, as well as hers.

His experiment seems to pay off, when Padmé takes his arm; another platonic gesture that he enjoys, and recognizes enjoying it for more than what it (almost certainly) means. Friendship, he tells himself. Friendship is the base to build anything else on.

"Please, don't do that," he tells her with a small laugh. "I will grow to resemble a Hutt, and what sort of bodyguard would I be then?"

He turns his mind away from the idea of 'our time together,' because that time will be for the rest of their lives. Unless, of course, at some point in the future Padmé quits politics, no longer requires protecting, and no longer wants his company. It is a possibility, and one he will face with calm poise, as befits a Jedi, but it is not one he wishes to expect as a given.

Edited (More to say) 2018-08-19 14:10 (UTC)

She remembers the Hutts from her time on Tatooine, and the mental image of him growing to that size makes her laugh brightly. It's a hilarious idea and strikes her as far more amusing than it really should, but another thing stands out to her that she can't not share with him.

"You would still be a wonderful bodyguard, my dear Jedi, and I would still adore you," she assures him with a small squeeze to his arm. "But since you are correct that you might not be quite as effective in your duties, I'll simply have to feed you and give you reason to work off all those calories."

Her first thought of such activity are more death-defying adventures, the likes of which she tends to get herself into on diplomatic missions that always seem to go sideways (as do his own from what she's heard), but for just a moment her thoughts stray to other activities equally well-known for being a good workout. It's a miracle that she doesn't turn completely scarlet at the thought before careening her mind back to adventures outside the bedroom -- she would never expect that of him when this arrangement is purely of business with the benefit of friendship.

(But she would also not be displeased if things took that path.)

Obi-Wan cannot help the happiness he feels at Padmé saying she adores him, and still would no matter what he looked like. He adores her too, and considers her a good friend; it's what could grow from that that he's unsure of, and of how aware she is of how her words could be construed.

It takes a slow, measured breath before he can turn his mind away from the thoughts her last words have conjured - and because he has so recently finished meditation and is still very connected to his surroundings, he feels Padmé's embarrassment, and can only surmise that she's also noticed how her words could be taken.

He decides to stay within familiar teasing territory as they enter the manor, and says "I should hope you would still adore me, as it would be your fault - and your cooking - that would make me grow so large you would have to roll me around everywhere." His free hand instinctively moves up to hers on his arm and gives it a light squeeze. "Of course, then you could just use my body as a barricade should the need arise, and I would still feel useful."

It is because she adores him that her thoughts have wandered so. Padmé has never been one to take casual lovers, and her attempts at romantic relationships have always been curtailed by her partner's career and her own dedication to serving her people. But this, this thing that have found themselves whirled into, has changed the stakes. No longer is it one or the other, because they are one and the same.

Another laugh bubbles out of her at the completely ridiculous image he has conjured in her mind, and she's grateful they've reached the top of the steps, otherwise she might well have tumbled down them amidst her giggles. "Well, so long as we have a plan," she manages while catching her breath, opening the door to the kitchens and unleashing the scent of the vegetable stew and freshly baked bread.

"I thought we might eat down here," she explains, gesturing to the small wooden table set up at the side of the room, clearly meant as a spot for the cooks to rest in between duties. "There's a formal dining room upstairs, but I must admit it's a bit too formal and imposing." This is much more her style when she's not at a diplomatic function or talking business with a fellow politician.

Her laughter is always wonderful to hear, and a small, pleased smile graces Obi-Wan's face that he could make her sound so carefree. He tightens his arm slightly against his side, to help steady her as she laughs while entering the house.

Looking toward the cozy sitting arrangement, he nods his agreement. "Yes, when it's just the two of us, standing on ceremony seems a bit silly." He glances at her clothes, elegant and refined. "Although I believe you'd be dressed for it, in any case."

Obi-Wan had only drunk broth that morning, too anxious to want anything solid, and at the public reception that was more formality and networking than anything else, he'd stayed away from the rich foods; the smell of the homecooked meal reminded him that he hadn't eaten anything substantial in a while, and while his body could go on, it would really rather not have to forgo nutrients, thank-you-very-much. "It smells amazing. I fear for my waistline even if you don' feed me at every opportunity."

She's glad that he agrees with her suggestion, though she'd been fairly certain he would. Everything about Obi-Wan seemed to radiate an element of practicality, and while he had handled himself well at the reception that morning, she could tell that it was not his natural element. No, he'd seemed far more at ease in nature itself, and they seemed well-matched in their appreciation for simpler moments such as this.

"If it's any assurance, I don't often bake sweet things," she offers, taking plates and cutlery out of one of the cupboards and carrying them over to the small table. "So that, at least, will work in favor of keeping your trim figure."

Not that one could see much of his figure under those robes...

He intercepts the second dish before she can place it for him. She has cooked the meal, he doesn't want her waiting on him as well; he's her husband now, not her guest.

"Well, that is fortunate." He stays standing until Padmé sits herself. "What do you usually cook? From the looks of this meal, I'd wager you enjoy it, and so probably do it when you get the chance." He wonders how often she's gotten the chance, being elected Queen at a young age, and becoming Senator after that.

It's automatic for her to take charge of any situation, so it takes a moment for her to relinquish that position and simply have a seat. He isn't a guest, but he could have easily expected these roles to be upheld despite their respective statuses - it's reassuring that he doesn't. Those backwards ideas of the roles of men and women that she's seen on various planets have never sat well with her.

"I do enjoy it," she confirms, spreading a cloth napkin out over her lap in proper fashion. "I always helped in the kitchen when I was little, and while I haven't had much time to spend there over the last few years, I still take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, especially when I'm at my family's home." Her home no longer, she reminds herself; they will have to secure their own apartment in Theed now, she couldn't ask him to stay with her family whenever they're on the planet.

"Stews are easy, and often found in traditional Naboo cuisine. I also enjoy making savory pastries, and bread." A fond smile blooms into existence as she picks up the still-warm loaf and tears off an end, the crisp crust giving way to expose the fluffy interior. "I love baking bread. I've found it's very good for relieving stress. There were a few months after the Trade invasion that I made a few loaves every day, usually in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep."

Obi-Wan has been self-reliant in mundane matters for almost the entirety of his life. Children raised at the Temple are not coddled or tended to; they are taught to be able to take care of themselves from a very young age, and slowly given more responsibilities, to help teach them the values of the life they are striving for. While he would never speak out against another's beliefs or culture (unless it was harmful, and even then he would try to be diplomatic), he's always found the inherent sexism in some cultures to be distasteful.

Her comment about baking bread when she's stressed reminds him of an earlier thought he'd had, and while he gathers a serving of stew and breaks off his own piece of bread, he mentions it to her.

"Have you ever tried meditation? It's not just for Jedi, you know," he teases gently. "It's a good way to process stress, and view recent events that might trouble you, in order to find some clarity, or peace of mind. I'd be more than happy to teach you, if you'd like."

She pauses while lifting her fork to spear her first bite of the stewed vegetables, looking a bit sheepish at his question. The story that comes to mind is one she'd thought of earlier as well, when she'd come upon him meditating, but it's only now that he's asked that she decides to share it.

"I did once have it suggested to me by another senator's aide in a quite... disrespectful manner," she explains. "I may have responded in an equally unprofessional tone and haven't considered it since. But perhaps with the right teacher, my opinion would change."

There is a pause, where he stills as the various scenarios of what she's implying run through his head. It doesn't precisely shock him, because his opinion of politicians has never been particularly high, but he is offended on several fronts, both on principle, and personally on her behalf.

He reminds himself not to jump to conclusions, however. Deliberately, he wipes at his mouth and beard with his napkin, before slowly asking, "Am I to take that... that he made an advance on you?" His distaste is clear in the way he very carefully keeps his face and tone blank, devoid of any emotion.

The way he reacts to her tale, even vague as it is, makes her chest tighten with affection. She knows that Obi-Wan is a good man, that he would disapprove of such things for anyone involved, but that he reacts in such a way when it is her...

"It wasn't the first time, and I'm fairly certain it won't be the last, even with my change in circumstance," she replies, her tone midway between matter-of-fact and reassuring. "It's simply an unfortunate fact of the life I've chosen to live." She decides not to further elaborate on how some politicians do make a habit of trading certain types of 'favors' to get what they want.

Dropping his gaze and pressing his lips into a thin line are the only indications of how upset hearing her speak of it, even obliquely, makes him. He wrestles briefly with his emotions, recognizing them for what they are: anger, jealousy, possessiveness. Not full-blown and destructive, but the seeds are there. He consoles himself that Padmé can take care of herself, as she has just stated she did. He still has the un-Jedi-like urge to punch the aide in the face. Padmé is a good person, and does not deserve to be treated so callously.

Drawing in a measured breath, Obi-Wan slowly says, "While I am well-aware of how well you can take care of yourself, I hope your change in circumstance helps at least to lessen these-- occurrences," his mouth wraps around the word distastefully, "but I also find myself torn between hoping never to be witness to one, and hoping I am. I fear I would have a hard time standing back and allowing you to deal with it yourself, were I around."

It's all he will admit to, and worries that he hasn't divulged too much. He's just admitted to being far more emotionally invested than he had ever expected he would become.

Even those small signs are telling to someone with vast experience in reading others. He has very strong opinions about these experiences she'd had, and while she's not entirely sure of the finer details of those opinions, she has no doubt that he would, in fact, come to her aid in such a situation. She hopes it never comes to that, for both their sakes.

"My knight in Jedi armor," she murmurs with a soft smile before standing and taking the few steps around the table to his side. "Thank you, Obi-Wan." And she leans down to press a kiss to his cheek before intending to retrieve a bottle of wine from the nearby cellar.

Obi-Wan catches her wrist gently before she can move away. "I will do nothing without your approval, my lady," he intones sincerely. "But even if this is a marriage in name only, one made of convenience, I fear I won't tolerate unwanted advances toward you. And that-- is very human, but not very becoming of a Jedi protector."

She stills at the touch to her wrist, then adjusts her hand so that she's holding his, their fingers pressed together with a familiarity that belie the years they've known each other. Those years are something she is extremely grateful for now, when they're already starting to navigate the waters of this new life together.

"But it is very becoming of my husband," she informs him with a tone that will brook no argument. "If ever I feel you've overstepped in your 'protection' of me, I will tell you. Privately. Otherwise I expect you to act as you feel you must."

Acquiescing, Obi-Wan flashes her a soft smile, bending his head to place a kiss to the back of her hand before releasing her. "As you say, milady."

Dinner passes with much lighter conversation while they enjoy the meal together. The evening brings up memories of all the times they've met over the years, catching up on their lives and sharing stories of adventures. It is all those meetings that have her completely at ease with him now as they store the leftovers and set the dishes to wash before heading upstairs.

"I know we've already discussed it, but I just want to reiterate -- you don't have to share a room with me tonight," she says as they reach the bedroom, the last shades of purple in the sky captured beautifully by the wide windows.

Once they let the serious part of the conversation pass, dinner is the same, familiar affair he's used to sharing with Padmé, and Obi-Wan settles into it gratefully. The familiarity is comforting, soothing, and exactly what he needs after the emotional upheavals the rest of the day has brought.

He's honestly forgotten what they'd discussed about sleeping arrangements, until Padmé brings it up. He pauses, drawing a deep breath to help gather and center his thoughts. "If it bothers you, I can use another room. But I have no problem with it, and it will be required of us at some point, so we may wish to become familiar with it now, rather than necessity dictates."

Obi-Wan knows he tends to get formal and polite in his speech when he's nervous or anxious, and has no illusions that Padmé hasn't picked up on that fact over the years. But he is careful to phrase it in such a way to show it doesn't bother him, and is her choice, without bringing his own personal feelings into the equation. Because the whole truth is, no matter what will or won't be happening, tonight or any other, he very much wants to sleep beside her. Wake up next to her, and know that this truly is his life, now.

It's been a long time since she shared a bed with anyone who wasn't one of her handmaidens, which was always for protection or practicality for conserving space while traveling. Having someone beside her like this... Yes, it would be expected of them during some of their travels, and while they had other options for their own apartments, he was right, they should get used to it now while they have the chance.

"Alright," she agrees a nod, stepping into the bedroom and motioning for him to follow. "I can see why you're known for your negotiating skills, my dear Jedi." It doesn't bother her, and so she has no ground on which to argue; it's as simple as that.

Obi-Wan can't help the small, pleased smile that crosses his face at her words. "I appreciate you calling them negotiating skills, and not political," he tells her as he follows her into the bedroom. "If one more person tells me I would make an excellent politician - well, I'll be hard-pressed not to forsake my oaths and do unjust violence upon them."


P a d m é	A m i d a l a	N a b e r r i e

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