Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Lucas Owns it all, I'm just playing in his sandbox for fun and NO profit. No harm meant.
Summary: Inspired by Anakin's "I'm going to marry you" within minutes of meeting Padme. I figured, every Jedi would get that same vibe about someone. Told from the girl's perspective.
Notes: This is mainly a test to see if this is worth writing the rest of the week. Needless to say, feedback would be appreciated.

Day 1: Meeting.

Rain poured down from the heavens, pelting the city of Coruscant with its icy touch. The wind whipped around the buildings causing a wind tunnel effect in the streets. A few poor souls were out on the street at this time. Rather unfortunately, I was one of them out on this miserable fall day.

I shivered from head to toe as I waited for the public transportation to arrive. I had just finished having one of the worst days of my entire life. One of those days where I laughed at what was going on only because I knew that as soon as I stopped laughing, I would start crying.

The transport showed up, but not without stopping and turning in such a way as to shower me with the water that was collected on the roof. I felt the water in my shoes squish as I stepped into the transport, showed my badge and crept gingerly towards the benches. With a deep sigh I sank gratefully into my seat.

All I wanted was to get home, get the wet clothes off of me, get clean and go to bed and wait for the weekend to come. I leaned back in my seat and combed my fingers through my dripping hair. The seats on the bus were arranged so that all the passengers sat lined along the wall facing the inside corridor of the bus. It gave everyone a view of everyone else and best accommodated the variety of species living on coruscant.

It was wet, everyone in the transport was as miserable looking as I was so we traveled in relative silence. After a small while I became distinctly aware that someone was staring at me. There was a man sitting across and two seats to my left. I wasn't able to see any features of his face since he wore a brown cloak that pooled a bit at his feet, hands tucked neatly into his sleeves and the hood covered his head like a cowl.

I could only make out his face, which was pleasant enough. His mouth was a strange mouth. It was almost as if it was expressly designed to smile often and broadly but life had afforded him little opportunity to make use of it. His expression was blank and pale but his eyes were a bright teal that seemed to be searching me for something.

After about three stops the seats around us were abandoned leaving only the two of us and the droid driver. Rather uncomfortable with being stared at while in a large city's public transportation I do my best to avoid looking at him or pay him the least attention. I saw in the reflection of the windows and sensed in the change of air pressure around me as the cloaked and hooded man stood up, crossed the bus and came to sit beside me.

Now, I was really nervous. With just a droid on the bus he could hurt me, rob me or kidnap me without anyone being the wiser until the droid brought the transport in for maintenance. That could be anywhere from a week to a month.

"Hello." Came a soft tenor voice next to me. There was something distinctly appealing and musical in that voice. The soft tones were accented with the cultured lilt of coruscanti elite. I shivered; often robbers effected that accent to gain their victims trust. Besides, what would a member of the upper class be doing traveling by public transport? And in such a rough wool cloak?

"My name is Obi-wan Kenobi." He introduced himself holding his hand out before me like I was to shake it. I glanced at the hand quickly. What I saw didn't ease my fears one bit. It was a beautiful hand with long elegant aristocratic fingers. It was also a hand that showed it was strong as it was nibble. If this were a true aristocrat that had fallen on a bad patch of luck, it would be soft and strong as it was with the well cared for elegance of the elite. However, the palm was rough with calluses. Something no aristo would dare have.

All the evidence pointed to the idea I was being targeted by a skilled light fingered con-artist. The calluses indicated he had no compunction about doing his own dirty work. Besides, who knew what manner of weapons he had under his cloak? I saw flashes of tomorrow's news headlines on the holo net, woman brutally raped and murdered on the 103 south transport.

I disregarded his hand and quickly looked out the window, desperately chanting in my head that I had no money with me or in my place of residence and he should just find a new mark and let me alone. The hand retracted from before me and returned to his lap to fold into his sleeves again.

We rode in silence for a while. My stop couldn't come soon enough. I could sense more then see him staring at me.

"I'm going to marry you." Was his next statement.

I coughed to cover up my shock. So that explained his cultured accent yet his rough clothing. He was a feeble or unstable minded member of one of the high families. Not so intelligent that they wanted to admit to him and feeble minded enough to prevent him from contributing to the family fortune.

I turn to him and smile slightly, "That is rather unlikely."

"Why?" He asked, his eyes earnest and curious. No longer did I perceive he was a danger. He probably was just what I thought. A high family cast away.

"I currently have a boyfriend." I smiled,

He blinked and a small smile touched his lips. I decided he was quite handsome when he smiled, "Well then, I suppose one of us will have to tell him."

I smirked, rather amused at this conversation. It was the most amusing thing to happen to me all day. "I see. And when is this event going to supposedly happen?"

"One week from today." He smiled at me

I felt my eyebrows creep to my hairline. I felt a smile tug at the edges of my lips, "Well, you don't waste any time do you."

"Patience has never been one of my stronger virtues." He replied his smile getting just a bit wider and creeping into his eyes, turning them the loveliest shade of moss green I had ever seen. Last time I had seen green that color I was staring at a jewel in a Museum.

I felt the transport lurch to a stop and I signaled the driver I was to get off. I stood up and he stood up with me. "It was nice meeting you…um…" I said trying to remember his name.

"Obi-wan." He supplied softly, "Obi-wan Kenobi." His eyes were gazing at me with an intensity I had never experienced before. It was as if everyone else in this world never really gave me his or her undivided attention. His entire being was focused on me. I felt a little uncomfortable under the scrutiny.

"Obi-wan then." I smiled, "But I fear I cannot marry you so don't wait for me at the church. Bye then."

He didn't protest, or even look sad. A small knowing smile touched his lips. There was no hint of humor or victory in the smile, only a tiny touch of sadness. He bowed deeply to me his eyes never leaving mine. "Farewell, my wife." He whispered softly as I left the bus.

I walked off the bus, shaking my head grinning. You met some real wackos in the city I can say that for certain.

***

Day 2: Stalking.

It started with the hands.

I was having one of those wonderful erotic dreams. The kind that doesn't come too often but when they do they leave your body humming. A mysterious stranger was making love to me. I couldn't see the face of my phantom lover, nor could I really feel any part of his body as it touched me, except those hands.

Hands as gentle as they were strong caressed and teased my body, skillfully finding the places that made me tremble. I got the impression other parts to his body were touching me, lips dancing along my neck and breasts, but they were mere dream phantom impressions. Nothing real except those hands. Those touches were almost too frighteningly real.

Those wonderful hands cupped my breasts and I was arching into the touch. Just as things were getting really good my alarm clock sounded. With an abruptness that hurt it rudely yanked me from my breathtaking dream and into the world of alertness. This being a weekend I was rather put out at waking up early. I usually got an hour extra sleep on the weekends.

With a resigned sigh, I got up and stumbled to the bathroom to perform my morning routine. Afterwards I was feeling a bit more like a fully evolved member of my species that I decided it was high time that I got about my Weekend chores. I set my clothes to go in the washer, did a general pick up of my common areas, cleaned up the kitchen and examined it for a shopping list.

After listing out the food that needs to be restocked and the other items I'd need for the week, I picked up my credit stick, left my apartment, locked it and headed for the shopping center.

It was sometime later when I was at the grocery store reaching for a piece of fruit when my hand connected with another one reaching for the same fruit. The hand was familiar one, the touch of it gave a hint of the same electric thrill I had during the night. For half a second, I mistook it for my phantom lover. Then I recognized the dun colored cloak sleeve that it was coming out of.

"Good Morning." He said softly. Once again, all I could see was his face through the hood of the robe and his hands. There was a small smile teasing at the edges of his lips. I could see he was amused by my astonishment. "I see you like Muja fruit as much as I do."

I quickly snatched the piece below it on the pile and stuck it into my basket. "Are you following me?" I asked quickly

He chuckled, "If by that you are implying I made a conscious effort to track your whereabouts and then purposely set out to intercept you, then no. If you mean that I happened to see you in the store and wanted to talk to you, then I confess guilt."

My mind did a small little flip. I had met a few of the more simple-minded members of the high families. This man's grammar structure indicated a highly educated background. This man was definitely more the he seemed.

"Who are you?" I asked as I quickly turned down the aisle to finish selecting my fresh fruits and vegetables for the week.

"I am Obi-wan Kenobi." He said softly, "Surely you haven't forgotten my name already."

I shook my head, "That is not what I meant and you know it."

"Then say what you mean instead of dancing around the subject. Or are you afraid of what will happen?" He asked, his voice pitching lower, challenging me.

"All right, what is your occupation." I asked as I picked out some leafy veggies for salads. Obi-wan reached for some solid veggies and placed them in my basket as calm as if we had always shopped together. I would have complained but something in his attitude prevented me. It was as if he had this impenetrable wall around him that if one shattered it, he was soft and incredibly vulnerable behind it.

"Civil Service." Was his curt reply, "Carrots?"

"Um, yes please, one bunch." I said and he placed it into my basket. "Civil Service, how interesting."

"Yes, rather strange our paths haven't crossed before, Alexa, given our similar occupations." He chuckled, eyes green with laughter.

My jaw dropped, "How do you know my name and what I do!"

His mouth quirked upwards, the tiny smirk getting larger, "My darling wife to be, if you don't want people to know who you are and what you do for a living, please refrain from wearing your Senate security clearance badge in public."

"Smart ass." I growled. My cheeks colored at being one upped once again.

He laughed, "So I have been told, no surprise there yet."

I couldn't win against this man. Why was I engaging in verbal sparing with him at all? He was a stranger and an increasingly unwelcome one at that. "I think you should leave me alone now."

He bowed respectfully, "Until next time? I'll allow you to recuperate for the next round."

I watched as he walked away from me and out of the store. I noticed something odd, people seemed to give him a wide berth as he walked. Normally that would have worried me that the adults were backing away out of Awe and fear, it was the children's behavior that had me puzzled. They were straining against their mother's hands, trying to get to him.

Who WAS he?

***

"We meet again." I heard the now familiar voice coming from my left this time. All day, each place I went, he was already there waiting for me. I tried to fool him by walking towards one store the quickly running into another but there he was, already inside, lounging against some display. Same Cocky ass smile on his face that I was beginning to detest. I really wanted to slap it right off.

"I am beginning to seriously dislike you." I growled as I headed for my favorite look out on Coruscant. I usually got dinner at my favorite restaurant to go and would then walk to my favorite park and eat while I watched the sun set on Coruscant. When he wasn't at the restaurant I thought I had finally lost him.

"Why?" He asked, "Because you have finally met a worthy adversary in your verbal sparing matches?" I was walking hurriedly trying to get him lost behind me, but he kept up with such smooth ease it was unnerving.

"You tell me you are going to marry me next week but you insist on ticking me off." I growled.

His mouth twitched into a smile again, "I thought that if we saw the worst of each other immediately, later on won't be as much of a problem. It's otherwise known as getting to know you. "

"No, this is otherwise known as stalking." I snapped back. "Leave me alone."

"Dinner." He said as he pointed to my burden, "Let me have dinner with you, then I shall leave you."

I stared at him for a good long while before I sighed deeply and turn silently to head to my spot. He took that as acceptance and followed behind me, nipping at my heels.

I reached my lovely little hill. There was a small grouping of tables at the crest of it. It was fairly abandoned, given the time of year it was. Normally, the gently sloping hill was covered in families and children playing. Like many parks it gave a spectacular view of the city. But this place had a secret that was only revealed at sunset. I had chosen my apartment based on the fact it was in walking distance of this park.

I took a seat on one of the many abandoned tables, nodding to the few other occupants on the hill. Pulling out my meal with the thermos of hot liquid I ate my dinner as I watched the sun set, completely ignoring my brown shadow beside me.

"This really is delightful. I must return to this restaurant." I heard off to my elbow. I looked over at him as I saw he had the unmitigated gall to eat my food. Granted I was finished for this meal, but I saved the leftovers.

"I'm SO glad you liked it." I reply acidly. "That WAS my lunch for tomorrow."

To my intense surprise, he stopped, "I'm sorry. I thought you were done. Most people don't save their leavings." Something about the sorrow and horror in his eyes tugged at my heartstrings. It was like I had slapped a puppy that didn't know any better.

He was right. Most people did just toss their leftovers into a recycler, but I grew up on a starter colony that encountered a crop failure. A solar flare and a mismanaged colony board prevented help from arriving. As a result, my planet went through a decimating famine. To this day I remember the terrible hunger and the mass funerals. During one of which I buried my sister and father. I was only seven years old.

But my mother and I survived somehow, and she taught me that while I am to grieve their deaths, I should live my life to the fullest in their honor. Frankly, I think my mother should be up for sainthood for running a colony and being a single mother. She was the reason the colony survived the famine, but in reality, looking back, everyone in the colony was a hero.

While my mother was still alive I was her assistant in running the colony. Upon her death there was nothing to keep me tied to the planet so I left for coruscant. So here I was, on the very colonization board that denied us help, making sure disasters like mine never happen again.

I had bullied, cajoled, wooed and outright yelled everyone into order. I made a name for myself when I called the Supreme Chancellor to his face a Stupid git who wouldn't be able to find his head given two hands, a flashlight and a map. I didn't know who he was at the time. All I knew was that he questioned my fanatism about making sure the back-up systems were fully functional. My point was that back up systems were just that, back ups. You needed them to work should all else fail.

Thankfully the Supreme Chancellor took his verbal lumps with alacrity and a sense of humor.

So far, no colony under my watch has suffered what mine suffered.

I sighed heavily, "Oh you might as well finish it. You aren't beggaring me.   The dish is best fresh."

He gave a flicker of a smile before finishing the meal. I simply sat with quiet anticipation as I watched the sun begin to set in the coruscant sky. I loved sunset on Coruscant.

As the sun began to sink I heard a small cough at my elbow, "Pardon me, but I would like to know, why are we here? Surely there are more comfortable places that…"

I held up my hand to silence him. "Quiet. You'll see. Any moment now."

He held his tongue and sat back, facing the direction I was in. Just as expected, buildings began to reflect and refract the light of the setting sun, giving the entire world a golden orange glow. Then just as the sun touched the horizon a shape began to appear in the sunset. Soon the quiet secret was revealed. The graceful spires of the Jedi temple appeared behind the backdrop of the setting sun as if the building materialized like magic before us. It was a tranquil sight that always made me forget any cares I had.

Then the sun sank lower and the spires disappeared from view as the stars began to poke through the night sky and Coruscant began to light up. A planet wide ordinance held that windows had to be of a certain type of glass that would not let much light on the inside out to cause light pollution. Else the city would be as bright at night as during the day. But the windows had an unexpected but equally pleasing side effect. It allowed just enough light to show though the window like a star. So at night in a park away from the buildings it was hard to tell where the night sky ended and the city began.

"Thank you." He said, breaking the silence. "That was a bewitching sight."

"I need to go home now." I announced.

"Let me walk you home." He said softly, rising with me.

I nearly had a heart attack. The idea of this nut knowing where I lived was not what I had in mind. "No!" I said very sharply, as if I was trying to get a stray dog to stay away from me. "You said you'd leave after dinner. Dinner is over. I'm going home."

I couldn't see his face, but I could tell that by the way he stiffened that he was slightly hurt by what I said. I was about to relent and say he could walk me out of the park when my good sense returned. One does not pick up utter strangers in this city. Especially ones where you had no idea about their mental stability.

"As you wish." He said bowing to me. I quickly walked away from him, casting a glance over my shoulder every once in a while to make sure he stayed on that hill and didn't follow me.

***

Day Three: Break Up.

Those hands were in my dreams again. Strong and gentle as they played my body like a fine instrument. Once again, before things could get really interesting my alarm woke me up. I was going to smash the thing in half.

I decided that I was going to go out and finish today the chores I wanted to get done when my shadow appeared. I got ready for the day, threw on my clothes, and opened my door to head out.

My throat went dry as I looked at what was leaning casually against the wall across from my door. It was none other then my brown shadow. A thread of panic went through my psyche at the idea that he not only knew where I lived, but had managed to sneak past security to get into the apartment complex. I was getting very terrified.

He held up his hand, "Please, don't be frightened. I mean you no harm. I promise."

"Said the spider to the fly." I said as I stayed safely inside my apartment, ready to hit the emergency close button on him. "How did you get in?"

He smiled slightly, "The front entrance. I told the night watchman on duty I wanted to surprise my future wife."

I made a mental note to have a serious talk with security. "You said you would leave me alone."

He chuckled, "That I did, but I never specified a length of time, did I?"

I felt my homicidal urge inside of me start to rise sharply. Not only did he sneak in and scare the living daylights out of me, but also he was telling me I practically invited him here? I was about to open my mouth and tell him to leave with a scathing remark when he interrupted me by holding up a food carrier.

"What's that supposed to be?" I asked instead

He pressed the button and the lid flew open to reveal some bagels, some cheese spread and a container of juice. All were sealed in their original packaging. "I felt guilty for eating what was to be today's lunch so I brought you breakfast."

I arched an eyebrow. The container was a lot bigger then what it contained. "Really?"

He gave a small bashful smile, "It was originally breakfast for two, but I got hungry waiting for you to wake up so I ate my half."

I bit my lip to try and keep from smiling but I really couldn't help it. Something about his eyes told me that he would never harm me. While his body was concealed beneath the robe and was probably a very fit and dangerous one, his eyes were soft and vulnerable. The clean shaven chin didn't hold a single scar and yet the determined set of his jaw said he was a fighter.

Who knew what he was. Maybe he was simply a high family run away that joined the republic military and had recently been discharged. There was a strange sense of honor around him. Just the impression that once he gave his word, silent or spoken, it would take an act of god to break it.

I sighed to myself and knew at once I was going to cave. I had the habit of bringing home stray animals I found on the street and caring for them until I found a home for them. I couldn't help it. They always followed me home.   I knew one day I'd pick up a stray in my own species.

I saw a small triumphant smile start to spread on his face as he saw my resistance was crumbling. I held up a finger, "Don't! Don't even think about it!"

His mouth smoothed out to something impassive as he bowed to me while I locked my door. "Yes, my lady."

***

He proved to be as an annoying companion today as he did the day before. Always with a smart ass comment, always one step ahead mentally while walking just a half a step behind. I wanted to kill him. If it weren't for the fact he was graciously carrying some of my packages, I would have. I figured that if he was going to follow me around, I might as well use him.

While we were walking out of the chemist's shoppe I saw my boyfriend across the way. I called to him and he walked over with a smile. We shared a kiss before pulling away.

"I missed you Alexa." He sighed with a smile as he toyed with my hair.

"So did I, Mic" I grinned back.

It was then that he looked over my shoulder and seemed to notice my companion for the first time. "Alex, who is this?"

Before I could open my mouth my stalker spoke for himself. "My name is Obi-wan Kenobi."

"Oh pleased to meet you Obi-wan. How do you know my Alex?" My boyfriend smiled cheerfully.

Obi-wan gave a smart-ass smirk that I was really beginning to hate, "I am going to marry her."

My boyfriend stopped dead, his eyes going round with shock and jaw dropping slack. "You are joking!"

Obi-wan chuckled, "I have never been more serious in my life. Next week in fact."

Instead of acting outraged, curious or even amused as I expected, Mic didn't the absolute last thing I expected of him. A slow smile spread across his face and said a very heartfelt, "Thank god."

Now it was time for my jaw to become unhinged. "WHAT?!"

My beloved boyfriend of two and a half years continued to ignore me, "I was wondering how I was going to break it off with her. Well, no need to worry about that is there!"

"WHAT?" I repeated in my shock.

Mic then turned to me and smiled, "I've been in love with Sheana for about eight months now. I just didn't want to break it off with you because Sheana was married and I thought she was unreachable. Her divorce recently went through and I was wondering how I was going to tell you."

"Oh." My voice sounded hallow, even for my own ears. What Mic and I had never was the grand passion, but it was warm and comfortable and I had really thought it would last. My mother had always told me grand passions never last long. The secret to a long-term relationship was to love a little but love long.

But now that Mic told me he loved Sheana, things that I had seen and ignored now made sense. The heated looks between Mic and Sheana. The awkward silences that were unexplained.

I felt used. I knew he hadn't cheated on me, but his being in love with another person while he was with me was a shock. He was faithful in deed but not in his heart. My heart was broken. All my whistful day dreams and maybes were now killed.

I didn't know much at that point, but I knew that if I didn't do the right thing now, I'd live to regret it.

I managed to pull myself together and looked Mic dead in the eyes. "I'm happy you've found someone you love Mic. I wish you and Sheana all imaginable happiness."

Mic then smiled very warmly at me and pulled me into a quick hard hug. "I'm happy you've found someone too. You are the absolute best Alex! I can only hope one day he proves that he deserves you."

Mic pulled away and looked Obi-wan dead in the eyes, "You, I hear you've made my Alex unhappy in any way, I have a blaster and a permacrete mixer. I doubt anyone would miss you."

Obi-wan bowed deeply to him as Mic then walked away from the two of us, whistling.

I stood there. Numb. I knew I was hyperventilating, because my vision was growing foggy. I vaguely remember being gently guided to a bench and pushed into it. Two and a half years I believed we loved each other.

"Where did I go wrong?" I asked out loud to no one in particular.

"Stop that." I heard Obi-wan admonish from my side. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"Oh how would you know?" I asked my voice starting to shake and tears welled up in my eyes. "Were you there during that last three years?"

"No, but I was there when you let him go to seek his love with your blessing." He whispered, "That takes a rare heart. You forgave him immediately. Someone who can do that couldn't have possibly have done anything wrong. You cannot help who you love. One day, the force will reward you for your kindness here and now."

I gave a small bitter laugh as I let the tears slowly fall from my face. Mic was quite probably the last good man on Coruscant. I loved him because he was nice, sweet, charming and gentle. But that was all gone now.

"Please don't cry." I heard Obi-wan whisper softly as I felt something warm and soft wipe away my tears. I reached up to take a hold of what was wiping my face. I discovered it was a beige handkerchief made of one of the softest fabrics I have ever encountered.

"Thank you." I said holding the handkerchief.

There was a silence for a while. I cried, he sat there. Finally he asked, "Is there anything you need? Is there anything I can get you?"

I shook my head, "I just want to go home."

He took my hand, "I'll take you."

I sighed as I let him lead me out of the shopping area to a transport pad. We caught the shuttle back to my apartment in silence. While walking into the building I said, "I have work tomorrow. You can't stalk me then."

I heard him chuckle beside me, "I'll stay away tomorrow morning and let you work in peace. But I can't promise that I won't come to take you to lunch."

***

Day Four: Committed

"Well, Ma'am. Given what you've told me under oath I can honestly say that there should be no problem obtaining a restraining order." The police officer, Sergeant Anley, said while he recorded my statement.

I had come to my senses early this morning when I woke up with the dead certainty that my stalker would be there and the Utter terror which it brought. I had called my boss and asked for the morning off to get the restraining order, which he happily agreed to.

This Kenobi may seem benign now, but any moment now he could turn mean and ugly and I would wind up just another statistic. Besides, I knew that if I didn't stop this now, I just might marry him because I felt sorry for him.

I breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief at hearing those words. "Thank you Officer. You have no idea how much better I feel now."

The Officer smiled and went back to his pad, "Now if you can just give me his name so I can fill in the blank, we will be all set to start the paperwork."

"He told me his name was Obi-wan Kenobi." I said as I began searching my bag for my Identification stick. I looked up to see that Officer Anley had completely paused in his writing.

"Could you repeat that?" He asked cautiously as he cleared his throat.

"Obi-wan Kenobi." I said, "Why, is there a problem?"

Anley shook his head, "Lady, The only man I know of by that name is a Jedi."

My eyes popped out of my head, "Oh No! My god, the poor man's delusion really is deep."

Anley nodded, "It's an extremely good thing you came to us when you did Ma'am. Now, could you describe him?"

I nodded, "About a Meter and Three quarters tall. Couldn't tell much with that cloak he had on as to his build but I would have to say it was fairly slim. Fair Skinned. Hazel Eyes. I don't know his hair color because he kept his hood up but given his eyebrows I'd say it was blonde."

The officer nodded to me. Finally he turned a data screen me, "This the man?"

I looked and saw it was the spitting image of my stalker. Only in this picture the hood was off and I could clearly see the padawan braid. One thing that remained the same was that smart ass smirk tugging at the edges of his lips as if the force were continually whispering some cosmic joke to him.

The officer clearly saw by my face that this was indeed the man.

"Ma'am. You are under arrest for trying to bring false accusations against the Jedi." He began.

'Wait, there has to be some mistake." I started to protest. But the hard edge in once sympathetic eyes told me otherwise. I saw several other policemen and women circling around as Sergeant Anley read me my rights.

***

By the time I heard the words, "You're free to go," I was livid. If I didn't want to commit a crime against a Jedi before, I certainly did now. If I could have killed Obi-wan Kenobi with mild punitive damages I would have. But a crime committed against a Jedi was a one way ticket to permanent residence at the Lower Level Prison.

While I was in the slammer, I had gotten a call from my boss who had found out what happened. I thought he would be the person to offer me sympathy, but I suddenly discovered I was now a pariah. Jedi were held in the highest reverence and anyone known to have committed a crime against them was shunned by society, even if they were found not guilty.

Needless to say, my boss informed me my job was such that I must be above suspicion of committing such a crime and was now out of my livelihood.

The officer who deactivated the holding cell shield looked at me with a combination of pity and anger. I was lead out of the holding area and saw none other then Officer Anley talking to Obi-wan Kenobi. Now his hood was back, I could clearly see the tail and braid that marked a Jedi Learner while his face was in profile. Officer Anley walked up to me and stared down at me.

"Jedi Kenobi has explained everything to me and I have to say you are very lucky he is so forgiving." Officer Anley said icily. Then he turned to Obi-wan and asked him, "Are you sure you want to drop the charges?"

Obi-wan smiled mildly and nodded, "I am certain. She has no previous record and I feel it was all a misunderstanding."

Officer Anley then sighed, clearly felt he was very put upon, quickly undid my cuffs and clapped a hand on my shoulder, "Behave yourself from now on." With a warning squeeze and a shove I was let go. I silently began to walk out of the station. I felt miserable. I had no job, no boyfriend, and now my reputation as a good citizen was shattered.

My stalker followed me out the door. Once we were a safe distance and out of earshot of anyone I chanced a glance at him. His mouth was twitching furiously and his eyes were sparkling.

"You think this is funny?" I demanded, my temper gaining heat with each passing second.

"Very. Shall we have lunch? I promised to take you out." He said with a soft chuckle and he started to walk past me. I simply stood there.

This insanity was ending here and now. "No."

He turned and looked at me somewhat shocked, "No? Oh come now. Surely a small period of incarceration can't have ruined your temper."

I shook my head. Remarkable thing is when I am extremely angry, I am extremely calm. Comes from an ancestry prone to berzerker rages. "No, getting arrested wouldn't do that. Losing my job due to the fact I have now been labeled as an enemy of the republic does."

He went utterly still. "You lost your job? Because of this?"

I scowled, "Do you have any idea how much this planet hates anyone who commits a crime against the Jedi, no matter how small? Despite the fact no charges were pressed, it is now on my permanent public record for anyone to see that I tried to bring false accusations against a Jedi. Any prospective employer will see that. My life is ruined because you wouldn't tell me what you did for a living when I asked you."

His chin lowered as his eyes cast to the ground, "I thought it would be better not to tell you. I wanted you to know me, not the Jedi."

I snorted, "Well fine job you did of it too."

He looked up at me, his eyes gone a soft earnest blue. "I'll help you fix this. I'll call your employer and tell him…"

"Oh don't you DARE. Don't you dare help me." I growled, feeling myself practically vibrating with anger. "The last thing I need is YOU helping ME. I wish I had never met you. Get out of my life. Now."

He stood very still, his eyes cast to the ground before him. After several minutes he closed his eyes and asked, "Do you truly wish me out of your life?"

"Yes." I bit back, without a second's hesitation. I saw a tiny shudder run through his body at my quick answer. Then he nodded to himself once before opening his eyes.

"Then I will do as you ask." He said softly. He walked up to me, took one of my hands in both of his and placed a small communicator into my hand before closing my fingers over it. His hands were surprisingly soft and warm despite the calluses. "I will go, but keep this. If you change your mind and wish to talk to me, any time for any reason, use this."

With that he looked back up into my eyes. He remained standing there, one of my hands in both of his, his eyes staring down at me, like a condemned man taking one last look at the sun. Normally I would have melted to the vulnerability in that look but a deep and unyielding anger was in my heart.

Finally he nodded once and then walked away, his footsteps slow and his shoulders slightly bowed.

***

Day Five: Fate's Son Twist

I sighed as I walked through the park at sunset. Not my usual park of course. The sight of the Jedi temple now would be anything but relaxing. As always having slept overnight, my anger vanished to be replaced by calm contemplation.

I'd have to move now. Coruscant was no longer a friendly planet for me. There were decent planets I could go to that didn't enact the public records ruling. Corellia was nice this time of year. Since losing my job and the activation of my public record I sent in my notice asking to break my lease.   It was quickly granted with a note indicating that if I could expedite my leaving faster it would be much appreciated.

Often times during the day I felt my hand inside my pocket and fingering the communicator Obi-wan had given me. Despite the fact I still very much did not want him in my life, I knew why my hand strayed to the object. Even though he was annoying, arrogant, self-centered, drove me straight up a wall and was the cause of all my current suffering, I was never alone when I was with him.

And that's how I felt right now. Very much alone.

I sighed as I rounded a corner in the path and my entire body froze at the sight that was presented to me through the thicket of trees and shrubs.

A police officer was on his knees surrounded by other police officers. The man on his knees was pleading for his life, saying he didn't know where something was stashed. Finally one of the gang around him pulled out a weapon and shot the man on his knees in cold blood.

I felt the blood in my veins turn to ice water. Murder. I have just witnessed a murder.

I felt the breath in my lungs stop as I realized what was happening. This was members of the Coruscant police force doing it. It would be my word against theirs and right now, my reputation wasn't exactly sterling in the eyes of the law. I was labeled as someone with the audacity to try and bring false accusations against a Jedi, bringing charges against 'good' members of the police force wouldn't be that much of a stretch for me.

But, I had just seen a man killed. It was my duty to do something.

Paralyzed with indecision I never noticed that the purse had slipped from my shoulder until it crashed very noisily to the ground. The ring of murders turned around and saw me. We stared at each other from across the brush until I quickly turned around and began to run into the woods.

I could hear them crashing through the woods after me but I didn't dare look back. It would take my eyes off of my footing in the underbrush and running through the forest in the dark dusk was dangerous. How long I ran I didn't know. But my lungs and muscles were burning by the time I got far enough away that I couldn't hear them very well, only their voices in the distance.

It was while slowing down as I tired out that I got stupid and landed wrong.   My ankle gave a hard twist and a sharp pain pierced my exhausted haze. I crashed to the ground without a whimper. I heard a soft distant, "over there" come from my pursuers.

I looked up and tried to think, I couldn't run much further. I knew from experience that my ankle will hurt but hold for a little while longer while my adrenaline outweighed the pain. After that it will hurt too much to go with any grace or speed and the second I stopped I wasn't moving again without help.

I sighed as I thought, now was the time for strategy. I was injured, but my pursuers didn't know that. How could I fool them into thinking I was still moving after I stopped? I had to get moving quickly else my ankle would start to hurt now and I'd be dead in the water.

Water. Water was a classic strategy to throw people off the scent. Animals couldn't track you by smell through the water, neither could trackers since the flow would erase any evidence of your passing quickly. One could walk in a stream for any distance before getting off and anyone pursuing you would have to search both sides of the stream, to find evidence of where you got out and pick up your trail there.

As my first stroke of good luck, I heard the babble of a small stream near by. I ran to it and saw it was two meters wide and no more then shin deep at the center. It was enough. I immediately ran into it, my injured ankle grateful for the cooling effect of the water. As I went along the water I got out repeatedly, back tracked, got back in, splashed some water on trees to make it look like I climbed them.

Finally, my ankle was getting progressively weaker, I was forced to select a tree and climb it. Hopefully I had put enough false trails up to confuse anyone looking to track me. I found a smooth birch tree who's bark wouldn't break in my climb and accented. When I was far enough off the ground that I couldn't see it I sat back to think.

I couldn't call the police from here. It was the police who were looking for me. I couldn't call my ex boyfriend, he was probably up to his eyes in bliss now. Besides, he probably wouldn't believe me any more then the police dispatcher would.

My fingers strayed to the com unit in my pocket. I winced. I had no choice. I needed help and there was no one better.

I activated the communicator. After a few breathless seconds I heard the otherside activate.

"Hello?" Came the hesitant reply. It sounded as if he believed I turned on the unit by accident.

"Hi." I replied just as shyly. After all, not one day ago I had told him to go get himself stuffed.

"Hello." He repeated, this time in a soft voice. That one word conveyed a thousand meanings in it. It was warmth, care, concern and acceptance. It encouraged me to talk without demanding it. It was the voice of a friend when one needed it most.

"Hi." I said shakily, tears pricking my eyes. Just hearing him on the other side made me feel a galaxy better. I wasn't alone.

"Are you all right?" He asked softly, clearly seeing I wasn't in any real mental condition to volunteer information. Truth was, I wasn't. I was hurt, cold, tired and scared. My plate was rather full.

"Not really. My ankle hurts and I am rather stuck up a tree." I said softly, gripping the communicator as if it were attached to a life rope.

"Why are you stuck up a tree?" He asked, his voice indicating his puzzlement but no censure.

"What? Oh, the police are chasing me. I sprained my ankle while I was running and I needed a place to hide." I said frankly.

"Is this my fault?" He asked, sounding rather chagrined.

"No. I saw them murder a man execution style. This isn't your fault. Wait, someone is coming." I replied succinctly as I shifted on my spot in my tree. I saw some lights appear from below me as they scanned the tree I climbed. Shortly afterward I heard the voices and lights move away.

I heard some sounds on the other side of the Communicator as if he were moving rapidly, "I'm coming to help you and I won't take no for an answer."

I sighed in relief, "That is what I hoped you would say. I am lost somewhere in Central Park, the University district."

"I'll find you." Came the firm reply. "Don't worry. Just keep where you are as long as you feel it's safe."

"Please hurry." I whispered.

***

Where was he?

I had shut off the communicator as soon as I figured that my trackers might scan the airwaves looking for someone calling for help. Given the fact that the number of people crashing through the woods below me seemed to be bigger then the number I saw in the grouping, either the regular police were after me, or the gang was a lot bigger then I thought.

Leaning over the edge I stared through the tree branches. Biting my lip I noticed someone approaching at an unhurried pace. I couldn't tell who it was because it was night now and the light he was carrying revealed only a heavy hooded cloaked figure.

Then the hood flipped back and the head looked up. I wanted to cry. I had never been so thankful to see anyone in all my life. Every girl dreamed about having a knight in shining armor rescue them. Well, I'd take my knight with a shining flashlight.

"Obi-wan?" I called softly. He turned about to get a better look at me as he shined his light in my direction. "Obi-Wan! Thank you for introducing me to an entirely new experience."

One elegant eyebrow arched on his forehead, "Oh really? And what experience would that be?"

"Being pleased to see you." I grinned down at him

He chuckled and shook his head, "Well, you are certainly all right if you are able to make jokes."

"I've always said that if you can't laugh, what can you do?" I chuckled

His face blanked to a deadpan as he intoned, "Become a Jedi Master."

For my response I broke off a small branch and threw it at him. He dodged easily of course.

"Can you climb down?" He asked softly in his musical calming voice. I suddenly felt as if everything would be all right.

"I can get close enough to jump so you can catch me." I said pointing to my ankle. "This won't let me do much."

He nodded and climbed up a bit so he was standing on the lowest branch, as calm and poised as if he were on solid ground. I managed to get within reach of him, keeping most of my weight on my good limbs. As soon as I was within reach I felt myself gently pulled off the branch I was on and cradled in a pair of surprisingly strong arms.

"It's easier this way." He said gallantly and stepped off the branch. We fell the two meters to the ground and he landed on his feet, as easily as if he simply hopped off a small ledge.

"Wow, the force is good for some things, isn't it?" I whistled appreciatively.

He chuckled, his mouth curved up into a smile and his cheeks dimpling slightly. "A few. You have other searchers besides those you mentioned."

I nodded, "What's going on?"

He gently set me down to stand on my one good leg and wrapped me up in his cloak against the chill. "You've been framed for the murder. The police don't take kindly to one of their own being killed."

I snicker, "I seem to recall the Jedi get rather testy themselves when that happens."

"Only too true." He whispered, "Do you have any plans on what to do next?"

I shook my head, "Plans that do not involve the ingestion of copious amounts of strong liquor, no. I'm fresh out of ideas. I hoped you'd have a few."

He nodded, "Yes, but it hinges on you making it to the temple."

I stared at him, completely aghast. "Are you suggesting I ask for Sanctuary?"

He once again scooped me up in his arms as if I weighed no more then his cloak alone. "Yes."

If someone is accused of a crime, but hasn't been arrested and can make it to the temple, they can ask for sanctuary. If accepted by the Jedi, the person is allowed to hide and rest in the temple unharmed and unable to be touched by the law for forty-eight hours. After that amount of time, if the charges remain and no one has found an alternative, the jedi release them into the custody of the Police.

People usually never ask the Jedi for Sanctuary because of many factors. One must be accused of a crime and has to make it to the temple without getting caught. Secondly, it's not a salvation; it's merely a stay of execution. But anyone who was been accepted for sanctuary often has the police seriously reconsider if they have the right person.

No one in living memory has asked the temple for sanctuary. As one can imagine with the long lives of some species, that's a good while. I doubted if Yoda himself remembered the last time someone asked for Sanctuary.

"Do you think they'd accept me?" I asked astonished. "Doesn't a master have to review my case and say yes or no?"

Obi-wan smiled, "My master will review it and is doing so right now. I have no doubt you will be accepted."

I wrap my arms around his neck and rest my head against his shoulder; "Do you think we will make it? And can you carry me that far?"

He chuckled; I could feel the vibrations of it along my body. He was warm and strong beneath my cheek. "I've escaped worse conditions then this and I am only carrying you out of the park, which is only half a league south. Rest now."

With that I relaxed against his body and slipped into a light doze. During the trip over I kept waking up only to be hushed back to sleep again. I realized he was probably using the force to suggest me into sleep, but in a way I didn't really mind. My twisted ankle rendered me rather useless and frankly there was no real need for me to be awake.

Finally I got the impression of being carried again down a hall, there being the murmurs of a few stranger voices, but they didn't sound unfriendly. All too soon I felt that gentle pressure to sleep once again on my mind and this time I gave myself up to it completely.

***

Day 6: Sanctuary

I sensed my consciousness coming back for a more permanent visit to the land of the living. I was warm, wearing something impossibly soft and textured. I let myself come awake gradually. I stretched feeling my joints pop a bit and my muscles come awake. I haven't slept that well in years.

I flexed my ankle gingerly expecting it to be injured, only to find that it felt as good as new. Peeking under the sheets I saw that I was wrapped in a soft beige cloth with a small green pin stuck in it. I gasped, it was the mark of a Jedi Healer. Jedi healers were among the most prestigious and sought after mainly for their miraculous mental powers. However, they were in it for the sake of the art, taking on only the cases that seemed impossible. I never dreamed I'd be the recipient of that attention and all for a simple twisted ankle.

I opened my eyes and was a bit surprised by my surroundings. It was clear I was in a bedroom that was someone else's. One wall was just completely of shelves containing artifacts of a life. Random Knickknacks adorned honored places on shelves completely out of proportion to their monitory value. A small collection of Holos and Music were neatly organized on one shelf. Study materials were on the shelves nearest the small desk, clearly used for study and kept neat.

On the top shelf was the most intriguing thing of all. It was a set of sculptures done in perfect white alabaster. Some were reliefs of various country and cityscapes; others were statuettes of people. They were exquisitely rendered pieces. I could see one that was half finished on a lower shelf. It was of a longhaired and bearded Jedi master in a fighting stance, his robes flowing behind him. There was a charcoal sketch propped beside it of what it will look like upon completion.

I looked down to the desk and saw that there was a set of stone sculpting tools out and a half formed piece in the same white stone. The shape of the stone was far too vague now, it resembled a peeled vegetable at the moment in fact. But beside it was a sketch of me sitting at the table looking at the Jedi temple in the sunset.

"I'm having trouble getting the smile right." I heard from the doorway. I looked up to see Obi-wan leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. He didn't have his robe on, so I clearly saw the Jedi tunics, belt, saber and pants.

"I didn't know Jedi sculpted." I said as I waved to his other creations, "They are utterly fantastic. I'm amazed at your talent."

"So am I." He chuckled as he sat down on the edge of the bed, "Then again my master has always told me I am easily impressed. Any of the Alderaan Master Sculpters make my pieces look like the amateur attempts they are."

I waved his comment aside, "I think they are beautiful. I didn't know that Jedi had enough spare time to be artists."

Obi-wan chuckled, "You'd be surprised. Almost every Jedi has an artistic hobby or two. We even have a proverb that states, 'never trust a priest who can't dance', meaning one can never really trust someone who knows nothing other then their craft. Master Yoda is jeweler, Master Windu is a flute player and My master is a painter."

My eyes went wide, "Really? What does he paint?"

"Everything." Obi-wan smiled ruefully, "There isn't a stationary object in our rooms that hasn't something painted on it. It's been a joke between us that I can't sleep in too long, else I might end up varnished."

After laughing for a little bit I looked down and felt my hand start plucking on the fuzz of his blanket. "Any news about my life?"

A warm strong hand covered my own, stopping the motion. I looked up into his eyes. He smiled, "The Council met and decided to grant you Sanctuary for now. In the mean time, we will try and find evidence to prove you innocent, however I must warn you, it doesn't look hopeful."

I nodded, "You do believe me when I say I am innocent, right?"

"Of course." His cultured tones coloring with astonishment, as if he couldn't believe I was asking such a question, "It's a matter of getting solid evidence that the courts will believe. So far we've been able to prove any physical evidence they provide for your guilt as shoddy or circumstantial. However, their word combined with the circumstantial will be convincing to a jury."

I nodded miserably, "Yes, and unfortunately the republic hasn't evolved yet to the point of taking a Jedi's word over physical evidence."

"Precisely." He sighed, "Besides, Jedi are not allowed to participate in the local justice of Coruscant other then act as witnesses."

I flop back to the pillows and stare at the ceiling, "You certainly know how to give a girl good news, don't you?"

He sighed, "There is still some time left. Maybe something will come up by then? Don't give up hope yet."

I chuckled as I looked down at what I was wearing. It was very clear that these were his clothes. "Who may I ask undressed me?"

He smiled at me in silence, not answering the question.

"You didn't?" I pressed, staring at him.

His smile deepened slightly.

I felt my cheeks start to flame as thoughts of this perfect stranger undressing me. His mouth broke into one of those breathtakingly bright smiles as he laughed, "No, I didn't undress you. My master did the honor as much as I would have liked to have helped."

I promptly took the pillow from beneath my head and hit him with it. He simply laughed in response as he blocked my hit easily with one arm. "Well, I guess I better get ready to face the day."

He nodded, "I left some clothes and fresh towels for you in the bathroom. You can freshen up there. I fear that I have some classes that need attending now, but I shall return this afternoon. In the mean time, my room is yours."

Obi-wan stood up and started to walk away. Just before he reached the door I stopped him, "Obi-wan."

"Yes?" He asked, his back to me, but his head turned to look at me from the corner of his eyes.

"Thank you. For everything." I said sincerely. Those words alone could not convey my heartfelt gratitude at his kindness and generosity. I could only hope he could read the real depth behind them in the force.

His chin tilted towards the ground slightly as the corners of his mouth lifted into a soft smile, "You are welcome."

Then he was gone.

***

I was up to my elbows in dark rich earth. Never one to enjoy idleness I quickly found the nearest garden, sought out the gardener and asked what I could do to help. I had spent the entire morning up to my elbows in dirt. I saw a small figure up ahead in the garden sitting alone. I knew full well that children were supposed to be at class now since I heard a teacher call them in only a few minutes before.

I creep up behind the small lump of crème and whisper, "Hey, aren't you supposed to be in class?" I didn't want the poor kid to get in trouble for falling asleep in the garden

To my personal horror the figure straightened and turned revealing none other then master Yoda himself. I felt my jaw drop as I realized who it was I was trying to chastise for missing class.

"Long time, it has been, since class, I was in." He said softly in his backward speech.

"Master Yoda, I am sorry. Please forgive me." I stuttered an apology. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

He chuckled and cocked his head to one side, "Sanctuary, you've been granted. Why work?"

I frowned, "I don't like receiving charity. It just doesn't sit well with me. I like feeling I'm earning my keep better."

Yoda cocked his head, "Charity from young Obi-wan, you received without guilt."

I felt my cheeks turn pink. "He didn't give me help out of pity. Besides, I'm just as susceptible as the next girl to good looks and charm." I suddenly realized what I just said and I felt my cheeks blush even harder.

Yoda chuckled again and patted one tiny gnarled hand on my cheek, "Young too, I once was. Understand you, I do."

I sighed as I sat back and felt the sun on my face. It was peaceful here, timeless. The garden was larger then any I had ever seen and had more paths with hidden nooks then I could hope to explore in my two days here. No wonder Yoda has stayed alive this long. With this kind of beauty to look at, I wouldn't mind sticking around a few hundred years.

Yoda then tapped his stick on the ground. I looked down at him and he smiled at me, "Open you must be, to all solutions. Here comes Young Obi-wan."

I turned to look down the path and see that Obi-wan was striding towards me.   Oh was it a sight to behold with the warm sun shining down on him. I turned to look for master Yoda but he was no where in sight, moving faster then belied his age.

"Hello," Obi-wan smiled down at me. "Enjoy your morning?"

I nodded, "Yes, just one more bulb to plant and I will be done."

Obi-wan chuckled as I finished up, "I must say, I think I prefer this hobby then that of my master's."

I looked over my shoulder at him as I patted down the dirt around the bulb, "Oh, surely painting isn't that disruptive aside from the fumes."

"Not that habit. My master has this nasty tendency to have random creatures follow him home. I don't suppose he can help it, but it is rather annoying to wake up and see this Jelly creature sleeping on your feet." He chuckled.

I snickered, "Yes, plants don't tend to chew your socks or knock over your garbage. But I must warn you, I have the same nasty habit."

Obi-wan rolled his eyes, "Force forbid. I suppose the force is trying to tell me something by ensuring I have a never ending stream of pathetic life forms to plague me."

I picked up a small clump of dirt and threw it at his boots. He easily danced away from it as I finished planting the last flower bulb. With that I stood up and removed my work gloves smiling, "Well, that's the last."

He paused for a while, kneeling beside me. "I wonder." He started and then trailed off.

"Yes?" I asked cocking my head to one side.

"I wonder if you would like to spend the afternoon with me. My master gave me the rest of the day off, only asking to bring you around for a late supper with him." He said, "Would this be agreeable to you."

I felt my heart give a little flip in my chest. "Yes." I heard myself saying, "I'd love to."

***

"Oh, he's so cute!" I exclaimed as I looked at another static holo of Obi-wan as a pre-teen child with Master Qui-gon. Obi-wan was off somewhere, probably looking for the sharpest knife in the apartment to commit suicide with.

"Master, hasn't she seen enough?" Obi-wan groaned from behind us.

I looked at the small elfin figure in the picture that barely came up to Master Jinn's waist and sighed. The adorable boy in the picture was caught in the middle of eating a Muja Fruit. His face was covered in the sticky red juice and he was looking at the camera with an expression of surprise.

The tiny child had bright blue eyes, a stubborn chin, and a nonstop smile. When one looked at Obi-wan in the pictures, one could see a little hint of the man he was now. The converse was also true, one could also see the boy he was in the man.

"Well you were cute. Now when you open your mouth that illusion is shattered." I commented as I turned to the next holo, which was Obi-wan as a child once again, bending over a workbench making a lightsaber. his tongue was poking out of one corner of his mouth in concentration.

Obi-wan gave an undignified snort as he flopped down into the chair opposite his master and I. Earlier, Obi-wan and I had a lovely time as he took me on a tour of the temple. We talked about everything and nothing. I told him all about my life growing up and how I came to Coruscant and he told me about his life as a Jedi.

Then we went to supper with his master and it turned out his master and I hit it off like a house on fire. Once I got over the whole Jedi Master thing, Qui-gon Jinn was like the father I lost as a child. Then Qui-gon brought out the sketches he made of Obi-wan when Obi-wan first became his apprentice and the entire conversation slid downhill from there.

"Well, I think we need to get going. There is something I want to show you." Obi-wan said as he looked at his watch.

I rolled my eyes and handed the book of holos back to Qui-gon with a conspiratorial wink. "We'll finish this later. I want ALL the dirt on him."

Qui-gon chuckled, "Certainly my dear. Like the fact he snores when he's drunk."

"MASTER!" Obi-wan exploded, "I am trying to make a good impression on her and you aren't helping any!"

I grinned, "I think he's helping plenty by showing me the truth. Wasn't it you who said that learning the faults first would only benefit us? Snores huh?"

"Like a Bantha in rut." Master Jinn chuckled, "Remind me to also tell you about the time he set a wookie class mate on fire."

"Say good night master." Obi-wan sighed

"Good night, master." Master Jinn and I both said in unison.

Obi-wan gave this deep growl before bowing and steering me out the door. We wandered the halls for what seemed like forever, going deeper and deeper into the temple. Also higher and higher.

"Obi-wan, where are we going?" I asked as we stepped into another lift and he pressed the button to send us skyward.

"You'll see." He replied.

I sighed and leaned back against the wall. "Tomorrow."

He nodded, "Yes. Tomorrow is your last day of Sanctuary."

I shook my head, "I wasn't thinking about that. I meant tomorrow is the day you'd say I'd marry you."

"Yes, that too." He whispered, "I still hold to that."

I rolled my eyes, "Obi-wan, you can't honestly expect me to marry you barely a week after I've met you? It's sheer insanity! You barely know me. How can you say that you want to marry me?"

He watched me from his side of the elevator, so still I thought he was a statue. His blue eyes held me transfixed. "I know you are kind and generous with a good heart. I've talked to you and know enough that you are an original thinker that though we may see the exact same thing, we'll have different perceptions that will be fascinating to share and discuss. What else do I need to know?"

I threw my hands up in the air. "What about me? I'm not the type of girl to go leaping into marriage. For crying out loud I was dating Mic for years and didn't get engaged."

"Ever think that was because you knew he wasn't right for you? He seemed far too placid an individual to satisfy a new colonist." Obi-wan challenged.   His eyes blazed with a quiet determination saying he wasn't going to give up without a fight. "What else do you need to know? Ask me."

I sputtered. Just seconds ago I had a million and one questions about him but upon looking at them, not a single one of them would give me an answer that would change how I felt about him now. I was very much attracted to him. His mind was fascinating in its originality and his lively sense of the ridiculous. His soul was deeper then I could ever imagine and I was instinctively always attracted to those who could help me better myself as a person. His body was delicious but that went without saying.

I shook my head, "I can't think of anything. I don't know Obi-wan. I guess I always imagined doing some normal things before getting married, like Dancing."

Before I knew what was happening, Obi-wan had grabbed my hand and pulled me up against his chest. We were so close I could feel the warmth coming off his body. He held on of my hands in his in the air while his other arm wrapped around my waist to hold me close.

Then we began to move. I recognized the steps as a common waltz. One-two-three one-two-three we moved in tight circles around the elevator. I heard him start to humm a classical waltzing tune as we danced in perfect unison. I had never danced that well with anyone before. Usually there was some awkwardness, but not this time. It was utter perfection.

I didn't know if the dizzy spell was due to the spinning or the company I was keeping, but I closed my eyes and let go. I just let myself be and enjoyed the dance. I wasn't even aware that the doors had opened or that we had exited the elevator until we came to a stop.

"Open your eyes." Obi-wan whispered into my ear as he turned me.

I did.

It was in a word, breathtaking. We were standing on the top of the center spire, outside on the roof. Below me stretched the entire city of Coruscant. Air cars whizzed by in the distance, the sun set in orange and red, painting the very air.

Then I realized in the distance was my little park.

"I come up here every chance I can, to watch the coruscant sky. I liked seeing the stars come out." He confessed shyly, while pressed against my back. He held me close so his arms were belted around my waist and his chin was resting on my shoulder.

"So, while I was watching you, you were watching me." I whispered in wonder.

I felt his lips move so they were right above my ear, I could feel the warm puffs of breath as he spoke, "I don't want to tell you this to frighten you.   I am only telling you to try and make you understand that the force and my heart are telling me this is meant to be. But it takes more then just my heart and a force blessing for this to work. You need to agree too."

I nodded. I didn't really understand, but I felt I was beginning to have a good idea.

***

When we got back to his room he stopped outside his bedroom door. He seemed to be gathering up the courage to say or do something. I straightened up and tried to look as friendly as possible. Then he nodded to himself, reached to his belt, unclipped his lightsaber and pressed it into my hands.

"huh?" I said intelligently. To be honest, I was hoping for a goodnight kiss.

He kept his hands around mine, making sure I held onto it. "Ask my master what this means."

I frowned in confusion. Suddenly Obi-wan made his mind up all at once. One of his hands reached around the back of my neck, tilted my head and he leaned forward for a quick kiss.

It was classic toe curling, foot popping, and heart stopping kiss. An electric tingle started from the top of my head and shot through my entire body. When he pulled away I was breathing hard and dizzy once again. He gave me a quick smile before dashing away, leaving me holding the lightsaber feeling very confused.

How long I stood there blinking like an idiot and holding his lightsaber in both of my hands I don't know. I looked up to see Qui-gon was smiling at me. "So he went through with it. I was wondering."

"What does this mean?" I asked holding his lightsaber.

Qui-gon tapped the weapon and smiled, "That, my dear girl, is a classic Jedi proposal."

I stared at the weapon in my hands, "What?"

Qui-gon smiled kindly, "The rules are simple. The Jedi in question give his beloved his lightsaber or leaves it for them in a place where they are likely to find it. That is the asking. The person then has twenty four hours to say yes or no. To say no means you hand the Jedi's lightsaber to another jedi to give back."

I clutched the saber, "To say yes?"

"Then you go to him personally and hand it back to him. You then take things to their logical conclusion."

I felt my cheeks go red and my breathing quicken at what one logical conclusion could be. If his kiss was that fantastic, I was pretty sure I'd suffer heart failure attempting the rest.

Qui-gon chuckled, "The logical conclusion is exactly what your mind is thinking. It's needed to, shall we say, seal the bargain?"

I sputtered, "Good lord, first yoda, now you?"

Qui-gon rocked his head back and laugh, "My apprentice and former master were right. You blush rather charmingly."

I smile and look down at the lightsaber in my hand. It was heavier then I would have expected. I bit my lip and looked back up at qui-gon. He smiled down at me comfortingly. "Sleep on it, my dear. And take all day to think about it. You have plenty of time."

I nodded and crept into Obi-wan's room to get what little sleep I could.

***

Day Seven: Just a little bit more

I was right, I didn't get much sleep that night. I spent most of the night up listening to Master Qui-gon snore like hibernating bear. That and the soft sounds of movement as a second person bedded down in the common room. Each creek I heard from that room made my heart give a flip.

As much as I dreaded facing him again, I hoped for it. I knew that if he came to me and did anything that resembled a non-platonic gesture, I'd melt right into his arms. But, blessing or curse that it was, he left the decision of the final step completely up to me.

I managed to find a little sleep a few hours before dawn only to be woken up again by the sounds of someone moving around in the room. I slowly opened my eyes to see him gathering study materials for the day.

"Good morning." I said softly.

He jerked in surprise and turned quickly so the sleeve of his cloak caught the stacked items on the desk sending them spilling to the ground. "I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." He said as he hurriedly started to pick up the mess.

"Don't worry," I assured, "I'll put them away."

He nodded slightly and straightened up, I could tell by the way that his eyes were rapidly moving from side to side that he was nervous. To be honest, I wasn't much better with that way my hand was constantly plucking at the fuzz on the blanket.

The moment stretched into eternity.

"Well, this is rather awkward." I said just to break the ice. "I've got one day."

"Yes, one day to decide if you'll have me." He said sadly.

I frowned, "I wasn't thinking about that. I was thinking I've got one day left of Sanctuary."

"Oh." He said surprised and then lowered his chin so he was looking at the edge of the bed, "Yes that is true as well."

Another eternal moment until he broke the silence and said, "I guess I best be going now," He turned and walked away, when he reached the door he looked back over his shoulder and whispered, "unless you have something to give me?"

There was such hope, such a light in his eyes, that I felt so terrible saying, "Not right now."

Thankfully that beautiful light wasn't extinguished, it was only banked before he gave me a small smile, a nod and then he was gone. ~*~*~*~

"… and in other news today, the dwelling of Alexa Lel'meht was vandalized. The damage was done allegedly done by coruscant police sympathizers." The announcer said on the holonet news.

The screen then switched over to a person being interviewed for the word on the street. The Twilik woman tossed her tendrils behind her head and frowned, "I say who ever did this should get a medal and not arrested. She's obviously an enemy of the republic. She had the gall to accuse a jedi of a crime and now she's killed a police officer? I hope she finds a good lawyer cause she's going to need one to make her insanity plea stick."

Master Qui-gon flicked off the news. "I'm sorry." he said softly as he passed me a glass of juice at the breakfast table.

I shrugged as I buttered up my toast, "I didn't like that apartment much anyway."

He placed a hand over my shoulder and gave it a friendly squeeze, "It's all right to be upset about all this. You are an innocent that's practically been convicted before trial."

I nodded, "I know. But at least I know someone believes me and will help me."

He smiled as he massaged my shoulder, "Someone, or someone specific?"

I felt another blush creep to my cheeks.

He chuckled as he sat back in his chair, "It's all right. There is no reason to be frightened there either."

"No reason to be?" I whispered, "I'm seriously contemplating entering into a permanent and highly intimate arrangement with a man I've barely known a week! What am I supposed to be? Calm? This sort of thing doesn't happen everyday to me you know."

"The choice should be simple then. Say no." Qui-gon said smoothly

I frowned, "It's that little part of me that wants to say yes and won't shut up about it I have a problem with."

Qui-gon nodded, "I've looked up your psych eval for when you joined the Senate. You have a small piece of adventurer in you."

I chuckled, "So they've told me. Comes from growing up on a baby colony."

Qui-gon then leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers, "Then your choice there is simple again. He's an honorable man with a personality that matches yours. Say yes."

"But marriage after only a week?" I bit my lip, "that's a bit of a leap."

He cocked his head, curious, "You haven't taken many leaps of faith, have you?"

"No, I haven't." I sighed deeply, "I just don't feel comfortable with leaps of faith like that. What puzzles me is that you are taking this so calmly. I mean, you are his master. Aren't you mildly worried about your apprentice proposing to a girl barely a week after meeting her?"

Qui-gon gave me this small mysterious smile. It was the same one that I saw when I first met Obi-wan on the bus. The same knowing hint tugging it's edges. "One day, you will understand." He replied

Qui-gon didn't say anything after that. We finished breakfast together in silence, then he got up to clear his dishes. He patted me on the shoulder as he passed.

***

This was something I had never seen before. I was working in the garden once again and the gardener had given me a rack of planets to find homes for. They were samples of endangered or near extinct species from around the galaxy, entrusted to the jedi for a last ditch effort at preservation.

The plant that was providing me with much perplexity was a large spider like thing that was monochromatic brown and moved of it's own volition. It seemed heat sensitive since it's tentacles moved slowly for my hand each time I reached for it.

"What IS this?" I asked out loud to no one in particular.

"Yavin hot spring lichen." Yoda said with a chuckle. I turned to see the old master looking at me from down the path a ways. He walked slowly towards me with his shuffling step. "Warmth and water it likes. Come, show you a good home I will. Come Come!"

I smiled as I carefully picked up the Lichen and felt it's tentacles slowly wrap around my hand. I felt nervousness grow in my stomach as nightmare images of the thing attaching to me permanently and feeding off my body danced through my head. But I was going to trust master Yoda.

I figured a being as old as he was had to know what he was doing.

Slowly we broke through some brush far off the path and found a beautiful little hot spring pool. It was against a small rock cliff and surrounded by green grass and small pink flowers. The second a tendril of steam hit the lichen it's tendrils moved off me and reached desperately for the warmth. I walked close then bent down and let a tendril touch the pool. The lichen actively pushed it's self off my hand and dove into the pool, sinking to the bottom. Yoda and I watched as it used its tendrils to roll slowly around the bottom of the pool.

"Strange, the variety of life never ceases to amaze me." I smiled, "Every time I think I have a rule for nature and life it goes and pulls a new one on me."

Yoda chuckled dryly, "Eight hundred years I've been here, and wondrous, life still is to me."

I sat down beside yoda at the edge of the pool. If I were told just a week ago that I would have the oldest living jedi master beside me to talk to, I would have listed a thousand questions to ask him. But right now, none of those questions seemed important at all. I just wanted to sit in his presence and share a moment with this venerable being and hope some of his wisdom will rub off on me.

"Asked you, he has." Yoda whispered as he pointed to the small bag I carried around. I felt like an idiot putting the thing on my belt so I found a bag for it.

"Yes." I said, "I'm scared of saying yes, but I don't want to say no."

Yoda nodded wisely, "Why?"

I sighed, "A thousand reasons, some obvious, some not."

Yoda adjusted his grip on his walking stick as we stared at the pool together.

"What is the Lichen doing?" I asked as we watched it roll around.

Yoda chuckled, "Finding it's new home. Grows, it does, in the hot springs near the polar caps. Normally springs dry up naturally and Lichen uses tendrils to find new home. But caps melting, hot springs drying to steam shafts. No more homes to find and longer good home is Yavin. So new home it must find."

I frowned, "How will it like being here? How will we know it's found it's place?"

Just as I asked that, the Lichen rolled in tighter and tighter circles until finally it gave one final roll, only this time the tendrils stuck instead of pushing on the rock. The brown ugly mass it was unfolded into this beautiful iridescent pearl colored mat. It stood there for a few seconds before sinking down, molding against the rock at the bottom of the pool.

"Beautiful." I breathed. "Is it safe to touch it?"

Yoda nodded, "Step on it, one can. Lichen it is. This is good. Keep the water clean it will."

Yoda then got up with a grunt and proceeded to walk away. I couldn't help but feel that many of my unnamed fears and doubts left with him.

***

I set about making lunch in Obi-wan and Qui-gon's shared quarters with the Holo news playing in the background. It was a comfortable little place. There was a large kitchen, dining and living area that was sparsely furnished with floor pillows and low tables rather then traditional table chairs. The kitchen was just big enough to accommodate two people comfortably and carried the simple design. Off of the main room there was a corridor where the two bedrooms were set on opposite sides of the hall with the refresher door at the very end of the hall.

On small shelves on various points on the wall were several of Obi-wan's sculptures. One, which was my favorite, was of he and his master, standing back to back, their sabers drawn, ready to defend each other. Obi-wan got the flow of their cloaks down perfectly.

Along every wall, where the wall met the ceiling was a delicately painted boarder. From a distance it seemed like a simple spiral pattern, but upon closer inspection revealed a delicate artistry and scrollwork that must have taken years with a brush containing only a few hairs. I actually got up upon a small hover chair I saw in the place and examined the painting. It seemed to be long continuous pictorial diary.

I watched events of their lives unfold. There was Obi-wan as a child fighting a white-haired boy in an arena. Another picture of the child Obi-wan lying in a hospital bed, looking beaten and Qui-gon sitting beside the bed. The man and the boy fighting a third man with flowing black hair and broken circle scar. I saw various missions and events. Some were peaceful like an image of Master and apprentice bent over the same book, or dynamic depicting some battle they fought.

"This just in." the news announced catching my attention away from the fascinating painted tapestry. "The police have just confirmed that the real perpetrators of the murder in the South University Park were caught. Apparently some of the very investigators on the crime were the alleged criminals. They were actively trying to frame Alexa Lel'meht for the crime.   Suspicions were first aroused against these investigators when a Sergeant Anley saw them allegedly tampering with evidence to improve the case against Miss Lel'meht. As a result of these new charges, the warrant against Miss Lel'meht has been dropped. Miss Lel'meht as you know was granted sanctuary by the Jedi a little under forty hours ago."

  I hopped off the hoverchair to creep over to the holoset to watch. The scene changed to a picture of Sergeant Anley himself, "I had just finished examining her purse for evidence and could find nothing. I then watched as a fellow member of the investigation team took the purse away. A few minutes later there was a great cry saying that traces of the dead officer's blood was found on the purse. When I looked at the place the blood traces were found, I knew it was impossible since I just examined that place and found it clean. I knew something was suspicious then."

I smiled as I turned off the set; even when Sergeant Anley was arresting me, I knew he was a good and fair cop who just wanted to do his duty. I hope he made it to captain for this.

The door activated and in walked Obi-wan wearing a set of pure white jedi robes with a frozen expression on his face. "You've been cleared of all charges." He said flatly.

"I know, I heard on the holonet." I smiled brightly "I don't suppose you had anything to do with it, did you?"

He shifted his feet, "A little. If one loves something, one must set it free."

I blinked. In all this whirlwind courtship he had never mentioned love. That decided it for me. I reached into the small sachel that held his lightsaber, pulled it out and handed it to him.

He blinked rapidly as he stared his lightsaber in his hands, like he had never seen it before. Then he looked back up into my eyes, "Are you sure? You decided this quickly?"

I nodded, "Pretty sure. I asked myself what was the minimum time I was to have known you before I said yes. Then asked myself if I waited that long would my answer be any different. It wouldn't."

A smiled slowly spread over his features, transforming his expression from one of shock to pure elation. Seconds later I was wrapped in his embrace enjoying being thoroughly kissed. His lips were warm and soft as they coaxed a response from mind. One of his hands slid down my back. He unexpectedly squeezed my rump causing me to jump closer to him. Then the hand traveled further south to encourage me to hook one of my legs around him, bringing our pelvises together.

I moaned softly at the sensation. His other hand was busy as well, snaking up under my shirt to rest between my shoulder blades so he could hold me up.   My heart was pounding, I was experiencing vertigo and I didn't care.

Our moment of joy was interrupted by a booming voice behind me, "Children, save some for after the ceremony."

I slowly pulled away and turned around feeling my cheeks flame. I thought we were caught by his master. I felt badly about that but vowed to be more circumspect in the future.

However, when I vision refocused I saw, not just Obi-wan's Master. I saw the head of the Council, Mace Windu was present, along with Yoda, and a few of Obi-wan's friends that he introduced me to. Through the door filed in Sheana and my ex boyfriend Mic. The jedi all seemed to be wearing white jedi robes and Mic and Sheana were dressed up in formal clothes as well.

Mace Windu was holding something that looked distinctly like a Holy Book.

Mace Windu smiled as he turned towards Qui-gon, "This is rather delightful. Did you know this will be the first marriage I have performed as head of the council?"

I whirled on Obi-wan and punched his arm, "You assumed I'd say yes!"

A small triumphant smirk appeared on his lips as he raised a hand in protest, "Hoped, my dear, very much hoped. Besides, weren't you the one who said that the force was useful for some things."

I stood staring at the gathered group aghast. "But you brought the wedding party with you! You expect the ceremony to be performed here and now… with me wearing this?" I waved to the shirt and pant set I had borrowed from Obi-wan's own closet.

Obi-wan wrapped his arms around my shoulders as he stood behind me and leaned forward to whisper in my ear, "And weren't you the one who also told me not to wait for you at the church?"

"Masters, May I have a few moments before we proceed with the ceremony?" I asked calmly

Mace Windu nodded his head gracefully.

I bent down, picked up a pillow off the floor and proceeded to beat my Fiance thoroughly about the head and shoulders. He, not one to go down without a fight, picked one up in return and defended himself.

Through the sounds of thumping of pillows I heard Mic say, "Aww, now that is real love right there."

***

I did manage to convince Obi-wan that I was not going to get married in his cast off clothes. While I am not one to stand on ceremony and do not believe that clothes make a person, I do believe that some occasions call for a little dressing up. If nothing else I was going to at least put on a skirt for this occasion. So I managed to borrow Sheana's dress. It was the least she could do considering she thieved Mic from under me.

Obi-wan had made the joke to Sheana not to worry, I wouldn't be wearing it long anyway.

I looked at myself wearing the light purple dress. I had to admit, I didn't look bad. With a smile and the feeling I was jumping right off a building and not caring a jot if I ever hit ground, I opened the bathroom door and marched down the hall to the main room. Mace Windu was standing at the head of the party, facing everyone else. Obi-wan was kneeling in front of him.

Mace Windu smiled at me, "We would have invited your father if he were alive. Is there anyone you wish to stand in his stead?"

I nodded, "If Master Qui-gon would be willing?"

Magically, the Jedi master appeared at my elbow and looped our arms together. "I would be honored." There was a brightness in his smile and deep blue eyes that told me he truly was.

I didn't know what was to happen at a Jedi wedding since each belief system had it's own customs. I had to think there would be a little ceremony, but nothing tremendously fancy. I was walked over to Obi-wan and Qui-gon gave my hand over to his apprentice. Obi-wan then pulled me down to kneel beside him in front of the head of the council.

Mace Windu smiled, "Right now, I would traditionally give you two a great long speech about the seriousness and sanctity of marriage. But I know that Alexa is a levelheaded young lady and Obi-wan is a unusually sensible young padawan despite who his master is."

I turned my head to see master Qui-gon Jinn trying to look regal and dignified but the smile that tugged at his lips caused him to fail miserably. He truly looked like the happy father who wasn't losing a son, but gaining a daughter. I was half expecting him after the ceremony to start pestering Obi-wan and I to have children so he can have some babies about the house to play with.

"So with the bride and grooms permission, I would like to skip directly to the vows." Mace Windu nodded.

Obi-wan nodded his approval and I nodded mine. After all, everything else about this courtship was truncated, why not the ceremony?

Master Yoda produced a white scarf and small wand. He then placed the wand in Obi-wan's upturned hand and placed one of mine on top of it so our hands were together, palm to palm. Yoda then wound the white scarf around our joined hands as Obi-wan and I laced our fingers together. His touch was warm and more then slightly thrilling. To think this incredible being wanted to spend the rest of his life joined with me. There was so much I didn't know about him, and I was willing to take the rest of my life to learn.

I barely heard the words that Master Mace Windu said over us. I think most of it was in a language I didn't understand. I spent the entire time gazing at my soon to be husband. I never imagined marrying so quickly, let alone to a Jedi. I didn't care about the Jedi bit all that much. I just had a personality that could never back away from a challenge and every instinct I had said this man would be the ultimate challenge.

He'd be someone who'd take me down a peg when I deserved it, backed me up when I needed it and totally expected me to perform the same service for him.

Alright, I admitted it then. I was head over heels in love with him ever since I saw his light shining for me in the darkness. He would always find me.

It took me a few seconds to realize they were waiting for a reply from me.

"Yes, of course she does." Obi-wan spoke for me with a grin. I gripped his hand a little tighter in warning.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that." I said as I looked up at Master Windu.

Master Windu chuckled, "I'm not surprised, not many speak this dead language anymore. I was asking you if you'd promise to love, honor, cherish and be faithful to him."

I nodded, "Yes, I promise."

The Head of the council then repeated his question to Obi-wan and he replied in the same tongue. I wasn't expecting what came next. Master Windu then touched the wand held in Obi-wan and my conjoined hands, twisted it and pulled it out.

It felt as if a razor sharp knife was dragged along my palm, leaving a deep and bleeding cut. I could feel the slick sticky blood start to pour out of the wound between our palms. Through the raw feeling of my own wound, I felt a matching cut on Obi-wan's palm. I breathed in sharply at the unexpected pain. Instead of pulling away as I expected I would, I gripped Obi-wan's hand tighter and felt him instantly tighten on mine.

The pain gradually faded to a dull throbbing as the head of the council placed his hand on top of our tied ones, spoke his last piece then backed away. Obi-wan reached over and unwound the scarf. I expected it to be covered in blood. At least the bottom layers of it certainly. But it was still a pure pristine white.

And When Obi-wan and I separated our hands there wasn't a single drop of blood to be found. The only evidence that we had suffered an injury were matching healed scars.

"I told you the force approved." Obi-wan whispered softly before he leaned forward to claim a soft kiss.

***

Obi-wan had one last surprise for me. Our honeymoon ship was taking off at the end of the day. It wasn't really a honeymoon. More like a working Honeymoon because while we were there Obi-wan was going there to oversee a transfer of power within the government. Nothing was expected to go wrong, the planet was a stable democracy for generations but there always was that just in case clause.

I've always wanted to see Caldonia in the springtime. Caldonia was a lovely tropical planet that never heard of war until outside influences found it. Even then Caldonia quickly got bored with it feeling a swimming contest was a more civilized way of solving problems. It's people spent all their time worshipping their many gods and lounging in the sun.

However, one does not join the republic without being somewhat technologically advanced and their ingenuity came from a supreme laziness. If there is a fast, easy, cheap way of doing something, Caldonia finds it simply so they could have more time to make sand castles. It was common Practice for a Caldonian boss to tell their employees to not come into work because their tans were fading.

Caldonia also adored couples. For the most part, it was a free love society.   But anyone willing to forsake all others for one person was revered. It was why Caldonia joined the republic and loved treaties, they looked at it as the ultimate planet wide wedding. They made treaties with planets they had no dealings with, just for the month long planet wide honeymoon party that happened afterward.

I didn't know politics all that well, but I had a shrewd guess that Caldonia receiving a Jedi and his new bride would make Caldonia happy. Obi-wan's master was coming along to oversee the event but would let Obi-wan take the lead.

I had convinced Obi-wan to let me out of the temple long enough to go shopping for new clothes since all of mine were burned in the firebombing of my apartment. I had arrived at my old place to see what I could salvage and found a few messages. One was from my landlord telling me I would be given an upgrade in my apartment if I agreed to stay on. A Second was from my former employer giving me a nice fat severance check and plea to come back, saying he didn't really mean it when he called me a flatulent moron.

I sent a reply to my landlord saying I had found other quarter and one to my former employer telling him "I will think about it, you tubby bastard". While in the stores I found people frequently staring at me. But I quickly found some tropical clothing, a formal outfit, two bathing costumes and one set of somewhat naughty night attire.

I arrived at the Jedi Hangar with my small bag and saw that Obi-wan was pacing outside of the ship as items were being loaded inside. When he saw me he seemed to relax significantly as he jogged up. "Where were you?"

I arched an eyebrow, "Shopping? Where else? I'm not late, am I? You did say sunset."

He nodded, "Yes, I did. You are on time, I was just worried, that's all."

I reached out and took his hand in mine, matching our scars together. "Obi-wan, I am not going to change my mind. I'm in this for the long haul."

He smiled down at me and traced my face, "When you make a decision, you don't hold back do you?" Before the moment could get any more maudlin he took my bag and wandered off the give some final packing instructions to the droid.

I shook my head and waved to Qui-gon as I marched to the ship. He stopped me at the ramp. "If I may offer one piece of advice?"

I nodded, "Certainly. After all, you've known him for far longer then I have."

He inclined his head at the acknowledgment. "Don't let him always have the upper hand."

I smirked and leaned forward, "Got it covered."

Qui-gon tilted his head to one side, "How?"

I was about to answer him when Obi-wan approached me from behind and wrapped his arms around my waist while dipping his head down to nibble on my neck. "It will be a few days until we get to Caldonia." He murmured his voice pitched to a low purr, "Shall we make use of the time?"

Given the heat rolling off the body behind me and the warm insistant lump that I was pretty sure wasn't his lightsaber, I had a very good guess what his idea about making use of the time would be.

I caught Qui-gon's eyes and smiled. Qui-gon in turn realized what I was doing and his head nodded approval while his eyes started to sparkle with laughter.

I turned in Obi-wan's arms and smiled invitingly before purring back a soft, "That's what you think."

He blinked and leaned back, his brows wrinkling in puzzlement as his eyes went a muddy green in confusion. "Pardon?"

I reached up and tapped his lips with my finger, "You got to say when we got married, I get to say when we get intimate. I think it's only fair."

He blinked at me owlishly, "You are joking."

I pointed to my face and smiled, "Do I look like I am laughing?"

He stared at me, absolutely bewildered. He then cast his pleading look at Qui-gon. I reached up and turned his head so it was facing me, "Don't look at him for help, unless you were looking for your master to take care of you in which case Jedi are a LOT kinkier then I thought. This is between you and me."

"She's right Padawan" Qui-gon pipped up, "It does seem only fair."

"but!" He sputtered, "It's part of marriage!"

I wagged a finger at him, "Nope. Marriage is a socio-legal and sometimes religiously approved contract between two people who agree to combine strength to get through life. Intimacy is not necessarily included. I promised to love, honor and cherish you. I never recall vowing to cleave myself to you at your will. You can ask all you want, but I get final say. It does take two to do that you know!"

He looked at his feet then back up at me, "Can we at least share a bed?"

"Certainly, I wouldn't want you anywhere else." I answered honestly, "Just don't expect anything to happen in it other then sleep. For a while at least."

Obi-wan stood there, staring at me, this shocked look on his face. When I realized he didn't have anything intelligent to say I turned from him, stepped out of his arms and marched up the ramp.

I could not believe how good that felt. In the space of a week the man stalked me into losing my job and my boyfriend, arrested, wanted for murder and finally to the wedding alter. It was about time I got one up on him!

I stopped in front of Qui-gon and said, "With your permission since you are the one with rank here, I'd like to head to bed and catch up on some of my lost sleep from last night. I know nothing about ships and would be useless during take off."

Qui-gon nodded, "Permission granted. You and my apprentice are sharing the cabin closest to the cockpit." Then he leaned closer and whispered, "Brava Alexa. Excellently done."

I gave the throaty laugh before I whispered back, "wait till he sees what I am sleeping in." Then marched on board.

This was going to be an interesting Honeymoon.

***

Day 8: On The Ship

Waking up had to be the most heavenly sensation I have ever had. Every muscle was completely relaxed and I woke up feeling completely refreshed. To top it off I was wrapped in the warms of a warm male. I didn't remember him joining me in the night, but I was very glad to wake up beside him.

"As if I would really be anywhere else." Obi-wan murmured sleepily into my ear.

I stretched feeling the sweet bliss of every muscles slowly waking up. "You can read my thoughts?" I ask curiously

He chuckled, "Not quite. I merely deduced what you were thinking by the taste of your emotions and the situation we are in right now. I am glad to see my logic was correct."

I looked up into his eyes and kissed his lips lightly, "Good morning, Mr Kenobi."

He smirked, his bright teal eyes lighting up, "Good morning, Mrs Kenobi. And my I say that you need to be taken out into the street and shot."

"Why is that?" I asked feigning innocence.

One hand swept down my side, "This little number that you call sleepwear. Here I was, innocently thinking about joining you in slumber. I go to peel back the covers and what do I behold? This."

I leaned back and smiled, "It's loose sleep shirt and pants. I'm covered from ankles to wrists."

He waggled a finger at my nose, "It's also septasilk. Famous for hugging curves and being so thin to the touch one might as well wear nothing."

"So I get warm at night." I shrugged, "Big deal."

He groaned and buried his head in his hands, "You have no idea how long it took me to fall asleep. I'm warning you, my dear wife, you aren't going to move after first night."

I chuckled and snuggled closer to him. I discovered he was wearing a modest sleep shirt and pants and it was made of that same indefinably soft material as the handkerchief he gave me. It was like snuggling next to a giant teddy bear.

"I have something for you." He announced, "It was run over to me just before take off."

I leaned back a bit and looked up at him, "What is it?"

He leaned up on one elbow to reach a small shelf above the bed. I saw in his hand a small silk bag. He opened it and tipped out the contents. I gasped as the contents flashed in the artificial light in the cabin. A Girl always knows Jewelry.

He took the hand that held the scar made just the day before and slipped the ring onto my ring finger. At first I thought it was far too big, then it started to shrink of it's own volition before my eyes. It went so small I thought it was going to cut into my finger, but then it relaxed again to a comfortable size. But someone was going to have to cut my finger off to get it.

"How did it do that?" I asked gasping in astonishment.

He smiled, "Force trick. I told you master Yoda was a Jeweler."

I stared at the ring. It was clear this was a wedding band although it was made out of a silver metal and had a bright blue stone. The metal looked to be more liquid then anything, like mercury with the way it positively sparkled even in the dull light of the cabin. It seemed to be slightly warmer then my skin.

The stone seemed to give off a light of it's own, though I'd have to go someplace pitch black to be sure. I couldn't identify it. It was beautiful. However the way the stone was cut, it seemed as if it was missing half of it.

"I know it seems rather simple." Obi-wan said softly. "We can find something fancier later if you'd prefer."

"Don't you dare!" I growled, "It's beautiful, even if I have no clue what any of it is."

"All Jedi trade secrets I'm afraid." He sighed, "You like it?"

I smiled happily, "Yes, very much. But, I feel terrible, I didn't get a ring for you."

He smiled brightly, "I don't need one."

I frowned, "Why?"

"I carry the other half of the stone."

I could feel my eyebrow reach my hairline, "How?"

Again, he reached above his head, this time bringing down his lightsaber. I thought he was going to show me the stone was part of his pommel but instead he opened a part of the casing and pointed, "There."

I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head. The stone on my finger was a lightsaber crystal. I swallowed, "Wow."

He smiled and pointed, "They were originally one stone, but the weapons master cut it in half because it was too large. So I put one in my light saber and kept the other as a spare. The stone you wear was in my lightsaber from the day I first made it in the crèche until my wedding day. When you were changing for the ceremony I swapped them out, giving master Yoda one to make the ring out of."

I was shaken to the care as layers upon layers of meaning crashed down upon me about the significance of this. I was deeply honored and moved.

"I am humbled by your gift." I whispered softly. "It's beyond words."

He snapped his lightsaber shut and placed it back on the shelf while we shared a long and deep kiss. When we finally came up for air we stared at each other for a good long while.

"My gift is only a pale reflection of what you deserve." He replied softly.

I satisfied smile spread on my face. "We are still waiting."

He groaned deeply and buried his head in the pillow beside mine. I watched as his hands flexed and relaxed. I tried my best not to smile as he came up with a more reasonable expression on his face.

"I am glad we are waiting." He said cheerfully as I got up and started to gather my items for the day.

"Really?"

"Yes, gives us time to get to know each other better."

"Uh huh."

"It is only sensible."

"Obi-wan?"

"Yes?"

"Cold showers help. You can use it first."

"Thank you. I think I'll go take one now."

***

I watched in fascination as my new husband and his master fought each other viciously. Granted I knew it was only practice for them, but it was still enough to give me the chills. Lightsabers hummed a constant low war cry, changing tone as they were moved in the air. When they touched there was a flash and a scream. The weapons were living glowing extensions of the Jedi.

I originally went into the cargohold to find someplace quiet from the constant bleeping of the ships controls. I had asked for a copy of the cultural information Obi-wan was reading. Qui-gon seemed a bit surprised by my request, but was also pleased.

Despite my only being the wife of an ambassador of sorts, I was just as much a representative of the republic as he was. Probably more so since I was an example of a civilian and not of a trained diplomat. I wanted to learn as much as I could so I didn't offend anyone causing a galactic embarrassment.

I was trying to mentally sort out a rather sticky point when the master and apprentice appeared, asking if I'd mind if they practiced in the cargo hold.   I had replied that if it bothered me, I'd move.

They were fairly quiet for a while, kneeling in the floor opposite each other while Qui-gon drilled Obi-wan on everything from mental puzzles to Jedi lore to actual tasks involving the force. I pretty much was able to ignore it until I heard those lightsabers activate.

It never really hit me before that the man I was married to was a Jedi. I had come to mental terms with the idea he won't be able to be with me much, but I guess I had just thought of him as a soldier or a doctor of some kind.

Now I was seeing him in his element. His body was moving with such accuracy and fluidity it was surreal. It was as if he was made of both steel and silk. Flowing from place to place, dodging his master's attacks as if he were made of mist, and then suddenly solidifying to block or strike as if he were metal.

That didn't bother me so much as the moves he made that no normal human being could possibly make. I was watching him use the force. The first time he flung his hand and caused something to move of its own volition I would have squeaked in surprise if I had any air in my lungs.

My eyes were rived on the two figures. Those two men, who seemed so mild and gentle when chatting in the hall had this feral expression in their eyes. Like there was a fire inside of them that was barely kept under control. His master gave me the impression of a solid impenetrable force, like an ocean. Obi-wan seemed to be an element of fire and air and just as hard to catch. There were whole minutes where he never touched ground.

Finally Qui-gon did manage to ground Obi-wan with a ‘kill' hit to the chest.   Obi-wan proceeded to die theatrically. There was much groaning, writhing and muttered final lines. Qui-gon stood there unmoved by the presentation. Finally after many final convulsions, Obi-wan lay still.

Qui-gon turned off his lightsaber and clipped it to his belt. "When you are finished dying, please run through the dancing trees kata."

Qui-gon then turned on his heel and walked over to where I was sitting. I was right next to the towels and water. I held a set up for him as he reached me.

"My thanks." He said casually as he toweled down and drank some water. "You've never seen a Jedi lightsaber practice before, have you?"

I shook my head, "I have never seen a Jedi, stop sentence."

He smiled as he sat down on the cargo box next to me as the ‘corpse' got up and started stretching. "What do you think of it?"

I said the first thing that came to my mind. "You people are scary."

"Why is that?" Qui-gon asked. It was unnerving how in one eyeblink he could be a fierce warrior teacher and in the next seem like he's going to ask me when he can expect some babies to bounce on his knee.

"I've always been uncomfortable with the idea of spiritualists with weapons expertise." I replied succinctly.

"Then perhaps you'll find this more appealing." Qui-gon said pointing to Obi-wan.

I watched as my husband moved with his sword. I would have called it dancing but that was too simplistic a word. He was telling a story using his body and saber. The blue glow made a bright trail as it was whipped around. His padawan braid flew around wildly as he spun, flipped and kicked.

It was, in a word, breathtaking. I felt my mouth go dry as I began to imagine the possibilities of what one could do with a man that could do Aerial half-pikes as easily as breathing.

I finally took the time to look at him. I had spent so much time just blinded by events and our reactions to them that I never took the time to look.

He was a living breathing work of art. There probably wasn't an ounce of fat to spare on that swimmer's lean body. He wasn't overly tall, but he wasn't short either. I had no idea that someone could make average look so good. He was perfectly proportioned, from his lean strong legs to his elegant sculptor's hands.

There was something of a boyishness about his face still, which likely leant to the slight air of innocence about him. One could see in his changeable eyes that the universe hadn't been kind to him, but every knock he received simply made him stronger, but not harder. It was that lack of a harshness in him that made one see him as somewhat vulnerable.

And yet, in the set of his brow and determined chin I could see him being utterly without remorse or conscience about certain choices. There was definitely a hint of ruthlessness in his mouth. Try to hurt someone innocent or something he cares about and I had no doubt he'd sacrifice himself to save it or rip the perpetrator to tiny pieces if he couldn't.

Complex man, that was my husband.

He finished his sword dance and held his last position until Qui-gon said, "At ease. That's enough for today Padawan."

"Yes, master." Obi-wan said as he bowed. Qui-gon then stood up and left the room. Obi-wan walked over to my bench for the last remaining towel and waterbottle.

"I saw you staring." He commented with a smirk

"What if I was?" I asked challenging him

"What were you thinking? I caught some very interesting emotions emanating from you." He finished with a long drink of water.

I felt my cheeks blush as memories of those thoughts came rushing back when close to a flushed and heavily breathing husband. His eyes were riveted on me, a challenge in them.

I was willing to toss in the towel and fling myself at him if it weren't for one thing. I inhaled.

"Oh my, " I gasped, standing up trying to back away, "You are ripe."

He frowned at me before trapping me against the wall, "I thought you liked me like this."

"The view, not the smell." I said through my pinched nose. "Good lord when was the last time you washed these workout clothes."

"Um." He hesitated

"Too long then." I sighed, "GO GET CLEAN. And for the love of the little gods, wash your workout clothes once a day. It's more hygienic and they are less likely to achieve sentience. Besides, I might get near you after a work out if you do."

He rolled his eyes, "Women." With that cryptic remark he marched out of the room, shaking his head and chuckling.

I sat down on my bench and picked up my book with a big smile. Only one thought was ringing in my head.

Men.

***

My husband is a ham of the highest level and he gets worse when he has an audience. Who would have thought that a Jedi would have a distinct flair for the dramatic?

He walked into the common room wearing nothing but his trousers and got himself a glass of water. I was reading up on the culture of the Caldonians. Obi-wan had promised to come in and quiz me on it.

I have a rather eclectic taste in music. I adore everything from classical ballads and instrumentals of the old republic to Modern Shatter rock. One of my more violent shatter rock favorites was playing in the room.

I was about to offer to turn off the music when I looked up to see my husband was lolling his head around and slowly head banging to the piece like a dedicated fan. I giggled a bit at the sight. My oh so sober Jedi husband was moving like he was drugged to the eyeballs.

The song ended and he straightened up with a smirk on his face, "I really like that song."

I tucked my feet under me while I sat in the chair and propped my head up, "I didn't think Jedi listened to a band like the Dead Padawans. I would have thought it more likely they would ban that kind of music from the temple."

His eyebrows reached his hairline, "You are one of those aren't you?" His voice was cryptic and dark.

"One of what?" I asked scrunching up my nose

"One of those people who think Jedi are some sort of virginal naïve priesthood that's never allowed to have any fun." He said as he crossed his arms over his bare chest. Any sting his words might have held was negated by the smile tugging on his lips.

"The thought did cross my mind." I replied as I sat back, "You are very serious and unnaturally dignified."

He snorted, "I will have you know, I not only listen to ‘that kind of music', but have attended one of their concerts in the company of other Jedi. Many of whom are knights."

My eyebrows shot to my hairline. The Dead Padawans were known to give some of the most hardcore concerts so violent that they've been banned from half the concert venues in the galaxy, including notoriously open Coruscant. "How was it?" I asked, needless to say, I had never been to one.

He cocked his head to one side, "It was a true study of a subculture. Afterwards we went back stage to talk to the band."

Now my jaw dropped. The band was notorious for being as private was it was for it's violent music. "How?"

He snickered as he leaned forward and flicked my jaw closed, "The lead singer used to be a crèche mate. He left the Jedi because he felt that force was calling him to music more then it was for him to be a knight."

"Now I know why I married you." I grinned, "And that explains how the music just simply grabs you and won't let go. It may seem on the surface that it's speaking of destruction, but I always thought there was something positive about it. A sensation conveyed in each song that the destruction is merely a device to eliminate the old and bring in something better and new."

Obi-wan chuckled, "The music may be violent, but it is inspired from a rather primitive unrefined side of the force. And Evan will be pleased you are listening to it correctly. That is exactly the meaning he's trying to convey."

I shook my head, "Wow, the things you learn. Anything else I should know?"

Obi-wan nodded, "Yes, I was a back-up singer in one of his albums."

"No way." I gasped, "Which one and what songs?"

"I kid you not." He chuckled as he typed in a few commands to bring up a Dead Padawan album and it's information. Sure enough, my husband's name was listed as a back-up singer.

Suddenly it hit me, "You are the second singer in ‘Night Walking.'"

He inclined his head, "Your instincts serve you well. How do you think I did?"

My shook my head in wonder, "It's my favorite song. It helped me so much after my mother's death, I just played it over and over. It's what made me decide to come to Coruscant."

He smiled a positively wicked smile as he knelt down in front of me. Placing his hands behind his back he rose up and leaned over so his lips were near my ear. He then began to sing. His voice was a smooth clear tenor. It wasn't a classical voice by any means, but it was a voice that easily conveyed any emotion he wished to color it with.

He sang those same enchanting, hypnotic words of the song on the album. Each time I heard the song it held a slightly different meaning for me. At my mother's death it was hope for a purpose in my life.

Now there was something elusively seductive in the words. The words of being fate's volunteer instead of its victim rang only too true for our courtship. The words that whispered encouragement to the ‘last surrendering fall' made my body completely tremble.

When he was done he sat back on his heels to survey the results. By the smile on his face, I could tell he was pleased. He should be. Two verses and a chorus rendered me shaking from head to toe with my cheeks flushed bright pink and my vision a bit hazy.

"I should serenade you more often." He chuckled. "I might break your resistance."

"I'll pass out, that's what I'd do." I replied in a shaky voice, "Great powers that be."

"How do you feel?" He asked with his head cocked to one side.

"I feel like having a nice long make out session." I said.

"I thought you'd never ask." He murmured as he rose up and scooped me out of my chair to take the quick steps to the long padded seating area against the wall.

"You don't mind it's just, " I started then ended in a groan as I felt a pair of soft warm lips at my neck as he joined me on the bench.

"I'll take any excuse I can get to get my hands on you." He whispered between nibbles. "That is, until you are ready for this." he punctuated his statement with a single thrust of his hips.

I gasped at the sensation. While it was pleasurable, I still could see I wasn't ready for that close to him just yet. The barrier wasn't nearly as big as before, but it still had a ways to go.

"You need to get used to me." He whispered, "I understand that, I do. I, however, have had my entire life to get used to you."

Before I could think to ask him about that statement his lips were on mine scattering all thoughts away.

It wasn't too long before I decided that making out with my husband was a favorite past time. His lips were soft and warm. His skin was creamy satin over muscle. When I kissed his skin, it tasted salty-sweet. Everything about him just was a thrill. I loved running my hands through the sparsely haired chest. I enjoyed it for texture and traction.

The hair on his head was pure golden-red spidersilk under my fingertips. I was a bit disappointed that there was so little of it. I sincerely hoped he would let it grow long when he was knighted. Given that his padawan braid was simply a silk rope under my fingers I had no doubt it would be wonderful.

I felt protected by the weight of his body on mine. It was pure heaven in his arms. I had a feeling when we finally did come together we would set fires.

It was when I felt his hips begin to unconsciously pulse against me that reason crept back in. I gasped out loud as the totally feral pleasure at the sensation rolled through me and me reason snap back in quick reaction. Obi-wan must have realized it as well, because his next reaction was to bury his head in my neck and pull me tight against him.

"Don't move." he whispered, "For the love of… just don't move." I nodded. Given the way his entire body was tensed and trembling and how heavily he was breathing, I surmised he was at the very edges of his control.

I stroked his bare back slowly and made comforting noises, trying to calm him. One by one I felt his muscles loosen as he relaxed into my embrace. Finally he lifted his head from my neck and looked down at me with those vulnerable teal eyes. A corner of his mouth lifted into a soft smile as he leaned down and gave me a soft kiss.

"Think we'll live through it?" I asked idly

He chuckled as he got to his feet and helped me to mine, "I seriously doubt it but I can think of no better way to go."

I gave his rear a hearty smack as I marched to the kitchen, "Dinner time, I'm starved."

"I wonder why?" He asked in mock innocence. I smacked his rear again, his only response was a grin.

***

One Week - Caldonia

If I thought learning about my husband while on the ship was interesting. It as intriguing to see what happened when we stepped off. I was used to being the focus of a mild lime light. On a council for seeing to the regulations we make news when we bring up charges against a company. Often times, it would be me with the senators, investigators, company officials and some of the media.

We were all getting ready on the ship as the auto pilot set us to land. I came out wearing my one formal outfit, a blue pantsuit.

Obi-wan was the "official" Jedi on this mission even though he was only a padawan. Qui-gon had left his Jedi robes on the ship and was wearing civilian clothes. They were sober colors and cuts, but never the less mostly indistinguishable from modern dress. The only thing special about his clothes was that he wore a jacket or a shirt that extended far enough to hide his saber. It was what the Jedi called, carrying concealed.

Qui-gon looked me over and gave a quick nod, "Excellent. Good taste in clothing I must say."

"Thank you." I said as I eyed his outfit critically. It did look a little odd with the jacket that extended a bit further then necessary. "Remind me to see if I can make a modified gun harness so you can carry your saber higher up and let you have real clothes."

Obi-wan smiled broadly, "See Master. I told you."

Qui-gon just chuckled as he reached behind him and tossed me a set of thin dark straps. "Speaking of which, here is your shoulder holster."

I blinked as I held the contraption in my hands. It was indeed a professional grade gun holster that I had seen on many a discreet security guards in Coruscant. "You have got to be kidding me."

"Why?" Obi-wan said as he tapped in the over ride commands to the ship weapons closet and pulled out a wicked looking blaster. It was tiny, but the thing looked like it could blast through a fifty foot durasteel door, "Standard diplomatic procedure arms each member of the party for their own personal protection."

"I've never used a blaster in my life." I said as I held the weapon gingerly in my fingers, terrified that if I touched something it would start shooting automatically.

Both Jedi stop absolutely dead at that statement. Obi-wan looked over at me with deep concern in his eyes, "Never?"

If I didn't know better, I would say there was a note of absolute terror in his voice.

I shook my head, "Never."

Qui-gon then appeared beside me as Obi-wan pulled the jacket to my suit off and started to fit me for the holster. "It's very simple. The weapon is a standard diplomatic issue. Since we are in friendly territory the power packs that Obi-wan it putting on either side are not chambered in the blaster. Once chambered the gun is automatically set to the lowest power level, which is stun. To switch power level to kill flick the switch near your thumb. To fire you point the front at your target, and pull the trigger."

By the time Qui-gon was done with the demonstration I had two blasters in the holster plus four power packs. Obi-wan then helped me put my dress jacket back on. As the blasters and holster were designed, they were invisible under the clothing.

"Promise me that you will wear this at all times. " Obi-wan said as he stood in front of me. Both of his hands were on my shoulders as his eyes bored into mine.

I felt lost, "I will, but I have no idea what use they will be. My mother believed that blasters were incredibly clumsy things and caused more trouble then they cured, which I happen to agree with."

I saw a small secret smile flicker onto my husband's mouth. As if I had just said the tagline to some private joke. "Be that as it may, I will feel much more comfortable about you being on planet knowing that you had some kind of hidden sting."

I nodded, "Alright."

He frowned, "Master, I think it would be wise if one of us were with her at all times. At least until we can assess her self defense skills."

That was easy. "None."

"none!?" Now it was Qui-gon's turn to be astonished, "But I thought all colonists were taught how to defend themselves."

"Against the planet's dangers." I said, "When we had the famine, everything was in short supply. We used the energy from weapons systems to power water purifiers and matter converters. We got used to defending ourselves from the predators of the planet using slings, knives and arrows. They proved far more economical and effective that we just used those and spent the yearly stipend on other things."

"You actually know how to use a bow and arrow?" Obi-wan asked in astonishment.

I snickered, "Use them? Darling I can MAKE them. I was also one of the best shots in my town. Lead the preditor defense patrols from when I was twelve till I left."

Obi-wan and Qui-gon looked at each other. "Live with these for now. We'll see what we can come up with later." Qui-gon said softly, "While Obi-wan is busy with negotiations I'll be giving you a crash course in self defense. For now, let's greet the Caldonians. We've delayed them long enough."

The ramp flicked down and Qui-gon and I took our positions flanking either side of Obi-wan. Upon stepping out I was hit with a warm tropical breeze that carried a hint of sea salt and wild flowers. When we walked down I saw the expectedly small knot of Caldonians was really a large gathering.

The native Caldonians were humaniod group that had had both lungs and gills, and in place of hair they were covered in thin iridescent, translucent scales. They always felt a big well of pity for those of us not gilled. We couldn't enjoy the beauty of their oceans as much as they could. They always maintain that only a tenth of Caldonia's beauty lay above water.

"Welcome Jedi ambassador!" The leader cried out and bowed elaborately to Obi-wan. "It is good to know that the republic still values us by sending a Jedi to our investiture ceremonies."

"Thank you, Counsel Cyndic." Obi-wan returned the bow, "And how can you ever doubt that the republic values you when all you've never brought us a moment's worry? You always give peace, beauty and joy."

The people in the tittered happily in the crowd. The Caldonians valued those three things above all else. To be told they have enriched the republic by giving the repubic as a whole these things, was a compliment indeed.

One small child came forward and Obi-wan knelt as the child pinned a flower onto his clothing in welcome. "May I ask, who you have brought with you?" Cyndic asked as he peered knowingly over Obi-wan shoulder.

"This is Qui-gon Jinn. He is also a Jedi." Obi-wan replied smoothly. It was determined that it would be best of Qui-gon's exact relationship to Obi-wan would not be revealed. If it was, people might go to Qui-gon for negotiations instead of Obi-wan. My husband did need practice being the leader after all.

Qui-gon too knelt down and received a flower. Choosing to merely bow a silent thanks.

"And the woman?" The Caldonian leader smiled.

"My wife, Alexa." Obi-wan said. I nearly burst out laughing. There was such a note of satisfaction in his voice it bordered on obscenely smug.

There was a small gasp that rippled through the crowd, but it was by no means a displeased on. It was a gasp of an good surprise.

Cyndic grinned, "WIFE! You did not tell me you were in holy bonds! How long?"

"We were married shortly before we left for Caldonia. It's been barely three days." Obi-wan replied

Cyndric laughed and clapped his hands, "Wonderful! A brand new bond! But why did you not wait to be married until you reached here? We would have been pleased to give you a wedding, would we not my people?"

There was a great approval cry amongst those gathered. No Surprise. Wedding was usually associated with a rather large and long party and Caldonians loved nothing more then an excuse for a good party. They took any excuse, literally. Sometimes they used the excuse that there was no reason to party.

The idea of the entire planet watching me exchange wedding vows suddenly made me feel a little ill.

Obi-wan leaned forward as if conspiratorially. "My wife is a little shy and I felt it would be best if we exchanged vows on coruscant but brought the wedding party to Caldonia."

Cyndic nodded and replied in the same false conspiratorial tone, "Wise decision, very wise. Well, while you oversee the investiture of the new council of elders, WE can start planning your honeymoon."

There was a general cry of approval as the crowd followed Obi-wan and Cyndic up the hill. I looked over at Qui-gon. "Your going to have to find a new apprentice because I am going to kill Obi-wan."

Qui-gon's mouth twitched upward, "I'm sorry to say this but even if you had been married fifty years they would have found a reason to throw you one. There is no helping it. But at least Obi-wan established your shyness so it won't be too public an affair. In fact they will probably make a game out of giving the two of you interesting things to do as well as privacy."

I groaned, "Why am I getting visions of notes to treasure hunts, random things sent by room service, and coming back from these day trips to find our rooms have been transformed to a different kind of bordello each time."

"Must not forget the mysterious appearance of various apparatus." Qui-gon added.

I sighed, "Cultures are strange. But at least this one isn't into anything too weird other then thier complete facincation with flowers."

***

"I think it's time you knew what you are up against." Qui-gon commented to me as we walked along a caldonian beach alone.

Obi-wan was a flawless gentleman. Our lives settled into a rather relaxing pattern. We'd adjusted to chores together, had our synchronized bathroom routine down to a science and enjoyed the comfort of sleeping together.

Upon arrivial I had seen very little of him except getting up and going to bed. He spent all day meeting and greeting Caldonian diplomats and reassuring them that their stay in the republic was welcomed again. Caldonia may love their leisure time but they also knew when they had to do a lot of hard work. Then they just did it all in one shot, working day and night to finish things. If one needed a miracle pulled off quickly, hire a Caldonian. They did this so they could get back to being lazy.

"Against what?" I replied to Qui-gon as I continued making the lei from flowers I picked as we walked.

"The rules of being married to a Jedi." Qui-gon replied. He was wearing a dark blue loose shirt that came down low enough to hide the lightsaber at his hip and black beech pants. I felt he was only missing the eye-patch to make him look like a dashing pirate.

I was wearing a loose sundress of the same dark blue color. Neither of us were wearing shoes, preferring to feel the sand and surf between our toes.

"Other then, the force, his duty to you and the Jedi and his duty to the republic all come first?" I asked ironically.

Qui-gon chuckled as he placed his hands behind his back. "Well, you got rules one through five all in one shot. How do you feel about them?"

I shrugged, "He's a busy man."

Qui-gon looked at my suspiciously, "You don't mind?"

I chuckled, "If it were my way, I'd wish that the universe were so peaceful there was no need for Jedi and have him safely at home. But since it's not, I'd rather he were out there, doing what he did best. Besides, he's not the only one with duty! Someone has to make sure those companies that colonize planets for profit stay in line. It's not like I am going to sit around all day, pining for him."

Qui-gon chuckled, his posture relaxing, "I know, Finis told me about the time you insulted his intelligence for questioning your methods. He is trying to convince your boss to let you be on his staff so you could knock some sense into dignitaries that visit him."

I snorted, "If there is one thing I know, it's stay out of politics. Any other rules?"

Qui-gon shook his head, "You've got the important ones. The rest are on Obi-wan's side."

I frowned, "Like what?"

Qui-gon frowned, "I don't know if you know this, but force sensitivity is more likely to occur if one of the parents is force sensitive. You and Obi-wan will have people asking you when you will have children."

I blinked, "Really? Is it required?"

Qui-gon held up his hands, "By no means. Jedi realize that not everyone is mentally equipped for children. While Marriage isn't encouraged among the jedi, once you are married, children are."

I frowned, "What do you mean, Marriage isn't encouraged?"

Qui-gon sighed, "It is believed that a Jedi's heart is given first to the force, second to the Jedi and third to the republic. These loves are so all consuming most just don't have hearts big enough for a fourth love."

I smiled, "I'm lucky that Obi-wan's heart is big enough for that fourth love."

Qui-gon nodded, "Or cursed. You come in forth place in his life. Not first. Most people can't understand that. Those people that can understand deserve far more then a Jedi could ever offer."

I smiled sadly, "I'm used to not being first on anyone's list. My mother was more worried about the good of the colony then me. I'm happy I'm on the list. But there is one thing I do want to know."

"What is that?" He asked as I handed my newly made lei to a small group of passing children. The caldonians loved their flowers and any crafts that incorporated them were welcomed. My ability to make chains or circles of flowers was appreciated. The children loved them, making crowns, necklaces, bracelets and even rings from the tiniest flowers.

"What Obi-wan meant by the statement that he's had all his life to get used to me." I asked.

Qui-gon nodded, "Obi-wan was wondering when you'd ask that. The answer is that since the day you were born, Obi-wan was aware of your existence and important role you'd play in his life. He's been dreaming about you ever since."

I blinked, "You have got to be joking!"

Qui-gon gave me a rather sad smile, "I wish I was. Obi-wan is very aware of the unifying force, which makes him able to see the future to some extent. That link let him know there was someone out there for him."

I frowned, "Why did he say he was going to marry me in a week? I would have waited."

"But he could not." Qui-gon sighed deeply. "As much as his visions teased him with bits of knowledge about who you are his visions also told him unless he married you by a certain day, you were never going to marry him at all. When the day approached and he still hadn't found you, he had given up hope."

"Then he saw me on the bus." I whispered, suddenly all of Obi-wans actions made absolute sense. His seeming to stalk me, his heart break outside of the jail at my telling him I never wanted to see him again. His words about his wishes and the force's will were good, but I needed to agree to the bargain as well.

"You see now." Qui-gon smiled, "I can tell you, that night when he first met you, he came home looking as if someone had hit him in the back of the head with a durasteel plank. He has loved you, long before he ever met you."

I smiled slightly. "Well, that explains everything. As well as his impatience."

"Do you love my apprentice?" Qui-gon asked in that casual tone that I knew was anything but.

I thought about it, trying to figure out what Qui-gon was really asking. Finally after a few minutes I had the most honest answer I can give. "The same way you say he loves me? No, at least not yet. But I am catching up awfully fast."

There wasn't a change in his stance or manner, but I could almost see the tension ease out of him. I smiled, he wanted to know that the person whom his apprentice loved returned the feeling. I reached out and took Qui-gon's hand in mine. Qui-gon smiled down at me with calm, gentle, affectionate and I dare say relieved blue eyes. "Thank you." He whispered.

I smiled, "He does tend to grow on you, doesn't he?"

Qui-gon rolled his eyes, "My padawan has had lots of practice invading people's hearts."

I grinned, "Oh do tell."

Qui-gon looked out to the sea and chuckled, "Once I had an apprentice, who, for reasons too complex to tell right now, betrayed the jedi and fell to the darkside. I blamed myself for the fall and vowed never to take another apprentice. How was I to know that a stick thin, gangly, prepubescent boy with more courage then sense would make me eat those badly chosen words on a silver platter with a rather lovely white wine sauce?"

I laughed, "How long did you manage to hold out?"

The corners of Qui-gon's eyes crinkled in laugher, "About as long as you did."

We smiled at each other and I felt as if we connected instantly. Kindred spirits of a kind. Before the moment could streach into awkwardness I asked, "Anything else about being the wife of a Jedi I need to know about?"

"You are now, officially, a target for anyone who wishes to hurt Obi-wan. I will not deny it, a jedi acquires many enemies. Anyone wishing to hurt Obi-wan will target you first since you are their easiest target. This means you need to learn how to defend yourself and fast." Qui-gon said ominously.

I stopped and looked around, noticing we were far away from sight of caldonians in a place set aside to let Obi-wan and qui-gon practice their lightsabers.

"Now?" I asked

"Now." Qui-gon said, "Enguarde!"

That was the only warning I had before two meters of pure muscle tackled me, knocking me into the sand.

***

I limped back to our rooms groaning with every step. Every muscle I had was screaming in protest. I was going to be so black and blue in the morning that I would look like one giant bruise. Every single one of my joints felt older then Master Yoda.

I had spent the entire afternoon tumbling into positions with Obi-wan's master that would caused my father, were he still alive, to shoot Qui-gon for attempting to sully my honor. However, he spent an equal amount of time sending my butt flying across the beach to land hard on the sand. We had done exercises in defending myself barehanded against an armed attacker. Exercises where I'd walk down a path and he'd attack me with no warning. Exercises where he'd attack me and I'd have to defend myself with any weapon I could find in the barren beach. Which usually was a stick, the sand, some seaweed or a rock.

There weren't enough words to describe how tired I was. Tired in mind, tired in spirit and tired in body. I hated it when he asked me to attack him. My extent of hitting sensient beings begins and ends with pillow fights and attention getting smacks. The idea of hitting someone to harm them sickened me no end.

Before I could open the door to the rooms it opened for me. There I saw my husband standing on the otherside. He was wearing his trousers and inner most tunic. The room behind him was full of light from Caldonia's twin moons. I could see he had opened the doors to our little porch so there was a soft breeze coming in lightly scented with tropical flowers and the sea.

"Oh dearie me." Obi-wan moaned in sympathy, "Look at what the felix brought in."

I knew I must have looked quite a sight. My lovely dark blue sundress was in tatters, I knew I was bleeding from at least three places, and I swore my teeth were loose. I looked behind him and saw that Obi-wan had set up a rather romantic dinner for two. Complete with wine, finger food and soft music.

"Are you going to help me to a flat soft surface or continue to impede my progress?" I asked laconically

He smiled indulgently and helped me to the soft blanket on the floor near the fireplace. He disappeared for a few minutes and came back bearing a first aid kit and a large glass of water. He immediately started to tend to my wounded feet.

"Thank you." I said after I had drained nearly half the glass in one shot.

"You're welcome." He murmured distractedly. His hands were so gentle I could hardly tell they were there as eyes teal with concentration examined the wounds, "None of these are bad, you'll be as good as new tomorrow."

I sighed, "Never let anyone tell you sand is a soft and forgiving surface. Good lord of the stars, that was rough."

He chuckled as he placed the patch on my foot and moved to the scrapes at my knees. "My master is rather thorough when giving a lesson, isn't he?"

"I don't see you coming back injured." I challenged

"That's because I've learned to duck." He replied with a smirk on his face.

I groaned, "I'm doomed."

He laughed, "I remember saying much the same thing after my first practice with him. I thought I did so badly he was going to return me to the creche."

"What really happened?" I asked interested. I was perpetually fascinated when my husband told me stories about his life. He seemed amused that I could care less about the resume of treaties he's helped and cared greatly about slices of his life.

"I went to the healers to be fixed up for the next day. The healer simply laughed and said chances are I'll never make the same mistake twice. The next day, he was right. I never do make the same mistakes." Obi-wan smiled, "It's just at the beginning there are a lot of mistakes for him to catch."

I shook my head, "I suspect he despaired of me."

Obi-wan finished with my knees and moved on to a large welt on my arm. The size of Qui-gon's knee to be precise. "Actually, worried is more like it. Other then knowing how to run through brambles at top speed, you have terrifyingly little self defense training."

"I've always been a pacifist. You don't like this idea?" I said as he moved behind me and loosened my dress so he could get at a shoulder cut.

"No, pacifism is a good thing. We are just flabbergasted how you've lived this long without knowing how to defend yourself even remotely. Surely there were school bullies?" he asked somewhat forcefully.

I nodded, "There were. But they only attacked me twice and I won both times without throwing a punch."

He frowned, "Really? How?"

"First time I got near a metal pole and when they threw a punch, I ducked so he hit it and broke his hand. The second time I stood in front of a closet and dodged so he ran in. I quickly turned and locked him inside and got the principle." I said "They let me alone after that. I guess it was because I made them look bad idiotic and I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of fighting back."

Obi-wan shook his head, "What if I was a real stalker?"

"Then I would have easily gotten my restraining order, wouldn't I?" I replied laconically.

"True, but Qui-gon got back before you did and gave me a evaluation. He said you refused to fight back. You'd only block, duck or run" Obi-wan asked

I shrugged, "I don't like hitting people. Every time I think about hitting someone, even in self defense I feel ill. I guess I very much believe that anyone who resorts to hitting someone else to make a point loses. I think of hitting back as sinking to their level."

He sighed as he finished with my shoulder wound, "The universe would be a far better place if everyone thought like you. Be that as it may, you are going to learn hand defense. I want to be confident that you could fight off anyone attempting to hurt you long enough for you to get away. Or at the very least made easily identifiable for investigation by a distinct limp and broken nose."

"I don't like hitting people." I repeated firmly.

"I'd be seriously worried if you did." Obi-wan replied reasonably, "But I'd like to think you'd value your own life enough to fight for it."

I sighed deeply as he came around and gave me a lingering kiss. I smiled up at him. "All right. What is all this about?" I asked waving to the candles and wine.

He smiled ruefully, "My official job is done and we are staying through the celebration. I was hoping to start our honeymoon off by seducing you."

I chuckled, "I'm sorry for ruining your plans. If it's any consolation, if I had the energy it probably would have worked."

"What do you say to a long hot bath, followed by a good long rub down and a night's sleep, hmm?" He offered.

"That you've convinced me of." I groaned as my husband helped me up. Instead of walking with me to the bathroom he simply stared at me, for a long time. His eyes gone an impossibly soft teal. He looked so vulnerable in that moment.

"I love you." He whispered softly. "I've been waiting for you a very long time. I'm not about to risk losing you."

I leaned forward and kissed him gently, "I love you too. Now where is my bath."

He bent down and picked me up and carried me to my bath. He set me down at the edge of the raised tub and started to undress me. I blushed a little as he pushed my sundress off my shoulders to reveal my underwear. He chuckled, "Darling, you haven't anything I haven't seen before."

I smacked his shoulder, "You said you didn't look!"

He smirked at me, "I said I didn't help my master undress you, I never said I didn't peak."

"And your master LET you do that?" I gasped.

A slow seductive grin spread on his face, "He made me turn my back, but I had a mirror on my desk. Why do you think I've been so anxious?"

"I hate you." I replied flatly as I turned and sank into the tub of suds with my underwear still on.

"First you love me, then you hate me. You are a mercurial thing aren't you?" he chuckled as he turned and left me to soak in my suds.

"Must be the company I keep." I called through the closed door

***

"ooooooooooo" I moaned for a long time. My body felt as if it were in absolute heaven. Obi-wan's hands were working black magic on my body as a crisp spicy scent filled the air. I had no idea what scent it was but it was delicious.

"You like that?" He asked above me

"You have fifty years to stop doing that. This is my final warning." I groaned as every muscle in my body was limp. In the space of ten minutes after leaving the tub Obi-wan had turned me into a limp happy pile of goo. "where did you learn how to do this?"

He chuckled as he rubbed his hands with more of that heavenly scented oil and went back to work on the shoulders. "Part of Jedi training. Often times fighting in the field on gets sore and locked up muscles. One must learn how to loosen them."

"If I had known you could do this I'd have proposed to you on the bus myself." I chuckled as I reveled in his touch.

I heard him smack his forehead with his hand, "My god, that is all I had to do? Offer my services as a masseuse?"

"Just about." I replied laconically, "One of these and I would have married you the next day."

"What a fool I have been." He sighed theatrically. "We could have completely avoided the whole mess with the penitentary."

"You got it bub."

I could feel myself drifting off and didn't even want to fight it. I vaguely heard him calling my name but could only muster the energy to grunt.

The last thing I remembered was his lips at my temple before I fell asleep.

***

I think my husband was coming to the end of his famed Jedi patience. I don't know if it was the sight of the seduction scene upon coming home last night that told me. Or was it was the positively sensual massage before I fell asleep.

Maybe it had something to do with the very warm and very insistent thing poking into the small of my back as I woke up. I was begining to get the feeling I could set my watch to this.

I smiled a bit as I realized I was still stark naked from the massage. Obi-wan must have curled up around me in my sleep. We were sleeping spooned up together, arms and legs entangled.

"Good morning." He whispered into my ear. His voice thick with sleep.

"It certainly is." I stretched, "A Real vacation. I haven't had one in years."

He pressed a kiss to the back of my neck, "Honeymoon." He corrected.

I frowned, "What will your master do?"

He chuckled as he continued to drop slow kisses along my neck and shoulder, "He's here, keeping a look out. He's our bodyguard after a fashion, leaving me free to pay attention to other details. He also loves this planet. He's very strong in the living force so having nothing but serene minds and over two million species of growing things is making him happy. Now about those other details."

As he whispered that he rolled me onto my back and gave me a real kiss good morning.

When he pulled away I smiled, "Yes, get dressed. I want to tour the planet."

He blinked in confusion. "What?"

I got up and stretched, feeling my muscles come awake. "Come on. I heard this island has the most wonderful collection of waterfalls and I would love to see them."

With that he groaned and got up. He look positively adorable with his rumpled bed head, braid slightly skewed, and a positive pout on his face. I could see the wheels of his mind turning. Wondering why his efforts didn't work.

When it was my turn for the shower I was highly amused to see that the temperature of his morning shower had gone down yet another notch. Too much lower and he'll be showing in water a few degrees above sleet.

***

I gasped as I stared upon pure heaven. Seven waterfalls cascaded down multileveled cliffs into a large tropical pool surrounded by flowering trees. It was a sight meant for gods.

I had taken to wearing the native dress of a bathing suit with a light fluttery sarong wrapped around my hips. The sarong was of an absorbent material that doubled as a towel. The humid heat of the tropical day of often eased by a light breeze.

"You are an evil woman." Obi-wan whispered. "You are doing this intentionally."

I smiled a bit to myself. All day, my husband had been subtly trying to coax my thoughts in a certain direction by a long look here, a pose there and a few touches. A far lesser woman would have been seduced long before now.

I looked at him mildly, "Aren't you hot in your Jedi Robes?" The man had to be sweltering in the full regalia.

He stared at me, "Yes. Tomorrow, how about doing some swimming?"

I smiled, "Sounds perfect. Shall we lunch here?"

He nodded and we settled down on a small patch of sand to pull out the picnic lunches we had assembled before we left the palace. The cook seemed to give Obi-wan a knowing look as the female waitress grinned at my ignoring of my husbands' advances.

"I'm going to wear down your resistance." He announced. "I've done it before."

"Really?" I commented idly as I munched on my sandwich.

"Yes. Imagine this. Tonight I will take you to a remote restaurant by the ocean for candle light dinner and dancing. Then as the moon begins to sail above us, I will take you on a long walk to a remote beach where we can watch the stars and the surf. Tropical nights are chilly so you'll huddle close to me for warmth. Then we will start to embrace under the gentle light of the moon." Obi-wan purred to me in a soft low voice.

I nodded as I imagined candle light on my husband's face. The feel of his warmth as we danced close to the soft music. Being wrapped up in his cloak with him on the abandoned beach.

"Not bad." I mused. "Not bad at all."

He smiled as he took a bit of his fruit, "Thank you."

"If you hadn't have told me, it would have worked too." I replied in all honesty as I leaned back on my elbows.

Obi-wan growled to himself as he hit his forehead with the heel of his hand in frustration. I hid my smile by taking a bite of my sandwich as I listened to him mutter to himself.

***

When we opened the door to our rooms after getting back from a night of dinner and dancing, I burst out laughing.

"What?" He asked as my husband wandered into the room. He too stopped short at what he saw.

There were flowers everywhere. The floor was carpeted with fragrant petals. There were chains of them lining every door, wall and picture. Every flat surface had a huge arrangement.

"This is…" I was at a loss for words. The expression too much of a good thing leapt to mind.

"I think I am developing a headache from the perfume." Obi-wan groaned as he clutched his head.

I chuckled, "Dare we check the bedroom?"

There was a knock on the open door and I heard someone come in behind us. I watched as Qui-gon Jinn wandered into the room and looked around. He looked up at some of the flowers and shook his head.

"They all meant well." Qui-gon chuckled. "This is a typical bower setting for a Caldonian Bond."

I nodded, "One must give them credit for the thought behind it. Lord, Obi-wan you are right. My head is beginning to hurt as well." A splitting headache was developing fast.

Qui-gon frowned at the two of us then looked at the flower petals at our feet. "Get out of here. Humans are allergic to this flower's pollen."

Obi-wan and I wrapped our arms around each other and stumbled out of the room again, Qui-gon coming close behind us as he shut the door. I was in pain now, it felt as if my head was trying to split it's self open.

"Ow." I whimpered weakly. "Is there a cure for this?"

"Fresh air and twelve hours." Qui-gon sighed. I reached for Obi-wan's hand.   He did me one better and wrapped his arms around me. For some reason the pain lessened a bit when I was in his arms. So I stayed there.

"Master, where shall we sleep?" Obi-wan asked as he stroked my hair in comfort while I rubbed his back in the same sentiment.

"My rooms. I'll cheerfully settle on the couch in the adjoining sitting room." Qui-gon replied as he started to walk us down the hall.

"I don't mean to put you out of your bed." I whispered softly as I began to feel my very joints begin to ache. The sooner I stopped moving, the happier I'd be. I could tell by the grunts in my husband's chest under my ear, Obi-wan felt the same.

Qui-gon opened the door to his rooms and ushered us to his bedroom door. "In the condition the both of you are in, I would rather you two were somewhere I could keep an eye on you. And despite your desires to the contrary, I don't think either of you are up for much more then sleeping."

"As sad as it seems to say it, you are right master." Obi-wan sighed, "Lord of the stars my head hurts."

Obi-wan and I both just kicked off our shoes, shrugged out of our heaviest clothes and climbed arthritically into bed. As we curled up together I began to chuckle.

"What?" He asked

I couldn't help but grin, "Our first night of our honeymoon and we aren't doing anything because both of us have a headache."

***

I woke up the next morning and had the distinct feeling something was wrong. I was pretty sure it wasn't just my head feeling the lingering effects. It was the sense that something was missing.

I opened my eyes and discovered two things. The sleep and fresh air had done me some good and the last of the allergic reaction was fading fast. The second thing was that Obi-wan was missing from my bed.

I frowned as I sat up, staring at the empty space beside me like it was illegal for it to be there. I heard voices outside the bedroom door and recognized one of them as my Husband. With a smile wider then I thought was truly necessary, I got out of bed, pulled on my husband's cloak against the chill and made a bee line for the door.

I walked in to see my husband standing with his master and a rather upset Chief Consol.

"Perhaps you could ask her yourself." My husband said with a smile as he walked over to me and gave me the good morning kiss I missed. "The good Chief Consol Cyndic is laboring under an apprehension we bear ill will against those that decorated our rooms last night. That we think they were trying to hurt us and now we are angry. And if we are angry, so are the gods."

"Well that is a silly." I said with a smile as Obi-wan took both of my hands in his and began dropping kisses on my knuckles. "How were they to know our breed of human is allergic to those beautiful flowers. They were very pretty and I was touched by the gesture."

Obi-wan smiled brightly, "That's what I've been trying to tell the Chief Consol."

"Are you sure you aren't offended?" Cyndic asked. One could tell by the sound of his voice he was getting convinced, but needed to make extra sure. "We don't want to anger the gods."

I smiled, barely hearing Cyndic as my husband suddenly got playful and yanked me towards him so I spun in his arms. My back was pressed against his chest as Obi-wan wrapped his arms around me in such a way I could not move my own arms. He growled playfully as I replied, "No, we aren't angry in the least. Honest mistakes don't incur anger in my book."

Cyndic relaxed completely and smiled at the two of us. I could almost see his fins regaining rigidity and color before my eyes. "This is truly a god blessed union."

"You have no idea." Obi-wan muttered softly as he rocked me gently from side to side. I jabbed Obi-wan's ribs with my elbow.

Cyndic smiled brightly, "I would like to offer that you both and your escourt, Qui-gon come to a beach party. It will be a small affair, just me and my family and a few friends. No more then thirty people."

Obi-wan leaned back a bit to look me in the eyes, "What do you think?"

I smiled, "Sounds heavenly. You'll get to take that swim you wanted yesterday."

I watched as my husband's eyes darkened in memory at how I thwarted his attempt to have his wicked way with me. "Yes. Lovely." He said blandly as his eyes shot sparks.

Cyndic chortled a few goodbyes as Qui-gon followed him out the door to give Obi-wan and I a few moments alone. Obi-wan held me tight so I couldn't move. I knew it was frustration mixed with affection.

"You are an evil tease." He said flatly

I grinned up at him, "Evil yes. Tease, no. I don't tease. When I say I am not ready it's the absolute truth. If you notice I don't lead you on."

"Until now." He growled as he gripped my wrists tight enough to be just shy of painful. I marveled at the strength in his slim artisitic hands.

I blinked innocently, "Who said I was teasing now?"

He gasped slightly and stepped back letting me go, his teal eyes snapping wide. "Now?" His voice was mixed with such a painful hope it was amusing.

I grinned, "Patience. We have a party to go to yet. So much about our coming together was rushed, I'd like to savor this."

"Call it what you want, I say you are a tease." He groused as he wandered over to the breakfast table and sat down for food. I chuckled as I saw down opposite him and poured myself some juice. Finally he broke the silence again by asking, "I sensed you were disturbed when you woke up. Why? Is there something wrong?"

I shook my head, "No, It's just for the first time you just weren't there when I woke up. I missed you." It took me a while to realize all sound and motion from his side of the table had frozen. I looked up and saw he had a piece of toast in his hand, frozen half way between his plate and his lips. There was this brilliant smile on his face that could have lit up all of coruscant.

"What?" I asked

"So you can't live without me after all." His happy grin turned into an expression of pure possessive male smugness.

"Oh shut up." I growled as I got up from the table and marched out the door to our quarters. "I'm off to pick up my swim suit. See you at the party!"

***

My husband is a devious son of a sith when he wants to be. He's also several other explicatives that only sound good when spoken aloud in huttese. Hutteese I found to be a rather effective language to swear in since it's so guttural it sounds like a plate of beans negotiating their way out of a bantha's digestive system.

I arrived at the party in a loose shirt and sarong over a bikini. I wasn't comfortable wearing a bikini but I bought it on impulse, figuring I might need it sometime. Personally, with the loose shirt and sarong, I was fairly covered up.

Not my husband.

Oh no.

I walked to the party to see my darling husband, lying on the sandy beach in nothing more then a tight swimming shorts. My mouth went dry was my eyes roamed over every smooth muscle under the golden skin soaking up the warm rays of the sun.

His body was, in a word, perfect. His legs were strong and well muscled. His chest and stomach were toned to look as if it only belonged on three types of people, models, actors and Jedi. The perfect body with that short hair and long braid made him look positively barbaric.

I've seen this man to ariel splits. There are lots of things I could think to do with a man that flexible, and none of them are the least bit chaste.

He turned his head and looked at me. His eyes were as deep and as blue green as the ocean. A small smile quirked to his lips. "I'm wearing you down."

"Are not." I denied as I plunked down next to him on the sand.

"I do believe that is the first time you have lied to me." He sat up and tapped my nose with his finger.

I snorted, "I am choosing to let myself be worn down. There is a difference."

He chuckled and smiled but at least had the good graces not to say the ‘yeah right' so clearly written on his features. He leaned forward and kissed me lightly on the lips. "I am going to go for a swim. Care to join me?"

I shook my head, I wasn't quite ready to go in the water just yet. It was too early in the morning still and I wasn't warm enough.

He smiled, "In that case, enjoy yourself here. I believe Cyndic's current lady friend could use some help in setting up the sport net." With that he got up and lightly jogged to the water where several other people were taking their first morning dip.

And I found that watching my husband walk away from me is one of the more pleasing sights in the galaxy.

***

My Husband is a hypocrite.

He's been spending all day showing off. Swimming, walking by me after he'd been in the water, joining in on the competitions the Caldonian games. All the while flirting with me shamelessly knowing full well we can't leave until sunset.

It was barely past lunch.

And he called ME a tease!

Finally, after coming in third place in a water race, Obi-wan sat down next to me, still dripping with water. I was trying to decide between suggesting finding a private spot for a while and giving him a piece of my mind when suddenly the wind picked up.

Obi-wan and I looked out onto the water and saw dark storm clouds coming swiftly towards us. Just then an a loud siren began wailing and all the Caldonians started diving for the sea.

"What's going on?" I shouted because the wind was blowing to hard now, the words were lost in the gusts. The sky was filled with pitch black clouds and I heard the first lighting strike.

"Storm!" Obi-wan shouted back. "Comes unexpectedly. Caldonians weather them by breathing with their gills under the ocean. We must find shelter, fast."

"Qui-gon!" I called as he took my hand and dragged me to my feet and we hurriedly grabbed a few packs of food and some of the beach blankets. Obi-wan pulled on his Jedi Utility belt.

"Is already inside. Went to the palace just before this started." He shouted back. "He's fine, I promise. Now hurry. There is a cave nearby for us."

He grabbed my hand and we started to run down the beach at top speed. The wind blew at us so hard a few times it almost picked me up and carried me off. After a good long run I saw the cave Obi-wan was talking about. We just managed to make it inside as the first drops fell.

Obi-wan walked me to a rock in the back of the cave while he pulled out a communicator. "I'll contact my master and let him know we are alright. You see what supplies the Caldonians left us."

I wandered to the back of the cave and saw that it was rather well outfitted. There was a box that contained an emergency bed, water filters, emergency ration packs and lighting. A small door opened to a tiny portable refresher and a side tunnel lead to a hot water spring.

I set up the bed and the lights, got some water from the hot pool below the spring and started the filter. When I was finished setting up the emergency camp I walked back to the edge of the cave where Obi-wan was finishing with his conversation with qui-gon. I heard a murmured 'force be with you' just before he shut it off. Then my husband stared blankly out at the grey sheet of falling rain. The sound of the wind, rain and lighting was deafening.

"Everytime." He muttered as he balled up a fist, "It's a conspiracy, I know it."

I smiled, I knew what that complaint was probably about. I walked up to him and tucked myself under one his arms and leaned my head against his shoulder. He gave a great sigh and kissed the crown of my head.

‘What's the verdict? This storm will last two days." He asked.

"Well, we have food for a few days, a porta-fresher, a bed, lights and hot springs. I say we are in good shape." I offered.

He nodded to the good news, though not completely happy about it. I could tell by his stance and the frown, my husband was severely put out.

I decided it was high time I gave him some better news.

I reached up with one hand and turned his face so it was looking at me. He had just a few seconds to read the intention in my eyes before I rose up on my tiptoes to give him a kiss. It wasn't a chaste kiss in the least. I pressed my body against his and deliberately ran my hands down his back, trying to pull him closer. My heart was pounding so loud I could barely hear the storm raging outside.

My husband was not a man who needed to be told twice. I quickly felt his arms wrap around my body, one hand getting a firm handle on my butt as the other crossed diagonally across my back. I felt zero hesitation in me as I lifted one leg to wrap around him, desperate to get closer.

I felt more then heard the groan that came out of my husband. He pulled away from my embrace only long enough to scoop me up in his arms and carry me to the makeshift bed.

***

I could barely believe it. Just one week ago I would never have dreamed of lying with a man I had barely known two weeks. Now, with my arms looped around his neck as I was carried across the cave to the small puddle of light that signaled the bed, it seemed as essential to me as breathing. There was the most violent storm I had ever encountered raging just outside the entrance to the cave and yet I could feel nothing except this deep peace inside of me. As if something I never knew was wrong in my life was finally being set right.

I giggled a bit in giddiness and joy as I kicked my feet. His arms were holding me in the air as steadily as if he were carrying a box. For a man as slim as he was he had a surprising amount of strength. I wasn't used to just being carried around. I felt like some primitive warrior had found me in a ship wreck, decided he liked the look and smell of me, and just was carrying me off.

Obi-wan stopped in his trip and looked me in the eyes. His lips were quirked upward in amusement, "What are you thinking?"

I reached out and fingered his braid, "I always thought I would be the barbarian in a relationship, with my growing up on a new colony. Seems like I've been the one who's been sand bagged over the head and carried off."

His smiled grew a bit wider as he continued to walk to the back of the cave, "Are you implying I am less the civilized?"

I chuckled, "No, I believe you are highly civilized, for your people. Not a snarling beast thing with brains the size of a cracker. More like a nomad prince."

He chuckled a bit as we turned a corner leaving the noise of the storm to mere whistles and rumbles and entered the bed chamber. The makeshift bed was really nothing more then a mattress some pillows and blankets on the cave floor.

Despite Obi-wan's remorseless courtship, and earlier frenzied response to my invitation, he seemed in no hurry. He just walked slowly till he was standing in the center of the bed, then he knelt down and gently lay me on the bed. He then adjusted himself to lay beside me, propped up so he was staring down at me.

His eyes were full over absolute wonder as he stared at me, for several minutes. Doing nothing more then stroking my hair and face with the backs of his fingers. "You're really here." He murmured, his eyes shining in the soft light.

I stopped the hand in it's motion to bring it to my lips for a kiss. "I love you." I spoke in such a soft horse voice, it was a tone I had never heard from me before. It was nothing more then the truth. I did love him. I don't know how or when it happened.

I suppose I could have been a bit angry that essentially the force had a hand in my emotional state, but I realized it never forced me to love him. It asked and cajoled, setting things up, putting me by the door, rolling out the red carpet with a big red arrow pointing the direction. But it was up to me to walk through it.

He gave me this smile. I guess the only thing I can describe it as it was the smile of a man who expected a momentous event to be heralded by trumpets but came to find out the moment was so profound the only appropriate fanfare for it was complete silence. In response he drew my hand to his lips and gave the wrist a long lingering kiss as his eyes slipped shut.

Then he pulled away from my wrist, slowly bent down and claimed my lips. I never knew that a kiss could hold so much meaning. It was as complex as the man who gave it. Lips as soft as they were strong caressed mine. The full intent and purpose behind it were as obvious as the sun and would brook no denial, but it also promised to make it as joyful for me as it was for him. They expected full active participation from me, which I cheerfully gave. Returning touch for touch, emotion for emotion. Weaknesses were compensated for, strengths were combined. Partners and equals. A match.

My hands roamed everywhere and I was extremely grateful he was only in his swimming trunks. I didn't think I would have had the fine motor skills required to take off anything more complex then that. I thrilled in the feel of his warm skin, exploring the feel of his muscles moving under it. My fingers flexed and relaxed, testing the flesh beneath it, trying to find some sort of handle on reality to anchor myself as my brain short circuited. I couldn't tell who enjoyed my exploration more, he or I?

Tenderness melted into pure heat as my husband deepened the kiss as he moved so he right on top of me. I hooked my feet around the backs of his calves, plunged my hands beneath his waist band and gave the hidden territory a good squeeze. His arms seemed to give out as he groaned deep in his chest and just collapsed into the cradle of my hips. I felt just precisely how eager my husband was for this.

Like this as in all of our relationship. I wasn't quite there yet, but I was catching up terrifically fast. I gave those two delicious muscles another good squeeze and his hips jerked forward almost of their own accord.   A bolt of pure carnal delight burst through me and I broke the kiss off with a gasp. It echoed loudly in the cave. My husband denied my lips, decided to make a conquest of other territory.

I shivered as his lips and teeth danced around my neck while one hand slipped under my back to give him some leverage over my torso, while the other wandered down my side to caress my thigh and pull it up over his hip. Rational civilized thought fled my mind. I was working on a far more primitive part of my brain. I didn't want him to move, I wanted him everywhere. Each part of my body that wasn't touching him wept to be touched, each part that was either rejoiced or cried out to be rid of the cloth between us.

With his hand splayed flat between my shoulder blades, his used his other hand to prop himself as he rose to a kneeling position, taking me up with him. Instinctively my legs wrapped tightly around his waist to prevent him from going anywhere. There his fingers started to fumble with the buttons of my shirt, but it seemed as if his dexterity was also suffering as severely as mine from the loss of higher brain function. He seemed at a loss. If he used both hands he couldn't keep us pressed together like it seemed so essential to be.

Breathing as if I were running a marathon I solved his problem by making the supreme sacrifice and taking my hands away from him to deal with my shirt. With a strength I had no idea I possessed I gave one tug and rent the buttons right off. The skin of my arms, stomach and back thanked me profusely for removing the barrier to his skin. In return for helping him I felt his fingers magically remove my bathing top and sarong.

With an impish smiled I put on hand between us and pushed him down. He smiled brightly; his eyes a stormy sea green as he lay back and let us arrange ourselves so I was straddling him. His hands wandered freely about my body encouraging me, telling me I was his to play with. Since I wished it, it was a command for him.

I was drunk with the pure need I saw glowing in his eyes. It made me feel like a queen, a goddess. I reveled in the sensation of our still clothed pelvises grinding mindlessly against each other. To focus on the sensation more I reached behind me to grab his legs and steady myself as I arched my back and let my head drop. I felt my insides quake a bit in impatient anticipation, but there was a lot I wanted to do before we got there.

Snapping back forward I rocked to my hands and knees above him so I wasn't touching him. My body mourned the loss of contact but it obeyed my command and calmed down a bit. When I was under enough control I dipped my head for a kiss. His hands plunged into my hair immediately and I could feel one wander to my back and attempt to pull me down to him.

With a rueful smile I pulled back from the kiss, grabbed each of his wrists and pinned them above his head. His eyes lit up at my aggressiveness and I watched his body melt, obedient. I never was much of an aggressive lover, but I was beginning to see the distinct advantages to it. I smiled and went back to kissing him. He showed me with groans and the occasional stiffening of muscles in surprise what he enjoyed, but made no move to take control. He left that to me.

While his mouth was delicious, I wanted to play elsewhere too. So I left it to suckle and nibble at his neck, tasting the salt from the sweat that was beginning to break out. I grinned; this was going to be one messy mating. My lips started to wander leisurely down his chest while my hands explored. I wanted to know every inch of my husband so intimately it was a passion approaching dementia.

When I got to his navel I purposely skipped over the tenting swim shorts and traveled down his legs. He had absolutely delightful legs. The light hair was silky but just stiff enough to tickle my palms and his knees were terribly exciting. From personal experience I knew any potentially ticklish place was a potential erogenous zone if touched just slightly harder then would provoke the laughter. My fingers swept over the backs of his knees and I was rewarded with a rather loud gasp a body wide twitch.

I crept back up and gently removed the last bit of his clothing. Under most circumstances and from a purely objective point of view, this particular bit of male anatomy is a rather ridiculous looking thing, almost as if it was stuck on as an after thought. But all laughter and joking dies when confronted with this reality. Right now, it looked like exactly what I craved most.

When men say these things have a mind of their own, they aren't kidding. They have a tendency to move of its own accord, looking for what it wants. I reached out and stroked him gently at first, then with more surety. I wasn't very skilled at felatio, given both lack of interest and opportunity.   But now that I now I a huge amount of both, I did what I knew, and used the sounds he made as a guide.

It wasn't very long before I found he pushed me up off him and continued that motion to knock me back. By the time I recovered from the bout of dizziness, because all the functioning blood I owned had moved south, I found I was flat on my back, legs spread apart and my bathing suit bottom was missing. This time he was the one pinning my wrists above my head, as his lips and tongue plundered my mouth.

Then his mouth began its slow torturous journey down my neck. He seemed to spend absolutely forever on each and every patch of skin. As flattering and arousing as that was, there is only so much a girl can take. By the time he got around to suckling and massaging my breasts I was trembling and weak from sheer desire.

"P… p…. please." I whispered

"Please what?" he asked, his voice sounding so calm it seemed incongruous. Damn Jedi control.

"I… I need…I" I stuttered, language skills abandoning me as his teeth nipped at my ribs. I arched my back and nearly burst into tears as his hands skimmed so close to where I needed it and then fluttered away.

"Patience, I'm savoring." He murmured against my hip as his hands swept up and down my legs.

I thought I would have to endure another eternity of teasing when suddenly those hands swept up to spread my legs wide as his tongue went to work.

My eyes crossed and my toes curled, in seconds he drew me up and over the edge. I gave an animalistic noise of approval and thanks that sounded vaguely like his name as my body shook and shuddered in pure unadulterated pleasure. All synapses in my mind stopped functioning as pleasure rolled over me.

When a few higher brain functions popped into gear again I was aware of two very distinct facts. Number one, all that did was simply take the edge off and left me ready for a second. Number two, it was a damn good thing because there was heavy male body propped up by his hands above me, and that thing I desperately wanted earlier was now in position to give it to me.

His eyes stared down at me in pause. They held wonder, lust and above all the ancient question. I knew exactly how to answer it. I reached down to those two lovely muscles I was so fond of, hooked my feet on his calves for leverage, and drove myself home.

I would have found the absolutely shocked look on my husbands' face incredibly amusing if it weren't for the fact I felt about as shocked as he looked. I was impaled, I was surrounded. I was molten lava. I was out of my own body. I was one of the most primitive instincts. Pleasure shattered and sparked along every nerve ending as we began to move.

Something greater then we took over at that moment. I didn't care a single bit. I just gave Obi-wan what he needed matching him thrust for thrust as he did the same for me. We chased each others pleasure, bound and determined to either fall together or not at all. For a while, it seemed as if we'd be locked in this torturous limbo forever. Suddenly something snapped into place.

In the instant between then and orgasm, I SAW. The spirit I knew as Obi-wan Kenobi appeared before me as the barbarian princeling I teased him of being as I saw myself reflected in his eyes in a body other then mine. Countless pairs passed by. Yet, I felt absolutely no fear, only wonder and amazement that time after time we managed to find each other among the millions of trillions in the galaxy. Something told me we were going forward in time.

When finally the face I knew cycled back before me, pleasure swept me under like a riptide and I was helpless to do anything but follow.

***

Waking up was the second most religious experience of my life. I felt like I was rising up from the darkest depths of the universe back to my own body. Slowly breaking the surface to my conciousness, I was aware of the sheer relaxed warmth permeating every cell. I bathed in the glow of it. I also became aware of the warm body I was cradled against. Tender fingers traced my face and threaded through my hair, occasionally tucking a small portion of it behind my ear.

I opened my eyes and gazed up into the changeable eyes of my husband. Married. Truly married, and I couldn't imagine being married to anyone else in the universe. I managed to muster up the energy to smile up at him. His lips returned my smile. His face held the most tender expression I had ever seen. The emotion that was behind it was the same that would provoke a merciless, possessive, and protective stare to interloping strangers.

"Hello." He whispered as he tucked a stray hair away from my face.

"Was that what you saw?" I asked, referring to the vision.

He nodded, "Yes. Are you alright?" He eyes grew concerned and searched mine.

I nodded, "A bit shaken, but otherwise mostly back together. I'm surprised you were able to talk to me on the bus after seeing that."

He chuckled, "Honestly, so am I. I didn't want to tell you. I wasn't sure you'd believe me and I was certain it would have frightened you off."

There was a bit of a silence as we simply stared at each other I smiled as I reached for his braid, which was hanging so it was tickling my shoulder. I weaved it between my fingers feeling the silky rope. "What does this mean?" I asked, finally breaking the silence. I wasn't totally together yet and was asking anything that happened to surface in my mind.

He settled down lower so he more at my side then hanging over me. Propping his head up and replied, "My padawan braid. It symbolizes my dedication and the length of time I've been learning. When I pass the trials, it will be cut."

I sighed as I stared at him. I was so content with the universe I was dead certain that nothing mattered. I've only known him barely two weeks and I can't imagine going through life without him. What ever problems life chose to throw at us now, we'd face them together.

"How long have I been asleep?" I asked frowning. I could still hear the storm whistling outside but it seemed considerably darker in the cave.

"Ten hours. I was getting worried." He whispered, "Did… did I hurt you?"

I grinned up at him, "Now that you mention it, I do feel like I've had my insides beaten with a butter churn. No wonder I feel whipped and dreamy."

His mouth turned into a frowned, as a horrified expression appeared in his eyes. "I'm sorry.

I snickered, "Nothing I'm not more then willing to live with. Besides, you are looking rather ragged around the edges yourself." I traced along his shoulder and pointed out several bite and scratch marks.

His eyes drained of their worry regained humor, "Yes, well, if one plays with a wild animal, one must expect to get bit. You were a hell cat last night."

I didn't know what to think of him complimenting my bedroom skills. Women were supposed to be the receptive ones. Then again, I remembered just how arousing it was to feel Obi-wan completely at my mercy. I felt my cheeks flush with color. I didn't know if my blush was due to embarrassment at the compliment or the remembered thrill of power.

He rolled us so he was lying on top of me and I felt my body scramble to wake up. After last night's passion, I was surprised I was so ready and willing for more. I thought last night would have satisfied me for a good few years. His lips descended to nibble at my ear, "Will you bite me some more?"

With a sigh, I surrendered to his advances. This coupling was as gentle as last nights was fierce. With gentle kisses and reverent touches he persuaded my body to full arousal. He didn't thrust, just held still letting the moment shatter us at its will. It proved to me that what ever was between us, could be as gentle as it was fierce, but it would not be denied.

The rest of the time locked in the cave was much the same. Aside from the occasional cleanup in the hot pool, we spent the entire time in that rough makeshift bed. We sometimes talked endlessly for hours. Other times, we lay together in silence, listening to the rain. Our minds hungered for knowledge about each other as much as our bodies desired other knowledge.

I learned my husband is a truly wicked tease, with a wry sense of humor. He told me what it was like growing up knowing I was out there, somewhere, only he had no idea what I looked like or even what my species was. All he knew was at age four I had rudely awakened him from a sound sleep with my birth cry echoing in his mind. He said I was really annoyed at being born. Not at the loud sounds, the cold and the unfamiliar surroundings. I was annoyed because I was woken up from a perfectly sound sleep to BE born.

He learned about my life growing on the starter colony. About the tragedy that struck because of the company that sponsored us had given us malfunctioning equipment and rotten food stores. I told him of the hunger as the unexpected long winter struck after the dry summer. How the colonists made the decision to take the weapons packs and use them for food synths rendering us defenseless just as the native predators and scavengers closed in. How looking through old holos the children were the ones to figure out the making and working of the ancient weapons and ended up defending the colony with their toys.

We shared our lived just as we shared our bodies. Fully and without shame or hesitation. By the time the rain stopped I was keenly aware of two facts. The first was my husband was an endlessly fascinating person and I truly wanted to be there and watch what he became in the future.

The second was the fact I was barely able to walk. Obi-wan laughed at me as I winced when I stood up to walk to the mouth of the cave. I got my revenge when Obi-wan stood up and I watched his knees buckle a bit. After getting dressed, we bundled up the used materials into the appropriate container so the Caldonians can dispose of them as needed and we walked calmly and slowly back to the palace.

The Caldonians smiled at us as we walked past. Some of them bowed reverently, others snickered a little bit. By the time we got to the front enterance, word had reached the palace already and we saw Qui-gon standing on the steps waiting for us.

"Well padawan, it seems your wait is over." Qui-gon observed with a slight smile.

"Yes Master. I love her." Obi-wan stated while giving my hand that he was holding a squeeze.

Qui-gon nodded his approval and bowed to us. When he came up he stated, "Now get to your rooms children. We can't have you wandering about glowing like that."

With grins on our faces, we both ran inside looking forward to the nice, wide, soft bed that awaited us.

***

"Missus Kenobi, call for you." I heard the receptionist say behind me as I stood talking to several senators about new laws needed to New Colony protection. Even after two months I still wasn't used to the name.

"Excuse me, gentlebeings." I bowed slightly and walked over to pick up the call. They bowed in turn at my departure.

"Kenobi here." I answered as I stepped into the sound proof booth.

"Yes, I am here." I heard my husband's wry voice come on the line.

"You're home?" I asked in surprise, "You weren't scheduled to be back for another week!"

I heard his warm chuckle filter through to me, "People don't call me ‘hyperspace' Kenobi for nothing. I think I've broken the Kessel run record."

I laughed, "It's good you are home. I missed you."

"Still can't live without me?" He asked with a sparkle of laugher in his voice. I grinned a bit, it meant Obi-wan was feeling playful and frisky.

"Oh shut up." I snorted, "I am an independent woman and as such I have work to do tonight. I'm going to be home late."

I heard his deeply put upon sigh, "I had rather hoped you'd be home to greet me."

"Come home on time and I will be." I retorted, "I've got three prosecutions happening and a fourth one in the works."

Obi-wan gave a slight whistle, "Sweet force what happened?"

"Remember the near disaster at Felaweh? We finally are going to be able to nail the bastards." I replied. Felaweh would have been completely wiped out if it weren't for the good will of a passing cruise ship.

Obi-wan gave an affirmative grunt, "Good. My love, don't stay up too late. If you take too long I might just stop by and scandalize you."

I groaned, "Last time you did that, people thought you were killing me."

Obi-wan chuckled, "Can I help it if my master puts me under orders to do a mock attack to see if your skills are up to par?"

"Rat Bastard." I growled. "You enjoyed scaring me to death."

"You aren't wearing your blaster." Obi-wan scolded.

I sighed, "I can't conduct delicate investigations with skittish witnesses packing an ion cannon. The republic guards were with me the entire time. Nothing is going to happen to me between the senate building and the Temple.   That route is so crime free, people leave their doors unlocked."

I could almost see the frown on his face, "You must wear it. I will not have my wife unarmed."

I grit my teeth. His protective streak was cute at times, but at others it could get restrictive. "If you are that worried about me I'll call when I am ready and you can walk me home."

I heard a soft growl at the other end of the line. I smiled to myself. I was winning this argument, mainly because he had no choice. I gave a bit of a mental sigh. In absolutely everything else he considered and treated me his absolute equal, sometimes his better. But in the arena of personal safety, he reigned supreme.

"Alright." He reluctantly agreed. "But promise me that you won't leave the safety of the building without me beside you."

I sighed, "I promise."

"I'm not trying to be difficult." Obi-wan said softly, "I've waited for you long enough, I don't want to lose you."

I sighed and tossed my hands in the air, "I'll call when I am ready."

"Thank you." Obi-wan replied, "I love you."

I smiled a bit. He was a manipulative creep, I'd give him that much. "I love you too. Now the sooner you let me get back to work, the sooner I can come home."

"Good, " He admonished, "Now remember, call when you are ready and wait for me."

"I will. I love you. Bye." I closed the connection.

***

"Well!" A co worker of mine, Andel said as she and all of my female coworkers gathered around. I had my feet up on my desk as I was paging through the testimonies.

‘Well what?" I asked mildly as I did my best to go back to reading.

Andel rolled her eyes as she plucked the pad out of my hands, "We just saw Mic in the corridor! We thought that he gave you that ring for your birthday or anniversary or something. But he told us that the reason why you have it is because you are married and married to a JEDI."

"Come on Tell us! What's it like." I short blonde name Nefri said leaning close.

"What's to tell?" I said flatly, "I'm married to a man I dearly love."

Andel smacked my bicep, "Why didn't you TELL us for cripes sake! A Jedi, wow."

I blinked, "I don't really see what's so wow about it. He's like any other man. He leaves his socks in the oddest places and has appalling laundry habits."

"Do you live in the temple?" One woman behind me asked

"yes. I have moved into his room. He shares a flat with his master." I replied flatly

There was a general chorus of oos before the next question was fired at me. "So what's your married name?"

"Kenobi."

"Why didn't you change it?"

"No real need."

"How good is he?"

"He's a very considerate and caring husband… when he's around. Of the eight weeks he's been married I can count the number of days he's been home on one hand. Everytime he leaves Coruscant it's even odds he'll come home alive." I replied in all honesty. "But he's worth it."

Andel shook her head, "I don't mean THAT. I mean in bed. I mean Jedi are trained so their bodies are perfect and have a mastery of the force."

I felt one of my eyebrows arch as the only crack in my otherwise blank expression. It was an expression I had picked up from my husband. "Are you insinuating something?" I was never comfortable talking about my sex life. My home planet was composed of a group of people, sick with the excesses of modern society, sought to simplify and find a more stable life. My home planet believed in equality of the sexes, but also believed in a level of prudery and manners not normally seen today.

"Yes." Andel exclaimed tossing her brown hair over her shoulder, "Is he good?"

I sit back and feel a small smile creep to my face as I remembered our last rather passionate good bye. When he left I told him I understood why he had to leave, but that didn't mean I'd have to like it. I also told him I had a rather difficult problem. How did I make our last night together so wonderful he'd come running back when he gets that treaty signed.

Given the fact he came home a week early, I would say I succeeded rather well.

"A true lady will never tell, but I will say this. He may not be home much, but when he is he makes it all worthwhile." I sighed as fond memories of that night played past my mind.

The women around me sighed enviously as I heard a derisive snort from behind me. We looked to see the woman known as the barracuda. Baria was a nasty woman, always derisive of anything anyone else did. She didn't have the most pleasant personality in the world. However this woman was a genius in her job of navigating the law as to what was a criminal offence and what isn't.

"I hardly see how breaking a long term relationship to have a fling with another man is considered a worthy topic of discussion." She asked acerbically,

I then noticed something strange happen to me. Last time she had said or done something like that, I was angry at her. I had gone home and vented to Obi-wan. My husband just listened to me for a few minutes before giving me quite rational explanations for every single one of the woman's behaviors. I felt no anger now, only a small swelling of pity.

"Mic is happy with Sheana. He fell in love with her months before we broke it off. My falling for my husband was pure serendipity." I replied with a pleasant smile, "So you see, it was a fair exchange, no robbery, Baria."

To the shock of everyone around, Baria actually melted just a little. She nodded, "Well, as long as it was all fair and above board, I have no problem. Congratulations." With that she walked off.

"Woa." Andel mused shocked, "Who knew she actually had a soft side? Did you learn how to do that from your Jedi Husband?"

I smiled, "Yes, I did." I couldn't help but feel that Obi-wan would have been proud.

***

The rest of the evening I poured over documents of testimony, trying to compile the most compelling statements for the official prosecutors. By the time I finally looked up from my desk I saw that the room was emptied, the lights were dimmed and I was the only one in my cubical.

It was time to go home. My eyes were tired, my brain was exhausted, my heart had run the emotional gauntlet reading those testimonies. I was ready to simply curl up in my husbands' arms. With a small smile as that tiny flicker of joy lit up the darkness of my mood I picked up the com unit to ask the droid switch board to give me a line to the temple.

I frowned as I noticed it didn't give its usual dial tone. I pressed the button a few more times and it didn't come to life. With a sigh I got up and walked to a neighbor's cubical and pressed the button. Still nothing.

I heard a tiny noise near the entrance of the office. Panic shot through my body waking up every nerve and sense. My mind started racing as my body calmly started to move into the corner of the office, an easily defensible position. Annoyance was also beginning to flicker through me. This was exactly like the last time Obi-wan gave me his surprise attack. This time, I wasn't going to be caught off guard.

I nonchalantly started rearranging the books in the corner reference library as I hooked my foot around a stool behind me. I didn't have to wait long before a small noise and my instincts screamed told me to act. I quickly spun on one foot and kicked the stool into the air to my opponent's face.

I watched in horror as I saw the stool make a direct hit at my opponent. He was a large male of some cat like species I didn't recognize. The fact that he didn't dodge my attack told me he wasn't a Jedi. The large gun told me this wasn't a drill.

While my mind might have been frozen, my body was not as my assassin recovered. He raised the large gun and pointed it at me. I ran and dove behind a metal desk just as the gun fired. The glow of tracer rounds and the sound of some small metal objects pinging against the metal of the desk told me that this gun was a needler. I thought those weapons were banned over a thousand years ago. They shot tiny needles causing your opponent to bleed to death, or were tipped in poison to kill them that way. Either way it was a slow and painful way to die.

"Die!" He screamed as he simply emptied his gun at my hiding place, hoping the needler's rounds would tear through it. "Kenobi let my wife die, I'll kill his!"

As justifying as that statement seemed on the surface, I knew my husband wouldn't let anyone die, even if they were a mortal enemy. I also knew that the target of this bargain was me and I had a very personal objection to that. I rather liked my skin, thank you.

Items on and around the desk shattered and splintered around me. I watched as the handle from a broken glass vase fell near me. I picked it up and saw that the broken part had a razor sharp edge.

Finally I heard the needler stop firing and my screaming assassin start swearing at his gun. Needlers were prone to jamming. Once again, my body went into motion without my thinking about it. I rose up from behind the desk, Stepping on the chair then up onto the desk it's self. With a scream I flung myself through the air at my assassin. I honestly don't know who was more surprised, he or I.

We landed on the ground in a tangle, struggling. In a pure wrestling match, he would win given superiour strength and reflexes. But I wasn't wrestling, all I wanted was one good shot.

Without a thought I slit his throat. His life's blood spurted up everywhere as his opened artery gushed. His face was full of pain and surprise for only a moment before it relaxed into a strange seeming peace. I heard a small clatter and looked to see that in the struggles, he had been reaching for a vibroshiv in his pant pocket and had been preparing to stab me with it.

Another extraordinarily painful way to die.

As my fight or flight instinct began to die down I became horribly aware of exactly what I had just done. I dropped the vase shard with a clatter. I felt there was something on my cheek and tried to wipe it off with the back of my hand. I saw it was blood. I turned both of my hands over and saw they were both covered in that sticky fluid. It felt a trace like watered down honey. My nose was filled with the coppery sweet smell.

I crawled off my dead opponent and made my shaky way to the wall, where I proceeded to be violently sick.

***

I had completely emptied the contents of my stomach in one spot and crawled away from it. I reduced to dry heaving when the door burst open. I barely acknowledged it in my brain. I knew clinically I was in shock. I heard foot steps running down the hall of desks towards me and the lights come on. I winced at the sudden brightness.

I don't know when Obi-wan appeared at my side, all I knew was one blink I was staring blankly at the floor, the next a hand was tilting my head up to look into his eyes. I was trembling from head to toe as he gently cupped my face in both of his hands.

"Are you hurt?" He asked softly. I shook my head and a fresh shudder came over me. I had killed a man and I had come out of it without a single scratch. It didn't seem right or fair. In a strange way, I wished I had suffered some severe wound that would leave a scar on me the rest of my life.

Obi-wan took off his cloak and wrapped it around me. Then he took his tunic sleeve and started to clean me up, wiping away the blood and gore as much as he could. I felt like an errant frightened child being cleaned up by her parent. With gentle persuasive murmurs he got me on my feet and held me close. That was a good thing, I probably would have fallen right back down if he wasn't there to prop me up.

I heard a low whistle from one side. I looked to see that members of the republic police force that had burst in with Obi-wan were watching the entire gristly scene as it played out from the security recordings. "Jedi, your wife is one hell of a fighter."

I swallowed and turned my face away from the scene and looked my husband in the eyes, "He said was going to kill me because you let his wife die. Did you know him?"

Obi-wan nodded slowly, "One day I'll tell you. Captian, may I take my wife home now?"

One of the officers nodded, "Yes, this is a cut and dry case. If we have questions we know where to find you both."

It seemed so impersonal, efficient. I just felt numb inside. I didn't remember anything. I guess I blanked out and ran on autopilot following Obi-wan's lead.

That was until I felt the ice cold water rain down on me.

With a yelp of surprise I came back to myself and saw that I was standing fully clothed in our refresher's shower unit with the water on full blast at two degrees below sleet. Obi-wan was standing in there with me holding me up with one arm as he stripped me with the other.

"Obi-wan! What in bloody hell?" I shrieked in surprise at the unexpected torture.

"You were in shock." Obi-wan replied calmly as he quickly grabbed the soap and scrubbed me clean. Getting completely soaked himself in the process.

"But, what…" I stammered.

He ducked me under the spray again. It was so icy cold it hurt. But the pain felt good. The pain was something real. When he jerked me back from standing fully under it he held me very still against him. His eyes bore straight into mine as he said, "You did the right thing."

"B… but." I started.

"But nothing." Obi-wan said fiercely, his hands gripping my biceps so hard it was almost painful, "If you hadn't killed him, he would have killed you. You had zero choice and we are not leaving this icy room until you say that."

I couldn't speak for a while, I was so shocked. Never once have I ever seen my husband like this. After a few moments I moved my lips and whispered, "I had no choice."

"What?" Obi-wan asked his teal eyes boring into mine.

"I had no choice." I said, somewhat louder.

"Again." Obi-wan demanded like a merciless drill instructor.

"I HAD NO CHOICE." I shouted so loudly it reverberated in the shower.

"Good." He said as he shut off the water and lead us both out. In an instant I was wrapped in towels being vigorously dried off. Obi-wan's face had such a stony set to it, I was terrified of it. His eyes were a hard grey and his movements were rough.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked in a small voice as he rubbed my hair. At my words he froze. When he resumed drying me, it was much more gentle.

"Love, I sensed your distress all the way across Coruscant. I patched into the security system for your building and watched as he crept towards you. All I could do was call for the help you could not and hurry. Darling I was helpless to do anything but watch and see if you lived or died. How do you think I feel?" He whispered softly as he finished drying me off.

"Are you mad at me?" I repeated urgently.

I watched in utter fascination as a single tear slipped from his lash and fell to his cheek unheeded. "No." He said quietly, "No, I am not mad. I've never been more frightened in my life. It's just this was close, far far too close." He ended by mumuring to himself.

We were silent for a while as he stripped himself of his soggy clothes and dressed us both for bed. I didn't want him to leave me for a second. His presence was helping me hang on to some semblance of sanity by the skin of my teeth.

He tucked us both into bed and pulled me close. "Again." He said softly.

"I had no choice." I replied mechanically

"Again." He asked gently

"I had no choice." This time around I felt something inside me start to crack. Voice throat felt as if something was tightening it as a lump welled in my stomch.

"Again." He whispered

"I had no choice." I said, this time, what was cracking, crumbled to dust as I whispered hoarsely, "But I still feel bad."

That was the reaction he was waiting for as he pulled me tight against him as a flood gate of tears opened up. I sobbed into his shoulder as my body was wracked with violent shudders of grief. I clung to him as if he were my only shelter in a storm. It helped that he was clinging to me just as tightly.

"I know." He murmured into my ear. "I know."

Eventually the tears died down and I fell into a fitful sleep.

***

I thought I would be the one having nightmares that night. As it turned out, It was Obi-wan who had them. I woke up to Obi-wan's voice muttering the word, "No."

I blinked and cuddled close to him, trying to quiet him down. Instead he kept on moaning. "No, no..... Not her...... Don't...... Close..... too close........ Oh sweet force NO!!!!"

At last I couldn't take it any more and I turned on the light and called his name. With a jerk and a growl he flung his hand out and his saber leaped to his waiting hand like an iron filing to a magnet. The blade sprang to life with a scream of tortured air. Only then did my husband's nightmare release it's grip and his eyes focused on me.

A simply horrified look appeared on his face as he saw he was sitting in bed with a lit lightsaber between us. He immediately switched it off and placed it onto it's usual place on a shelf above the head of the bed. He rubbed his face with his hands vigorously. I could tell by the way he was breathing, he was holding back tears by the barest of threads.

After a few moments of pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes and calming his breath he whispered, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" I asked gently

"I wasn't there to protect you." He murmured, "I swore to protect you."

"Obi-wan I don't blame you." I whispered as I crept close to him. Trying to pull his hands away from his eyes.

"I've put you in grave danger." He said, his voice hoarse with emotion. This was a state I had never seen him in. Completely undone by the force of his emotions. Even in the middle of passion I always sensed he was in some sort of control.

"And I willingly accept it as the price of having you." I coaxed as I rested my head against his shoulder, "I'd rather have a few days of wonderful with you, then a safe lifetime of nothing special."

"But you'll likely be killed if you stay with me." He rejoined

"I wasn't planning on doing much without you the rest of my life anyway." I answered calmly as I held one of his hands in both of mine.

He suddenly turned and gripped me, his eyes were wild and dilated in the dim light. "You almost died! I almost lost you and I could do nothing but watch. Do you have any idea how hard it was to watch and not know I would find you dead or alive?"

I stared at him in the dark, "Yes. Every time you leave on a mission. It may have been close, but close only counts with Detonators and Decimators. I'm alive." I gripped him back, just as fiercely. Suddenly the entire mood of the moment took a ninety degree turn. My senses narrowed down to the feel of his biceps beneath my hands, the scent of his body. My eyes hungrily traced the shape of his lips, remembering how it felt to have them pressed against mine. How I almost never got to feel it again.

"Yes." He breathed, his voice barely audible. "You're alive."

My husband has always had a beautiful voice that could induce shivers in me at his will. However right now, his voice was thick with unrestrained emotion. A fire I didn't even know that was kept banked sprang to ferocious life.

Yes, I was indeed alive, and my body wanted one hell of a reminder as to that. I leaned forward and kissed him with a fierce hunger that surprised me. He was very still for a few moments. But soon he began responding with every bit of energy as I was giving. My hands unlaced his sleep pants as one of his slipped under my sleep shirt and started to caress where I wanted it most.

I gasped as my hips pulsed into his hand in time with the strokes. An idle part of my brain was shocked at how ready I was so quickly. The rest of me was wanton and needy. Greedily, I slipped my hand inside of his waist band and found to my delight he was just as badly off as I was. He too wanted to reminder I was alive.

We didn't bother taking his sleep pants completely off or removing my sleep shirt. It would have wasted time. There was no finesse nor was there preamble. We simply freed what was needed and took each other. The fire burned too hot for thought. The buttons of my sleep shirt dug into both of us and we'd have small matching bruises in the morning. Neither of us cared.

It was over in minutes as a blinding flash of pure white heat ripped through us at the end, leaving us panting and shocked in the aftermath. It took me a while to realize that I did not, in fact, go blind. I just had to wait for my vision to clear.

"Well," I said between pants, "I think you about finished me off."

He chuckled and kissed my neck, "Good, I fulfilled my somewhat hasty vow on my way to your office that I'd kill you if you survived."

For some reason, this struck me as incredibly funny and started giggling. Soon it escalated into outright guffaws and as Obi-wan and I held each other. We were laughing so hard we were crying. If there was a small edge of hysteria in our laughter, it was tactfully ignored.

When we calmed down enough to finish removing our clothing and cuddle up together, sleep was beginning to call us again. This time, we had much lighter hearts.

"I love you." He whispered, "have I told you that today?"

"I love you too." I sighed deeply as I snuggled close. I felt safe and content.

"We'll talk about this some more tomorrow." He sighed, "Sleep now, You hold my heart in your safe keeping."

The last thing I remembered was the touch of his lips at my temple.

***

I woke up in the morning to see my husband was meditating on the floor. It was always a pleasant sight to see. His eyes were closed as his mind focused in that strange method of looking so intensely inside he was really seeing outside. His face was relaxed and peaceful in the early morning light.

Of course, it always helped that my husband was in the habit of meditating with his shirt off. How long I lay there ogling my husband as the golden sunlight played over his skin and muscles I don't know. I did know that it gave me one awful crick in my neck. Looking at the clock and gave a heavy sigh and headed towards the shower. My boss would not be happy with my arriving late but I think an assassination attempt warranted arriving late.

I was just finished getting dressed when my husband began coming out of his trance. I picked up the mug of tea I made for him and knelt in front of him on his mediation matt. He accepted the tea with a smile and a nod.

"Going somewhere?" He asked mildly seeing me dressed.

"Work." I replied, "It's traditional to do that on a week day."

His mouth spazmed, "You aren't serious are you?"

I nodded, "Yes. I am going to work. I am already late."

He stared at me with his jaw hanging open, his tea completely forgotten. "Have you any concept of what happened to you last night?"

I nodded, "Someone tried to kill me."

"And you are going back out there?" He blinked as if his mind were running up against a brick wall in this normally not difficult concept.

"Yes, speaking of which, I am late." I leaned forward for a quick kiss to his lips. "I'll see you when I come home."

With that I walked out the door and out of the temple. I will admit, waiting for the bus my stomach was in knots, I kept looking twice at everyone around me. I shook myself and forced myself to stop that. The trip over was terrifying. By the time it was my stop I very nearly didn't get off the bus.

I had to force myself to keep walking towards my office. I felt as if I were walking against a very strong wind, or through thick liquid. My body was fighting me every step of the way. But I ignored my body's demands and walked into the office.

Predictably, there was a section in the corner that was sealed off by the police as a crime scene. But the rest of the room was full as people were clearing their desks to move to a temporary office, as standard procedure.

All conversation in the office stopped. Everyone turned to stare at me as I walked calmly with my head held high to my desk. They watched in fascination as I picked up a box.

"Does anyone know if we won the Galt nine case yet?" I asked out loud to no one in particular.

There was the lone sound of someone clapping behind me. Quickly followed by another joining in, and another. The trickle of applause quickly turned into a waterfall of cheers and whistles. I felt my cheeks flame. No doubt they saw what I did as note worthy and brave.

I couldn't help but feel as if my victory were a little hollow. A man was dead and it was at my hand. For the rest of my life I will be stained by that.

"QUIET!" bellowed my boss from along the corridor. People cleared a path for him as he marched down the Aisle. My boss looked like a werewolf from old human horror stories. Even when smiling he looked like he was going to bite you.

He stopped right in front of my desk and looked me up and down. "What, precisely are you doing here?"

I looked around and murmured, "Working…. Working…" I looked up at him and nodded, "Working."

"You are working." He growled as I continued to pack up the needed materials for the next few days.

"Yes, that's right. How is the Galt Nine case doing? Did we win?" I asked

"You are WORKING?!?!" He bellowed

"Yes I am, are we going to continue to fixate on this issue or are we going to get some work done?" I asked putting one hand on my hip.

"You are not working. It's usual senate policy to allow those who have been victims of attempted murder to recover for one standard week at home." He growled at me. "Take it. I don't want to see you, I don't want to hear you. If I suspect you are even thinking about work, I am coming over to personally pummel you."

I lowered my face to stare at the corner of my desk. I felt defeated some how. Like the man who tried to kill me was winning. I didn't want to run and hide. I had a primal need to be out.

My boss stepped forward and leaned close to me, "Child, there is no shame in needing some time. You've just nearly lost your life. Take a few days to digest. Paint, write a story. Do something creative. In a week, come back then. This battle will still be here for you to fight."

I looked up into his eyes and knew the battle he was talking about was not my fight over unjust companies, but my fight over my own fears.

My boss nodded, his wolfish face and bright blue eyes actually softened a bit. His silky white coat of fur seemed so inviting for a hug, or a petting.

"Can I?" I asked with pleading eyes. It was an old joke between us. He was the inspector checking for intentional tampering in the food supplies when my colony left Coruscant and I, in my stupidity, didn't know he was sentient. I thought he was just a rather large dog.

He had picked me up by my shirt collar with his teeth and walked me back to my mother. While the other kids ran away from him screaming in fright, I giggled as I dangled in the air.

Trust him to remember the rag-a-muffin little girl who tried to cuddle up against him because she thought his coat was so pretty.

"NO! You aren't four anymore. Don't make me carry you out by your neck!" He growled indignantly. "now git!" With that he mock bit at me. I took the hint and walked speedily out of the office.

I barely got out the door of the office when I saw Obi-wan leaning up against the opposite wall, a very unhappy look on his face. His face was that frozen expression again, and now I knew he was mad at me.

He held up my gun holster, dangling it with one finger. "You forgot this again. This will be the last time, do you understand?"

I rolled my eyes as I took off my suit jacket and pulled on the holster, "Nag, nag, nag. First my superior, now my husband. Are all the men in my life going to become this bossy?"

His mouth tightened, "If it means keeping you safe, yes."

I sighed and took his arm, "You're here, you might as well walk with me back to the temple. My boss has essentially told me not to come in for a week."

Obi-wan nodded, "Wise man. I must thank him."

We were silent on the way home. It wasn't until we entered our rooms that I looked over at Obi-wan and asked somewhat acerbically, "May I disarm myself?"

He nodded, "There is something very important I wish to talk to you about."

I groaned, when he said that, it usually meant he was going to tell me something unpleasant.

"Now don't roll your eyes at me. I meditated on this all morning. As your husband, I am asking you to quit your job."

My brain came to a full and complete stop. I was so shocked I couldn't speak. "WHAT?!"

"Hear me out." He said holding up his hands. "I thought that you could keep it, after all you are doing a great service to the republic. But it's become very clear to me how much danger you are in and how much of a target you are."

I closed my eyes, counted to ten, counted the threads in the carpet, counted the brush strokes in the painting across from me before I felt in control enough of my temper. "So I need to quit my job? What in hell will I do with myself all day, Obi-wan? I want to be useful. I LIKE working."

Obi-wan nodded, "You could find something to do in temple. I know the library needs aids."

"Library." I intoned

He nodded, "yes." His voice indicating he was proud of his choice and thought that solved all our problems

I frowned, "I have no skill in cataloging things Obi-wan. I hold no passion for archiving. I'm an investigator. A freud inspector. I'm not one to just sit by. People need me out there. How will I wake up in the morning knowing that there is something bad happening out there and I could do something about it?"

He frowned, "You can't expect to live your life as you normally have."

"Why, in bloody hell, not?" I demanded. "I am not going to hide in the temple the rest of my life."

His fists clenched repeatedly as his teeth ground together, "Because you are now associated with me and a target. You just went THROUGH an attack, how can you stand there and say you aren't afraid?"

My jaw dropped, "You think I wasn't afraid to walk out that door this morning? I was terrified. But I am not going to let it control my actions. If I do, they win. I fully plan on doing everything I've ever done, no interruptions."

"The danger has increased now!" He snapped, "By bearing my last name, people will try and kill you."

"I told you I accepted that!" I snarled

"That doesn't mean I accept you taking that risk." He growled back

"Oh so that's it! You can run out and risk your neck for utter strangers, but I have to sit at home, walled up alive in a library."

"Because it's my calling and I know how to defend myself. You don't."

I had enough. There was no way we were going to solve this with my temper flaring out of control and his complete inability to reason. I needed to calm down and think. I immediately grabbed my jacket and started to march towards the door.

"Where precisely are you going?" Obi-wan asked mildly

"For a walk, before I say something we'll both regret." I snapped as I activated the door open and saw that Qui-gon was standing just out side of it. I looked up at Qui-gon and announced, "Your padawan in an unevolved primate with all the manners of a walrus and the social graces of a toilet."

Qui-gon arched a single eyebrow and stepped to the side to let me pass. I heard Obi-wan start to come after me and also heard Qui-gon stop him in his tracks. "You told her your idea about the library, didn't you?"

"Yes Master." I heard Obi-wan's voice echo down the corridor, "I don't see why she's so dead set against it and why she's reacted so irrationally."

Qui-gon's response floated to my ears causing a small smile to tug on my lips. "Actually, I think she took it rather well."

***

I didn't really go all that far. When ever I was upset as a child and need to think things over I usually ran for the one place my parents and my sister never looked, and that was the hall linen closet. To this day I usually do my best thinking in small dark confined spaces.

I had run into a small hall closet that looked to be the supply for spare bedding and sat down on a pile of pillows. About an hour later the door opened and I squinted against the light. The person stepped inside and shut the door behind them. There was a little rustling and a small glow stick appeared. In the greenish blue glow I made out the features of Mace Windu.

"I take it by the emotions rolling off of you that the honeymoon is officially over?" He asked mildly with an eyebrow.

I gave a small chuckle and waved him to a seat, "One could say that. First knock down drag out fight where I want to inflict serious pain on him."

Mace Windu nodded, "When I first saw you in here, I was wondering why, of all places you chose to think here. However, having stepped in here I can see the appeal."

"Are you upset?" I asked

He shook his head, "No. I'm just surprised I haven't thought of it myself. There is no such thing as privacy for the head of the council."

I sighed, "Apparently there is no such thing as free will for the wife of a Jedi, either."

Mace Windu's face didn't even register surprise. His dark eyes simply watched me, seeming to penetrate through me. "May I assume that you don't like this?"

I stared at him, aghast. "Of course not! I was born with a free will and I will use it."

Mace Windu smiled gently at me, "Ah, but you don't know the Jedi. We have been taught since birth to yield to the will of the force and those of our teachers. May I ask what happened?"

I sighed and told him what happened. Obi-wan's outright demand that I give up my job for my safety.

Mace Windu nodded, "And you don't agree with his proposed solution to your safety?"

I glared at the head of the council, "Don't tell me you do!"

Mace windu leaned forward and said, "Obi-wan is right. Being the consort of a Jedi means you are in greater danger now. You would be foolish indeed, not to heed the warnings."

I ground my teeth. "Don't do that."

"What?" He asked blinking

"Using logic on me." I growled with a small smile tugging at my lips in irony. After a while I sighed and leaned back against a pile of pillows. "Thank you, though."

Mace Windu inclined his head. "You are remarkably easy to talk to. If I know your husband, he and Qui-gon will still be talking about this well into tomorrow."

"Stubborn huh?" I grinned, "That's the Obi-wan I know and love."

Mace Windu's lip twitched upwards, "You don't know the half of it. The incident with the Twilik Harem proved it."

I blinked a few times before I said, "I know that isn't what it sounds like."

The head of the Jedi council actually chuckled, "Actually, it's exactly what it sounds like."

I gasped as I stared at him, "Tell me."

The head of the Jedi council placed the small glow rod on the floor like a camp fire. We settled ourselves comfortably on the piles of pillows and blankets. Then the esteemed head of the Jedi council proceeded to tell me the dirt on my husband.

By the time I left Mace Windu in the closet because he wanted to enjoy some privacy, I had learned two important things.

Firstly, It was very plain to me that it would take considerably more the one afternoon to reveal it all. My husband the calm, contemplative, spiritual Jedi student had QUITE a past.

Secondly, After that story about the Harem girls alone, he was sleeping on the couch tonight.

***

I arrived back at the rooms to see that Obi-wan was sitting on the couch frowning very unhappily. A prominent crease was between his brows as he sat with his arms crossed. Qui-gon saw me walk in and stood up.

"How is it going?" I asked Qui-gon as he approached the door gathering his cloak.

Qui-gon snorted, "My apprentice is as intractable as a sith."

I chuckled, "Well, I'm back and willing to negotiate. Care to stay?"

Qui-gon raised his hands up in a plea, "No. I've brought warlords who have been feuding for centuries over to the table. I have negotiated peace between rival planets with an ingrained hatred of each other. However, I draw the line at negotiating with my apprentice."

I laughed and watched as Qui-gon left the room. I looked at Obi-wan glaring at me from the couch. I pulled back a chair from the kitchen table and waved to the opposite chair for him. "Care to start negotiations? I am."

He gets up, all reluctant and angry male and flops down into his chair, glaring at me.

"Now, what seems to be the crux of the problem." I asked

"Simple." Obi-wan said, "You have no regard for your own life and safety."

I hold up a hand, "I don't think that's true. I have a high opinion of my skin."

Obi-wan stared at some invisible point on the table as he slouched in his chair. "You nearly died. I almost lost you. The next time could not come out so well. I want you safe."

I smiled, "Obi-wan, the safest place for me would be sealed in an underground bunker, and even that isn't perfect. I want to live my life. I have every right to that."

Obi-wan's eyes shot up, "No, that isn't true. We aren't two separate people anymore. We are bonded together. We are now a two bodied, two personality entity. As such I do not care for the idea of you traipsing about the most crime ridden city in the known galaxy unprotected."

"Are you scared?" I asked softly

His hands clenched them selves as his eyes closed shut. "I've only just found you. I can't lose you now. The lifetime we have now is far too short. I can't let it be cut off even shorter."

"Obi-wan, you have to know that when you love someone it leaves you open to all sorts of vulnerabilities." I whispered.

His eyes opened and flayed me alive with their intensity. "Yes. It is both a blessing and a curse. Personally, if I could lock you up in a tower so you'll always be safe I would in a heart beat. But it seems there are limits to the authority I can exert over you."

I arched an eyebrow, "Limits? How about you have no authority over my actions and decisions. You must continue to rely on negotiations."

He smirked a bit, "Alright, what do you propose since we seem to be at an impasse. I want you safe, you want your freedom."

I sighed, "I'll be willing to acknowledge that because I am married to you I need to make some lifestyle changes in response to the added personal risk."

His mouth relaxed a little in relief, "In turn, I will be willing to look at other options besides confinement to the temple grounds."

I nodded, "All right, I'll put out the opening bid. Chancellor Valorum has been after me to be on his staff as New Colony Consultant. While I'm much happier going after the bastards that step out of line, I'm willing to turn my attacks onto the senate to make them pass the laws in the first place. Being on his staff means I have his level of security at work."

Obi-wan blinked slowly, his face a deadpan, "I am still listening. What will you do when not in work."

I sighed, "Standard procedure for any of Valorum's staff, which means I'm willing to subject myself to a body guard at political events. When outside of anything work related I will carry my weapon and religiously go to my self defense classes."

Obi-wan frowned, "You will have a Jedi as your guard during those events, preferably me. When you go out and about on your own you will only tell the temple where you are going, no one else. You won't have any habits that can be patterned. You will follow any instructions for your personal safety that the temple provides."

"I'll agree to the safety procedures, but I don't agree to the Jedi guard for both personal and political reasons. Personally because I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb among people. People see a Jedi playing body guard some random yahoo might decide to take a pot shot for the glory of it.   Politically because Jedi are to stay out of politics. Jedi start guarding me, I'll be invited to more events then I can shake a stick at just so they can say a Jedi was there." I replied.

Obi-wan ground his teeth, "I don't like it."

I smiled and propped my head up on my hand, "I can make you like it?"

Obi-wan snorted, "What could you possibly say to make me like it?"

"I know about the Harem." I said.

Obi-wan's jaw dropped as his eyes rounded hugely. "No."

"Yes."

Obi-wan blinked, "It's not what it sounds like."

I coughed, "Oh yes it is."

"I had no choice but to accept it." Obi-wan defended and raised his hands.

I grinned saucily, knowing full well I had just won negotiations, "Yeah. Right. And you were so upset at the time. There are SIX of them."

"All going to reputable places of higher education right now. I don't ever see them and only keep in touch via letters." He said

"You still officially own their contracts!" I gasped.

"Mere formality." Obi-wan replied quickly. His eyes revealing he felt like a cornered mouse, "If I ever broke it or gave them back it would horrify the people of Nyti four. I'm not the only Jedi to receive one. My Master has a harem of twelve."

"I don't care what he has." I replied, "And I don't care what kind of deal you have or had with these ladies. You should have told me that I wasn't your only wife, that there were six others with the same title."

"You're my only wife. They are my concubines." Obi-wan replied.

I glared at him.

He got this worried look on his face, "That didn't help did it?"

I continued to glare at him, arms crossed. My only response to his statement was to blink.

"What do you want me to do? You see the bind I am in." He said, trying to smile and turn on the boyish charm.

I tilted my head up and looked down my nose at him, "It's completely up to you how long you want to be sleeping on the couch."

Obi-wan stared at me shocked, "Are you blackmailing me?"

"That would be a big yes." I replied flatly, "Agree to my terms and I may be merciful."

Obi-wan stared at me, "My respect and admiration of you grows by leaps and bounds."

"Don't try to butter me up." I wagged a finger at him. "Are you agreeing?"

Obi-wan sighed, "What choice have I? I accept your terms."

I smiled, "Good."

Obi-wan shook his head, "Why do I feel as if I have been hit by a Corellian freighter?"

I got up from the table and started to walk by, "I don't know. Not used to being out maneuvered?"

Just as I passed him, he grabbed my waist and dragged me into his lap. I put on the air of a cat tolerating the attention as he held me close. In truth it felt nice, but I was still somewhat angry at him.

"Does this mean you forgive me?" He asked voice a soft purr as his eyes went playful and he put on the cute air.

I smiled pleasantly, "Of course I do." I leaned forward and pressed our foreheads together. "But you are still sleeping on the couch tonight."

With that I hopped out of his lap and continued on my way to the kitchen to make myself some lunch.

***

"You know I have this suspicion that if we had met under different circumstances, we would have hated each other," he said as I looked at him strangely. I, of course, simply ignored him. We were sitting on the couch is living room, it was after a nice lunch and the both of us were reading.

"Oh really that's nice," I said as I tapped on the screen to turn the page. "As long as the feeling is mutual"

Obi-wan sighed and ran the hand through his hair, his eyes were grey with frustration. "It's been nearly a week now! You are still angry with me?"

"Yes." I said as I continued reading my job description. Valorum had gleefully accepted my application and had given me a few weeks between the quitting of my old job and the start of my new one. In the mean time, I was being given the ultimate crash course in Self defense with all the thoroughness that only Jedi could provide.

Obi-wan sighed, "For what? Surely you can't be angry at me for having the harem. I told you, I never see them and there isn't an indecent thought between us."

I arched an eyebrow, "I'm not mad at you for having it. I'm mad at you for not telling me."

Obi-wan rolled his eyes, "When, pray tell, would have been a good time to tell you?"

I smiled, "In a letter home. I would have fumed a bit, but I wouldn't have had nearly as much of a problem."

He sighed deeply and crossed his arms, "It's not right. Two months married and I am already sleeping on the couch."

I chuckled and rubbed his shoulder, "Get over it."

Obi-wan sighed and stared at the ceiling. I looked up and saw that Qui-gon was gathering his hover chair, pallet and paint brushes. "What are you planning?"

Qui-gon smiled as he started to block off an area of the ceiling tapestry with some rods and small drop cloths. Just enough to hide the area he'd be working on. "That is for me to know and you to find out."

Obi-wan rubbed his face and finally looked back at me, "What can I do?"

I smiled, "A date."

Obi-wan frowned, "What?"

I looked at him with a smile, "A date. You know. That thing we never did that people normally do before they get married. Take me on one. Like you would have."

Obi-wan stared at me for a long while as if I had lost what few marbles I had left. "Why?"

I sighed in frustration and started to stand up, "Never mind, you're right, stupid idea anyway."

I immediately felt his hand on my arm stopping me, "Wait. I'm sorry. It's not a stupid idea. I'm just trying to understand why it means so much to you that I do this."

I sat down and sighed, "I ended up falling in love and marrying in less then a week. I've never even seen you before. I didn't have the normal sweet slow process of dating with you. This whole marriage just seems so, well damn efficient, there was no time for the trimmings. I miss the trimmings."

Obi-wan tilted his head to one side, "The trimmings?"

I blushed, "When I dreamed of a knight in shining amour coming to carry me of, this wasn't exactly the scenario I pictured. Sure, my damsel in distress dream has been completely ruined from these past two experiences. I don't know, guess I always thought there would be a little more romance. I'm not one to live and breath by romance but a little dash here and there is really nice."

"A dash?"

I looked at my nails and sighed. They were devoid of paint and trimmed short as was normal with me. "I spend so much time fitting into today's androgynous society that occasionally I miss feeling like a girl."

A heavy silence lay over us until I finally broke it with a sigh, "Never mind. I'm going to start making dinner." Immediately got up and retreated into the haven of the kitchen. I felt my cheeks flame as I went over what I said. I always felt uncomfortable talking about my feelings and desires. I never liked asking people for things. New colonists had an ingrained truth imbedded into them of do it yourself.

I pushed my painful embarrassment aside and set about making dinner.

***

"Are you sure you are comfortable?" I asked as I watched Obi-wan settle once again into the couch. I looked in the narrow couch he was sleeping on. It appeared far shorter than his height and looked extremely uncomfortable.

He looked up at me as he arranged the blankets. A small smile touched his mouth, "I assure you I will be all right." His eyes seemed to watch me from across the room. There was watchfulness in the eye I could not describe.

"Well, then I guess it is time for sleep," I smile cheerfully. "Sweet dreams"

"Darling, may I ask you one question?" he said as he looked deep into my eyes. In the lowlight of the room, his eyes seemed to glow green.

I turned around and placed one hand on my hip. "Yes?"

"I was wondering," he said casually " what is your favorite color?"

I was surprised. In all the times we had known each other he'd never asked me that question. I began to wonder why and realize how very little we knew about each other.

" I have two favorite colors," I smiled, " they are teal and pink."

He nodded, as if I had just answered a very serious question. " thank you, sleep well"

I was too tired to try and figure out what he meant. So I said stretched and turn to walk away. I was stopped by the grown " what?"

One hand was on his head as he laughed. "Darling you will be the death of me."

I smiled brightly, "I aim to please."

***

I didn't see him when I got up the next morning. Nor did I see him all during that day. He had just disappeared. No one seemed to have the least idea where he was.

I opened the door to the quarters after finishing up at self defense practice and had showered and changed in the locker room as my custom. It was approaching evening. I called out to my husband and his master and discovered they were no where to be found.

With a frown I sighed and went to hang my bag up on the hook near the door. I saw there was a small piece of plasticene with an arrow pointing down. My eyes went in the direction of the arrow and found another one of the floor. This one pointed towards the kitchen. I walked into the kitched and followed the collection of arrows to a cabinet.

I opened the door of the cabinet and saw taped to the inside was a delicate pink rose. I smiled as I pulled it off the door and smelled it's delicate scent. I looked at the closed bud and saw there was a small roll of paper tucked into the petals.

As carefully as I could, I pulled it out and unrolled it.

Written in tiny letters in Obi-wan's neat flowing script, "Can you find me? Follow the hints. Can you solve faster then I can create puzzles? To find the next rose, follow your nose."

I frowned. Obi-wan wasn't going to make this easy. Nose. It could mean anything. From smelling through the apartment to walking in the direction I was facing. I decided to take a more non litteral interpretation. I immediately got up and walked over to the drawer in our room where he kept his used work out clothes.

To my satisfaction I saw taped inside was another rose. This one had it's hint wrapped around it's stem.

"Rose one and well begun! The next one isn't so easy to find. Think of your habits, Think of your likes Then think how we are two of a kind."

I was puzzled a bit at first, but then the answer struck me. With a happy smile I got up, grabbed my blaster holster and ran out the door.

***

I frowned as I opened the box that the man behind the counter handed me. One dozen corellian roses later, I was at the restaurant that had made our first meal together. It was approaching dinner time and I had still seen neither hide nor hair of my husband.

I opened the box as I said near a table. Untying the ribbon around the masses of tissue paper around the object inside, I could feel that it was something soft and light weight. I pulled away the light blue paper and looked inside. It was a dark teal green dress made of a flowing foamy material, the fabric was so light weight and frothy it had to be only Alderaan silk. To decorate the dress small silk rose buds ran along the plunging neckline and around the waist.

Digging deeper into the dress I saw that there was a matching purse, shawl and shoes. I opened the purse and saw there was an envelope inside containing two tickets to a local dinner theater. With a bright giddy smile I ran into the bathroom to get dressed.

The dress fit me like a glove, hugging all the right places, showing off everything it should. It was a little old fashioned in style but I had a feeling my husband would love the classics. I carefully slipped one of my slim blasters into my cleavage and the other along with the power packs into my handbag. I put my regular clothes and roses carefully into the box and shipped it back to the temple as I made my way to the theater.

I arrived outside of the theater in good time. Bouncing on my toes as I continually looked at my watch, I wondered where he was. It was almost time for it to start when I felt something soft trace along the back of my bare shoulders.

I quickly turned and saw Obi-wan smiling at me, holding up one last rose. I smiled shyly as he dusted my nose with it's delicate petals.

I took a long look at him and felt my heart stop. So far the only outfits I have ever seen my husband in are his Jedi robes, his sleep pants, his swimming togs or his birthday suit. Right now he was wearing black uniform dress pants, large flowing black poet's shirt and a electric blue vest. The hand that wasn't holding the rose out to me was holding his sport jacket. His lightsaber glinted silver on his hip.

"You are beautiful." He murmured almost absently as he leaned closer and brushed our lips together.

I felt myself blush furiously at the compliment, but it was a good blush. Obi-wan held out an arm gallantly and I took it. I felt like a queen as he strolled us inside and to our table.

***

The play was an excellent classical drama. During the show we had shoved our seats right next to each other and murmured commentaries to each other. Now that the show was over, we had a lovely dinner. It was fun trying to eat with one hand while the other was toying with each other's fingers.

We talked about everything and absolutely nothing. I loved his laugh and smile more then anything in the world. His beautiful eyes simply light up with joy.

Shortly however, we heard a screech and a splash from across the room. I looked over to see that Mic and Sheana were in the place as well. Sheana had just tossed a pitcher of water all over him and was stalking out.

Mic looked over at me and locked eyes with me. I couldn't think of anything other then to smile, shrug and tilt my head towards the retreating Sheana. Then I turned back to Obi-wan, "What were you saying?"

Obi-wan looked at me closely, "Nothing important. Darling, I had an important question to ask you."

I nodded, "Yes?"

Obi-wan's eyes flicked over to Mic, "Do you wish you were still with him?" His voice was casual but with the way he was picking at his food and the vulnerability in his eyes I saw the answer to this question would mean the universe to him.

I pursed my lips as I tried to form the absolute best answer that I could. "Mic was a dream. I am awake now."

He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath that I didn't know he was holding. He gave my hand a little grip. "Mine." He whispered softly, almost to himself.

I put my fork down and placed it on one of his cheeks. His eyes looked up into mine, taking on an opalescent quality in the candle light. "I love you, my husband. I would never have agreed to marriage if there was a risk of divided loyalty."

He smiled and drew my hand up to his lips for a kiss, "So I can tell you without fear that he wants you back."

I frowned, "Mic? Why?"

Obi-wan chuckled, "Apparently he didn't realize the treasure he had until it was gone. Now I have you and I fear I am too greedy to consider giving you back."

I grinned, "I should hope you wouldn't give me back. I certainly want nothing to do with a man who would fall in love with someone else and not tell me about it."

Obi-wan brought my palm up to his lips and kissed it. As he did, his eyes wandered off my face and pinned something behind me with his gaze. I could read that look very well. It was one male telling another to back off.

"What do you say we head home for dessert?" I offered so he would turn that primal attention back to me. I watched the male aggressiveness in his eyes shift from battle to territorial marking.

"That would be ideal." He purred, his voice low as we stood up and collected our things. "I will say one thing."

"What is that?" I asked

Obi-wan leaned over my back so he whispered into my ear, "Dates are so much easier when you know damn well where you are going to be sleeping that night." His voice promising to make my letting him back into his bed worth while.

***

One Year:

I bounced on the balls of my feet as I waited for the ship to land. My husband was coming home today after a mission. Needless to say, I missed him terribly when he was gone, despite the fact I have moved into his room.

The other change that was made was the Jedi managed to finagle a permit to allow me to carry concealed in Coruscant. Being allowed to carry weapons in this city required a permit that was near impossible to get. To get a permit to carry concealed took an act of the senate. I wore the blaster and saw it's use. I've become a fairly decent quick draw. But I still hated the sith spawn thing and was terrified it would malfunction while I wore it.

But I had happier thoughts to contemplate. My husband was coming home and on our anniversary! I had a gift for him I really hoped he liked.

I watched as the ramp came down and out walked two figures. I immediately recognized the shorter figure as my husband. Waiting as patiently as I dared, I forced myself to stand in one spot and wait for him to finish disembarking procedures and come to me.

When he arrived he grinned at me. "Still can't live without me?"

"Shut up, Obi-wan." I reply with a smirk. It was our long standing welcome home speech.

"One year." Obi-wan smiled as we walked side by side back to our rooms.

"Yes, remarkable we haven't killed each other yet." I chuckled. We fought and we had whopping good fights. But they were usually settled the same day.

Conversation wandered as we walked the long way back to our rooms. We walked into our rooms to find that Qui-gon was already there. Qui-gon was removing the protective covering from his latest addition to the painted tapestry wall boarder, the one he started ten months ago. Neither Obi-wan, nor I, knew what he was making since he kept it covered and worked only when we weren't there.

"Going to finally show us what you made?" I called up to him with a smile.

Qui-gon removed the last piece and stepped aside, "Happy Aniversary to the both of you."

We looked up and gasped. Rendered, in loving detail, was the image of our wedding party. Both of us kneeled before Mace Windu as guests surrounded us. Framing the picture was our one week of courtship. There was the image of us sitting on opposite sides of the Transport. Next to it was the image of us sitting watching the sun set behind the temple. Followed by the image of Obi-wan bailing me out of jail and of Obi-wan finding me stuck up a tree. It was a beautiful piece.

I walked up to Qui-gon and wrapped my arms around him as I gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Second Father." I whispered from the bottom of my heart. Second parent was the title given to those on new colonies that take over the raising of a child should the real parent die. Qui-gon was rendered speechless the first time I called him that.

"Yes master, it's wonderful." Obi-wan said. "Makes my present seem paltry."

I gave Obi-wan a playful shove, "Everytime you say that, I end up deeply moved."

"Not this time." Obi-wan chuckled as he pulled out a small box from the folds of his robe. "Open it."

I opened the box and was rendered confused by the contents. It looked like a fingerless glove that cliff climbers used. It was made from a thick, sturdy cloth and had what looked like a watch set into the wrist part.

"Put it on." Obi-wan encouraged. I did. It fit, well, like a glove.

"I'm ecstatic, where's the other one?" I commented as I stared at the glove.

He chuckled, "It's the only one of its kind. Do you see the small metal disc at the base of the thumb?"

I turned my hand so the line of my fingers were perpendicular to the ground, There was indeed a small metal disc that was slightly dented. It looked as if it were attached to some sort of thread. "Yes, I see it."

Obi-wan smiled brightly, "Make a fist, like you were holding an invisible bow and pull that disc back as if it were the base of an arrow attached to the string."

I did and got the shock of my life. In an instant two thin mental bands shot out from a small hidden tube where my fingers curled and attached to each end of the bands was the strange metal string that was attached to the disc. A thin, blue lightsaber blade "arrow" flared to life from the base at the mental disc.

It was my beloved Bow and Arrow. I took an absolute instant love to it. Blasters were such clumsy things to aim with. Bow took real skill and was a far more elegant weapon in my opinion.

"Does it work?" I asked in fascination as I examined the line and sight of it.

Obi-wan chuckled, "Of course. The circuitry was tricky since I essentially had to take all the components of a lightsaber and make as much of it as flexable as I could. The only part I couldn't make flexable was the power supply and the crystal, that I put in the dial at your wrist. The Dial you control the power of the ‘arrow'."

I stared at the construction of the weapon and found it to be absolutely flawless and aesthetically beautiful. No one would really look twice at me for wearing the glove. Many people wore similar gloves that held personal data organizers with flexible display screens in the palm.

I carefully returned the disc back to it's place and watched as the glove disarmed it's self, retracting the bow. "Only a Jedi would think to give a weapon to his wife for an anniversary present."

"I know how much you hate blasters and I agree with you on that principle. But I like the idea of you having a hidden sting. Lightsabers are a far more elegant weapon and I am coming to appreciate your Bow. I'm thinking about making one for myself. Could come in handy." Obi-wan explained.

I gave Obi-wan a kiss, "Thank you, husband. Even if it is a tad unusual."

Obi-wan blinked, "Oh, were you expecting something more like this?" Obi-wan then pulls an alderaanian rose from his sleeves and holds it before my nose.

I take the rose with a smile and chuckle, "Well, I guess we know where you are sleeping tonight."

Obi-wan laughed and held me close, thieving another kiss. "Do I get a present?" He asked eagerly. Given the way he was nibbling my ear I could guess what he thought his present was.

I flicked my eyes to qui-gon who bowed slightly and exited the room. He was there when I, well, confirmed the present. Qui-gon knew what it was.

I smiled and reached for his hand and placed it on my lower abdomen. "Yes, but you can't have it until about a month before Boonta Eve."

Boonta Eve was nine months away.

Obi-wan's jaw dropped as his eyes went round. I giggled. I loved it when my husband looked shocked. There was so little that could knock a Jedi flat on his mental ass.

He was silent for so long I was beginning to get worried. Maybe he didn't like this. "Obi-wan, please say something." I whispered somewhat desperately.

A full out rather stupid looking grin plastered it's self on his face. He immediately dropped to his knees before me and pressed his ear against the appropriate spot. I chuckled a bit as I played with Obi-wan's hair. The healer had warned me that Jedi tend to be attracted to growing things like moths to flames. Around four months Qui-gon was going to start looking drugged.

"There!" Obi-wan cried happily, "I can sense him."

"What makes you think it's a boy!" I demanded.

He looked up at me while keeping a hand on my belly, "It better be a boy. I don't think I can handle a Miniature Alexa just yet."

I snorted and smacked his shoulder. "Boy or girl, either way we are in trouble. They'll be as stubborn as the two of us combined."

Obi-wan grinned up at me, "You realize that if you thought I was over protective before, I am going to be terrible now."

I grinned, "Oh really?"

Obi-wan looked at my belly and whispered, "Your mother thinks I am joking."

I gave my husband a good smack upside the head, "Don't start corrupting the child to your side."

He stood back up and pulled me into his arms for the sweetest, longest and deepest kiss. When he finally let me breath again, he smiled into my eyes and asked, "So when did this happen?"

"Best the healer can tell, Sometime between the fifth and the eighth of last month." I replied

Obi-wan nodded as he thought back to that time with a smile. Qui-gon was gone for that weekend and we had thoroughly enjoyed our privacy. "Those were some good days. Worth having a reminder of them."

I giggled, "Only you Obi-wan, would think of a Child as a living reminder of a rather active weekend."

He kissed me once again and then scooped me up in his arms, "What in blazes are you doing on your feet? You're pregnant."

"I'm pregnant, not crippled." I sighed as I leaned my head against his shoulder. "Healer said I was to maintain current level of physical activity, only modify it so it was lower impact. I'm taking up swimming."

"That's another thing." He explained, "We need to do something about your job. Maybe you can work from home most days."

I groaned as he carried me off to the bedroom and I distracted him from further musings with a kiss. I had a feeling in a few weeks this was going to be another whopper of a fight.

This time I could blackmail him with the Gypsy Story.

End