Title: In the Garden (Chapter 1/2)
Author: obi's girl
Summary: A sequel to Burning for You; Padmé waits for the Jedi she loves in the Jedi Temple Gardens; special appearance by Qui-Gon Jinn
Disclaimer: The characters of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Senator Padmé Amidala Naberrie, Anakin Skywalker and Palpatine (the s.o.b) don't belong to me but the almighty - George Lucas.

~

Padmé bent over, smelling a rose as she waited patiently for Obi-Wan. He asked if he could see her later in the garden. She said she could probably fit him into her busy schedule and she managed just that. The woman pulled her hair to her left shoulder, noticing another Jedi walk by, but not Obi-Wan.

~


Obi-Wan raced hurriedly after his Padawan. He knew what he did was wrong, even though deep down it felt right. He loved Padmé for so long, but so did his Padawan. He shook his head defiantly, Obi-Wan caught him, entering the turbo lift. The boy was going to meet the Council. "Anakin, don't do this!"

He nodded no, "I trusted you Obi-Wan. I looked up to you and you stole the one thing most dearest to me." The boy paused, shrugging, "And now I'm going to take away the one thing which is dearest to you," closing the door to the lift.

The Jedi Master drooped his head and began to head back to his quarters.

~


"Senator Naberrie?" a voice asked.

Her head rose once she heard her name. She smiled, recognizing it was one of the Council members. "Master Billalaba. Hello,"

Depa smiled back, "Enjoying the scenery?"

Padmé smiled, "It's not very often I get to enjoy anyplace I go. Being bogged up in the Senate takes away the joys of life, we take for granted." She paused, "But the Gardens are the most beautiful and calming. You're lucky to have them,"

She nodded, "Are you waiting to speak with Anakin?"

The former Queen frowned, "Actually, I was going to meet Obi-Wan here. It's been a long time since I've seen him." Then nodded, "Scratch that. I wanted to thank him for assisting me in the Senate while Palpatine was away,"

"The Jedi serve where they can, Majesty," she paused, gazing out at the open garden, "Obi-Wan was the perfect choice. No one else knows you better than he, except Anakin,"

Padmé lowered her head, "And Qui-Gon." She paused, "I think it's been a long time since anyone has spoken his name,"

"We all mourn in our own way, Senator." Depa gasped, "Having you here, brightens Obi-Wan's mood."

"Thank you, Master Billalaba."

The Jedi bowed her head, "You are right, Padmé. We all mourn in our own way. Only we have to make sure the way we mourn doesn't hurt those we love,"

Padmé questioned.

"Thank you again Master Billalaba," she returned.

~


Obi-Wan dropped onto his couch, feeling worse than he had ever felt in his life. His Padawan knew about his relationship with Padmé. He cursed himself. "How could I hurt Anakin like that?"

a voice returned.

He nodded his head no, "Anakin is my Padawan. He loved Padmé and I stole her from him, without even thinking about the consequences,"

Qui-Gon continued.

"I'm supposed to meet her in the garden later. What will I say to her?"



Kenobi laughed, "So, you're saying losing her is worth it because I'm not destined to love her like that?"

He nodded yes.

"I'm sorry, Qui-Gon. But I made a promise a long time ago to never leave her, under any circumstances," the Jedi huffed, "but I also made a promise to train Anakin. What do you think I should do?"

He paused,

Obi-Wan smiled, looking up to see his Master only the Jedi was gone. "Thank you, Master," and disappeared from the apartment.

Qui-Gon's words echoed through Obi-Wan's head as he walked down the South Path to meet Padmé. As much as he didn't want admit it, he had a decision to make - the hardest in his life. The Jedi didn't want to lose his Padawan, but on the other hand, he didn't want to lose the woman he loved as well. If he said to Padmé what was between them could never be, would she be mad at him or understanding? It was hard to say. One thing was clear though: Anakin was already angry with him and he had a right to be.

Fact was, over a course of years, seeing the Queen on a daily basis, talking with her, then had he fallen in love with her. The time in the garden wasn't an instant revelation about his feelings. He had known for some time how he felt. It was a matter of knowing how she felt.

His gaze lifted from the ground as he noticed a familiar shadow before him. It was she. Though he only saw her a short while ago, he still felt like he was seeing her for the first time in ages.

"Obi-Wan, are you all right?" she asked grasping his hand and gently rubbing it.

He blushed, causing her to laugh a bit. "Yes."

She pulled him onto a bench, "You know, I wasn't supposed to be the one waiting here,"

"You weren't?"

"No. You were. You made the appointment therefore, you should have been waiting for me," she replied. "In fact, I think it's the first time you've been for any appointment,"

>>TBC

 

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