We sit in Padme's apartment, all three of us no doubt developing bruises from throwing ourselves out of windows and speeders. But Obi-Wan doesn't need to know I did just the same hours before he arrived here, even if I'm starting to feel the bruises from that fight.

"You all look awful," Padme says, making us tea well past midnight, Dorme her only companion besides the security. "So you believe it was a bounty hunter?"

"She said it was a bounty hunter," I say, gladly accepting her tea. "Who then killed her before she could give him up."

"Thank you very much," Obi-Wan says accepting Padme's tea, as well mannered as ever. Both of us too afraid to ask for caf instead since Padme would rouse on us considering the time and I know better than to ask her for alcohol.

"We will find him Padme," Anakin's promises her while Obi-Wan and I share a look, too exhausted to listen to Anakin fawning over her.

"I have every faith you will," Padme says, sitting down beside him as I move into the kitchen to find something extra to add to it while she's distracted and Obi-Wan follows.

"More sugar?" Obi-Wan asks, wanting any excuse to not have to watch Anakin's shameless flirting, and instead I reach for the top cupboard she thinks I don't know about it. "Ah."

"If you don't tell Padme I'll give you some," I say and he gives me a stiff nod, not arguing as I pour more than a standard drink into each of our teas, knowing we both need it. 

"So, what's next," I ask him, just wanting to sleep but not wanting to part from him yet.

"Tomorrow Anakin and I will see the council so we can move forward with the investigation," he tells me and I give him a soft smile at his decision.

"Thank you Obi-Wan."

"Well considering Anakin got you electrocuted it's the least I can do."

I laugh and feel Padme look over to me before keeping Anakin occupied.

"Would you like to join us?" he asks and I'm surprised.

"You want to bring me back in front of the council?"

"Well you have a way of getting things across," he says with a small smile. "Let them regret not taking you back."

I can't help the mischief in mine. "Pissing off the council, now you've got me on board."

"Well that's not how I'd phrase it, but yes," he smiles, reaching over to squeeze my shoulder and hesitates before asking. "Tell me, have you still been continuing your training on your own?"

On my own? No.

"Yes," I tell him, lying to him a foreign feeling, but now isn't the time for all that. Not when we have a lead to follow. "I've spent the last ten years trying to train myself for better or for worse."

He searches my eyes but makes the decision to believe me.

"Then let them see that," he says and lets me rest my head on his shoulder as he rubs my back. "You should sleep."

"So should you," I reply, knowing we're just as stubborn as each other. "But you don't want to leave Anakin flirting with my sister."

"Yes, well, he could at least be more subtle about it."

"We were hardly subtle," I chuckle, smiling at the memories. "Is this what Qui-Gon thought whenever he'd catch us alone in empty rooms?"

"Well," he says as I look up at him and his eyes are on mine. "When you put it like that."

Fondly I remember as I hear the two of them talking "We were that young once."

I was Anakin's age, and he was Padme's.

"It is strange looking back at it now isn't it?"

"It's not that strange," I say, understanding what I felt better now than I ever did before. "It's the most natural thing, finding comfort in another person."

He wraps his arm around my shoulders, almost like an old friend would. Almost. "You aren't wrong."

I reach back for his hand and squeeze it tight. "We should sleep, Anakin will watch Padme."

He nods and we head back out to them.

"I doubt they'll try anything else tonight so we're going to rest," I tell them. "We'll be seeing the Jedi Council in the morning."

Padme nods and looks between us before saying. "Sleep well."

She's soon back into conversation with Anakin as I take Obi-Wan to the guest bedroom, finding it of course occupied by Dorme and so against any sense I have I take him into mine. His own senses must be gone for he actually comes in.

He hangs his cloak up over a chair while I sit on the edge of my queen sized bed. For a moment neither of us say anything but just look at one another, feeling everything between us.

"I'm glad you're here Obi-Wan," I finally say, knowing words can never express how much.

"So am I my dear," he says and I can't help myself as I come to my feet and find myself in his arms. An embrace of two people with ten years of longing for one another, what I wanted to do the moment I saw him. I feel him breathe me in as he holds me tight and breathes my name "Rhea."

Gently I feel him untying my braid and letting his fingers run through it until my hair is loose and feel his breath hitch in his throat as I nuzzle my head in the crook of his neck, neither of us wanting to move. When I finally look up at him it's clear that ten years has changed nothing except make the ache of longing deeper.

We don't need to say anything as he lays in my bed, my head on his chest, both of us too exhausted to think rationally, to think of consequences. In our positions all we do is think of the consequences of our actions, all we do is try to be rational. But when we're with one another it doesn't matter. Because it's just us and no one else.

"Obi?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you been happy?" I ask him, such a silly question but one that's been on my mind these many years and the question is one that leaves him silent in contemplation for a moment.

"I've been happy enough," he tells me, having to bite back a gasp as his fingertips run along my spine. "But that doesn't mean I haven't had doubts." The pain in his voice makes my heart ache. "Have you been happy?"

"I feel as if all I've had these many years are doubts," I confide in him, years of utter self destruction all in the name of not feeling that aching numbness inside of me, Dooku quickly nipped that in the bud. "When Padme told me you were coming..." I can't find the words and instead tell him "I've missed you."

Three simple words that could not even begin to touch the agony I've been in.

But he knows.

"I've missed you too," he says quietly and holds me, both of us barely conscious at this point. "Sweet dreams my dear."

"Sweet dreams Obi," I smile softly and feel his lips on my forehead as I drift off into my dreams, for the first time not having to imagine him holding me. 

~

The room's filled with light as I wake, I could be forgiven for thinking the events of the previous day were the dream of a homesick girl, but here he is.

I look up at him, finding him awake and watching me with nothing but adoration in his eyes, something I return. My hand trails up his chest to cup his bearded face and his eyes fall closed at my touch, his chin tilting so his lips can brush the edge of my hand and my own eyes close at the roughness of his beard next to the softness of his mouth.

"Obi," I murmur sleepily and feel his tired smile.

 Although our peace is just as quickly disrupted by Anakin.

"Obi-Wan?" Anakin calls out from the hallway like a lost puppy and I just laugh while Obi-Wan sighs.

"A common occurrence?"

"I'm convinced I've atoned for all my wrongs as a padawan through training Anakin," he groans, with a strong love for his padawan but also a deep frustration. "Patience is the first thing I came to learn."

"Old Ben Kenobi," I chuckle as his fingers lace with mine. "Qui-Gon did foresee it."

"That he did," he says, still groggy from sleep yet the most beautiful I've ever seen him with the light in his eyes. He was always handsome, a handsome boy with a baby face and bright eyes, but now here he is bearded and wise with eyes that are still just as bright. The sight of him is enough to make me forget all the reasons this very moment we share should not be happening.

"You're more beautiful than ever," he murmurs reaching out to play with my hair as if our thoughts are the same. 

"And you're more handsome than ever," I say reaching out to stroke his beard before running my fingers through his long hair. "You truly are a sight, I don't know how the council allows you to walk around looking like you do."

That makes him chuckle "Well after this I dare say they may put a stop to that."

"Obi-Wan?" we hear Anakin still calling and sigh as Obi-Wan reluctantly sits up.

"I best coach Anakin on what to say, or rather not say, before we see the council."

I nod, not quite ready to let him go and we sit there together in bed for a moment with my head on his shoulder, as if it is how we could wake up every day despite it being the first in ten years.

He looks at me as if trying to regain his senses, telling himself he's already gone too far, before shaking his head and leaning forward to press his lips to my forehead, fingers running through the curls of my hair as I let myself be consumed by that simple innocent touch for as long as he'll let me.

"I'll see you outside," he says, forcing himself to pull away and he doesn't look back as he takes his cloak with him, knowing if he does he may not leave.

With the ghost of his lips on my forehead I force myself to leave the sheets that smell like him to get ready. I go to shower but the feeling of him on me is too comforting to remove just yet, and so I hesitate before stepping inside remembering it's the council we'll be seeing. I can't afford to leave any trace of him on me.

But even as I shower I can't help the memories that come of that night together and the dawn after, and yet even then they pale to feeling of waking up with him now and I press my eyes shut as I confront the fact it isn't feelings I had for a boy a decade a go that I feel, but an overwhelming adoration for the man he's become.

And that- that is more dangerous than any memory could be.

 I dress myself nicely in crimson, regal enough to be seen with the dignity and respect befitting my position as a former Princess of Theed but still suitable enough for a fight if one finds me. After all much of the training I undertook with Padme and her handmaidens was learning to fight no matter how inappropriately dressed we are for it, and so I leave my long hair loose, unable to bear it any other way.

When I leave my room Padme is already looking at me with a raised eyebrow, knowing the room Obi-Wan came out of is mine. I give a guilty smile and she just shakes her head at me, knowing she was right about how I feel, hell she was so right I can even admit it. 

Obi-Wan stands there with two cups of caf in hand, one for him and one for me. The simple gesture warming me more than the drink ever could.

"Ready?" Obi-Wan asks me and I nod, ready to once again face the Council.

Even if the last time I faced them was when I lost him, and so I know this time we won't make the mistake of letting them see our hearts so plainly.

~

Neither of us speak of the night nor the morning as we go to the temple, partially because Anakin is with us, but moreso because neither of us are willing to admit it is a mistake in every definition of the word, not one we're prepared to face, not one we're prepared to end. 

As we come to the steps of the temple I can't fight the ache in my chest at the memories of the last time I stood here. The decision that brought me here and the decision I made as a result of deciding to leave him in peace. So many decisions, some right and some wrong, but they've all brought me back to him.

And that fact alone almost makes me believe in fate once again.

"Rhea?" Obi-Wan asks quietly, hand on my arm as Anakin goes on ahead of us.

"I'm ready," I say nodding along confidently but ask "Just don't leave my side." 

"I won't," he swears to me, and together we climb the steps of the temple and walk through its grand hall filled with masters and children, and somehow through Dooku's manipulations I'd forgotten the joy that can be felt here, the peace. The memories that weren't all bad.

Perhaps I'll tell Obi-Wan of the last time I stood here, perhaps I'll tell him of what brought me here and why I left without seeing him. I will in time, once Padme is safe.

Obi-Wan is watching me, the small smile on my face as younglings run past and he guides me to the lift up to the council chambers and I feel a strange peace despite the uncertainty.

As we stand in the lift he asks me "Do you know how to conceal your emotions in the force?"

He doesn't need to tell me why, and I don't need to ask, I just nod, I learned from the master of it after all. "Yes."

Last time neither of us knew how and they saw straight through us and this- whatever this is - we aren't making the same mistake twice.

"Now," he begins gently. "Speak with authority, you aren't a renegade padawan anymore, you're a general. Command the respect you deserve."

His choice of words surprise me until I see the deep respect in his eyes and nod, assuring him. "Don't worry dear, I'm quite good at that."

He leans in and teases "Respect, not fear."

I laugh and ask "How do you know it's fear?"

"Do you think I haven't kept an eye on you?" he asks me and there's mischief in his eyes as he tells me "I may be aware of broken hands and terrified politicians."

"Well, they're politicians," I say, still recovering from that revelation whilst trying to reason my methods but he only looks proud. "Someone has to remind them they serve the people and not themselves."

He hums, eyes bright as he says "And there you are, my fiercesome troublemaker."

"Don't say that," I tease with a smile. "We haven't even started making trouble yet."

He raises an eyebrow "Haven't we?"

And somehow despite entering this elevator with every intention to hide whatever this is Anakin is there as it opens and finds us like that, leaning in with playful smiles and I'm thankful the lift opens to a hallway before the actual council chamber.

Anakin's amused at catching his master like this "Do you need a moment Master?"

"No," Obi-Wan says quickly straightening himself up, having a reputation to maintain as the cranky old master. "Do you Anakin?"

"No, no," Anakin quickly says and steps aside "Ladies first."

"Someone's taught you manners it seems," I say, looking back at Obi-Wan and flashing him a smile before making myself serious and stepping forward towards the council chambers, concealing both my feelings and heightened force signature as Dooku taught me to.

Considering he was good enough at it to conceal being a sith lord's apprentice I trust I can do it well enough to hide seven years of training and my feelings for Obi-Wan.

I shouldn't be surprised that when I step inside the council chambers the council all take a deep breath, especially when they see me by Obi-Wan's side.

"Hello," I say, knowing I need no introduction. "I am here on behalf of Naboo's security force to petition you to allow Master Kenobi to begin an investigation into the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala's life."

There is no argument from the council, but they all eye me warily as Obi-Wan gives a brief explanation of last nights events.

"Track down this bounty hunter you must Obi-Wan," Yoda instructs and I stand there pleasantly surprised.

Master Windu agrees and says "Most importantly find out who he is working for." 

"Rhea has told me she has suspicions that these attacks are coming from the Separatists," Obi-Wan informs them and it seems I've concealed my feelings so well he misses the flash of panic I give him to shut up. "And being permitted by Count Dooku." 

The council all sit more upright at that and suddenly all attention is on me as Windu repeats "Count Dooku?"

Fuck.

"Just a suspicion," I shrug, having been in the public eye long enough to pull off a convincing lie and choose my words carefully. "My sister's idea really, she is convinced that these attacks against her may be happening in order to influence the Military Creation bill, in truth it could be coming from either side of the political mess that we are all caught in."

Obi-Wan knows I'm lying, or at least certainly hiding something but doesn't let anything cross his face that could reveal so and draws the attention from me "I would ask that General Amidala is permitted to assist me in this investigation on behalf of Naboo's security forces."

They are hesitant, no doubt remembering ten years ago when we stood before them Obi-Wan asked them to reinstate me to the order. They would have known well what the true reason was, as clearly as we see through Anakin now. 

That alone raises suspicion amongst them but they are not ready to fight either of us on this. In their eyes it's been ten years, I am a general and he is a Jedi, neither of us are doing anything that could infer we are even friendly, anything more than a working partnership.

"Very well," Yoda permits. "Assist you in this investigation, General Amidala may."

"What about Padme?" I ask calmly, not wanting to leave her alone. "She still needs protection."

"Handle that, young Skywalker will."

Obi-Wan glances to me, both of us immediately hesitant but we don't say anything, not in front of the council. Not when Padme would throw a fit if we forced upon her any more additional protection.

"Anakin, escort the Senator back to her home planet of Naboo, she'll be safer there," Mace instructs. "And don't use registered transport. Travel as refugees."

Even Anakin knows she won't like that idea. "As the leader of the opposition it will be very difficult to get Senator Amidala to leave the Capitol."

"It's alright," I assure him, wanting to leave this chamber as soon as I can to avoid further questioning. "My sister will be reluctant to leave but I will ensure she does."

"Until caught this killer is, our judgement she must respect," Yoda says and I do not argue but instead agree.

"Yes Master."

Yoda looks upon me with a curious eye. "Changed you have, recklessness of youth eased, yet strong with force you remain."

It seems that I cannot hide from Master Yoda, but the others exchange looks of confusion as they don't sense anything beyond what would be expected.

"For the previous ten years I have trained myself in the ways of the force," I tell them openly, much to their surprise. "What is it you call those who walk a different path, a gray Jedi?"

"Gray Jedi?" Mace repeats. "That is a term I have not heard used in a long time."

Obi-Wan looks at me in surprise, but this is not anything he hasn't expected and something tells me he suspects more than he is willing to reveal.

"I suppose that is what I could be called, as Master Qui-Gon once was, " I tell them, feigning innocence, ignorance even. Knowing that if I reveal too much they will easily piece together who has trained me, in truth I'm surprised Obi-Wan hasn't pieced it together. Although I sense his trust in me is clouding his judgement, and repeat to them the same lies Dooku once repeated to me. "I just feel the force as it is, I have no great desire for mastery or power, just to feel it's presence." I keep my voice light, as if it isn't even all that important to me. "It is a peaceful life." 

Perhaps those final words are my mistake, because I sense the hesitation from Obi-Wan but nonetheless he supports me in saying "Many indeed saw my Master Qui-Gon as a Gray Jedi."

"That we did," Yoda admits but is still suspicious of me. "And from whom have you been taught."

Even if I told them the truth, that I didn't know he was a sith they would never believe me, at worst they'd kill me believing I had too turned sith, at best they'd still judge me and condemn me for apprenticing under one of the lost and so I lie.

"Myself," I answer as if I'm confused by the question. "I mean, I've looked back at the training I had a padawan and tried to follow that but mostly it's just been finding a type of discipline to focus myself in my duties as a general, meditating on my position in the grand scheme of the force and finding peace in it." 

Those words would have been true years ago, they would have been truthful if I spoke them to Obi-Wan the last time I stood in this temple and told him those things as reasons for wanting to accept Dooku's training. Hell, they would have been true those first few years of training too, but not now. Not anymore. Not after all that has happened.

"I am impressed," Master Windu says and the council are relatively neutral, there is no distrust from any of them aside from Yoda. "You have shown great discipline since leaving the order. Now, I encourage you to implement these teachings during this investigation."

"Thank you Master," Obi-Wan and I both say before leaving the chamber and the relief that flows through me is enough his fingertips skim over my elbow to steady me once we are well out of sight, but still he is quiet.

"What's a gray Jedi?" Anakin asks us as we step inside the lift. "Is that a Jedi who uses the darkside?"

"Certainly not," Obi-Wan says quickly. "There is no such thing, for a Jedi cannot use the darkside without being corrupted by it. It merely refers to Jedi who have strayed from the order and the code. My master Qui-Gon was considered one as he had different views to the council and disobeyed them, but I can assure you Anakin he would never have entertained the darkside. Like Rhea he had opposing views and did not necessarily follow the council's interpretation of the code." 

"So like me?" he says and I can feel Obi-Wan's anxiousness at those words whilst I can't help but be proud. Even when he was a boy I knew he'd be a little maverick too.

"Well... yes and no. See matters of ideology are quite complicated," he looks to me and I take over.

"I caused quite a bit of trouble as a youngling that got me expelled from the order. I missed my family and did not see why I could not still love them while serving as a Jedi," I tell Anakin, and can feel him echoing the same pain. "I was your age the last time I saw the council and learned the hard way that things are more complicated than I would like them to be."

"I remember Obi-Wan telling me when I was still a child that you'd be coming home with us to the Jedi Temple," he says and I see Obi-Wan's eyes fall to the floor. "That he wanted you to come with us but the council wouldn't let you."

"Like I said Anakin," I say quietly, having heard this the last time I came here. "Things are more complicated than they should be."

"Anakin, you go on ahead to Padme's apartment," Obi-Wan tells him. "I have some more business to attend to before we leave."

Anakin definitely doesn't protest when it comes to Padme and walks ahead of us and I look at Obi-Wan, half expecting an interrogation but whatever suspicions he has he puts them aside for now.

"What is it?" I ask him cautiously, still paranoid, still very aware of the secrets I hide for fear he won't be able to trust me when he knows the truth. I'll tell him when the time is right, when I know he'll believe me when I say I didn't know the truth until it was too late.

"I don't trust him with this assignment," he admits to me and it's a relief it's Anakin he's concerned about, not me. Not yet at least. But I'm sure the questions will come and I need to prepare myself for when they do. "He has exceptional abilities but they've made him arrogant and headstrong and-"

"Weren't we all at that age?" I remind him. "Even at twenty five you and Anakin shared more similarities than you'd care to admit."

He can't deny that, and that very fact worries him even more considering just what he was doing in his late padawan years. "I should speak with Master Yoda and get him to reconsider giving Anakin this assignment."

"And tell them what?' I ask him gently. "That Anakin has been in love with my sister since he was nine years old?" We both know he can't do that, not without compromising their trust in Anakin and this investigation. "He's nineteen, of course he is arrogant and won't listen, and no doubt he's at that age where he just wants to- you know." 

He gives a stiff nod, unfortunately knowing just what it is Anakin no doubt dreams about doing with my sister and raises a hand to stop any further elaboration. "I don't need an image."

"Trust me neither do I," I assure him. "But he'll listen to Padme and we both know she is more than capable of handling herself, protection is a formality. Perhaps she might even teach him a thing or two about patience and discipline."

"Then that truly would be a miracle," he says and I put a hand on his shoulder.

"Obi-Wan, breathe," I find myself lecturing him. "All will be well."

He makes an impressed sound as he teases "Don't use my own tricks against me."

"Who do you think I learned it from?" I return, and run my hand down his arm before quickly withdrawing it since we are still in the temple. "Now come on, now I have the hard job of convincing my sister to go into hiding."

~

Sure enough it is a hard job.

One I come to regret as she leaves Jar Jar in charge.

"I am taking an extended leave of absence." Obi-Wan and I look at each other, remembering well our adventures with Jar Jar on Naboo. "It will be your responsibility to take my place in the senate. Representative Binks, I know I can count on you."

I've served as Padme's representative many times to the point I'd usually be her first choice in a matter like this, but I'll be leading the investigation with Obi-Wan. Not to mention the fact she's still mad at me for being a Separatist so serving in the Republic senate is now out of the question.

"Meesa honoured to be taken onna dissa heavy burden," Jar Jar says, chuffed while I nod along, waiting for the formalities to finish. "Meesa accept this with mucha humility and-"

"Jar Jar," Padme says shortly and I know she's not happy. "I don't wish to hold you up."

Jar Jar takes his leave and Padme marches over to us.

"I do not like this idea of hiding."

"Which is why Obi-Wan and I are going to get this sorted as soon as we can," I tell her only for her to snap at me.

"I have not worked for a year to defeat the Military Creation Act, an act which your-" she cuts herself off and points her finger at me aware Obi-Wan is here. "I do not have to explain your hypocrisy to you." 

"You do not have to explain," I assure her and Obi-Wan steps out of her line of sight, wisely choosing to hide by the door to not get dragged into an argument between us. "But I will have you know I only support individual armies like ours and not centralised ones like the Republic wants so we are on the same page there." That makes little difference to her and I say what she doesn't want to hear since she's mad anyways "If you want to see the act be defeated you need to be alive long enough for that to happen."

"Sometimes we must let go of our pride," Anakin advises, unlike his master indeed being stupid enough to get dragged into an argument between us. "And do what is requested of us."

Obi-Wan gapes at him. "When have you ever done that?"

"You've grown up," Padme comments in surprise and then turns back to me. "But I do not like this, I do not like the fact Naboo now has a military, I do not like the fact you led our army while supporting the Separatists-"

"You what?" Anakin exclaims as I give her a panicked look and she quickly quietens.

"Anakin, this isn't your business," Padme says and motions for him to leave before turning back to me. "And now they may be complicit in this."

"I supported them until they showed their true colours," I argue with her, cautious of Obi-Wan listening and what else she might reveal. "I don't like the Republic or the Separatists. There I said it." I raise my hands in my defence, slowly moving back to where Obi-Wan is standing. "Which is why I support you as leader of the opposition, because I'd personally love to slap Palpatine across the face for, well you know. But regardless of the bill Naboo will be safe. Know that much."

She hates what I've done in militarising our peaceful planet despite knowing it's necessary, she came around to it and supported most of my measures, but still thinks I've been extreme in a full military and not just expanding the security force.

She sighs. "I do not wish to be a hypocrite."

"And you aren't," I tell her, relieved I'm actually calming her down for once. Glad enough the roles have been switched. "But Naboo and the galaxy isn't what it used to be. There is more conflict than there has been in a millenia. Militarisation is the small price we pay for safety, just as hiding for a short time is the price you pay for your life."

As much as she hates it, she knows I'm right. "Alright."

"If all else fails I can take your place in the senate," I promise her and she's certainly hesitant but it isn't the worst situation we could be in. "And if there is any trouble rest assured I'll be there."

"You always are," she says and I squeeze her hand.

Well, we've gotten her to agree to leaving, now comes the easy bit.

Hopefully.

Obi-Wan gives me an approving nod at my speech and puts a hand on my shoulder as Anakin get's Padme's bags, while the hard part is done the work is only just beginning.

~

After a short trip escorted by Typho we stand at the transport platforms where Anakin and Padme will travel as refugees.

I hug her farewell but Obi-Wan is more worried, lecturing Anakin one last time.

"Don't do anything without first consulting either myself or the council."

"Yes Master."

We watch them leave, both of us uncertain of what comes next.

"I do hope he doesn't try anything foolish," Obi-Wan says, anxious Anakin's going to try to seduce my sister.

"I'd be more concerned about her doing something than him," Typho remarks, leaving me uneasy.

"Oh don't tell me that," I say as we watch them depart. "How much trouble can she cause on Naboo?"

"Hopefully only half as much as you," Obi-Wan remarks and guides me back from the platform. "Come on, I know where to start."

~

Obi-Wan and I walk to a diner, standing a reasonable distance apart considering it's Coruscant and it would be an awful start to this investigation if another Jedi on patrol were to catch us in a compromising position.

"So you said his name is Dex and he might know more about the dart?"

"He's an old friend," Obi-Wan tells me. "He's helped with this type of thing before."

"Uh huh," I say unimpressed by the diner, eager to take it to my own contacts and get off Coruscant. "It seems like a leap of faith when I have some proper forensics analysts on Naboo-"

"Trust me," Obi-Wan says as we walk inside and sure enough his old friend remembers him well.

"Obi-Wan!" the chef calls out with such excitement it leaves me a little stunned but Obi-Wan does have that effect on people.

"Hello Dex," Obi-Wan smiles, as charming as ever with his hands tucked together underneath his cloak, a sight so sweet it's almost amusing considering the tone he was using with Anakin ten minutes ago.

"Take a seat I'll be right with ya."

We head to a booth and he motions for me to slide in beside him as the waitress calls out "Want a cup of jawa juice?"

"Oh yes thank you," he says and must see the look on my face. "It's not as bad as it sounds."

"Please tell me they don't juice jawa's."

"Just bantha hides," he replies and he watches amused as I gag a little. "Since when do you shy away from adventure?"

"Oh I love adventure," I assure him. "I just prefer my juice not to have bantha's in it." 

"If I recall you've never been overly fussy about what you put in your-" he begins before realising whatever he is referring to can only be mistaken for one thing and watch him curse himself as my mouth falls open.

"In my what now?" I question, not letting him go that easily and he shakes his head at himself as I taunt him. "Put what in my mouth?"

I shouldn't enjoy watching him fluster this much "I'm talking about those awful rations the Gungans gave us before the battle not-" 

He can't finish and now both of us are red and far too close in this little booth. He looks around for his juice so he can put something in his mouth now to shut himself up while I'm thinking back to that night, a night spent making love like it would be our last. Oh little did we know. 

I remember how utterly scandalised he was that I'd want to do such a thing, although the scandal was very short lived with him forgetting anything else but my name the moment I put my mouth on him. And that was still only early in the night, two young people in love who wanted to experience all they could before the world tore them apart. By morning there were very little ways we had not had one another and yet right now I can think of many more ways I want him.

He must see a hunger in my eye as he looks away and suddenly this damn booth is too small for the both of us as I find myself hot at the memories that follow and can't let help myself as I say "Well, I'd enjoy what we're both remembering right now more than jawa juice."

He chokes at my words while I smirk to myself knowing he is indeed thinking the same things as I am and he physically can't meet my eye as he tries to compose himself "Good god Rhea."

"You're the one with the dirty mind," I dare to venture, feeling quite satisfied by how utterly red and flustered he is, anything to distract from my own sudden need. "You're blushing."

"I'm not-" he argues but stops when he meets my eyes and murmurs at the mischievous glint in mine "You're going to be the death of me."

"I know," I say and thankfully we're only alone momentarily as Dex comes to sit down across from us.

"Hey old buddy!" Obi-Wan can't get up from the booth quick enough and I watch them hug in amusement at Obi-Wan having made so many friends with the attitude he used to have as a padawan and his friend looks to me. "And who is your lovely lady here?"

"Rhea," Obi-Wan answers sitting back down beside me and Dex sits across from us, taking up the other side of the booth while Obi-Wan tries to put a little more space between us this time, still flushed.

"Ooh a forbidden lover?" Dex teases, the Jedi code being widely known here on Coruscant.

"Something like that," Obi-Wan says much to my surprise and pulls out the dart. "Now, can you tell us what this is?"

"Well, what do ya know," Dex says, examining it. "I ain't seen one of these since I was last prospecting on Subterrel beyond the outer rim."

"Can you tell me where it came from?" he asks, the waitress bringing over his drink. "Thank you."

"This baby belongs to them cloners," he says as Obi-Wan takes a sip, and passes it to me to try, both of us confused by what he means. "What you've got here is a Kamino saberdart."

"I wonder why it didn't show up in the analysis archives," Obi-Wan inquires as I sniff the drink.

"It's these funny little cuts on the side that give it away," he says, showing us. "Those analysis droids only focus on symbols."

"Huh," I say, this guy actually does know his stuff and Obi-Wan can't resist the I told you so look he gives me.

"I should think you Jedi would have more respect for the difference between knowledge and wisdom."

I nod along as I take a drink, it not being as bad as I thought it would be although I still would much prefer the other and pass it back to Obi-Wan who teases. "Don't get my lady here talking about philosophy or else we'll be here all day."

I roll my eyes to hide the colour that comes to my cheeks and take the dart in hand. "Well my dear, it seems we'll have plenty of time to talk philosophy since I've never even heard of Kamino."

"I'm not familiar with it either," Obi-Wan says and asks "Is it in the Republic."

"No, no, it's beyond the outer rim," he answers. "I'd say about twelve parsecs outside the Rishi maze. Should be easy to find, even for those droids in your archives." He leans in, lowering his voice. "These Kaminoans keep to themselves, they're cloners, damn good ones too."

"Cloning, as in livestock?" I ask, that being the first thing that comes to mind.

"As in everything and anything."

"Are they friendly?" Obi-Wan asks as I consider asking the waitress for a cup of caf to take with us since this investigation is taking a very strange direction.

"Depends."

"Depends on what Dex?"

"On how good your manners are."

We both laugh and I comment "Well they should be quite friendly then, I can't speak for myself but we have the most well mannered gentleman in the galaxy here."

"Not just that, but also how big your pocketbook is," Dex adds and Obi-Wan looks to me for that.

"I used to be a princess, that won't be a problem," I add, an elected one but still, and he whistles.

"Got yourself a fancy one Obi-Wan?" he says, slapping a hand down on his shoulder and winking "Very nice."

He leaves us and Obi-Wan takes a sip of his drink to hide the flustered smile he wears as I take the dart from him, rolling it between my fingers. "So, Kamino. I've sat in that senate listening to every damn star system there is, and it still doesn't ring a bell."

"It wouldn't if they're outside the Republic," he says, eyes contemplative as the droid waitress comes back over to us.

"Can I get you anything else?"

"Yes," I begin and Obi-Wan finishes for me.

"Two large cups of extra strong caf to go please, with sugar."

She leaves to get our order ready and I can't help the smile that plays at my lips as I ask "So, where to next?"

"The temple to see Master Jocasta, if anybody knows where Kamino is and about these cloners it's her."

"Mmm well, your friend was quite excited to see you," I say, looking at his face in the light now we finally have a moment to ourselves and see he hasn't changed as much as I thought, still the same bright eyed boy who captivated me so long ago beneath the facial hair that compliments him so handsomely. "Quite happy to think I'm your girlfriend too."

Now he's blushing again, the two of us may as well be padawans with how we're carrying on but he remains as classy as ever. "Well my dear, it's not every day I bring a beautiful woman into the city."

I know I'm sitting here looking like a mess with my hair long and wild, bruises starting to show their colours on me and my eyes tired and dark, but he still thinks I'm beautiful.

"I'm the exception then?"

"You always are," he says and can't help himself now as he murmurs "Somehow I'm only ever in this state when you're near."

"Well," I begin, suddenly breathless. "It's surprising that in all the time I've spent on Coruscant these past years we've never crossed paths."

Every time I came here to serve with Padme in the senate I swear I looked at every face in every street looking for him, but never until now have I found him. Except for that one day I still cannot bring myself to tell him of, because then I'd have to tell him what finally drove me there.

"I'll admit, I've spent more time in the temple with Anakin than outside of it," he tells me. "These last ten years have been much of the same."

"Mine have been all over the place," I tell him in full honesty. "One mess after the other until finally I wound up in a big enough one that you came to me."

And again he makes himself my shining Jedi Knight. "Well, I couldn't hear that you're in trouble and not come to you."

I tilt my head and ask "When you took this mission, did you know it would be me you'd be coming to, not just Padme."

"Well, I figured if your sister was in danger I'd find you right there beside her," he tells me and admits "I spent the entire elevator ride as anxious as Anakin."

I just laugh, it being nothing compared to me. "I'd found out you were coming about a minute before you'd arrived, I think she did that deliberately so I couldn't run away."

"Would you have?" he asks and I smile to myself at what I did instead.

"I certainly hid, but the moment I felt you in that elevator and well... all I felt was you." I'm at a loss for words to explain it, but I know he understands. "Qui-Gon, when he told us there was a bond-"

"Neither of us knew how much until now," he finishes, an understanding between us so deep words aren't needed and he reaches for my hand that rests on the table, holding it tight that simple touch making me draw a sharp breath. "We did say it wouldn't be the end."

If one thing is clear to me, it's that I'm as hopelessly in love with the man sitting across from me now as I was with the man who I held in the aftermath of the battle, the two of us broken and beaten holding onto one another as if our lives depended on it.

I look at our hands now, almost with a sadness remembering how we clung to one another in those dark days, only to be interrupted by the waitress with our drinks. He thanks her and pays whilst I sit there in contemplation, letting myself feel things that should terrify me, but how can I be afraid when it's with him by my side?

I should be afraid, absolutely terrified, I should have been ten years ago and I should be now and yet... all I feel is him.