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Missing Scenes
Post Revenge of the Sith: A Nightmare
For many hours, Obi-Wan slept peacefully, moreso than he had in years. He knew it was due to the time he'd spent with Sabé. She had this uncanny ability to help him regain balance, peace, even when the galaxy seemed to be spinning out of control. She was his constant, his touchstone.
His soul was on its way to healing now because of her. Because he had been able to confide in her and she reassured him that it was the will of the Force that these things happened. That it was useless to continue blaming himself for things that were in the past.
He dreamt of their first meeting when she was portraying the Queen of Naboo. He saw her painted features, her smiling face, the time they had shared outside of the ship when she told him of her people's views of the Jedi.
Then his thoughts drifted to the time they'd had tea at his quarters, the countless times they sparred in the dojo, the time he had to say goodbye thinking they mayn't ever see each other again...
All of these visions were comforting ones.
But then it darkened. Clone troopers were heading to her small home. She had been revealled for her allegiance to the Rebellion efforts. She cried out in pain. Blaster shots pelted through the air. Her body, lifeless...blood seeping through her pale lavender nightgown...
This vision startled Obi-Wan to alertness. Premonition or merely a dream, Obi-Wan had to know for sure. He had only just found her again. Could he accept her death after everything that had happened? He sprung from the bed, tossing on his boots and cloak, lightsaber clasped in his fist. He used the Force to aid in his run. He took no shortcuts this time.
Arriving at her home, he found it silent and still. There were no tracks of troopers, but he kept his eyes peeled, pacing around the lot with his lightsaber at the ready.
What if the dream had merely projected one possibility? What if it had been a secret attack and she was already in danger? All sorts of possibilities ran through his head and he gave into his concerns, buzzing her door.
He buzzed again and there was no answer.
Concern growing, he contemplated hotwiring the door panel to overthrow the security.
She always loved the cold night air for ironically it reminded her of the Naboo winters and in the past if she was blessed enough with peaceful sleep if even only for a couple of hours, her mind would always take her home. But on this particular evening sleep comes readily and without the usual dark nightmares to accompany them.
This time Sabe's dreams are filled with peaceful images of a young Jedi Padawan and knight who came into her life at the height of a political storm. Only to leave again without any warning save for the soft ache left in her heart. But to later return as the seeds of war began to sow, ensuring that through battle and chaos their paths of order would always intertwine inadvertantly.
Even with the painful good-byes the dreams never turned sour for she always knew that at the end there he would be with the all familar smile and aura of peace she had long since come to love and cherish. But even dreams must end and it is with a start she awakens feeling the powerful hum of his Force signature but shrugging it off as lingering remnants of her dream.
That is until she hears the sound of movement outside. Sitting up straight she hears the wind blowing outside howling between the dunes and her window causing her disorientated sleep filled thoughts to mistake it for something more sinister. Slipping out of her bed Sabe's eyes fall onto the strangely shaped shadows caused by the nlight dancing on the sandrock formations against her wall and mistakens it for something or rather someone.
Gasping she grabs her blade fingers tightly intertwining with the ribbon that dangles from it's hilt as her eyes narrow into slits. Once more animal instinct takes over leaving Sabe feeling very much like the prey rather then the predator. If that Force forsaken creature is here for Obi-Wan or worse Luke, she thinks darkly, he will not find them through me, not without a fight.
Had she awoken earlier she might have heard the buzzer chime and realized her imagination had run away. But for the moment she is lost in a nightmare of another kind and is poised ready to pounce at whatever lies outside.
Finally the blasted thing zapped Obi-Wan's fingers. It was times like these that he missed having his former padawan around; he was more talented with such things than Obi-Wan was. However, the fried lock caused the door by default to open.
He looked back at the dunes before entering. 'Sabé?' he asked, trying to make out any forms in the darkness. He sensed fear.
She hears the security scanner being overridden with a zap reminding Sabe in horrid clarity of Anakin's uncanny talent with technology. Had it been any other time she might have found it amusing that he had finally become the very thing he used to tinker and play with throughout the years. But right now it only serves to add to her fear as her back remains pressed up against the wall her breathe light but oddly even and steady. The door parts and she moves quickly aiming not for the throat but rather the chest region. For the vague rumors heard pertaining to possible weaknesses of Emperor's second in command all pointed to the resperator device that resided across his chest. If she were to have any chance at possible damage this location would be the only one garenteed to have any effect on the fallen Jedi.
However she stops just in time as a familar voice snaps her back to reality like a splash of cold water. For a second she doesn't move as the blade remains in mid position while her face studies the darkness and the silohuete that is Obi-Wan.
"...Obi-Wan!?"
The nlight shone against the blade which was aimed at his midsection. As his eyes adjusted, he saw there in preperation to strike. 'Are you OK? Have you been injured?' he asked quickly as he studied the vision in front of him.
Sabé had her hair down, the light arrid wind tossing it carelessly over her slim shoulders. She wore the same nightgown he'd seen in his dream and was barefooted.
She didn't look injured. In fact, she looked radiant. He swallowed hard, thinking he had made a mistake in coming here. She clearly wasn't under attack and he had let his fear take hold of him instead of thinking rationally. But I sensed something...
he draws back quickly catching her breathe as though she had been holding it all along. Lowering her blade she stares at Obi-Wan in disbelief before her cheeks light up on fire to which she is grateful the darkness covers or so she prays.
"What are you doing here? Why did you break the security code on my door?"
She asks briskly trying to use annoyance to cover the terrifying fear that gripped her moments ago. It wasn't that she wasn't pleased to see him but the fact he just scared her half to death didn't help things or the fact she suddenly realizes she is standing her nightgown no less in front of him. At that thought her eyes widen as a new rush of humilation pours over her.
Oh gods...Kill me now it will be quicker then having to live this down, she inwardly thinks in horror as she grabs the sheath she dropped on the floor in her haste before slipping into the next room to promptly grab her housecoat.
"Well seeing that we're both up and all...Care to explain yourself while I make some tea?"
She calls out from her room before promptly emerging with housecoat on but hair still a little disheveled.
'I-I will replace that,' he said, stunned that there hadn't been an attack and now quite self-conscious about basically breaking into her home.
He stood there in the doorway, frozen for a moment as she sheathed the sword and disappearing into another room. With her gone momentarily, he strove to close the door, finding the task a bit harder than he'd imagined.
When she reappeared, he'd thankfully got the door shut again. He noticed she'd put on a coat and felt more than a little ashamed for barging in on her. He opened his mouth to apologise, but promptly closed it. He couldn't help allowing his eyes to examine her again and this made him feel even more embarrassed.
His hands clutched the back of a chair and he forced himself to look there instead as he admitted, 'I had a vision...a vision in which you were under attack--and...I--I did ring the bell, but you didn't answer. I was worried.'
She waves a hand at his words as she shakes her head too embaressed fro the moment to even care about the broken lock.
"It's alright I'll take care of it tomorrow. Though you certainly know how to make an entrance don't you?"
She says from the next room as she peeks out briefly noting his attempts to shut the door and unable to resist a wry grin. He looks as embarrassed as i feel she inwardly muses before remarking as she ties her house coat while still in the next room.
"What is it with you Jedi and grandeous entrances anyways? I still remember the first time I met you. Jumping out of no where and cutting off droids heads as though it was mere child's play."
She says unable to resist a grin as she steps out of her room turning more serious once again. But feeling his eyes on her once more Sabe feels her cheeks flush suddenly concious of her appearance and wishing she would have at least brushed her hair. Then again it wasn't like she could have known he would just show up as her did.
At his explaination all concious thought slips away into confusion.
"A vision? About me being under attack?"
She folds her arms as she tilts her head slightly unsure whether to laugh or to be annoyed.
"Obi-Wan wasn't it you who told me one shouldnt place too much credence in visions? That we should proceed with caution?"
She remarks unable to resist a small smile as in truth the fact he came rushing to her aid was more then a little touching nevermind flattering. Yet at the sametime it made her feel less foolish for her own frightening thoughts.
"I think i must have been sleeping too deeply as I completely missed the sound of the bell."
She says blushing as she remembers the dreams or rather the fact he was in them.
"I suppose I shouldn't talk I did almost try to skewer you...I was half asleep and the wind and shadows were playing tricks on me"
She admits as she glances to her hands feeling sheepish all of a sudden.
"I thought you were someone else..."
She was right yet again. He shouldn't have rushed over here in the middle of the night, disrupting her sleep, invading her privacy, intruding on her home...destroying her door lock...
She had every right to kick him out at this point and then something struck a nerve.
I thought you were someone else
He knew exactly what she meant and it sent a shiver down his spine.
Obi-Wan finally looked over at her again, making sure he kept his eyes locked on her face. 'I know I should have proceeded with more caution, but I only-- You just came back into my life and I didn't want-- I wanted to...be...here.'
Her eyes pick up his hidden shiver and instantly SAbe knows without question that he knows who it is she mistook him for.
His eyes seem to burn in her soon she returns his gaze and it almost takes her breath away. They are so piercing and so blue for a moment she struggles not to lose herself in them as his words, his apology warms her heart causing a smile to creep into her features.
"Its alright...I understand more then you think."
She says gently wanting to move to embrace him but only too concious of herself and appearance so instead she quietly nears his side and takes his hands into hers. Her eyes shine with joy though she glances down still a bit shy as she remarks softly.
"I'm glad you came...'
He hadn't expected her to accept it, nor that she would take his hands like she did. Her proximity was pleasant but unnerving at the same time. Perhaps it was because it was the middle of the night or perhaps it was the fact there was so little clothing between the two of them. Most likely the latter.
Obi-Wan felt he had overstepped his boundaries and that it was inappropriate for him to stay. At the same time, her eyes expressed how happy she was.
She bowed her head and broke the spell.
'I-I should...go, since you're all right,' he said, albeit reluctantly. He didn't make a move to leave despite what his voice was saying.
His words pull her back to reality as she sighs softly at his words feeling suddenly concious of his close proximity nevermind her own lack of garbs. Her cheeks flush and quietly speaks.
"...I guess you should..."
But despite her words, her hands remain on his and she doesn't move. Her gaze returns to his though now it is sad as she knows he should depart but not wishing him to do so just yet. Blushing deeply agian she bites her lip as she glances to the kitchen a shy smile playing on her features.
"AT least stay for tea before you leave...After all what sort of host would I be if i just sent you on your way in the cold without at least offering something to warm you up."
She says sheepishly hoping he won't find her invitation too forward or inappropriate, yet all the while wanting to share his presence a little longer.
Obi-Wan knew he should decline the offer of tea, but something was not permitting him to leave. 'Even an uninvited guest who broke the security on your door?' he asked, his eyes dancing with a playfulness from old.
It was tempting and the fears this sort of thing ought to have brought on were slowly slipping away. 'I would be delighted.'
Her smile widens as her heart flutters to his acceptance bowing her head slightly she laughs softly in reply feeling the d lightening and enjoying it all the more.
"CAn't be any worse then having the hostess try to skewer you upon entering can it?"
Still holding one hand as though fearing to let go she leads him to the kitchen as she begins to prepare some tea with her free hand she casts him a curious glance.
"If you mind my asking how did you get here so fast? I thought your home is some distance away isn't it?"
The part of him that had been objecting to the fact he was still there in the middle of the night without being invited and her in her nightdress filtered away to the back of his mind as she led him into the kitchen. It was as if they both feared by losing contact the other person would turn out to be an illusion of their pained hearts.
'Oh that--' he began, but when she nearly dropped the kettle, he caught it with his fear hand and they moved as one, placing the kettle on the burner. 'Well, I used the Force to help me run...faster than normal speed. It helped outrun many a destroyer droid, I'll have you know.'
She tries to balance things as best she can with her free hand but soon finds it isn't as easy as weilding a sword and to her immense relief and joy his hand moves in sync as together the kettle finds it's way to the burner. It felt almost surreal feeling him so near and knowing isn't just a dream. One that causes her heart to race and yet fill her with such peace taht only his presence can do.
Glancing back she raises a brow at his words in surprise.
"You could outrun a destroyer droid!?"
She giggles casting him a wry grin.
"Must come in handy when one finds themselves in trouble I imagine"
'Not something I enjoy, having to outrun them, but Jedi reflexes seem to come in handy more often around here,' he replied, casting her a similiar grin.
Once the water had boiled, they moved in sync to grab mugs and she tossed the tea bags in. This time, he noticed she didn't hesitate when they both reached for the kettle to pour the water into each cup. When that was out of the way, it was a bit too hot to drink, but the tea bags needed to soak for a bit anyway.
Obi-Wan's eyes automatically found the couch where she had fallen asleep the last time he was here and his cheeks flushed, thinking about it.
She grins at his words as she finds them moving in sync their movements complimenting each other in such a way that it is as they are performing a dance of sorts with every movement coordinated and perfectly timed. It only served to add to the etheral feel of the moment. It is as though the universe ceased to exist so that there was only her and him. Jedi Knight and the handmaiden.
Just like the legends of old she thinks wistfully wanting to lean back into his arms as they wait for the tea to soak but instantly banishing the thought her cheeks flushing at the mere thought as she is reminded of her current state of dress. Why is it his presence makes my thoughts turn down pathes I would never dare consider she inwardly chastises herself before her eyes soon drift to the couch which only encourages more memories that warm her cheeks further till they are a rosey hue.
'I think it's done,' he says, breaking the semi-awkward silence, knowing they were both thinking about the same thing and not knowing how appropriate or inappropriate it was.
Jedi were never trained to deal with circumstances such as these. Nor were they trained in matters of the heart, aside from compassion. What do you want me to do? What should I do? But his heart was telling him where she was is where he ought to be.
Banishing his fears, he took his mug and slowly pulled her to the couch.
She is grateful for the mild intruption for teh silence was taking a heavy turn. Inwardly she finds herself a little envious of her former Queen, Padme. She always knew how to handle such moments as this. Though Sabe would never agree with her choice of beau she did envy her ability to turn any awkward moment around to know just to carry herself and what is appropriate what is offensive.
Its like the blind leading the blind she surmises as she lightly bites her lip unsure what she should do. Stick with the simple and go from there she inwardly reminds herself thinking of her mentor's remarks pertaining to swords and the use of them. So with this thought in mind though entirely unrelated and yet so relevent she takes her mug and is happily led to the couch as she quietly takes a seat next to him.
The temptation to lean into him to reste her head on his shoulders is almsot overwhelming but she forces herself to have some semblance of control reminding herself how inappropriate it would look to have her do such an action i her pjamas and house coat no less. But despite this her fingers remain as they are wrapped around his hand as she gives it a gentle squeeze and offers him a kind smile.
"Have you ever gone star gazing here?"
She asks curiously remembering her first night here and how she was too sad to properly enjoy the beauty of the stars. Now she was feeling much like herself and the thought of sharing somethign so lovely with him just seemed like the right hting to do.
After a moment, Obi-Wan took a tenative sip of tea, finding it was the perfect temperature. Despite the slight anxiety, there was such an overwhelming sense of peace to be found in her presence. The nagging thoughts of order and ceremony were not easily forgotton and Obi-Wan didn't want to make any mistakes with her.
He knew that neither of them were perfect, that they each had their flaws, but he still felt she was perfect despite this. He didn't want to muck it up and this was causing him to be inactive which was not productive at all.
He was thankful when she broke the silence.
'No, I haven't,' he admitted. He hadn't ever thought of doing something like that though he had heard of primitive species who studied the movements of stars on different planets, saying it had something to do with the future. 'Is that another one of Naboo's winter pasttimes?'
Not wanting the awkwardness of their silence to take control of the situation she breaks the silence and is grateful that it has shattered the stifling quiet. Casting him another glance she offers a kind smile as she shrugs slightly before sipping on her own tea as well.
"It's more of a summer pasttime because it is far too chilly to be sitting in the snow watching stars. Not to mention too wet."
She says before going thoughtful.
"We should try it here one of these days. The roof would be a perfect place to stargaze. Seeing we're far enough from the town that the lights won't effect it."
She falls silent then quietly stealing him another look as she furrows her brow slightly. So much has changed in the past year and yet somethings hadn't changed at all. My handsome knight I still thank the gods for bringing you into my life again. I would endure all the hells that could come to pass so long as you could remain safe, well and near to me.
Pulling herself out of her thoughts once more Sabe glances away feeling once more exposed and vulnerable at her thoughts but soon the feeling passes as she studies her tea.
"You know what I miss most? The water. It was something I always used to take for granted and now I wish I hadn't."
'Ah yes,' he said when she mentioned the waters of Naboo, reaching up to scratch his beard. He recalled swimming to Otoh Gunga. 'I don't miss almost drowning in a waterfall,' he said, 'although they are beautiful to look at.'
Obi-Wan said the last part as he stole a glance at her.
'I would love to star watch with you, if you don't mind explaining it a bit more to me. I had thought only primitive species studied the stars.' He took another sip of tea before setting it on the small table in front of them.
She raises a brow at his remarks about drowning in a waterfall.
"When and how did that happen? Or dare I ask?"
She smiles noting his glance before putting down her own cup as she catches his remarks about 'primitive species' being the only ones who studied the stars. Though she knows better she can't resist the urge to poke fun as she fake balks at him.
"Primitive species? Indeed!"
She says forgetting herself for a moment as she tries to playfully punch him in the shoulder before scooting away a little as if to dodge his counter attack.
When Qui-Gon and I first arrived in Theed,' he began. 'Borrowed a Gungan vehicle and well, we didn't exactly calculate the best place to surface...'
Her tone of voice at the exclaimation was offended, but he could tell she was only faking it. Then she made a move to hit him! He instinctively grabbed her hand directly in front of the part of his shoulder where she intended to hit him. 'I didn't mean you are primitive,' he defended himself as she scooted away.
Obi-Wan took a chance to make a grab for her now unguarded side, knowing from days past that she was quite ticklish there...
She furrows a brow at his reply her mind calculating just where they happened to surfaced.
"Oh dear I'm going to guess it was near the locks wasn't it? Where the ground lowers to adjust the water levels for the high and low tides?"
She winces suddenly though knowing they obviously managed to survive but still feelinga little frightened for them. It wasn't exactly a safe part of Naboo and it wouldn't be too hard for someone to get hurt should they not be familar with the scheduled shifts in the mechanisms below the surface.
She squeals in surprise as he catches her arm before she has a chance to make her attack before giggling as she shakes her head trying to dodge him as best she can.
"Ah but how was I supposed to know?"
She says with raised brow as she teases between giggles while still trying to dodge his counter attack. Moving her free hand she attempts to tickle him back while using it to guard her exposed side as she inwardly wonders if he is even ticklish himself.
When she dodged his attack and made for her own, he didn't stop her. Chuckling, he said, 'I don't know. Read my mind?'
There was only one place he knew of that he was extremely ticklish: the back of his neck, so he let her attempt to tickle him, wondering how long it would take for her to get frustrated with her attmepts all the while doing his best to keep her laughing. Her laughter was like fire roaring to life within him.
She makes a face as she rolls her eyes.
"I'm not trained for that sort of thing and you know it you - "
She burst out into giggles as his 'attack' proves true as she shirks away still trying to tickle him but failing miserably.
"Your...such...a scoundrel!..."
She says laughing as she struggles to focus her thoughts to slipping into his own. But despite their connection and openness to each other SAbe has no luck. Her thoughts too distracted by his ticklish touch and lack of training leaves her feeling as though she is hitting mental walls that have been instinctivally put up. Not to keep her personally out, but others.
So eventually she gives up though is unable to resist continuing her assault determined to find a way to make him ticklish even if it means she dies from laughter in the process.
"Your...terrible!"
She says laughing while trying to dodge him and attack at the same time all the while wishing inwardly this moment wouldn't end as she still forgets herself.
'If I'm so terrible and such a scoundrel...then you shouldn't be laughing so much,' he countered as he fingers continued their deft sneak attacks on her sides.
Her eyes were lit up from that fire within and he was caught up in memories of her outside the Nubian vessel and their stare-down competition. If only he knew then what he knew now...
She tries to reply but is laughing to hard as she pokes out her tongue instead while trying to evade his deft fingers that seem to know just where to tickle her.
However as she moves to catch him off guard to find a weakness of some sort anything to catch him off guard.
Suddenly like a whisper in her thoughts she realizes the answer. She can't say how she discovered it or how it managed to slip into her thoughts but it is there and Sabe promptly tries to take full advantage of it.
Without warning her hands slip to the back of his neck as she lets her fingers dance feeling oddly triumphant and yet not knowing just how she stumbled onto this piece of information or if it held any truth.
"Your...turn!..."
she says between laughter.
'I-wha--' he was about to say and then she had found the spot of weakness and he twisted away from her, laughing hard.
'Ahh not--fair--' he cried, trying to fend of her attack yet at the same time just letting it happen. He hadn't had this much fun, nor had he ever laughed so much in his life.
He fell back on the couch forgetting about his cooling tea and took her with him.
She gives out a triumphant shout that sounds more like a laughter as she realizes she had found his weak point.
"Now...we're even!"
She says between laughter thoroughly enjoying this little moment and wishing it would never end as she continues her assault. Not about to back down she continues to dodge his attacks and yet not so, till he falls back onto the couch taking her with him as Sabe suddenly entangled in his arms as she tries to catch her breath between giggles. Her eyes dance with joy and happiness but it soon widens as she suddenly realizes her close proximity to him and the fact she is in but her nightgown and housecoat. Her cheeks suddenly light up on fire as she glances away feeling thoroughly ashamed of herself and her actions as she can only imagine how poorly he must think of her for being so brazen.
"...I'm terribly sorry, I forgot myself..."
She murmurs softly trying not to look at him and yet even now finding it so tempting to stare into the his calming blue orbs.
Obi-Wan was breathing hard as well in the aftermath of her attacks and when she pulled away, apologing, he felt it was entirely his fault. Oddly though, he doesn't feel the need to apologise for once.
'No,' he murmured, running his free hand through her hair which was currently cascading over him like a a Naboo waterfall, 'I think you've just found yourself.'
He was still smiling as he looked into her eyes.
She is about to disentangle herself feeling more then a little concious of her actions and her appearance, but something causes her to hesitate briefly.
Perhaps it was in the way he is smiling or the way his eye danced inviting her to return their gaze.
His words along with his touch instantly soothes her of her fears. Sabe in reply finds herself biting her lip feeling her heart race as she finds herself unable to resist his gaze.
"...Are you so certain?"
She softly murmurs unsure how to take his words knowing she should pull away but not quite able to do so.
Her concerns should have alerted him to some wrong he had caused. He should feel guilty about something. Being here should be sending off warning signals telling him it was wrong to be here with her... This happiness was not earned. He did not deserve this.
And yet, her voice, her eyes, led him to banish such thoughts. He could only feel that this was right. There was nothing evil about this and trying to ignore it would be more damaging than healing.
'Positive,' he replied, his voice soft, but steadfast. His eyes remained locked on hers and he continued running his fingers through her hair.
She bites her lip struggling within, forcing common sense to take over and yet finding nothing in it's place. I shouldn't be here, I shouldn't be doing this...So why does it feel like this is meant to be?
She closes her eyes catching his remark as Sabe takes a deep breath steadying herself. So many thoughts, so many wishes, hopes, wistful dreams could not compare to the real thing she inwardly realizes. Though she always prided herself in being able to handle herself in any sort of situation nothing could prepare her for this and it leaves her floundering.
His touch is so gentle and soothing and she knows the minute she opens her eyes he will be watching her with kind and inviting eyes that seem to haunt her even when he isn't near. No, I must be stronger then this she forcibly tells herself as she slowly, reluctantly disentangles herself from his embrace. A lady wouldn't behave in such a fashion, certainly not while in her night clothes.
"...I don't know..."
She whispers meaning to sound more strong, more sure of herself but instead sounding sheepish, shy and more then a little confused.
'I don't mean to say that you weren't--that you aren't--' Obi-Wan stumbled over his words at the possibility that he had offended her.
'You're perfect, I just, I love it when you're happy like this--carefree--letting your hair down and smiling...and I love you.'
And it wasn't until after he said it that he realised he might have made a grave error. This certainly wasn't how he had planned on telling her how he felt. He prayed he hadn't overstepped him bounds, that she wouldn't take offense.
She hears him stumbling over his words and Sabe can't help but feel her heart ache for him. She didn't mean for him to feel like this after all she was the one who started the whole play fight, the one who ultimatly forgot or as he was so certain, found herself.
But as he continues he completely catches her off guard leaving Sabe shocked, overjoyed and above all else speachless. Her mouth opens and then closes as though about to say her thoughts but finding no words appropriate to express them.
A smile creeps into her features as she looks away her eyes blinking the rush of emotions pouring over her like a wave as Sabe is unsure what to do. Dare she respond? Would he think it as only an automatic reply to the powerful words spoken?
A hand flutters to her mouth as she closes her eyes for a moment letting herself digest the words putting them to memory as she does so. She wants to return his gaze, to hold him close, to somehow express all she wants to say but can't.
Still speachless she finally musters the nerve to glance back to him opening her eyes finally as she smiles to him her eyes shining with joy.
"...I...I don't know what to say..."
She finally whispers her voice wavering with emotion as she reaches out to touch his cheek, trying to gather teh nerve to recipricate the only words that can truly express all of how she feels for him.
She didn't have to say anything. He felt it and this eased his conscious about having stumbled over the admission.
Gaining courage in this, he added, 'I think you've known how I felt, even though I couldn't admit it...'
Her hair wove through his fingers like silk as he continued.
'And Sabé, I'm so touched you've kept my padawan braid this long, attached to your most prized possession.'
She bows her head at his words inwardly knowing that while she may have understood his feelings actually hearing them was another thing entirely. It was a mark that would remain etched on her heart and thoughts forever. One that he rightfully deserved to bear as well.
"...Its one thing to know, but to actually hear it..."
She whispers her smile widening as she closes her eyes briefly feeling his fingers move through her hair as it gives her new courage and strength. Her hand gently strokes his cheek as he continues filling her heart with such warmth and joy.
"...I've always believed in keeping all that one loves close to them always. You have always been and always will be a part of me and so it is only fitting."
She says softly in reply hoping her words can convey the real message she wants to say but is still too shy say it.
How does one say 'I love you' properly? Is there even a way to do so? She inwardly muses feeling another wave of joy pour over her as she remembers his own admittance of moments ago.
Her words filled him with such a warmth and joy it was inexpressable. He didn't think it would hurt to tell her, 'I was afraid...the other night that if I fell asleep, I would wake to find this had all been a dream, that you weren't really here on Tatooine. I'm so happy that you are here and I wasn't dreaming and that I can tell you how much you've always meant to me.'
Obi-Wan's words were strong and unwavering. He meant every word and was surprised at how good it felt to finally say it.
She furrows a brow at his words as she bows her head slightly feeling her cheeks warm as his words touch her deeply.
"It's almost too good to be true."
Sabe says quietly casting him another glance feeling her shyness slipping away as his words gives her bravery she never knew she had over such matters. Her smile widens as she is studies him fervently feeling more free then she ever has. He was right this is no dream, they no longer had to worry about keeping their emotions silent and hidden beneath the call of duty. They had served their Orders well, and now for the first time they could finally reap the reward for their loyalty and honor.
Her eyes now glisten with unshed tears of joy as she finally accepts the weight of his words of her feelings, for all it is meant to be, for all she had hoped and wished it could be but never believe it possible. No longer able to resist and for the moment throwing caution to the wind Sabe suddenly pulls him into a tight hug as she quietly whispers.
"It was all worth it. Everything we have been through Obi-Wan. All of it and I'd gladly go through it all again if it meant I could be with you."
As she studied him, he studied her, wanting yet again to memorise every detail of her various expressions, the exact curve of her cheek, the fullness of her lips, her eyes which shown with a wisdom beyond her years, sparkling from unshed tears.
The Force willed them to be here together, he was sure of it now. And when she spoke again, he agreed with her. There were no more restrictions, no orders, no Council. They were free from their duties and orders and yet he still wanted to be bound to something, or rather someone. He felt that they were already bound together, their souls forever entwined. But he didn't see any reason they oughn't make it official...to make that commitment to each other.
But would such a proposition scare her away? Was this all moving too fast? He didn't think so. In fact, he thought they had waited just long enough for the ties of their former occupations to no longer hold weight. However, he argued within himself that it was also just perfect to be with her like this. They didn't need formalities. And should she decide she no longer wanted him around, he would respect that.
For now there was just this. And this...this...was more than he could have ever hoped for.
In her embrace, he breathed her in, relishing that familiar scent that was Sabé. 'I love you,' he whispered in her ear. He kissed her cheek and held her close.
She feels his eyes on her and is a little concious of it though she doesn't waver in her own gaze. She reconizes what he is doing as she has done it so many times before herself. Putting to memory every small feature, every little detail of his face so that when they are apart she would find the images near the surface of her thoughts and heart.
She meant every word she had said and for once felt no guilt for it. They had served their time, completed their duties and loyalties as they had sworn through the Oath's taken. But now that she found herself free of them Sabe too longs to make another commitment of a more personal sort. However she also knows enough to respect the space she presumes the Jedi Master would want. This is all so new to her and in truth perhaps she needed this space as well to grow used to being able to love so openly and not have the fear of bringing dishonor to either his or her own name.
But for the moment it did not matter, what mattered is that he is here holding her close whispering the words she never thought she would ever hear, nor desired to do so out of respect for whom he served. Though upon hearing them whispered in this moment she finally realizes just how much her heart had longed for it as well as how much it needed her to express her feelings for him as well.
With eyes closed and a smile playing on her lips she quietly whispers in reply.
"I love you too..."
He both heard and felt her admission. It only confirmed what he already knew to be true, though he never knew how good it would feel to hear the words aloud.
Obi-Wan also knew that this was right. His mind was clearer and more focused than it had been in ages. It was as if he had been looking through the fog which was now lifted.
He recalled the moment when he entered the shop and she touched his mind ever so hesitantly...the moment he realised it was her and the relief and joy that had washed over him knowing she was safe and alive and that he was no longer alone. These were things that were inexpressible, but would forever be cherished in his heart.
It was now quite late into the night and within the warmth and contentment of her embrace, he soon relaxed into a peaceful sleep. With everything that had happened in the past few days, it was truly no wonder that he was exhausted, but had he known he fell asleep on her, he would have been very embarrassed indeed.
As it was, her couch made comfortable bed, namely since she was there with him.
It wasn't long before the Jedi knight had fallen asleep in her arms. Though normally she would have departed for bed or at the very least drifted into sleep herself the former handmaiden could not resist this oppertunity to enjoy his peaceful presence. Strands of hair had fallen over one of his eyes and Sabe gently brushed it back as a gentle smile played on her features. She was once told by Padme that some races held the belief that by watching someone sleep one would be able to see their soul.
If this was indeed true then Sabe found herself a witness to one of the most gentle souls, one could have imagined. His expression was the epitome of peace and calm a perfect reflection of his personality as well as his aura. An eternity could have passed and she would not have even noticed as quietly she remained holding him close, as her free hand caressed his cheek gently. When she was certain he was indeed asleep she quietly leaned in and gently kissed his forehead unable to resist feeling the softness of his skin against her lips. It was almost therapeutic for her to be like this and Sabe couldn't help but feel as though she was the luckiest woman in the universe to be able to have this moment. One that she would cherish for an eternity and forever be grateful for.
As such she remained by his side with watchful eyes all the while dreading the rising of the sun. But as the hours slipped away Sabe found herself no longer studying the deeply shadowed form of Obi-Wan's features but rather a red hued varient. She knew he would soon stir and though she is loathed to move away she knows eventually she would have to. But for the moment she would remain as she were silently basking in the sleeping presence of the Knight who had stolen her heart so long ago.
Obi-Wan slowly awoke to find Sabé watching him. He felt a pang of guilt for having fallen asleep.
Is a dream?
He reached out to touch her cheek.
No, this isn't a dream. A smile crept onto his face. This meant that everything they had said the night before had in fact happened. He found he quite liked waking up to see her face. He wished he could always wake up to see her like this. 'I guess we're even now,' he said softly, his voice still half asleep.
She sensed him stirring from his slumber and can't resist a shy smile as he opened his eyes. The confusion was briefly evident in them as was the tinge of guilt but she hoped he would understand that there is nothing he should feel guilty for.
"Good morning."
She whispered softly as she leaned into his touch feeling his hand against her cheek while her eyes seemed to dance to the smile that creeped into his features. At his sleepy remark her smile widens as she nodded slightly.
"You could say that, although I like to think it is more of an honor to have been able to enjoy this moment, then repaying a favor."
She said gently having found that his sleepy state of mind rather endearing.
He smiled back at her, allowing his hands to run through her hair once more. He would never get enough of the way it felt. For so many years he had dreamt of it, seeing her with her hair down as he had that once time on the queen's ship. Part of the reason he liked it down was that it was unrestricted and a bit wild, like part of her personality which she rarely revealed to anyone.
Obi-Wan could tell she hadn't slept, but that she had referred to it as an honour removed any guilt he guilt he might have had. He didn't know if she would find it improper or not, but he had to tell her, 'I think I could get used to this.'
She instantly relaxed to his touch as her eyes soften while her hand slipped to his cheek. She knew she should really be getting up, to prepare something to eat. But it was comfortable being here in the warmth of his arms, feeling his fingers in her hair and watching him watching her leaving Sabe more then a little loathed to part from this small heaven.
At his remark her smile widen as she blushed turning sheepish.
"...So could I...
But unfortunately my stomach seems to think otherwise and is now demanding I make breakfast. I don't suppose you are hungry are you?"
She couldn't help but ask knowing that if she didn't make something soon her stomach would be growling in protest for she hadn't eaten anything since early afternoon the day before and the thought of him being witness to that is too embarrassing for her to consider.
'Famished,' he replied. Though he was reluctant to move from this comfortable position, the thought of food reminded him that he also hadn't eaten for awhile.
He stretched a bit a he rose from the couch, but didn't fail to place a quick kiss on her temple as he did so.
