I
HateYou!
Young Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One of prophecy, had proven his worth and
had brought balance to the Force. His unprecedented defeat of the Sith Lord had
gained him the gratitude of the Jedi, the Senate and the galaxy as a whole. As
the darkness receded and light once again dawned, changes came. The Jedi Order
questioned much of its old ways and began to make revisions.
One of those revisions was the code regarding attachment. It naturally came
into question when Anakin announced his intentions to marry the lovely Senator
from Naboo, Padme Amidala, with or without the Councils permission. It
wouldnt look very smart for the Council to expel Anakin from the Order after
he had just saved them from almost certain annihilation and so they acquiesced
and allowed Anakin the marriage.
That only opened the doors for other Knights to make similar requests and so
the code on attachment was remanded and Knights were eligible to date and seek
a life mate.
Anakin made Padme his wife and discovered a sweet bliss in having a spouse. His
contentment only encouraged him to seek partners for his friends and he began
to play matchmaker. Even before his own wedding reception had waned, he found a
potential mate for his own former Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and for Padmes long
time friend Bail Organa. In fact, the introductions of that evening progressed
into a series of steady dates for both the matches Anakin had made and, Anakin,
endlessly pleased with himself decided it was time to have a dinner gathering
with his friends.
Ani, I do believe that everything is ready for the evening and now all we have
to do is wait for our guests to arrive. Padme smiled as she once more examined
the dining table, which was set for six.
Stop worrying, my love, Anakin said as he came up from behind her and put his
arms about her waist. Everything will be perfect and, if all goes well, I
wouldnt be surprised if we didnt end up with invitations to two more
weddings.
Do you think it is that serious for both couples? Padme asked.
I think it will be an evening of surprises and two couples will go home very
happy. He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. He then paused and sensed
something. Punctual, as always, Obi-Wan is here.
The front bell had not even chimed, but Anakin had detected his former Masters
presence through the Force and he was quick to open the door. Obi-Wan. Sabe.
Come in! It is so wonderful that you could join us for our first dinner party
in our new home.
Good of you to invite us, Anakin. Obi-Wan replied and he handed him a bottle
of wine.
Sabe pushed passed the two men and immediately approached Padme and embraced
her. Marriage must agree with you, Padme. You look so radiant.
Padme blushed and the two women giggled.
I must say that you look quite well and happy, yourself, Sabe. Is there
something you wish to share?
Sabe glanced back at the two men and then conspiratorially pulled Padme to the
opposite side of the room. As always the two women looked like sisters with the
same dark hair coloring and amber colored eyes. They were both dressed in full
gowns of rich magenta.
Anakin turned again to Obi-Wan and was about to offer him a drink when the bell
chime rang. He turned to the door instead and opened it. There stood Bail
Organa with his date Jedi Knight Siri Tachi.
Bail, Siri. Now the party can begin! Anakin said with a sweep of his hand.
Bail handed him a bottle. Here you are, my friend. I can assure you it is the
finest wine that Alderaan has to offer.
Hello Aankin. Obi-Wan, Siri said as she removed her wrap and handed it to
Anakin. Underneath she wore a simple chemise of sapphire blue that fell to her
knees.
Anakin hung up Siris cloak and then followed Bail into the center of the room
where he proceeded to pour drinks for his guests. Obi-Wan stepped close to Siri
and spoke in a low tone. Still involved with the stuffed shirt, I see.
Siri shot her fellow Knight an irritated glance. Obi-wan, this evening will
pass much more pleasantly if you hang your jealousies in the closet along with
my cloak.
Obi-Wan scoffed at her remark. I am hardly jealous of a man who has to spend
the better part of his day sifting through red tape and kissing the behinds of
his fellow politicians.
Siri rolled her eyes at him. Still, Bail Organa has something you dont have.
If you are speaking of yourself, Siri, he can have you. It obviously hasnt
sunk in with him yet that you have the most annoying way of opening your mouth
at the wrong time and place.
If you are going to spend this evening being mean, I refuse to talk to you.
Besides, the date youre with leaves plenty to be desired. Not to mention she
is far too young for you.
Obi-Wan gave a mock look of hurt. Picking on a lowly handmaiden? Now who is
jealous?
Lowly? She pretends to be helpless just to get the attention of her heroic
knight. Siri put up her hands in mock distress. Oh! Obi-Wan, my knight, my
love! Help me! Save me!
Obi-Wan laughed. Might I remind you that Sabe has awards in the art of
self-defense. She doesnt need me to save her from anything.
Siris eyes began to burn brightly with irritation. That may be so, but the
reason she is with you is so she can brag that she is dating a Jedi Knight.
When she discovers that you dont make enough credits to keep her in her fine
gowns, shell find someone who can.
Obi-Wans own resolve was beginning to wear thin under Siris tart remarks.
Now who is being mean? I suspect the good Senators interest in you is to have
a trophy wife and since you could double as his bodyguard, as well, he could
fire half his staff. That would be smart business sense.
Siri was about to launch into Obi-Wan all over again when Anakin interrupted.
He gave them both a cautious nod and through gritted teeth he said, You two
just cant stop talking missions, can you? I think it would be well to put work
on a shelf for this evening and enjoy ourselves.
Realizing that they had nearly started a scene, they smiled.
Anakin! How right you are! It is so difficult for Master Tachi and me to be in
the same room together and not get into some silly confrontation. Obi-Wan took
the glass of wine that Anakin had brought to him and took a gulp. My apologies.
He bowed to Anakin and Padme, who had come from behind.
It is always difficult to leave work behind, but perhaps a good dinner will be
a nice distraction. Shall we adjourn to the dining room? Padme offered as she
turned to escort everyone to the next room.
Siri shot Obi-wan a glance that indicated he had been saved this time, but the
next time he wouldnt be so lucky.
Despite the cordiality of the hosts, dinner was actually quite tense. The odd
mix of couples in the room seemed to add to the discomfort. The Jedi sought to
divert discussions away from politics and the politicians didnt care to hear
about the trivialities facing the Jedi in the
The evening moved on, dinner ended and the party once again moved to the main
living area. As the others continued their conversations, Siri excused herself
and disappeared down a long hallway to the refresher. When she emerged she
found Obi-wan standing there waiting.
They just looked at each other at first and then Obi-Wan spoke. I think you
look nice in your dress this evening.
Siri looked at him, not knowing if he was actually trying to be nice or whether
he was just setting her up for another verbal sparring match.
I really mean it, Siri. I sensed that you felt like you werent dressed
appropriately for the evening, but you are doing quite well, Obi-Wan said
sincerely.
You know what I hate, Obi-Wan? I hate that you always know what Im feeling.
Obi-Wan gave her a knowing grin that always grated on her nerves. She shook her
blonde head and was about to say something more when the sound of voices caught
their attention. Just off the end of the hallway was a secluded balcony and it
was clear that there were two people occupying it.
Oh, Bail, I just havent been able to, yet.
I understand, Sabe, but we cant go on with this charade forever.
Siri gave a questioning look of shock to Obi-Wan, who in turn put a finger to
his lips and motioned for her to follow him. They crept closer to the balcony
and saw Bail Organa holding Sabe in his arms.
What about you, Bail? You havent yet set Master Tachi free.
I know, Sabe, but when it comes to that woman, it calls for tact. I dont want
to lose anything vital, after all.
Siris eyes shot daggers as she caught a smug smile spreading across Obi-wans
face.
Well, at least she isnt a total bore. Sabe sighed. I dont think I can go
through the tedious details of one more mission.
Now it was Siris turn to give a smug smile to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan just narrowed
his eyes at her.
Do you realize the we are both going to be dumped? Obi-Wan hissed. You by a
pompous politician and me by a money grubbing lowly handmaiden?
Oh, no! No one dumps Siri Tachi! I am the dumper, never the dumpee!
Except in our case. Obi-Wan countered.
There was a code back then and that was a mutual thing-
Not the way I recall it.
Ooh! You are so impossible Kenobi!
I have an idea, are you game?
Why should I get in bed with you, of all people?
Interesting choice of words. A grin spread from ear to ear on Obi-Wans face
and Siri wanted to impale him then and there with her lightsaber.
For once, Siri, just follow my lead and stop fighting me!
Before Siri could say anything further, Obi-wan dragged her out into the open
end of the hallway and pulled her into his arms. He then captured her lips in
his own and kissed her. A small vocalization of protest escaped Siris mouth,
but was quickly subdued and turned into a soft groan. Siris arms snaked
hesitantly around Obi-Wans neck. The two Jedi were found in this position when
Sabe and Bail stepped in from the balcony.
A sound of disgust escaped Sabe. Well, I never!
Bail looked at her in surprise. Come on, Sabe. This saves us a lot of
problems.
Oh no! No one dumps me! I dump them! Sabe said in protest.
Bail just rolled his eyes and grabbed her arm, dragging her out into the main
living area. The couple gave their excuses to their hosts and left.
Obi-Wan and Siri stayed in the hallway, kissing.
You know what I hate? Obi-Wan muttered as his lips parted from hers. I hate
how mens heads turn every time you enter a room, especially mine.
As Obi-Wan planted small kisses across Siris cheek, she responded. Well I
hate how women drool all over you and follow you like lost pets.
His lips continued their path along her jaw line. I hate that you can never
keep from sharing your opinion.
Siri released a little groan. I hate that you are always right.
I hate that your lips are so soft and that you feel so nice in my arms.
Obi-Wan worked his kisses down the side of her neck to her throat.
I hate the way your arms feel around me and the way your beard tickles when you
kiss me. She muttered between quickened breaths.
Obi-Wan sighed and brought his face up to look in her deep blue eyes. You want
to know what I really hate? Pesky ex-Padawans who try to make me feel I need to
be in a relationship when I really dont want to be.
Siri let out a quiet laugh as she gently messaged the back of his neck with one
hand. Now we are finally in agreement. I dont want to be matched up with any
more stuffy Senators-
Or dippy handmaidens, Obi-Wan added.
I have an idea, Siri. Why dont we just tell them we are involved with each
other and maybe they will leave us alone?
But whatever will we do on a Saturday night, Obi-Wan? Siri said
sarcastically.
A mischievous smile spread across Obi-Wans face as he pecked her lips with
his. You could always come over to my quarters and play a game of sabacc.
Just sabacc, nothing else?
Obi-Wan nuzzled his face next to hers. If you want to get daring we could make
it strip sabacc.
Siri gave him flirtatious giggle and he kissed her again.
Obi-Wan? Anakin inquired as he and Padme found them in the hallway, still
wrapped in each others arms.
Not now, Anakin. Im busy, Obi-Wan answered in automatic annoyance.
Padme cleared her throat and finally caught the attention of the two Masters.
Reluctantly they disengaged themselves and began to smooth out their clothing.
Its been an interesting party, Anakin. Really, but we must go. Obi-Wan
smiled.
A joy. Really, Siri added.
Then Obi-Wan grabbed Siri by the hand and fled with her out the front door.
Anakin turned to Padme with a nervous grin on his face. I told you, did I not,
that it would be an evening of surprises and that two couples would go home
happy?
Padme gave her spouse a sharp look of irritation. That was the most
uncomfortable evening and dinner party of my life! Dont ever, ever,
again consider playing matchmaker, Anakin Skywalker!
Jedikma