Chapter Text
Ereen had just landed their ship on the planet of Goroon along with Obi-Wan and Anakin. The council had given them a task to persuade the senator into letting the Republic Army set a small base on their planet. Goroon had never actually taken a side in the war, nor did they admit if they chose neutrality, which is why the council had chosen the best negotiators for the job. Not long after they had informed the guards of their arrival outside the palace, the large double doors opened, revealing a short old man with tan skin and dark hair, gelled to perfection, he was dressed up in Goroon’s traditional outfit. The man went by the name of Shula Fitzsix. He was senator of Goroon, and greeted the three jedis with a welcoming hug, “Generals, it is an honor to have you on our planet.” The Goroonians were known to be very hospitable and extremely friendly, which explained the senator opting for a hug rather than the usual firm handshake. This was something Obi-Wan had informed both Ereen and Anakin about on their way to the planet.
Shula then proceeded to give them a tour around the palace, its beige brick walls were made out of the stones native to the planet, and pillars guarded each huge rectangular window. There were plants that hung over the windows, leaves trailing down to the first floor of the palace, and right outside were several palm trees that surrounded the courtyard, fit for the planet’s tropical climate. “You guys actually just came right on time for the festivities.” Shula said in a giddy tone,
“Festivities for what?” Anakin asked,
“Why, the Blossom festival of course!” Shula replied with such cheerfulness,
“Looks like someone didn’t do their reading before arriving…” Ereen whispered to Anakin’s ear in a teasing melody making him roll his eyes in annoyance.
“So, what’s this… Blossom festival?” Anakin quirked an eyebrow,
“Well, since it’s spring, we’re celebrating the different kinds of flora and fauna that grow on our planet. We hold a competition where our citizens decorate a float with flowers and we parade them along the capital.” Shula’s arms extended as he tried to explain the festival with vigorous hand motions and enthusiasm, Obi-Wan was fascinated as he listened to the Senator, but Anakin simply could not focus, and it was the perfect time for Ereen to nudge him aggressively on his side.
“It’s rude to not listen.” Ereen said through her teeth,
“It’s also rude to poke your fellow general!” Anakin glared, making the other general snicker
“Anakin, Ereen, is there something you wanted to share?” Obi-Wan questioned with a hint of sternness in his voice, completely aware of their usual antics.
“Nothing…” Ereen said with a pretentious smile, “Please. Continue…” she said towards the senator with a tight lipped smile.
Shula cleared his throat and continued to explain more about the festival, “The Blossom festival isn’t just about the beautiful plants, but also the blossoming of love, and passion.” As if the last few words were some kind of buzz word for Anakin, his attention was now focused on the senator. However, despite his ears listening, his thoughts were consumed by his one true love, Padmé. All while Anakin was dreaming of his secret wife, Ereen kept stealing glances at Obi-Wan, who was still engrossed at the senator’s brief history lesson.
“Usually, we have a tradition where people would bring their peers along with them as they sing a song outside the window of the person they’re romantically pursuing,” Anakin’s lips curled into a smile at the thought of singing a song for Padmé. He imagined dragging his own padawan along with Ereen and Obi-Wan. He’d heard of Obi-Wan’s voice, and the man can surely sing the lead in an opera, but that meant Anakin would be overshadowed by him, and he didn’t want that. He snapped out of his daydream and returned his attention back to the senator, “However, I’m fully aware of the Jedi’s rule against romantic relationships and so is the royal court, there’s no need to worry about participating in that part of the festivities!” He chuckled as he continued leading them towards a conference room, where a surprise guest awaited.
The oak wood doors opened wide, revealing a long table, and a few important guests from across the galaxy. Shula’s wife, Duchess Lahani Fitzsix, sat adjacent to the head of the table. She dressed similarly to Shula, with the only difference being the purple headdress that wrapped around her head. The Duchess was busy having a conversation with the person across from her and when Shula made their presence known, both Lahani and the guest turned their heads to greet the newcomers. It didn’t take long for the three jedis to recognize the guest, from the beautiful flowy dress and striking metal headdress that was larger than the Duchess’, it was no mistake that the other guest was Naboo’s very own senator, Padmé Amidala.
Anakin couldn’t hide the wide grin on his face as his eyes landed on his beautiful wife that was now approaching him. “It’s very nice to see you, General Skywalker.” She said with a smile that mirrored his,
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Senator Amidala.” Anakin said as he tried hard to hide the excitement in his voice,
“Greetings to you as well General Kenobi and General Stoneheart.” She said as she gave the two of them a curt nod.
After the pleasantries and greetings, everyone sat down while the palace maids served them tea and fruit. Obi-Wan took the lead by talking about the Republic’s proposal in the event that Goroon chooses to actively help out with the ongoing war. Anakin, of course, was too busy looking at Padmé across the table with lovesick puppy dog eyes. Ereen sat quietly next to Anakin, occasionally rolling her eyes at how obnoxious her friend was being. She mostly stared at her teacup, the brown liquid swirling as she kept stirring it with a small silver spoon.
As the conversation between Obi-Wan and Shula, the other jedis grew tired, Anakin would hide his yawn with his cloak while Ereen would make small talk with Padmé and Lahani so as to not fall asleep right then and there. However, in the midst of those small talks, she would avert her eyes toward Obi-Wan and when she would look away, he would look at her with the same sense of longing and adoration that the two weren’t aware of… yet.
“That sounds very promising General Kenobi, however I still need to discuss this with my advisor, at least until the end of the day,” Shula said,
“Of course, we’re not pressuring you into giving us an immediate answer, so please take all the time you need.” Kenobi replied with his signature charming smile.
“Thank you,” Shula replied, “and while you wait, I suggest joining in on the festivities. The parade will be held a little after lunch and there’s the grand ball tonight! I do hope all of you will attend the ball.” Despite the politeness of his tone, it was no doubt that Shula meant it in a more demanding way. No pressure at all…
“That sounds wonderful! We could all watch the parade together!” Padmé exclaimed and for a brief moment, her face turned red as she looked at Anakin.
“I’m afraid Anakin and I won’t be able to join you in the parade,” Obi-Wan said warily, “we have to make a stop by the palace archives. Perhaps General Stoneheart could accompany you.” Anakin tilted his head downward, hiding his scowling expression.
But before all hope is lost, an idea comes to Anakin’s mind, “Master, if it’s alright with you,” he paused for effect, “I could accompany Senator Amidala while General Stoneheart goes to the archives with you.” He said with utmost confidence but Ereen knew what kind of game he was playing when he turned to give her a wink.
“That sounds feasible,” Obi-Wan’s voice cracked as he felt his stomach begin to churn, “T-that is, if General Stoneheart agrees.” He stuttered. There was no actual problem with the arrangement that Anakin had suggested, except for the fact that Obi-Wan has a tiny crush on the reclusive jedi knight, which would be an understatement because his crush is actually as huge as the whole galaxy and beyond. This was something he had kept to himself for so long, he never even knew when these feelings started. He just knew that the lingering stares and the brief brush of their hands while walking beside each other made him yearn for more. But he’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, known to be a stickler for the rules. He simply cannot let his feelings of attachment affect him, one option would be to avoid Ereen at all costs, but that simply wasn’t possible with their current line of work. And so, his best course of action was to let those feelings fade right away in the event that they start to consume him.
“I don’t mind… actually.” Ereen said with a smile, her eyes focused on Obi-Wan which made it even harder for him to control the overwhelming warmth that he was feeling inside his chest.
“Well that settles it!” Anakin jumped out of his chair full of joy and walked behind where Padmé sat, “Are you ready, M’lady?” He said, trying hard to sound suave as he offered his arm and yet it only sounded silly to Ereen. She let out a snort to which she immediately tried to play off as a sneeze, Anakin noticed this and shot her a glare. Padmé got up and wrapped her arm with his and gave her farewell to everyone in the room,
“I had a wonderful time, thank you, Senator Fitzsix,” Padmé said as she curtsied, “And thank you for your time as well Duchess Lahani.” The Duchess smiled and thanked her in return.
“The pleasure is ours, senator, we do hope you’ll attend the ball as well?” Shula chided,
“Of course! I would never miss anything in the world.” Padmé said with a slight teasing tone making her fellow senator chuckle.
Anakin and Padmé walked towards the door that was behind Shula, but as Anakin passed by Obi-Wan, he patted his shoulder and whispered, “Have fun at the archives loverboy.” The teasing chuckle made the jedi master annoyed, but before he could even scowl at his former padawan, they were already gone. As for the Duchess and Senator Fitzsix, they bid their goodbyes as they made their way out to make last minute changes before they got on their personal flower float, which was usually the main highlight of the parade. That left Obi-Wan and Ereen, along with the palace maids that were cleaning up the tea cups and plates on the table. Even without reaching into the Force, Ereen could feel the awkwardness on Obi-Wan’s stiff shoulders and indistinguishable expression. It was obvious that he was lost in his thoughts as she noticed his eyes never left the ring that his tea cup had left, resting on the table for so long.
Seconds later, Ereen cleared her throat, “S-Shall we go to archives now, General?” She stammered. It was as if Obi-Wan got hit by a blaster shot as he returned to reality, he shook his head and gave her a smile. Though it was not the kind of smile that he usually wore when he was genuinely happy, it was more of the kind he wore when he was trying to hide something. But Ereen thought nothing more of it, assuming that it was probably because of the burden that the council had put on him regarding this mission.
“Of course.” He said as he stood up and walked towards the door. He stood there and held the oak door by the golden handle as he waited for Ereen to exit first, like the true polite gentleman that he is. She gave him a small ‘thank you’ to which he replied with a curt nod.