"Thea." I hear the sheets shift. "Thea."

"If someone is in danger, please be a little more urgent in your wakeup call," I grumble, hugging the pillow closer to my face.

"Thea." A hand brushes hair off my cheek. "I need to go."

I open one eye. The blinds let in little sunshine, but just enough for Obi-Wan to block it with his body. "Do you?"

"Yes, I do. Unlike you, I have to report to the Temple." He offers me an easy smile, which makes the morning a little more tolerable.

We did end up sharing a bed last night, just without getting naked and moving on to late night activities. We remained clothed, enjoying each other's company, until I somehow fell asleep before Obi-Wan did.

"We need more nights like this," I say sleepily, yawning.

"I need to go, Thea."

"Mm, all right." I raise my head up long enough for him to peck me on the lips. "I'll see you around." I snuggle back into the covers as Ben shifts out of the bed and heads out of the room. Already the bed feels emptier, and colder.

Up until now, I've never known what it felt like to have someone else beside me in bed. Someone who I trusted and knew, no less. I wonder if he feels that, too.

I stay in bed for a little longer, until my body decides it's well-rested.

I get a surprise: I'm not alone. But it's not Ben who greets me, it's Padmé.

"Welcome back," I tell her. She walks to me, enveloping me in a hug. "When did you get back?"

"Not too long ago."

"My brother didn't hang around?"

"Padawan duties. I saw Obi-Wan on his way out." She looks at me curiously. "Did something happen while I was away?"

"No." I shake my head. "Nothing happened."

"Are you lying to me?"

"Padmé, what would warrant someone to come after me? Obi-Wan came by, we had some free time, so we spent it catching up."

Padmé doesn't believe me for a minute. "Thea..."

"We spent ten years apart. A lot happens in a decade, it requires long hours of conversation."

"What did you talk about?"

"What we've missed. My time as your guard, his time training Anakin." I shrug. "I think we both got equal floor time."

Padmé raises a brow. "That's all? Nothing else?"

I tilt my head. "What is there to discuss?"

She sighs. "You say you pick up on things, well, so do I. I noticed, from the time he and Anakin came to help figure out who was trying to kill me. It's nothing like what Annie and I share, but it's something."

I narrow my eyes at her. "I knew you were involved with my brother."

"I'm not the focus here. Your demeanor changed when you were with Obi-Wan. When we found them after Dooku escaped, you were worried, more than I thought." Her cheeks tint pink. "I'm observant at times." She takes a step closer. "Were you two ever...?"

I shake my head. "The Code forbade it. It still does."

"That doesn't answer my question, Thea."

"We were together, but it was a brief stint. We were younger, then."

"And what about now?"

I put my hands behind my back, not saying a word. Padmé looks at me expectantly with brown eyes.

"Something must've happened with you and Obi-Wan, because you're not talking about it. Thea, I'm your friend too, not just someone you have to protect." She offers me a tender smile. "If you're worried about me keeping it a secret, I won't tell. Woman's honor."

I chuckle a bit. "Like I told you, we spent our time talking. I...I brought up what happened all those years ago, and how it brought up old feelings seeing each other now."

"Did anything happen?" Though Padmé's voice sounds calm, the glint in her brown eyes shows some sign of excitement. Like she's expecting some good news.

"We shared a bed. It's not how it sounds!" I exclaim as she gives me a gob-smacked expression. "Clothes were never taken off. Really since we've gotten together the most we've done is kiss."

"That's it?"

"Yes." I nod.

"Wow, I would've never thought...Obi-Wan just seems like such a rule-follower."

"Well, I guess he'll bend one for one exception," I say shyly.

"Oh, don't act like a schoolgirl!" Padmé scolds me. "Ever since I've met you, you've never been so quiet or—or shy. He...Being together won't be a problem for either of you, will it? Will it distract you from your jobs?"

I shake my head. "No. Even if we somehow work together in the future, we won't let our tie get us or anyone around us into trouble. We'll keep it professional when in the field. Off duty, that's a different matter."

"I'm happy for you, Thea. Just...all I ask is that you be careful, both of you."

I nod. "I can say the same to you and my brother. If this ends badly, I will bear no ill will to either of you. But I am not going to get stuck in the middle or be anyone's messenger. We aren't children, we're adults in a war for the galaxy."

"Noted. You know, nothing is keeping you here, Thea."

Okay, that took a sharp turn. "Huh?"

"I've appreciated your dedication for the last decade, but I think you miss being a Jedi more. You might have more reason now since you've seen Anakin and Obi-Wan and fought alongside them. I think it's the reason why you still have your saber, even though it's not the one you had when we first met. Some part of you wants to go back."

"I'd have to buckle down my attitude, Padmé. Not sure I can manage that. I've been unbridled a little too long."

"Then perhaps a certain Jedi Master can tame you." She winks.

"Really?" I huff, feeling heat in my cheeks. "If I didn't consider you my sister, I would slap you."

"I heard 'I love you' in there somewhere."

I shake my head, refocusing. "Besides, I walked away. I doubt they would want me back."

"If you pleaded your case right, they might consider it. Get some support behind you. I can't tell you to go plead your case, and I can't force you. It's just...I really don't need protection anymore."

"You and I both know that's not true. Who's to say someone won't order a hit out on you again? You need someone to be there for you, and that someone is me."

"And while that someone may be you, Thea, you were a Padawan before this. You walked away from your path. Now's the time to get back on it. I won't bear ill will if you resume training." She smiles. "Just something to think about."

Playing the mood, Padmé ominously leaves me be, our talk still fresh in my mind.

* * *

I can't believe I'm doing this. This is crazy. Damn that woman.

It's an understatement to say that anxiety has seized me upon walking up the steps of the Jedi Temple. I think back to the very first time I had walked up these steps. I had been wounded, escaped with my life just in time from the Sith. I had been given a second chance here, despite my past. They had faith in me, the Council did.

I wonder if they might still, even now.

I'm not entirely surprised to run into Obi-Wan as I walk in the familiar building. Though, with how we have been recently, it does feel a bit awkward and tension-filled.

"And just what brings you back to the Temple?" Though I know he wants to use his question as a joke, it comes out more as a genuine curiosity.

"Oddly enough, you," I say quietly. "Padmé convinced me she doesn't need my protection anymore. So, here I am, saber and all."

"She changed your mind like that?" He snaps his fingers.

"Not entirely. I thought about it. She's more perceptive than I thought. I guess that's something you learn when you've been friends with someone for ten years." I clear my throat. "The thing is, if I'm to get back into training, I need to see if the Council will allow me back. That's where you come in."

"Oh, do I?"

"You know me best. You've seen me fight, we've trained together. You are the best person to help me plea my case and appeal to them. And...I don't think I can speak to them alone without feeling the threat of bumbling like an idiot. You'll help keep me on track."

"What about Master Uri? She could put in a good word for you."

"I don't know. She seemed okay with me leaving training to protect Padmé, but I think it tore her up pretty good. She might not be as willing as you to speak with me."

Ben chuckles. "I've met Master Uri a few times. She still speaks of you on occasion. She does miss you, Thea. You can stop by the Temple to visit her. I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

"Can we focus on house calls later? I kind of want to get this rolling."

"When do you want to approach them?"

"Preferably before the sun sets."

"Well then."

"Let's take a slow walk until we run into a Master. It'll give us time to gather our thoughts." I walk further into the Temple, and Obi-Wan matches my stride.

"If you were to be allowed back, if we can swing it correctly, we could possibly be able to get your teachings under me."

I cast a side-glance at him. "You would really want to do that?"

"Like you said, I know you best. I've trained with you."

"Don't you have my brother still? I can't recite the Code for word, but I don't think having two Padawans is allowed."

"If we have to wait, we can wait. Once he passes the trials, then you can move into his place."

"So, you're just bumping my old master and claiming me as your next Padawan learner?" I raise a brow. "How very bold of you."

"I'm willing to try it if you are. I see the risk that you do, but we agreed to remain professional."

I smile, stop mid-step, and do a mock bow. "Then I'd be honored, Master Kenobi."