Title: Never Alone (Part 1 of 2)
Author: Obi the Kid (hlnkid@aol.com)
Rating: PG
Summary: 2 years pre-TPM, (angst, non-slash) Qui POV as he cares for a sick Obi.
Archive: Sure, just ask!
Feedback: YES !! PLEASE!!
Disclaimer: Obi and Qui belong to Lucas. I make zero dollars from this.
Notes: Thanks to Brenda for the title and who will be writing part 2 of this tale.
======================
"Never Alone"
It's been almost 24 hours now and still no change. My apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi lay in his bed, stripped of his tunic, as I calm the raging fever with cold towels against his skin. If anything, the sickness seems to have intensified in the last few hours, despite my efforts. I promised him that I would not leave his side. That I would not leave him alone during this. Never Alone. And I will keep that promise. For I know he would do the same for me.
I have tried to speak to him and assure him that I am near, but the fever has so confused his mind, that I doubt he can feel my presence. He's been rambling for the last few minutes, about things from long ago. Past missions, friends he has lost, various lessons that I have taught him. At times, the words make sense and I can feel the pain that he feels with certain memories. All I can do is sit close by, hold his hand, keep him cool, until this illness releases its hold.
The many worlds we have visited in our 10 years together, I don't recall him ever falling so ill. A cold or a common virus, but nothing so severe. The healers have assured me that he will be fine but that does not temper my worry. Nor does it prevent my own pain as I watch this sickness overwhelm him.
He cries out as waves of pain wash through him. Doing all I can to allow him to feel my presence, I take his hand in my own and offer a comforting touch.
"It will be alright Obi-Wan, I know it hurts. I am here with you. I want you to rest."
My words seem to have no effect on him. I cannot reach his mind.
"No...please...don't go...please...umph...s'okay now..."
Finally, I feel a returned pressure against my hand and look down to see Obi-Wan holding on for dear life. I offer my other hand and hold tight.
"Easy now padawan. It'll be over soon. I promise."
Seeing the chills beginning to take hold, I remove the now warm towels from his chest and pull his favorite blanket around him. It won't be long now before the chills that came so easily, cease as quickly as they began and the infectious fever regains its control. For now, his entire body is enveloped in violent cold spells.
"Mmmmph....master...help...s...so...c...cold...so cold..."
I listen to his voice and force myself to take a deep breath to find my focus. I will be of no help to Obi-Wan if I cannot keep my emotions in check. I rub my hands over the blanket, trying to send him the warmth that he needs.
The chills stop and my apprentice lay motionless for a few minutes. I know what will happen next and am not surprised when the skin that was so cold to the touch just moments ago, is now once again, on fire.
"Obi-Wan, I need to turn you over. I need to cool your back this time...come on..."
I slowly turn him so that he lays flat on his stomach, tucking one arm under his chest, the other he flails about blindly. I take his hand once more.
"I'm right here padawan...I'm right here..."
His breathing becomes labored as he lay face down, so I work quickly to cool his back and turn him over. I repeat the same on his arms, chest and face. Resting a cool rag on his forehead, I brush my fingers through his sweat soaked hair...hushing him as I sooth his worried cries.
"Shhh padawan. Everything will be alright. Not much longer now."
"Unh...no...Qui-Gon...make it stop...go away...hurts..."
"I know Obi-Wan. I am taking care of things. You just rest. All will be well."
Truth be told, I have no idea how long this illness will hold my student. The healers have assured me that it is not fatal. Still, I worry. To see the one who means so much to me in such discomfort, pains me greatly.
Absently, I reach a hand up to feel the beaded sweat on my own face. The exhaustion must be getting to me. My body feels fine and I know that this virus is not contagious. Perhaps, it is the intense heat that my ill student is generating that has caused me to feel flush.
I look at his young face. Dark circles surround the eyes. The once boyish features lost amongst the anguish he feels. Closing my eyes, I again find my center, and allow myself to relax into the comfort of the Force.
The hours pass and Obi-Wan continues his fight. The fever has not lessened.
I have recently spoken with the healers, and have been instructed to set my apprentice into a cool bath. Not cold enough that it shocks his system, but a temperature that may bring his fever down.
I manage to carry him to the bathroom and sit him in a chair as I strip the rest of the damp clothing from his fevered body. He wanders in and out of consciousness. Picking him up and setting him in the tub, I wait and see if he reacts to the change. Almost immediately, the breathing quickens and the water washes over him. I take my place by his side, and use a small cloth to bathe his face and arms. His hair is a mess, so I grab a small bottle of shampoo and wash it out, along with his braid.
While he adjusts to the water temperature, I re-braid what has become the symbol of a Jedi Apprentice. I can't help but reflect on the years we have shared, and how much things will change when Obi-Wan is Knighted and is no longer a constant presence in my life. I have grown so accustomed to having him by my side. His companionship and friendship have meant so very much to me. Soon, I will be forced to let him go.
But not yet.
I must focus in the present. Keep my concentration on the here and now...as I so often tell my young student.
====================
Now 36 hours in to this nightmare, and I am beginning to feel as if it will never end. Within the last hour Master Healers and Master Jedi's have come and gone from our quarters. Their weak attempts to try and convince me to sleep while they watch over Obi-Wan have failed. I will not leave his side. I will not leave him alone.
"I will not leave him Mace. I don't know if he can sense that I am with him, but my place is here. He is my padawan, my responsibility."
Once I chased them off, I turn my attention back to where it should be. Obi-Wan is breathing quietly now, laying on his back, in a restless sleep. He is as relaxed as his mind and body will allow. His fingers clutch tightly to the cloth of my robe. For now, I have placed him in my own bed. The sheets that cover his are damp and cold. I threw them off the bed, to be washed thoroughly when this is over. I do not wish to leave him for more than a few minutes, so therefore, I do not spare the time to redress his bed.
As I sit there, on the edge of the bed, I speak to my padawan softly. Every few minutes, I towel his face, then his chest and arms. I have followed this ritual since the beginning.
"You should see yourself Obi-Wan. You are a mess. Better not let Master Yoda see you like this, you'd be in for one of his 'Jedi must look presentable lectures.' Tap that walking stick a few times and spout out a backward phrase or 2. Then he'll roll those big eyes of his and laugh. It'll be over soon padawan. Not long from now, you will be your old self again."
====================
48 hours now and finally there is a spark of hope. The intense fever has lessened somewhat and the violent chills have settled. Obi-Wan has opened his eyes for the first time in 2 days. He stares at me. Those blue-green eyes confused and tired, but determined.
"Master?"
"Shhh...don't speak padawan. Everything is okay. You are going to be fine."
"Head hurts."
"I figured as much. It's been a difficult couple days my young apprentice. You are dehydrated and starved, I'd imagine. But you look better. Rest now and you will feel better.
"Thank you...master."
"For what Obi-Wan?"
"I could hear...you...knew you...were here. Thank...you. Didn't...leave me..."
He tightened his hold on my hand and I watched as his mouth turned upward in the tiniest of smiles...one that I happily returned.
"I promised you, didn't I? That I would not leave your side?"
He gave a small nod. "Never...alone..."
"Yes, Obi-Wan...never alone. Now, I want you to sleep. Master's orders. Understand?"
"Yes master. Master...you okay?"
"Just tired padawan. Sleep." As I started to move away he reached out his hand towards me.
"Stay...with me?"
Unable to hold my amusement in, I released a small laugh. My bold, brave, 23 year old, soon to be Jedi Knight, seeking assurance and comfort from his old, worn down master.
Yet, I know that if roles were reversed, I would seek the same from him.
"I will stay as long as you wish me to. But you will close your eyes now, before I close them for you."
"...kay...nite...master..."
I sooth his short cropped hair one last time. "Good night my Obi-Wan."
====================
Another day passed and Obi-Wan was finally out of bed and able to function. He moved slower than normal, but was happy to be on his feet again. The once overpowering fever, reduced to a low-grade temperature.
He stood and looked at me, slightly puzzled. "Master? You look exhausted. Are you alright?"
"I am padawan. Just worn out is all. You kept me busy these last few days. It's nothing that a little sleep won't cure."
His glassy eyes worry me. "Obi-Wan...is something troubling you?"
"No master. I only wanted to be sure that you were okay. You seem...different. You are tired, both your mind and body. I can feel it."
I smile once more and walk over to where he is standing. For whatever reason, I reach out and pull him into a hug. I think my actions surprised him, but within seconds, he relaxed into the embrace.
Releasing him, I gave a slight tug on the braid he wears so proudly. "Thank you for your concern padawan. I will get that rest now."
"As you should. In fact, I insist on it. Padawan's orders. Understood?"
I take a deep breath and laugh before turning towards my bedroom. Worry for my apprentice now gone, I only hope I can find the sleep that I need to shake this feeling of fatigue that has been plaguing me.
I fall into bed, pleading for the darkness to overtake me.
END
Author: Obi the Kid (hlnkid@aol.com)
Rating: PG
Summary: 2 years pre-TPM, (angst, non-slash) Qui POV as he cares for a sick Obi.
Archive: Sure, just ask!
Feedback: YES !! PLEASE!!
Disclaimer: Obi and Qui belong to Lucas. I make zero dollars from this.
Notes: Thanks to Brenda for the title and who will be writing part 2 of this tale.
======================
"Never Alone"
It's been almost 24 hours now and still no change. My apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi lay in his bed, stripped of his tunic, as I calm the raging fever with cold towels against his skin. If anything, the sickness seems to have intensified in the last few hours, despite my efforts. I promised him that I would not leave his side. That I would not leave him alone during this. Never Alone. And I will keep that promise. For I know he would do the same for me.
I have tried to speak to him and assure him that I am near, but the fever has so confused his mind, that I doubt he can feel my presence. He's been rambling for the last few minutes, about things from long ago. Past missions, friends he has lost, various lessons that I have taught him. At times, the words make sense and I can feel the pain that he feels with certain memories. All I can do is sit close by, hold his hand, keep him cool, until this illness releases its hold.
The many worlds we have visited in our 10 years together, I don't recall him ever falling so ill. A cold or a common virus, but nothing so severe. The healers have assured me that he will be fine but that does not temper my worry. Nor does it prevent my own pain as I watch this sickness overwhelm him.
He cries out as waves of pain wash through him. Doing all I can to allow him to feel my presence, I take his hand in my own and offer a comforting touch.
"It will be alright Obi-Wan, I know it hurts. I am here with you. I want you to rest."
My words seem to have no effect on him. I cannot reach his mind.
"No...please...don't go...please...umph...s'okay now..."
Finally, I feel a returned pressure against my hand and look down to see Obi-Wan holding on for dear life. I offer my other hand and hold tight.
"Easy now padawan. It'll be over soon. I promise."
Seeing the chills beginning to take hold, I remove the now warm towels from his chest and pull his favorite blanket around him. It won't be long now before the chills that came so easily, cease as quickly as they began and the infectious fever regains its control. For now, his entire body is enveloped in violent cold spells.
"Mmmmph....master...help...s...so...c...cold...so cold..."
I listen to his voice and force myself to take a deep breath to find my focus. I will be of no help to Obi-Wan if I cannot keep my emotions in check. I rub my hands over the blanket, trying to send him the warmth that he needs.
The chills stop and my apprentice lay motionless for a few minutes. I know what will happen next and am not surprised when the skin that was so cold to the touch just moments ago, is now once again, on fire.
"Obi-Wan, I need to turn you over. I need to cool your back this time...come on..."
I slowly turn him so that he lays flat on his stomach, tucking one arm under his chest, the other he flails about blindly. I take his hand once more.
"I'm right here padawan...I'm right here..."
His breathing becomes labored as he lay face down, so I work quickly to cool his back and turn him over. I repeat the same on his arms, chest and face. Resting a cool rag on his forehead, I brush my fingers through his sweat soaked hair...hushing him as I sooth his worried cries.
"Shhh padawan. Everything will be alright. Not much longer now."
"Unh...no...Qui-Gon...make it stop...go away...hurts..."
"I know Obi-Wan. I am taking care of things. You just rest. All will be well."
Truth be told, I have no idea how long this illness will hold my student. The healers have assured me that it is not fatal. Still, I worry. To see the one who means so much to me in such discomfort, pains me greatly.
Absently, I reach a hand up to feel the beaded sweat on my own face. The exhaustion must be getting to me. My body feels fine and I know that this virus is not contagious. Perhaps, it is the intense heat that my ill student is generating that has caused me to feel flush.
I look at his young face. Dark circles surround the eyes. The once boyish features lost amongst the anguish he feels. Closing my eyes, I again find my center, and allow myself to relax into the comfort of the Force.
The hours pass and Obi-Wan continues his fight. The fever has not lessened.
I have recently spoken with the healers, and have been instructed to set my apprentice into a cool bath. Not cold enough that it shocks his system, but a temperature that may bring his fever down.
I manage to carry him to the bathroom and sit him in a chair as I strip the rest of the damp clothing from his fevered body. He wanders in and out of consciousness. Picking him up and setting him in the tub, I wait and see if he reacts to the change. Almost immediately, the breathing quickens and the water washes over him. I take my place by his side, and use a small cloth to bathe his face and arms. His hair is a mess, so I grab a small bottle of shampoo and wash it out, along with his braid.
While he adjusts to the water temperature, I re-braid what has become the symbol of a Jedi Apprentice. I can't help but reflect on the years we have shared, and how much things will change when Obi-Wan is Knighted and is no longer a constant presence in my life. I have grown so accustomed to having him by my side. His companionship and friendship have meant so very much to me. Soon, I will be forced to let him go.
But not yet.
I must focus in the present. Keep my concentration on the here and now...as I so often tell my young student.
====================
Now 36 hours in to this nightmare, and I am beginning to feel as if it will never end. Within the last hour Master Healers and Master Jedi's have come and gone from our quarters. Their weak attempts to try and convince me to sleep while they watch over Obi-Wan have failed. I will not leave his side. I will not leave him alone.
"I will not leave him Mace. I don't know if he can sense that I am with him, but my place is here. He is my padawan, my responsibility."
Once I chased them off, I turn my attention back to where it should be. Obi-Wan is breathing quietly now, laying on his back, in a restless sleep. He is as relaxed as his mind and body will allow. His fingers clutch tightly to the cloth of my robe. For now, I have placed him in my own bed. The sheets that cover his are damp and cold. I threw them off the bed, to be washed thoroughly when this is over. I do not wish to leave him for more than a few minutes, so therefore, I do not spare the time to redress his bed.
As I sit there, on the edge of the bed, I speak to my padawan softly. Every few minutes, I towel his face, then his chest and arms. I have followed this ritual since the beginning.
"You should see yourself Obi-Wan. You are a mess. Better not let Master Yoda see you like this, you'd be in for one of his 'Jedi must look presentable lectures.' Tap that walking stick a few times and spout out a backward phrase or 2. Then he'll roll those big eyes of his and laugh. It'll be over soon padawan. Not long from now, you will be your old self again."
====================
48 hours now and finally there is a spark of hope. The intense fever has lessened somewhat and the violent chills have settled. Obi-Wan has opened his eyes for the first time in 2 days. He stares at me. Those blue-green eyes confused and tired, but determined.
"Master?"
"Shhh...don't speak padawan. Everything is okay. You are going to be fine."
"Head hurts."
"I figured as much. It's been a difficult couple days my young apprentice. You are dehydrated and starved, I'd imagine. But you look better. Rest now and you will feel better.
"Thank you...master."
"For what Obi-Wan?"
"I could hear...you...knew you...were here. Thank...you. Didn't...leave me..."
He tightened his hold on my hand and I watched as his mouth turned upward in the tiniest of smiles...one that I happily returned.
"I promised you, didn't I? That I would not leave your side?"
He gave a small nod. "Never...alone..."
"Yes, Obi-Wan...never alone. Now, I want you to sleep. Master's orders. Understand?"
"Yes master. Master...you okay?"
"Just tired padawan. Sleep." As I started to move away he reached out his hand towards me.
"Stay...with me?"
Unable to hold my amusement in, I released a small laugh. My bold, brave, 23 year old, soon to be Jedi Knight, seeking assurance and comfort from his old, worn down master.
Yet, I know that if roles were reversed, I would seek the same from him.
"I will stay as long as you wish me to. But you will close your eyes now, before I close them for you."
"...kay...nite...master..."
I sooth his short cropped hair one last time. "Good night my Obi-Wan."
====================
Another day passed and Obi-Wan was finally out of bed and able to function. He moved slower than normal, but was happy to be on his feet again. The once overpowering fever, reduced to a low-grade temperature.
He stood and looked at me, slightly puzzled. "Master? You look exhausted. Are you alright?"
"I am padawan. Just worn out is all. You kept me busy these last few days. It's nothing that a little sleep won't cure."
His glassy eyes worry me. "Obi-Wan...is something troubling you?"
"No master. I only wanted to be sure that you were okay. You seem...different. You are tired, both your mind and body. I can feel it."
I smile once more and walk over to where he is standing. For whatever reason, I reach out and pull him into a hug. I think my actions surprised him, but within seconds, he relaxed into the embrace.
Releasing him, I gave a slight tug on the braid he wears so proudly. "Thank you for your concern padawan. I will get that rest now."
"As you should. In fact, I insist on it. Padawan's orders. Understood?"
I take a deep breath and laugh before turning towards my bedroom. Worry for my apprentice now gone, I only hope I can find the sleep that I need to shake this feeling of fatigue that has been plaguing me.
I fall into bed, pleading for the darkness to overtake me.
END