Withdrawing from meditation is a dyad experience. The ataraxia immediately disappears when the self renters the world. It's been compared to a ship with busted fuel thrusters falling into a planet's atmosphere, igniting into flames as it quakes under the change in pressure and consistent fiction.

Obi-Wan Kenobi exits his stupor to enter his Coruscant bedroom. His chamber, dimly lit, preserved tranquility unknown to the neon decorated planet; unfortunately, the walls, unlike the meditation rooms in the Jedi Temple, were not soundproof. From beyond wall, he can hear the vehicles speeding by, their horns blaring, and distance clubbing music. While the transition is rough, Obi-Wan harbors no resentment towards it, at least not anymore. As a Padawan, he recalls his many grievances of how loud the Force can be. It took him several years to discover the peace within the pandemonium.

Though, Obi-Wan will never grow accustomed to the stiff muscles that follow after hours in a still position. He thoroughly stretches each limb with a reflexive moan, preparing his body for physical exercise. While sparring is easier to do with an active dummy, his former Padawan isn't here to accept the proposition; thus, Obi-Wan settles for the Echani dummy stationed in the corner.

The sounds of flesh pounding and slapping the wood in rhythmic time occupies the room; the wood creaks from the Jedi's powerful battery. Obi-Wan's arms flush with a red tint as blood localizes to heal the minor abuse. He rattles the dummy until the pain floats to the front of his mind and his muscles throb to the beat of his heart. He reluctantly steps back and shifts his focus to his breathing; he sharply huffs through his lips as his chest heaves, pacing idly back and front in front of the Echani dummy.

Amidst the process of soothing his speeding heart, his holo-communicator beeps from the bedside table. With the assumption it is one of the Masters from the Council servicing another mission, Obi-Wan does not hesitate to retrieve it and access the call.

"This is Kenobi," he answers as the blue light projects the image of his former Padawan. Obi-Wan wouldn't have been so concerned if it weren't for that dubious smirk on Anakin's face. Cautiously, Obi-Wan proceeds, "Anakin," a quick side glance at the clock and he observes the midnight hour, "why do I get the feeling you're up to something?"

"And here I thought you trusted me."

"Oh, I do trust you, Anakin. Doesn't mean I'm always agreeable to your plans."

"You make it sound like I purposely drag you into trouble."

"Because more often than not, you do."

"Okay, you got me-"

During the brief pause in the conversation, Obi-Wan's door rings. Already wary of Anakin's unusually late call, he squints the hologram of his former apprentice. "Oh don't mind me, answer it," Anakin responds with a calm tone that only furthers Obi-Wan's suspicion of mischief. However, with his reputation on the line, Obi-Wan decides to greet the visitant with finesse. He pulls on his house robe to cover his bare chest and proceeds to the front door; he doesn't find it necessary to check the security camera for he can sense who is on the other side.

The door slides open, and there stands Anakin with his ever dubious grin; Cody and Rex at his sides with sincere but awkward smiles, carrying decorated boxes under each arm. Seeing the Commander and Captain with gifts in hand rather than blasters did seem unusual, though not unwelcomed. "Cody, Rex," he greets the two clones with civility, who return it equally, before looking to Anakin with a chary but amused expression, "what is this about, Anakin?"

"I told them you didn't want anything special," Anakin replies, holding his hands up as if to free himself from responsibility.

"I'm sorry, Sir, this was my idea," Cody interjects.

"All his idea, Sir- but General Skywalker didn't seem against it."

Anakin looks at Cody with a playful pout, "Thanks, Rex."

"Anytime, Sir."

"Special? What are you going on about?" The obvious puzzled expression on Obi-Wan's face does elicit doubt in both Clones. Fortunately, the fog in Obi-Wan's mind clears, and the memory of the river stone wrapped in hand enters his mind. His prior expression fades, and he is left with a sad smile. "I haven't given today much thought."

"I know, Sir. Er, we know, Sir," Cody juts the wrapped box forward, "we Clones don't celebrate birthdays, and we aren't certain if Jedi do either, but after all the sacrifice you made for the Republic, and us, Rex and I wanted to show our appreciation."

Rex rolls his eyes, unable to resist smiling at Cody's sentimental announcement, "Yeah, what he said, minus all the mush," he extends his present now, "it's not much, Sir, sweets, and alcohol. Regardless, Cody and I hope you enjoy it- and thanks."

Obi-Wan glances at each gift before he observes the soldiers. Their attempt at being friends beyond comrades is successful, and Obi-Wan finds it challenging to keep his beaming smile to himself. He releases a gentle sigh, reaching forward to take both presents in hand. "Cody, Rex, as much as I appreciate these gifts, they will not compare to your gift of friendship. Thank you, both of you. I am certain I will enjoy both, but I would enjoy it more so if I had company to share them with."

"Sorry, Sir, this is as far as we go," Rex answers.

"What Rex means to say is that we're still on duty. We snuck away to take care of the delivery. We shouldn't be gone too long." Cody unhooks the helm from his belt and places it back on his head, Rex following in suite and accompanied by a salute, the two say in unison, "Happy Birthday, General Kenobi."

Anakin, ever smiling, gives an innocent shrug, "I'm not on duty, so it looks like you will have the company."

"And mooch off my presents? How deplorable of you, Anakin. Cody, Rex, I can't thank you enough. You certainly made my day."

Anakin and Obi-Wan bid Rex and Cody a goodnight and safe travels back to base. Soon, they are alone at the door of Obi-Wan's apartment, staring at each other with mirth. "How did they know it was my birthday?"

"Don't look at me, Ahsoka did all the digging."

"She is your Padawan all right."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that the two of you won't stop until you get what you want."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Well, are you going to let me in?"

"On second thought, Blush Wine tastes better alone."

"What?!"

"I'm kidding, come in."

Obi-Wan sets the gifts on the coffee table before the sofa, "Have a seat," he departs into his bedroom to change the robe for a loose shirt before returning to the living room. He observes Anakin peering out of the wall-sized window overlooking the bustling city of Coruscant. "Something amiss?"

Anakin turns to face his former master, his eyes watching the other unwrap the presents with atypical eager. "No, it's just, I didn't realize your apartment was so far from the temple. Now it makes sense why you nap in the meditation rooms."

Obi-Wan pauses in retrieving the bottle from the package, "I do not nap in the- it's easier than traveling all the way back here for a nap."

"You do know that meditation rooms are for meditating, right?"

"Of course I know that- go get two glasses."

Anakin concludes the banter with a chuckle and enters the kitchenette to obtain the items. He sets the glasses down on the coffee table for Obi-Wan before settling on the sofa. "You should thank Ahsoka for all this; she's the one who spilled the intel on your birthday to Rex and Cody. If it weren't for curfew, she'd be here."

"Sleep is important, especially for a growing Padawan like herself. But, I shall extend my gratitude to her in the morning." Once both glasses are poured, Obi-Wan hands the second glass to Anakin. He occupies the spot on the other side of the sofa, sipping the Blush Wine; he closes his eyes, enjoying the sting of the alcohol in the back of his throat. "A fine wine."

"It sure is. Say, Obi-Wan, do you still have the stone Master Qui-Gon gave to you?"

The question rips Kenobi from his moment of appreciating the wine. He looks at Anakin, wondering how he knew of the river stone. Then, it occurred to him: as a Padawan, Anakin spent an entire week interrogating him about his life, about Qui-Gon, and the Jedi Order. He doesn't remember mentioning the river stone, though because of the sensitivity of the information, very few people knew of it and those who did are no longer of the tangent world. "And what would you do if I said yes?"

"I'd remind you that materialism is looked down upon in the Jedi Order," Anakin smugly replies.

"Of course you would. I do, it's in a box in my bedroom. I haven't looked at it or touched it in years. It holds good memories naturally, though it also holds memories I do not want to remember." Obi-Wan adverts his gaze to stare at the plush carpet; his hand idly lifts to drink from his cup.

Anakin tightens his hold on the glass, regretting his inquiry. "I'm sorry Obi-Wan, I didn't mean to dig up the past."

"It's quite alright, Anakin," Obi-Wan smiles, taking another sip in between his words, "reflecting on the past is necessary for constructing your future. It's dwelling on the past that leads us to an undesirable future." His smile suddenly flatlines when Anakin's ever infamous dubious smirk returns. "What's that look for?"

"I'm thinking about what kind of Jedi wisdom you'd say after you finish off this bottle."

"Anakin."

"I'm kidding." Anakin extends his glass towards Obi-Wan with a twinkle in his eye, "Cheers, Master."

"Cheers, Anakin."

The glasses clink softly amid the harmonic sounds of Coruscant's nightlife.