-A young Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi-
*A few months following the passing of Qui-Gon Jinn*
Obi Wan had a hard time falling asleep as of recently. Not that he had slept much before his master had been killed anyways, but now he rarely could find the will to rest. Rather than recharging by sleeping, he meditated. He let the Force take him to another place, one where he could escape his reality, one where he could release his pain.
On one particular night, a night where you could hear the rain pounding on the roof above, was a troubling one. Obi Wan felt lost, like he couldn't connect to- anything really. The Force was absent when he needed it, probably due to his emotions clouding his vision. He tried to meditate anyways. He sat by a fireplace, attempting to calm his thoughts. He slowed his breathing down, and reached out. Trying to connect. But there was a sound- coming from somewhere he couldn't quite find. It wasn't the rain, but had a similar pitter-patter sound to it. Obi Wan tried focusing harder, tried to find the Force, but the noise was distracting him. His breathing began to quicken, as he became more frustrated. Suddenly, the noise stopped. But the damage had been done, as Obi Wan had stopped trying. He uncrossed his legs and instead rested his elbows on his knees and hung his head down. He knew he was letting his emotions get the best of him, but gave in to them this time. After all, he had been trying to stay strong for the past few months for his young Padawan. It was all so hard though. Obi Wan missed Qui-Gon dearly.
"Master Obi Wan?" Although Anakin spoke softly, Obi Wan still jumped at the sound of his voice. He looked over his shoulder to see the young boy peering over at him from across the room. That must have been what the noise was.
"Anakin, what are you doing awake? It's late." Obi Wan said, even though he was being hypocritical.
"I'm sorry, Master, I just couldn't fall asleep." Anakin looked at his feet, seeming disappointed.
"How come? Is there something troubling you?" Obi Wan questioned him.
Anakin half smiled, but not to express happiness. "Sort of. I kind of feel guilty, I guess."
"And why is that?"
Anakin looked up and at Obi Wan. "Because Qui-Gon was killed, sir. He was the one who brought me here to be trained, but since he died I kind of just got pushed onto you. I'm sorry if I messed up your life."
Obi Wan took a long breath and allowed himself a bit of a laugh. "Oh, Anakin," He said as he got up and walked over to his Padawan, kneeling down in front of him. "You didn't mess anything up. Do not feel guilty over something you had no control of." Anakin nodded his head, but Obi Wan could sense that he was still upset.
"Just because Qui-Gon isn't here with us right now doesn't mean he's gone forever. He is one with the Force now, and the Force is with us. So in a certain way, he will always be here. Inside of us."
Anakin looked up at Obi Wan. His cheeks were stained with tears, but the vibe within the room seemed slightly lighter now.
"And Anakin," Obi Wan reached out to take Anakin's hand. "I am so glad that you are here with me. You have a bright future as a strong Jedi ahead of you, and I am honoured to be training you. Right now may be hard, but I promise you, we're going to get through it. Together. How does that sound?"
Anakin choked out a bit of a laugh that also sounded like a sob. "It sounds good, Master."
Obi Wan returned a smile, and let Anakin's hand go. "Now, back off to bed. We have more training tomorrow and you best be well rested."
"Yes, Master."
Anakin turned and began to walk away, but he felt he had to do something first. Obi Wan was still kneeling down when Anakin turned and ran right into him. His Padawan tightly wraped his arms around his neck, embracing him. Obi Wan was taken a back for a moment, but quickly returned the hug.
"Thank you, Obi Wan." Anakin said, then got up and went back to his room.
About an hour later, Obi Wan went to check on Anakin, and found him fast asleep. Grateful that he was able to calm his Padawan, he returned to his spot by the fireplace to attempt to reach out to the Force again. This time around, he was in control of his emotions, and overall felt more content. After reassuring Anakin, he felt reconnected, felt like he had remembered his purpose. And not only had he comforted his Padawan, but in the process had comforted himself as well. He knew that Qui-Gon was with him, surrounding him. He knew that the Force was with him. For the first time in months, Obi Wan Kenobi was able to feel whole again. And for the first time in months, Obi Wan Kenobi was able to sleep.