I forgot to say that I use dashes to mark the dialogues. That's how it's made in Spanish and I can't bring myself to do otherwise, sentimentalism and all that ;)
-Wow, I'm so happy to see you! – Obi-Wan's wide smiled shined in his face, Garen's green eyes had the same enthusiasm in them reflected.
-I've just returned from my mission. I thought everyone was out!-
Obi-Wan, in full speed, tried to mask his sudden despond.
-I'm going to be here for a while. My Master and I are grounded in the Temple.– Seeing Garen's confusion, he added raising one side of his lips- Master Yoda's orders…-
Garen was surprised by this. He also knew there was something wrong with Obi-Wan. Rounding his friend's shoulders with an arm, Garen led him out the training room, to one of the gardens near them. It was one of their favorites; they had found it when they were very little, on their first day as initiates. The garden had a single tree in the middle. The tree was surrounded by a circular wall, where they sat, and a trail made of brown rocks. Also, surrounding the garden's walls, were red and blue elegant flowers. Though the garden was relatively little and very simple, it was very peaceful and beautiful. It was not commonly crowded.
-Now, tell the great Garen everything. – Garen teased the other padawan with energy, something that was not mirrored in his friend's face. Obi-Wan, reluctantly, took a deep breath and began to talk.
He gave Garen a detailed summary of his nine months of padawanship, even about things Garen already knew: Bandomeer, Melida/Daan, Telos, his six month probation and some other things until he reached his currently situation, the month after the end of his probation.
Garen had kept his eyebrows lifted most of the time; he even rubbed his brow to try to slacken it.
-Obs, my friend, you have been busy in my absence…-
Obi-Wan smiled a little at this. He had really needed a friend but the three of them had been off planet until now. He hadn't seen Reeft since he left to Bandomeer and his encounters with Garen had been short lived. Bant had been a great support at the beginning of the probation but then, she had been sent on a mission with Master Tahl.
-Come on; you haven't said everything… - Garen pressed. When something bothered Obi-Wan, he had this annoying tendency to remain silent. He never allowed Obi-Wan to keep his worries to himself, Garen knew his stubborn friend loved to worry fiercely about everything and that was not good at all.
Obi-Wan seemed desperate to find a way out about that question. He wanted to run away from it, not talking about such troubling things with anyone. But Garen didn't let it slipped. In the end, he was resigned about losing the fight. He swallowed before began to whisper in full despair. He really didn't want to talk about it, it was pathetic.
-It's been a bit hard – he said very carefully, slowly and hoping his friend wouldn't hear his words, unsuccessfully, of course. Garen was paying total attention to his friend. Obi-Wan moved a shoulder uncomfortable – You know… I've been the talk of the Temple these days. I've received lots of lectures, scolds… I… Someone told me that some Masters began to distrust their own padawans because of my actions. It has been a heavy environment…And I get it, I caused Bruck's and Ceraci's death…-
Garen had had enough. He stopped Obi-Wan firmly. He couldn't stand such despair, such pain in his 'best pal' words.
-You're not to blame for those passing, Obi-Wan. It was not your fault – he said those words slowly but very firmly, trying to send away every doubt. – You did your best to avoid them but it was the Force's call. And do you really think a Jedi would treat differently an innocent person just because somebody else did a mistake?-
Obi-Wan remained silent. He didn't believe a single word. He had grieved their passing all this months and examining the facts he had found himself guilty. And he had not been able to fully release the feelings to the Force because he knew he was at fault. He should've been able to do something, but they had both died on his watch. Coincidence? Not a chance. It was also his fault his current situation with his Master. He shoved aside that thought, he wouldn't go there, too painful.
Garen ruined his plans a second after though.
-How are things with Master Jinn? – Garen hoped Obi-Wan's Master had been able to surpass the hard, stubborn, durasteel-made skull of Obi-Wan's. Garen's expectations were crashed by the blue eyed padawan. He'd found out what was the thing that was hurting Obi-Wan the most.
-We are not exactly in good terms right now. – Obi-Wan said once again measuring his words but in full sadness. He avoided Garen's caring expression.
Garen suddenly felt very angry. Obi-Wan had been through a very tough time, so hard his enthusiastic friend was in front of him with his head down trying not to totally break down. It didn't help to find out his friend had been alone during such testing days. He had to force himself to calm down. He liked Master Jinn very much and he thought his experience with Xanatos was completely horrible, but he couldn't stand to see his friend so hurt. Knowing Obi-Wan hated to speak his heart out, he was certain of his friend's despair and trust. Sighing, he hugged Obi-Wan closely. As he did, he noticed Obi-Wan fought hard to avoid cracking and somehow, he achieved it. He usually did. No tears were released.
Garen held a shaking Obi-Wan tightly, asking himself why was this happening to someone as Obi-Wan. The Masters always said things happen for a reason but it didn't help…
It took a while before Obi-Wan was able to break free from the comforting embrace, but as he sighed deeply, he realized he felt a lot better. He gave Garen a little smile for it.
-I figured the best thing to do was to give him his space. We just train together a couple of hours a day – Obi-Wan breathed deeply once again. 'There is emotion, yet peace' he reminded himself –I try my best to be invisible. He hasn't complained about it.-
-Obs, everyone knows how hurt Master Qui-Gon is. Maybe this is about patience, when he gets used to be a master again, things will be better. He needs to heal, give him time to do so.-
Obi-Wan's eyes were directed to the floor.
-I used to dream of a great time in padawanship. Right now, all I want is to be ten years older and knighted.-
-I assume you've been training hard, then. – Obi-Wan nodded. He knew perfectly the change of subject was delivered.
-My spare time is directed to homework or reading in the Archives but mostly in 'saber training.-
-Not many changes, then – Garen said grinning. Obi-Wan loved to learn. He was one of Master Nu's indulges and one of Master Drallig's source of smiles in the training rooms. Not that either of them would accept it, it was just that everyone knew.
Obi-Wan smiled softly.
-I just doubled the time, I guess. – he directed his gaze to Garen, happier that he had been in months – I really have missed you guys.-
-Me too – Garen nodded – We have been apart for a horrible long time… Now, to business. How is the 'saber class? Master Clee just showed me the 16th kata.-
Garen smiled happily. Both, Obi-Wan and himself loved 'saber training.
-They are in the 14th – Obi-Wan answered. Garen's curious eyes made a silent question. Obi-Wan had a natural ability in 'saber training just as he himself had been borne a pilot. It was normal to see him training hard and extensively in advanced maneuvers.
-I just finished with the 21st, Master Drallig had me working in the Tiger's kata today. – Garen's eyes had widened in happiness.
-That's fantastic! Maybe you can teach me some – There. Garen knew he had pushed the right button. His friend loved to teach as much as learn.
-Sure! – Obi-Wan flushed a little – Master Drallig said he thought convenient for me to take a class a little ahead of ours.-
-Wow! – Garen laughed delighted – Learn whatever you want, you won't be able to defeat me tomorrow.-
Obi-Wan's expression was now shining with a smile. He leaned forward.
-I, Obi-greatest-Wan, will introduce you to shame. Your Garenness won't help you a bit-.
-Keep dreaming though I would like to see Tiger's kata before sparring…-
Obi-Wan's spark diminished a little. He felt pathetic but his thoughts didn't allow his smile to stay.
-That's Master Qui-Gon's favorite kata. Master Tahl told me… One would've thought your Master would teach you his favorite kata…-
Garen bite his lip slightly.
-Be patient Obi, and if that doesn't work, remember there are a lot of people here for you.-
-I know – Obi-Wan smiled gratefully – thanks Garen.-
-Anytime. I don't have all this wisdom for you to waste it; you should know better young padawan…-
-I'll honor your teachings, oh great Master Garen. – The boy smiled teasing his friend.
-You'd better!-
Both rose cheerfully. They headed to the residential floors and as they did, Obi-Wan interrogated his friend about his time with Master Clee. Garen didn't miss, apart from true interest, the hidden mockery revenge on it from the previous interrogation. Grinning, he satisfied his friend's request.
