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Morning for Sari came with less joyous anticipation than the day before. There would be no stroll through the temple on Obi-Wan's arm today..... no special moments spent in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. No, today would be spent apart from him, until, of course, dinner with the galaxy's sexiest woman.
Things had been much simpler when she and Obi-Wan Kenobi had been alone together on Teemar. Now, here on Coruscant, he had so many distractions that she was beginning to fear the certainty that there was no place in his life for her.
//You knew that, Sari,// she told herself. //Why do you think he left in the first place? You shouldn't have come.//
Tired of feeling sorry for herself, Sari heaved a big sigh and drug herself out of bed.... HIS bed. //NO! I am not going to think about him today,// she determined. Then she grabbed some clean clothes and headed to the refresher.
Soon after she had finished getting ready for the day, Anakin popped in to inform her that he had a few morning classes. He suggested she stay in the temple until he was finished.
"Sure," she agreed. "I might just go down to the library or the children's wing for a while."
Anakin could tell she was in a rather somber mood and was sure he knew why. It had to be his master. The boy had been hopeful that Sari's arrival would spark a change in Obi-Wan who had been withdrawn and detached since his return from Teemar. He just wasn't himself. And now that she was here, his master seemed more on edge than ever.
Too many times Anakin had felt a failure next to Obi-Wan's unflappable devotion to the Jedi way. His friend seemed to always be in control of everything, that at times he seemed almost unreal--- more like a programmed droid following his every given command than a human with his own free will and desires.
Perhaps that was what bothered Anakin the most..... that he often felt stifled or smothered by the expectations of the council. Many times he felt so many emotions warring within him, while Obi-Wan seemed unwavering and unaffected by anything that came his way. Then Anakin would feel guilty, like he was a disappointment as a Jedi despite his title of the 'Chosen one.'
However, Obi-Wan had never once belittled his padawan for having emotions and occasionally losing control. The older Jedi only tried to guide Anakin in the ways of controlling those emotions so they did not gain the upper hand. While Obi-Wan was confident of his own abilities --- he was well on his way to being regarded as the top knight in the order aside from the council-- he never tried to compete with Anakin or put on arrogant airs. Obi-Wan Kenobi was one of the most humble, most selfless people Anakin had ever met.
Which is why Anakin now felt so responsible for his master's happiness. All these years of unquestioning devotion and then Obi had found something with someone outside of the order. Unfortunately, he was feeling torn between duty and his own heart's desires. Anakin couldn't bear to see such an injustice continue.
"Sari, can I ask you a question?"
She blinked in surprise and replied, "Sure, I .... I guess so."
"How do you feel about Obi-Wan?" He needed to know.
Sari felt her face heat up instantly. "I, uh, I care about him a, uh, a great deal, Anakin." She avoided his eyes, but he could tell from those few words and the actions that followed that she more than just 'cared' about Obi-Wan. He had noticed her hand move immediately to a delicate chain that hung around her neck and begin to gently rub the iridescent stone that was attached. Sensing her unspoken plea to be asked no more questions, Anakin smiled kindly.
"Okay, well, I'm going to get to class, now. I should be back by lunch time. See ya!"
Sari waved good-bye and grinned. He was such a kind boy and someone would be very lucky to snag him someday--- if he allowed himself that opportunity in life. Now if only Obi-Wan would do the same. Stopping herself from dwelling on him any longer, she left his room and headed for the library.
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The first hour or so of the morning, Sari had spent in the Jedi library. After taking a little time to browse the whole room, she finally decided to read up on some current events posted on the holonet archives. There she found some articles about Gustaf Perrin's arrest and his upcoming trial which only led her to thoughts of a certain Jedi once again.
//I've got to stop this!// she scolded herself.
Next, she needed a change in atmosphere, so she headed for the children's wing hoping to find something to occupy her time and relieve some of the homesickness she was starting to feel. Luckily, she found what she was looking for. Walking down one of the corridors filled with classrooms, she was approached by a tall, dark skinned Jedi who recognized her from her first evening in the dining hall.
"Hello," the woman greeted with a friendly smile as she stepped out of one of the classrooms.
"Hello," Sari replied.
"You're Sari Zendar, right? A friend of Obi-Wan Kenobi?" A multitude of little faces were now curiously peeking out of the doorway.
"Word must get around fast in this place," Sari commented with a chuckle. "Yes, yes I am. It's nice to meet you." She held out her hand and the Jedi eagerly shook it.
"I am Say'la Offett. Are you busy right now? We would love to have you come in and spend some time with us. It's not very often my students get to meet people from off Coruscant."
An open invitation into a classroom? How could the teacher in her resist?
"I would love to spend time with you."
Twenty little faces lit up with huge smiles as they cleared the way to let their visitor enter.
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Anakin could tell even before he opened the door that she wasn't inside. However, he wasn't distressed. She had told him where she would be, so he would wait for her. No problem.
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How long had he been here? Four hours? It felt more like an eternity.
Obi-Wan grabbed the back of his neck and began rubbing away the ache that was rapidly forming there. This meeting had proven to be pointless as far as he was concerned. Adara Lon had kept him there asking him most of the same questions as before only this time she was writing down his responses word for word... by hand. He didn't quite understand her, and didn't really want to. Something about her gave him a bad feeling, and the less contact he had with her, the better. What he wouldn't give to have a reason to leave.
"Well, why don't we take a break, Obi-Wan..... Can I call you Obi-Wan?" she asked with a flirtatious smile. He was not effected in the least.
"If you like," he replied flatly. "A break would be nice. I need to check in at the temple."
"Sure. Use my holograph. I'll just step out for a moment to give you some privacy."
Why was he totally ignoring all of her 'advances?' All morning long she had given him plenty of hints at her interest in him. A lingering look here or there, a slight touch on his hand or arm.... any other man would have already been putty in her hands, but not him. Was it just because he was a Jedi? She didn't think so, but she refused to think that he just wasn't interested at all. How could he not be? Surely that teacher couldn't be the reason. Could she? Unless she could sway him, this job might not work out like she had planned.
Obi-Wan dialed Anakin's personal comm frequency and the boy answered quickly.
"Yeah, Skywalker here."
"Anakin, it's me. How are things going?"
"They're just fine, Master. How about there? What exactly have you been doing all morning? That lady freaks me out!"
"Yes, well, I can't say that it's been overly productive. How's Sari?"
"Okay, I guess."
"You guess?! What do you mean you 'guess'?! Where is she?!" Obi-Wan was beginning to feel very frustrated with his padawan.
"Calm down," Anakin offered calmly. "She said she was going to the library or to see some of the classrooms. I'm sure that's where she is."
"Anakin, I left very precise instructions that you were to guard her with your life. Now she's gone and you're not sure where she is?!" He suddenly had a great thought. "I'm coming back there right now."
Anakin was insulted. "That's really not necessary, Obi-Wan. I'll just go get her."
"No," Obi-Wan stated firmly. "I'll be there in just a few minutes." Then he ended the conversation and flipped off the comm unit. A silly little grin spread across his face without him even realizing it.
"Is everything okay?" Adara asked from the door.
Obi-Wan quickly regained his composure and stood to face her. "I'm afraid I'm needed back at the temple. I'll contact you later to reschedule the rest of our meeting." He bowed briefly with a nod of his head and left the office, trying desperately not to run. Maybe the day wouldn't be a total loss. Although he was certain Sari was just fine, this had been his opportunity to break free from Adara Lon's 'prison' and move on to more enjoyable company.
Ahh, Sari..... He couldn't believe how happy he felt with her here.... and how utterly confused. She stirred feelings in him that he had never even known he could have for a woman. Perhaps it wasn't right to feel like he did since he was a Jedi, but he couldn't help himself. He was still absolutely crazy about her, and couldn't wait to see her again... to hold her ..... to kiss her. Just being near her made him feel alive. He had to get to her.
His pace increased as he headed for the public transport, and this time he didn't even care when it stopped to let on more passengers.
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"What was it like to fight those bad guys?"
Sari stifled a chuckle at the young boy's innocent question. The innocence of youth was always refreshing. For the past forty-five minutes she had been sharing about life on Teemar, but within the last few minutes the questions had changed to ones about the kidnapping incident.
"Well, I didn't really fight the bad guys. That was mostly Jedi Kenobi."
Another hand shot into the air.
"I know him. He came and talked to our class before. He was really nice."
"Yeah," several other voices chimed in.
'Yes, Jedi Kenobi is a very nice man," Sari agreed, "and a very good Jedi. Without him, my students might never have been found."
"I'll bet you would have been sad, huh?" asked a sweet little girl from the back.
"Yes, I would have been very sad. I care about my students very much, just as I'm sure Jedi Offett cares about each of you." This was just what she needed.... kids.
"You were awful lucky that Jedi Kenobi came to help, right?"
"Yes, very lucky." Sari's mind drifted to thoughts of Obi-Wan and their few 'moments' together. Despite the situation now, she was glad he had come into her life.
"Would you tell us about the kid that hit the one man in the head again?" A pudgy little red-haired boy piped up from the last row.
"Sure," Sari grinned before launching into her storytelling mode once more.
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Obi-Wan leaned back against the wall and took a deep breath. She was a marvel, and if he played his cards right, she might be 'his' marvel.
He had returned to the temple with a goal in mind, made his way to the library, and had ended up here outside of Jedi Offett's classroom. Sari's voice had reached him as he was walking by the open door, and when he peeked in, he had found her regaling the students with the tale of her adventure.
Then she had been asked about him, and she had admitted how lucky she was to have met him. He could sense her sincerity, and it made his heart skip a beat. He had to talk to her.... had to hold her..... now.
*Knock, knock*
Everyone stopped and turned to the doorway. There stood Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight, looking sheepishly back at them. "May I come in? I don't mean to intrude, Jedi Offett."
"Oh, no, please come in."
"We were just talking about you, Jedi Kenobi," Sari commented.
He entered the room and offered a worried look at the students. "All good stuff, I hope."
"Of course, Jedi Kenobi," Sari answered. "Is there anything but 'good stuff' about you?"
The students giggled. They were enjoying the interplay between the two.
"No! No! Of course not. It's all good." With that, he turned back to the class and offered an exaggerated wink to draw them into his secret. More giggles erupted, especially from the girls who looked adoringly at the handsome, mature Jedi.
But back to the matter at hand, he thought.
"I hate to do this to you all, but I must take Miss Zendar away from you for now. She's needed elsewhere." He immediately started herding her toward the door.
Sari looked at him in surprise. What was he talking about? Was something wrong? He seemed determined to get her out in a hurry, so she didn't resist. Instead she thanked the class for allowing her to share and waved a quick good-bye.
Once in the hall, Obi-Wan grabbed her hand and took off down the corridor searching all around--- for what, Sari had no clue. And he didn't look like he wanted to be bothered with questions either, so she stayed quiet and just let him lead the way.
Finally, they turned off into a dark, secluded hallway and stopped. Obi-Wan's breathing was heavy as he let go of her hand and backed her up against a wall. His gaze locked onto her eyes as he got closer and closer until their bodies were lightly pressed against one another.
"Wha--- what are you---?" Sari tried to ask, but Obi-Wan shook his head from side to side and put his finger up to her lips to silence her. His hand tenderly moved to cup her face, and then he gently pressed a kiss to her lips, lingering to taste and feel the warmth of her soft mouth. He could feel her tense up at first, but then she quickly began to melt into him urging him to kiss her longer and more passionately.
Suddenly, her hands were on his chest...... pushing him away. Confused, he looked at her and saw that she was beginning to cry. "Don't," she whispered, fighting back the tears.
"Sari, I ---," She quickly put her hand to his mouth to quiet him. He looked as confused as she felt. There was so much that needed to be said. Should she say it now?
"When I woke up that day," she finally began, "and you weren't there, and all you had left was a letter, I was heartbroken...... and angry!... but mostly heartbroken. You had offered to take me with you, but then, just like that you were gone.'
Obi-Wan hung his head in shame. Not a day had passed since then that he hadn't regretted leaving her that way.
"You know," she chuckled, wiping a tear, "I kept that stupid letter in my purse and read it everyday...... EVERYDAY... like some silly teenager." Now her tone changed. "But I'm not a teenager. I'm a woman.... a woman who wants to live life and make plans for my future."
She stopped talking then, and Obi-Wan was standing there, that same Jedi frown on his face, not saying a word.
"Do you understand how I feel?" she finally asked, determined to get a reaction out of him.
"I thought I meant something to you. Do I?" The tears were flowing again as she looked desperately into his blue eyes.
Then he answered her, not in words, but with another kiss, even more passion-filled than before. He tried with all his being to make her realize how much she meant to him and always would. She must have gotten the message because it wasn't long before she was responding to him quite eagerly, both of them heating up with the contact.
"Ahem," came an unexpected voice.
Sari and Obi-Wan immediately ceased their display of affection and untangled themselves from each other's arms. Standing at the head of the hallway was Obi-Wan's smiling padawan, leaning nonchalantly against the wall with his arms crossed.
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan said, avoiding the boy's gaze.
"I got worried and came looking for you two. Jedi Offett sent me down this way, but from the looks of things, Master, I'd say you have everything well under control, as usual." Anakin winked slyly. "So, I'm just going to go back to my room since I'm not needed." Then he offered a nod and a grin before taking off down the corridor. Maybe his master wasn't as hopeless as he thought.