Author's Notes: So sorry for the long wait. I had finals and other commitments, but now I am finally done 80). I promise the next chapter will be up in a day or two as I make some minor adjustments. Would you all be interested if I post another Obi fic? It is a long one that I have, my very first attempt at writing fanfic. Just let me know in the reviews or contact me.

And as always.Read. Enjoy. Review.

May The Force Be With You.

(Further Note: I don't know how to upload this with italics so ** are in italics and they are flashbacks)

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Chapter 6:

Qui-Gon slumped down on a chair. He buried his head into his hands as he rocked himself back and forth. Inside the safe confines of his quarters, Qui-Gon could now let the turbulent emotions within him surface. His eyes brimmed with tears and his chest felt heavy. Instinctively, he grabbed the chair's sidearm tightly and poured all of his pain and anger out.

Crack.

The chair's sidearm shattered to pieces.

Qui-Gon gave a cursory glance at what happened then got out of the chair. He headed towards the room's door, but stopped midway. No, he couldn't do it, not now. The pain was much too fresh.

**"Obi-Wan."**

**"I'm not Obi-Wan. I'm Ben"**

**"You two know each other?"**

**"Yes, Master Jinn and I.we've met before."**

**"How did you two meet?"**

**"It's not important. We are just acquaintances." The blue grey eyes never lost its cold stare.**

Just Acquaintances. Those words cut his heart more than anything ever could have. There, in front of him was his Padawan, back from the dead. His fervent prayers had finally been answered after all these years but this wasn't anything he had expected.

Seeing the only person he had ever truly loved as a son back from the dead was one thing. Being passed by as a mere acquaintance not worthy of mention was another.



Perhaps he should have seen it coming. How could Obi-Wan forgive him after all that had happened? He could barely forgive himself. It would be naïve to dwell on the hope that the years would smooth things out, yet he was hopeful. At least, he was hopeful until he saw the blank look upon his former Padawan's face. The dead glare frightened him and he shivered to think of how much of the old Obi-Wan he used to know was left.

It pained him even more to know that he was responsible for it all.

Qui-Gon let himself fall down to the floor as welled up tears and emotions took a hold of him. He didn't care if anyone see him like this. Jedi or not, he was still human. He reached out to the living force that surrounded him. Serenity and peace of mind was out there before him, but he couldn't grasp them. They danced before him, almost tauntingly while old wounds inside of him swelled up in painful knots.

His thoughts wandered to the day he thought Obi-Wan had died. That void, that excruciating pain he felt when the training bond was severed had brought him to near utter destruction. He thought he had lost the kind- hearted boy forever. And now, even though Obi-Wan was alive in flesh and blood, Qui-Gon feared he may never find his son again.

The blue-grey eyes that used to hold so much warmth and love were gone.

There was only coldness.



****

Ben slammed the door to his quarters with a loud bang. He marched straight to the fresher and turned on the cold shower. The water was icy cold, but he didn't flinch. He stood there beneath it, letting it soak him completely. He held out his hand.

Not cold enough.

Ben turned a small knob on the wall. The knob turned slightly then stopped. It wasn't going to get any colder, he realized.

Too bad.

He slumped down to the floor. His eyes stared out blankly at the wall.

**"It's not important. We're just acquaintances"**

**"Obi-Wan...wh..what?**

**"We are just acquaintances aren't we, Master Jinn?"**

**The Jedi Master fell silent.**

Ben sighed. He brushed his hand through his wet ginger hair. He let his back fall against the cold wall and closed his eyes. Subconsciously, Ben drew his knees to his chest. He sat there deep in thoughts.

The icy water continued to fall on him, but that didn't bother him.

He welcomed it.