CHAPTER EIGHT

Anja awoke early and was just finishing getting dressed when Qui-Gon knocked on her door.
"Come in."
"Anja?" he said as he opened her door. "Are you ready? Your Master is awaiting us at the entrance to the Jedi Council chambers." She rose from tightening her boots.
"Yes Master I am."
"Good, the Jedi council is expecting us earlier than I anticipated. Hurry, we still have to fetch Obi-Wan."
They walked silently through the hall to the room next to Anja, where Obi-Wan was staying. Qui-Gon knocked quietly on his door. Since there was no answer he opened it and Anja followed him in. He strode straight to his bedroom door looked in. She peered into the room and saw Obi-Wan asleep so peacefully on his bed. The sheets were just above his strong hips and one hand rested on his bare, muscular chest.
"Obi-Wan, wake up." Qui-Gon ordered quietly. Obi-Wan slowly sat upright, surprise covering his sleepy face. When he saw Anja's inquiring eyes, he blushed and quickly pulled the sheets up to his shoulders. Knowing that Obi-Wan had seen her curious stare, embarrassed, she shifted behind Qui-Gon and moved her eyes to the floor.
"Obi-Wan the council wants to meet with us immediately."
"Yes Master." He turned to get out of bed, but then looked down and remembered something. He looked up at Anja, who was peeking over Qui-Gon's broad shoulder. He gave her a sly look that told her all she needed to know.
"Uh.I'll go wait outside." She said shyly and walked out of the bedroom. Anja quietly awaited the two men before following them to the Council chambers. They returned back to their rooms after the briefing with the Council. Master Qui-Gon and Ianol departed for their own rooms while Obi-Wan and Anja headed to hers to work on the studies required for their mission. They sat down on her sleep couch with a sigh, thinking that they are in for more than they bargained for as they glanced at the numerous datadisks.
"Obi-Wan.I don't think that I am ready to do a mission such as this." She spoke in a worried tone.
"Anja .It's all right. Remember? I'm going with you.you won't be alone." He leaned closer to her and whispered. "Never ever with me." Obi- Wan's eyes pierced her skin with their melting look. Before she could question his stare, he whispered with a slight desperation that surprised her,
"Anja, I.I can't hold this back any longer." The words came out thick with emotion unlike anything she had ever heard in his voice. And they sent a sharp tingle up her spine. His lips moved quickly to hers, but the touch was ever so gentle as he leaned across the couch to her. Obi- Wan's hand caressed her cheek so softly, as if he could hold her there forever.
That moment of their first kiss had been so beautiful, something so achingly sweet and pure that Obi-Wan was sure he would never experience its equal again. There seemed to be a long moment of silence as they sat apart just slightly and Obi-Wan gazed upon his beautiful Anja. Obi-Wan's gentle face was full of question and the burning for an answer inside. Anja felt that she had bared her soul to him with the exchange, and was willing to trust him again.
"Obi-Wan." she whispered as his eyes again met hers. "I never knew you felt that way about me."
"Oh Anja, I have for the longest time. It's pure agony going through each day with out saying that.that." he paused gazing deep into her lovely gray eyes. He gathered the strength to say the sweet words as his hand snapped out and cupped her cheek tenderly; "I love you! I love you so very much with all of my heart." He drew silent as warm, sweet tears trickled down his cheeks. Blushing, he looked away as if in shame for crying in front of a woman.
Leaning close she curled her arms around his neck and gently brushed her lips across his face to kiss away his tears. He smiled and sighed with her caring touch. He placed his right hand behind her head and nuzzled into the curve of her neck. Tears began to trickle again, dropping off into her hair.
Her tender hand gently stroked his cheek. Anja began to rock him gently in her arms as tears also fell from her eyes.
"I love you too Obi-Wan.I love you too." He reached up and clutched her hand tightly.
"Please Anja.meet me tonight. On the top balcony of the Temple at sunset."