Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Sorry it's been aaaages since I updated (if I even have any readers left after such a huge wait.) Serious case of writer's block, even though this is the chapter I've most been looking forward to writing. I hope the length makes up a little bit though.

Don't be afraid to push the button. Please.

Qui-Gon was resting when Obi-Wan got back. He heard him enter the room, but kept his eyes closed and his breathing even, not yet ready to face his Padawan.

In his mind's eye he could see Obi-Wan pause, hesitate, unwilling to disturb his Master, then tread carefully to the door, closing it behind him.

Qui-Gon opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the coloured glass ceiling above.

What was he doing? Why was he shutting Obi-Wan out again, why didn't he just talk to the boy?

What is wrong with me?

He hadn't even apologised for his behaviour earlier, for the way he'd dismissed his apprentice. What must Obi-Wan now be thinking?

Qui-Gon didn't know what to do. If he told Obi-Wan the truth, then Obi-Wan may feel Qui-Gon was still clinging to Xanatos's memory, but if he didn't tell him, Obi-Wan would think Qui-Gon was shutting him out on purpose.

Either way, I can't win.

And since when had it become a win/lose situation? Things had never been that way with Obi-Wan, they had never needed to be. So what had changed?

Everything.

He was inclined to blame this on Leyana, but knew that wasn't really fair. She was as unaware of her feelings as Obi-Wan. Shara, then, had to be the cause. She was the one who refused to tell the truth, to conceal the nature of the situation. But that wasn't fair either. Shara was trying to do her best for Leyana, trying to make things right for her.

So the blame still lies with me.

Yes, Qui-Gon knew it was his own fault they were in such a situation. He should have insisted Shara tell the truth, should have told Obi-Wan himself, should have been stronger.

But he hadn't done any of those things, and now Obi-Wan was slipping through his fingers as does a handful of sand, and there was nothing he could do about it.

***

"Qui-Gon still shutting you out?"

Obi-Wan nodded sadly. "He was pretending to sleep when I got back."

Leyana raised an eyebrow at him. "Pretending?"

"Definitely."

"Then perhaps you should go and talk to him," she suggested lightly.

"No way," he snapped. "If Qui-Gon wants to talk to me, he can come and find me. I'm staying right here." He sat heavily on her bed, folding his arms like a spoilt child.

She smiled slightly. "That's all very well," she said. "But do you mind not sitting on my lightsaber?"

For a second he froze, then grinned sheepishly and pulled it from under him. "I thought your bed was nobbly."

She laughed and rolled her eyes. This is nice, she thought. Just sitting, talking, laughing. Nothing to worry about. We're just friends. Nice, comfortable friends.

"I'm hungry," complained Obi-Wan.

"You're always hungry."

"We missed dinner," he pointed out. "Of course I'm hungry."

She sighed. "And I don't suppose you'll let the subject rest until you've had some food?"

Obi-Wan pretended to look thoughtful. "Definitely not."

She laughed. "Then I suppose we'll have to find you something to eat. Come on, it's still early, we can go into the city."

They left the Hall of Negotiations, and entered the night scene of Sera, where the streets thrived. Although the night was clear it was perfectly warm, and they strolled contentedly along, arm in arm, relaxed in each other's company.

They seated themselves outside a cosy café near the centre, and, once Obi-Wan had ordered ridiculous amounts of food, Leyana felt it safe to broach the topic of Qui-Gon again.

"How long do you think it'll take him to come round?"

Obi-Wan shrugged, not needing to ask who she meant. "I don't know," he said honestly. He sighed, and leaned forward onto the table. "The truth is there's something else wrong."

Leyana frowned. "What?"

He sighed again, suddenly irritated. "I don't know, that's the problem. Something's bothering him, but he won't tell me what it is. I-" He broke off, shaking his head in frustration. "I don't know what to do."

She smiled, touched his hand gently. "You'll be alright. You just need time to work through this. You've had hard times before, but you're still together."

He smiled slightly. "You have such a great relationship with Shara. I can't imagine you ever fighting."

She laughed. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. She drives me crazy."

"But she loves you."

"True. And Qui-Gon loves you. You're his Padawan."

"So was Xanatos."

"Was," she said softly. "Not any more."

He reached out to brush a tendril of golden hair from her cheek. "How did you become so wise?"

She smiled. "Some people are just born with it."

He laughed, winding the strand around his hand carefully, almost lovingly.

She looked at him. The words were on the tip of her tongue, she could almost taste them.

"Obi-Wan, I-"

An angry shriek pierced the air, breaking her words mid-sentence. For a moment there was silence, then more cries and shouts, cries of pain, shouts of rage.

The two exchanged a short look. She nodded. "Come on."

With Obi-Wan on her heels she ran through the streets towards the sounds, which were becoming louder. She turned a corner, into the Square of Remembrance, and what she saw there made her stop short.

The white marble memorials, great Seratiniun figures from past wars, had been disfigured. Arms lay shattered on the ground, their weapons torn from their marble grasps. One even had its head missing.

But this wasn't the worst of the damage.

The huge memorial plaque that held the names of thousands of warriors killed over the years was no longer pristine white. Red, ugly letters marked the snowy stone. Taunts and threats.

Government scum.

Murderers.

Killers.

Leyana stared in shock, unable to fully comprehend what she was seeing, or why she had to be seeing it.

She turned to Obi-Wan, whose eyes mirrored her feelings. "Who did this?" she whispered.

He shook his head grimly. "I have no idea, but we have to find Qui-Gon and Shara."

She nodded. Yes, find Shara.

A female voice pierced the general hubbub, ringing loud and clear.

"Jedi!" It cried. "The Jedi were sent to protect us. They should have prevented this!"

As one, the crowd turned to look at Obi-Wan and Leyana. Leyana swallowed, feeling suddenly as though she was a deer standing in front of a pack of hungry wolves.

She barely had time to register the threat of attack before it actually took place. A swarm of Seratiniuns landed on her, capturing her hands before she could reach for her lightsaber.

"Jedi scum!" A voice yelled, and she felt a shot of fear, pure fear. Obi-Wan had disappeared from her sight, and she was helpless as a thousand hands held her fast, her single strength useless against their collective one.

They're going to tear us apart.

She was helpless. Helpless as someone picked up the marble head, and brought it crashing into her skull.

***

Leyana opened her eyes, squinting at the bright light which flooded her vision.

Ow.

Her head hurt. Really hurt.

"But at least I'm alive," she muttered.

"That always helps," said a wry voice.

Obi-Wan.

She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again he was leant over her, gently feeling the bandages in her head.

"You took quite a blow," he remarked.

"I know I can feel it." She winced as she shifted, pain shooting across her chest. "I have a feeling they got my ribs too."

He nodded solemnly. "Several kicks to the chest."

"Ouch," she smiled slightly. "How about you?"

"I'm fine. Managed to stop them from killing you before Qui-Gon and Shara arrived."

"Thanks." She paused. "Where are Shara and Qui-Gon?"

"With Cahn, trying to sort it all out. They were pretty angry."

She grinned. "I'm surprised Shara didn't try to press charges."

He laughed. "She did, but I think Qui-Gon calmed her down."

She sighed and closed her eyes, sudden weariness washing over her.

"You should sleep," Obi-Wan whispered.

She nodded, already finding conscious thought slipping away.

"I'll be here," he said.

She smiled. "I know you will."

***

 Shara glared angrily at the Seratiniun across from her.

"My apprentice was almost killed!" she yelled.

Qui-Gon, laid a calming hand on her arm, and she visibly swallowed, forcing her anger away. "I would like to see some kind of disciplinary action," she finished carefully.

"We understand," said Qui-Gon, "that it is not our place to instruct you in these matters," he felt Shara stiffen slightly, " however we do feel the danger of the situation had increased dramatically since our arrival, and that it cannot continue."

The Seratiniun frowned. "Do you wish to leave Seratina?" he asked.

"No," said Qui-Gon. "We are here to complete our mission. But we would like guarantee that your people will not attack us."

"You want personal protection?"

Shara sighed. "We don't need protection," she snapped.

Qui-Gon resisted the urge to scowl at her tone and said, "We just need peace of mind."

The Seratiniun (who, it seemed, was not the brightest one in the bunch) narrowed his eyes and said, "I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean."

Qui-Gon could feel Shara's frustration mounding. He wasn't sure how long she could keep her head, knowing Leyana could still be in danger.

"Masters," interrupted Cahn, his calm voice a welcome. "Perhaps we should take a small break."

The two Jedi nodded, relief obvious on their faces.

"Let's go outside," Qui-Gon suggested gently.

Without replying, Shara strode from the room, her robes rustling against the marble floor. Qui-Gon followed her, and only spoke when they reached an outer courtyard decorated with a stone fountain.

"I know you are worried, but you must control yourself. We are negotiators."

She whirled to face him, and he was surprised to see the trace of tears in her eyes. She always seemed so proud, he thought she would rather die than let him see her tears.

"How can I be calm?" she snapped. "Leyana is lying in a hospital bed because of them! They tried to kill her!"

"Tensions are high, the people are worried, upset." He held up a hand as she made to interrupt him. "I am not excusing their behavior, merely looking for an explanation."

She turned away, sinking onto the edge of the fountain.

"I'm afraid," she whispered, and the raw emotion in her voice gripped his heart. "There have been so many threats. And I won't always be there to protect her. I can't always be there."

For a moment Qui-Gon didn't reply, turning his gaze to the brightly coloured flowers that decorated the courtyard wall.

"Perhaps," he suggested carefully. "It may be wise to let Leyana get away from the city for a day."

Shara glanced at him, eyebrows raised. "Meaning?"

"She could interview Crea Landoor. It would give her a chance to forget about the events of yesterday, and you were saying you wanted her to do something on her own."

Shara hesitated, then shook her head. "I don't think she should be alone. She's too vulnerable at the moment. Who knows when that maniac might next pop up."

Inwardly, Qui-Gon winced. He hadn't wanted to do this, every bone in his body spoke against it. However…"Obi-Wan can go with her."

Shara looked thoughtful. "They would be more alert now, more prepared than at the metal works." She smiled slightly. "I think it would be good for both of them."

Qui-Gon nodded slowly. "Perhaps it would."

"Tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow. However, they should dress in common clothes, to avoid any suspicion."

Shara looked pleased. "I agree. Then that's all settled." She smiled brightly, then began to make her way back towards the path. She stopped and glanced at Qui-Gon over her shoulder.

"Are you coming?"

He nodded, slowly walking towards her. They had made their plan, and it was perfectly sensible.

Why then, he wondered, does it feel as if tomorrow could be the undoing of everything?

***

The sun was brighter than usual. It poured from the clear, jewel-like sky, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow. Flowers turned their faces to the blue above, their petals reaching for the light, drinking in the goodness.

Leyana had risen early that morning, and meditated for a full three hours to prepare herself for the day ahead. She felt that, since she had been given so much responsibility, she wanted to prove to Shara she was capable, that she could work on her own. Maybe even that she was ready for the trials.

She pushed that thought aside now, as she followed Obi-Wan across the rolling hills of a grassy meadow. The council would judge when she was ready. It was not something she should dwell on.

It really was the most beautiful day. She wanted to stay in this exact spot, just to admire the beauty of it all.

As if reading her thoughts, Obi-Wan stopped and looked at her with a slight smile.

"We have a long way to go."

"I know, I know," she sighed slightly. "It's just so beautiful. It makes me feel…" She broke off, unsure how to put it into words.

"Blessed," Obi-Wan said quietly. "Blessed that we are able to see it, to experience it."

 She smiled at him. "Exactly," she whispered.

They turned and continued walking as one, their shadows small in the midday heat, two travellers on a journey, though neither could of known where it would take them.

***

It was late afternoon when they reached Orland's Point, home of Crea Landoor.

His house didn't hold the same scale of grandness that Antonio Rechton's had, but nevertheless, rose elegantly before the Jedi, and showed clear signs of wealth.

Which probably means greed isn't far behind, thought Obi-Wan grimly.

In his experience, riches only made people want one thing: more riches.

He stole a quick glance at Leyana out of the corner of his eye.

She looked beautiful. More than beautiful. Perfect.

The white clothing she was wearing only served to make her golden skin glow even brighter than usual. She looked very much like Obi-Wan imagined an angel would look. Fresh and dazzling and perfect.

She gestured to the grand front entrance with a slightly rye smile.

"Shall we?"

Obi-Wan knocked twice with the ornate silver knocker, the sound echoing throughout the house beyond.

After a moment the door opened to reveal a small Seratiniun with flowing silver hair, dressed in a garment of beautiful purple that shimmered in the sunlight. She surveyed the Jedi with her wide, moon-like eyes and raised her eyebrows, her expression cold and indifferent. She did not speak, just stared at them until Obi-Wan felt compelled to speak.

"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, and this is Leyana Raeimi. We are Jedi, here to speak with Crea Landoor."

Still the woman did not reply but sneered slightly, then turned back into the house allowing the door to swing shut behind her.

"Well," said Leyana. "That was interesting."

Obi-Wan glanced at her, and was vaguely annoyed to find her smiling.

"This isn't amusing," he said.

She laughed outright at that. "Wow, you sounded just like Qui-Gon then."

He scowled. "I sound nothing like Qui-Gon," he snapped. "And please tell me exactly what we are supposed to do now."

She sighed a long-suffering sigh, then pushed passed him to the door and knocked. Loudly. 

The door opened again and the woman re-appeared. She narrowed her eyes when she saw Leyana there, and made to shut the door again, but Leyana pushed it back firmly.

"Please," she said. "Like we were going to disappear when the door closed. We need to see Crea Landoor. Now."

When the woman didn't move Leyana sighed loudly and said, "If you don't like us, that's fine. But your planet is in danger, and we are really just trying to help."

The woman pursed her lips slightly.

"Stay here," she said, her voice soft and surprisingly gentle, an almost dream-like quality to it.

The door closed again.

Obi-Wan and Leyana exchanged a look. This was getting stranger and stranger.

The door opened a third time, and now in front of them stood a different Seratiniun, taller. He immediately gestured them inside with an apologetic smile, saying, "Please forgive my wife. She is not well. You are, of course, welcome in our home."

Obi-Wan remembered Antonio Rechton's words during their interview. He's got his wife to look out for. He wouldn't take the risk.

Was this what he had meant? That Landoor's wife was ill?

Landoor exchanged the Seratiniun greeting with each of them, unnecessarily announcing his name. "I'm glad you are here. Antonio said he thought you would be in touch."

Obi-Wan glanced at Leyana, who raised an eyebrow slightly.

He forced a smile. "I hope we are not intruding."

"Not at all. Not at all. Please, come into the parlour."

'Parlour' was a little modest. Ballroom sprang to Obi-Wan's mind as they entered the huge hall, made completely of a sort of black stone, which held swirling, white patterns.

"Onyx marble," said Landoor, noticing Obi-Wan's gaze. "The only room made entirely of onyx marble in the whole galaxy," he added proudly.

As Landoor turned to lead them further into the room, Leyana leaned toward Obi-Wan and whispered "Three guesses why."

Obi-Wan smothered a laugh. It was rather…depressing.

They talked a little about Landoor's background, about his reasons for leaving the government, and for joining the protest groups. It was exactly the sort of things Obi-Wan would have expected him to say.

No he didn't regret his decision to resign, yes he believed the groups were working for a good cause, no he didn't think violence could solve problems.

Obi-Wan noticed that Landoor was very skilled at skimming the surface of the questions: answering them and moving on before the Jedi had a chance to elaborate. However, Obi-Wan was not about to sit around and be led by the nose.

Leyana obviously had the same idea, because she leaned toward him and breathed "Time to get personal." in his ear, before asking, "What kind of illness has your wife got, Mr Landoor?"

Obi-Wan resisted the urge to smile. Trust Leyana to go for the killer.

Landoor looked slightly flustered. "She's, well, she's very ill."

Leyana smiled sweetly, and waited for him to elaborate.

Landoor sighed, and rubbed a gloved hand across his eyes. "It's an illness of the mind. It attacks the memory, removes rational thought, messes up the brain." He paused, then said softly "It's fatal."

Leyana reached out a slender hand and touched one of Landoor's gloved ones gently.

"I'm sorry there is nothing we can do," she said.

Landoor smiled. "Your kind words are enough."

Leyana didn't reply, but seemed suddenly fascinated with his glove.

"What a beautiful glove!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, why thank you."

Was it Obi-Wan's imagination, or did Landoor suddenly seem nervous?

Leyana stroked the jewel-studded material. "It's exquisite. Do you mind…?"

Before he could protest, Leyana pulled the glove from his hand.

Obi-Wan stared.

Crea Landoor only had five fingers.

***

They didn't stay long after that.

It seemed Landoor was determined to dodge the rest of their questions, and the Jedi had a long way to go back before nightfall. They didn't see the point in wasting their time and learning nothing.

The air had changed dramatically when they stepped outside. Instead of the clear, blue sky and sunshine that had hailed them all day, dark clouds now hovered ominously above them, threatening to break and release a downpour at any moment.

Leyana scowled.

"Great. Whose idea was it to walk again?" She sighed. "What a completely wasted journey. We didn't learn anything we couldn't have found in the government information lab."

"Interesting though, about his fingers, wasn't it?"

"I suppose so. A farming accident." She made a slight face. "Imagine being two fingers down your whole life."

"I'd rather not."

She smiled, and then shivered.

"How is it suddenly so cold?"

"I don't know, but we'd better hurry."

She nodded, and they set off at a brisk pace, eager to escape the threatening rain clouds.      

They had been travelling a good hour before the first lightning struck.

Leyana jumped and grabbed Obi-Wan's arm as the great fork of light split the sky, followed only moments later by a terrific crack of thunder.

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at her, and she blushed.

"Sorry," she muttered. "It startled me."

He laughed, eyes so bright, lips so inviting, and she felt something dance through her, something completely unconnected to the lightning and thunder, something she knew she shouldn't be feeling, but no longer cared.

Desire.

Obi-Wan placed a gentle hand under her chin, tilting it upwards slightly.

The clouds finally broke and heavy rain burst from the skies, but neither seemed to notice.

There was no hesitation as he leaned down toward her, as she stretched her neck up toward him. They did not try to fight or pull away.  

Their lips met. Softness against softness.

The rain fell around them as they stayed frozen in their kiss, his hand still under her chin, lost in an eternal moment that would be forever etched into their hearts.

A second, simultaneous, burst of thunder and lightning caused them to jump apart, shock at the sudden nearness of the storm racing through them.

Obi-Wan laughed again, and wrapped his arms around her, the most natural thing in the world. She rested her head against his chest, peering through the abrupt darkness that surrounded them.

It didn't feel strange or wrong. It felt timeless, as if they had always been like this. All thoughts of Jedi morality had disappeared with the sun. They were exactly how they should be. Together.

"We have to find shelter," Leyana said, raising her voice over the noise of the storm.

Obi-Wan nodded. "There were some trees back there." He gestured vaguely behind them.

Leyana nodded. "It's better than nothing."

He took her hand, and they ran towards the dark shapes in the distance, barely discernible against the inky sky. It was only one tree, but the thick branches drooped down to the ground, creating a chamber-like space beneath them.

They squeezed through a gap in the leafy curtain, and marvelled at the dryness inside. It was pitch black, but Obi-Wan pulled a glow rod from his belt, illuminating the space with a soft blue light.

Leyana smiled and shook water from her hair. Obi-Wan watched her, thinking she had never looked so beautiful. She glanced up, their eyes catching.

"I love you."

His hand reached out to stroke her cheek in the gentlest of touches, and she turned her head to kiss his fingers, soft as a butterfly.

"I love you."

It didn't matter who said it first. They could never recall exactly who it was afterwards. They were both feeling the same thing, the same heated love and desire that filled their minds and bodies.

Obi-Wan reached for the knot in the fastenings of her shirt. He undid it, unwinding the material from around her waist with careful, loving hands, his movements unhurried, finding such perfect delight as her golden skin was slowly revealed to him.

She reached for the material of his tunic, sliding it over his smooth chest and back, lifting it over his head, discarding it beside them.

They held each other, skin against naked skin, the heat of love and lust radiating from their bodies.

He lowered her to the soft grass beneath them, brushing gentle kisses across her eyelids, nose, cheeks, lower to her throat, then along the collarbone, delighting at the dusting of golden freckles he found there.

And later, much later, he kissed her lips as they clung to one another and gasped words of love in the garden of ecstasy.   

***

And thanks to Emma who said the most romantic thing was to kiss in the rain. I hope you all enjoyed it!