Thirty: A Calm, Awakening
Warmth soaks my face and I turn away, pressing it against the plush softness of…the couch?
I sit up in a rush.
Obi-Wan?
My heart seems to have relocated to my ears. Pounding.
When did I…how…
I almost expect to see the rumpled blankets and thrown pillow I woke to the last time I slept so soundly.
But then I blink, and recognize the surroundings of our quarters.
My stomach unbinds. I exhale and sit back against the couch. The quilt I had covered Obi-Wan with is now over my legs. I smooth my hand over the thick stitching and I smile.
Obi-Wan.
Thirty One: Disappearance of Shadows
"Come on!" I try to sound stern, but amusement colors my voice. I'm standing at the door, waiting to leave.
It's been a few weeks since I was first able to lower the extreme defenses I had erected for my Padawan. It hasn't been an easy or painless experience, there are still moments when I'm compelled to spend the night on that lonely chair beside his bed, but I have survived, and things are continuously improving.
More importantly, Obi-Wan is smiling again.
"Wouldn't it be a shame if I left you here?!"
"Alright!" He comes bounding into the living room, tying his sash, damp hair dripping on his forehead. "You seem to be in a hurry."
"Well, I think we've both waited long enough." I rub my palm against the top of his head. "Besides, I want to get there before it's clogged with all manner of ingrates. "
Obi-Wan laughs.
I move to touch his head again--to comb out the mussed strands, then cup his cheek.
The shadows have disappeared from beneath his eyes.
And his gaze has never been quite so beautiful. As when he enters the Gardens, his Master at his side, and the orange flush of morning tinting the sky.
The End.
That's it folks! A companion piece from Obi-Wan's POV, entitled 'The Threat of Waking' should be up in a couple of days. It's already well under way!
Thanks to those who were kind enough to read and review! I deeply appreciate it.