Chapter 7: Friendly Support

"Force, all she did was talk about you, Kenobi." Garen shook his head and chuckled.

"But then why...?" Obi-Wan was really getting tired of this girl-nonsense.

With a shrug, Garen gave Obi-Wan an understanding smile. "Shaylynn was probably embarrassed or something. You know how girls go all quite and distant when we walk by...er, don't tell me you haven't noticed?"

Obi-Wan gave his friend a helpless look.

Garen shook his head. "My friend, you need to get your head out of those books and take a look around. I bet you don't even know the sensation you caused when everyone found out you were delaying the planting of your rose?"

"I had some idea," Obi-Wan admitted. "I didn't think it was that big a deal, actually."

"Not that big a deal? Obi-Wan, you are the most popular Senior Padawan and..."

Obi-Wan held up his hands, forestalling his friend. "I know. Spare me the popularity lecture."

Garen grinned, used to Obi-Wan's shy humbleness.

"Maybe you should meet Kaight, Garen. Then you could help me better. I have no idea what I'm doing."

"That much is obvious," Garen replied with a snort. "But sure, I'll come with you on your next date with Kaight."

Obi-Wan dropped his gaze and muttered, "It wasn't a date."

Garen merely smiled and pulled Obi-Wan in the direction of their next class.

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"When negotiating, one must always keep their focus on the larger picture. We are to be impartial mediators that..."

Obi-Wan tuned out the Master's droning. He hated Advanced Politics and thought it pointless for him to be in this class. He and Qui-Gon had been on enough diplomatic missions for the Padawan not to be fooled by these lessons. In fact, many of those present knew how 'Diplomatic Mission' always equalled 'Suicide Mission'. It was a good thing that merely attending this class was enough to pass it.

When the piece of crumpled flimsiplast landed on his desk, he grinned and looked about to see who threw it so he could pass it on to the proper recipient. When his gaze locked with Shaylynn's, he felt his cheeks grow hot. The broad smile on her face declared that the note was for him.

From her.

With one eye on the Master at the front of the class, Obi-Wan carefully unfolded the flimsi and scanned the page.

Isn't this class boring? I wish we were in the gardens, don't you? I know I could use a swim in the lake! I wonder if Master Lindy has ever been on a political mission, the way she carries on? I don't think so, or else she'd have us in the training rooms practicing advanced sabre techniques.

Obi-Wan grinned, despite himself. He recognized the subtle request to join him in the gardens later. He made a mental note to expect a swim and scribbled a response.

Yes! This class would make much more sense if we were practicing sabre moves. I don't think Lindy has any clue what she's talking about. The gardens sound like a definite place to be right now. I can already feel the cool water...but I'm going to have to wait to feel it for another day or so.

With careful aim, he tossed the note to Shaylynn. He watched her face as she read, feeling a pang of guilt when her smile faded slightly.

All that was written in her reply was, Another time, then.

He drew a happy face and sent her the words, Like tomorrow.