This chapter is also from a comment on ao3 from the same person as the last chapter. They wanted the initiates to give Obi-Wan handmade/homemade get-well cards and I said sure. But I also threw in something...else.

SpencerBrown - I'm glad you like the feel of this! Gentleness is a hard thing to find so I'm glad it's giving off that vibe. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

VengetheSith - I know, poor Obi-Wan. He needs love and a hug and naps I think. Thank you!


Plo was a strong and steady presence at Obi-Wan's side as they made their way to Plo's quarters after Obi-Wan's most recent session with Mind Healer Kari. Obi-Wan's posture was slouched and his limping steps were heavier than usual.

"He'll be awfully tired," Healer Kari informed Plo after the session. "He's making wonderful progress."

It was obvious to Plo that those words were true. He could feel Obi-Wan's shields. They were stronger than when he arrived at the Temple after his mission. He wouldn't be surprised if Obi-Wan would be cleared for duty soon.

Obi-Wan smiled softly and waved at the Initiates they passed. Many of them returned his smiles and waves and others tugged on the robes of the Masters that accompanied them. Some silent conversation was passing between them, and Obi-Wan was curious about it.

"Masters," One of the Masters (a Togruta by the name of Milo Hansol) stopped them in their path with a small smile. "Our Initiates have something for Master Kenobi." He prompted the younglings to inch closer to the Councilors standing there with glee radiating on their faces and in the Force.

One by one, the Initiates produced flimsiplast with small smiles. They handed them to Obi-Wan who thanked them each in turn. He couldn't hold all of them, as Master Hansol observed, so he told the Initiates to allow Master Koon to take some as well.

Obi-Wan's face was hot as he held the flimsiplast close to his chest. He risked a peek at them and felt his throat close up.

They were handmade get-well cards.

Some were from Initiates, and some were from the Crechelings he visited with Mace. The sight made Obi-Wan's eyes well up with tears and he scrubbed at his eyes harshly to try and rid them of the tears.

He could hear some concerned mutterings from the Initiates and he was quick to dispel their worries.

"These are happy tears," He explained with a watery smile. "I just feel very warm and happy to have these. Thank you very much." He knelt and ushered the Initiates to him. They carefully embraced him in their smaller arms.

Plo watched with horribly concealed joy as Obi-Wan melted into the holds of the Younglings. He nodded at Master Hansol, who nodded back with a smile.

All good things did need to end though.

"Alright Initiates," Master Hansol clapped his hands. "It's time to be going. I'm sure Master Kenobi and Master Koon have places to be."

The Initiates reluctantly pulled away from Obi-Wan. They gave him farewell waves before leaving.

Obi-Wan stayed crouched on the ground for a moment longer as he watched them depart.

"Obi-Wan?" Plo questioned when he noticed the other Master had yet to rise from the floor.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat and sniffed back more tears before rising. He let out a few hisses of pain as he straightened his knee, but he managed to stand just fine.

"That was kind of them." Obi-Wan mused with a small smile.

"You leave quite an impact on them," Plo observed as the two continued on their way.

Obi-Wan grimaced at the statement. He doesn't try to leave impacts. He doesn't think he does leave impacts.

"Yes, well-"

"Master Kenobi!"

Obi-Wan flinched at the loud voice. His head started to ache and the Force flared around him. Odd.

"Master Krell," Obi-Wan greeted back.

"I heard about your mission." The Besalisk Master said.

How? What did he hear?

"It's good to see you're healing."

Obi-Wan nodded his thanks and tried to push away the odd flaring of the Force.

"How are your troops?" Master Krell asked. "Are they holding up without your guiding hand?"

Why does he care? Why is he asking about them?

"I'm sure they're doing just fine. Commander Cody does well in his position and Master Windu, Master Secura, and Master Unduli are helping as well."

"Not your Padawan?"

Obi-Wan blinked at the question.

"Anakin has other things to worry about right now." The answer is short and to the point. In reality, Anakin isn't quite ready to be in charge of more than just his battalion. The Force flares again, this time louder and harsher than before. It causes Obi-Wan to sway and the world to fizzle in front of him. An arm is wrapped around his shoulders tightly before he falls.

"If you'll excuse us, Master Krell," Plo cuts the conversation short. "We need to be on our way." He doesn't wait for a reply. He just steers Obi-Wan towards Plo's quarters. He could feel the Force surging around Obi-Wan.

It's not until they reach Plo's quarters and Obi-Wan is sitting down that Plo questions him.

"What happened?"

Obi-Wan takes a minute to think about it.

"I'm not sure." He replies. "The Force was surging, flaring. I couldn't figure out why."

"Because of Master Krell?"

Obi-Wan shrugs. "Possibly." He shakes his head and picks up one of the get-well cards. "I'm sure it's nothing."