It Always Rains on Kamino
Sweeping, polished archways passed overhead as Obi-Wan navigated the halls of Kamino, on the hunt for a very specific target. Night had long since fallen like the rain that beat against the glass, rippling the view of the roiling seas beyond.
It was not often that his path crossed with Master Ti's, and he supposed he owed General Grievous a vote of thanks for crossing their paths this time, at least.
Oh how he wished for their paths to cross by more pleasant means.
The halls gave way to a dimly-lit observation room overlooking the seas, and Shaak stood at the glass, hands folded in her robes as she gazed through the rivulets catching every flash of lightning like beads of fire in the night.
His heart lifted even as the familiar ache settled in his chest. If stolen moments were all he would ever have, then he would steal all he could.
He cleared his throat to announce his presence, despite knowing she had been aware of it since before he entered, and came to stand beside her at the window, the edge of his sleeve brushing hers.
The waves churning below moved across the black waters like snow-capped mountains blown by the wind.
"Lovely weather, these ocean planets."
A gentle smile graced her lips. "I have come to appreciate it."
He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Oh?"
"On Shili, it rained often," she said. "I would spend hours in the cover of a Raku tree, listening to the patter on the leaves above me." Her eyelids drifted closed, the corners of her mouth still turned upward. "When I close my eyes and listen, I can smell the wet Turu grass, and feel the damp soil between my toes. And for a moment... I am home."
His chest tightened.
"Forgive me, Master Kenobi." Her voice brought him back. "You did not come to watch me lose myself in thought." Pools of swirling blue gazed up at him. "Is there something I can do for you?"
He swallowed. "I just wanted to say goodbye before I left. My transport back to Coruscant will be leaving shortly."
"In that case, I wish you safe travel, Obi-Wan." Her hand found its way to his arm. "I'm always glad when our paths cross."
His heart lept, and a smile that would not be contained burned his cheeks. "As am I, Master Ti."
His wrist-comm beeped, and Anakin's voice tore through the space between them. "Master, we're waiting on you. Let's go."
Her hand slipped from his arm, and his heart deflated, sinking back into the ache that rose like the surging sea outside. The moments never lasted, did they?
"Well..." He cleared his throat. "I'd better not keep him waiting."
Her lip tugged, a knowing look in her eyes.
He nodded a final goodbye to her, and left the warmth of her presence, braving the shivering gusts.
Anakin stood next to the waiting shuttle, hair whipping in the torrent that howled across the waters. "Nice of you to join us, Master."
Obi-Wan walked past him and climbed into the shuttle. "I'm not your master anymore, Anakin. You didn't need to wait for me."
Anakin blinked before climbing in after him. "I'm sorry, Master."
Obi-Wan sighed, lowering himself into an unoccupied seat.
"Everyone's aboard." A trooper pounded the hull with his fist. "Let's get back to the ship."
"Roger that."
As the doors closed, Obi-Wan cast a glance toward the observation building.
A single familiar figure stood silhouetted in the window. Pools of swirling blue locked with his, and scarlet lips tilted in an affectionate half-smile.
Warmth spread throughout his chest.
The door latched shut with a metallic clang.
In the seat across from him, under the glow of a red cabin light, Anakin shook out his boots. "If I never have to come back to this planet again, I'll be happy."
"I don't know." Obi-Wan leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes as the sound of pelting rain against metal filled the shuttle. "I think I've come to appreciate it."
Anakin shook his head as the shuttle rumbled, and lifted away from the platform. "You're a little strange, you know that, Master?"
"Indeed I am, Anakin." He smiled. "Indeed I am."
THE END
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