This chapter is super short and mostly fluff but who cares? Most of this story was pure literal fluff as our pillow runs around in this crazy galaxy. And no one has correctly guessed what Ben stands for yet, but I am enjoying all of the ideas floating around. Keep them coming and here is a hint: it has something to do with a certain medic. (;
It had been about a month since Cody had come to Tatooine and it was the first time in a long time that he had to comfort Obi-Wan.
The two had fallen asleep after a long day wandering the desert, talking to natives (many of which Cody could not understand), and following a strange young man around from the distance.
To be honest, Cody had to bite his tongue sometimes to prevent a question from slipping out of his mouth. The boy seemed to be nobody special, just an orphan living with his aunt and uncle. Through the uncle, Cody had found out the boy's name was Luke, and Obi-Wan seemed to have an obsession with the boy, for no apparent reason.
But he held his tongue and obeyed his orders, every once in awhile given a tiny tidbit of knowledge. Not a lot, but a tiny bit.
That night, the two exchanged tidings of a good night sleep and laid down on their sleeping pads.
Around midnight, Obi-Wan started to mumble in his sleep. Cody didn't wake up until an especially loud moan escaped the Jedi's mouth. Then he snapped up and looked around, a little confused.
"... No… Anakin…"
Cody quickly moved to Obi-Wan's side. He gently shook the man, softly telling him to wake up. Unfortunately, the Jedi didn't seem to hear him.
"Anakin… Please…" he moaned and tossed in his sleep, growing a little more desperate.
Cody attempted to wake him up, shaking him harder and calling to Obi-Wan, telling him it was just a bad dream. But the man didn't listen and his mumbling grew louder and louder. Cody didn't know what to do.
"Obi-Wan!"
"No… No… No! Anakin!" The man suddenly shot up and Cody found himself shoved back by invisible hands.
He let out a cry of pain as he flew into the table, flipping backwards and over, crashing to the floor.
"Cody!"
The clone heard the Jedi shuffle towards him and he groaned. "Ugh… General, I forget how hard you can throw… Ow…"
"Force, I am so sorry! Are you alright? I didn't break anything, did I?" He pulled his friend to his feet and began to search for injuries.
Cody gently slapped the hands away and rubbed the back of his head, "I'm fine, sir."
"Ben, Cody. Ben."
"Right. Sorry." Cody stretched out his arms and back, checking for any sore spots. He flinched slightly and felt the scrape from the table in his legs. "Kriff, remind me to never try and wake you up from a nightmare again."
Ben's face fell slightly and he didn't say anything. He walked over to the kitchen area and began to make tea.
Cody didn't remember his general drinking so much tea in the war days- but that may have just been his poor memory. He sat down at the small table and watched Ben make the beverage.
The two sipped in silence for several minutes before Cody spoke up, "Sir- I mean, Obi-Wan. Do you… want to talk about your dream?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Cody. I'm fine."
The man was clearly not fine. His hands were still slightly shaking and his eyes were deep gray. And even though this was his favorite tea, he didn't appear to be enjoying it.
Cody remembered that Ben had been calling for Anakin, but when the clone had tried to bring up the younger Jedi's fate previously, Ben had shut him down before he even got the question out. Whatever had happened to Anakin Skywalker, it obviously hadn't been good. So Cody remained quiet.
When both had finished their drinks, Ben stood up and cleaned up the tea. He then said goodnight and started over to his sleeping pad again.
Cody hesitated then called, "Ben?"
Ben paused and looked back.
"I," The clone hesitated, then slowly began to speak. "I know you don't want to talk about your nightmare but… do you need the pillow tonight?"
Obi-Wan stared at him for a moment, his face not betraying his thoughts or emotions. Then a small smile appeared, "That would be very nice, Cody, if you don't mind."
"Not at all, sir- I mean, Obi-Wan." Cody sat down on the couch and motioned for the jedi to sit beside him.
Ben slowly moved over and sat down. He leaned his head against Cody's shoulder and closed his eyes. Cody wrapped an arm around him and gently squeezed his shoulder. Ben let out a soft sigh, a small smile appearing.
"Goodnight, Obi-Wan."
"Goodnight, Pillow."
Cody rolled his eyes but chuckled softly. Soon, the Jedi was sleeping peacefully.
The ex-commander didn't fall back asleep until early in the morning, just before the sun rose. He was too busy making sure his brother didn't have another nightmare. And if the man ever showed signs of discomfort or fear, Cody would gently mumble in the Jedi's ear or rub his back to reassure him that he wasn't alone.
After all, Cody was the best pillow in the small hut.
Hope you all enjoyed. We are getting down to the end! Anyone else excited?