The Winding Path
Rating: T+
Summary: Healing from any condition never takes a straight path.
Disclaimer: All cannon characters are owned by the Great Flanneled One, and now Disney. All others are mine. I make no money off this.
Note: This is a sequel to Consequences
Timeline: 39BBY
Speech: " "
Training Bond communications: /
Internal thoughts: italics
Chapter Thirteen
With Obi-Wan's healing nearly completed, Qui-Gon was once again sent out into the field. This first one wasn't terribly long, but it was long enough. It also forced Obi-Wan to have to rely on himself once again. Most of the time he spent with his tutors trying to bring him back to the same level as his age mates. Not only did he attend his formal classes, but his tutor helped him with the subjects he had missed.
Qui-Gon was scheduled to come back late in the evening. He most likely would be back after he had retired for the night. Just a few more weeks and one last meeting with his healers and he'd be approved for being sent out into the field once again. It felt odd, Obi-Wan mused as he looked at the diplomatic problem he was trying to decipher. These types of questions had neither a right nor a wrong answer. It was more a test on how he would respond to the situation. Once the whole issue was answered, he turned his attention to the next problem. This one was about how to deal with transport problems that were started by pirates.
The comm on the edge of his work station pinged, and its base began to glow. Not even paying any attention, he reached out and touched it so that an image appeared above its base. "Padawan Kenobi," he kept his full attention on the lesson instead of the caller.
"Obi-Wan?"
He jerked up and swung his full attention back to the comm. "Eira?" With a smile he leaned forward and folded his arms while allowing them to rest on the flat surface. "It's good to see you," he smiled.
"And hear from you." She gave him her own smile. It was interesting how the holo muted her coloring so that it was almost the shade of his. "Are you busy?"
"As of now?" He turned his attention to his course work. "Just regular course work. I'm trying to catch up." He paused, "But I can take a break if you want to talk."
For a moment she actually looked embarrassed. "Papa told me you knew of my plans."
"Of moving here?" Obi-Wan had to admit when he first found out he had been angry at Qui-Gon for not telling him sooner. Now he was just glad he knew it at all. For a moment he focused on their bond. There wasn't anything different per se, but that didn't mean anything. He was still trying to get used to having it.
"Yes." She brightened. "I'm actually on my way right now. I should be arriving within the next couple of hours."
Now this was a surprise. "Are you on a private or public transport?" He turned his attention back to the computer and began looking for flight information. There was a program that tracked most, if not all hyperspace flights to and from Coruscant in real time that were formally registered. Pulling that up he began searching for ships that were coming from non Republic worlds.
"Private."
It only took a few minutes to find the flight in question, and then the landing pad.
"I hope to see you soon."
"Of course dear." Sooner rather than later. "Does the media know you're coming?"
Eira cocked then shook her head. "Not that I know of. But that doesn't mean anything."
"No it doesn't." If anything, he wanted to be the only one there to meet her on the landing platform.
Her attention turned to something, or someone off camera. "Listen, Obi-Wan, I need to go. I'm glad that we were able to speak again. I think it's been too long since the last time."
Too long since I held your hand. Obi-Wan looked back at his coursework. Technically he was almost caught up to his fellow padawans, maybe. In actuality he probably should be a senior level, but that hadn't happened yet. "I hope to see you soon."
She reached out a holo hand towards him before the image disappeared.
To think she was moving to Coruscant. Considering who she was he suspected it would be temporary at best. She never mentioned if she was an official heir or not. If she was, then she most likely wouldn't be allowed off to live off her homeworld permanently. Since she was on her way, then it wasn't official yet. With his attention back on the flight listings he was able to see when she was to arrive. A glance at the chrono showed that he had easily enough time to meet her on the platform.
He went over and grabbed his cloak after he had cleaned up his study area before leaving the Temple. Taking a public bus he arrived at the thankfully empty platform shortly before the transport dropped out of the sky and landed. It looked like any normal ship, which was probably planned. Prodding at the bond they shared he could tell she was nearby. The hatch opened and ramp lowered. Minutes later she appeared and rushed over to his now outstretched arms.
"I missed you," her voice muffled against his chest. "Even though it's been less than a year, it felt like an eternity."
Pulling her back Obi-Wan cupped her face with a hand. "I know." Feeling movement, he looked up and found a Marlote servant now at the bottom of the ramp trying not to look uncomfortable. He recognized him, but that was about it.
"My Lady," the servant started, then paused. "Everything is prepared. All we have to do is have your luggage transfered to your new apartment."
Eira turned back to the older man. "Thank you, Rian." Pulling further away, she took Obi-Wan's hand and pulled him towards the edge of the platform where they could call for a smaller transport. Not wanting to be noticed, Obi-Wan pulled his hood over his head so he wasn't as easily recognizable. Jedi weren't the only ones who were cowled in their cloaks so they'd be unnoticed, which was a good thing.
Where is your Master?
It took Obi-Wan a moment before he realized that she had figured out how to speak through their bond. Off-world at the moment. Actually he's out in the field. He'll be back soon enough.
Eira's voice eventually silenced as a local transport approached. They climbed in, along with the luggage and they were soon on their way to the building where she would live for the time being. It was in the Federal District, but half way between the large senate building and the Temple. For a moment Obi-Wan wondered if it was her idea or not. It probably was, he mused.
The apartment was on the top floor, and most likely ridiculously expensive. Although probably not as bad as the buildings that were even closer to the government buildings.
"I don't like this," Eira muttered when she was finally able to see how the space was decorated.
"I suspect you'll be able to change it to whatever you want." Obi-Wan followed her into the private areas, including the bedroom.
She eventually wandered over to the door that led out to a decent size balcony. When he didn't follow her, she looked over her shoulder and called back to him, "Obi-Wan, it's just a balcony."
"And an open space where anyone can see me. I want to keep our relationship as low-key as possible." Which may be permanent, he finished through their bond.
Feeling her affirmation, Eira came back into the bedroom. When she was in reach, Obi-Wan took her hand and pulled her deeper into the room. Only after he felt that it was private enough, he cupped her face with both hands and kissed her. She wrapped her arms and then legs around him, letting him easily carry her over to the bed.
Now propping himself on his elbows he looked down at her, "Are you sure?"
"More than anything."
Obi-Wan woke up early the next morning, though he really didn't get that much sleep considering what they did. With a yawn he sat up and then ran his hand through his short hair. Looking over at the chrono he knew he had to get back to the temple sooner rather than later.
"Obi-Wan?" Eira's sleep drugged came behind him as he climbed out of their warm bed.
"Go back to sleep, dear." He began going through the pile of clothing on the floor and sorting it out.
"Maybe."
With his leggings now in hand he turned his attention back to the bed. In the dim light Eira lay there stretching like a feline. He felt a rush of desire, and all he wanted to do was be with her again, but he knew he had to leave. Deliberately turning back around so his back now faced her, he pulled his leggings on and then the different layers of tunics he wore, while finishing up with his belt and boots.
"I'll call you later," he leaned back over her so they could kiss again, then he left the room.
During the entire trip back home Obi-Wan poked at the bond. Before it seemed pliable, now? It felt like it was duracrete. Something had happened to it, and he wasn't entirely sure what it was. Then again it was different than with Siri. When he was with her it was fun, but with Eira there was an entirely different meaning to it. It was at that point he realized that he loved her. Not good. But he couldn't help himself.
Even though Coruscant never slept, the Temple was silent at this early hour. The sun wouldn't rise for at least another couple of hours. Letting himself into the apartment he glanced over to their meditations cushions and found Qui-Gon there, eyes closed. Wasn't he suppose to come back late yesterday? He searched through his memories for that little bit of information. Blast. Oh dear.
Thinking he could go past him and not disturb his master's meditation he went for his room. He felt like a youngling that was caught doing something against the rules. As he reemerged sans cloak Qui-Gon's eyes were now open and he was watching him. "Well?"
Both of them glanced over to the chrono and the ridiculously early hour it showed. "I am an adult." Which was true. Technically he should have free reign of when he could come and go.
"True, but you are also still under my guardianship until you pass your Trials."
Instead of answering, Obi-Wan went into the kitchen. Sometimes he had caff in the morning to help wake him up. This was one of those times. Plus it gave him something to do rather than feel Qui-Gon's eyes on him, even though he knew his master would follow him.
"Your attachment to her is not good."
Obi-Wan felt his anger flare up. He almost slammed his fist onto the counter. He took a deep, calming breath, "When are you going to stop telling me this?"
"When you relinquish your attachment."
This time Obi-Wan turned to look at Qui-Gon. The older Jedi was leaning against the side of the entrance his arms folded. He looked almost as if he was accusing him of something terribly wrong. "Fine, I love her. Is that what you wanted to hear? Are you happy now?"
"No, I'm not." Qui-Gon pushed off the side of the door and came into the smalish space. The air was strained, but the two worked to get the caff ready. "I've been putting this off because of your recovery, but we need to go back to the Ward and have the bond unraveled."
Obi-Wan didn't exactly look away, but he did at the same time. That first rush when he peaked he felt something happen.
"What is it, Padawan?"
Instead of answering, Obi-Wan waited for the caff to finish. Taking a cup of the dark liquid he went over to the table and sat down. "I'm not sure if its even possible anymore. It changed."
"That's what I feared."
finis