I walked into Master Obi-Wan's kitchen, where he was busy cooking something that did not smell edible. But what did I know – he was a Master, and I was not even technically a Padawan, so I shrugged and tried not to breathe in too hard. I walked over to where he was huddled over the concoction, and stared over his shoulder.
"What'cha got going there?" I asked, grinning.
He backed away, as if he were frightened. "Oh, nothing."
"Master Obi-Wan, what is that blue stuff?"
A tiny blush reddened his cheeks. "What blue stuff?" I saw the subtle flex of his fingers and laughed.
"You're going to have to do better than that, Master Kenobi," I crossed my arms.
"Uh… you're getting very sleepy?" He offered, lifting his shoulders in a questioning stance.
I laughed and shook my head. "Try again."
"Just a little something that helps me to relax."
"Obi-Wan," I scolded, conveniently forgetting to use his title of Master. "Is that something you know you're not supposed to be drinking?"
He sighed and poured it down the sink.
"I thought you were a rebel," he said, looking over at me with narrowed eyes.
"I thought you were responsible," I shot back.
He threw his head back and laughed; something I had feared he'd never do again. I laughed with him, out of sheer joy that he was feeling well enough to let himself enjoy a stupid moment with anyone, let alone me. It was an honor to be the one to make him laugh.
"I didn't come here to convict you of any crimes against the Council," I exhaled, climbing up and sitting down on a tall, uncomfortable stool. He leaned against the center countertop and raised a reddish brow.
"Oh, really? You aren't an Imperial officer in disguise?" he asked. I wrinkled my nose, confused by his words, but he just smiled. "Do tell me more."
"Well… I've got more problems than just my attachment to Kasen." I bunched up my cheeks, looking across the counter at him.
"Kasen told me about your hair."
I rolled my eyes. "Tattle-tale… No, that's not it."
"He also told me that the reason he got so possessive over you was a new attachment, to another man."
Now the porcelain skin of my face looked absolutely sunburned.
"I, uh…"
"You didn't have to tell me, Keelee," Master Obi-Wan smiled. "I could tell, you know."
I exhaled forcefully. "Yes, I figured as much."
"What do you suppose you are going to do about it?"
"Well, I was just trying to ignore it… to will it away…"
"And you thought working at Lana's some more would help that?" He was teasing, but my face was burning scarlet again.
"Well, I didn't think it would hurt," I bit my lower lip. "That was stupid of me, wasn't it, Master?"
He just laughed. "Continue."
"As I was saying… I was just going to ignore it until it finally just went away, figuring it to be simple childish infatuation, another piece of my rebellious streak against what I'd always been told…"
Master Obi-Wan frowned at this, as if it concerned him.
"It gets worse," I warned him.
"Tell me anyway," he put on a straight face.
"And, ah… yesterday, I went home with him…"
"You what!"
"Listen, listen," I patted the air to motion for silence, "his twin sister Annie was there, and he just wanted me to meet her."
"And you thought meeting his sister would help your infatuation go away?"
"Master -- you're making it sound so much worse!"
"I'm deeply sorry; do continue." Master Obi-Wan could not hide his amusement.
I glared at him. "So, I met her, and she is a wonderful woman. Very generous and welcoming…"
"Welcoming you into her family?"
"Obi-Wan!" I blurted.
"I can tease you, Keelee, but I'm still considered a Master," he said, with such a straight face that I thought he was scolding me. And then he burst out laughing again. Silly laughter, that made me question his sanity.
"Master Obi-Wan, did you have some of that blue stuff before we came?" I stared at him hard, and he instantly quieted.
"Go on with your story," he said quickly.
I smirked. I'm far too smart and well-trained for those Jedi mind tricks, Master Kenobi. "Anyway… I was at his house… and Annie left us alone for like, five minutes to unpack her things… and we were just talking… and then…"
"He didn't hurt you, did he?" Master Obi-Wan interrupted.
"No! It was nothing like that. But he did… sort of… kiss me…"
"He kissed you?"
"Yes…"
"Did you kiss him back?"
It was an embarrassing question, to be sure, but whether he was sober or not I knew I couldn't lie to him. I just nodded, looking down.
"And you thought that would help you relinquish your attachment?"
"I know it was foolish," I exhaled through my nose, trying not to cry.
"I think it was positively adorable." I heard him gush.
My head shot up, and I stared at him, completely thrown off.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, you already don't like the Jedi views," he slurred. "Just---marry Anton and have---beautiful children like Luke and Leia."
"Master Obi-Wan!"
He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. I stared at him, hard, inspecting his face to make sure he was alright.
"I'm so sorry, Keelee. I haven't been sleeping well… and somebody at the cantina told me they had something that could help… and I had just a little bit a few years ago, and it made me feel warm and tired…"
I threw my head back and laughed. Before I knew it, Master Obi-Wan's laugh had joined my own.
"S---soon you're going to tell me that---that Master Yoda has children, and---and--- that Master Windu was married three times!" I was incredulous at his confession.
"I am sorry, Keelee. I don't want to be a disappointment to you. But I'm afraid my wisdom only goes so far. Master Yoda is much wiser than I; he carries many, many years of experience that I cannot claim. I am probably more confused than you are right now," he sighed, looking at me with sadness in his blue-green eyes.
"You must do what you feel is right. Not what feels good, mind you, but what you know in your heart is right. The Force will guide you – you only need to listen."
He put his hands on my shoulders, looked me square in the eyes, and smiled.
"May the Force be with you, Keelee Sarai."
"And may the Force be with you, Master Obi-Wan Kenobi."