Obi-Wan was sitting in the Falcon's living room clad only in his sleeveless under tunic, watching as Leia Organa rummaged in the ship's medical supplies in search of something with which to treat his wound.

The ship had just stopped rocking and shaking after being chased by the Imperial Tie Fighters, and had now jumped into hyperspace, allowing his occupants to take a relieved breath.

Han Solo entered the living room, removing the gloves of the Stormtrooper uniform he was still wearing and smiled at Leia.

"Not a bad bit of rescuing, huh? You know, sometimes I even amaze myself," he said cheerfully and smugly.

"That doesn't sound too hard," she answered as she kept on checking the first aid kit. "Besides, they let us go. It's the only explanation for the ease of our escape."

"Easy...you call that easy?" Han Solo almost sputtered, and Obi-Wan hid a smile behind his hand at their banter.

"They are tracking us!"

"Not this ship, sister," Han exclaimed, outraged, before walking back to the cockpit.

Leia threw him an exasperated glance, then sat beside Obi-Wan and sprayed his wound with antiseptic.

The Jedi bit his lower lip at the acute burning, and Leia's eyes filled with guilt.

"I am sorry, General, but there is no bacta in this junk of a ship."

Obi-Wan smiled gently at the young woman, "There is no need to apologize, Your Highness. It's just a little pain, and it's even welcome now. It means I am still alive to feel it."

Leia smiled back as she started wrapping his upper arm with a clean roll of bandages. "I never thought of pain in that way."

Obi-Wan watched her as she worked, a look of concentration on her beautiful face. She resembled her mother so much! Brown eyes, dark chestnut hair, and refined yet strong features. There was something of Anakin in her too, especially in the way she smiled or flashed her eyes.

It was such a pity Padmé never had the chance to see her children grow up. Obi-Wan was sure his friend would be so proud of the young man and woman Luke and Leia had become.

Obi-Wan released his regrets into the Force and concentrated his attention on Leia. He could sense she wanted to say something and was searching for the right words.

The young woman bound the bandage and commented, "It's done, General, but you will have to have it checked when we reach the Massassi Outpost on Yavin 4."

"Don't worry, Your Highness, this is perfect," Obi-Wan reassured her, as he stood up and walked to retrieve his clothes.

Leia observed him intently as he donned his tunic and robe, and he had the impression she was struggling with herself.

"General Kenobi?" she finally spoke.

"Yes?"

"I wish to thank you for answering my request for help. I know I had no right to call on you, but when I saw we were so close to Tatooine, I knew you were my only hope. However, I never meant to put you or the others in such danger."

Obi-Wan nodded, crossing his arms over his chest, left over right. "I know, Your Highness. I am aware you could not predict that the Death Star would capture us and didn't intend for us to fall in Vader's lap." He smiled, "You are as honourable and loyal as your mother and… father," he continued, meaning Padmé and Anakin.

"My father…" Leia's brown eyes filled with tears as she thought of Bail Organa. She brushed them away with an irritated sweep of her arm.

Obi-Wan could feel her heart-breaking pain, but also her desire to look strong in front of him and not let her grief overcome her.

"There is no weakness in mourning the death of your loved ones," he murmured, walking closer to her and looking at her kindly. "Bail was a good friend and a precious help during my exile. I will miss him greatly."

Leia raised her eyes to look at him, as her tears streaked down her rosy cheeks.

Without thinking, Obi-Wan opened his arms and whispered, "Come child, you don't need to be strong with me. I know how you feel."

Leia hesitated for a moment then covered the little distance between them and buried her face against his shoulder. Obi-Wan embraced her as she poured her tears and grief in the battered fabric of his robe.

He posed his chin over the top of her head, and breathed in the scent of her hair, as a small voice inside him whispered how nice it felt to have again someone in his arms.