A/N: Hidden Hearts. Obi-Wan and Lyri enjoy more time at Bail's guest apartment and, as their love grows deeper, they have a much needed discussion about the care and discretion that must surround their relationship. On their way to visit Dex before heading back to the Temple, a memory comes back to Lyri revealing a threat to both her and her feral moon.
Thank you to SerendipityAEY and Smack77 for all your encouragement. I really appreciate it! Be sure to read SerendipityAEY's story, Cimmerian about Obi as a grey Jedi and Smack77's story about young Obi-Wan. Their other stories are great, too. If you are Obi-Wan fans, you will love them!
Disclaimer: All Star Wars characters, arcs and locations belong to George Lucas and Disney with the exception of my originals. No money is being made. Just drifting through the galaxy for awhile.
Feral Moon: Coruscant
Chapter 5
Slowly blinking the sleep from her eyes as a shaft of late afternoon sunlight spilled across the deep blue carpet from the direction of the balcony, Lyri smiled lazily and stretched a bit while trying not to wake the man whose strong arms encircled her. She studied his handsome face, the intensity gone to softness in sleep. His deep russet gold hair was tousled in the most endearing way for a man who always tried to present himself as such a professional representative of his Order. She deeply appreciated the gift he had bestowed upon her in allowing her to see and share a part of him that few had ever witnessed. She had been allowed to glimpse the gentleness and beauty that lay in the depths of his heart and soul; the part of him that saw a light go out with each life's passing. She loved him deeply and knew she could never love another in the same way. She was suddenly so overwhelmed she couldn't contain it and the love in her heart spilled silently down her cheeks in the guise of tears.
Not wanting to disturb the peacefulness of his sleep, she very carefully extricated herself from his embrace, gently placing the coverlet over him once more. Quietly climbing from the bed, she located her sleep shirt where it had been tossed haphazardly to the floor and slipped it on. Stepping into the shaft of sunlight she let the warmth soak into her for a moment before moving to the balcony door and opening it to breathe in the rain-freshened air. The little brightly colored flowers on a rooftop garden across the way sparkled like jewels as the sun shimmered over the beaded water on their surfaces. A little smile lit her face among the tears.
Gradually climbing from the depths of sleep, Obi-Wan reached for Lyri's warmth and, finding her gone, had a momentary sense of loss and emptiness and the thought he was back on the edge of a battlefield. Stirring immediately wide awake, he sensed her before he even saw her. When his eyes finally found her, she was standing in the balcony's entryway with the sunlight washing over her and turning the highlights in her hair to golden flame. It momentarily took his breath away. Noting the cold air coming into the room, he grabbed the coverlet from the end of the bed as he rose.
As Lyri stood shivering slightly in the brisk air, she was reluctant to close the door and shut out the sultry scent of the large flowering plants at one side of the balcony. Something about them reminded her of the only home she'd really known. She was suddenly startled when Obi-Wan pulled her against him and enclosed her in the coverlet with him. "Sweetheart, you are shivering. Come away from the open entry."
"Please, Obi, just a little longer; the smell so reminds me of ho..." She stopped and bit her lower lip, looking at the ground. Obi-Wan leaned down and tilted his head to look at her. "Ah, it reminds you of the moon and that is home to you. I do understand, sweetheart. It is alright to tell me you miss it at times." He kissed her cheek and hugged her tight against him for a moment. She finally turned into his embrace and just laid her head against his chest for awhile. The steady beat of his heart reassured and comforted her, driving away the slight melancholy she had been feeling. He rested his chin on her head as he looked out across the city and thought about how different this world was from her moon. How seemingly devoid of anything but man-made beauty. Even the sunlight reached them through specially placed mirrors. Perhaps he would surprise her with a few pretty plants to bring a bit of nature into the apartment. The thought brought a slight smile to his lips.
Realizing he needed to talk to her about how they should handle their relationship in order to keep it discreet, he sighed deeply, hoping it wouldn't hurt her feelings. She heard the deep expiration of air from his lungs as she leaned against him and a tiny smile curved her lips. She was coming to know his different sighs. This one meant he had something he felt was fairly serious on his mind and probably wanted to talk to her about it. That didn't frighten her anymore because she knew they could work out a solution to whatever it was together. He was very wise, but he always listened to her and considered what she had to say before coming to any conclusion. She trusted him, despite his recent error in judgement regarding their relationship. She knew he wouldn't make that kind of error again.
Kissing the top of her head, Obi-Wan said, "Come back inside, sweetheart."I...erm...we need to talk about something in light of the change in our relationship." She let him lead her back inside. Looking around, he spotted the loose pants he often wore for sleep and pulled them on. When he stopped to run his hand over his beard for a moment, she knew he was gathering his thoughts. "Why don't I go fix us each a cup of tea, Obi? I'll be right back."
"What?" he said a little absently. "Oh, yes...that would be lovely, Lyri." She watched him run his hand through his already tousled hair and stroke his beard again. Seeing him return to his thoughts, she quietly left the room. "Oh, my poor love," she thought. "He is sometimes the victim of the weight of his own thoughts."
As she set the kettle on to boil, Lyri asked Tika if she needed anything. Walking with her to the little patio at the end of the hall, she waited for a moment while Tika went out and, as the canine returned, ruffled her fur and told her she was making some tea to soothe Obi-Wan so they could talk. "Needs you," the canine sent. "Often he carries a heavy weight." Lyri nodded. "Yes. He often does."
When Lyri returned to the bedroom she was carrying a tray with two cups, a teapot, and an assortment of cheeses and crackers. Taking the heavily laden tray from her, Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows in question. "It looked like more than a one-cup talk," she said, smiling softly. "Oh dear. Am I becoming that easy to read?" he asked. "Only to me because I love you, Obi." His eyes softened and shifted to that calm blue-green of the sun-warmed surface of a lake. Setting the tray on the little table, he turned and pulled her into an embrace, holding her tight against him. "I love you, too, sweetheart," he murmured. Sighing once more, he pulled back and looked into her eyes for a long moment. "Why don't I pour our tea while you decide how to start, Obi?"
He watched her carefully preparing the cups. "I know we need to have this talk, Lyri, but I am concerned that it might hurt you. I know you had handled things quite well up to this point, but our relationship has changed and...well...I don't know if…" He reached up to stroke his beard again and watched her tilt her head to one side quizzically.
"Obi, perhaps we should sit down. You know...you can't really know how I will feel until you tell me what's on your mind." She sat and took a sip of her tea waiting for him. He studied her for a moment realizing once again how much she had matured during his absence. Sitting and taking a sip of his own tea he said, "Forgive me sweetheart. I sometimes still think of you as having the innocence of that young one I found on your moon. But you have matured into a lovely strong young woman." Noticing the bemused look on his face, she smiled warmly at him.
"Very well, then. What I wanted to talk to you about is how we need to handle our relationship when we are around other beings. We need to take care to practice the highest degree of discretion. It is particularly important that we do not cause any confusion about attachments for our Jedi padawans and young knights. It is very easy for them to confuse love with possession and this could, in turn, lead to fear of loss and set them on a path to the dark side. Some of the older knights and a few of the Masters as well, are of the opinion that it is impossible to balance this type of relationship. I must admit I had thought this for a very long while as well. I have always thought it would not be fair to a woman to love her and want her love in return when my first obligation will always be to the Jedi Order. That is the reason I hesitated in pursuing a relationship with you." He looked down for a moment. When he looked back up his eyes held a deep warmth. "Even though I love you," he said softly. Lyri's heart fluttered in her chest and, not trusting herself to speak, she just nodded.
"It is strange," Obi-Wan said. "Yoda seemed already to know what was in my heart and was certain I would find a balance and take care to safeguard the Order when I went to seek his counsel. He even went as far as to encourage me strongly. I had thought surely he would discourage me, but he allayed all my fears about being in conflict with the Code. It was almost as though he had already pondered it and meditated on it he was so sure of his counsel to me. The fact that he has put such faith in me makes me that much more determined to be worthy of his respect." He made the statement with such humility and Lyri could sense the love that came with it. She wondered if he had any idea how deep the little Master's feelings really were for him, as well.
"Lyri, I am so sorry to have to ask you to pretend that there is nothing between us; that our relationship hasn't grown into something more. I have another concern as well. I have to do everything in my power to ensure that Anakin is able to fulfill his potential and I believe he is very possessive and overprotective of those he loves. I have seen it first-hand. He has such fierce feelings in his heart. They make him the exceptional young man he is, but could also become his downfall. I believe he has feelings for Senator Amidala and I have had to caution him about pursuing a romantic relationship with her on more than one occasion. How can I caution him against something I have in my own life? He would never understand my reasoning or my concern for him." He sighed deeply and ran his hand through his hair as he looked across the room to the balcony.
Lyri watched him as he smoothed his mustache and ran his hand down over his soft russet beard. She had heard talk in the Temple about Anakin being the "Chosen One", but she hadn't realized until this moment the terrible weight of responsibility that had been placed on Obi-Wan's shoulders. On top of this, he loved the young man dearly. He considered him his brother and his best friend. But he had also raised him since the age of nine and, like any father, wanted the absolute best for him. The complexities of their relationship were astounding.
The more she came to know about Obi-Wan, the more deeply she loved him. Watching him agonize over their relationship and how having to hide it would affect her, she knew something. What they had together was a special gift and, though a part of her wanted to shout it from the top of the highest spire on Coruscant, the fact that it was something precious held just between the two of them was more than enough for her and made it even more special. Of course she was aware that Yoda knew, but that almost made him family. That thought brought a little smile to her.
Setting the delicate Alderaanian china teacup into its saucer, she got up and went to Obi-Wan and reached out to smooth his hair back gently. Looking up at her, the concern evident in his eyes, he pulled her into his lap. "I'm so sorry to have to ask this of you sweetheart. I've asked so much already." His eyes glistened cerulean with the barest sheen of tears. Lyri couldn't bear to see them fall, so she kissed him softly and settled into his lap with her head resting against his shoulder. "Oh my gentle Obi," she said softly, "Do you not see that this is an extraordinary gift and the fact it is our special secret only makes it that much more a thing to be treasured? It is something we can set aside in our hearts just for us." He looked into her eyes deeply as if to discern the truth of what she said. Then a look of wonder settled over his face. She truly believed this. The weight slowly dissipated from his heart. He didn't know what he had been expecting, but it surely hadn't been this. "Do you have any idea how truly remarkable you are?" he said quietly.
After a moment had gone by, her impish side took over and she decided to lighten the mood. Tugging on his beard, she said, "Well, I'm not certain. Perhaps you should show me."
"Pulling the beard of a Jedi Master? That comes with penalties which I shall be delighted to enforce a bit later," he said with that rakish grin that made her heart flutter and sent a warm rush to her center. But the smile softened as he looked into her eyes. "For now, however, I want only to hold you close and show you how much you are loved." Leaning in to kiss her tenderly, never breaking contact, he lifted her and took her to the bed.
Setting her down gently he pulled back and smiled softly, reaching down to tuck her hair behind her ear. She watched him as he slid his sleep trousers down and stepped out of them. The strong, defined muscles of his shoulders, arms, thighs, and abdomen; his powerful solid chest with the liberal dusting of curly ginger hair that narrowed over his abdomen and drew her eyes to follow a path to his impressive manhood. She felt heat rising in her and swallowed. Even the scars from battle added to his beauty. As her gaze retraced its path back up to his face she saw the indigo twinkle in his eyes. She had never seen anyone able to smile with his eyes the way Obi-Wan did.
Stepping over to the bed, he took Lyri's hand and pulled her to her feet. She started to reach down to pull off her sleep shirt but he caught both her hands and brought them to his lips, kissing them lightly. Looking into her eyes he shook his head. He wanted to pull it off himself. Crouching in front of her, he kissed her mid-thigh at the edge of her hem and began slowly pulling it up, kissing and tasting along the way. She had never recovered her panties earlier, so when he reached her labia he darted his tongue into her crease and flicked it over her nub a couple of times before placing a kiss there; chuckling as he heard her gasp and felt her legs begin to quiver. Continuing his agonizingly slow removal of the silky garment he trailed kisses along her abdomen, enjoying the soft whimpers that now came from her and relishing the sensation of her soft skin against his lips. As he came to her breasts he took his time with each one, suckling and coaxing her nipples to little peaks.
"Oh, Obi-Wan, I need you, please," she groaned softly as she arched into his lips. There was a soft throbbing at her center that ached for him now and she didn't know if she could wait much longer. Sensing her growing need, he lifted his head to whisper warmly into her ear, "Soon little flower." Skimming her top up and over her head, he tossed it aside and pulled her against him with one arm as he ran his other hand through her thick caramel tresses. Lowering his head he caught her in a searing kiss, his tongue thrusting and swirling as she reached for him.
Climbing onto the bed, he dragged her with him. "Sit right here sweetheart," he said softly guiding her to a spot directly in front of him. Moving in close, he wrapped his legs around her, lifting her legs and putting them to the outsides of his thighs so that she was almost in his lap, surrounded by him. He was completely aroused by this time and lifted her slightly saying, "I need you to reach down and guide me in, sweetheart." Her eyes wide, she looked down and maneuvered herself so she was as open as possible and gently grasped the firm warmth until she felt the soft skin of his moistened tip at her entrance and pushed it in. "That's my sweet girl," He murmured and pushed into her as he grasped her hips and pulled her as close as possible. As he waited a moment for her to feel comfortable with the sensation, he kissed her deeply, enjoying the feel of his tongue sliding over hers and wrapping his arms around her. Besides the closeness this position afforded; he could pretty much wrap himself completely around her; he loved the fact he could look into her eyes while he moved within her.
"Oh this is delightful," she thought. "It feels so close; to be wrapped safely in his arms and feel these exquisite sensations as he slides in and out. To look into his beautiful eyes and see the pleasure and desire. "She sighed softly, evoking a gentle smile from him. "Ah, I sense you enjoy this position as I do," he smiled. "It feels so...intimate," she whispered.
"Indeed it does," he murmured, shifting slightly in search of her special sweet spot. Suddenly hearing a soft groan and feeling her shudder, he knew he was there and increased his pace ever so slightly. He felt a deep happiness on top of the pleasurable sensations as he watched her eyes go from their warm hazel to the green of heightened passion. His eyes flicked to her lips as she moistened them and parted them just slightly. "My Stars, you are so beautiful," he breathed looking into her eyes once more.
Breathing in his subtly spicy scent, she smiled and moved to meet him with each thrust. He was still keeping his pace slow and steady and she was unable to contain the little kittling mewling that came from her building pleasure. "Do you know what else I like about this position?" he asked with a warm smile. Lyri shook her head because she was past speaking coherently. "I am still free to do this," he said, caressing her breasts and tweaking her nipples. "And this," he said, reaching down to lightly massage her nub. The touch was so much added to his steady rhythm it caused her to cling to him and buck helplessly. He eased back, not wanting her to come quite yet. "Soon enough, sweetheart," he whispered, enjoying the tight, slick warmth of her gliding around him. "Obi," she managed on a shuddering breath. He leaned in and kissed her, taking her remaining breath away. Seeing the pleading look as she regained her senses somewhat, he relented and increased his pace, gliding over her sweet spot and numerous other sensitive spots until she soared. Feeling close himself now, he caressed her mind with a soft, "Come for me, sweetheart." She immediately shattered in ecstasy, crying his name and pulsing in strong ripples around him until he couldn't help but come with her. Bucking and shuddering, he uttered her name on a deep groan as he spilled into her. "Oh, that was so...wonderful," she said, trying to catch her breath. "You were inside me...inside my mind, too. It felt like we were truly a part of each other." He smiled at the look of sheer wonder in her eyes.
When she had started to catch her breath he whispered, "Stay still, darling." While he was still inside her, he reached down and began massaging her nub, bringing new pleasure to her still slowly spasming center. Drawing her back up to the precipice once more he watched her as she reached a second orgasm and shuddered and pulsed around him a second time helplessly. "Oh, Obi...mmmmhh..," she breathed. "Ooooh."
Watching her come apart a second time while he was still inside her, feeling the ripples of pleasure around him, he started to harden again. He loved watching her lose herself in the rapture of passion; it only added to her beauty. Coming to readiness once more as he caressed her breasts and ran his hands around her lower back to trail his calloused fingertips over the roundness of her bottom, he began moving within her again. "Oh, this feeling is so intense, one time on top of another; I feel I might fly apart!" she thought as he continued. A very slight sheen of perspiration grew on their bodies as they moved together. Pulling her as close as possible he set up a quicker pace than he had previously, the friction heating them up quickly and bringing both of them into a state of ecstasy in minutes. As they came apart once again, they clung to each other, Obi-Wan whispering spicy endearments as his lips brushed her ear.
As the pulsing of their orgasms grew to distant echoes, he cradled her tenderly, his eyes shifting to the soft blue-green that intimated his love as he watched the bliss play over her face. As before, when he finally pulled out of her, she felt as if part of her was lost. Noting just a hint of wistfulness, he drew her tight against him murmuring softly, "I am right here, sweetheart."
When several minutes had passed, Obi-Wan shifted and maneuvered them onto their sides. Lyri was content to let him move her as she was in such a state of languor she felt like warm liquid and couldn't have moved herself if she'd wanted to. She sighed contentedly as he curled around her nuzzling her neck and silently thanked the Force for bringing him to her.
They had dozed again for some time when Obi-Wan's comlink started chirping on the bedside nightstand. Still holding Lyri, he called the little device to his hand and answered it, his voice immediately taking on that respectful businesslike tone he used when addressing the other Council members. Lyri had to clamp down to stifle a giggle at the sudden shift in his demeanor, but she listened carefully to his side of the conversation. It sounded like Anakin would be reaching his destination sometime the next day and Obi-Wan would need to be in the Temple war room to help guide the operation. "Master Yoda?" she heard him say in a way that made it sound as though someone had handed the comm off to the little Master suddenly. "Yes, she is recovering from the ordeal quite nicely. Pardon? Erm...yes, we have resolved our misunderstanding. How did you...never mind." She could practically hear Obi-Wan blushing. She didn't know how, but Yoda always seemed to know more about things than he let on. "Yes, Master Yoda, we will be back in the Temple this evening. I will. Kenobi out."
Lyri turned over to look at him, grinning in that impish way she had, and watched the pink flush gradually leaving his face. He watched her as an answering grin gradually lit his own face. "Master Yoda said to tell you it warms his heart to know you are safe. Then he wanted to know if we had resolved our misunderstanding. That little green troll knows too much for his own good sometimes."
"Obi-Wan! Isn't there some rule about talking in such a disparaging manner about the head of the Order?" she giggled. "Not if he is not privy to it. It is, of course, said with a great deal of affection." he chuckled.
"Hmmm. We should have perhaps three or four more hours before we need to head back to the Temple. Is there anything you would like to do before we head in for the night?"
"I should let Bant know to expect me for work at my usual time, Obi. She will have been short-handed. I hope she isn't too worried."
"Not to worry, sweetheart. Yoda has let anyone who needed to know that you are alright and needed a couple of days away. He let Bant know a bit more of the situation. I daresay she will have a few things to say to me regarding my doing a better job of looking after you. She has never shied away from telling me the truth of what she thinks, though she tries to be kind about it. She is quite fond of you, you know."
"I am quite fond of her, too, Obi. I can see why you have remained such dear friends."
"Yes," he said softly, "she has had a large hand in saving my life on more than one occasion."
"Then I have even more reason to love her, Obi," she said tenderly as she snuggled into him. He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair softly. "It pleases me and puts my mind at ease knowing you have such good friends here when I can't be, sweetheart." She smiled and nodded, closing her eyes and drifting for awhile.
When about a quarter of an hour had passed Lyri stirred against Obi-Wan's chest. She heard a gentle chuckle and looked up into the depths of those striking blue-green eyes. He was propped up with his head resting against one hand, a little smile on his lips. "What are you doing, Obi-Wan?" she puzzled. "Just watching you sleep, sweetheart." he said affectionately. "Oh...I'm sorry," she murmured self-consciously. "Don't be, sweetheart; I enjoy seeing you so at peace after everything you've been through," he said softly. Blushing slightly, she reached up and stroked his cheek, running her fingertips down his jaw and finding pleasure in the soft texture of his beard. "Being with you, I am at peace," she said softly. He leaned in and kissed her tenderly.
"Mmmm. You bring a sense of peacefulness to me as well, sweetheart," he said as he smoothed her hair back. "Have you thought of what you would like to do with our remaining time, yet?"
"Well, I think I'd like one more bath in that heavenly tub; I'd like a chance to wash my hair. Then I would like to find some way to thank Dex for saving me from Tirak."
"Dex would be happy just to see that you have recovered, sweetheart. He does things for his friends because he cares about them. He...erm...how shall I put this? He rather frowns upon receiving tokens of gratitude for taking care of his friends, when he feels that is just a natural extension of his friendship. Therefore, just seeing you well and happy is his thanks."
"But...doesn't anyone do nice things for him when he has helped them? Maybe not so much a gift, but just...something?"
"What you must do with Dex is watch for ways to help him accomplish something he is trying to do. You have to be careful about how you approach it. Does that make sense to you sweetheart?" She nodded slowly. "I will tell you something Qui-Gon used to say to me. 'If you keep your eyes open, a solution will present itself'."
Lyri smiled. "I would very much like to have met Qui-Gon in person."
"I think he would have been very fond of you, my dear. Now then, would you like me to draw that bath for you? We had probably better get started if we are going to stop by to see Dex on our way back to the Temple."
"Oh, yes please, with lots of bubbles!"
"Bubbles it is," he chuckled as he headed into the bathroom.
While Obi-Wan was drawing the bath, Lyri went to the duffle and pulled out her travel outfit. Obi-Wan had picked out a deep green tunic and leggings for her, the tunic flaring out a bit just below the bodice which had embroidery in tones of beige, black, and various greens in the pattern of flowering vines. There was just a hint of black lace at the hem. Carefully laying them out on the edge of the bed, she went back to the duffle and rummaged around for her underthings. She smiled when she pulled out the more sensible panties and bra he had packed for her to go with the outfit. Feminine but proper for work or travel. She smiled at his sense of propriety. It was just one more thing that endeared him to her and made it fun to muss him up. As she was pulling her socks out and smiling to herself, Obi-Wan came back into the bedroom. "What has put that mysterious little smile on your face?" he asked. "Just thinking of one of the many reasons I love you, Obi," she smiled up at him. He smiled back at her and winked.
"Your bath is just about ready, sweetheart," he said with a mysterious grin of his own.
"Did you remember my boots, Obi? I don't see them here."
"They are in the cargo compartment of the speeder, not to worry. I...didn't want you running off before I had the chance to make proper love to you," he said with a serious look. Whirling around with her hands on her hips and an indignant reply about to leave her lips, she saw the twinkle in his eyes and broke into a fit of giggles as an unrepentant grin lit his face. "I think running through the lobby in a satin teddi with a Jedi Knight running after me may have caused some scandal," she laughed. "Indeed. I am not sure how I would have explained such improper behavior to Master Yoda. Or to Master Windu," he said with a grimace. The image only made Lyri laugh harder. "Oh, I would have loved to see that!" she tittered.
Raising an eyebrow and attempting to give her a stern look, Obi wan quickly scooped her up, taking her into the bathroom and depositing her in the tub amidst the bubbles. "You will pay for that and for tugging my beard" he said with a wicked glint as he stepped into the tub. At Lyri's suddenly wide-eyed expression he chuckled. Grasping her around the waist, he pulled her down into the steamy water with him. Settling back against the tub wall, he pulled her across his lap and, resting her head in the crook of his arm, looked down into her eyes. She looked the tiniest bit wary which caused him to chuckle softly and say, "Not to worry sweetheart, I shall make certain you find pleasure in what you owe." He then caught her in a long, sensuous kiss that set her on fire.
As he pulled back and ran his tongue lightly over her lower lip, he began caressing her breasts, rolling and lightly pinching first one nipple and then the other between thumb and forefinger. Lifting her just slightly, he suckled each breast until she began arching and squirming, her breath becoming a little ragged. Watching her, he began caressing her abdomen, his hand going lower with each brush of her wet honey skin. She began to quiver as he trailed a finger lightly over her crease a few times and gasped when he dipped in and began massaging her most sensitive point. All the while he watched as her eyes darkened in pleasure. He brought her close to the edge again and again, watching her buck and writhe until she was pleading with him.
"Oh, I can't handle much more without losing my mind," she thought as she squirmed and wriggled in his lap. "Oh, please, Obi, please," she begged, her brow slightly creased in frustration.
"No more beard tugging?" he asked, his tone husky and low. The shadow of a wicked grin still lingered on his lips.
"No, Obi, please...please," she managed on a ragged breath.
"Alright, sweetheart, shhhh," he said as he brought her to the brink and slipped two fingers inside her thrusting a few times as he kept pressure on her swollen nub with his thumb. His smile softened as he heard her sob with her release and felt her clenching around his fingers. He was careful to hold her head up out of the water as she tossed it back a couple of times in her ecstasy. Then he just cradled her against him in the warm water and watched her until she was able to regain her senses. He loved having the ability to bring that look of complete bliss to her beautiful face.
"Oh, stars, Obi-Wan! Those hands of yours are dangerous! I think you've melted all my bones," she finally sighed.
"I will have to remember that when I desire to have you helpless to my whims," he chuckled. "Now then, are you able to sit up yet? I will give you a hand bathing before all the bubbles are gone." She let him gently bathe her and did the same for him, but when she closed her hand around his shaft, he gritted his teeth and caught her hand saying, "Later sweetheart...tonight, when we are ready for sleep. We have things to do now." She looked up at him questioningly. "I think you are right. We should go by and visit Dex." She pulled back reluctantly and nodded.
Going to the other end of the tub she found the bottle of shampoo Obi-Wan had taken out and began washing her hair. As she massaged the foam into her scalp, Obi-Wan watched her. Her arms lifted to reach the back and sides of her head leaving him with a tantalizing view of the water trickling in tiny meandering paths over her breasts and down the pale honey skin of her torso. If they hadn't had somewhat of a time constraint, he would have made love to her then and there. The thought that he would have her in his bed later that night would have to sustain him for now.
Closing her eyes against the sting of the trickling shampoo, Lyri began feeling around on the tub's wide ledge for the little pitcher she'd found to rinse her hair. "I thought I had it right within reach," she thought in frustration. She jumped and gasped at Obi-Wan's sudden touch. "Let me do that, sweetheart; lean your head back," he said, suddenly right beside her. Placing a hand at her upper back to support her, he poured fresh warm water from the little pitcher over her hair, repeating the process until all traces of the sudsy shampoo were gone. "Oh, thank you," she said, rubbing the water from her eyes. "My pleasure," he said softly.
Looking into Obi-Wan's eyes for a long moment, Lyri wondered how such a simple act of kindness could make her heart feel so full it almost hurt. Stepping out of the tub and helping Lyri over the slightly higher than standard side, Obi-Wan grabbed some fluffy rose-hued towels from the cupboard dropping one over Lyri's shoulders and quickly drying himself off with the other. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he leaned down to place a little kiss on Lyri's lips and left the bathroom.
As she combed the tangles out of her hair and began blowing it dry, Lyri was thinking about the way things had progressed since her disastrous date a couple of nights previous. It almost seemed a lifetime ago. As she replayed the events in her mind, lingering over some of their lovemaking, a realization came to her and brought tears to her eyes. Lyri Starrider was no longer alone in the universe. Oh, she had the zakitas she loved, of course. But this was different and it filled her with indescribable joy.
Walking back into the bathroom, fully clothed in his tunics, Obi-Wan was saying, "I was thinking, if it is alright with you, we will just eat at Dex's place while we are visiting and...Lyri, darling, are you alright?" He put an arm around her and brushed the tears from her cheeks. She looked up at him with a little smile and leaned into his embrace. "Yes, Obi; just feeling a little overwhelmed."
"Understandable," he murmured, kissing the top of her head. Giving her a mental caress as well, he whispered, "I too am amazed at the depth of these feelings, sweetheart. It was never anything I imagined having in my life." As he stood holding her close, the Force shimmered around them and brought a smile to the ghostly lips of his long-dead Master. Things were as they should be.
As Lyri was pulling on the boots Obi-Wan had brought up for her, she watched him neatly packing their belongings back into the little duffle he had brought. She smiled to herself. She liked things to be orderly, too, but it was nothing compared to Obi-Wan's need for things to be in the proper place. She could only imagine his exasperation at times with Anakin, as the young man seemed to live a fairly haphazard existence in most ways. The thoughts made her giggle. Turning to look at her, he raised his eyebrows. "Oh, I was just imagining you and Anakin living together," she said. "You are so organized and tidy and he is so...not."
"You have no idea," he said, shaking his head. "Though I do feel he has caused me to loosen up a great deal from the way I was previous to his entry into my life. We have been through alot together. He is my best friend. Well...of the male persuasion," he said with a significant look.
"He loves you, Obi."
"And I, him, my dear." She just smiled, as she knew more than anyone could imagine, how deeply the man's feelings truly ran.
"Now then, my dear, last minute check and we shall be on our way."
"Oh, we never got to use that lovely fireplace," she said wistfully as they passed through the living room. "Well then," he smiled, "We shall just have to return and make use of it another time." "Really, Obi?" she said, brightening. Stopping for a moment to look at her and run the backs of his fingers gently over her cheek, he smiled, "Of course, sweetheart."
Stowing the duffle in the storage compartment and settling Tika in the back seat, Obi-Wan made sure Lyri's restraint was secured properly and sped them off to Coco Town. Lyri never tired of watching the rainbow neon lights and digital displays come on at early dusk. Unlike the first few times she'd been out of the Temple during the evening, she could now read most all of them. It seemed there were every form of entertainment, technology, and other items one could imagine flown in from all over the galaxy. Some of the entertainment looked quite intriguing, but she had overheard talk about things on the lower levels she hoped she never encountered. Realizing what Tirak had probably had in mind for her she suddenly felt cold and shuddered causing Tika to whine from the back seat. Obi-Wan, feeling her distress through their growing connection, glanced over and enclosed her small hand in his, sending calm to both her and Tika.
"What is it, sweetheart?" Not able to verbalize her answer right away, she just sent Tirak's name to him. "He cannot hurt you any more, Lyri. His memory of you, your family, and your moon has been erased. He will be imprisoned for most of his remaining life."
But something Tirak had said to her had come back to haunt her memory and cause a cold feeling in the pit of her stomach. Finally finding her voice, she clung to Obi-Wan's hand and said, "The Trandoshan, Obi-Wan...he knows I'm alive. Tirak told me that. He had talked to him recently and he had told him about me." Obi-Wan pulled the speeder out of the main lane of traffic and stopped, hovering near the grey duracrete walls of an older apartment building.
"Are you certain about this, sweetheart?" She nodded and Obi-Wan noticed the color had drained from her face. Unfastening her restraint and pulling her against him, he kissed her forehead and soothed her. "How the blazes…?" Obi-Wan's voice trailed off as he looked away into the distance and searched his memory for any clues. "Ah, the fueling station. He was in the game room when I went to collect you. I remember him being quite interested in you. I thought at the time it was just because you were a pretty little female...sorry, sweetheart...but it was more than casual interest, I see that now," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Blast!" he muttered.
"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan. I'm so sorry I keep causing trouble," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. When he lifted her chin to look at her, her large eyes were shimmering with tears. "No, sweetheart. This has only served to make us aware of the one remaining threat to your moon...and to you. As he is unaware of our knowledge at present and Tirak is no longer able to communicate with him, we have the high ground." He stroked her cheek gently with his thumb. "Not to worry my dear; far from causing trouble, you have given us an advantage."
When he felt she was calm enough, Obi-Wan refastened Lyri's restraint and maneuvered them back into the flow of traffic. Arriving at the diner about twenty minutes later, he noted that she had been able to resume her composure almost completely. Helping her out of the speeder, he said, "I believe we should tell Dex about our dilemma, sweetheart. He can be of more help than you can possibly realize."
"But Obi, I wanted to thank him for what he has already done, not drag him into another one of my problems."
"I know that, my dear. If you keep your ears open and pay attention, a way may present itself to repay him. But I would still like to ask his assistance regarding the whereabouts of this Trandoshan. You, of all beings, know how important this is. I will give him whatever details he needs and leave it to him."
"I know you're right, Obi; I just feel bad having to ask more of him. I will listen for an opportunity to repay him without offending his sense of honor," she sighed.
"Now then, sweetheart, I would like to see a smile on that pretty face before we enter." When she only managed a little half smile, he shook his head. "Hmmm, that will never do; you leave me no choice." With a quick glance at their surroundings, he grabbed her around the waist and tickled her until she was giggling uncontrollably. "Much better," he grinned. "Obi, you don't play fair," she said breathlessly. "A Jedi Master will do what he must to complete a successful mission, my dear," he said with a wink. Taking her hand he led her into the diner.
When the droid waitress called to the back to announce them, Dex appeared in the service window. "Obi-Waaan! Lyri, honey! Yer favorite booth over by the window just emptied out. Go have a seat and I'll be out in a minute to see ya." The droid rolled ahead of them and dropped a couple of menus on the table. "Somethin' fer you and the lady to drink, honey? We have the usual assortment of juices and a fresh pot of caf."
As they took their seats, Obi-Wan ordered them a couple of jawa juices. When Dex came out to the booth, Lyri jumped up and hugged him as tightly as she could around his large frame. Patting her back, he said, "Ah, now, let me look at ya, honey. Yer as pretty as a holopic in them green togs. Is this oversized Bantha calf lookin' after ya proper?"
"Oh, yes Dex. He has taken very good care of me. I am doing much better now thanks to the two of you." Dex looked down and seemed to study her for a moment, then looked at Obi-Wan speculatively. "Yeah, I can see the kid's been lookin' after ya real well," he chuckled. Lyri looked at Obi-Wan and noticed he was blushing. Looking back up at Dex, she saw his eyes twinkling and a big grin on his face. "Oh!" she said, a pink hue rising on her own face. "Don't worry, honey; yer secret's safe with me. You two was meant for each other by my reckoning," he said, patting her on the back again. "Now, what can I get fer ya this evenin'?"
"A couple of Bantha steak dinners would be most welcome, if you do not mind, Dex," said Obi-Wan, glancing at Lyri for her approval and seeing her nod. Also, if you could join us when your dinner rush dies down, we need to speak with you."
"Sure thing, old buddy. I was hopin' to talk to ya soon about somethin', ya might be able to lend some thoughts to anyway." Turning and ambling off toward the kitchen, he started whistling a popular love song. Glancing back over his shoulder, he chuckled at the dour look thrown at him by Obi-Wan.
When their food came, Obi-Wan tucked right in as he suddenly felt famished. After a few minutes he saw that Lyri was just pushing the food around on her plate. "Sweetheart, you need to eat something. You know...if Dex sees you haven't touched a bite he will be most unhappy." The tack worked to some extent since she popped a few bites in her mouth and made a little progress. "Better," he said reaching out to brush his fingertips over her cheek. He was coming to know the nuances of her emotions fairly well and knew when he needed to step in a little.
When the diner had cleared out to some degree Dex came out to check on them. Eyeing the big Besalisk's apron, Obi-Wan started to chuckle. "It looks like you are carrying enough of tonight's specials on that apron to feed several more people."
"Hazards of the job, old buddy," he said, wadding the apron up as he pulled it off. He tossed it across the room through the service window in a single shot. Flagging down the waitress, he asked her to bring a couple of cups of caf and, eyeing Lyri's half-full plate, added a request for a muja fruit shake. Sliding in next to Lyri, he put a meaty arm around her. "A shake might go down easier, honey." As Lyri leaned into his old friend, the Besalisk gained a couple more notches of respect in Obi-Wan's mind. Dex just looked up and winked at him. "Now what was it ya wanted to ask, Obi-Wan?"
"It seems Lyri has remembered something from the night of her attack that poses a threat to her and, possibly, her homeworld." He then went on to explain the situation and its possible ramifications to Dex, leaving out any sensitive details about the moon.
"Weeeell, now. Our little gal here doesn't need any more heartache. I'll put some feelers out, Obi-Wan and see if we can't locate him. I can tell ya if he sets foot on Coruscant, I'll know about it."
"I am counting on that, my friend. Now, what was it you wanted my thoughts on?"
Dex noticed Lyri working on finishing her shake and nodded his head toward her with a wink at Obi-Wan who mouthed, "Thank you." Shifting his large body a little, Dex turned serious again. Well, as you probably know, we got a large number of refugees comin' in from war-torn planets. We got some skilled labor volunteerin' to fix up the old run down apartments to house as many families as we can, but we're startin' to run behind the demand they're pourin' in so fast, so we've been havin' to double up on the number of people livin' in each one. We just can't keep up.
Lyri was listening intently as Dex explained some of the problems faced by the influx of beings fleeing their home worlds. She started thinking what she might be able to do to help. Then she heard something that spoke to her heart.
"Obi, we got new problems now. These good folks have lost everything. Some of them are comin' in sick or gettin' sick with the overcrowdin'. I got folks beggin' me for help with sick kids and they ain't got any money. We used to know a few docs who would help out, but they've all been taken for the war. Anything you can think of to help would be great buddy."
Looking at Obi-Wan, Lyri sent her thoughts. "This is it, Obi. This is my way to thank Dex. I can help the sick; you know I can."
"I know, sweetheart, but we will need to discuss this with Yoda first and I will need to find out what kind of protection you would have. Do not say anything just yet," he sent back.
"Alright, Obi; but please, please help make this happen," she pleaded clearly in his mind.
Stroking the length of his russet beard thoughtfully, Obi-Wan finally looked up at Dex. "Let me give this some thought, my friend. I will get back to you as soon as I can."
"Good enough, old buddy; I know ya always keep yer word."
Walking them to the door as they prepared to depart, the Besalisk thanked them again for listening and assured them he'd have people on the lookout for the Trandoshan. He even gave them a sack with a big meaty bone for Tika. Just before Obi-Wan went out the door, he leaned down and whispered, "I'm glad ya came to yer senses, buddy. That little gal was made special for ya." Obi-Wan now knew without a doubt his friend was correct. Turning back, he squeezed the big Besalisk's arm, looked into his eyes and smiled. The next moment he was gone.