Not a goodbye. A see you later.
Bonus (for Anakin & Ahsoka): a detail is overlooked!
It was one of those rare pre-rain mornings in Coruscant, when a thick layer of clouds wrapped itself around the tallest city buildings, making the air heavier with humidity. In spite of this, the orange-yellowish sunrays still made their way to the surface, casting a brightening light on all things.
Anakin and Ahsoka walked across the Senate departure platform to meet with Senator Amidala. She had requested their presence to help capture a suspected Senate spy.
When they reached her, it immediately appeared clear that she was bidding farewell to her new ally and friend, the Duchess of Mandalore, who looked particularly pleased. Glowing, almost.
As they approached, Anakin bowed respectfully to the two women, while Ahsoka waited a couple of steps behind, observing the scene intently.
Right before the Duchess boarded her ship, unexpectedly and apparently out of the blue, Obi-Wan, Master Obi-Wan whom they'd searched all day long, materialized right before their eyes.
"I gather you called for help this morning, Senator Amidala" he bowed slightly. He was wearing his General attire from the previous day, sans the armor pieces.
Anakin gaped at him wide-eyed, but Obi-Wan seemed not to notice. He looked calm…and his Force signature was warm, warmer than it'd been for several months, in fact. Anakin instantly knew there was something different to him, yet as to what exactly, he had troubles putting his finger on. Through the Force, his old Master felt satisfied…he dared to say even slightly dreamy. Dreamy? Ever since when had Obi-Wan been dreamy?
"Until next time, Padmé" Satine declared, her eyes lingering on Obi-Wan's, a corner of her mouth curving slightly upwards.
Obi-Wan walked a half-step towards the Duchess, bowing at her at a-more-than-respectful distance. He wouldn't get closer, let alone touch her, yet Anakin couldn't help but wonder why the patina of coldness that surrounded their interactions on the Coronet and in the Senate seemed to have melted. On the contrary, the two exuded mutual respect and appreciation…and something else that Obi-Wan was attempting to hide. They appeared to be normal, but the look they shared right before she boarded lasted a moment too long.
Soon enough, the Coronet took off, sailing to the big, wide universe.
More confused than ever, Anakin scratched his head, at loss for words. He had planned on taunting Obi-Wan for his "flight", but now he didn't know how to approach him, the situation being hazy.
Thankfully, Ahsoka was there to save the day.
"Master Obi-Wan, did you get in a fight?"
Obi-Wan serenely answered: "No, I didn't. Why do you ask?"
Ahsoka batted her eyelashes: "Then why is there a bruise on your neck?"
Anakin saw Obi-Wan freeze on the spot, his eyes bulging out of their sockets, his hand hurriedly rushing to cover a reddish mark which was just forming on his neck.
Anakin smiled widely. Wonderful Ahsoka!
"Oh, this…" Obi-Wan blushed violently as he stuttered to make up a credible excuse "…it must be from the confrontation with Merrik!"
"Then why does it look so fresh?!" Anakin chimed in, thrilled.
"Anakin! What are you insinuating?!"
"Nothing Master, we were just wondering what could've caused you to disappear so that you'd return several hours later with a hick-…I mean, a bruise…"
The two continued bickering under Ahsoka's entertained eyes. Oh, yes. This was going to be a long day!