Tales from the Temple

Chapter 7: Early Morning Encounters

Soft morning light filtered through the bedroom window, and its warmth slowly caressed Shaak into wakefulness. She cherished mornings like this, being forced to spend so much time on starships and the always gloomy Kamino. What she cherished more, though, was the presence of the warm body beside her. Obi-Wan was snoring softly, still deep in sleep, face pressed against her shoulder and an arm lying on her abdomen. A content smile graced her lips as she watched the man sleep.

These peaceful moments were so few and far between.

She would have gladly enjoyed the moment for a little longer, but soon, she found that she really needed to use the fresher. Gently, she slipped out of bed, not wanting to wake up Obi-Wan, and left the room. On silent feet, she hurried to the fresher. She was so preoccupied that only after reentering the living area did it register to her that they were not alone in Obi-Wan's quarters. Anakin Skywalker was sprawled across the couch, still in his Jedi robes and still asleep. She sighed, only allowing herself a brief moment of panic. This was bound to happen after all.

Anakin was known to spend the nights on Obi-Wan's couch when he was too exhausted to make his way to Senator Amidala's, or he just craved the company of his old master. Shaak and Obi-Wan had always been careful, though, and so far, managed to avoid any uncomfortable encounter. Of course, as Anakin and Obi-Wan had just returned from an extended deployment, Shaak and Obi-Wan were sure that Anakin had been heading to the Senator, so they were not concerned about unannounced visitors.

That must have been why she hadn't sensed his presence only too late.

Oh, well...

She had just enough time to step back into the fresher and grab a robe to cover her scanty top and sleeping shorts. When she stepped out, Anakin had already been sitting on the couch.

"You are up and about early, Master Ti," Anakin observed, trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes.

"I am an early riser," Shaak managed weakly as she waited for the credit to drop. It did not.

Slowly, she made her way to the little kitchen area and started boiling water for their morning tea, leaning against the counter as she waited.

"Has Obi-Wan left already?" Anakin asked, looking around the living area.

"He is still here." Shaak looked at the bedroom door, waiting for Anakin to figure it out.

"Where?" He looked around again.

"In the bedroom."

Anakin nodded without any real comprehension. His cluelessness was so endearing that Shaak felt her apprehension evaporate. That was the moment when the bedroom door opened, and Obi-Wan stepped out, clad only in the pants he wore for bed. As on instinct, he locked eyes with her, and with a dazzling and yet still sleepy smile, he made his way towards her. Any other day, she would have eagerly welcomed him, but as it was, her eyes widened in alarm as the man appeared right behind her, sneaked his arms around her, and all but pressed her against the counter while burying his face in between her lekku.

"Good morning, my love," he murmured in a voice that usually made her melt.

She chanced a look at Anakin and noted with surprise that the look on Anakin's face was not what she had expected. He looked smug as a huge grin split across his face.

"Well, someone's having a good morning, all right!"

She could feel the moment Obi-Wan realized that they'd got an audience. She cleared her throat. "We have company, my dear," she stated lamely.

To her surprise again, Obi-Wan did not panic. He simply let his head fall on her shoulder and sighed.

"Anakin!" he started in an exasperated tone. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, apparently, I'm interrupting," he answered cheekily. "But by all means, please, continue. I can always harass Master Fisto for a morning caf."

"Please, stay, Anakin," Shaak entreated and stabbed an elbow into Obi-Wan's ribs when he groaned in frustration. He let her go grudgingly and went to retrieve three mugs from the cupboard.

"Thank you, Master Ti," Anakin smiled, walking to the other side of the counter.

"Weren't you supposed to spend the night with Padmé?" Obi-Wan asked, still a little grumpy, and Anakin's head snapped in his direction as he gave his old master a bewildered look. "Please, do give me some credit, Anakin. I'm not an idiot."

"Sorry, Master," Anakin allowed.

Obi-Wan's features softened. "We are happy for you, Anakin. We only want you to be happy."

Anakin nodded. "Are you happy?"

Obi-Wan shared a look with Shaak, then turned to him with a smile. "Yes."

"Then I'm happy for you, too."

THE END

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