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English
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Jedi-Friendly
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Published:
2022-02-28
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952
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1/1
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Gentle Welcome

Summary:

Obi-Wan worrries, sometimes, but he enjoys what life offers.

A soft and casual post-Rako Hardeen arc one shot.

Notes:

No unecessary Drama: The Fic.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Obi-Wan always tries to be patient with Anakin. He tries to be understanding. He tries to see things the way he does and he tries to communicate with Anakin in a way he understands. He tries to be a good mentor, a good best friend, and a good colleague, now that he isn't his master anymore. And yet, some days, Obi-Wan doesn't understand what angers Anakin so much. It isn't his place to push him, and hopefully Anakin would do some soul searching on the issue.

Obi-Wan looks at himself in the mirror, running a hand mournfully over his bald head and his clean shaven face. Well. Time would do it's job. He would do his.

Putting on his robes and taking the last sip of his tea, Obi-Wan left his quarters, inclining his head in greeting to any other Jedi who came across him on the hallway.

Many bid the Force to be with him and congratulated him on his operation saving the Chancellor. Some (Quinlan and Aayla) stopped to offer him pats on the shoulder. Yoda smiled at him. Obi-Wan sighed- this was so much better than being on his toes around bounty hunters, though that too was its own flavor of fun. Obi-Wan walked out into the hangar.

His starfighter awaited, artificial sunlight glinting off its surface and blinding Obi-Wan just a tiny bit. The shapes before him blurred in lights and shadows. The master blinked.

Anakin hadn't come to say farewell on his deployment, and neither had Ahsoka. Ahsoka was young, still, and she was likely to follow her master on these things. Anakin, however... didn't tend to act like this toward him. Perhaps... perhaps Obi-Wan was missing something. Something that was obvious to Anakin and not to himself. A reason for which, upon finding a loved one alive and well, one would react with anger rather than relief.

"Obi-Wan," a voice said behind him, "I got the details of your assignment."

Obi-Wan turned around, and Mace smiled at him, handing him a datapad.

"Thank you, Mace," he said, taking the pad. Most of the data in it had already been discussed, but now he would have time to review more delicate details on his way to the field.

Something about the way he said it must have been quite transparent, because Mace said, "are you quite sure you're ready to head out again, Obi-Wan?" The light of the sky shined on his eyes.

The Council had offered Obi-Wan a week-long contemplative leave, and Obi-Wan had declined. He had no field fatigue, and his major concern separate from the war effort was Anakin. Anakin was a consistent matter of reflection for over a decade, and the time of hyperspace travel would grant him the time to meditate.

Still, no harm to consult with an older master and friend. "I am well, but I worry Anakin might not be."

Mace nodded in understanding. "I feel the boy still has trouble accepting his pain," he explains, "and his way to avoid confronting his fear is lashing out at you."

Worse than he thought, then, "did we make the right choice, knighting him?"

Mace shrugged lightly, "His lessons will now come from his experience, rather than your word- you've done an appropiate job of letting him know the principles of mindfulness, and of compassion." Together, they walked toward's Obi-Wan's ride. "He has a good heart. Give him time. He's young."

Obi-Wan nodded slowly, said, "I will. I do trust him. Thank you, Mace."

"You're always welcome. May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan."

As Obi-Wan flew up to his ship where his troopers awaited him, he let the Force guide his hand and breathed deeply, slowly. He wished dearly that Anakin didn't experience any suffering, but pain was as much a part of life as anything else, and this was out of his control. Only Anakin could come to terms with his own emotions, and only Anakin could seek advise if he so desired it. Pressing him now on the issue would only make Anakin close down and avoid the problem for longer. Obi-Wan had to be patient, and all his concern, while natural, was useless for the situation.

Feeling lighter, Obi-Wan landed his starfighter on the ship's hangar, and jumped out nimbly, robes fluttering behind him. Amongst the bustle of the soldiers and machinery, the supplies being carried to and fro, he saw a familiarly scarred face aproaching him. Obi-Wan smiled lightly, genuinely cheered with seeing his friend, and still, ready for any reaction Cody might have. "Commander," he greeted.

Commander Cody came to a stand in front of him, stone-faced, looked him up and down, and then... smirked. "Glad to have you back, General."

Obi-Wan grinned, and said, "Are the men holding up alright?"

Cody gestured, and together, they began walking deeper into the ship, towards the command center, "We knocked up drinks in your name and knocked some more to celebrate your continued survival," Cody said, amusedly, "Waxer even got that special tea you like so much. I left it in your quarters, General."

"Thank you, Cody," Obi-Wan said, feeling an intense well of affection bloom in his chest, "and please extend my appreciation to Waxer, if you run into him before I."

"Will do, sir."

Maybe Anakin still had troubles, and maybe Ahsoka would need time to understand both herself and her master. Maybe there was a war to fight and the Sith had returned, and every day was a spell of more and more tragedy. Maybe the future was uncertain, and maybe communication wasn't easy.

But Obi-Wan got to appreciate the time he had with the people he cared about, and those that cared about him.

Notes:

Thanks for reading! Special thanks to Discord server for reminding me of this arc. I haven't written in a while. Shout at me at Tumblr @monjustmon