At Least It Was Better

At Least It Was Better



Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi raised a hand to his eyes, gazing at his fingers as they curled into a clenched fist. Today was not the best of days to be angry at the smallest of matters. Today was a day for memories and bringing peace to his soul in those tormented hours. It was only a year ago that his beloved Master Qui-Gon Jinn had fallen to the Sith Lord in a massive battle.



Turning away from the window, the young man ran a hand through his stiff dark brown hair reluctantly, pausing at the severed stumps where his Padawan braid used to be. Every once in a while, he would finger it, absently wondering where the braid had gone. That was when he'd remember.



Obi-Wan seated himself on his sleep couch, running a hand over his pillow and smoothing it out before clasping his fingers together. Sometimes, he felt helpless and useless. Why couldn't he find something to do? Something better than wallowing in self pity? Standing up, the Jedi strode over to the sink and reached for a cup. After filling it with caf, he returned to his seat.



You know you could have saved him... The raging voices inside his head just wouldn't be quiet. I know. I should have. There is always a way. Kenobi stood up, throwing his cup against the floor in frustration. Somehow, he felt even worse than he had on that day. The empty hole in his soul wasn't going to be filled by grief.



Just then, the doorbell chimed softly, announcing the fact that someone had a desire to come in. Taking a breath, Obi-Wan waved it open with the Force. This was not a good morning to stop in for a chat.



However, a familiar figure strode in, her lips twisted slightly in a laughing manner, her golden locks of hair catching the brilliant sheen of the glow rods on the walls. Walking towards the young man, the woman immediately sensed that something was wrong. Her cerulean eyes clouded over as she lay a hand on his arm. "Obi?" Her tone was soft, almost tender.



Kenobi looked up, a small smile dancing on his features. It was sad, although a tinge of gratefullness lay underneath for her soothing prescence. "Siri."



Tachi seated herself beside the Jedi, taking a hand into hers. "What's wrong?"



Obi-Wan hesitated. It had never been easy to reveal his feelings but someone close to him was there. "I'm lost, Siri. I don't know what to do. I'm empty but need to be filled somehow. I can't do it alone, but who is there?" His gentle orbs rose to meet hers, a confused expression mirroring what he felt inside. "I miss Qui-Gon but I know he wants me to do something. He needs me to fulfill myself but he won't tell me."



Siri was silent for a brief moment, sensing the uncertain emotions rolling off the newly knighted Jedi. It seemed as if Qui-Gon himself was guiding her words...and her actions.



"Obi-Wan. You know I'm here for you. I always have and always will. Don't forget that."



She leaned over, her lips meeting his in a tender kiss that lasted for a few seconds before gazing into his eyes. "I love you."



Obi-Wan felt the cascading emotions inside him cease, melting together into one, peaceful sense of fulfillment. This is what his Master meant. Love made him stronger, made him whole.



"I love you, Siri." Somewhere deep inside of him, Obi-Wan Kenobi knew that someday he would lose her but now was not the time. He still felt his master's loss but it was not so keen.



At least the day ended better than it started.



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Word Count: 619