Saga "Coolness"- (TPM Vignette, QG's death, Obi/Padme friendship)

This is meant to be an insight into how Obi-Wan dealt with Qui-Gon's death, as revealed through a conversation with Padme. It's not a romance




The last glowing embers faded and died with the setting sun. Taking this to signal the end of the ceremony, the onlookers quietly began to go their separate ways into the night. Only Obi-Wan, Anakin, Mace, and the Queen lingered. Anakin looked up anxiously at Obi-Wan, who hadn?t budged, but stood gazing at his Master?s ashes on the pyre.
?Master Kenobi,? the boy said softly, not wanting to be rude. Obi-Wan glanced down at him. ?I?m sorry to disturb you, sir, but shouldn?t we be going? It?s getting dark, sir, and cold.?
Obi-Wan didn?t want to leave just yet, but felt a responsibility to his new Padawan. He sighed almost imperceptibly and was about to speak when Mace interrupted.
?Master Kenobi should take this time to be alone,? Mace said. ?I can escort you to your quarters, Padawan Skywalker.?
Anakin looked from Mace to Obi-Wan, who nodded, then the boy turned to leave. Obi-Wan gave Mace a grateful look, which was answered with a slight nod. Then Mace turned and disappeared with Anakin back to the Theed Palace. Obi-Wan looked back to the pyre, lost in thought.
The Queen knew she should return to the Palace as well, but didn?t want to leave the young Jedi alone. His face was stoic, but his eyes seemed sad and lonely. She debated whether it would just be best to leave him by himself, but finally decided she needed to say some words of condolence to him. Slowly, she walked up behind him. ?Master Jedi.?
Obi-Wan could sense that it was the Queen, but her tone lacked the cool, formal air she usually used. Instead it sounded warm and friendly, like it did when she allowed herself to relax under the guise of a handmaiden. He turned around and bowed slightly as he said, ?Your Highness.?
?Please, call me Padme,? she insisted with a small smile. If there was ever a time to drop her hard exterior, this was it. She hoped the Jedi would allow himself to do the same, but he didn?t return the cordiality. Brushing this aside, she continued slowly, ?I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I regret that I did not get to know Master Jinn better. He seemed like a good man.?
Remaining solemn, Obi-Wan looked down as he said quietly, ?Qui-Gon was an excellent man, an excellent Jedi.?
?I know, being his Padawan for so long, you must have loved him like a father,? Padme said, hoping she wouldn?t upset the young Jedi further. But to her surprise, he looked at her steadily.
?A Jedi does not love nor become attached to anyone.?
Padme could not help but be taken aback by the comment. ?Of course the Jedi do not marry, I know, but certainly one cannot help but develop certain bonds of friendship and brotherhood with his fellow Jedi.?
?To a limited extent, Your Highness.?
?But...this whole time, you?ve never even cried. Don?t you at least feel grief??
Obi-Wan?s voice raised slightly. ?Why should I feel grief? Master Qui-Gon is One with the Force. There?s nothing I could do to change it.? Padme could hear the masked frustration arising in his voice. ?Besides,? he continued, ?crying would be an indication of fear, and weakness.?
?How is it fear?? Padme said, her own voice starting to show anger with Obi-Wan?s apparent lack of feelings.
?Fear of what?s to happen to me now, or to Anakin...? his voice trailed off.
?What is to happen to Anakin??
?I am taking him as my Padawan,? Obi-Wan said, trying to muster confidence.
?Your Padawan? But, pardon my indiscretion Master Kenobi, is it wise for such a young Knight to take on that responsibility??
Obi-Wan?s eyes flashed indignantly, ?Both myself and the Council have full confidence in my ability to train Anakin.? He tried to sound bold, but his expression betrayed his weakness. Padme could see that the Jedi didn?t have complete confidence in his own words. Obi-Wan took a moment to calm himself, then said evenly, ?It?s late, Your Highness, and I?m sure your guards would much rather have you back at the P

 

Even if it isn't a romance, it was still really sweet to read

~aeryn

 

Very good, sj . You add some insight into Obi-Wan's possible feelings of contempt towards Qui-Gon and jealousy towards Anakin. You seem to have a lot in common with Padmé, however, when it comes to your ideas about Obi-Wan's attractive traits...hmm...

 

*eyebrows* That Obi-Wan, he's almost as hot as... you

-sj loves kevin spacey