Clutching My Cure

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Note: Brace yourselves! :D

Chapter Forty-One


Obi-Wan was having trouble controlling his nervousness as Eitan guided the speeder onto one of the Temple’s landing pads. As the Jedi Master cut the engine, Obi-Wan pulled the black hood down further as he scanned the Jedi milling about the docking bay. He felt faintly nauseous at the thought of entering the place he’d once considered home, seeing people he’d grown up around. Facing the questions that would no doubt come about why he’d left, and what he’d been doing since.

“Changing your mind?” Eitan’s deep voice effectively captured his attention, drawing his wide-eyed gaze away from the Temple for a few moments.

“Thinking about it,” he admitted with a wobbly smile. “I guess I’m not as tough as I’ve liked to believe I am.”

The Jedi shook his head in disagreement. “I wouldn’t say that. This is a huge step for you, one that I truly think is vital if you ever hope to move on with your life. Whether that life includes Xan, is another matter all together.”

Obi-Wan shifted uneasily as the perceptive words sank in. Deep down he knew that he was still clinging to unresolved issues that stemmed from his time with the Jedi, especially the way it had ended. He wasn’t as certain that one he dealt with all of it, things between him and Xanatos would work out any better. There was only one way to find out.

Pulling his shoulders back, he climbed from the speeder and bravely faced his companion. “I’m ready.”

Eitan smiled faintly at the look of resolve that came over the young man’s alluring features. He’d only spent a short time in Obi-Wan’s company, and yet it was already easy to see what had drawn Xanatos to him. Obi-Wan may dabble with the Dark Arts, but he still retained a glow about him that could only originate from the Lightside of the Force. Adjusting the hood so that it concealed Obi-Wan’s features, Eitan grasped the young man’s arm and began to guide him inside the docking bay. He shook his head as he realized just how protective he was already feeling toward the former Jedi.

“Is there anywhere in particular you’d like to begin?” He gave the arm he held a reassuring squeeze as it tensed beneath his hand the further they traveled into the heart of the Temple. He and his hooded companion drew several questioning glances that he ignored, while also drawing Obi-Wan closer to his side.

Obi-Wan’s words were a mere trembling thread when he replied. “My friend Bant is a healer.”

“The med-ward it is then.”

Entering the medical wing of the Temple, Eitan rested an arm around his companion’s shoulder in support as they approached the Padawan on duty behind the desk. Pasting a concerned expression on his face, he leaned forward so his words wouldn’t travel to the handful of Jedi waiting.

“I need a room away from everyone else and Healer Eerin.”

“I’m sorry Master Delano but Healer Eerin is very busy with other patients. What is your companions condition? I’m sure one of the other healers can help.”

“This is a very personal and highly contagious matter. He only feels comfortable having Healer Eerin attend him since she’s familiar with his ailment. I’d hate to make him wait and risk spreading this to others.” Eitan was careful to add just the right mix of worry to his expression.

The young girl’s eyes widened in concern as they rested on the hooded figure who just happened to begin coughing at that very moment. Setting her data pad aside, she hurried around the corner of the desk and gestured almost frantically for them to follow her. Eitan’s lips twitched as he solicitously lead his ailing friend to a room in what appeared to be a seldom used section of the ward.

“We only use this for highly contagious patients, or those who are a safety risk,” she explained, careful to keep a safe distance between her and the hooded figure. “Have him take a seat on the table and I’ll go inform Healer Eerin he’s waiting here.”

“Thank you,” Eitan replied to her fleeing back. “I haven’t told that many lies in a long time.”

Obi-Wan swept the hood back and grimaced. “I’m sorry to drag you into this.”

“Don’t worry your pretty head about it,” Eitan waved his apology off. “Since I started teaching flight classes I don’t get off planet much anymore. This is the most excitement I’ve had in a long time. Well, unless you count the mission I just got back from. Who’d have thought smugglers thought so little of the Jedi they’d blow my ship up?”

Obi-Wan chuckled at the bemused question, his features relaxing for the first time since they’d entered the Temple. It was quickly wiped away when the door slid open and a short, thin figure swept into the room. Large, bulbous, silver eyes zeroed in on Eitan first as the Mon Calamari healer rested flipper hands on her waist.

“Master Delano, I’m really busy and have no time for whatever game you’re playing. Did Garen put you up to this?”

Holding his hands in front of him defensively, Eitan jerked his head in the direction of his companion who was staring at the healer with an unblinking stare. “I’m sorry to take you away from your patients, but I thought you would be interested in speaking with my guest here. Matter of fact, I think I’ll step outside while the two of you get reacquainted.”

He sent Obi-Wan a reassuring wink before exiting the room and leaving the two alone. Obi-Wan tilted his chin up when she finally turned her focus on him, those large eyes doing a slow and thorough survey. Puzzlement gave way to shock until both were overshadowed by a look of such unadulterated love and joy, Obi-Wan was nearly brought to his knees by it.

“Hello Bantling,” he greeted her with a warm smile.

“Obi? Is it really you?” Her voice was thick with emotion, tears beginning to stream down her salmon colored skin. “Oh Obi!”

Obi-Wan caught her as she threw herself against him, his arms coming up to enfold her in a tight hug. His own eyes stung as he breathed deeply of the crisp sea salt smell that always reminded him of her. It brought back a flood of memories of their childhood together and the happiness he’d always experienced when in her presence. It was something he’d thought about on a daily basis over the years, one of the many losses that left a huge hole in his heart.

“I’ve missed you so much, Bantling.”

Pulling back far enough to look at his face, Bant sniffled and lightly touched a long, russet, lock of hair. “I’ve worried about you everyday, wondering where you were, if you were safe and happy. Why didn’t you keep in contact with us?”

“I’m sorry,” he replied solemnly. “I was hurt and angry at everyone and just decided it was best to cut all ties.”

Hurt clouded her eyes at his admission but she quickly let it go. “That’s all in the past. When I heard the rumors that Master Qui-Gon and Bruck had run into you, I was so excited. How have you been? What have you been up to?”

Obi-Wan gave her a glossed over version of events, leaving out his molestation at the hands of the pilot, and his plan to capture and kill Jinn. He told her about his business and how he’d come to build it over time. For reasons he couldn’t explain he also told her about Xanatos and the reason he’d finally decided to visit. When he finished, she considered his words in thoughtful silence before addressing what she’d learned.

“How do you feel about him?”

“He drives me crazy!” A dry bark of laughter quickly followed those words. “I care about him very much and love being with him.”

“Then what’s the problem? Why are you running away from what he’s offering?”

“Because I have trouble believing he truly does love me and plans to spend the rest of our lives together. What if he changes his mind and leaves me? He had no trouble letting me walk away on Telos.”

“Obi,” Bant admonished him, finned hand resting against his cheek. “There are no guarantees in life, you know that. If you both feel this deeply about one another, isn’t it worth taking a chance on? If it doesn’t work out, at least you’d have this time together to remember. What have you got to lose?”

He made no reply as he looked down at the floor. Grasping his hands in hers, Bant tugged him toward the door. “Think about it. In the meantime, let’s go to our favorite spot where we can talk some more without being interrupted.”

Obi-Wan pulled the hood over his head once again as he followed her out the door. While she explained to Eitan their plans for the rest of the afternoon, he merely stood with a silly grin on his face. He felt happy and at peace for the moment, basking in the joy of just being in her presence. A lighthearted chuckle spilled from his lips as Bant grasped his hand tightly and began to jog toward their special place.

He almost felt as if he’d come home.