A First
Time for Everything
Siri Tachi stood facing the
door in the middle of the abandoned corridor. For as long as she had been
standing there, she was surprised she hadnt seen anyone else. Then again, it
was the middle of the night, and if word traveled around the temple as quickly
as usual, everyone was probably steering clear from this area of the residence
wing.
Why me? she muttered as she reached up to chime at the door.
No answer - exactly as she had expected. He had disappeared for most of the
evening, and had apparently refused to talk to anyone since returning. Reaching
up she tried to palm the door open. It was locked. He never locked his door.
She chimed the door again. There was still no answer. Giving into her
irritation, Siri beat on the door with her fist.
Obi-Wan, open the door!
After a few moments, the door slid open.
Did it ever occur to you that I might want to be alone right now? Obi-Wan
stated.
The irritation in his voice was far beyond their usual friendly banter.
Come in. Youre not going to leave me in peace anyhow, he said moving from
the doorway.
Siri followed the knight into the common area of his
quarters and took a seat on the sofa, eyeing the bottle of Corellian
ale and glass sitting on the tea table. Obi-Wan settled down in the chair
across from her.
I thought you saved that for special occasions.
Today probably qualifies from someones point of view. I guess Adi told you what happened?
Not any details, but I have to admit I was curious when she said youre behavior in the council chambers would have made Qui-Gon proud.
Obi-Wan shot her an irritated glance.
Did you know Garen was in the foyer when you came
out? she added somewhat mockingly.
No, Obi-Wan groaned. For the record, Anakin threw the first punch. I was
defending myself.
And thats why Bant was treating him instead of
you.
Its not my fault he missed, he said seriously.
Obi-Wan, do you want to tell me what happened?
Do I have a choice?
Well, I think you should talk to someone about it. Its not everyday one of
the most dignified knights in the order tells off the entire council and
exchanges blows with his apprentice outside the council chambers.
Obi-Wan sighed audibly and ran his fingers through his hair. Siri noted with concern the agitation and nervousness
rolling off of her usually calm friend. He finally spoke.
Apparently my padawan is a married man.
What do you mean?
Exactly what I said. When he accompanied Senator Amidala
back to Naboo after Geonosis,
he married her. He told me this morning - at the Senators urging.
Why now?
I reprimanded Anakin for breaking a curfew I set because he kept staying out
too late. He was with her.
I guess you didnt take to well.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
We wouldnt be having this discussion right now if things went well. I advised
him that there would be consequences. After he left this morning, I went to see
the council.
Shouldnt you have waited for Anakin?
I wanted to talk to the council without having to worry about his temper.
And things went so much better without him there.
I dont need your sarcasm right now.
Siri stayed silent for a moment, shocked at the way
he had snapped at her.
What did the council say is going to happen? she asked more seriously.
Nothing.
What?
Nothing. They will be allowed to continue their relationship with only
the council and I knowing. We lost so many Jedi at Geonosis, and now with the war, he trailed off.
Im completely confused at why this angered you. You will be able to continue
his training.
It completely undermines any authority I have in his eyes when I say there are
consequences and the council doesnt do anything, and forbids me to do
anything, he said standing up, agitation rising in his voice. I told them
they shouldnt have a code if they arent going to bother to follow it anymore,
or make arbitrary decisions about who the code applies to or doesnt apply.
You actually said that?
Obi-Wan shook his head.
Anakin was there when I walked, rather stormed, out of the chambers. We
argued. Mainly, because I went to the council without him.
This isnt about Anakin is it?
No, Obi-Wan said as he got and walked over to sit next to Siri
on the sofa. Siri turned to the side. This is about
following a code with devotion for years and teaching my padawan
to follow and respect it, only to be told it doesnt matter.
I found Anakin after he left the healers ward and we had a more civil conversation.
I told him the councils decision, he said turning to look at Siri. He loves her deeply. Ive never seen him happier.
Obi-Wan paused, studying Siris face intently. He
smiled as he reached out and gently fingered the blond strands of hair that
fell around her face.
A slight feeling of panic came over Siri as she
realized the implications of the subtle gesture.
Obi-Wan, how much of that have you had? she asked, gesturing to the ale
sitting on the table.
Not nearly enough, he said. I am still thinking clearly.
Obi-Wan, we cant. Were Jedi. The code.
He could sense the struggle and conflict in her as she looked at him with eyes
that mirrored his own longing.
Obi-Wan reached out and gently ran his fingers down the side of her face,
feeling the softness of her skin. Leaning forward he pressed his lips against
hers, warmth rising in his body as he felt her begin to return the simple kiss.
Anakin will be back, she said, shaking her head as she abruptly broke off the
kiss.
His wife has to return to Naboo tomorrow. He wont
be back tonight. Ferus is on a mission. Its just the
two of us right now.
Both knights hesitantly leaned towards each other as Obi-Wan once again claimed
her lips, more passionately than the time before. He moved his body closer to
hers as he felt her arms come up around his neck. Whatever initial reservations
both knights had quickly disappeared as years of longing took over.
Master Noi