Without The Force ~Obi-Wan Kenobi x Reader~

25- Pacing up and down

You step out of the shower, drying yourself off and dressing in yesterday's clothes. When you exit the bathroom, you spot them, and they give you a weak smile,

"Morning," You say,

"Good morning," They're barely awake, rubbing their eyes sleepily.

They prepare breakfast for you, and you wait for it, anxiously hopping from foot to foot. It's a nice morning, you think- peaceful. But you can feel something brewing on the horizon, you know there will be hell to pay when you finally get back to Obi-Wan. Now that time is approaching, the nerves start settling in, the momentary courage wavers as the darkness of the oncoming storm grows closer with each second.

Breakfast is some sort of egg on a thin sheet of bread. It's not much, and your stomach rumbles even as you take the last bite. The egg is oily, and a purplish tinge decorates the edge, but you say nothing. Really, you're thankful for a meal at all.

"Must you go?" They ask, standing in the doorway. You're stood in the street, prepared for your walk back to the hotel.

"I have people waiting for me, they must be worried sick already." You cast your eyes around, making sure they're not already out looking for you. "Thank you, though, for everything."

"It's me who should be thanking you. I appreciate the support, but I have a question-"

"What is it?"

"Who are you? I mean, really?"

You think about telling them the truth, about Obi-Wan and Anakin. They look almost sad as you mull it over,

"I'm from the city." You admit, "Well, originally I was from here, but now I live above."

"Seriously? What's it like?"

You laugh, "It's lovely, but I almost feel unwelcome there. It's so unbelievably different, like this place is another planet entirely."

They nod, almost like they're imagining it for themselves. You sigh,

"I really should get going. I have a few hours walk."

"Oh, of course! I'm sorry for keeping you so long."

You shake your head, "No, it was my pleasure. I'll see you around?"

"Definitely, keep safe now."

"You too!" You wave as you leave, hurriedly walking back to your hotel.

As time passes, the nerves in your stomach begin to gnaw at you more and more, and you begin to wonder if this time you've pushed it too far. The Jedi had never been too strict with you, but abandoning a mission for so long? And only doing so in order to go against the republic? If Obi-Wan were to know where you'd been, well...

You felt ill even thinking about how upset he'd be.

But this was your life! These were your people! When you saw the sickness in their eyes, the suffering and pain they endure simply existing in this place- you knew you had to do something. You were conflicted, torn between the compassion the Jedi had shown you and your need to help your own kind. Would it be so wrong to speak out? If Obi-Wan truly cared for you, surely he would understand? And even if he didn't, was he enough to hold you back?

As you near the hotel, you decide you have to at least say something. Maybe not the whole truth, but at least some of it- just to test the waters.

~~~~~~~~

Obi-Wan is almost delirious. As he paces up and down the room, Anakin watches, eating his pre-packed sludge as he does so.

"Why don't we go look for them?" He asks through a mouthful

"We don't know our way around this place! What if we get lost? What if we run into Separatists? We can't go anywhere!"

Anankin swallows his food thoughtfully, "Well if we can't go and find them, why are you panicking so much?"

"Because Anakin, this is our friend- I can't bear to think what I would do if... No, never mind, I can't think about that."

"I thought the Jedi weren't supposed to form attachments, and yet you seem awfully attached."

Obi-Wan stops pacing for the first time in the few hours he has been awake, "Don't say that Anakin, you don't know what you're talking about."

"I think I do, Obi-Wan." Anakin takes another bite, grimacing at it.

"Of course- Of course there are always exceptions to the rules... The code is very outdated, you know." Obi-Wan falters, slumping his shoulders and sighing.

"You know as well as I do that there are no exceptions, we both just happen to break the rules sometimes."

"I- Well I, it's never intentional." Obi-Wan looks around, as if Master Yoda is suddenly going to appear behind him, "You wouldn't say anything, would you, Anakin?"

"Of course not master, I wouldn't dream of it." Anakin's smile is devilish, but Obi-Wan knows he's only teasing.

"Well then.. If nobody says anything..."

"You can continue to break the rules without consequence?"

Obi-Wan doesn't respond, only goes back to his pacing. Anakin finishes his meal, swallowing a large mouthful of water to wash out the taste as well as the weird residue the food leaves in your mouth.

It's another half hour before you finally open the hotel door. Obi-Wan practically pounces on you, slamming the door behind you and cornering you against it.

"Where have you been? Anakin and I have been so worried!"

"It was more Master Obi-Wan who was worrying, I knew you'd be fine." Anakin winks from over Obi-Wan's shoulder. You feel yourself tremble, suddenly the idea of telling the truth is much more terrifying.

"Well?"

"I..." You take a deep breath, "I was with someone."

Obi-Wan backs away. His arms are crossed, eyebrows raised,

"Do you really think thats appropriate?"

"Not like that, Master Obi-Wan- I made a friend."

You notice Obi-Wan's face is flushed, but you can't tell whether it's out of annoyance or embarrassment. You hadn't worded it perfectly, but you hadn't lied either. Obi-Wan's arms drop to his sides,

"Fine. OK. Well, what about the posters that were here? Did you take them?"

You can't meet his eyes, even Anakin's glare is too much, "Yes, I did, but... But it was only to throw them away!" You nod, "Yeah, I threw them out! You didn't need them, did you?"

"I suppose not, but still, you can't just leave without telling me! Anakin, tell them how worried you were!"

"I just said, I wasn't worried."

Obi-Wan sighs, "Not helping, Anakin."

"Who said I was on your side? I think it's fine, it's not like anything bad happened."

At this point, you're positive Obi-Wan might scream. He looks utterly defeated. You try to offer him a smile,

"I'm sorry Master Obi-Wan, I should've told you I was going out. I promise, it won't happen again."

"Fine. At least you're safe," He manages a small smile himself, "You really gave Anakin a fright, you know."

"For the last time, I said I don't care!"