DREAMS ↠ A. SKYWALKER

TWENTY

A month later, Liana's belly is growing much more prominently and round. She does her best to ignore the events that occurred back in the alleyway. Lately, Anakin is much busier with his duties and comes and goes much more frequently.

It's mid-morning when Master Obi-Wan Kenobi steps off the glass elevator into her apartment. Liana holds her morning mug of tea in her hands as he appears in the living room. "Ah, Liana,"

"General Kenobi!" she gasps, struggling to get to her feet, surprised by his visit. "If I had known you were coming, I would have cleaned up!"

She gives him a quick hug, one that he kindly returns. He wears his usual beige robes that blend perfectly with his chestnut hair and beard.

"Nonsense. You know I pay no mind to that," he says dismissively.

Liana smiles knowingly, tucking her golden locks behind her ears. Obi-Wan looks tired, with dark circles lining his normally sparkling blue eyes, and his hair is slightly disheveled. "What is that troubles you?"

Obi-Wan sits across from her on the other plush blue couch. Liana's hand falls to her belly as she sits, an action that does not go unnoticed by the well-trained Jedi Master.

"I'm worried about Anakin," he admits, his brows furrowed as he dwells on his thoughts. "He seems to be struggling with all the stress he's under,"

"How so?" she asks, pulling a blanket over her lower half to cover her swollen pregnant ankles.

"He seems...distant. As if something troubles him, deep down. Has he said anything to you?"

Liana ponders this for a moment, wondering how much of a truth to give the all-knowing man. Sue settles on the truth. "Anakin has told me that he feels as though the Jedi council doesn't trust him due to his friendship with Chancellor Palpatine,"

Obi-Wan hums, scratching his beard in deep thought. "Does he seem close with the Chancellor? Talk of him often?"

"As much as he does you, I imagine. Although, General Kenobi—"

"Please—just Obi-Wan,"

"Obi-Wan," she corrects. "I believe it possible that Anakin feels he has been wronged. He wishes to be a Master, like you."

"Oh, I'm well aware of his ambitions. Anakin very well may be the Chosen One, but he has much to learn before we can make him a true Jedi Master."

"Understandably," she adds before wincing as a sharp kick hits her stomach. Her hand falls to her belly as she feels one of her babes wriggle about her womb.

"Something the matter?" questions Obi-Wan, eyes full of concern.

"Just a kick," she manages to say through the uncomfortable sensation.

"So you are indeed, with child?"

"Two of them--twins,"

"Remarkable," Obi-Wan's eyebrows rise in utter surprise. He holds his tongue, although the burning question makes the tension in the room palpable.

"Their father is a man I fell in love with on Naboo. I hope to return there soon to give birth," she finally confesses.

"Well, I do wish you the best during your pregnancy. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything,"

"Thank you, Master," she smiles brilliantly.

"I'm afraid I must depart in search of General Grievous for an unknown amount of time. With him gone, this galaxy will be far safer."

"You're too selfless, Obi-Wan," Liana admits, admiring his good heart. He rubs his beard once more.

"As is the Jedi way," he muses before rising to his feet. "I must get going. Do keep an eye out on Anakin, will you?"