Growing Pains

Chapter 9

Kaiweri POV

The outer rim assaults are being planned. The logistics of our campaign are both complicated and expensive. Fortunately, we're being given a week to collect ourselves while the fleet is supplied by the planet of Naboo.

This isn't a vacation, nor a retreat. On paper, it is a "temporary leave". In reality, it is in fact a vacation. A well-earned one. For this week we are not Jedi, nor are we commanders in the godforsaken war. We are friends, people.

Within this compound were there 6 of us. Anakin, Master Secura, Ahsoka, Master Kenobi, Jera and myself. An entire lineage and two stragglers. Heh. Funny. Even though I'm relatively familiar with everyone here, I still feel out of place. Master Secura is out on the town, getting groceries.

"Kai." A strong hand rested on my shoulders as I overlooked the grand lake before me. My robes flowed loosely with the cool breeze as I peeked over my shoulder. "What is it Ani?" I asked dryly. He stood next to me, a warm smile gracing his face. "Are you enjoying the change of scenery?" He queried with intrigue, looking for an answer within my eyes.

I turned away, back to the lake. Alien birds swooped and climbed gracefully. "Yes. The sun... It's like a warm kiss." I mused as I hugged myself, holding in the warmth of the celestial body. Anakin's curiosity tugged at my senses. "And what do you know about kisses?" He chuckled, though we both know that's a damn fake and pitiful excuse for nonchalance. "It's what I imagined it to be like." I corrected.

Anakin's shoulders dropped. "Well, from experience, you're not too far off." He sighed. What is he getting at? "That's not fair." I pouted while crossing my arms once more. Anakin turned towards me, "Excuse me?"

I too turned, looking up at him with my pitch-black eyes. "That. Is. Not. Fair." I repeated slowly, a teasing tone escaping my lips. Subconsciously, I  must have licked them a million times. They were both soft and being watched by Anakin intently. His gaze wasn't harsh, nor was it intense. It was curious and eager. But also patient.

He took a step towards me, forcing my head further up in order to keep sight with his eyes. His midriff and my chest touched, whether it be through our bond or biology, I could feel his heart. It was slow, steady. Mine was rising. Quickly. "Don't look at me with those eyes." I pleaded, to no avail.

When he looks at me, it's like I'm all he's thinking about. All he wants. All he needs. I feel important. To him alone. Needed, wanted. I'm a Jedi. His Jedi. Is it me, or the bond? Or both. Destiny, the Force?

My arms inched closer and closer until I grabbed handfuls of the arm-length sleeves of his robes. "What eyes?" He asked, his face coming closer to mine so that they were level. Our eyes closed, the Force guiding us. Our lips grazed each other, hot air and nervousness repelling us. It was so... frustrating. Like a handshake without locking hands. Whenever he drew back I pressed into him and vice versa. This back-and-forth went on for a few seconds before our minds synced.

The kiss was short, sweet and addicting. Contrary to a few seconds ago, we couldn't let go. His hands stroked my tentacles tentatively as I rummaged through his luscious locks. His touch sent shivers from my back down to my feet up to my nose and around my arms, to my heart and back to my back. Everywhere was on fire, lost in ecstasy. I needed this.

We got so into it, that Anakin had to physically push me away for us to finally separate from one another. Did I scare him? Offend him? Assault him? What if he didn't like it or worse, me? "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to..." I scrambled to gather an apology, the separation snapped me back to my senses. I kissed a Jedi Master, and he pushed me away. What does this mean for us?

I began crumbling, tears welling in my eyes and my freshly kissed lips began to quiver. Before I could my mind could run any further, a surge passed over my body as Anakin grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed my lips for what felt like forever. It was an apology.  Warm, unchaste but delicate. Everything I hoped it to be.

"I wasn't as prepared as I thought I was." Anakin confided guilty. His arms snaked around my waist even more, pulling me closer. I couldn't help but smile even though I did my best to fake a pout. "You had me worried." His robotic arm moved to cup my face, his false thumb gently gliding over my cheek. "I figured."

Then, all of a sudden, I felt his heart spike through our clothes and bond. A veil of panic shook his core as he pulled himself away, my arms reaching out as I stood there in awe.

"Well, this is definitely something." A foreign accent expressed, almost revelling in what they just witnessed. I whipped around to the Twilek Master with her two hands holding bags filled with goods. "M-master." I stuttered, righting myself, fixing my posture and fumbling with my robes. Anakin didn't even attempt to hide what just happened. His eyes were stoic and accepting, he understood the gravity of his actions and mine. This is all my fault.

"So she's the mystery girl." Master Secura said enthusiastically, cocking her head to the side with a sweet smile. I looked back and forth between the two, searching for answers. "What's going on?" I worriedly asked, stepping to Anakin's side.

Anakin, with an even more guilty expression weaved and etched into the creases of his face. "Well, Anakin tells me everything, except names of course." The Twilek admitted, setting the items in her hands down. A mischievous glint shone in her eyes, it matched the almost 'I know more than you know' smile.

I looked to the silent Jedi, continuing to scan for clues. "She's like my sister." He said as if it were some all-encompassing excuse. I let the disappointment show in my face, his eyes averting to the sky.

We've never gotten so far into our so as to read memories, so I guess that's why I would've never known. However, her absence due to the war also adds up. I would never have known. So Anakin can keep these kinds of secrets. Interesting.

Aayla was about to say something, but suddenly Kenobi appeared from within the confines of the home. His arms covered from his fingers to his elbows in flour. "There you all are! I've been trying to call you. Jera and Ahsoka started preparing the evening meal." He alerted, a twinge of annoyance echoing in his voice, though I could tell it was directed towards Anakin. Serves him right.

"Apologies Master," I said with a slight bow, my body creaking from still being rattled by the revelation. "Kaiweri, there's no need to be so formal. You're like family at this point." He corrected. I felt a beat rise on my cheeks. He's... accepting me. "Thank you... Mast-... Ke... Obi...?" I continually stuttered, unsure what to call him. "Obi-wan is fine." He noted.

"Alright, Obi-wan."

Hm. Interesting indeed.

Words 1248

Posted 5/11/2024