Always

by Bant ( Bant_JA@yahoo.com )

Archive: Master_apprentice, others please ask

Category: Q/O, drama, comfort

Rating: PG

Summary: Obi-Wan takes a bath.

Notes: Special thanks to Hellsmouth-Oncidium, the laughing beta.

Obi-Wan looked up, somewhat embarrassed. “Master I am still capable of bathing.”

Qui-Gon watched out of the corner of his eye, as Obi-Wan gingerly stepped into the bathtub. His gaunt body trembled and wavered for balance as he dipped his foot into the steaming water. Qui-Gon moved toward him, offering an arm to steady him. “Of course, you can, but sometimes a little assistance doesn’t hurt.”

Obi-Wan nodded, and grabbed the soap to cleanse himself, then reached across for the cloth. Qui-Gon picked it up and handed it to him. Their hands touched briefly. Qui-Gon started at the sharp boniness. The solid grip he knew from just a few weeks ago was not there. His padawan was so thin after the illness from his first solo mission. Not padawan anymore, he reminded himself but newly knighted. Laid up for over a week, with a fever and barely able to eat, the illness had taken it’s toll. His hair was dull and plastered to his head. His skin was a pale white compared to its usual colouring.

Obi-Wan had slept most of the week and stared at the walls for the balance, not noticing the passage of time. But each day since the fever broke his padawan improved and now Qui-Gon couldn’t keep him in bed any longer.

Qui-Gon chatted with him about temple news while Obi-Wan continued to wash himself. As he reached for his back, Qui-Gon grabbed the cloth from him and soaped his back. “But Master, I can wash myself. You’d think knighting would allow me some independence.”

“Nonsense, Obi-Wan, you shall always be my padawan.”