Memories of Water

by Amberlee ( amberleewriter@yahoo.com )

Title: Memories of Water
Author: Amberlee
Archive: MA, Bail Now, and my site only
Category: angst, Obi/Bail, non Q/O
Rating: R-ish?
Summary: Memories are as essential to the soul as water to the body.
Notes: Originally begun as images for the tpm100 elements challenges, these short visions couldn't make the 100 word cut and slowly evolved into a synopsis of Obi-Wan and Bail's relationship.

Memories of Water
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"The bodies of most sentient beings are between sixty and eighty percent water. Water is one of the most basic and essential elements of life."

Obi-Wan never thought he would live in a place where such a simple temple lesson would rule his existence. But the temple is empty now and the Force has returned him to this barren ball of rock to do penance for his failures.

He hoards his memories of water as though it were the precious stuff itself. This harsh and unforgiving planet does not give up its moisture without argument. Obi-Wan does not give up his memories, no matter how painful, without a fight.

Memories of water are all bound together with memories of Bail. They are twined in helix, each feeding and protecting the other in a strange yet perfect union. He guards these memories -- holding them close to his heart in silent darkness -- protecting them as he does the life giving drops of condensation that his moisture traps deposit in his cistern. They sustain his soul as the liquid sustains his body.

Snow. Water so cold that it becomes solid and falls in white crystal beauty from the sky. It is a good insulator and can be used for constructing shelter. Obi-Wan kneels in the biting wind of the storm, lifting the large blocks that will form the sanctuary with the power of the Force. Later, in the dark cold dampness of that small space, he will open his heart to a Senator from Alderaan and wonder why he did.

Endless sheets of memory water fall from above. He is in a shower. Bail is on his knees deep throating Obi-Wan. The water is hot, but not as hot as Bail's mouth. It is silken but not as soft and sensual as the Prince's hands that kneed and ply sensation heightened skin. When the force of orgasm buckles Obi-Wan's knees, the pair slip together, crashing to the slick tile in a tangle of arms and legs. Laughter rings off the walls.

Wind catches the sail and a boat glides swiftly over deep water. Alderaan is a planet of lakes and waterfalls, hot springs and deep seas. Bail crows happily as he steers the craft, salt spray damping his short black hair. He is magnificent and resplendent in the bright sunshine; water droplets gleaming on his skin like glitter. They have escaped today and the boat is their refuge. Tomorrow will dawn and with it will come the return of responsibility. But today they will fish for their supper and tonight they will swim naked in the moonlight.

Rain falls from the sky, splattering against windows and tapping on the roof. It is monsoon season here. Bail stands on the balcony, eyes closed, allowing the water to drench him. Formal blue robes hang sodden and heavy from his shoulders. Obi-Wan did not know that Bail would be the Republic representative at these negotiations. Bail did not know that Obi-Wan would be half of the Jedi team. They exploit this break in the discussions to their advantage but Bail seems pensive. Obi-Wan joins him on the balcony and kisses the sweet water away from Bail's careworn face.

Water falling from his eyes: silent tears of parting that he shed twice for Bail. Once when the Prince did what his station required and married. Again when Padme's body gave up its children and Obi-Wan became steward of the boy. They were bitter salty tears of regret and duty. Tears that Bail kissed both times from Obi-Wan's grief filled face in mute apology.

Memories of water are, for Obi-Wan, memories of hope. Memories of love. They reassure him that he is still capable of feeling and not a desolate husk like this planet. It is a harsh and hostile place where the very molecules of life fight to survive. Where Obi-Wan fights to keep the dream of resurrecting the Jedi alive. One day, Force willing, he will feel the water against his skin again. It will cleanse him of his sins and grant him absolution. It will fall from the sky like a promise kept and Bail will be by his side once more.

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