hadthehighground | Duplicity IC Inbox

When Obi-Wan had disappeared Albert hadn't parted with any of his things saved the lightsaber which had gone to Luke for safety's sake. All Obi-Wan's clothes and personal belongings he had carefully packed away, storing them in the hope that the Jedi would return. And he had, although he was much worn, but having his belongings had at least helped him settle back into life in the city faster than he might have done otherwise.

He hears the sound of the shower, and smiles to himself as he moves to open a bottle of wine, letting it breathe as he sets a pan full of water on the stove to heat.

When the door to the bedroom opens again, and Obi-Wan's bare feet fall quietly against the floor, Albert can't help but turn to look at him. Obi-Wan has always looked so very good in that dressing gown, the blue matching his eyes and it makes the photographer's heart soar that his lover still likes that gift.

"Did you have a good training session?" He asks, reaching for a pair of wine glasses.

“I did,” Obi-Wan said, running a hand through his damp hair. He felt refreshed now after having had an enjoyable sparring session. A glittering jewel also catching the light as he moved. A blue topaz stud in his ear. One that a friend had gifted him after piercing his ear again.

“It was quite invigorating. But I’m glad to be home.” This said as he leaned in to give Albert a brief kiss. His hands immediately going to work right after with the food that was being prepared.

“And how was your day?”

"I'm glad you're home too." He replies, kissing back but it's clear Albert is pleased that Obi-Wan has enjoyed himself.

"Young Cal is improving, I'm sure. The few times we've spoken he seems like a kind soul. Perhaps at some point, we should invite him here for dinner?"

After all, he was a jedi and therefore like an extended member of the family. Albert had nothing like that himself, at home or in the city, but he was happy to encourage Obi-Wan to be social.

"It's been a very nice day. I saw to the animals, prepared some negatives and met some clients at the studio. But I am very grateful the working day is done."

He pours the wine, offering the first glass to Obi-Wan, before taking a swallow from his own.

“Yes, I think that’s an excellent idea.” It would do Cal good to do something different as well. “And perhaps we can have dinner with Luke and Din sometime too. They just moved into a new house.” Obi-Wan wants Albert to be social too!

Taking the glass of wine, Obi-Wan smiled and raised it. “To nice days and good company then,” he said before bringing the glass to his lips and taking a sip.

"I wouldn't like that. You can invite them whenever you want, please. This is your home, you are free to have your friends here."

Albert knows that Obi-Wan realises that, but he feels he should reiterate it. They might have a contract, this city might put more emphasis on his status as a dominant, but Albert and Obi-Wan are equals in his mind.

He raises his glass and repeats the toast, taking a swallow. And then he sets it down, moving in the little kitchen to work next to Obi-Wan, enjoying the way that shoulders and arms brush.

Obi-Wan smiles warmly at the reassurance. Even if it wasn’t really needed. He knew he could invite them here, although he refrained from bringing any of his lady friends. But Albert needed to get out and visit others homes too now and then.

“Thank you,” he says softly before putting his glass down and returning to the food preparation. The little touches here and there as they worked close to each other was just as appreciated by the Jedi. A fond glance given to his partner now and then. He really was lucky to have Albert as his dominant. That time that felt so far away had shown him how they could enjoy their lives here even more. A part of him perhaps quietly yearning for that again. They had both been so happy, and Obi-Wan wanted to feel that again. The Jedi intentionally shifting closer to Albert, leaning in to steal a quick kiss.

Albert is not gifted with the Force, but he does pick up on the slight change in the other man as they work, something hinting to him that Obi-Wan is thinking back onto some past event, some memory.

"A nickel for your thoughts?" He prompts, after Obi-Wan presses that kiss to his lips and Albert thinks he feels that yearning even more strongly. He doesn't know what it is, he doesn't think it's for sex, but he would like to know what is on his partner's mind, if Obi-Wan will share it.

“A nickel? Goodness you are willing to pay top credit, are you?” The Jedi teasing his dominant with his usual fondness. It seems that they’ve come to know each other quite well if he noticed such subtle changes in him.

Obi-Wan rarely ever turns down sex, and wouldn’t mind it at all, but no that’s not exactly what he’s thinking about.

“It’s silly, really” he says and turns his attention back to the food. Though with a little more gentle prompting he finally decides to voice his thoughts.

“When I first came back my memories were spotty, but when I saw this,” he tugged lightly at the silken robe, “I was reminded of when you gave it to me.” He falls silent for a few moments then continues. “We were not exactly ourselves then, but we were happy. Very happy. Quite the opposite of where I was in my home galaxy.” He paused again as he heaved a sigh. “I remember being happy like that with Jyn as well and… I suppose I miss it.”

Albert doesn't mean to insult, a nickel is a lot of money in his time, but clearly it does not translate. At least Obi-Wan is not offended, he looks at his partner with that familiar tender look.

"I am sorry, Obi-Wan." He says once the other man has explained, reaching out to put his hand on the others chest, above his heart.

"I was happy then, but I am happy now, with you. I am glad you're back with me, safe here. But I know you miss her."

He doesn't think there is anything he can do to fill the gap in Obi-Wan's heart, he can't replace Jyn and he would not want to. She was clearly a wonderful woman.

"I will do anything to make you happy, my dove. Anything at all. Just tell me what you need, and I will see to it."

A faint smile tugged at the Jedi’s lips. Emotions rolling through him that he tried not to entertain before coming to this world. And even now he wasn’t so sure he should.

“I do miss her,” he says softly. He missed a great many people in his life that had been taken from him one way or another. But he had to let Jyn go as well, as hard as it had been. He hoped one day they might reunite, but also knew they might not.

Albert’s pledge though to do anything he could to make him happy was sweet. The Jedi sighing softly as he didn’t doubt Albert’s intention and yet.

“I don’t think you could truly give me what I need.”

Albert means it, he deeply, truly means it, and yet the rebuttal comes quickly, painfully. The words themselves aren't meant to wound, and yet they do. Isn't that what he promised, when they agreed on a contract? That Albert would provide all Obi-Wan needed? He intended to do that, as far as he could.

So now he looks at Obi-Wan, his hand leaving Obi-Wan's chest to instead cup the side of his face, his expression forlorn, but when he speaks there is some hope that he can correct whatever mistake he has made.

"Tell me, please, where I have fallen short?"

It hadn’t been intended that way, and yet almost immediately he realizes his error. He can feel the prick his words have on Albert and regrets he even said it. The slightest wince as Albert touched his face, blue eyes full of sadness and remorse.

“It’s not you, dear one.” Quick to try and put Albert’s mind at ease. “You have done nothing wrong. Quite the opposite actually. You have been wonderful since the moment we met and I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

He then paused. Blue eyes turning away for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. “It’s just… I’m not whole, and I don’t think I ever will be.”

Albert feels a little better, his own hurts easing at the reassurance, but not completely. It worries him still more as Obi-Wan continues and says he is incomplete. The cooking is forgotten and he keeps his hand on Obi-Wan's cheek, the other wrapping around him and holding him tight.

"Whatever is the matter? Tell me my love. What has happened to you?"

His regret for bringing it up only deepens and he shakes his head. He hadn’t wanted to ruin their lovely moment. Why had he felt compelled to say that?

“Only, old wounds,” he says quietly. Though they weren’t really all that old. Especially since he had come back.

Albert knows old hurts take a long time to heal. His may not be the same as Obi-Wan's, but he carries them nonetheless. Its kindness and care and time that help them heal, not ignoring them.

"Supper can wait a little. Come sit with me, tell me. It is better than trying to put it away in a box, you'll have to open it one day."

Would he though? He isn’t really sure if that. In a way he already had when coming face to face with the object of his sorrow when he first came to Duplicity. But even then he hasn’t entirely resolved it all. Going home again only made everything more fresh.

It’s with a reluctant nod that he agrees to sit with Albert. Supper could wait for a bit, it’s true. But his emotions felt so suddenly raw.

Albert would rather know, understand, than let this fester. He tries to share with his partner now, knowing he was not good at doing so before. No hidden truths, no secrets. He would bare his own soul, and he hopes Obi-Wan will do the same.

He takes the other man's hands, and leads him outside towards a bench in the garden, facing the woods. The evening is warm, and the natural surroundings the bird song, make things feel a little better. He hopes Obi-Wan feels the same.

"Tell me, dove, and we'll see what can be done."

It did make him feel better. The Jedi sighing softly and closing his eyes for a moment as they sat. Savoring the way the breeze touched his skin on his barely dressed form. It brought him a bit of peace.

So when Albert asked, it was easier to answer. Though there was still a moment of hesitation.
“I’ve told you haven’t I? About the state of my people back home. How there’s hardly any of us left?”

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