hadthehighground | Duplicity IC Inbox

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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