The Ondarian Virus

Part 31

This part's rating: PG13 (if that)

See part 0 for full header

Additional Notes: This part is much more like a short epilogue, as the virus only lasts 30 days, not 31

     Never in Qui-Gon's memory had there been such a quick breakfast taken in their quarters. Not only had they chosen a meal which required minimal preparation time, but Obi-Wan had eaten so quickly Qui-Gon was impressed he did not have a stomach ache. When asked, Obi-Wan said he was excited, but that was all. No aches, no chills, no sniffles. Not even a single, solitary sneeze. The Ondarian virus was completely gone.

     As soon as breakfast had finished, Obi-Wan had thrown on his cloak, anxious to head outside. Qui-Gon sat back, glad to see his padawan so excited for a change. Practically right out of bed there had been a bright smile on Obi-Wan's face Qui-Gon had not seen it fade for even a moment that morning. "So your plans for today are still unchanged?" Qui-Gon asked, folding his hands against the back of his head.

     Obi-Wan nodded. "You're welcome to come with."

     Qui-Gon shook his head. "Thank you, but I will stay in this time. We can meet up for lunch in the cafeteria if you would like." Obi-Wan needed time to himself and he was looking forward to a few minutes alone in their quarters as well.

     Obi-Wan nodded again. Then he took a deep breath, opened the door, and headed out.

     Qui-Gon sighed and cleared the dishes from the table. He checked his messages, then sat down on the sofa to read through the final version of Obi-Wan's report on relaxing. At over four hundred screens full, it was going to take some time to get through.

     It seemed, however, that a few minutes was all the time alone that Qui-Gon was going to get that morning as the door opened again. Obi-Wan stepped in, closing the door behind him. Qui-Gon looked up, slightly concerned. "Is there something wrong? You cannot possibly be feeling sneezy?" Qui-Gon asked, setting the datapad aside.

     Obi-Wan shook his head and walked over to the sofa. "Nothing's wrong," he said replied quickly, not wanting Qui-Gon to worry. He knelt on the couch and settled there, his cloak falling around him on all sides as he slipped it off his shoulders. "I was halfway to the training rooms when I did not really feel like going any more," he admitted. "Everything out there's the same... I've seen it all before."

     "Yes, but you have not been able to see it in so long," Qui-Gon reminded him, resisting the urge to reach out and draw his padawan closer.

     "I know," Obi-Wan said, nodding. "But nothing has changed this whole time... except for me." He leaned forward and kissed Qui-Gon's cheek as softly as possible. His lips barely touched skin. "And most likely it sounds silly, but I would rather be here with you right now. Everything out there will still be there later. And, assuming we're not indisposed at the time, I would still like to have lunch with you in the cafeteria."

     Unable to decide if that sounded silly or terribly reasonable, Qui-Gon could no longer resist his urge to pull his padawan over. Laughing softly, he cradled Obi-Wan in his arms and kissed him much more strongly. Obi-Wan eagerly kissed back. Then the Jedi Master pushed his Padawan back against the sofa, intending to take full advantage of the fact that Obi-Wan was feeling well again.