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Transitions, Part Two

by Harleen Rhydonn

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Rating--PG for now, will become NC-17 eventually

Spoilers--Not really, but Before TPM

Feedback--Yes, please!! :-)

Disclaimer--With the exception of Harleen Rhydonn and Cuthbert Klaatulu (so far), all characters are the property of George Lucas. I'm just "creatively borrowing" them!

Note: Although the main female character is named Harleen Rhydonn, and I also go by this name, I just want to state that I have created her in my image only. Harleen the story character and Harleen the person are two seperate entities. :-)

Chapter 2

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Qui-Gon led Harleen and Obi-Wan down the hallways of the Jedi Academy, pausing at a door in the far corner.

"Is this to be my new quarters?" Harleen asked him.

"Yes." Qui-Gon said as he opened the door.

Harleen looked into the small, dimly lit room. The furnishings were rather spartan: a bed in the middle of the room, nightstand, dresser with a mirror, and a small desk and chair. The walls were stark white. There was, however, a balcony against the far wall. The view of Coruscant at night was breathtaking.

Ever the creative one, she immediately thought of ways to give this small room some cheer.

"Yes, this will do! It does have possibilities." She turned on the lights and motioned for Obi-Wan to put her bag on the bed, which he immediately did.

"I am pleased that you are happy with it." Qui-Gon said.

"Just so you know, Harleen, if you ever need anything at night, my quarters are right next door." Obi-Wan added, with a shy smile. "Master Qui-Gon is located just down the hall."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan." Harleen said aloud. Hmmm....what exactly is the Padawan thinking? Was that an invitation? She wondered to herself. She secretly hoped that it was.

"I will leave you to unpack now. It is getting late, and I must retire. I know that it has been a long week for you. Obi-Wan, try not to keep Harleen awake too late. Good night, sleep well." Qui-Gon smiled as he bid them farewell.

"Very well, Qui-Gon." she acknowledged. "I appreciate all that you and Obi-Wan have done for me. I shall see you at breakfast then. Good night."

"Good night, Master." Obi-Wan said.

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"Would you like some help?" Obi-Wan asked as Harleen started to unpack her belongings.

"That would be wonderful, Obi-Wan. We can catch up on things as well." Harleen answered. "So, how are things going for you and Master Qui-Gon?"

"Quite well, actually. I will be ready for my trials soon, and Qui-Gon has been a better Master than I could have ever hoped for." Obi-Wan said proudly. His expression changed to one of concern. "I do not wish to pry, but is everything all right with you?"

Harleen looked sad as she stopped unpacking and went out onto the balcony. Obi-Wan followed her.

"Yes, I will be. As ecstatic as I am at finally completing my trials and becoming a Jedi Knight, I miss Master Cuthbert. You know, the Council originally asked for me to go with another Master after he took ill, but I refused. My Master needed me. Even when the doctors told me there was nothing they could do, I felt it was my duty as Padawan to make sure he was well taken care of all the way until the end." Tears welled up in her big brown eyes, but she fought them back as best she could. "I may not have done as well in the fighting and physical arts as I should have, due to all this; but at least I have been blessed with these telepathic abilities that rival the highest of the Masters. At least that is what Master Cuthbert always said...." Concentrate, she told herself. Focus. She tried a feeble attempt at humor. "So, you may want to watch your thoughts around me."

"Harleen." Obi-Wan sensed her distress, her internal battle with her emotions. "Don't fight your feelings. If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, please, just let it all out. I am here for you."

Harleen lost her battle. She put her head against Obi-Wan's shoulder and started to cry like a distressed child. Obi-Wan wrapped his strong arms around her and stroked her hair.

"It will be all right. Qui-Gon and I will take good care of you." Obi-Wan kissed her hair gently.

"Thank you. You do not know how much that means to me." Harleen started to calm down, and was melting in Obi-Wan's embrace. "May I ask you something without sounding forward?" she looked up at him.

"Of course." Her tear-stained face, the childlike expression of helplessness made her look even more appealing.

"Would you please stay with me tonight? Just to hold me, that is all I ask. If you are not comfortable with that, I understand." She tried to scan his mind, and knew his answer before he even said it.

"Of course, Harleen. I will not try anything you do not wish me to."

"Thank you. Why don't you go get ready for sleep." She smiled at him through her tears.

As Obi-Wan got up and left to prepare for bed, Harleen realized that she was not sure exactly which of his advances, if he chose to make them, she would say no to.

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To be continued.....