Author's Notes: Spring cleaning! Like New Arrangements, this fic is one of several that has been languishing on my hard drive; though it has actually been completed for several years, I've never posted it. Maybe because the idea isn't exactly groundbreaking, maybe because it's really just a pointless little h/c that doesn't have a plot other than being a pointless little h/c, maybe because it's a bit rough in spots. but it is a finished fic, so updates will be fairly quick; reviews appreciated, encouraged, and shamelessly begged for.

I was going to title this story "A Pointless Little Hurt/Comfort Fic," but maybe that will just be the alternate title.

Title: A Pointless Little Hurt/Comfort Fic (I guess I was wrong. I can't think of anything prolific.)

Author: Syntyche

Rating: PG, mild violence

Summary: I think the title pretty much sums it up.

To anyone keeping an eye on my other fics, updates for New Arrangements and Unlikely Houseguest will be up sometime between tomorrow and the weekend. Possibly even the Rewrite. (gasp!) And the next chap of this fic if anyone is interested.


A Pointless Little Hurt/Comfort Fic

By: Syntyche


"Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan?"

"Hm?"

"What's the first line of the Jedi Code? Obi-Wan?"

"I don't know…"

"Yes, you do. Of course you do. What is it, Padawan?"

"I don't know … t-too tired."

"You do know, Obi-Wan, and you've known it since you were a child. What is it?"

"… n-no emotion – peace."

"Don't be lazy, Obi-Wan. Say it right."

"… There… is no e-emotion. Th-there is, is p-peace..."

"Good. Second line."

"I … I don't… remember it…"

"Obi-Wan."

"P-please. I …don't r-remember, Q- .. Q- … " Frustration tumbled through Obi-Wan's exhausted voice before the Padawan sighed brokenly, "… mmmaster…"

"That's not true, Obi-Wan;" Qui-Gon replied, forcing the desperate edge from his tone, knowing any agitation on his part would just upset Obi-Wan further. "You're just being stubborn – as usual," he chided sternly. "The second line. Now."

An aggravated breath, then, "Th-th- … there is … is … there is … please, Master, I … I d-don't know. I d-don't re-remember! I don't remember … "

Obi-Wan's vague answers finally faded to little more than an incoherent mumble. In the darkness, Qui-Gon Jinn couldn't see his Padawan's face, but the ache and fatigue in Obi-Wan's weak voice he could hear all too clearly. The Jedi Master's heart twisted brutally as he tightened his grip on the sodden, freezing young man in his arms, and he compelled himself to again infuse a steel-like timbre into his suddenly uneven voice.

"The second line, Obi-Wan," he made himself order his Padawan. "Think. Say it. You need to concentrate and stay awake."

Obi-Wan Kenobi had just wearily opened his mouth to speak when Qui-Gon felt the young Jedi's sluggish body suddenly tense as a fierce shudder ripped through it. Qui-Gon hurriedly gripped his apprentice's biceps tightly and held him against his broad chest until Obi-Wan's trembling ceased and the young man was limply still, drooping listlessly against Qui-Gon's muscular forearms. Qui-Gon breathed a silent prayer of relief that the latest tremor had ended, and he carded his thick fingers through Obi-Wan's short damp hair reassuringly.

"It's okay, Obi-Wan. It's okay."

Then the coughing started.

Horrid, vicious hacking coughs that worked their way up from the damaged chest and ravaged throat to wrench their way past clenched teeth and hang wetly in the chilled air tore at the helpless Jedi Master as Obi-Wan jerked and writhed and tried to double over. Qui-Gon frantically rubbed at his apprentice's back through his soaked tunics.

"It's okay. It's okay, Obi-Wan. Try to stay calm, it's okay," he repeated over and over, trying to soothe his apprentice, but fresh terror laced his voice despite his efforts and the air surrounding them was suddenly charged with fear. Obi-Wan coughed harder, clawing weakly at Qui-Gon's large hands as if even their gentle support was too constricting against his chest and Qui-Gon shifted his grip, hating but ignoring for the moment the moisture that built up behind his eyelids and overflowed to slide down his bearded cheek. Finally Obi-Wan's coughing subsided and he sagged against his Master, his head lolling against Qui-Gon's chest as his exhausted body gave up the fight to remain upright.

Qui-Gon slowly willed his own breathing to return to normal as he gently stroked the long braid draped over the strong shoulder, afraid to touch his apprentice anywhere else lest he bring him further harm. He could hear Obi-Wan's rasping, shallow breaths, but the inky darkness prevented him from seeing even the face of the young man clutched in his arms.

His breathing was under control but he didn't have time to wait until his voice was steady enough to speak. Swallowing against the quaver in his tone, Qui-Gon commanded gently, "Obi-Wan, you need to stay awake."

"But Master, I'm s-so tired." Obi-Wan's weak voice vouched a soft objection. "P-please … "

A whisper of a frosty breeze ghosted through the small underground cavern they were hidden in and caressed Obi-Wan's damp hair, raising a frail protest as Obi-Wan shivered hard in response. The back of Qui-Gon's hand contacted the icy flesh of Obi-Wan's cheek and the Jedi Master sent a silent prayer upwards to the heavens; Obi-Wan's skin was so very cold. He didn't think they had much more time.

"The second line, Obi-Wan. Now."

Silence was his only reply.


If you made it this far, please review!