Pairing: Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon
Archive: Master_Apprentice and anyone else, just ask
Category: AU, Romance, First Time
Rating: R
Spoilers: None
Summary: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon become grist for the rumor mill.
Feedback: Very welcome.
Notes: Inspired by Bonnie Raitt's song "Something To Talk
About" which follows at after the end of the story. I think
Ki-Adi is supposed to have several wives but for the purposes of
this story, he doesn't.
Warnings: M/M relationship, Gossip, Random Assumptions,
Conniving!Yoda makes an appearance.
"...Once the Prince and his consort were out of danger and
the kidnappers captured, the negotiations continued. At that
point it was just a matter of time until the agreement was
reached." Qui-Gon glanced around the Council chamber.
"The details of the agreement have been transferred to your
archives if you wish to look them over. When we left, the
celebrations were just beginning."
"Why did you not stay for the party, Master Jinn?"
Master Mace Windu asked, a smile curving his lips as he leaned
back in his chair. "We wouldn't have begrudged you the time.
You and your padawan certainly earned the rest."
"Obi-Wan and I chose to return to Coruscant primarily
because the Y'lathan's idea of celebration is a bit more exotic
than ours is," Qui-Gon responded with an amused look to his
padawan. Obi-Wan briefly grinned at his master before he smoothed
his expression again. The Jedi Master glanced back at Mace.
"Some down time here at the Temple, however, would not be
unwelcome."
"Of course," the dark-skinned master noted with a nod.
"We have no mission waiting for you, Master Jinn. Use this
time as you will."
Qui-Gon gave his old friend a smile before he and Obi-Wan bowed
to the gathered Councilors and left the chamber. Mace watched
them go with a fond glance before he turned to Yoda.
"I'd like to give them more than a week this time before we
send them out again, Master," he said. The old Jedi turned
his green eyes speculatively in the direction the Master/Padawan
pair had disappeared in.
"Indeed. Time they need to work on their bond," he
noted as he turned his cane leisurely in his claws.
"Their bond seems strong enough," Knight Mundi noted in
his soft voice.
"One of the strongest in the Temple, Master," Mace
added, "As well as one of our strongest field teams, no
matter that Obi-Wan is years away from his Trials."
"Hummm," Yoda responded as he stood. "Time they
need. Time we will give them. No more assignments will the
Jinn/Kenobi team take for at least a month." The old Master
glanced around the room. "Nothing more have we to discuss
today."
With that, the little master disappeared through the door,
followed by the other Councilors, leaving Mace in the Council
chamber with Ki-Adi-Mundi. The two glanced at each other warily.
"He's up to something," Mace said thoughtfully.
"Of course," Ki-Adi said as he stood and moved to the
windows. "Jinn is his current favorite project." The
Councilor turned back to Mace with a serene expression.
"Yoda likes nothing better than to interfere in the lives of
his former padawans. Did you not know that?"
"Yes, I know that," the dark-skinned human said wearily
as he rubbed his forehead. "Has he bothered you
lately?"
"Not since he saddled me with Saas-Li as a padawan six years
ago," Ki-Adi said, a bemused smile on his pale face. Mace
tried not to smirk. It was apparent to everyone but Ki that a
life-bond was forming between the Cerean and his highly
intelligent yet cuttingly sarcastic padawan. "What of
you?"
"The little troll isn't satisfied if one of his padawans is
padawanless," Mace snorted as he stood. He pushed his hands
into the long black sleeves of his robe and sighed. "How I
let him talk me into Desrin, I'll never understand. The boy
becomes more of a trial every day." The Councilor glanced
over and caught an actual smirk on Ki-Adi's usually serene face.
"What?"
"Boy?" Ki asked quietly. "Young man I should say.
Desrin chased Obi-Wan around the salle in last month's
competitions, did he not?"
Mace looked exceedingly pleased before he straightened his
expression. "My padawan is very skilled with the
lightsaber," he finally replied in a mild tone.
"Indeed."
"But that still doesn't tell me what Master is up to with
Qui-Gon," Mace continued, glaring out at the afternoon
traffic.
"It is a puzzle," Ki-Adi sighed beside him.
"Perhaps we should warn Jinn."
The two Councilors looked at each other and then back at the
teeming skyline.
"Nahhhh."
Mace returned to his apartments that evening with a preoccupied
air. The master entered to find his padawan sprawled on the
floor, nose deep in a text of some sort.
"Good evening, Desrin."
The young man glanced up with a smile as Mace entered.
"Master," he greeted as he stood and stretched his long
limbs. "Let me take your cloak."
"Thank you," Mace replied as he offered the garment to
his padawan. Were it up to the Jedi Master, his cloak would
perpetually sit in the chair beside the door. The padawan,
however, insisted that the cloak be hung up every evening. His
master wouldn't be seen out of their apartments in a wrinkled
robe.
Mace watched as the boy...no, the *young man*...hung the cloak in
the closet before returning to his textbook on the floor. Then he
moved to check his mail before settling on the couch with a weary
sigh. Council days always wore him out though all he did was sit
all day. He was very glad his term on the Council would soon be
up and he could take missions again. He knew Desrin was counting
the days until then as well.
"What is for dinner, my padawan?" the master asked
absently. Desrin glanced sideways at the man.
"My guess would be whatever is available in the dinning
hall," he replied. Mace raised his brows at the cheeky
answer but Desrin merely moved himself into a sitting position
and leaned against his master's leg before picking his text up.
"If you'll recall, my master, the last time I attempted
dinner, you accused me of trying to burn down the Temple. It has
completely stifled my culinary creativity."
"Desrin, we did have to move to new quarters,"
Mace pointed out as he touched his padawan's dark hair.
"You added the oloi oil, Master," Desrin noted
without looking up. "I told you not to add it but you
insisted."
Mace leaned back and steepled his fingers. His padawan had an
answer to everything. Perhaps he should discourage the boy from
associating with Obi-Wan. Mace just knew Desrin was
picking up these bad habits from the older padawan.
However, Desrin and Obi-Wan were very close and if there
was something wrong with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's bond, Desrin might
be the first to see it. Not that Yoda's words from the morning
necessarily meant that there actually was a problem. Mace
was convinced that Yoda's pronouncements were made mostly to stir
up his frustrated padawans more than anything else. Jinn was the
smartest one among the three of them, having made himself too
ornery to be offered a Council seat and thus keeping himself wide
outside Yoda's interference level.
"Did you know Obi-Wan was back in the Temple?" Mace
finally said after a several moments of thoughtful silence.
Desrin glanced up at him with a grin. "Yes, Master. We're
sparring together tomorrow."
"So you've seen him already today?"
"Yes, Master." The padawan glanced up curiously. After
a moment, he narrowed his golden eyes slightly. "Is there
something wrong?"
Mace checked his shields. Desrin was entirely too intuitive
sometimes. "No, nothing is wrong. I was just wondering if
you'd noticed anything...unusual about Obi-Wan."
"Unusual?" The young man looked thoughtful. "Not
really. He seemed glad to be home."
"What did you talk about?"
Desrin marked his placed in the text and closed the book before
he turned his entire attention to his master. "We just
talked about the parts of his mission he could speak of and then
made plans to meet tomorrow and spar."
"Did he speak of his master at all?"
The padawan snorted. "Well, that's a given. He talks about
Master Jinn all the time."
Mace gave the young man a half-smile. "The Master can do no
wrong?"
Desrin shook his head. "Actually, Obi-Wan vents about his
master's mistakes almost as much as he sings Master Jinn's
praises."
The Councilor glanced down at his padawan in surprise.
"Master Jinn makes mistakes?" he asked in mock
amazement.
"Not really mistakes, per say," the young man
corrected. "More like things Obi-Wan would have done
differently on a mission." Desrin glanced down as he
continued. "Master, I'd appreciate your silence about that
as I know you're close to Master Jinn. I don't think Obi-Wan
really vents with anyone else. I'm glad he trusts me enough to
share his real feelings."
Mace ran his fingers through his padawan's thick, spiky hair.
"Worry not, padawan. Your secret, and Obi-Wan's, is safe
with me." The man leaned back and looked thoughtful.
Finally, he glanced down to find Desrin's worried eyes on his
face.
"Master, Obi-Wan is not in trouble is he?" the young
man asked with concern.
"Not at all!" Mace hurried to reassure his padawan,
mostly because he wasn't sure Desrin wouldn't rush off to find
out for himself what Obi-Wan's problem was. From Obi-Wan.
"Not at all, padawan." The Councilor gently ran his
finger down the young man's cheek before he stood with a bone
popping stretch. "Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn seldom act
as expected but they always follow the Will of the Force."
"Of course," Desrin said, a bit confused. "Um,
Master?"
Mace gave him an inquiring look.
"Did you happen to talk with Master Yoda today?"
"Yes, I did. Why do you ask?"
Desrin's features relaxed as he reached over and picked up his
text again. "You're just more confusing after you've spoken
with him than you normally are."
The Jedi Master chuckled. "I suppose I am, my padawan. Now,
however, I'm going to take a long hot shower and then go in
search of dinner," he said as he moved towards his bedroom.
"Care to join me for dinner, padawan?"
Desrin felt his heart jump. Too bad that sentence hadn't ended
with "Care to join me in the shower, padawan?"
"Dinner sounds good, Master," he replied, his gold eyes
unblinking. He watched as the man disappeared into his bedroom
before he thoughtfully set aside his biology text again.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon made a great team, one of the best in the
Temple, and Desrin had never seen them quarrel though Obi-Wan had
mentioned once or twice that they had disagreements. The padawan
couldn't imagine what had set his master to asking questions
about them. Whenever Desrin saw them together, Obi-Wan always had
a smile on his face and he could feel his friend's quiet
contentment. As for Qui-Gon Jinn - well, the big Jedi never
smiled but he looked less forbidding when he was with Obi-Wan.
When they were together.
Desrin's quick mind moved through several half-formed ideas and
as quickly discarded them before he came upon one idea that
stuck. His golden eyes widened.
Were Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon...? Surely not! Why would Master Mace be
concerned with that?
Desrin gnawed on a fingernail as he carefully considered his
friend's mating habits. Obi-Wan would have told him! Or he
*should* have told him! After all, he was Obi's was his best
friend!
The padawan stood quickly. He'd just have to go ask Bant. And if
Bant knew and he didn't, well, Obi-Wan was going to be in
BIG trouble!
Carefully, he schooled his thoughts into a semblance of serenity
before he reached along his training bond. *Master? I forgot I'm
supposed to meet Bant tonight. Dinner tomorrow instead?*
*That's fine, Des,* Mace sent back. *Don't stay out too late.*
*Of course not, Master!* And the padawan practically ran out the
door.
The next day, Desrin stood with Bant, watching Obi-Wan shadow his
master through the closing movements of the level 15 Dragon's
Breath kata he was learning from Qui-Gon. The two padawans were
watching the pair very closely.
"They are not!" Bant insisted. She had been appalled
that such a thing could happen without her knowledge.
"But what if they are?" Desrin hissed as his eyes
followed Master Jinn when the older Jedi stopped to correct his
apprentice's posture. "I mean, Obi talks about Master Jinn
all the time!"
"Well, you talk about Master Windu all the
time!" Bant pointed out with a huff. Desrin gave her a hard
glance.
"That's different. We're talking about Obi-Wan here."
"Humph," the Calamarian disagreed but continued to
watch as the Jinn/Kenobi team finished the kata and bowed to each
other. The elder Jedi then leaned over and gripped his padawan's
shoulder tightly.
"Very well done, padawan," Desrin heard Qui-Gon say
with that less than ferocious expression that on anyone else
would have been a half-smile. Now that Des considered it, that
expression was only on Qui-Gon's face when Obi-Wan was around.
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan replied, flushed with his
exertions but obviously pleased with his master's praise. "I
will do better next time."
"I know you will," Master Jinn replied as they moved
across the room. The pair stopped near Desrin and Bant to pick up
their towels and Obi-Wan grinned up at his master. Qui-Gon
returned the look for a long, oblivious moment. Desrin elbowed
Bant and gave her a meaningful glance.
"Hum?"
"Shut up," she grumped under her breath as Obi-Wan
finally glanced their way.
"I'll be back in a moment to spar," he promised before
he turned to walk towards the showers with his Master, speaking
to Qui-Gon in a low tone.
"See how close they walk together?" Desrin asked as
they watched the pair move away. "And did you see how long
they stared at each other?"
Just then Qui-Gon stopped and stared down at his padawan in
surprise before he actually burst out laughing. Then he laid his
arm around a laughing Obi-Wan's shoulders as they moved on.
Almost everyone in the room stared at the Jedi Master in surprise
but Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were oblivious. Several padawans looked
the pair over intently before they turned to make their way
towards Bant and Desrin.
"Qui-Gon Jinn laughed!" Desrin insisted as two
other apprentices joined them. "Now tell me they
aren't..."
"Oh shut up!" Bant grumbled as she fingered her light
saber.
"Are you saying that Kenobi and Jinn are..." one of the
apprentices asked in amazement. Desrin shrugged his shoulders.
"You saw them together, Saas-Li. What do you think?"
"I don't think I have *ever* seen Master Jinn laugh
before," the second padawan stated in awe as a few more
apprentices joined their little crowd.
"I can't believe he didn't tell me! *Me*!" Bant glared
across the room. "He is SO in trouble!"
"Who is in trouble, Padawan Bant?"
Desrin turned to find Master Mace just behind them.
"Obi-Wan is in trouble, Master!" he said with a wicked
chuckle. "Just wait until we corner him!" Desrin gave
his master a long look. "I can't believe you figured this
out before we did."
Mace raised his brows. "Figured what out?"
"About Obi-Wan. And Master Jinn."
The dark-skinned master looked blank. "What about
them?"
"I cannot believe he didn't tell me!" Bant wailed again
as she pouted. And a pouting Calamarian is a sight to behold. She
turned to Mace and growled. "Obi-Wan and Master Jinn. And I
didn't know!"
Mace stared at her, his mouth practically hanging open.
"Obi-Wan? And Qui-Gon?" He blinked at the
padawans a few times before he thoughtfully crossed his arms in
his sleeves. Was this what Yoda meant by working on their bond?
"Well, yes, Master," Desrin replied as he glanced over
to where Obi-Wan reappeared with his master. "Just watch
them."
Mace glanced over at the pair as Qui-Gon reached out to gently
touch Obi-Wan's shoulder before he gave the young man a
half-smile. Then he turned and walked away, his face sliding into
its customarily serene expression. Obi-Wan watched him move away
before the padawan turned and made his way towards Desrin and
Bant.
"He actually smiled!" Saas-Li said in amazement.
"And he laughed earlier, Master," Desrin
confided.
"Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon," Mace mused as he shook his head.
"I suppose it makes perfect sense. I don't know why it
didn't occur to me before."
Desrin gave his master a long hard look. "Sometimes Masters
can be oblivious about things," he said pointedly.
"Yes, I suppose you're right, my padawan," Mace said as
he laid his hand gently on his apprentice's shoulder though his
eyes followed Qui-Gon. "But now, I have a few things to take
care of." He gave his padawan a serious look. "Don't
forget dinner, Des," he reminded his apprentice.
"At the seventh hour, my master," he replied. Mace
nodded and walked away and Desrin absently watched his master
cross the room. The padawan turned back to find Bant's silver
eyes on him.
"What?" he asked a shade defensively.
"I am so glad my Master has no gender," she said
flatly. Then she reached out and grabbed his arm. "Come on.
Let's go grill Obi-Wan! I get to spar with him first!"
Desrin chuckled. "Be my guest, Bant."
The two apprentices chased their friend around the salle several
times that afternoon before they finally allowed him a rest. Then
they dragged him off to a garden so they could interrogate him in
private.
"I cannot believe you didn't tell me," Bant ranted as
she paced back and forth in front of Obi-Wan, whom they had
seated on a bench to receive his lecture. "ME! Your best
friend!"
Obi-Wan looked at her in complete confusion. "Tell you
what?"
"You might as well fess up, Obi," Desrin said from
where he leaned against a near-by tree. "We know all about
it." He gave his friend a hurt look. "And I thought you
trusted me."
"Des, I do trust you!" Obi-Wan stated
emphatically. "However, I don't know what the Sith you're
talking about!"
"We're talking about you and Master Jinn!" Bant
snapped as she leaned over her friend. Obi-Wan looked up at her
seriously.
"What about us?" he asked in a confused tone.
"Well...you and Master Jinn. You're involved, right?"
the Calamarian asked in a less certain tone.
"Of course we are involved. He is my master. I am his
padawan," the young man replied.
"Involved in a romantic relationship, Obi-Wan,"
Desrin corrected as he watched his friend closely.
Obi-Wan stared at him, surprise evident on his face.
"Are you completely daft?" he finally sputtered as he
stood. "Me and Qui-Gon Jinn?" The padawan looked as if
he couldn't decide whether to laugh or knock Desrin's head off.
"Me and Qui-Gon? Even if I did - and I don't -
at all - Master would never look at me that way! He's got
more important things on his mind!" Obi-Wan looked at his
friends as if they'd grow separate heads. "Where did you get
such a snark-brained idea? Me and Qui-Gon? He never would!"
Bant stared at Obi-Wan, her large mouth hanging open, before she
turned and glared at Desrin. "Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon?" she
asked Des with a low growl. Desrin didn't react other than to nod
slowly.
"You saw them in the salle just as I did," the youth
said as he crossed his arms. He pinned Obi-Wan with a long look.
The older padawan hated when Desrin did that. Those steady golden
eyes raised the hairs on the back of Obi-Wan's neck.
"But Obi said he doesn't..."
"Obi-Wan," Desrin interrupted, "needs to take a
long hard look at his feelings for his master, I think."
"I know how I feel about my master, Des,"
Obi-Wan replied testily.
"Do you?"
"YES!"
"Then I apologize for jumping to conclusions," Desrin
said with a formal bow. "I'm sure I didn't see you and
Master Jinn sharing a long, oblivious look this afternoon in the
salle before Qui-Gon went off to do whatever it is that masters
do when we're not watching. I'm sure its completely normal that
you walk so close to your master that your shadows blend into one
silhouette and I'm sure Master Jinn always laughs out
loud...in public...when his padawan whispers in his ear."
Obi-Wan plopped down on the bench and stared up at them, looking
somewhat like a fish with his mouth opening and closing. Bant
felt very close to him at that moment.
The young Calamarian sat down beside her oldest friend and patted
him on the knee. "You know, Obi, its not like it's against
the Code or Tradition or anything to have a relationship with
your Master," she pointed out. "You just need to tell me
about it, that's all."
"But...he doesn't...we haven't..."
"Its okay, Obi-Wan," Des said soothingly as he laid his
hand on the older padawan's shoulder. "You don't have to
talk about it."
Obi-Wan let loose an inarticulate scream. "There's nothing
to talk about!" he shouted as he jumped to his feet. "I
am not sleeping with Qui-Gon!"
Several pairs of sparring padawans on the other side of the
garden stopped and glanced curiously in their direction. Obi-Wan
flushed so hotly he thought he might spontaneously combust.
Finally, he grabbed hold of his frustration and embarrassment
before he turned back to his friends.
"I am leaving now." He backed away slowly, holding up
his hands when Des and Bant made to follow. "No! Just stay
there. Stay. There." A moment later, the padawan practically
sprinted across the garden before he disappeared into the Temple.
Bant glanced at Desrin who was slowly shaking his head.
"He'll figure it out, I guess," he said as he looked at
his friend. Bant rolled her eyes.
"I am so glad my master doesn't have a gender!"
she huffed.
Mace munched absently on his lunch as he read over the details
from Qui-Gon's latest mission. The kidnapping of the Y'lathan
royals had been far more dangerous than the Jedi Master had led
the Council to believe in his verbal report. Since that was
typical of Qui-Gon's reports, however, Mace always made a point
to read the written mission statement and this one was definitely
going into Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi's official files.
He was shaking his head at the hair-raising - if he'd had hair,
that is - events described when Ki-Adi-Mundi sat down beside him.
Mace glanced up with a pleasant greeting that died on his lips.
Ki-Adi's pale face held a look that was most closely described as
smug serenity. Mace hated that expression. It was the closest Ki
ever came to gloating and Mace had seen it far too often.
He laid the data pad down and prepared himself.
"Hello Ki," he said in a steady tone.
"Mace," the Cerean replied as he set his tray down. The
older Councilor nodded congenially at the other occupant at the
table before he returned an almost gleeful look to his
dark-skinned counterpart. "I have discovered what Yoda has
been up to in the Jinn/Kenobi matter."
"Oh?" The younger Jedi raised his brows. "About
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan being involved?" Ki-Adi looked as if
Mace had deflated his favorite balloon and the dark Councilor
grinned inside as he casually picked up his drink. He *never*
found out things before Ki. He'd have to do something very nice
for his Desrin. "Yes, I'd heard about that."
"You have?" Ki-Adi asked in complete surprise.
"But Saas-Li only just told me."
"My padawan told me this morning," Mace said, trying
not to gloat. "It's quite obvious if you watch the pair of
them. Qui-Gon actually smiled at Obi-Wan this morning in the
salle."
"You're joking," Adi Gallia gasped, her blue eyes
narrowed. "Qui-Gon doesn't know how to smile."
"I saw it with my own eyes," Mace assured his fellow
Councilor as he leaned forward. "Qui-Gon smiled. And Des
said he laughed as well."
"Laughed? Qui-Gon?" Adi gave him a long look before she
turned towards the door. A moment later, Qui-Gon appeared. He
glanced towards the masters' table and was surprised to find
himself the object of every pair of eyes there. His expression
didn't change, however, as he nodded briefly and went to retrieve
a tray of food. Adi turned back to Mace with a raised brow.
"I know it sounds preposterous but it happened. As far as
I'm concerned, the man is whipped."
"I suppose we should have seen it sooner." She sighed
as she sipped her hot chai. Then she smiled. "They are
rather cute together."
"How long do you think they have been involved?" Mace
wondered as he tapped his fingers on the table.
"Does it matter?" Ki-Adi replied. "They compliment
each other very well. And now we will not have to worry about
talking them into staying together as a team after Obi-Wan takes
his trials."
"True enough," Mace said with a smile as he picked up
his data pad.
"Do you think they will have a Bonding ceremony?" Adi
asked as she thoughtfully tapped her lower lip. "Perhaps I
should start thinking on a Bonding gift."
"Depends on how serious they are," Mace answered.
"It may just be a temporary fling for both of them."
The three masters glanced at each other and then at Qui-Gon,
weighing what they knew about the man and what they knew about
his padawan.
"Not likely," Adi said firmly.
"Quite doubtful," Ki-Adi agreed.
Mace grinned. "I don't think so either."
The trio was still beaming at Qui-Gon when the master arrived at
their table. He looked around at his oldest friends and almost
relocated to the nearest Initiate table.
"Mace, Adi, Ki," he said serenely as he settled across
from Mace and next to Master Gallia.
"Qui-Gon," they replied as one and then stared at him
expectantly. Qui-Gon looked back at them with a sinking feeling.
"Is there something you need?" he finally asked.
"Yes, actually, Qui-Gon," Adi said as she placed her
chin in her hand and gave her yearmate a steady look. "We
were just wondering when the ceremony would be."
"Ceremony?" Qui-Gon looked a bit puzzled. The only
ceremony he knew of was the one for Obi-Wan's Knighting. And that
was years away. "I suppose after Obi-Wan passes his
Trials."
Ki-Adi nodded with an approving look. "I must say you are
very wise to wait."
"Oh, Qui-Gon! I'm very happy for you!" Adi beamed as
she touched his arm gently. "Obi-Wan is such a wonderful
person. I'm glad you finally let yourself see it."
"Of course, I see it." Master Jinn gave her a surprised
look. "Obi-Wan will be a great Jedi Knight and an asset to
the Order. Since I took him as a padawan I have never doubted
that."
"You'll make an exceptional team," she replied with a
serene nod before she stood and picked up her tray. "I
expect an invitation, of course."
"Of course," Qui-Gon replied faintly as he watched her
walk away. Invitation? Of course, she'd be there. She was on the
Council. Then the first part of her statement sunk in. He turned
to Mace and Ki-Adi. "The Council has decided to team Obi-Wan
and I after he is Knighted?"
"Of course, Qui-Gon," Ki said, his soft tones just as
pleased as Adi's had been. "We would never consider
otherwise."
"Of course not," Mace reintegrated. "Though I
still can't believe you didn't tell me," he finished in a
slightly hurt tone.
Qui-Gon stared at his friends. Mace had the biggest grin on his
face while Ki-Adi had that smug look that so irritated Qui-Gon.
The Jedi Master wanted to ask...he knew he should ask for
further enlightenment. But whenever Ki and Mace looked at him
like that he just knew Yoda was involved somewhere along
the way and Qui-Gon didn't want to go there. At all. This was
exactly why he stayed off-planet so much.
Instead of asking what the Force they were talking about, he
picked up his fork. Lunch then meditation. And if he was lucky, a
mission might be coming his way soon. The Force only knew what
Yoda was up to and Qui-Gon thought being off-planet would be a
wonderful idea. Perhaps a quiet mission to the Outer Rim.
When Obi-Wan finally made it back to his quarters that afternoon,
he was relieved to find that his master was not there. With a
sharp sigh, he moved to the great windows that allowed the late
afternoon light into the room. Obi-Wan was grateful Qui-Gon
wasn't here to see him so off-center.
What under the sun was Desrin thinking of to say that he,
Obi-Wan, was involved with Qui-Gon in anything other than a
master/padawan relationship? Why would he think that? He could
hear his friend's words as clearly as if Des was right there
speaking.
*"Obi-Wan needs to take a long hard look at his feelings for
his master, I think."*
Obi-Wan dropped to his knees and tried to still his mind for
meditation. He needed to think, to understand why his friends had
assumed he was involved in a romantic relationship with Qui-Gon.
Certainly, the man was a wonderful master, the epitome of a Jedi,
in his student's completely unbiased opinion. Obi-Wan couldn't
ask for a better teacher or a better friend for that matter. He
could tell Qui-Gon anything and his master would listen quietly,
offering advice if needed.
His friends had often commented that Qui-Gon was too serene, too
emotionless and they worried that steady serious Obi-Wan might be
following in those footsteps. The padawan merely shook his head.
He knew his master's expressions better than he knew his own and
Qui-Gon was far from the serene Jedi Master most saw on the
surface.
The padawan forced himself to breathe slowly, evenly as he pushed
himself deeper into his own thoughts. What had Desrin and Bant
seen that morning in the salle?
He and Qui-Gon had finally achieved a complete run though of the
Dragon's Breath, a very complex and demanding kata. Obi-Wan had
been so thrilled to finish it that Qui-Gon's praise on top of
that completion had made his entire week. His master rarely gave
praise but then it meant so much more. Then, when Qui-Gon had
laughed at the silly little joke Obi-Wan had told him, the
padawan knew just how very pleased his master was with the kata.
Even now, in the midst of his growing calm, Obi-Wan felt the glow
of his master's praise.
Desrin's words suddenly echoed through his meditation and the
padawan stiffened as he felt the truth winding through his
friend's observations.
*"I'm sure its completely normal that you walk so close to
your master that your shadows blend into one silhouette."*
Of course, he walked close to Qui-Gon! He was the man's padawan,
for sun's sake! What did Des expect?
*"I'm sure I didn't see you and Master Jinn sharing a long,
oblivious look this afternoon in the salle before Qui-Gon went
off to do whatever it is that masters do when we're not
watching."*
As to the long, oblivious look, well Obi-Wan couldn't help it if
his master was so very easy on the eyes, so very easy on the
soul. Obi-Wan had caught Desrin mooning after Master Mace a
number of times but had never teased him about his feelings for
his master. And *why* would that comparison come to mind?
Everyone knew Des had a major crush on Mace. Everyone except
Mace, of course.
*"...and I'm sure Master Jinn always laughs out
loud...in public...when his padawan whispers in his ear."*
He hadn't whispered in Qui-Gon's ear at all! He'd saved
that joke especially for his master and wanted to be sure Qui-Gon
heard it. That was all! But that didn't mean that Obi-Wan
had a crush on Qui-Gon, his master, his friend, his teacher, his
confidant. No, he certainly did not have a crush on Qui-Gon. His
feelings ran much deeper than that...
Obi-Wan's eyes popped open as that revelation washed over him
like a tidal wave.
Of course, Qui-Gon Jinn chose that exact moment to return home.
Master Jinn had had a trying day. After lunch, much to his
dismay, he had found that there were no urgent missions he and
his padawan could be sent on. What's more, he and Obi-Wan were to
be posted to the temple for at least a month courtesy of Yoda's
intervention. While it was nice to be able to spend some time
with his friends and catch up on his mail, Qui-Gon definitely had
no desire to spend a month in the same Temple where Yoda was
conspiring.
However, the Master Jedi released his anxieties into the Force
and made his weary way back to his apartment. Perhaps Obi-Wan
would be there and they could spend some time going over the
day's lessons. Qui-Gon was always easier when his padawan was
present. Somehow, between them, they would contrive a way to stay
out of his former master's path until they could vacate the
planet.
As Qui-Gon approached their apartments, he could indeed feel his
padawan's presence. With an absent smile, he keyed open their
door and was almost submerged by a wave of surprise and
amazement, followed by streams of flat out panic suddenly
crashing down the training bond he shared with his student.
"Obi-Wan!" the master called out as he moved into the
room, his eyes seeking out his apprentice instinctively.
"Master!" came his padawan's strangled reply. Qui-Gon
was beside him in a moment, leaning down to take his shoulders in
a firm grip.
"Obi-Wan, what is it?" the elder Jedi asked firmly as
he radiated calm into his student.
"I-I-I..." the young man stammered as he stared up at
his master, his eyes wide as though he'd never seen the man
before.
"Calm down, padawan," the master said, looking straight
into his student's eyes. "Tell me." He laced his words
with a hint of the Force to keep Obi-Wan's attention. "What
is wrong?"
"Bant! And Desrin!" the apprentice stuttered.
"Afternoon. In the garden. Talking to me. Wanted to know why
I hadn't told them."
No pronouns. This was bad. "Told them what?"
"My question exactly!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, his green
eyes a bit wild. "Didn't know what the Force they were
talking about. Told them that! They kept going on and on. Told
them it wasn't true! Told them they were crazy."
"What were they talking about, padawan?" Qui-Gon asked
using his Master voice. For some reason, he was getting an antsy
feeling. Obi-Wan looked up at him and the padawan's mouth
suddenly snapped shut. Qui-Gon started to get streams of panic
again. "Obi-Wan?"
"Master," the younger man began as he took a deep
breath. His eyes dropped to his hands, which were curled together
in his lap. "I don't know why they thought this.
But..." the padawan took another deep breath. "They
thought we were involved."
Qui-Gon gave his student a long look. "We are involved,
Obi-Wan."
"As in romantically involved, Master," the padawan
clarified with a shaking tone.
"Oh," the Jedi master said calmly. Then his eyes
widened as this afternoon's lunch conversation clicked into
place. "OH!" He sat down hard on the floor and started
chuckling, then laughing outright. His fellow masters were in for
something of a shock when they started showing up with the
Bonding gifts. The master Jedi was so caught up in his humorous
vision that he completely missed his padawan's expression of hurt
that was quickly smoothed away.
"I'm glad you find it amusing, Master. I was worried you
might be upset," he said quietly.
Qui-Gon slowly stifled his laughter and shook his head. "Not
at all, my Obi-Wan. I didn't understand why Master Adi asked me
when the ceremony would be. I thought she meant your Knighting
ceremony but now I know she meant a bonding ceremony." The
master chuckled again. He reached out and cupped Obi-Wan's cheek
in his large hand. "Not to worry, my padawan," he said.
"Your old master won't be dragging you to the bonding alter
anytime soon."
Obi-Wan looked at his master, his eyes dark and serious as he
reached up to touch the back of Qui-Gon's hand. "You're not
old, master," he said firmly.
"Old enough, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon pointed out. "Old
enough for that rumor to be considered laughable."
"Why?"
"I'm old enough to be your father, Obi-Wan," the master
said. "Old enough to be your grandfather, if I had started
early."
Obi-Wan crossed his arms stubbornly. "Qui-Gon, Yoda
is old enough to be my ancestor but people still have to jump to
keep out of the way of that gimer stick of his."
Qui-Gon looked at his padawan. "What are you saying,
Obi-Wan?"
"Setting aside your habitual excuse of age, why else would
that rumor be laughable?"
"Because I never considered that you would be interested in
pursuing a romantic relationship with me, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon
said, his eyes intent. "Would you?"
In answer, Obi-Wan slowly leaned forward and placed a soft,
tentative kiss on Qui-Gon's mouth. His master inhaled in surprise
and Obi-Wan smiled against the man's lips. A moment later, the
padawan's fingertips caressed the master's chin as the younger
man took a longer kiss, gently exploring Qui-Gon's lips, sucking
gently on first the upper and then the lower lip with tender
patience. Hesitantly, he touched Qui-Gon's mouth with his tongue,
asking for entrance which his teacher willingly gave. The older
man allowed the kiss to deepen as their tongues slowly explored
and savored each other.
Finally, Obi-Wan gently pulled away, already wanting more kisses
from but needing reassurance that this was what Qui-Gon also
desired. His master was looking at him with an expression of
stunned amazement.
"Does that answer your question, Master?" Obi-Wan asked
softly as he caressed his master's cheek again.
"How long have you known you wanted this?" Qui-Gon
asked, his voice a bit rough.
"The feelings have been growing for a long time, Master. But
I have only realized since this afternoon," the younger man
answer with a quirky smile. "My meditations were most
revealing."
Master Jinn gave his padawan a narrow glare before he cleared his
throat. "And that revelation was what caused the panic you
were indulging in when I arrived?" he asked in a flat tone.
Obi-Wan's lips twitched. "Yes, Master."
"You were panicking?" Offended dignity was oozing off
the master.
"I didn't think you would want another entanglement with me,
Qui-Gon," the padawan explained slowly, his eyes shadowed.
"We work together, eat together, face down the Council
together on a regular basis. You're already my Master, my
teacher, my best friend. Would you want to add lover to that as
well?"
Qui-Gon searched his student's face intently before he reached
out and touched his padawan's chin. "I would like to try, my
Obi-Wan."
A tremulous smile spread across Obi-Wan's face. "There is no
try, my master..."
Qui-Gon chuckled. "Only do or do not."
"I think we should do," Obi-Wan noted, his eyes
glinting as he scooted closer. "As a matter of fact, I think
we should *do* each other." Then he leaned up to kiss his
master deeply as he pressed his hands into his master's robes,
pushing the dark brown garment down Qui-Gon's arms.
Qui-Gon choked. He would never hear his master say that phrase
again without blushing. He reached out to take his padawan's
hands in a firm grip.
"Obi-Wan, I think we should start this slowly," he said
in a shaking tone.
Deprived of his hands, the apprentice leaned over and nibbled
Qui-Gon's neck. "So do I, master." Nibble. "Very
slowly." Lick. "Taking our sweet time." His lips
moved up to gently suck on an earlobe. Qui-Gon's breathing
deepened. "Why we could be here...All. Night. Long,"
Obi-Wan breathed into his master's ear.
"Padawan, this is not something we should just jump
into," the Jedi Master tried again as he dropped Obi-Wan's
hands and pulled his apprentice closer. His hands were almost as
busy as Obi-Wan's.
"No, indeed master," his student agreed as he passed
his hands over smooth, warm skin. His master's breath hitched.
"Jumping each other comes after saber practice. When we're
all riled up."
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon suddenly said, his voice in the tone
of command that brought instant stillness to his student. Almost
guiltily, Obi-Wan glanced up into Qui-Gon's blue eyes.
"Yes, Master?"
"Are you certain this is what you want?"
Obi-Wan slowly released the breath he was holding. "Yes
master," he replied. "Are you?"
Qui-Gon gave his padawan a thoughtful look. "What were the
choices again? Do or do not or do each other?"
The Pounce was mutual.
The next morning Qui-Gon Jinn entered the dining hall with his
apprentice at his side. Eyes across the dining hall watched
carefully but neither master nor apprentice acted any differently
than before. With a pleasant nod, Master Jinn sent his apprentice
off to join the padawan table. He Master Jinn's lips twitched
ever so slightly as he turned towards the master's table, well
perhaps the his allergies were acting up.
Obi-Wan fetched his tray of food and headed nonchalantly towards
his favorite spot at the padawan table. Truth to tell he was a
bit sore this morning and probably would have soaked in the tub
for a bit if the morning's activities weren't guaranteed to be so
entertaining.
With a greeting for his friends, Obi-Wan sat down beside Desrin
and sent a smile across the table to Bant.
"Good morning, Obi-Wan," she said, as she looked him
over carefully. He merely gave her a smile and began eating his
breakfast. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Fine, thank you Bant," Obi-Wan replied. He glanced up
at her. "And you?"
Bant exchanged a look with Desrin before she nodded her head
slowly. "Just fine, thanks."
Obi-Wan nodded and returned to his breakfast while Desrin propped
his chin on his hand and stared at his friend. "You're not
going to tell us, are you?" he asked after a short time in
which usually his golden-eyed stare would prompt a confession.
The older padawan looked up guilelessly.
"Tell you what?"
Desrin cursed under his breath and turned back to his food. He
hated when Obi-Wan did guileless.
"I do have something to share though," Obi-Wan
continued with a growing grin. "Master told me the most
amazing thing this morning."
Bant and Desrin, along with the surrounding padawans at the table
paid attention. If Master Jinn said something, it was guaranteed
to be completely true.
"Did you know that Master Yoda once had a major crush on
Master Yaddle?" Obi-Wan asked, his green eyes bright with
mischief. "Master says he never quite got over it."
A sudden silence descended on the padawan table before the whole
group turned and stared at the ancient master in question. The
little Jedi immediately noticed their stares and suddenly had a
Force vision that made him choke on the muffin he was currently
stuffing in his mouth. Master Mace hurried to slap him on the
back. Muffin went flying.
The little Jedi coughed and choked but pushed aside further
assistance as turned to glare at Qui-Gon. "Alone you will
leave me!" he snapped. "Helpless I am not!"
Then he jumped to the floor and stamped from the room in a
display of temper that no one living in the Temple had ever seen.
Except for his padawans. Two of which turned to the third, who
was quietly chewing on a piece of red fruit.
"What was that about, Qui-Gon?" Mace asked in
confusion. "Did I miss something?"
Ki-Adi gave the younger master a long look. "You are the
only one who has ever inspired such a display in him," the
Cerean noted calmly.
Master Jinn merely smiled serenely and finished chewing his
fruit. "Let us just say I expect to be assigned a mission
off world before the day is over."
END
Something To Talk About Bonnie Raitt verse 1 People are talkin, talking 'bout people I hear them whisper, you won't believe it They think we're lovers kept under covers I just ignore it, but they keep saying We laugh just a little too loud We stand just a little too close We stare just a little too long Maybe they're seeing, something we don't, Darlin' chorus Let's give them something to talk about Let's give them something to talk about Let's give them something to talk about How about love? verse 2 I feel so foolish, I never noticed You'd act so nervous, could you be falling for me? It took a rumor to make me wonder Now I'm convinced I'm going under Thinking 'bout you every day Dreaming 'bout you every night Hoping that you feel the same way Now that we know it, let's really show it, Darlin' chorus bridge Let's give them something to talk about A little mystery to figure out Let's give them something to talk about How about love, love, love, love? chorus Let's give them something to talk about Let's give them something to talk about Let's give them something to talk about How about love, love, love, love? chorus