Master
Apprentice  Archive
Again
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Qui-Gon Jinn was having a very bad day. He and his padawan had returned late the day before from an exasperating mission that had kept them off Coruscant twice as long as anticipated. Everything had gone wrong; the religious faction's chief negotiator was assassinated, an earthquake struck during the full eclipse, the rioting villagers damaged the Jedi's transport almost beyond repair. And that was just the first day.
He'd spent the morning at a council debriefing and most of the afternoon locked in the council's anteroom, rewriting the mission report because several members weren't happy with his first version. Writing was not his forte, and he struggled for hours to find the proper words to describe everything from his various social blunders to the battles he and Obi-Wan were involved in. During that time, he swore an oath he'd never step foot on the planet Kasperite again, nor speak of it, write about it, or even think about it.
He emerged from the council chambers late in the afternoon and immediately headed toward the quarters he shared with his padawan. His route led him by the training rooms, where he was noticed and flagged down by Knight Ellis.
"Master Jinn! I'm so glad to see you." He tried to duck away but she grabbed his arm and pulled him into the training room. "Take a look at J'ek, will you? Does something seem wrong?"
Qui-Gon watched the boy for a moment and saw him stumble. "No, all boys are awkward at that age," he replied as he backed out the door.
As he left, he cringed at the sound of Master Vin-Aki's grating voice as he humiliated his young padawan for experiencing a brief moment of joy after winning a fight against a senior padawan. Qui-Gon shook his head. Vin-Aki was a brilliant negotiator and a talented fighter, but should have never been allowed to take a padawan. Perhaps he would say something later. His quarters, he had to get to his quarters.
Two creche Masters passed him in the corridor and offered a cheerful greeting. Qui-Gon lowered his head, mumbled a response, and hurried away. Nothing would slow him now. He wanted nothing more than to take a bath, read some mindless humor or smut, and sleep for a day or two. This day could not end fast enough.
He finally arrived, and palmed the door. It didn't open. Palmed it again, nothing.
/ /Obi-Wan, can you please...//
/ /I am very sorry, Master!// as the door opened.
"See what you can do about fixing the door, Padawan."
"Yes, Master," he replied. "I hope you don't mind, I ordered dinner in tonight."
"That's acceptable, Padawan." Qui-Gon dropped his cloak on the couch, pulled his boots off without sitting down, and tossed them in the general direction of the closet before plopping down at the dinner table. He vaguely noticed Obi-Wan hanging up his cloak and putting away the boots before sitting down. Obi-Wan's attempts at casual conversation were met with mere grunts and nods. Qui-Gon felt guilty for ignoring his padawan, but he was tired and irritated.
"Master, I've drawn a bath for you. Let me finish cleaning up here."
Qui-Gon mumbled a quick thanks, and retired to the bathroom, stripping his clothes off along the way. Naked, he stepped into the tub. The water was at the perfect temperature. He had forgotten his books, but he didn't care anymore, content to rest his head back and close his eyes.
In a moment he felt another presence in the room. He opened his eyes to find his padawan standing at the door with a bottle of oil.
"I thought you might want a massage."
A massage? Not a bad idea. "Yes, Obi-Wan, thank you," he replied. He leaned away from the back of the tub to give his Padawan access to his shoulders and back. It hurt at first, but Qui-Gon soon began to relax under the pressure of Obi-Wan's skilled hands. Qui-Gon was starting to drift to sleep when Obi-Wan spoke.
"Master?"
"Mmmm, yes, Obi-Wan?"
"Master, I have something to say to you," he said.
"Mmmm hmmm, go on."
To Qui-Gon's disappointment, the massage stopped. Obi-Wan said, "Our last mission was very difficult, for both of us. You came down with the Kasperitis, I was hurt in the accident, we were both almost poisoned...."
"Go on, Padawan," Qui-Gon urged, not wishing to re-live another moment of that awful mission.
"Master," Obi-Wan took another deep breath. "I realized anything could happen, to either of us, at any time." He looked into his Master's eyes, jutted his chin forward, and went on, "I wanted to wait until I was a knight to tell you this but, I need to tell you now. I love you, as more than a Master, more than a father figure, more than a friend. I love you as a man, and I have for some time now."
Qui-Gon groaned. Why this, why now? Couldn't Obi-Wan have waited until tomorrow to tell him this? He looked at his apprentice, who was waiting for a response. Qui-Gon wanted to be sensitive and caring, and say all the right things, but couldn't think of what those right things were at the moment.
"Obi-Wan, it's common for a Padawan to have feelings for his Master. Your feelings toward me will pass." He knew he sounded as though he was reading from the Jedi Master Quick Reference Guide, but was too exhausted think of anything better to say.
"I thought so too, when I was sixteen," he said, bravely looking into his Master's eyes. "I'm twenty-one now, and what I'm feeling isn't a crush, or lust. I admire and respect you, and I also love you. I am old enough to know the difference."
"Relationships between Masters and Padawans almost always turn out poorly," offered Qui-Gon, knowing it sounded quite lame.
"Master..." Obi-Wan looked distressed now. "Do you... I mean... You don't feel the same at all, do you? I thought..." Qui-Gon opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out. He wasn't sure how he felt about Obi-Wan; he had never thought of his Padawan in that way before.
"I'm sorry I brought it up," Obi-Wan said softly, as he retreated from the bathroom.
Qui-Gon groaned. He knew he should have gone after Obi-Wan, but he couldn't. He could barely lift himself out of the tub. What a fool he was, letting his irritation get in the way of dealing with an important - no, crucial - part of his relationship with his Padawan. Tired, miserable, he finally pulled himself out of the tub and prepared for sleep. He fell onto his bed, and hoped the Force would guide him to a solution the next day.
Qui-Gon woke suddenly - the alarm blaring in his ear, the sun burning harshly in his eyes. Not again! This was the second morning in a row he had slept in and needed an alarm to wake. A Jedi Master should never use an alarm to wake up. He rubbed his sore neck, and suddenly remembered his disastrous evening with Obi-Wan. Worse, he couldn't think of a way to make it right.
Qui-Gon sensed that Obi-Wan was awake, and already in the main living quarters. If he didn't get to his apprentice fast enough, Obi-Wan might leave their quarters, and he'd have to wait until evening to straighten things out. That was unacceptable. He threw on a pair of leggings and rushed out of his bedroom.
"Good Morning, Master, did you sleep well?"
Obi-Wan was in the kitchen, smiling as thought nothing had happened. Qui-Gon was stunned. He expected his Padawan to be sullen and withdrawn, not cheerfully making a pot of tea.
He also didn't expect his Padawan to be so... compelling. Obi-Was was wearing worn-out leggings that were too short and much too tight. And nothing else. His long braid brushed over a well-built smooth chest as his agile hands poured a spoonful of honey into his Master's tea. Qui-Gon held his breath. His padawan was attractive, very attractive. Something he had not noticed until that morning.
Still, he had a problem to deal with. "No, Obi-Wan," he said finally. "I was worried about you."
Obi-Wan laughed. "No need to worry! My injuries are quite healed, and I always sleep well the first night back. There's something comforting about one's own bed."
He handed Qui-Gon his cup of tea. Wait - first night back? This was their second night back. What did Obi-Wan mean by that?
Qui-Gon frowned. "Obi-Wan, we need to talk..." he was interrupted by a buzzing sound - someone was calling on the com. He moved to hit the mute button, but Obi-Wan was closer, and answered the call. A holo of Mace Windu appeared in the room.
"Qui-Gon, you are scheduled to appear in front of the council this morning. You are already late, and I see you are not even dressed yet."
"Master Windu," answered Qui-Gon formally. "I was not aware of my presence being requested in front of the council today."
"Your mission de-briefing?" Windu said sarcastically.
"I was late for my mission de-briefing yesterday. And I spend a great deal of time re-writing my report. The council cannot possibly have more questions."
"Jinn, I know you dislike appearing in front of the council, but there's no reason for this kind of insubordination. Yesterday morning you were on a transport headed toward Coruscant, not in front of the council. I suggest you clean yourself up and report as soon as possible." The holo flicked off abruptly, leaving Qui-Gon dumbfounded.
"Did you hear that.." he started, then saw the confused look on Obi-Wan's face. Both Obi-Wan and Mace thought this was his first day back. He checked the chronomoter on the wall, and the device agreed with Obi-Wan and Mace. It was his first day back. Had he been so tired as to have such an elaborate dream? Either that, or the Force had sent him a very detailed vision of the day's events. Whichever it was, there was little to be done about it now.
He finished his tea. "Thank you, Obi-Wan," he said softly. "This council meeting will take longer than usual. I'll see you at dinner." He noticed his Padawan's eyes follow him as he hurried to the 'fresher. How long had he been blind to that gaze?
The meeting was a disaster. Qui-Gon grew impatient answering questions he thought he had answered already, and the council grew suspicious because he tried to speed up the questioning. The result was a long council meeting, twelve irritated council members, and one exhausted Jedi Master. The writing didn't go much better. All Qui-Gon could think of was Obi-Wan. His Padawan loved him, and somehow he had to figure out how to handle the situation.
Just what should he do? How did he feel about Obi-Wan? The boy was bright, attentive, loyal, and brave. And he had become quite attractive in the past few years. Qui-Gon rolled the idea of a relationship around his mind a few times. A relationship with his Padawan Obi-Wan? No, that would be ethically wrong. But a relationship with Knight Obi-Wan? Perhaps. In fact, it sounded delightful. Pleased with his decision, he plunged back into his work.
Qui-Gon took a different route back to our quarters to avoid Knight Ellis, Master Vin-Aki and the creche Masters. This time when the door to his quarters refused to open, he waited patiently for Obi-Wan to open it from the inside.
"Thank you, Padawan." Qui-Gon was exhausted, but managed a weak smile.
The evening went on much like the premonition said it would. Qui-Gon attempted to converse with his Padawan, and although he fell short of brilliant dialog, Obi-Wan seemed to appreciate the effort.
After dinner Qui-Gon retreated to the tub, and soon his apprentice joined him and offered a massage. Feeling Obi-Wan's strong hands on his aching muscles almost made Qui-Gon forget what was to happen next, but soon Obi-Wan stopped the massage.
"Master?" he asked softly.
Qui-Gon snapped his attention back to the moment. He turned in the tub to face Obi-Wan. "Yes?"
"Master, I have something to tell you." He looked more relaxed today, perhaps because Qui-Gon had been more attentive during dinner. "I wanted to wait, but a Jedi's life is never certain. Master... I love you. I love you as more than a Master, more than a father figure, more than a friend. I love you as a man, and I have for some time now."
Obi-Wan sat back on his heels and waited for the reply. Qui-Gon nodded, and said, "I understand Obi-Wan. You're a fine young man, and someday, perhaps when you're a knight, we can talk about this further." There, that had to be better.
"When I'm a knight..." said Obi-Wan. "So, you don't think I'm mature enough to have a relationship with you now?"
Qui-Gon had a bad feeling about where this was headed. "I don't know, Obi-Wan. But it would be inappropriate for a Master and Padawan to have a relationship."
"But, Master, K'tari and her Padawan are romantically involved, and B'liia is younger than I am. There are many other Masters involved with their Padawans. Why is it acceptable for them but not us?"
Qui-Gon had no answer for that. He had no idea Masters and Padawans could be involved - he only assumed it was forbidden. He made a mental note to pay more attention to the temple gossip, but that still didn't give him an answer for Obi-Wan now.
Obi-Wan stood up and backed out of the room. "I'm very sorry I brought this up, Master. I won't speak of it again."
Qui-Gon heard the hurt in his voice, but didn't go after his Padawan. He had a strange feeling he could fix things tomorrow.
Qui-Gon woke to the alarm and harsh sunlight again, and looked at his chronometer to check the day. Once again, it was his first day back. Either he had another very detailed premonition, or he was reliving the same day over again. He shuddered at the thought, but was glad for another chance to set things right.
He pulled on his leggings, and found Obi-Wan in the kitchen making tea. Qui-Gon paused at the room's entrance and took a moment to look at his Padawan. He looked absolutely stunning. Qui-Gon studied his agile fingers, his delicate lips, the muscles on his shoulders, and lost himself in his beauty.
"Good Morning, Master, did you sleep well?"
"Hm, yes!" replied Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan handed him a cup of tea sweetened with honey, but Qui-Gon put it down immediately. Twice his premonitions told him it was wrong to reject his Padawan, perhaps the Force was telling him to... telling him to do something...
Qui-Gon reached out and cupped his Padawan's face in his large hands. He paused a moment to feel the soft skin and look into Obi-Wan's grey-blue eyes, then slowly moved closer and kissed him. Obi-Wan started to kiss back, and soon their tongues met and Qui-Gon's hands started to caress Obi-Wan's back and bottom. Obi-Wan moaned into his Master's mouth, and...
... the holocom buzzed. The moan changed to a groan as Qui-Gon released his Padawan. He gave Obi-Wan a quick kiss and reached to answer the holocom. It was Mace, of course.
"Qui-Gon, you are scheduled to appear in front of the council this morning. You are already late, and I see you are not dressed yet."
"Yes, Master Windu, I'm on my way," he replied, and ended the transmission before Mace could continue. He turned to Obi-Wan and kissed him again. "This will take a while, I'll be back for dinner." Obi-Wan nodded silently as Qui- Gon made my way to the 'fresher.
Qui-Gon managed to get through the council meeting and the report re-write more quickly this time. It was early afternoon when he emerged from the council meeting in early afternoon, time enough to visit the practice rooms and still return to his quarters before Obi-Wan. Neither Knight Ellis nor Master Vin-Aki was there. Instead, Master Liburdi was running the rooms.
The murmurs started as soon as Qui-Gon stepped in. Master Liburdi noticed him immediately and motioned for him to come over. Qui-Gon complied, noting the other master had a delighted but evil look on his face.
"Qui-Gon Jinn." he said formally.
"Yes, Master Liburdi?"
"Your Padawan attended saber practice this morning."
"I know. He's become rather good lately. I'm afraid he'll soon be able to best me on a regular basis."
"Yes," Liburdi waved his hand, "I'm sure he's as gifted as you claim. I'm more concerned about what I've overheard. Your Padawan told a friend of his you kissed him this morning."
Right, thought Qui-Gon, the kiss. He smiled a little, and waited for Liburdi to go on.
"Don't you think it's ...unseemly... for a Master to kiss his student?" asked Liburdi.
"Unseemly? But, Obi-Wan approached me first."
"That's not what I heard."
Oh, thought Qui-Gon suddenly. No he hadn't, not today.
He felt his stomach drop out from under him. "Master Liburdi, do you spend all your time listening in on students' conversations?"
Liburdi shot Jinn an evil look, then led the wayward Jedi Master to the council chambers to report the transgression.
Qui-Gon spent the rest of the day waiting outside the council chambers, waiting in the council anteroom, waiting for the council to come to a decision, and waiting to see Obi-Wan again. Kissing him had given Qui-Gon a thrill he hadn't felt in years. Surely this matter would be cleared up and he would be allowed to return to his quarters and talk to Obi-Wan again.
It was very late when the council let him go with orders not to touch his Padawan until the matter was investigated further. Qui-Gon entered his quarters, vaguely surprised the door worked, and went straight to his room. He flopped his tired body on his bed and instantly fell asleep.
The alarm woke him again. Again, sunlight burned his eyes. Qui-Gon checked the day - yes, once again, the first day back. He turned to the small holocom in his room and called the council room. Mace answered.
"Mace, I just got up. I'm going to be late for the meeting," said Qui-Gon abruptly. He flipped off the com before Mace could answer, rolled out of bed, and put on his leggings.
He proceeded directly to the 'fresher, and when he emerged, Obi-Wan was gone. His apprentice had left a cup of tea and a note bidding him good morning. Qui- Gon smiled, quickly drank the tea, and went off to see the council.
The council meeting went quickly enough, but re-writing the report took longer than it should have. Qui-Gon was distracted by his fantasies about Obi-Wan. He felt certain that he should accept a relationship with his Padawan, as long as he didn't initiate it.
Thoughts of Obi-Wan raced through his head; the taste of the young man's mouth, the feel of his muscular back beneath his hands. Qui-Gon even began to fantasize about the parts of his Padawan that were yet untasted.
By the time he was finished, it was late afternoon, a bit earlier than he had emerged from the anteroom in his first premonition. Or was that the first time he had relived this day? Qui-Gon didn't know what was going on, and he scarcely had time to consider it, with all the council difficulties and the awkwardness with Obi-Wan. Some day, he'd have to unravel the mystery, but for now, he'd just live in the moment.
He walked by the 'saber practice rooms, and noticed Knight Ellis's class had just started. He stopped to watch for a moment, and noticed that the youngster J'ek was indeed limping. There was something definitely wrong with the boy. He pulled Ellis aside.
"I think you should take a look at J'ek. He seems to be limping. Perhaps you should have the healers look at him."
"Master Jinn, I think I would have noticed a problem with one of my students," she said. "Are you implying that I'm incapable of teaching this class?"
"Uh, no, I ..." he started.
"Thank you for your advice. Excuse me, but I must attend to my students."
Well, that certainly did not go the way he intended.
As he was about to leave he heard Master Vin-Aki berate his Padawan. Qui-Gon winced, and turned back into the room. Perhaps he could make up for his other lapse.
"Master Vin-Aki! You shouldn't be so harsh with your Padawan," he said. "She's been struggling with 'saber practice lately, and a little pride over an accomplishment isn't going to ruin her as a Jedi."
Vin-Aki looked completely shocked. "Who are you," the other Master said slowly, "to interfere with the training of my Padawan? Do you think you know her better than I do?"
Qui-Gon shook his head and backed away slowly.
"You barely know your own Padawan, Jinn. Perhaps you should tend to your own business before interfering with other's."
Instead of replying, Qui-Gon simply ducked out of the room. He didn't notice the two creche masters as they passed him, as he was so intent on getting to his room. He'd have to think of a way to make amends to Ellis and Vin-Aki later; now he could concentrate on getting it on... er, making things right with his Padawan.
Assuming the door to his quarters was not functional, he used his training bond to ask Obi-Wan to open the door. Obi-Wan did so, and as he walked into his quarters, Qui-Gon thanked him warmly. He promised himself he would be more attentive to his apprentice's needs that night.
They shared dinner and some conversation that night, and before Qui-Gon could retreat to his hot bath, Obi-Wan stopped him.
"Master, I have something to tell you."
"Yes, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon replied, trying to hide his excitement.
"I... Master, I love you," he blurted out.
Qui-Gon cupped Obi-Wan's chin in his hand, and started stroking his jaw line with his thumb.
"Master," Obi-Wan continued, "I... do you feel the same way?"
Qui-Gon answered by pulling Obi-Wan toward him, and covering his Padawan's mouth with his own. He flicked his tongue at Obi-Wan's lips, and his apprentice complied, opening his mouth to accept Qui-Gon's roaming tongue. As they kissed, Qui-Gon's hand explored Obi-Wan's body through his clothes. He wanted more. He pulled away for a moment.
"Obi-Wan, bed?" he asked breathlessly.
Obi-Wan looked surprised, but nodded and followed Qui-Gon into his room.
"Obi-Wan, you're so beautiful," he murmured while pulling off his apprentice's belt and tunic. His hands caressed the firm, young body, and pressed his lips on Obi-Wan's face and neck. Obi-Wan hesitated, but soon began to kiss and caress Qui-Gon, with a hint of shyness that Qui-Gon found endearing.
It took little time for the Master to divest himself and his Padawan of their clothing. Qui-Gon paused to drink the sight of beautiful, naked young man in front of him. He stepped back onto the bed, and motioned for Obi-Wan to join him. "Do you want this, Obi-Wan?"
"Oh, yes! I've wanted you for a very long time," he said as he fell into his Master's arms. Qui-Gon reveled in the feel of his Padawan's smooth skin as he moved against him. Obi-Wan's choked moans drove him on and he shifted his body, laying his Padawan under him and sliding his cock against Obi-Wan's groin. His Padawan cried out in protest as Qui-Gon momentarily pulled away from him, but his cry turned to a whimper as his Master began trailing kisses down his chest and abdomen.
Qui-Gon lowered himself between Obi-Wan's legs, and paused for a moment to inhale deeply, breathing in the scent of his Padawan's cock. Mad with pleasure, he dragged his tongue up the underside of the erection, and slid his mouth over the entire shaft in one smooth motion. He heard Obi-Wan gasp in excitement, and held down the slender hips to prevent his apprentice from bucking into him.
He vigorously massaged Obi-Wan's cock with his mouth, pausing occasionally to slowly rake his teeth over the erection. His Padawan sobbed with pleasure as Qui-Gon brought him to the brink of orgasm and back down several times.
"Please, Master, please," Obi-Wan begged for completion as he twined his fingers into Qui-Gon's hair, pushing his straining cock hard into his Master's mouth. Qui-Gon released Obi-Wan's hips and grabbed his own erection. Obi-Wan thrust one last time and spilled his seed into Qui-Gon, as Qui-Gon jammed his cock into his right hand and orgasmed soon after.
Qui-Gon collapsed next to his padawan, and pulled him into an embrace. Obi-Wan cuddled against Qui-Gon for a moment, then pulled away.
"Is something wrong, Padawan?"
"No. I... I would just feel more comfortable if I slept in my own bed tonight," answered Obi-Wan as he slipped out and left the room.
Qui-Gon nodded, confused. Hadn't his Padawan declare his love for him? Wasn't that what Obi-Wan wanted? Did he do the wrong thing again? It was a long while before sleep overtook Qui-Gon.
Alarm. Sunlight. Same day. Sith hells, what was he supposed to do? Reject his Padawan? Or accept him? Neither option seemed to be right. Qui-Gon had no ideas, nothing he tried thus far had worked. The worst part was he had duties to attend to. He willed himself out of bed, sighed, and released his worries into the Force.
He called up the council chambers on his holocom.
"Good morning, Mace," he tried to sound cheerful.
"Good morning, Jinn. Welcome back."
"Thank you. Mace, I just woke up, and still need to dress. I won't be able to make my appointment on time today."
"I understand, Qui-Gon," answered Mace. "Tough mission, wasn't it? We'll move you down the agenda, so take your time."
"See you soon, Mace."
That wasn't so difficult, why didn't he think of it before?
He pulled on his leggings and joined Obi-Wan in the kitchen. There was his cheerful, attractive Padawan, making a pot of tea, completely unaware of how the night would end. Qui-Gon took the cup his apprentice handed him and sipped. Perfect, just the way he preferred.
"Obi-Wan?"
"Yes Master?"
He was about to tell Obi-Wan about his plans for the day, but stopped. Instead, he said, "Thank you for the tea, Obi-Wan. I know I don't often express my thanks for all the things you do for me, but I want you to know that I appreciate them each time."
"Master, I..." Obi-Wan cocked his head to one side, as if he was confused, but Qui-Gon saw the delight in those eyes. Was he really so stingy with his praise that his Obi-Wan would blush at such a small compliment? He would have to ponder his behavior later.
The council meeting went quickly. Qui-Gon answered all the questions politely, treating each council member with the respect they were accustom to receiving from everyone but Qui-Gon. He quickly re-wrote his report, even pausing to laugh at some of the mishaps. They actually seemed funny now that a few days had passed.
A few days. Had a few days passed, or had Qui-Gon been experiencing premonitions? That hardly seemed likely, since he wasn't prone to premonitions, and it seemed so real to him. Premonitions were like dreams, and didn't include the physical sensations he felt in the past days, especially the sensations of touching his Padawan.
Ah, his Obi-Wan. Once again his thoughts turned to Obi-Wan, and why wouldn't they? His failures to do right by his apprentice seemed to be causing this infuriating repetitive day. Why? He slipped into meditation, and asked the Force for guidance.
What he saw was Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan by fighting by his side, repairing Qui-Gon's robe, comforting his wounded Master, repeating a lesson, laughing at a joke, countless other moments in the life they shared together. What did he learn? That Obi-Wan was the light of his life? He knew that already. What should he do about it? He still had no idea.
He exited the council chambers and offered a cheerful good-bye to a very confused-looking Mace Windu. Qui-Gon chuckled under his breath - he'd have to remember that, the next time he needed to get Mace off balance.
He made sure to pass the training rooms on his route back to his quarters, and stopped to watch the practice sessions. He noticed J'ek stumble, but this time did not offer to help until Knight Ellis noticed him in the corner and motioned for him. He examined the boy's leg and grimaced.
"You were right, Ellis. It looks as though this boy has an injury that never healed. Possibly an infection." Qui-Gon asked another padawan to summon the healers.
"Thank you Master Jinn, you help is appreciated," said Ellis warmly.
"You were wise to notice the boy. Many others would have dismissed his stumbling because he was at that awkward age," said Qui-Gon.
Ellis beamed and thanked him again, as he moved next to Master Vin-Aki. The Force was with him today, and Vin-Aki's padawan had not yet beat the older Padawan, and Vin-Aki had not yet berated her.
"Her technique is improving," Qui-Gon said to the other Master.
"Yes, a bit," Vin-Aki answered.
"You know," said Qui-Gon, "girls that age often have confidence problems."
Vin-Aki raised an eyebrow. "Do they? I haven't spent much time with human children. My first Padawan was from Destornia. Completely unemotional."
Qui-Gon nodded. "Yes. Humans need a little more latitude," he snorted. "It was a difficult age for my Padawan as well."
Qui-Gon retreated from the room as Vin-Aki's padawan won the match. He smiled with satisfaction as he heard the other Master praise the girl. His smile carried over to the two creche Masters he passed in the hall.
"Good evening, Masters!" he said enthusiastically.
"Good evening, Master Jinn," they answered. Qui-Gon chuckled as they stared at him. Watching other Jedi's confused reactions to his cheerfulness was amusing. He'd have to try it more often.
He reached his quarters, and as expected, the door didn't work. It took Obi-Wan only a few seconds to open it for him.
"Good evening, Obi-Wan. How was your day today?" asked Qui-Gon as he hung his robe and placed his boots in the closet.
"Good, Master, but I'm glad to be home," answered Obi-Wan cheerfully.
"Yes, as am I. Dinner smells delicious, and I'm starving. Thank you for having it ready," he said as he gave Obi-Wan's shoulder a squeeze. The two sat down and chatted about each other's days. Qui-Gon noted that he was not fatigued - it must have been his gloomy anger that tired him the previous days.
Dinner took longer than usual, as it was interrupted by conversation and jokes and laughter. When they were finished eating, they pushed their plates forward and relaxed back into their chairs. Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon with a meaningful glance.
"I love you, Master," he said easily.
Qui-Gon reached over and took Obi-Wan's face in his hands. "I love you too, Obi-Wan." He pressed a soft kiss on his Padawan's lips, and pulled back to look at Obi-Wan's face. His apprentice was smiling, content.
"Master, would you be interested in a... "
"More intimate relationship?"
Obi-Wan blushed slightly and nodded.
"Yes, Obi-Wan, I would like that very much."
The looked at each other for a long moment, as if wondering what do to next. Qui-Gon had never felt so close to his Padawan, and didn't want to ruin the moment. Finally, he thought of something to say.
"Obi-Wan, how do you feel about joining me for a glass of wine on the balcony?"
"An excellent idea, Master!"
Obi-Wan fetched the wine, Qui-Gon found the glasses, and they made themselves comfortable, talking and laughing and drinking. After the first glass, Obi-Wan was leaning up against Qui-Gon, his back pressed against the Master's chest. After two glasses, the Jedi were exchanging kisses, and after several more, they were caressing and nuzzling each other.
They spent half the night on the balcony, until Qui-Gon realized he was tiring, and could see his apprentice was even more fatigued. "Will you share my bed tonight, my Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan smiled, and let his Master lead him to his room. They stripped down to their leggings and slid into bed, into each other's arms. Sleep came immediately.
Obi-Wan woke and gave a slow, sinuous stretch as he turned in Qui-Gon's arms. "My Master..." His breath whispered against Qui-Gon's throat.
Qui-Gon's arms tightened around him. "My Obi-Wan..."
As Obi-Way lay resting in his arms, he watched the red-orange glow of morning seeping through his window. Another day. It appeared as though he had finally gotten it right.
The End