Master Apprentice Archive An Answer Quick search:

No one expected me out this early in the Meditation gardens, least of all myself. But I had to go somewhere to seek the serenity that abruptly fled last night after a most…unusual discussion with my Padawan.

Force. This sounds like he and I were debating about something of little consequence when it has the potential to change everything. Not a bad change, mind you, but a change nevertheless.

It is a change I have wanted for so long, but never dreamed that he would. And when he first told me….he did….it stunned me utterly.

As I walk out into the gardens, I make note of the date on the wall by the portal. A year, today. A year since the day he threw himself into my arms, into my life. Not my life as the Master, but as a lover. The best day of my life, until now.

A persistent tapping gets my attention.

"Master Yoda. Good morning."

"And you, Padawan."

I repress a sigh. Yoda will never change. He will always be my Master and I his Padawan.

"Troubled you are, I see." He says gently.

"Indeed, my Master. Last night…"

"A soul-bond Obi-Wan wishes to form with you, hmm?" He asks casually.

"Master, would you kindly stay out of my head?" I ask irritably.

Yoda remains unfazed. "In your head, I am not. Know you and Obi-Wan very well, however, I do. Love you more than life, he does. And you for him, feel the same."

This time, I let the sigh escape. Indeed, he does know me very well.  "Yes, my Master. But I am not worthy…"

A well timed and placed whack jars me out of my thoughts. "Nonsense, this is! Hear no more of it, I will." Yoda glares at me.

Absently, I rub my shin and sink to my knees before him. "How can he love me?" I ask, sounding pathetic even to myself. Where did this fear come from?

"How can he not?" Yoda returns, giving me one of his enigmatic looks. "Doubt you his feelings? Feel the truth with your bond, you can."

It is true, and inevitable. And it is what I have been dreading all morning, what kept me awake all last night. I close my eyes and reach for him along our training bond.

Despite the darkness, there is no cold. Only warmth. Light pierces through my shields. Laughter surrounds me. Obi-Wan…

How could I deny this? I never knew you needed me as much as I need you…

Everything we have ever gone through flashes before me, but we are always there. Guarding each other. Extending a hand when the other falters.  Laughing at a shared joke. Comforting each other for shared sorrows. Simply being there for each other. We have lived and loved each other for so long. How could I have been so blind?

Abruptly I return to my own mind, realizing that Yoda is wiping my face. "To your Padawan, you must go." He tells me.

"No," I say firmly. "To my bondmate I must go." I take my leave of my smugly bemused Master and head back to my-our quarters. You meet me at the door, apprehension in your eyes.

"Qui-Gon?" I hear a thousand different questions in your voice, and provide the answer to them all.

"Yes, my Obi-Wan."