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Rating: PG, for mild language and innuendo

Category: Obi/Bail, romance, a little angst

Archive: M-A and http://www.wyomingnot.com/rita/rita.html

Summary: At a boring meeting, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan run into Bail Organa, which sparks some interesting emotions and discoveries.

Warnings: potshots taken at the "lifebond" concept. I hate the lifebond! Hence the title.

Timeline: approximately 2 years before TPM

Angst-o-meter: around 4

Mush alert: a little at the end; not too stomach churning, though

Disclaimer: I am just a Jedi Padawan. I own nothing. All that I have belongs to my Master George: my money, my action figures, my dreams and fantasies. In return he gives me wisdom, many lessons in patience and humility, and the best galaxy in the universe to play in. All hail Master George!

Feedback: On or off list; positive or negative; but Jedi Master Emily Post says rudeness is of the Dark Side!

Special thanks and effusive gratitude to Jess and Emma Nesbit for beta-ing.

Story order:
Perhaps
Maybe
Falling
Back for Seconds - Obi-Wan and Bail
Bailing Bail
Padawan Games
Greener Pastures
Forgiven
Reality Check
Better Than Destiny <-- You are here
A Cross-Cultural Affair
Deconstruction
Reconstruction
Rewoven
Night Visitor
Father Figure
A Model Padawan
Not All Dreams Are Visions
You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Dangerous Fame
Labyrinth
Private Lessons (off-site link)
Owner's Mark
Epicenter
Duty
Penumbra
Nightfall
Batter My Heart

Obi-Wan stood as unobtrusively as possible, surveying the room's occupants with only minimal attention. Politicians, business people, special interest groups, and even lawyers, all milling about, making contacts, striking deals, finagling power - and the Summit hadn't even started yet. This was just the opening reception, and already Obi-Wan's brain was turning to gelatin with boredom. The annual Intergalactic Trade Summit always required a Jedi presence, and every year a different team was sent. Some people might consider it a desirable assignment - five days in one of the galaxy's finest hotels, this year a beach resort on Darraksh, a wealthy planet that offered plenty of amusements for the many Summit attendees more interested in entertainment than business. Really, the Summit was just an excuse for the well-heeled to come together and eat, drink, and be merry. It was a rather cushy assignment. The Jedi merely had to attend, keep tabs on what little business actually occurred at the Summit and report back to the Council. But Obi-Wan hated these kinds of conferences. He had very little interest in economics, and he had even less use for the playgrounds of the pampered. All he was looking forward to over the next few days was the food, and the chance to catch up on some of his studies. In the meantime, he was trying to avoid attention as much as possible, not wanting to get snared by someone hoping to court Jedi favor for their ridiculous business schemes.

He was standing in a corner near some potted plants, wearing his sternest "Jedi frown," when he heard a voice behind him.

"I just saw the most gorgeous creature."

He couldn't tell if the speaker was addressing him directly or speaking to someone else, but he knew he was meant to hear.

"He was wearing a brown robe, but such drab clothing can't conceal his ravishing good looks."

The voice was closer now, just behind his right shoulder. Obi-Wan remained staring straight ahead into the crowd, his mouth twitching in the beginnings of a smile.

"I wonder what I could offer him in exchange for sexual favors?"

At last Obi-Wan turned around to face Bail Organa, the picture of voluptuous elegance in his blue and violet silk robes. Bail was holding two glasses of champagne, one of which he handed to Obi-Wan, arching an eyebrow in greeting.

Taking the offered glass, Obi-Wan quipped, "A gorgeous man in a brown robe? You must be referring to my master. And I don't think even you could afford what he would ask in exchange for sexual favors."

"Well, if you put in a good word for me, perhaps he and I could come to an agreement."

Obi-Wan laughed, dropping the game. "I had no idea you would be attending the Trade Summit."

Bail scowled. "Unfortunately I sit on one of the relevant senate committees."

"Why the long face? I would think you would enjoy this kind of gathering."

"Politics is my thing, my dear Bendu, not business. But what about you?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "The Council wanted to give my master and me a break. We've had some difficult assignments lately, and I think this is their idea of a vacation."

"But not yours?" Bail guessed. When Obi-Wan didn't bother to answer, he continued, "Of course not. This must fall under your category of 'least favorite missions'."

"Absolutely." Obi-Wan's eyes took on a feral light. "But a rather interesting development has occurred which I think will change my whole outlook on the next five days."

"Really? How fascinating," Bail purred, a coy smile on his lips as he moved closer to Obi-Wan. Their hips brushed together lightly. The Prince radiated sensuality, and Obi-Wan found it difficult to resist the urge to slide his hands into Bail's robes. The Prince continued, "Why is it that we have to travel half way across the galaxy in order to see each other?"

"Must be the guidance of the Force," Obi-Wan murmured. Indeed, it had been far too long since they had last seen each other.

Bail smiled. "I shall have to remember to thank it, then."

Across the room, Qui-Gon Jinn had noticed the sudden...spike...in Obi- Wan's attention. His eyes honed instantly on his Padawan, and he was surprised to see him talking to the Senator of Alderaan. Without losing the thread of his own conversation with several delegates from Oseon, Qui-Gon kept an eye on his apprentice and the Prince. The two of them were standing far too closely together, and even at this distance it was obvious they were flirting. His Padawan was paying no attention whatsoever to anyone or anything else. He knew Obi-Wan hated this kind of conference, and normally he wouldn't blame his Padawan for finding some other form of amusement, but he was displeased that the Prince should be the one to provide it.

The casualness of his padawan's relationship with the Prince had never bothered Qui-Gon before, but then he had seldom seen the two of them together since they had become lovers. Always before their public behavior had been quite proper and correct, but now here they were, carrying on like two hormone-crazed teenagers instead of the responsible young men they both were. It disturbed Qui-Gon, knowing how much devotion and love Obi-Wan was capable of - devotion and love that had previously been reserved exclusively for himself - to see Obi-Wan engaged in such a casual relationship with the Prince. Usually Obi-Wan was excruciatingly discreet, but now here he was, flirting and carrying on in public. Qui-Gon did not approve. What Obi-Wan did on his own time was, of course, his own business. But they were here on a mission, even if it wasn't a very demanding one, and Qui-Gon did not want Obi-Wan to let himself become distracted by more...prurient pursuits. The Jedi simply did not comport themselves that way.

At last Qui-Gon managed to extricate himself from his conversation with the Oseons, and he headed toward his Padawan and the Prince. It was a sign of how truly distracted Obi-Wan was that he didn't even notice his master's approach. Instead Bail was the first to notice Qui-Gon, and he smoothly greeted him like an old friend. "Master Jinn!" he called, and Obi-Wan flinched guiltily. "What an unexpected pleasure it is to find you and Padawan Kenobi in attendance at the Summit."

Padawan Kenobi? Qui-Gon was half inclined to take the Prince's excessive formality as a form of impertinence. "It is a pleasure to see you as well, Senator," he returned in a cool voice. His eyes slid over to Obi-Wan, who seemed to be trying to hide his champagne glass. Qui-Gon hadn't seen his apprentice squirm in quite a long time.

For his part, the Prince had not moved to a more respectable distance away from Obi-Wan. In fact, Qui-Gon suspected the man's hand was resting somewhere on his Padawan's backside. And despite his initial jump, Obi-Wan had made no move away from the Prince, either. Could this really be his proper little Padawan, indulging in an almost- public display of...well, perhaps "affection" was not the right word. "Groping" came more readily to mind.

Completely oblivious to the Master's disapproval, Bail continued, "As a matter of fact, Obi-Wan and I were just talking about you. Well, he was talking about you. I was talking about someone else." He cast a sly glance at Obi-Wan, who returned the conspiratorial smirk.

Innuendo now? This was really too much. "Well, I hope we will have another opportunity to see you, Senator, but I know the Summit will keep us all very busy. In fact, there are some aspects of the mission that I need to review with my Padawan tonight."

To his credit, Bail got the hint. "Of course. Then I bid you goodnight, Master Jinn." He then turned to Obi-Wan with smoldering eyes. "And if I can assist you in your preparations for the Summit, Padawan Kenobi, I would be more than happy to. Anytime. Perhaps I can explain some of the finer economic issues at stake? If you need me, I'm in suite 3127." He ran a finger along the outside of his glass, catching a stray drop of champagne, then sucked the drop off his finger, waving his eyebrows lasciviously at Obi-Wan before melting away into the crowd.

Qui-Gon's disapproval sharpened, especially since Obi-Wan was wearing a rather silly grin. "Come, Padawan, we should retire for the night."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan replied, and he scrambled to fall into place at Qui-Gon's side as his master swiftly strode out of the room.

As they returned to their quarters, Qui-Gon chided, "You would do well to remember that we are here on a mission, Padawan. We are not here to pursue our own entertainment."

This struck Obi-Wan as a rather odd rebuke, since most of the Summit attendees treated the occasion as exactly that. Surely Qui-Gon didn't mean they couldn't have any fun, especially since it had presented itself so enticingly to Obi-Wan. And wasn't Qui-Gon the one who wanted him to spend more time with people his own age in the first place? "But Master, the Summit doesn't really require that much of our attention, does it?"

Qui-Gon shot him a reproving glance. "All missions are important, and all demand our utmost attention."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan sighed in resignation.

"The Prince was right about one thing, though. You do have a weakness in economics. I think this Summit will provide you an excellent opportunity to brush up on that topic. I'll prepare some reading for you tonight."

Somehow Obi-Wan managed not to groan. "Yes, Master. But when I'm finished with my studies-"

"I doubt you will finish before the summit is over, Padawan."

Great. Apparently he was being punished, and he didn't even know why. Well, he could bear it. After all, Bail was here. He would have plenty of opportunity to at least talk with him. Even with extra studies, Obi-Wan knew he was going to enjoy the summit more than he would have without Bail. So be it.

The next morning, as Obi-Wan was loading up a plate at the enormous breakfast buffet, Bail sidled up next to him. "I missed you last night," he said by way of greeting.

"It's your own fault for mentioning my economics deficiency. Qui-Gon has assigned me extra studies."

Bail's eyes narrowed seductively, and he purred, "I can help you study."

"You think he can't see through that trick? It's the oldest one in the book."

"Well, you'll just have to study your head off, then," Bail pouted. "It's been four months since we last saw each other."

"Almost five," Obi-Wan corrected. Bail answered with a wistful sigh, but he was pleased that Obi-Wan knew how long it had been. They exchanged a private glance, ripe with tender longing, and Obi-Wan furtively took the Prince's hand. "I'll find the time," he promised. Then Qui-Gon approached them in the line, and they split up.

The morning's presentations lived up to their promise of terminal tedium, but Obi-Wan was spared his usual practice of meditating on the code, "There is no boredom, only catatonia," by an endless stream of witty notes, sketches, and dirty limericks which Bail sent him through one of the many page droids. Of course it could not escape Qui-Gon's notice that his Padawan kept exchanging notes, and at last Qui-Gon asked, "Are those notes relevant to the day's discussion?"

"Um, well, some of them are," Obi-Wan bit his lip. The sketches were mostly caricatures of the various speakers, and one limerick did refer to the Trade Federation, albeit in a rather salacious fashion.

"Would you care to show me one of these relevant notes, Padawan?"

Obi-Wan squirmed. "Perhaps not, Master."

"Then perhaps you should inform your correspondent not to distract you."

If it was possible for a sigh to be insubordinate, the one Obi-Wan now gave in response to this command definitely qualified. It only earned him another stern look, and Obi-Wan meekly replied, "Yes, Master." He dashed off a note, summoning one of the page droids to deliver it. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Bail read the note, then glanced his way. But Qui-Gon was watching, too, so Bail merely nodded. For a while Qui-Gon kept watch to ensure that his apprentice behaved, but eventually he turned his attention back to the speakers.

It wasn't long before the glances began again. Bail idly picked up his pen and began sucking on the end of it. Obi-Wan toyed with his braid, sliding it through his fingers, then brushing the end along his cheek and across his lips.

"Stop fidgeting, Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon rebuked, and Obi-Wan reluctantly obeyed, sitting up straighter.

This time Obi-Wan waited a good ten minutes before casually shifting in his chair, resting his chin in his hand with his face slightly turned away until Qui-Gon was no longer in his line of vision. His gaze latched onto Bail with all the tenacity of a tractor beam. The Prince kept his eyes on the speakers, but he knew he was being watched, and he began twisting his fingers into his black curls. Obi- Wan once more began to play with his braid.

They got away with it for several minutes before Qui-Gon caught them.

"Padawan-" he warned.

"The business delegate from Yag'dhul is protesting the push for a free-trade zone at the junction of the Corellian Trade Spine and the Rimma Route, but the outer and mid rim planets claim that the tariffs are destabilizing their economies." Obi-Wan gave his master a smug look. "You see, I am paying attention."

But Qui-Gon was not impressed. "Are you back-talking me, Padawan?"

Obi-Wan dropped his gaze in shame. It may not have exactly been backtalk, but it was close enough. Chastened, he avoided Bail for the rest of the morning and remained dutifully focused on the speakers.

When the session ended for lunch, Obi-Wan took advantage of Qui-Gon's momentary distraction by another delegate to jot a quick note. He used the Force to send it unerringly into the Prince's waiting hands, watching as he read the message, then turning to follow Qui-Gon out of the room.

As everyone slowly filed out of the hall, Obi-Wan managed to evade his Master with a trip to the 'fresher. Scarcely a minute later, Bail followed him, and Obi-Wan laughingly dragged the Prince into one of the stalls.

"Did he see you come in?" Obi-Wan asked as Bail pressed eagerly up against him.

"I'm afraid so, and he didn't look too happy about it."

"Well, I doubt he'll follow us in here." That is, he hoped not. Obi- Wan could scarcely believe he'd been reduced to a furtive assignation with Bail in a public restroom - all to avoid his Master. The whole scenario was rather kinky. It reminded him of their infamous double date with Qui-Gon and Master Barani. What would be next? Public comm booths?

Bail's hands snaked beneath Obi-Wan's tunic, running around his hips. "This is ridiculous, Ben! What is going on?"

"He says you distract me," he sighed against Bail's mouth. "I can't imagine why he would think that."

Bail's dark eyes sparkled. "It feels like we're having an illicit affair. How exciting!" He shivered as Obi-Wan's lips pressed against his neck. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was--." He stiffened in realization.

Obi-Wan sensed the shift in emotions. He pulled back, but Bail would not meet his gaze. "I can assure you, he is not jealous."

But Bail was not convinced. He slowly removed his hands from beneath Obi-Wan's clothes and patted his tunic smooth. Obi-Wan could feel him emotionally pulling away. "He just wants me to focus on the mission," he tried again.

"I know." Bail gave him a little smile, but his voice was quiet, and his eyes, when he at last raised them to Obi-Wan's, were sad. Obi- Wan was stunned. He's giving me up.

Bail took a step back. "He's waiting for you. Best not keep him." Another little smile, then he turned and slipped out of the stall.

The next person in line, thinking the stall was now unoccupied, opened the door on a shocked Jedi Padawan. Obi-Wan barely heard the being's hastily mumbled apology, still stunned by the Prince's departure. He and Bail had been involved for three years, and now with scarcely a word, Bail was giving him up, letting him go because he thought Qui-Gon was jealous. If Qui-Gon was jealous, it must mean he loved Obi-Wan, and if he loved Obi-Wan, then Obi-Wan at last could love him back. He had loved his Master for years, always unrequitedly. In fact his involvement with Bail was, at least initially, meant to be a distraction from Qui-Gon. But what was it now? Could it be true? Did Qui-Gon really love him? And if he did, then whom would Obi-Wan choose?

At one time the answer would have been obvious, but now he wasn't sure. All he could think of was the sadness in Bail's eyes as he had turned away.

When Obi-Wan at last emerged from the bathroom, he submitted so meekly to Qui-Gon's scolding that the Master cut his lecture short. For the rest of the day, Obi-Wan's behavior gave his master nothing at all to complain about, and insofar as they ever saw the Prince, his conduct was impeccable as well. Qui-Gon sensed that something had happened between them, but for now at least he was content enough to have his apprentice behaving respectably.

Ironically, despite his outward obedience, Obi-Wan was more distracted than ever. Careful shielding kept his master from sensing his roiling emotions. All day long he contemplated his predicament, wondering whether Qui-Gon was indeed jealous, touched by Bail's willingness to step aside, torn between his old love for his master and these new feelings for his lover. By the end of the day's events, he had no peace whatsoever.

Following dinner, he and his master returned to their suite for another evening of study, but Obi-Wan knew he would not be able to concentrate on economics. "With your permission, Master, I'd like to meditate for a while."

The request surprised Qui-Gon, but he tried not to show it. Obi- Wan's mood was beginning to worry him. "Of course, Padawan." He hesitated, then offered, "Perhaps I should join you."

"No, thank you, Master," Obi-Wan hastily protested. "I'd rather meditate alone." Qui-Gon only nodded, and Obi-Wan slipped out onto the balcony.

All the rooms in the hotel faced the ocean. The sun had slipped below the horizon, and its dying light painted the sky in dazzlingly bold colors. Obi-Wan watched as the light show slowly faded, seeking solace in the sound of the waves, but not finding it.

Bail loved water. Alderaan's surface was marbled with thousands of lakes and rivers. The first time Obi-Wan had visited Alderaan as Bail's guest, they had taken a river taxi to the Organa family's estate. Almost every day, the Prince went for a swim, took out a boat, or at least sat on the dock, dipping his bare feet in the water. As an initiate, Obi-Wan had often swum in the Temple lake with Bant, but now that they were adult Padawans, they seldom had the time. Instead, Obi-Wan swam with Bail in a wide river beneath an open sky, real clouds passing by overhead, real, not artificial sunlight bathing the Prince's damp curls in a golden glow, water dripping off the end of his nose as he smiled at Obi-Wan, diving together beneath the water's surface, lying on the riverbank on the grass, shivering slightly in the cool evening air until Bail drew a warm hand across Obi-Wan's chest, leaning over him to kiss him with river-damp lips, water dripping onto Obi-Wan's face from Bail's hair.

Perhaps the Prince was standing on his own balcony, watching the night creep across the sky, feeling the salty breeze caress him. Perhaps he, too, could feel the wind wiping away his tears. Damn it, Obi-Wan cursed in astonishment, I'm crying. What bitter irony, to have his dream come true only to destroy his happiness.

The sky was completely dark before Obi-Wan finally calmed himself enough to meditate. He knelt on the balcony, sinking into the welcoming embrace of the Force, feeling it wrap around him like Bail's arms, strong and inviting. He had never felt Qui-Gon's arms like that. He let those feelings, old resentments, familiar comforts, and all the attendant emotions flow up through him, releasing them into the depthless ocean of the Force.

When he finally emerged from his meditation, he had no more clarity about his feelings, but he did understand what it was he needed to find out. He rose effortlessly and reentered the room. Qui-Gon was seated on the couch studying a data pad, looking for all the world as if he were completely calm and collected. But with his senses sharpened by his meditation, Obi-Wan wondered if his master was truly as composed as he appeared.

Qui-Gon looked up as Obi-Wan approached him and knelt at his feet. Surprised by his padawan's submissiveness, he inquired, "What is it, Obi-Wan?"

Clear blue-green eyes met his without wavering. "Master, I have meditated on my behavior and accepted your correction. I will not fail you again on this mission. I will fulfill my duties."

Warmly, Qui-Gon assured him, "I know you will, Padawan."

Obi-Wan paused, collecting himself. "All missions are important, but not all of them require the same amount of mindfulness. Master, you and I both know that the summit does not require 100% of our attention. As a Jedi, I have certain responsibilities, and I will meet them." His expression took on a firm resolve. "But I also have responsibilities as a man, and I must attend to those as well."

Qui-Gon waited, quirking an eyebrow in silent inquiry. A flicker of hesitation crossed Obi-Wan's face before he regained his determination.

"Master, the Prince believes that you are jealous. He stepped aside, because he believes that given a choice, I would prefer to be with you." Again he paused, licking his lips nervously. "I need to know, Master. Have you sought to keep me apart from Bail because you are jealous?"

What a question! Qui-Gon had already realized that he had overreacted to Bail's presence at the Summit, but he had not yet sorted through all his own feelings about why he had taken such offense. He hated the fact that Obi-Wan had forced the issue, but he knew he owed his Padawan an answer. He just hoped Obi-Wan wouldn't be too disappointed.

Qui-Gon leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands in front of him. The shift in his position brought his face closer to that of his kneeling apprentice, and Qui-Gon met his gaze with compassion. "No, Obi-Wan, I am not jealous. At least, not in the way you mean. It appears I have misinterpreted your relationship with the Prince. I was under the assumption that you had a rather...casual liaison with him. There is nothing wrong with recreational sex, but I felt - and still feel - that the pursuit of such has no place on a mission."

Obi-Wan's jaw tightened in indignation, and his eyes flashed darkly. "Recreational sex?" he repeated. "Master, Bail and I have been involved for three years!"

"What was I supposed to think, Obi-Wan? You have always been quite insistent that you had no deep interest in Organa, and his own reputation is rather too well known for me to ignore, especially when every other week his picture appears in the news with another paramour on his arm."

The comment struck way too close to home for Obi-Wan, but still he came to Bail's defense. "You think he's a slut!"

"Well, I wouldn't use that word." Before Obi-Wan could protest again, Qui-Gon continued, "I didn't realize he was so...popular when I first introduced you to him. Since then, to be honest, I have been surprised you kept it going this long. I didn't think that was your type of thing."

"You think I'm a slut as well!"

Qui-Gon shook his head vehemently. He was having a hard time keeping up with his padawan's sensitivity on the subject. "Of course not," he assured him. "I just misunderstood the basis of your relationship."

But Obi-Wan was scarcely appeased. His brow furrowed in indignation. "So your disapproval is not based on jealousy. You just think he is not worthy of my attention."

Qui-Gon started to protest again, then realized with chagrin that was exactly what he had thought. "Clearly I was wrong. I apologize."

Obi-Wan lowered his gaze, pondering their exchange. This was not at all what he had been expecting Qui-Gon to say. To his surprise, he felt relieved to learn Qui-Gon did not love him, and any disappointment he might have felt about this revelation could be successfully submerged beneath a wave of indignation about how Qui- Gon had apparently viewed Bail. "I do not think he is beneath me," he said at last, as much to himself as to Qui-Gon. "On the contrary, his willingness to step aside for my happiness more than proves his worth." He loves me, which is more than I can say of you. And I have been twice the fool.

"I'm inclined to agree with you, Padawan," Qui-Gon relented, and Obi- Wan wondered if his master had heard his thoughts.

For a long time, the two of them sat in silence. Then Obi-Wan once more looked up. "Master, as I said, I will fulfill my duty to our mission here. But I ask permission to fulfill my duty to Bail as well, and right now he is hurt."

Qui-Gon leaned back, grateful that the tension between them had eased. "Of course, Obi-Wan. Go to him." Obi-Wan stood to leave, but Qui-Gon stopped him once more. "I still expect you to comport yourself with proper decorum during the meetings, but the evenings are free for you to do with as you wish. I'll see you at the opening session tomorrow."

Obi-Wan nodded, turning his head away before Qui-Gon could see him blush. When he had first gotten involved with Bail, he had had to fight the urge to ask permission from Qui-Gon. He used to believe in the mythical stories of bondmates, lovers who were destined by the Force itself to be together. For years he had held himself to an ideal of celibacy on behalf of what he had seen as a pure love for his master, and when he and Bail had become lovers, it had seemed like a betrayal of that love. Ever since then he had never spoken to Qui-Gon about his relationship with Bail. He had maintained a strict discretion whenever he went out with the Prince, a discretion Qui-Gon had upheld as well. But now, to have Qui-Gon openly acknowledge the relationship, to in effect give his blessing after all, almost disgusted him. He still loved Qui-Gon. Perhaps he always would, but he was through with hoping for a fantasy. Bail was not his destiny, not a pre-ordained soulmate bound to him by a Love That Surpassed All. But he was real, and that was better than any dream.

When he reached Bail's room, there was no answer to his knock. Surely it was too early for Bail to be asleep, and Obi-Wan momentarily feared that the Prince's disappointment might have driven him to find comfort in another's arms. It had taken Obi-Wan a long time to admit that Bail's philandering bothered him. After all, they had never claimed to be exclusive, and Obi-Wan considered himself to be cheating on Qui-Gon in the first place. But he had come to accept Bail's bed-hopping, even if he didn't like it, and he understood that the Prince tended to be rather, well, physical in the way he dealt with his emotions.

Regardless, Obi-Wan couldn't exactly barge in on Bail's room. If there was no answer here, he should at least look elsewhere, and Obi- Wan knew perfectly well where the Prince was apt to go. Whenever Bail needed to get away, he chose one of three escape routes: sex, drinking, or dancing. Unfortunately, there were plenty of places on Darraksh where he could find all three. The hotel itself had several bars and dance clubs. He would just have to start there.

Obi-Wan opened himself to the Force for guidance. He couldn't sense Bail's presence the way he could a Force-user, but they had a strong connection, and the Force might at least give him a hint. He found himself being nudged toward the most quiet of the three hotel bars - not one of the places where Bail's legendary Young and Beautiful People hung out. The choice seemed so incongruous to Obi-Wan that it must be right.

He entered the bar, a dark room filled with small tables and large, comfortable chairs. The older and more sedate participants in the summit were assembled here, drinking their stodgy "senior citizen" drinks, as Bail called them. No thumping music, no oversized vidscreens, no game tables, just quiet conversation. Obi-Wan drifted through the room, eyes and Force sense searching. And he found him.

The Prince was sitting with three other beings, an older human, a Duro of indeterminate age, and to Obi-Wan's dismay, a young Twi'lek. He watched for a minute or two, but Bail didn't seem to be trying to hit on her. On the contrary, while she clearly was attempting to work her charms on him, he seemed more or less oblivious. All four of them were engaged in a rather animated conversation, and Obi-Wan realized Bail was drunk. The Prince could hide it effectively, but Obi-Wan knew him well enough to be able to recognize the signs: the ever-so-slightly slurred speech, the briefest difficulty focusing whenever Bail shifted his gaze. The others probably thought he was only slightly tipsy, but Obi-Wan knew that not only was he drunk, he had been drinking quite a lot.

Which was all the more reason why Obi-Wan hesitated to simply march right up to the group and interrupt his conversation. He had no wish to create a scene. The important thing was that he had found Bail. He could wait as long as he needed to.

Obi-Wan took a seat at the bar where he would be directly in Bail's line of vision. Eventually he would be noticed. In the meantime, he ordered a beer and settled down to wait.

Almost half an hour passed before Bail finally noticed him. It was another sign of how drunk he was that his expression betrayed no emotion. By this time Bail was probably too mellow to feel much of anything anyway. Without preamble, he bade his fellows good evening and carefully stood up. With deliberate steps he approached Obi-Wan.

"It would appear you have finished your economics homework."

Obi-Wan gave him a half-smile. "I was given a reprieve." Bail began to look around then, searching for the ever-obtrusive Master, and Obi- Wan interrupted him. "He's not here."

"But-"

"You were wrong. He's not jealous. We had a talk."

Bail absorbed this news in silence, then said softly, "I'm so sorry, Ben."

It took a moment for Obi-Wan to realize Bail was expressing sympathy over Qui-Gon's rejection. "Stars above, Bail, I'm not." He raised his hand to cup the Prince's cheek in his palm. "There's something I have to tell you." Bail's eyes clouded in anticipation of the worst, and Obi-Wan gently shook his head. "I choose you."

Bail betrayed no reaction whatsoever, and Obi-Wan wondered if he'd heard him. Then his brow furrowed in an endearing display of perplexity. "Wow," he breathed. "That's unexpected."

"I should have said it to you a long time ago."

Bail looked away, blinking rapidly. "I...I-really am quite overwhelmed," and Obi-Wan could sense he was on the verge of tears. He couldn't bear the thought of making Bail cry, so he pulled the Prince close to him and kissed him gently. He tasted of the wine he had been drinking, and his mouth was warm and soft. The Prince melted against Obi-Wan as he gave himself over wholly to the kiss. Obi-Wan was slow and deliberate, his lips drawing on Bail's, tongue tasting him. Exquisitely sweet, to kiss Bail in a bar in a hotel on Darraksh, where anyone could see them, where anyone could know how much he loved him. Exquisitely sweet to feel Bail open up to him, so trusting and pliant. The code said, "There is no passion, only serenity," but this passion was serenity itself.

At last the kiss ended, and Obi-Wan drew back. For a moment Bail stood motionless, cheeks flushed, eyes closed. Then slowly he raised his eyes and stared up at Obi-Wan through long black eyelashes. "Does this mean I get to keep you?"

Obi-Wan smiled as Bail's arms slid around his waist. "Definitely."

Bail's breath, sweet and moist, warmed Obi-Wan's cheek as he sighed, "Oh, good."

-fin-