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Although Qui-Gon had gathered up Obi-Wan's robe before departure, that wasn't the one Obi-Wan was now wrapped up and hidden within as he rested against Qui-Gon. No, Mace Windu was currently holding Obi-Wan's robe, along with the padawan's jacket and the coats belonging to the other two padawans now in the diagnostic bay of the medical vehicle. Even more disconcerting however, was the fact that Mace also held all three of the padawans' lightsabers.

And the fact that he wasn't confident that he'd be returning two of them.

Ever since becoming a member of the Jedi High Council, Mace had been awaken more times that he could keep track of with some sort of emergency. As one of the senior councilors for the Order, Mace was the one usually commed first, especially when the emergency involved members of the Galactic Senate. Siri Tachi’s involvement, however, had led to Adi Gallia being informed before him, however, only for the both of them to find Qui-Gon not only already prepping to leave, but fully involved in what was going one because of his unprecedented link with his own padawan.

Qui-Gon had already asked Mace’s assistant, Jamevelyn D'Kallette, to take the piloting duties, leaving Mace to contact Reeft and Garen’s masters, along with one of the Master Healers before the six of them left to speed toward the club. Adi had gathered a cadre of other masters, including Bant’s to meet their padawans and the injured at the medical facility exclusive to the politicians and Senators who made Coruscant their home.

From Qui-Gon's on-going edginess Mace figured that Obi-Wan had subsequently become injured, yet had only the supposition of seriousness given by how fiercely Obi-Wan seemed to be shielding his condition from his Master, and the franticness in which Qui-Gon had then redirected their route away from the club. The dispatch eventually passed onto them by the transport company had given little more information, only where the padawans were, and where they were heading.

So to board after intercepting the vehicle and find Padawan Muln first, his expression and aura dark with anger, his light saber in hand and held against nine civilians --

To find two more civilians down on the floor of the transport with their own injuries --

To find Reeft surrounded by a pool of blood and three women frantically trying to stem its flow from a wound that had to have pierced a kidney if not also a bowel --

And to finally find Obi-Wan bowed over his own knees, shaking from the easily sensed waves of agony tearing at his mind, seemingly oblivious to the little girl and the one who was likely her mother kneeling to either side, oblivious to everything --

Swift as an avenging angel out of the folklore of Mace's birth tribe, Qui-Gon had swept past the other two padawans and fell to his knees, pulling Obi-Wan up into his arms. Although each master moved immediately to assist their own, Mace had had a moment's wonder if Qui-Gon had even seen the state of the other two padawans, but then he’d caught sight of the red-stained tears Obi-Wan had lifted and knew instantly the reasons for Qui-Gon's preoccupation and haste.

Psychic shock; Obi-Wan's third such incident in less than three years.

By Qui-Gon's quick actions and even quicker removal of Obi-Wan from the transport, Mace’s fellow master had not only safeguarded his own padawan but also the other two, who could now be assisted in whatever fashion necessary by their own masters and the Force.

Mace had moved to Master Riken's and Padawan Garen's side even as Master Glo'ena and Healer Vance moved to her padawan. From Garen he needed to hear first hand the reasons a Jedi was threatening civilians. Additional witnesses were more than willing to brief him also, and even with the disparity of stories, soon he had only commended Garen and his master for the padawan's handling of the situation, and praised the lad directly for not giving into his heightened emotions.

Mace had next moved toward the fallen padawan, but not only was his presence dismissed, so too was the healer's, as Glo'ena invoked a master's privilege to care for her own padawan. And so Mace had had little to do but see to the final evacuation of the rest of the passengers, insisting that even those who'd apparently actively sided with the three padawans vacate the shuttle so the Jedi could finish dealing with the immediate situation.

He had little doubt that the Temple would be receiving visitors over the next few days, not just the remarkable women and young girl, but also others who would want to make sure their own version of the events were individually recorded while also hoping to see or at least find out the status of those injured. It wouldn't be the first time the public's response to such Jedi vulnerability emboldened or frightened them out of their complacency.

Nor, Mace feared, was this the last such an attack against Jedi from folks otherwise uninvolved in the type of troubles Jedi generally found themselves in opposition to. The Republic was vast and the Jedi few in comparison; with misunderstandings, rumors and out-in-out lies beginning to take tighter hold in the public's consciousness instead of the truth and reality.

Feared too much, or not feared enough, the Jedi mystic was wearing thin.

As was the healer's patience currently with Qui-Gon -- or more likely the other way around -- Mace abruptly discovered in returning his attention to his surroundings instead of dwelling within his troubled remembrances. He looked up to see Healer Vance with a neural white noise regenerator in hand, trying to pull Obi-Wan's hood back, and Qui-Gon resisting. Both masters were trying to stay quiet for Obi-Wan's sake, and were, of course, refraining from using the Force -- on each other, Mace had a giddy moment of fear in thinking. Neither were accomplishing much more than getting frustrated, however.

Mace rubbed restlessly at what he suspected to be a sympathetic headache to Obi-Wan’s, and could only be thankful that if this had to happen, it had happened to Obi-Wan instead of Qui-Gon. Not only was his own mental connection much stronger with the master than the padawan and so his pain would be more than just a shadow from empathy, but as skillful in the Force as Obi-Wan was -- was becoming -- Mace was pretty sure he'd have two cases of psychic shock to be dealing with instead of one had Qui-Gon been the one initially stricken. Indeed, he suspected only Qui-Gon's greater years and resultant experience had allowed him to keep from being caught up in sharing Obi-Wan's pain, given how deep the two of them were now mentally bonded.

But even in the throes of shock and burrowed about as deep within Qui-Gon's embrace as he could be, Obi-Wan was obviously not able to keep from feeling Qui-Gon's rising irritation; something Qui-Gon had yet to notice himself as he continued to fight with the object of his irritation.

Mace rose to his feet to pull the two masters apart, with a gesture for the healer to return to the medical bay, or go somewhere -- anywhere else, then raising his hand in warning when the other balked. Yes, no doubt the conflict between the two was as much Qui-Gon's fault as the other master's, but right now fault didn't matter and could be sorted out later.

Unfortunately Vance was as graceless in his acquiescence as he'd been in trying to command Qui-Gon to give Obi-Wan over to him. Mace sighed, knowing he'd be dealing with a belligerent healer if not a formal complaint against Qui-Gon -- and possibly himself -- before the day ended, and so followed the indignant healer out of the waiting area.

"Just how much have you bothered to study that pair's history?" he rounded on Vance after pulling him into the cockpit upon deciding that Reeft, Garen and their masters didn't deserve to have to listen to what was coming. Mace knew he shouldn't be displaying such a quarrel in front of Jame either, but he knew her discretion was on par with any Jedi's, and as a friend of both Qui-Gon and especially Obi-Wan, she perhaps had a right to be a witness, if not also have a say.

"I read that they have the highest number of missions resulting in time spent in our care out of the entire Order, especially over the last several years.” Vance’s accent was even more formal than Obi-Wan’s, giving Mace to think that the healer had probably never been off Coruscant.

“In the boy's case, I would almost assume criminal neglect or willful abuse were Master Jinn other than a fellow Jedi and the small detail that the two are … together," the healer then added with an audible sniff that immediately had Mace grinding his teeth. "There are also notations from nearly every healer they've had, about how difficult either man is when the other is a patient, a claim Master Jinn confirmed within the first seconds of my arrival to see to his padawan."

"Is that all?"

Vance seemed taken aback by the flatness of Mace's tone, but the healer still drew himself upright to show that he stood by his opinion even in the face of a Councilor's displeasure. Until he then undermined it all by expressing his answer as a question.

"I believe that is quite enough?"

"Actually, I am afraid it isn't, Healer Vance," Mace said a bit more harshly than was probably prudent. "Surely you know by now that any facts taken out of context can be used to support a presupposed conclusion?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Said with a coldness that would do fellow Councilor and former King, Oppo Rancisis, proud, Vance’s response also served to check Mace's emotional retort just as Rancisis' would have. He swallowed and took a deep breath, then another, knowing he was hardly impartial himself in his opinion regarding those two.

He just had a completely opposite opinion.

"Healer Vance, had you more time to review their history, you might have been able to see that the two of them also have completed more missions than any current team based out of Coruscant," he started again in a much milder tone. "Actually, more than any field team we currently have anywhere and, completed them with the highest success rate, I must add, although to their detriment, I fear the Council sees too much of the latter and so encourages the former. Now, personally, I don't care for statistics when talking about people – especially about our people – and so I cannot tell you if their percentages of injuries per missions are correspondingly higher than other teams." He gestured for the Healer to take the navigator's seat and propped his hip against the co-pilot's chair.

Jame was doing her best to stay busy with her controls and shaving off every second possible in returning to the Temple; something that might have alarmed Mace more had he actually be looking at how she was flying instead of concentrating on the Jedi before him.

"Perhaps if you had spent less time being insulted by the relationship between them, you would have also had time to note that they have a telepathic bond -- a very deep telepathic bond, which I suppose could account for the relationship, just as their relationship could account for the closeness of their bond." He chose not to mention the bond was actually one of Fusion, something beyond even the intertwining of a life or soul bond. Few even on the Council truly understood Fusion, or what it would ultimately mean for the two. Fusion was so uncommon as to be practically unknown, with the pairing of Nomi Sunrider and her mate, Andur being the only publicly acknowledged predecessor. And those two had died thousands of years ago.

Mace didn't want to think about what might happen should death come early to one of the Jinn-Kenobi pairing as it had for the Sunriders.

Vance frowned. "So the white noise generator would have incapacitated them both. And furthered the boy's condition instead of aiding it."

Mace heard and ignored yet again Jame's snort at Vance's referring to Obi-Wan as a boy instead of by name, just as he bit back his own reaction to the petty slight. Abruptly something else came to mind, however, and he cocked his head toward the other master. "Healer Vance, have you ever taken a padawan yourself?"

"I am afraid my duties and my research have not lent themselves to time to find a suitable candidate to apprentice."

Mace almost smiled. "Perhaps you should reevaluate that and see if you can find the time."

"Is that an order, Councilor Windu?"

This time he did smile. "Not at all, Healer Vance. Just a suggestion. But I do have to wonder if your focus on research has honed your tendency to judge things by statistics and basic generalities instead of seeing the individual components involved. I’d also have to guess that you’re more a following of the Unified side of the Force, than the Living,” he offered with an even more open expression.

“If you were to talk to other Jedi before they become your patients, I expect you'd discover that most field teams have difficulty with any healer's priorities that discount the importance of their partnership,” Mace continued. “And perhaps you'd also discover that the incidences of conflicts with patients decrease if the attending healer has a padawan of their own. Indeed, in your eagerness to make your contribution to your calling, I have to wonder if you might have forgotten your own relationship with your master."

The other stood up immediately, but instead of being insulted and leaving, as Mace feared for an instant, the other simply moved in front of him then dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

"Forgive me Master, and thank you for your wisdom. I will consider what you have said. And strive to learn more about my patients than their charts."

More than a little embarrassed by how abruptly penitent Vance had become, Mace cleared his throat. "Yes, well, we all have certain blind spots, even Councilors," and he turned so that he couldn't see Jame's wide grin from the corner of his eye. "Surely the only failed Jedi is the one who fails to learn from that blindness."

The healer rose with an expression of earnest resolution on his thin face. "Have you any suggestions as to how I can help Master Jinn and the -- and Padawan Kenobi?"

Fortunately for Mace, the tower containing the misnomered Healers Hall as it took up almost twenty levels of the Jedi Temple, was now visible through the front viewport, and growing larger with every hesitation and breath. "We're here," he said without being able to completely contain a small sigh of relief. "At this point I imagine the greatest assistance from you would be running interference for Jinn and Kenobi with your peers. As you now understand, in this instance the longer they are bothered, even by those like you only wishing to aid, the longer their trouble will linger. If you could distract the emergency personnel and direct them to young Reeft's presence instead --"

"As you say, Master Windu. It will be done."

"From pompous to fawning in less than five minutes. I don't know how you do it, Mace," Jame laughed as she ran through the final shutdown procedures and once the healer was well away from the cockpit.

"Never you mind that right now, girl. We have our own duties to attend to."

"Yeah, well, if Obi starts throwing up again, this time you get to take out the bucket."

Light words, which, surprisingly, brought more good memories than bad from the mission where Jamevlyn D'Kalette had first met Obi-Wan Kenobi. The same mission where Qui-Gon's padawan had first been stricken by psychic shock, due in fact by Mace's own actions to keep them all alive. Somehow, being experienced enough in this to be joking didn't exactly relieve Mace's own concerns, yet he wasn't about to reprimand his aide for her own way of coping. The best way for them both to release their current fears would be by assisting Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in whatever capacity that involved.

Even if that meant carrying and rinsing out contaminated waste receptacles.

Footsteps approached with too heavy a tread to belong to Master Windu or Jame, and Obi-Wan found himself tensing again as the steps slowed. But even before Qui-Gon could growl yet again and scare someone away, the steps started up and departed, the well-meaning if clueless healer thankfully heading off to see to his other patients.

When Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gon relax, he did so himself and leaned a little more into his master although they were already close enough that he could almost crawl underneath Qui-Gon's skin instead of where he hid underneath his master's robe. The only thing he wanted to hear -- could stand to hear right now -- was Qui-Gon's heartbeat directly beneath his ear, and the low noises of reassurance and love that were offered each time something outside the circle of protection that he was surrounded within triggered a new spasm or spike of pain.

At least now he only felt like clawing his eyes out and puncturing his eardrums instead of begging for the total lobotomy or beheading he'd preferred earlier. Qui-Gon's arrival on the transport had triggered his first easing of pain, and now that they were touching, Obi-Wan actually had hope that it wasn't ultimately going to kill him.

Another wave of comfort and affection flowed into him even as he knew Qui-Gon was using the Force no more than any of the other Jedi out of consideration for his debilitation. This was something relatively new between them, something almost primal and something he -- they -- were beginning to experience in spite of a lack of Force or too much distance between them for their Force bond to be effective.

A few months ago a mission's consequences had needed them to separate, with him returning to Coruscant while Qui-Gon flew from one Outer Rim planet to another. Upon landing there, Qui-Gon had become critically injured and, in part due to the fact that they had parted from one another quite angry, Qui-Gon had allowed despair to overtake him to the point of giving up. While Obi-Wan still wasn't sure if simply knowing he'd needed to forego completing the journey to Coruscant so he could get to Qui-Gon in a matter of long hours instead of long days, or if it had been this previously undiscovered ability to connect mentally with one another despite the distances still involved which had enabled him to lend Qui-Gon strength or hope -- for whatever reason, thank the Force, Qui-Gon had survived long enough that Obi-Wan had reached him in time to successfully begin to treat his master's injuries.

Thinking of that moment, however, remembering again the horror not only of Qui-Gon's injuries but also the utter wretchedness he'd felt as they'd argued -- and afterward as they'd tried to figure out how they even could disagree so strongly given the empathy that was now always between them, sent Obi-Wan's thoughts on another tangent. Several years ago he'd had Master Jolenine teaching one of his philosophy classes. That master had been nearly as in tune to the Unifying Force as Qui-Gon was connected to the Living, and she had theorized that the Will of the Force was absolute, that every significant occurrence was connected to another on a cosmic scale. Something Obi-Wan, in abstract, more or less believed himself from having his own strong connection to the unifying aspect of the Force.

But the thought of what it was about his own destiny might be that needed him to experience that disagreement -- or yet again another bout of psychic shock …

Yes, the almost geometrically growth in his mental and Force abilities was heartening in that it was helping him become a more equal partner to Qui-Gon, but frankly he'd have rather picked up the skills the more natural way, through time instead of accelerated experience.

"So would I," he felt more than heard whispered from Qui-Gon.

Before Obi-Wan could gather up enough energy to try and reply, they felt the ship begin to slow and descend. In preparation for the coming jolt, he burrowed deeper within Qui-Gon's embrace and comfort, but the transport kissed the tarmac with a touch so deft that it could only belong to Jame or Garen, the latter of whom he knew was in the medical treatment bay with Reeft.

Which meant he would only have the invasive hands and minds of the emergency personnel to endure until Qui-Gon could get him away instead of another incident with Healer Vance. Yet even in that, the two of them were pleasantly surprised upon hearing the Master Healer directing his associates toward Reeft and the other Jedi, and not mentioning Obi-Wan at all.

Unsure of the reason behind the other's change of heart but more than happy to take advantage of it, Obi-Wan pulled out of Qui-Gon's embrace and began to struggle awkwardly to his feet. For a moment he just stood there, wavering a little as he tried to find his equilibrium. He knew he must look a sight, hidden with the folds of Qui-Gon's robe like a child for all that he had reached his full growth a couple of years ago. But the too long sleeves hid his trembling hands as the hood did his damaged eyes. And with Qui-Gon's assistance, he'd be able to maneuver through the corridors regardless --

Except he wasn't going to be allowed to do so. Or to so worry.

Before he could find Qui-Gon's arm to steady himself, he was swept up into them as if he was still that child initiate. And caught between a padawan's embarrassment and a lover's delight. However, it was the pain and the resultant realization that he'd be unlikely able to walk off the ship, much less all the way to his quarters, that had him acquiescing with no further protest than an initial stiffening.

"I think your pride will survive," Qui-Gon breathed softly against his ear as Obi-Wan automatically turned his head in again against his master's chest. He wasn't sure if Qui-Gon could see beneath the drape of the hood, the hint of a smile this drew, and so Obi-Wan reached up to tucked his hand just under the fold of his master's outer tunic that he might also convey his appreciation with his touch as well as the feelings welling up within his heart and soul.

"But no matter, this is to cement my own reputation as a terribly romantic and caring lover, instead of someone so totally bewitched by the houri that accepted him as has been going around since our return from T'ias,” Qui-Gon then continued.

That surprised a muffled laugh out of Obi-Wan, though he needed swallow a moan from the tremors and ache that laughing exacerbated. Instantly Qui-Gon was bending over, nuzzling his cheek against the side of Obi-Wan's muffled cheek. "Sorry," was mouthed, but Obi-Wan knew Qui-Gon was only apologizing for the reaction he'd provoked, not for the loss of his reputation as a stoic, no-nonsense Jedi master seduced by his much younger lover.

But it turned out that neither of them needed to worry about their reputations at least in this instance. With Master Windu and Jame out ahead as Obi-Wan was carried to their quarters, they ran across no one despite traversing through some of the normally busiest corridors of the Temple. So quick and painless was it, that the councilor was overriding the lock and preceding them into their home before Obi-Wan had even figured out they'd arrived.

Now surrounded by a darkness only livened by a faint crack of sunlight peeking through the curtained transparasteel that was an entire wall of their living room, Obi-Wan could carefully pushed the hood away so that he might be able to look up his lover, wanting -- needing -- to soak up not so much the other's inward and outwardly expressed concern, but the utter pleasure and sheer comfort Qui-Gon's mien had inspired within him from their first days together as master and padawan. He had always thought his master uncommonly handsome, even when he'd not felt any desire for him, perhaps not so much the physical looks although those were more than pleasing enough, but from the commanding and confident manner in which Qui-Gon had always conducted himself. Qui-Gon Jinn had been Obi-Wan's ideal of what a Jedi Master should look like, even before he’d come to also know his master was his ideal of what a Jedi master should be like.

"Let me get the bed turned down for you," Jame began but then hesitated, although only for a couple of seconds before moving past them and opening up the doors to what had previously been Qui-Gon's bedroom alone.

With a faint blush, Obi-Wan realized that the last time she'd been here with a thought to what lay beyond the common rooms, had been before he and Qui-Gon had become lovers. Had been, in fact, while he and she had been lovers; the two of them back then had only rarely retreated to the smaller bedroom that was now only a workroom and study, preferring instead the cockpit of whatever flying craft they could get access to for their assignations.

Such thoughts and his growing embarrassment got a rumble of amusement from Qui-Gon.

"She's a remarkably smart woman."

And Obi-Wan wasn't exactly sure if Qui-Gon's was praising Jame's realization that he was now sharing Qui-Gon's life as well as his bed, or if his master was making some sort of teasing comment about his and Jame's significantly changed relationship. It hadn't taken any of them long to figure out he and Jame made better friends than committed lovers -- or even the occasional sex partner.

As Qui-Gon followed her, again Obi-Wan had no need to worry about hiding his eyes; the only light in here came from beyond another door leading into the bathing room. From which Master Windu then came out of, holding some of the candles he and Qui-Gon both had a guilty pleasure of enjoying almost as much as the fragrant oils they also indulged in using. Immediately Jame took up several of them from the councilor's hands and the two of them began placing the candles into nooks from which most of the glow could be even further defused.

"How did I get so lucky to have the three of you in my life," he whispered to Qui-Gon, quite overwhelmed by the care and love being shown him.

"Many cultures measure a man's worth by the caliber of his friends, my own," Qui-Gon breathed against his lips before then kissing them gently. "You deserve all that we can offer."

Obi-Wan blushed under such tender regard, the flush then extending throughout his body as he pushed back up into the lips before they could be drawn away. He wanted nothing more than to lose himself forever within their warmth, but had little to offer more than a passive involvement. The energy he was drawing up now was Qui-Gon's, and he'd already been shamelessly drawing upon that strength for too long.

"The only reason I don't carry you forever is because you don't need me to," was then breathed against his temple as they parted.

Despite such a pronouncement, Qui-Gon crossed the rest of the steps toward the bed still cradling Obi-Wan to him, before lowering Obi-Wan carefully down then easing off the robe. Master Windu and Jame then moved next to them to assist, each starting by loosening and drawing off Obi-Wan's boots while he was kept upright and leaning against Qui-Gon's chest. The feel of Qui-Gon's arms more than made up for the loss of his master's robe, especially as they reached around him and began unbuttoning the cuffs and front of the silk shirt that was plastered against Obi-Wan's now chilling body.

"Jame, could you get me a warmed washcloth?" Qui-Gon quickly asked in only a slightly louder voice than he'd been using just for Obi-Wan.

She nodded and disappeared beyond their presence, this time with no hesitation at all. Outside of this particular room and the changes to what had been Obi-Wan's, she was quite familiar with where things were stored. Certainly more so than Master Windu who, although once Qui-Gon's lover and still one of his master's closest friends, Obi-Wan well knew no longer had the time to spend here as he had those twenty years and two sets of living quarters ago, long before Obi-Wan had arrived in Qui-Gon's life, and before Master Windu had become a member of the High Council.

"How in the Force did you get these pants on, Obi-Wan?" Mace asked suddenly, though in a voice just as quiet as Qui-Gon's. After a single tug on the leg hems, the councilor stopped and took a half step back when all his effort had accomplished was to try and slide Obi-Wan out of Qui-Gon's arms.

"I think he has to use the Force," Qui-Gon snorted, although Obi-Wan was well aware that his master no longer minded the tightness of them since he knew Obi-Wan wasn't wearing the leather to attract anyone else's attention.

"Actually, it's a Hoth-field of talc," Jame giggled as she rejoined them at the bed. "They chaff otherwise, even if he could wriggle them on otherwise." She then laughed outright at Obi-Wan's muttered 'thanks, a lot' as he leaned further back against Qui-Gon that he might twist his head and stick his tongue out at her.

A quick wink at Obi-Wan, then, "Is there anything else I can do to help, Master Jinn?" She'd brought with her not only the requested cloth, but also a twin to it, along with a small bowl that had steam rising from it, and a couple of large towels thrown over her shoulder.

"Tea," Obi-Wan requested as Qui-Gon finished removing his shirt and laid him back. "The blackthorn, please."

"You should be concerned only with your own recovery," came the mild chastisement as Qui-Gon gave him a fond, yet slightly exasperated smile. To which Obi-Wan simply let his lips quirk up; blackthorn tea was one of Qui-Gon's favorites, especially when his master was feeling stressed.

"Even when I'm one with the Force, I'll not stop looking out for you," Obi-Wan offered up hoarsely in his own defense when Qui-Gon kept looking at him.

"And some Wallin spice, please, " he added, his words ending in a sigh as Qui-Gon finally relaxed and placed the first damp cloth over Obi-Wan's eyes.

This mild exchange of stubbornness had Master Windu chuckling as he moved around the end of bed, apparently deciding to leave removing Obi-Wan's pants to Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan heard a snap of cloth then felt the fringed edges of the quilt Tahl had crafted for the pair as a bonding gift brush against him, only to then feel it drawn away. Before expressing his confusion, there was a different material being draped over him. Qui-Gon's robe again, discernable by its feel, but even more by the sense and scents of his master.

He sighed again in a feeling of pleasure that went beyond touch or comfort. Immediately he drew one of the folds between the fingers of the hand that Qui-Gon was not drawing out from under the rich, nubby material. A whisper of water rippling, then the second damp cloth was placed up near his shoulder and drawn slowly up and down his arm before being wrapped around each finger individually, cleaning away the sweat and dust. And tension.

Even more than the wonder of feeling clean, Obi-Wan appreciated the distraction that such care was offering. He gratefully submerged himself into a moment that was only touches, though he had enough presence of mind to recognize Master Windu's added brush of fingers across his forehead. Which he should acknowledge, along with the return of Jame with what smelled not only like the tea, but possibly fruit and some sort of bread. While the thought of eating only served to accentuate his nausea, at least their scents didn't bother him. And, he suspected, they were more for Qui-Gon anyway, and would be needed, given how much energy Qui-Gon had expended on his behalf even before they'd met up in the transport.

"We'll go check on Reeft and Garen."

Master Windu's words demanded a response even more than his and Jame's actions, yet Obi-Wan could barely rise above the lassitude and pain that was swiftly becoming his only awareness outside of Qui-Gon.

"Can you please also find out about Bant and Siri?" he managed. He should also be asking about the civilians, should actually be giving his debrief since he had a councilor present and Senators had been involved. But Qui-Gon had returned his attentions to Obi-Wan's arm and hand, this time using fingers and palms instead of water and the soft wash cloth.

"I'll leave a message on your commset," Mace promised with another soft touch across his forehead -- and a kiss that had to have come from Jame -- before two sets of footsteps began receding. "And I'll take care of clearing your schedules and finding substitutes to take your classes."

With Qui-Gon now beginning a serious massage of his fingers and palm, all thoughts of Qui-Gon's ethics classes for fifth and eighth year padawans, or Obi-Wan's own turn at teaching the fitness classes with the initiates disappeared. He wasn't really even too concerned with how the Chancellor would manage without his master's testimony in a senate subcommittee hearing scheduled for tomorrow, though he knew he probably should be. He and Qui-Gon had spent their entire lives in service to the Chancellor and his predecessor, including foiling more than once assassination attempt on Valorum's life. Surely they deserved a couple of days for themselves?

"All that and more," Qui-Gon promised. He carefully set Obi-Wan's arm back under the robe and reached across Obi-Wan's body for the other one.

With both of them rather adept at this type of work because Tahl suffered from migraines ever since the mission that had caused her blindness -- the same mission that had nearly driven Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon apart forever, almost before they'd even become master and padawan, Obi-Wan had a pretty good idea of what Qui-Gon would be doing, and nearly melted at the thought of such thorough attention being given to him. Yet he was surprised to feel the laces of his pants being loosened, then the tight material being slid down his legs, especially when Qui-Gon's hands were still quite involved with Obi-Wan's second arm.

"Gratuitous Force use, Master?" he murmured.

"Would you prefer I stop this?" was the response and Obi-Wan had to bite his lip to keep from shaking his head no as he felt Qui-Gon's own bared body sliding in next to his own. In spite of their mutual state of undress now, there was little sexual in what Qui-Gon was doing, in what was being offered. Obi-Wan had a long way to go before the pain would recede enough that he might find pleasure in his own or Qui-Gon's body. But he was a sensualist, lived on the outer skin of his body and Qui-Gon could always distract him by simply touching even when the intent was not sexual.

His legs and feet were taken care of next, the sweep of Qui-Gon's robe bunched up now about Obi-Wan's groin and that caused a mild stirring despite Obi-Wan's exhaustion and distractions. But that tension, pleasant though it could be, was swept away, first by the gentle washing that started at his heels, then the firm fingers that knew every muscle and bit of scar tissue, that had shaped and molded him as a Jedi well before exploring him as a lover.

Shaking, purring, Obi-Wan even thought he might be crying again as Qui-Gon now carefully rolled him onto his stomach and began working out the tensions and aches across his shoulders and back. Although his headache flared in just that brief movement, once again he was taken away from his misery by the skill of his master and oh so generous lover. Sleep was finally becoming a possibility; something to look forward to instead of avoiding, as he knew the migraine would have followed him even into his dreams. And when Qui-Gon finally began ministrations to his neck, thumbing away the pounding and constrictions, then moving to run the blunt tips of his fingers behind his ears and begin a gentle scratching manipulation of his scalp, Obi-Wan was finally able to let completely go.

Love -- his for Qui-Gon, Qui-Gon's for him -- engulfed any rational part left in his mind and shepherded him into blessed darkness.

Although Qui-Gon would quite happily spend the rest of his life watching Obi-Wan sleep, he had a number of things that needed his care, although at this point he'd need to handle all of them from within their quarters and find someone to assist him with any that might not be so managed. After insuring himself that the traces of pain were finally smoothing out from Obi-Wan's face, he deepened his lover's sleep with the Force and rolled Obi-Wan out of his arms so that he could lift himself out of the bed without disturbing Obi-Wan. He grabbed up a lounging robe, then also the tray that Jame had prepared for them but that neither of them had ended up partaking from before Obi-Wan had fallen asleep.

Qui-Gon drank the tea now and set the tray down near his desk. Although no messages were currently on his comm unit, no doubt Mace would be calling soon, as would Obi-Wan's friends once the information of what had happened made its way through the padawan and knight ranks. And he really should contact Valorum directly. If he worked now while Obi-Wan was sleeping, he should be able to draft an affidavit that could be accepted in his place, at least initially in the first days of the hearing.

Of course, even if it wasn't acceptable, the Senate – and Valorum -- would just have to be disappointed. He was not about to leave Obi-Wan until he was sure his padawan was fully recovered; previous such occurrences had altered the bond's stability and he wasn't about to revisit their first days on Coruscant following the mission on T'ias where they'd actually harmed one another by separating in their ignorance. As this was the third time for them in dealing with psychic shock, Qui-Gon expected the bond would stabilize quickly, but as far as he was concerned, that stability was something only the two of them could determine, not the healers, the Council, or especially the Senate.

Seeing to a more substantial breakfast than tea and a couple of pieces of fruit, Qui-Gon wandered through their quarters, extinguishing some of the candles, but also simply moving a few of the longer lasting ones into the bathing room. Even out from under the influence of the migraine, Obi-Wan's eyes would be sensitive to bright lights for hours, possibly even for more than a day. Nor was there any guarantee that the migraine would fade completely upon Obi-Wan's awakening.

Seeing to a few more things to make Obi-Wan's ordeal as manageable as he could, Qui-Gon finally returned to his desk. Unfortunately, ordering his thoughts on security ramifications for imposing sanctions against the Trade Federation took much longer than it should have, as his mind kept straying to the bond to check on Obi-Wan. Instead of dwelling on the possible threats the Neimodians could pose, he wondered whether there was indeed a pattern to Obi-Wan's incidents of psychic shock, but only found anger and regret that with each instance the effects during the incident seemed to be worsening instead of lessening as the healers had first supposed.

The first shock had been triggered because Mace had forced a link with Obi-Wan so that the two of them could repulse the hand-held rockets that had been launched at the councilor's transport. At the time it had been assumed the damage had been more because their two minds were not particularly compatible than something more portentous, and after a few heaves and a couple of hours of sleep, Obi-Wan had recovered with minimal difficulties.

Although there had been a marked jump in Obi-Wan's ability to access and manipulate the Force after this, again it was assumed to be because of Mace's involvement. There had even been some discussion with intentionally creating temporary connections between senior padawans and masters other than their own, in stressful, albeit controlled simulations to see if similar results could be recreated. But that plan had fallen by the wayside when the next two padawans succumbed to their own bouts of psychic shock from similar circumstances and, while thankfully they'd recovered with no detriments, neither had there been a measurable positive change in their Force abilities.

Obi-Wan's second incident had been more dangerous as well as more difficult. And now that Qui-Gon thought about it, he had to wonder if the first had in fact led to the second, both the good and the bad of it. Had Obi-Wan not experienced such a growth in his abilities, it was unlikely he and Obi-Wan could have remained directly linked with one another and within the Force for over forty-eight hours which had almost single-handedly enabled their escape from the T’iasian troops that had been hunting them. The need to separate after such closeness had nearly pushed Qui-Gon to the dark even as it had led to Obi-Wan second bout of psychic shock. And this one had had mental as well as physical ramifications. But even then Obi-Wan had been able to continue the mission after only a little rest despite that not offering him full recovery. Indeed Obi-Wan had saved Qui-Gon's life upon returning to T'ias, and it was only after they were safely away on the Chancellor's personal transport that Obi-Wan had needed to deal with the effects he'd pretty much held in abeyance once they’d been reunited.

It was after this incident that they had found their bond significantly changed along with their relationship, and it had been those differences in the bond that had kept them grounded from field duty for almost a month, not the psychic shock. It was also the bond that was credited for yet another jump in Obi-Wan's Force and psychic abilities once the healers found out Obi-Wan could make use of Qui-Gon's own energy, just as if they had a life-bond.

Again, now, Qui-Gon had to wonder if that had been right, however -- or the only reason. The incident on O'omeal seemed to establish that in some ways Obi-Wan now had exceeded Qui-Gon's mental acuity and strength, which made little sense if the bond was the cause as Qui-Gon had not experienced any significant change in his own abilities. With Obi-Wan having needed to call upon Qui-Gon for energy and assistance just scant hours before to mitigate the damage at the club, still the shock had not rebounded to so affect Qui-Gon.

Was it somehow not Force related? Perhaps a mental ability outside of the Force, that might have occurred even had Obi-Wan not become a Jedi? If this was two separate yet connected manifestations, a growth in Force and mental abilities --

Whether from the Force or from some other new psychic ability, Obi-Wan was awakening even though his padawan should have slept for many hours longer just to make up for the night's rest he'd missed in assisting Siri, never minding the compulsion Qui-Gon had placed in Obi-Wan's mind.

Qui-Gon reached out carefully, mindful of how using the Force thusly might still affect Obi-Wan, and made sure his padawan was subconsciously aware of his nearness. This gave him time to log out of the work he'd been pretending to finish so he wouldn’t need to leave Obi-Wan again to repeat that which he had managed. He set the untouched Wallin Spice tea back to heating before returning to the bedroom and sliding in next to Obi-Wan just as his padawan finished fighting his way to wakefulness.

And found Obi-Wan not as aware -- or pain free -- as he'd hoped. Eyes closed, yet still Obi-Wan turned toward him instantly, and he returned the hug then brushed his lips across the crown of Obi-Wan's head before drawing back just a little that he might have visual as well as mental cues.

"Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan simply burrowed deeper into Qui-Gon's embrace, his "Master?" in response almost completely muffled.

At least his speech didn't seem slurred. But there was still an aura of confusion about him that wasn't solely due to his unrelieved fatigue, causing Qui-Gon to think maybe a trip to the healers was still going to be necessary beyond the follow-up testing they would want to conduct as before, after such an incident.

"Let me in, Padawan," he requested and relaxed his own shields to better induce Obi-Wan to do the same. Obi-Wan had been shielding since the start of the initial explosion, blocking all that he'd been feeling except for the one instance of needing Qui-Gon's help to bolster the Force shield he'd erected against the shattered ceiling.

Still there was resistance, but Qui-Gon was somewhat heartened to feel it more out of trying not to share or even broadcast Obi-Wan's continued distress, instead of the cause being that Obi-Wan couldn't lower them. Fervent over-protectiveness was something Qui-Gon was used to from his padawan, and not beyond his means to overcome.

"Trust me to determine how much I can handle," he said dryly, but reached out both physically and mentally to soften the rebuke -- and to also offer a little of his own energy, but for his own means instead of Obi-Wan's. His padawan might be approaching or even exceeding his own measure of Force abilities, but had nowhere near the experience or even half the number of tricks Qui-Gon could call upon to deal with mental pain or physical fatigue.

The shields came down and Qui-Gon was instantly inundated with equal measures of stubborn pride and shame, the very essence of Obi-Wan too often in his duty to his master. Qui-Gon knew that Obi-Wan knew he had no call or need to worry so, yet Obi-Wan had done so even at their first meeting, before they'd paired as master and padawan. Overall -- and surprisingly at least to a few of the members of the High Council -- Obi-Wan was actually getting better about recognizing his worth and growing parity between them now that they'd become lovers, instead of it being worse as others had feared – had expected.

Sifting very carefully through Obi-Wan's emotions, Qui-Gon could find no trace of the migraine any longer, but he could see that Obi-Wan feared loud noises or bright lights would trigger its return. He also found that the residual tiredness caused earlier by the level of pain had drastically increased Obi-Wan's more ordinary exhaustion brought on by lack of sleep in over thirty hours. But as Obi-Wan had already proven resistant to Force-induced sleep as well as that which should have naturally continued, Qui-Gon wasn't sure how best to deal with it this time.

Until he noted additionally that his padawan ached all over as if he'd been physically sick for days, or had overextended himself in katas or combat instead of most of his exertions being mental. That, at least, could be dealt with, which might also relax Obi-Wan enough again for true sleep. Qui-Gon had already filled their near pool-size, sunken tub that outside of their bed, was the most obvious evidence that these rooms had not been initially configured for a species as small as humans.

"Help me medit-tate," came a mumble that made Qui-Gon shiver as Obi-Wan's moist breath tickled against his bare skin. "S-still feel like I'm channeling the Force," he then heard more clearly; Obi-Wan having finally turned his head to now lay with his ear pressed against Qui-Gon's chest instead of pressing lips. "S'like I haven't really let go of the debris and all of this –you -- are just my mind trying to distract itself from the task." The soft sigh that accompanied this confession had Qui-Gon closing his own eyes in sorrow.

Feeling so strongly connected to the Force even after letting it go was a common occurrence after any intense use. Similar to any extraordinary feat of mundane concentration -- such as working with numbers or code -- even a Jedi's brain occasionally continued the effort during dreams or tasks requiring lesser focus. Meditation was indeed an acceptable way of reordering things.

Qui-Gon was worried however, about Obi-Wan's confusion as to what might be real. His padawan had always been prone to visions, but he normally awoke knowing what had been a vision, and what had been simple dream or nightmare. Yet since his recent experiences during Plo Koon's death, in sensing the event as if he'd actually been there and as if all but the very end had happened to him instead of Plo then the subsequent recalling of that vision for the Council to also witness, the frequency in which Obi-Wan had visions had increased. As had the blurring in his mind between what was vision and reality.

The crisis on O'omeal had exacerbated this no less than subsequent bouts of psychic shock had altered his other Force abilities. By needing to consciously direct memories so that Qui-Gon experienced them as reality while his mind and body had been suspended so that he might survive until Obi-Wan's arrival, Obi-Wan had done a lot more than blur a line -- he had actually recreated memory until it was reality -- for them both.

Even Yoda had been surprised at that trick, but the actual ability and any potential consequences had been basically forgotten, as the next few days had Qui-Gon recovering from his physical injuries and Obi-Wan spending all of the time not at Qui-Gon's side, working to disprove the accusations directed against Mace and Jame that they'd discovered on O'omeal. There'd also been their personal conflict upon learning of the charges against Jame that had brought out Qui-Gon's pettiness and jealousy to deal with, which had seen much more important than what Obi-Wan had done to allow them to have that conversation. While Qui-Gon's near fatal injuries had led Obi-Wan to forgive him even before they'd discussed what had happened, Qui-Gon had not been about to let something like that stay between them even in the background of their memories, and so they had mended their relationship instead of explored a bond or Force driven ability.

"Sex then," came another, somewhat desperate suggestion as Obi-Wan was following Qui-Gon's thoughts. "Sex with you is always real."

Realizing his own tendency to worry a question from all angles was not serving Obi-Wan's current needs, Qui-Gon mouthed an apology against Obi-Wan's forehead. Then, with full regret, "We're not going to tax your recovery by having sex."

"Trust me to determine how much I can handle," was instantly thrown back at him with the same level of dryness, the same inflection.

With Obi-Wan still keeping his eyes closed, it didn't really matter that Qui-Gon's scowl came out as a grin. Nor should he be hiding his relief that Obi-Wan was alert enough to so confront him, even if it was with something suspiciously close to defiance.

"Meditation, yes," he said in full sternness before completely undermining his own cause by running his hands down Obi-Wan's back and cupping his lover closer to him. "Meditation and a good soak. Do you think you're up to doing both together?"

He felt Obi-Wan's nod, again feeling uncommonly aroused by the brush of Obi-Wan's hair against his skin. Knowing that sex truly was the last thing on his mind, he concluded it was more Obi-Wan's desires he was being influenced by and not his own. But even as Obi-Wan put his arms around Qui-Gon and pressed closer, Qui-Gon could feel that Obi-Wan had no erection, just desire. Qui-Gon grinned again to himself. Either Obi-Wan was extremely confident in his own recuperative abilities, or he was expecting quite the miracle from Qui-Gon.

But they'd already had their miracle in Obi-Wan's survival and should ask for no more, even if there were still a few questions to be explored and the fullness of his recovery to get through.

Qui-Gon disengaged from Obi-Wan and rolled away to sit up with his feet firmly against the floor before pulling Obi-Wan into his lap. Once Obi-Wan secured his arms around Qui-Gon's neck again, Qui-Gon stood, one hand under Obi-Wan's thighs and the other offering support just below Obi-Wan's shoulders. While his lover might have hoped to reach Qui-Gon's height when he was younger, just for such instances was Qui-Gon glad he had not.

It was only a matter of caution and a little judicious calling upon the Force to get them across the room and lower them both into the steaming bath without having to part. Qui-Gon then encouraged Obi-Wan to straddle his lap and kneel in the water lapping against them at chest height.

Leaning into each other and simply feeling the water, the warmth and their closeness should have started to relax Obi-Wan, but instead he moved quite deliberately against Qui-Gon, rocking his hips forward. Qui-Gon raised his head from next to Obi-Wan's and prepared to gently dissuade, but that only gave Obi-Wan opportunity to claim his lips, his mouth, pressing then thrusting his tongue inward almost frantically.

Qui-Gon's body couldn't help but respond; yet notice his lover's was not, which quickly dampened his own arousal. And so the master reached up to use his hands to do what Obi-Wan was preventing from being said with his lips. Still Obi-Wan only clutched him closer, almost trying to breathe through Qui-Gon -- or stop breathing entirely.

*No, Obi-Wan, enough,* he commanded through their link, needing to pull away, to pull Obi-Wan away. *I am here, my love. This is real.* Refusing Obi-Wan's questing lips, he cradled Obi-Wan's head instead in both hands, spanning his fingers around the back and brushing his thumbs at the point just behind Obi-Wan's ears, the one digging gently through his padawan's braid.

Obi-Wan's moaned in protest at first in being denied, but then his breath caught and he couldn't help arching back to increase the contact of Qui-Gon's touch. Yet his eyes were squeezed together too tightly, a furrow of pain or uncertainty still lined between them, blood filled tears still caught on his lashes.

"Obi-Wan -- padawan, open your eyes. See me, know me. Find your center."

The eyes snapped open in direct response to his master's order, but Qui-Gon could tell that Obi-Wan saw nothing that was actually present before him for reasons that had nothing to do with the red that filmed them over.

*Padawan, ground and center!*

*H-help me?*

With a groan for acting outside his better judgment, Qui-Gon closed his mouth over Obi-Wan's even as he moved one of his hands from Obi-Wan's head and dropped it down before reaching under his lover, having to hope that the therapeutic oils in the water would be enough to ease his finger's passage. "First koan of the initiate's catechism," he growled into that sweet and yielding mouth, taking Obi-Wan back to what had been learned in the crèche. "Justice," he ground out in the same instant he breached Obi-Wan's body.

A choked breath before Obi-Wan pulled away and drop back his head to bare his neck too temptingly. "J-jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy," he stuttered from the effort. Or the burn. "Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect, never to attack others."

"Enlightenment!" Qui-Gon withdrew his finger entirely before lifting Obi-Wan up within the water then thrusting in deeply again, reaching for and finding Obi-Wan's prostate.

"Know … knowledge over ignorance," Obi-Wan cried out. "A Jedi seeks to improve themselves through knowledge and t-training. When a master learns from his apprentice the m-match is true," he then added outside of the koan with a sob.

"Devotion," Qui-Gon demanded although his tone softened and his heart clenched in seeing the tears now falling. Another thrust with his finger that brought electric pleasure and a definite surge of Obi-Wan's arousal finally, both mentally and physically.

"Jedi respect … all life, in any f-form." Despite the hitches in his voice, Obi-Wan's words were coming stronger both in voice and in mind. "Jedi serve others, rather than ruling over them, never putting his own needs before another's and for the good of the galaxy."

"Ideals." A second finger now, after a quick shift of his grip. Qui-Gon scissored them almost roughly and opened his mind fully to their bond so that he might feel what Obi-Wan was and make sure he was not making things worse.

"There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge."

Curling his feet under and floating on his heels, Obi-Wan could now drive Qui-Gon's fingers deeper, could direct the fingers even as he was denied the fullness his body was demanding. "There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no death; there is the Force."

"An initiate’s understanding of the Force," Qui-Gon insisted next, ignoring the wordless plea that broke from his lover. His third finger, while he pressed and then edged his thumb against Obi-Wan's perineum, holding his lover open and providing the fullness but no longer the thrusting.

Caught between desire and obedience, Obi-Wan was forced to turn more of his concentration to the moment to find his way out of the dilemma Qui-Gon had presented him. As a child of the unifying aspect of the Force, Obi-Wan's entire life was comprised of patterns and rituals, those both general to all Jedi and also those specific with meaning only to him. His was also a mind well disciplined and well trained, although the latter had much more to do with Obi-Wan's own ability and desire to learn than the skill of any of his teachers Qui-Gon felt, himself included.

Even as Obi-Wan started on the words, Qui-Gon could sense as his mind began to remember and believe.

"The Force is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together. Even when unable to access the Force, it is ever there, a part of life and living and so we are never truly alone."

Just one more wondrous product of their bond of Fusion was that Qui-Gon not only could anticipate the responses of that well-ordered mind, but could actually observe the thought patterns as they were being formed. He found himself falling within the beauty of what was as much Obi-Wan's essence along with the glowing aura of energy and life that filled his padawan.

No longer able to stand keeping himself apart from that beloved soul, Qui-Gon rewarded them both by replacing his fingers with his cock. *A padawan's vows?* this time he more asked than commanded, thrusting yes, but keeping it slow, keeping it a gentle, rocking motion as if they were both extensions of the water cresting around and caressing them.

"I will dedicate myself to becoming a Jedi knight," Obi-Wan breathed deeply. "To improve myself physically, mentally and spiritually to achieve that goal. I will be my master's student, accepting instruction with joy, praise with humility and correction with grace."

Obi-Wan was rocking now too, no longer frantic, no longer seeming as confused, as if the burn of Qui-Gon's presence in body and mind was also burning away the disarray of Obi-Wan's thoughts and emotions.

"I will honor my master, who speaks with the Council's voice. I will serve my master and always strive to be a credit to him." He dropped his arms from Qui-Gon's shoulders, relaxing them upon the waves lapping around them as he continued his words and his movements. "All these things I swear to do until the Force shall fade, or my master releases me from my vow, or I am made a knight."

As his words ended, he leaned forward for a kiss that Qui-Gon was happy to grant. Desire still filled them both, but lust was now subsumed to love, the coupling an augmentation to the closeness between them instead of being an end in and of itself.

"I will guide my padawan, teach him what I can and find others to teach what I cannot," Qui-Gon began his own response to Obi-Wan's joyous reaffirmation of his vows, also keeping them together in his embrace. "I will provide for his sustenance." Another kiss that had them both smiling as they doubted it was quite the sustenance that Udan Orr would have meant.

"I will offer praise often and correction when necessary, but I will always be his advocate before others. I will remember my padawan is in my service but not my servant. All these things I swear to do, upon my honour as a master, until the Force shall fade, or I release my padawan from his vow, or he is made a knight."

As his vows ended, they were both coming and this was something tender and all the more profound and precious for being without the thunder and blinding lightning.

There is no passion, there is serenity. But sometimes passion could be serenity. Just as blood tears could signify transcendent joy. And love could be as infinite and everlasting as the Force.

Love that fuses two into one,
Where we think the same thoughts,
Love the same things
Live as one.
Feel as one.
Breathe as one.

Loving you is not a choice
But it gives me purpose
Gives me voice to say to the world:
This is why I live
You are why I live.

-- Finis --