Chill Zone

(c) Rogue 1999



Rating: NC-17 (Gonna have some HOT STUFF, baby, this evenin'! Gonna have some HOT STUFF, baby, tonight! Gonna have some HOT STUFF...)

Archive: Master and Apprentice, yes, please! Anyone else who wants it, have at it. Please leave my name on there.

Warnings: Only for hypothermia if you suddenly get the idea into your head that wandering out into a blizzard will attract handsome Jedi to you. Also for serious Smarminess. I am incredibly susceptible to anything of a chemical nature, thus the antibiotics I'm taking for bronchitis have awakened an aspect in me that I am frankly astonished to realize I possess. Namely, random thoughts placed down in a semblance that is trying real hard to pretend to ficliness. Oh, and the readers who read this are my betas, so there's all o' that.

Summary: Everyone's favorite Jedi Hotstuffs go walkin' - or rollin', as the case may be - in a Winter Wonderland. Getting cold was never more fun, but makes for wonderful incentive.

Disclaimer: Who was born first, the God-King of Star Wars, or the Striped Wonder? You got it! The answer is (drum roll, please): George Lucas! This man was responsible for the creation of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the rest of the Star Wars Universe (except for the little odd spots created by his kowtowing fans who gladly hand this over to him as well). Everyone give him a big hand! (APPLAUSE) Okay, that being said, the only thing I'm taking credit for is yanking this fic outta the murk o' my mind - ain't caffeine wonderful? - and I promise, I'm makin' no money off this. Although, a Wonder Stripe could dream... (fond sigh)

Author's Note: I live on a sheep farm in South Carolina. South is supposed to mean "hot," right? Wrong! It has gotten blessed cold down here, and so the sudden abrupt and abnormal temperature change - not to mention cozy naps in a blanket nest - have inspired this fic. I can't tell yet if it's a curse or a blessing that I'm such an impressionable prankster. =)

Feedback: Hold on, I know I can come up with some sufficiently sarcastic, smart-assish way of - ahhhh, forget it! Puh-LEAZE send it here: rogue10@hotmail.com I promise, the Jedi in my head will love you forever.

Dedications: This one I dedicate to my new pal, Sneezer222, whose enthusiasm prompted me to actually turn the computer on and finish this thing. And for anyone else who might have been hoping for something else out of me within Yoda's lifetime. Fic Procrastination: To be dealt with when I get around to it!



"It's very pretty out here, Master."

Qui-Gon grinned down at his apprentice and said, "Not as pretty as you, Padawan. Even if your nose is red from the cold."

"You need to brush up on your flattery skills, my Master," Obi-Wan sassed, grinning back at the older man.

"Are you trying to say that I've insulted you?"

Obi-Wan gave his lover and master a teasing glance and then a slow smile. "No, not really," he said, and then turned his attention back to the pristine beauty before them.

They were on Qui-Gon's home planet of Colara. They had recently finished a mission for the Council that had taken nearly a month, and had been harrowingly dangerous and aggravating besides. Obi-Wan had taken a minor wound, Qui-Gon a wound only slightly more grievous, but both men had healed well and quickly, with no complications. The Council had agreed that their best field operatives were slightly war torn and had earned the right to a couple of weeks off. Once that had been granted to them, Qui-Gon had graciously thanked the Council members, then made immediate plans to take himself and his Padawan to Colara. It was winter there, he knew, and his family - now long since gone - had a rustic mountain lodge nestled in a relatively private plateau. He wanted to share a part of his history with his young lover, and so they had gone to Colara.

The two Jedi had just entered the plateau. Qui-Gon had foregone the option of mechanical conveyance, and so they had ridden two large, four-legged, shaggy mountain animals that were bred for stamina and their resistance to cold. Bundled up in winter clothing, neither Qui-Gon nor Obi-Wan suffered any discomfort.

Obi-Wan took in the sight of deep, unmarred snow that glistened in the weak winter sunlight, and the sound of wind rustling through snow-covered branches from the trees that lined the plateau around them. Stretching out with his Force sense, he could feel the life force of several animals around and nearby them, unalarmed at the intrusion of newcomers. With a small crack, a branch broke under the weight of snow and ice and a cascade of powdery white fell to the ground. Obi-Wan grinned and took a deep breath of the clean, crisp air. "It's beautiful," he stated again.

Qui-Gon nodded, smiling. He could remember spending his toddlerhood here, and the occasional visit home before he had become a Knight. His duties had interfered with any plans he might have made to come back here once he attained the rank of Knight, then Master. And ever since his family had died from the virus that had swept the planet, he hadn't felt any urgent need to come back, until now, when he wanted his Obi-Wan to see this.

Gathering up the reigns of his mount, Qui-Gon said, "Come along, love. I'm eager to show off the cabin."

The younger man grinned as he urged his own mount into motion. "That's highly un-Jedi of you, Master."

"What, being eager? You know full well that I have been known to be eager for some things in my life."

The blue-gray eyes glinted with warmth and mischief. "Oh, I know all about your eagerness perfectly well, my Qui-Gon. What I meant was the showing off."

A low chuckle rumbled from the older man, dark blue eyes flashing with humor. "We're on holiday, Obi-Wan. I may as well take advantage of it and relax some of my rigidity."

"Fine with me, so long as you don't relax all of it," Obi-Wan returned. His smile was undeniably and deliciously wicked. "I have certain plans for you, love." He smiled at the lust that briefly flickered across Qui-Gon's features, and then the cabin captured his attention as they topped the one and only small rise in the area.

It was two stories tall and made of heavy, treated cinara wood, the cracks filled in with a cold-resistant element. The windows were wide to admit whatever sunlight there was, and frosted with snow and cold air. A chimney stood at one end of the dwelling, signaling a fireplace, and Obi-Wan grinned with delight to see it. He filed the information away for serious planning of later cuddle sessions. The cabin also had a wide, covered porch. On one end, an obvious woodpile was stacked and covered.

"Oh, good," Qui-Gon said, also seeing this. "The woodpile was filled up since the last time anyone used this place. Cinara wood takes a long time to rot, so it should still be good for burning, covered as it is. And the scent it gives off is wonderful."

"Not half so wonderful as yours, love," Obi-Wan murmured, and smiled at the heated, tender glance Qui-Gon shot his way.

"Be that as it may, I would like to get inside and start a fire. Then we can unload the provisions we brought with us after seeing to our mounts," Qui-Gon stated.

"You go in and start the fire, Qui-Gon," the younger man said. "I'll take the mounts and get started on settling them in. Where's the shelter?"

"Around back, you can't miss it. Are you sure? I can take them, if you want to."

Obi-Wan grinned. "I know you can, but I'd rather see to this, and let you enjoy performing a task that you've been waiting for."

"You mean making love to you? I always do."

The younger Jedi halted and narrowed his gaze on the older man. "Making love to me is a task?"

"No, that's not what I meant."

"It's what you said."

"I did not," Qui-Gon stated, his voice edging slightly. "I was teasing you. I apologize if it came out the wrong way, however."

Obi-Wan relented. "I know. I'm sorry. I don't know why I got so testy about it when I know differently."

Qui-Gon reached out and stroked one smooth cheek. "It's been a while since we've vented our passion, my love. It's catching up to us. Don't worry; I'll take care of you, just as I know you'll take care of me."

The Padawan smiled and caught his lover's hand, nuzzling his cheek against the callused palm. "You're right, as always. For once, I don't mind so much. Now, go inside and get the fire started, please? I could use some warming up."

The grin his master gave him was absolutely wicked, and sent pleasurable chills up and down the younger man's spine. Then the two men parted, the taller going to the porch to gather up firewood as the younger led their mounts around back and settled them into the animal shelter.

Obi-Wan removed their provisions from the saddle packs, then brushed down the part furry, part woolly coats of the mounts before covering them with light thermal blankets. He placed feed and water in their stalls, as well as hay, made certain they were comfortable, then bid them a goodnight. He gathered up the provisions and made his way to the front of the house.

Qui-Gon opened the door as he stepped onto the porch and took his half of the supplies. He grinned down at his lover and said, "The fire is going as requested, love. Come on in and get warm."

The younger man agreed gratefully and entered the cabin. The fire and a couple of small lamps wonderfully lighted the main room. A portable holo-vid player sat over in one corner, waiting to be used. Two old, comfortable armchairs faced the fireplace towards the far end of a comfortable rug that had seen better days, but wasn't entirely used up. If they ever lay down on it, they could simply pile furs and blankets down to make a comfortable nest. In fact, Obi-Wan fully planned to try that at some point during their vacation.

Old photographs of two-dimensional variety adorned the walls. Obi-Wan could tell that Qui-Gon had used the Force to do some quick dusting, because everything looked recently cleaned. Bookcases stood along every wall, filled with paper books or games. Obi-Wan wandered over to look at one particular photograph.

It showed a young boy with dark blue eyes grinning up at the viewer. One of his front teeth was missing, creating a gap that gave the young face an impish grin. The dark brown hair was short, only to the collar of his jacket, yet thick and ruffled and damp from snow. Snow encrusted his clothing. The little boy was being held by an older man who bore a startling resemblance to Qui-Gon as he was now. They were both grinning happily at the viewer.

Qui-Gon moved to stand behind him, wrapping his arms around his young lover and resting his chin on the top of Obi-Wan's head. "I remember when that was taken. It was a month before the Jedi found me on Search. That was my uncle, Tao-Jan. I hadn't seen him in ages, and then suddenly, he showed up to visit. He was tired and burnt out from his job as a crystal miner, but when my mother insisted he sit down and rest for a spell, he simply grabbed me up in those big strong arms of his and took me outside into the snow. He told my mother that he needed to play with his runt nephew and roughhouse with me more than he needed rest. I was so happy, I came very close to wetting myself," Qui-Gon chuckled.

Obi-Wan smiled. "You look very happy in that picture. I can hardly believe you were so tiny."

"Oh, and you think I was born this way?" Qui-Gon laughed, taking tiny nips of his lover's neck as he unfastened Obi-Wan's jacket, beginning to pull it off of him.

"No, but on occasion I have wondered how you got hatched the way you did," the younger man sassed, then yelped when Qui-Gon bit the join of his neck and shoulder in retaliation. He laughed a moment later, however, when a warm tongue tip laved the bitten flesh lovingly.

Obi-Wan let Qui-Gon pull the jacket off of him, then asked, "Were you happy? You seem a trifle sad, somehow."

"I miss my family sometimes, love. Especially my uncle. He and I were very close. He once told me I was the son he'd never had, and that made me very proud. He died in a mining accident the year before Yoda took me as Padawan," Qui-Gon said quietly. "The rest of my family died in the Liranian Plague that swept the planet three years before I reached Knighthood."

Obi-Wan turned and wrapped his arms around his lover, burrowing against the taller man. He radiated regret for Qui-Gon's lost family, his sorrow at his lover's hurt, and his adamantine love and support for his master and lover. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"What for, little one?"

"That they never got to see you become so fine a Jedi. That they couldn't know the pride that I know Yoda feels for having raised you to be who you are. The pride that I feel in being with one of the greatest men I've ever known," was the reply.

Qui-Gon pulled his lover's face up and leaned down to kiss him tenderly. "If there's one regret I have about it all, it's that they never lived long enough to meet you, my beloved. I would have taken great pleasure in showing you off to them."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Again with the un-Jedi things. What is it about being home that brings this out in you?"

"I came from a very relaxed and playful family, Obi-Wan. If you open yourself up to the Force, you can sense the lingering traces of them when time was spent here," Qui-Gon answered, smiling.

Obi-Wan did as his master suggested. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply and steadily as he opened himself up to the Force. He received faint impressions of laughter and happiness, warmth and teasing, and a strong sense of love and support from a family that was close and happy with each other. Not perfect in the sense that they never fought, but perfect in the sense that everyone was cared for unconditionally.

He opened his eyes and smiled up at Qui-Gon. "Now I understand a little better as to why you care the way you do, my Qui-Gon."

Qui-Gon nodded slightly. "I see no reason why I cannot share that same sense of familiarity and warmth among my friends and family of Jedi." Then he bent and kissed Obi-Wan with a lusty urgency and added, "No reason why I can't share it with the man who holds my heart."

"Oh, Qui-Gon..." Obi-Wan sighed, and gave himself up to his master's demanding mouth. He groaned with absolute pleasure as Qui-Gon's tongue invaded his mouth to taste, stroke, and drive him wild, which it quickly did. In only a few minutes, he was clinging to his lover as though the older man were a lifeline, thrown to him as he drowned - willingly - in a sea of passion.

The older man pulled his mouth away with a gasp, then pressed quick kisses to the moist, swollen mouth beneath his. "No, not here," he panted. "Not this first time here..."

"Where, then?" Obi-Wan gasped, leaning up to take his own hungry kisses from Qui-Gon's sensual mouth.

The Master smiled and then swiftly bent and lifted Obi-Wan so that the younger man was cradled against his chest. "Call me an old romantic, but I've had this one fantasy of carrying you upstairs to the bedroom and proceeding to make delicious love to you ever since the idea for this trip germinated in my mind."

"Romantic, yes, but not old," Obi-Wan agreed, placing his mouth to his master's throat.

Qui-Gon began to walk up the stairs and grinned as he asked, "Well, then, what would you call me?"

He faltered slightly when the younger man growled in his ear, "Mine."

Qui-Gon moaned low in his throat and climbed the last few steps, walking down the short hallway and into the master bedroom. He lay Obi-Wan down on the thick, comfortable mattress and lay himself over the young, muscled body, kissing hungrily.

Obi-Wan made a soft sound of want and need as he arched up against his lover's muscular, warm body. It had been so long since they'd been able to make love, truly make love, and he planned to enjoy every moment of leisurely time with Qui-Gon that he could. His hands stroked down Qui-Gon's long, cloth-covered back and gripped his ass, pulling the older man hard against him as he thrust his hips up, wrapping his legs around his lover's hips.

The older man groaned and pulled his mouth away from Obi-Wan's, pressing his swollen, heated lips to the younger man's throat. "You're trying to burn me alive, aren't you?" he demanded with a husky growl, kissing and nipping along the length of his young lover's throat. His mouth slid up from the base to seize upon Obi-Wan's ear and tease and taste it, suckling on the soft lobe, tracing the delicate whorls of his ear with the tip of his tongue. His large, graceful hands dropped down to the belt and sash of Obi-Wan's tunics. They wore the winter Jedi clothing, neither of them feeling truly comfortable wearing clothing anything other than what they had worn most of their lives.

Qui-Gon deftly unbuckled Obi-Wan's belt and then pulled back, shifting onto his knees, grinning down at the breathless young man. "Do you know," he said conversationally as he lifted the younger man slightly in order to pull his belt out from under him, "that it never occurred to me to offer you any sort of refreshment before I dragged you off to my cave like a barbarian?"

A quick grin glimmered on the younger face and blue-gray eyes sparkled with repressed humor. "Yes, that had occurred to me, briefly," Obi-Wan replied, trying very hard to keep from laughing.

"How remiss of me, considering I am your host around here. Is there anything you need?" As he said this, he slowly divested Obi-Wan of the sash and then moved to pull one booted foot into his lap, undoing the buckles and beginning to work it off the younger man's foot.

"Besides being intimate with you in a naked sort of way?" The other boot was lifted up once the first one was removed and tossed to the floor, a small kiss pressed against his ankle after the sock was taken off as well.

A heated grin flashed through a sliver-shot beard. "Yes, besides being intimate with me in a naked sort of way," Qui-Gon rumbled, tugging off the last boot and sock, kissing that ankle as well. He stroked his fingertips up under the leggings, tracing elegant patterns over the soft skin and hard muscles of Obi-Wan's calves.

"Oh," was the breathless response, "no, not really. Although, a little speed would be nice..."

Again, that grin, and Obi-Wan marveled at it. Ever since they'd become lovers, he'd seen it more frequently, but not as often as he would have liked. Apparently, Qui-Gon was making up for the lack, or trying to. "Ah, well, then. Since I'm your host, allow me to do what I can to make you more comfortable."

Before Obi-Wan could really process it, he found himself divested of his leggings and briefs, and his tunics were being tugged open. He watched as Qui-Gon stood and quickly divested himself of his own clothing, and then joined him again on the bed, helping him to remove the last of his clothing. When he reached for his lover, the older man gently pushed him down, barely covering him with his body as Qui-Gon whispered against his mouth, "Shhh, just lie there, my Obi-Wan. Allow me to drive you crazy..."

"Way too late," the younger man laughed breathlessly. Then he gasped when a strong hand swept down from his collarbone to his groin, cupping his stiffened cock as that hot, sensual mouth followed the path slightly more leisurely.

Qui-Gon nibbled and kissed and licked his way down Obi-Wan's chest, pausing to pay close attention to the sensitive nipples that pebbled under his tongue. Once he was satisfied with the younger man's squirming and moaning, he continued on his path, nibbling the raised edges of his Padawan's ribcage. He tickled the sensitive skin of the younger man's stomach with teasing swipes of his beard, and grinned, his blue eyes glinting with love and delight when Obi-Wan squirmed again and laughed. Qui-Gon dipped his tongue into Obi-Wan's navel, then slid it straight down to the tight curls that nestled his stiff cock.

Obi-Wan stiffened, waiting to feel what his lover would do to him next, hoping it would be something that would drive him right out of his - "Ohhhhh!" he moaned, long and low and deep. Qui-Gon had, without preamble, taken Obi-Wan's entire length into his mouth, moving down slowly upon the throbbing shaft until his nose was buried in the curls at the base.

Qui-Gon slowly stroked up, then down, then up again, repeating the motion over and over. He suckled gently, his tongue teasing and flicking the hot, hard flesh in his mouth, pleasuring the man he loved so much that now lay writhing beneath him. Hands reached down and clenched themselves in his hair. He would have smiled around his mouthful if he could have, but since he could not, he let his delight in Obi-Wan's body, his reactions, flow along their link. The delight he felt at being able to bring such pleasure to his lover...

When he sensed that Obi-Wan was close, he slowly slid his mouth away from the youth's rampant erection and then moved lower, kissing and petting the balls that lay between Obi-Wan's legs, and then lower still, pressing kisses and nips to his inner thighs. Light strokes down his thighs and calves with heated fingertips, nibbles on his knees, and tugs at his toes, and then Obi-Wan was sitting up and pulling at him with barely leashed ferocity.

Qui-Gon laughed as he found himself tugged up and then pressed over onto his back, his young lover hovering over him. "Let me guess, my love: your turn?"

"Brilliant, as ever, my love," Obi-Wan ground out. "Brace yourself, for when I'm done with you, I expect you inside me."

"Whatever you want," he promised fervently. "However you want me."

Obi-Wan smiled at that. "I think first-"

Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow at him.

"Well, you didn't set a limit," was the cheeky reply.

"You have high hopes for an old man, love."

"No, just really high standards. It's one of the reasons I chose you for my lover. I wanted nothing but the best."

Qui-Gon surprised them both with a blush, but he couldn't be truly embarrassed, not when Obi-Wan smiled with such pleasure. "Well," he murmured, arching his body slightly. "Do with me what you will."

"I plan to. So, first on the list is to have you mindless with desire for me."

"That shouldn't take too long," the older man stated, and then gasped as a hot, wet mouth closed down over one nipple and tugged and suckled, nibbling lightly. He reached up and held Obi-Wan's head in his hands as he muttered, "Out of my mind; back in five minutes..."

Oh, no, my love, came the mental laughter over their bond. It's going to take much longer than that.

When put in that context, Qui-Gon decided, insanity never before made so much sense.

Obi-Wan knelt above his lover and master and stared down at him. "Beautiful," he whispered softly. "Gods, Qui-Gon, you're beautiful." The bigger man lay spread out beneath him, staring up at him with dark blue eyes that shone with love and want and need. Broad shoulders, deep, muscular chest; strong arms, narrow waist ribbed with muscle; slim hips and long, long legs that were straight from a sculptor's dreams. Sturdy feet and large, graceful hands that were equally adept at wielding his saber or stroking his lover's skin with infinite tenderness. And the thick, pulsing cock that nestled in a bed of silky curls between his legs made Obi-Wan groan with pleasure. He glanced up, taking in a face tight with anticipation and mischievous love, long silver-shot brown hair spread out on the pillow, and knew without a doubt that if he were ever asked to seek perfection, he would have to look no further than Qui-Gon Jinn.

Qui-Gon smiled and reached up a hand to stroke swollen, parted lips with a gentle fingertip. "You give me far too much honor, my love. And I would really like to lose myself to you now."

Obi-Wan let out a low, breathy laugh as he closed his eyes, then opened them again as he nipped at the fingertip against his mouth. Taking hold of Qui-Gon's hand, he lowered it to the bed, then leaned over the older man. The Padawan lovingly stroked the silky hair that spread out beneath him, then leaned down and pressed light, chaste kisses over Qui-Gon's forehead, then lower, to his eyelids. Obi-Wan nuzzled his cheek against Qui-Gon's, and gave a tiny nip to the tip of the older man's nose, laughing when his master wrinkled said nose playfully. Enjoying the feel of Qui-Gon's beard, Obi-Wan again and again nuzzled and rubbed his face against his lover's, stroking as though he were a cat spreading scent on his most favorite possession. Finally, he nibbled lightly at the beard-covered chin before tasting the sensual mouth with tiny, teasing licks of his tongue. When neither of them could stand it anymore, he pressed his lips to Qui-Gon's and pushed his tongue inside the hot, moist

Finally, Obi-Wan pulled back breathlessly and grinned down at the man beneath him. Qui-Gon's eyes were closed, his lips moist and parted, and he was panting slightly, a look of pleasure on his face. Obi-Wan then transferred his attention to the older man's ears, tugging on them and teasing them with teeth and tongue until Qui-Gon squirmed slightly, alternately purring with pleasure and stifling snorts of laughter.

Moving lower, the younger man feasted on the long, elegant throat, nibbling and licking and nuzzling, giving low rumbles of pleasure at the soft texture of skin and the faintly salty taste. He found the sensitive curve between neck and shoulder and set his teeth there lightly and flicked his tongue back and forth over the spot, then carefully dragged his teeth across it, and Qui-Gon gasped and arched slightly. Obi-Wan repeated this process on the other side, and the reaction was slightly stronger.

Obi-Wan sat up then and stroked his hands firmly down the length of Qui-Gon's muscular arms from shoulder to wrist. Back up, then back down, and this time he took hold of those hands and brought them up, kissing and nipping each finger on Qui-Gon's hands in an alternating pattern, dragging his teeth across the sensitive palms, feeling the older man quiver slightly. The Padawan had learned a while back that Qui-Gon's sexual pleasures could sometimes be quite basic, especially in the fact that he took pleasure in being nipped and bitten in somewhat sensitive areas.

And Obi-Wan was quite happy to oblige.

He leaned down again and worked his mouth on a wandering journey down Qui-Gon's torso. His tongue licked and his teeth teased, his lips nibbled, and when he closed those lips around first one nipple then the other, he rumbled with pleasure at the long, shaky moan his lover let loose with. Twisting slightly to the side, he attacked Qui-Gon's ribs and sides with his teeth, nipping and dragging, and the older man let out a surprised shout of laughter as he was tickled in this highly unusual way. Just when he thought it was over with, that he couldn't take anymore, Obi-Wan transferred his attention to the other side, and the younger man snickered as his master actually giggled.

I wonder, he thought into their bond, if anyone else has ever heard you giggle before? It's the cutest sound, coming from such a big man.

Qui-Gon lifted his head and glared down at the smaller man. No one else had better not hear me giggle, Obi-Wan. Never mind the fact that I haven't been cute in about forty years.

A feigned look of innocence, as only the young can do so well. Why, Qui-Gon, whatever makes you think I'm even going to allow anyone else near you like this to make the attempt?

The older man snorted and dropped his head back onto the pillow as Obi-Wan shifted and turned so he could reach the long, long legs. I'm glad to know that my virtue is safe with you, my imp.

A long burst of wicked laughter echoed around the bedroom, Obi-Wan curled up against his side and shaking with his snickers. Qui-Gon grinned and reached down to pet the younger man's hair until his lover had gotten himself under control.

Finally, Obi-Wan lifted his head and looked down at him with vast amusement. "Oh, look what's been hiding underneath that Jedi Master exterior all these years," he teased. "The next great Jedi comedian."

Qui-Gon laughed and tugged on the Padawan braid. "It's a carefully held secret. Otherwise, who would take me seriously if I attempted to teach them anything, knowing that a Jedi Master had a sense of humor?"

"An outrageous one, at that, too," Obi-Wan teased yet again. Then he said, "Now, if we're done discussing your personality, I'd like to catalogue other intriguing parts of you."

"Oh? Such as wha-" And that was as far as he got before Obi-Wan simply leaned down and took his swollen cock into his mouth. Shuddering hard once, Qui-Gon bucked up and let out a cry of pleasure.

Obi-Wan took hold of his lover's hips and held the older man down. He simply held Qui-Gon's cock in his mouth as he lowered his hands to slowly stroke the long, long legs, dragging his fingernails up the length of the shins, then the calves. He rubbed tiny circles with his fingertips over Qui-Gon's knees, then stroked sensually over the older man's thighs. Finally, he reached between those thighs and stroked sensitive skin as he sucked slowly and pulled back until the head of his cock was just resting inside the apprentice's mouth.

Slowly, he lowered his mouth down around Qui-Gon's cock again and sucked a little harder as his hand found the older man's balls, gently rolling and stroking them. Gradually, he increased the pace and pressure of his mouth until Qui-Gon was moaning and writhing beneath him.

Eventually, Qui-Gon reached his limit and he sat up, pulling Obi-Wan away from him, bringing the younger man beneath him. "Enough," he growled. "Enough, my love. I need you. Now. I need to be inside you..."

"Then come into me, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan breathed seductively, spreading his legs wide beneath his lover. "Come into me, come in me..."

Qui-Gon let out a shuddering moan and pulled back, then lifted Obi-Wan's hips high in the air and set his mouth on the tight orifice he planned to enter soon. He thoroughly wetted the opening, rumbling appreciatively at the younger man's sounds of pleasure and want, and then he fitted Obi-Wan's ass in his lap and leaned over the young man.

Holding the blue-gray gaze with his own, Qui-Gon slowly, carefully, breached his lover's body and slid inside tenderly.

Both men moaned at the exquisite sensation, of taking and being taken.

They stayed still, holding themselves that way for a long moment, relishing the sensations of feeling one another so vividly, of having the time to take to indulge themselves. Then Qui-Gon began to move slowly, yet surely inside his lover, and as the exquisiteness of Obi-Wan's tight sheath stroked and massaged his aching erection with each move, his mind hazed, and he lost himself to absolute pleasure, sinking into the bond he shared with the beautiful young man.

Obi-Wan was in much the same condition, and he could do little more than wrap his legs around his lover's hips, his arms around the older man's shoulders, as his jaw came unhinged and he babbled love words and endearments without really being aware of it. All he knew, at that moment, was that he was being taken with gratifying pleasure by the man he loved most in the entire universe, and that was just fine with him, all of it.

The two men surged and shifted in a slow, sensual dance of passion, reveling in the sensations they gave and took of each other. Sweat-sheened and glistening, hard muscles coiling and flexing, and soft, breathy moans of pleasure and whispered words of love created a beautiful scene between them on the bed.

Gradually, the stepped up the rhythm of their lovemaking until, shuddering slightly, Qui-Gon lost his control and he leaned down to take Obi-Wan's mouth in a hot, hard kiss as he moved harder and faster inside the youth. Tongues dueling frantically, the older man reached down and began pumping Obi-Wan's straining erection, matching the rhythm his hips set as the younger man arched and writhed to meet him, crying aloud into his mouth.

It couldn't last long. They had been deprived too long. Obi-Wan's eyes opened wide as the rush of orgasm washed over him, and he let out a sharp, gasping cry. Then, as he spurted hot seed over Qui-Gon's hand and both their chests and bellies, he threw his head back, closed his eyes, and let out a long, ululating wail that was also Qui-Gon's name, clenching and convulsing hard around his lover's shaft.

Qui-Gon lost whatever remnant of control he had left and actually screamed as he thrust forward deeply and buried himself inside his young lover as his cock throbbed in a release that seemed to go on forever.

When he came back to himself, he found that he was collapsed on top of Obi-Wan, still gasping for breath, and that tears were stinging his eyes. Gritting his teeth, he forced stunned muscles to respond to his commands and he managed to shift enough so that he was propped up on his elbows above the younger man. He glanced down and saw that his lover was still out of it.

"Obi-Wan?" he rumbled, using vocal chords that seemed stretched and a tongue that did not feel like it was connected to anything useful at all. He tried again, through their bond. Obi-Wan?

The Padawan let out a muffled groan beneath him, but did not stir, although he did reply mentally. Oh, fuzzy gods. I don't think I can move, Qui-Gon...

Trembling with muscle fatigue, Qui-Gon lowered his head enough to brush the tempting mouth beneath him with his own. S'okay, you don't have to. I'm going to try to rearrange us so I'm not crushing you, but that's the best I can do right now.

It's amazing that you can even do what you're doing right now. I'd be envious, but I don't have the energy.

Later, Qui-Gon sighed mentally. Be energetic later. I'll be revived enough to appreciate it by then. Hopefully.

A mental sigh was his only reply.

Pulling his tattered reserves of strength together, Qui-Gon somehow managed to shift to the side and then pull Obi-Wan close against him. He used the last of his physical strength to drape his arms around his young lover, then used the Force to pull the blankets up over them, and then he gave up and let sleep yank his consciousness down into the dreamscape.




Obi-Wan woke up sometime later and found his lover and master still sprawled beside him, a leg and arm draped over him, snoring softly in his ear. He didn't mind; to him, Qui-Gon only sounded like a large feline purring his contentment. He knew it was a silly way of thinking, but at least it gave him a great excuse to give in to temptation and pet the older man. Not that he really needed one, but still...

His belly chose to rumble at that moment, and was answered by Qui-Gon's belly, yet the older man continued to sleep. Obi-Wan grinned. Here was something that he could do to thank his lover for one of the most incredible nights of his life.

He got up carefully, pressing a reassuring light kiss to Qui-Gon's lips when the older man let out a sleepy, inquisitive, wordless rumble as to why his body was being jostled and the warmth he'd been wrapped around was receding. Qui-Gon subsided at the affectionate caress and dropped back into a deeper sleep. The Padawan grinned again, and then carefully stood, testing his leg strength.

Hmm. A little wobbly, but not as bad as I'd have expected after that session. When my Master takes off the safety breakers, he really takes 'em off! Obi-Wan thought to himself, then searched through the clothes strewn about the floor. He found his trousers and his top tunic and slipped those on, then padded downstairs. He rooted around in the luggage that had been left downstairs and found his slippers and his lounging robe and pulled those on, grateful for the extra warmth. Taking a few moments, he searched around the first story section of the house and finally found the thermostat controls. They were simple enough to use, so he bumped the heat up another notch or two, then headed into the kitchen with the food packs they had brought.

Opening the cupboards, he put away the dry goods, then went over to the freezer unit and hauled out the perishable goods they'd brought and stuffed them in. He took a moment to locate the cooking utensils, then set about cooking breakfast.

A half hour later, he was carrying a tray laden with two plates heaped with fried Gurken eggs, browned slabs of a ham-like meat, various fruits, and some mashed potatoes mixed with a grainy cereal that Qui-Gon liked and added consistency and flavoring to the potatoes. And of course, large glasses of protein drinks.

He strolled into the bedroom. Qui-Gon?

A low grumble emanated from the bed as the large man rolled over, burying his face in the pillows.

Obi-Wan smiled, then wandered over and trailed one finger down the long, muscular back in a teasing pattern. Wake up, sleepy love. I've brought a rejuvenating breakfast for us.

One dark blue eye cracked open and peered up at him blearily. Obi-Wan, my darling boy, I'm half afraid that my requirements for "rejuvenation" is going to include a Bantha-sized pot of Corellian Coffee, straight, and two Taun-Tauns loaded with stimulant capsules.

The younger man grinned smugly. Is this your way of saying I wore you out? But you did most of the work last night, towards the end.

Is there something wrong with your powers of addition and subtraction, or have you forgotten that I'm twice your age?

I may not be using math, Qui-Gon, but it would seem that I have totaled you, Obi-Wan laughed smugly, then dodged the half-hearted swat Qui-Gon aimed blindly at him. He caught the hand and brought it up to his mouth, kissing the palm, and then added, Get up, love. Sit up, and I'll bring breakfast over to you, and we'll eat in bed.

Fine. Help me up, Qui-Gon sighed.

Should I be worried that a full Jedi Master, who knows any number of strengthening tricks, can't seem to sit up on his own? Obi-Wan sassed lightly.

Are you trying to make me feel even more decrepit than I do already? That's a fine lot of consideration you're showing for your elder, Padawan.

Stop being touchy about your age. Haven't you figured it out by now that it's part of what makes you incredibly sexy? the younger man asked as he helpfully rolled his lover over.

Qui-Gon's eyebrows climbed a few inches up his forehead, and then he struggled into a sitting position and grinned as he caught his young lover around the waist, drawing him closer. He pressed a kiss or two to Obi-Wan's cloth-covered belly and then peered up at him, blue eyes sparkling with devilish humor. "Oh, really?" he said, switching to vocal speech. "What other parts of me contribute to my overwhelming sexiness?"

"I'm not telling you. At least, not right now," Obi-Wan said, grinning as he stroked Qui-Gon's hair back away from his face, tenderly stroking his fingers over the upturned face.

"Why not? Don't I deserve to know?"

"Absolutely," the younger man agreed, moving to collect the breakfast tray and bringing it closer. He settled into bed with his own plate on his lap as Qui-Gon happily tucked into his food. "However," Obi-Wan continued, "I'm feeling incredibly lazy at the moment and don't feel like beginning a list that is likely to last until I'm well into my fifties.

Qui-Gon swallowed his mouthful of food, then turned his head to smile happily at his young lover. "Thank you," he said softly. "You, my love, always seem to know the right thing to say to cheer me up."

Obi-Wan smiled back, smiling gently, then leaned over carefully and rested his head on the taller man's shoulder. "Why would you need cheering up, love?"

"We were talking about my age, Obi-Wan."

"And last night didn't convince you that I don't give a flying Bantha about it?"

"I don't know about you, love, but last night, I degenerated down to basic instinctual level. I doubt I was either coherent enough or capable of enough intelligence to even attempt to be convinced of anything other than the fact that I love you with all my heart and soul," Qui-Gon replied gently.

A few moments later, food dishes safely out of the way, Obi-Wan did his best to thank his lover for the endearingly sweet comment, and to "convince" Qui-Gon that age, at least to the Padawan, was irrelevant.




Obi-Wan stood at the sink a couple of hours later doing up the breakfast dishes, and became aware of Qui-Gon's footfalls coming down the stairs. A moment later, booted feet were heading toward the front door, which opened with a blast of chill wind and crisp morning air, and then shut again.

Wonder what he's up to? Probably going to bring in more firewood, Obi-Wan thought to himself as he set a dish in the dish rack.

When the taller man came back in a few moments later, Obi-Wan was surprised to hear the jingle of bridles. He raised an eyebrow when Qui-Gon appeared in the kitchen doorway, the tack from their two mounts draped over his broad shoulders, and an armload of firewood in his arms. And a smile on his face.

"When you're finished there, Obi-Wan, would you mind helping me clean up the tack? We can sit near the fire and be comfortable that way," Qui-Gon said.

"Sure, love. No problem. Be there in a few," the younger man replied, and he watched the older man turn and disappear into the living room where the fireplace was, listening to the sounds of scuffing as furniture was shifted and supplies set up.

He's so relaxed, being here, with no demands on his time except the ones he chooses to make, Obi-Wan thought. It's wonderful to see him looking decidedly less tired. We've needed this break.

"Obi-Wan?" a deep, rich voice called from the living room.

"Coming, Qui-Gon," he called back, and wiped his hands dry and headed into the other room.

Grinning, he sat down in a comfortable armchair across from his lover and took the end of one of the long reins that Qui-Gon held out to him. Bracing his arm, he held the leather taut as leather soap was rubbed into both sides of the rein carefully yet firmly. That rein was set aside and repeated on the next one, and the next, and then next, until they moved on to the rest of the tack. By the time they were done with that, the first pieces were dry, and they repeated the process using Sinnrai Oil, until each piece was supple and gleaming. Then the whole process was repeated with saddle soap.

Obi-Wan could take care of his own saddle, only one person needed to do a really good job on it, so he worked on his while Qui-Gon worked on his saddle. The two Jedi had remained silent during the cleaning process. Conversation was not needed; the two men were entirely happy to simply sit in the presence of the other, content with knowing that their lover was near.

Finally, they were done and Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon to a back room where they stashed the tack so the cold wouldn't crack the leather. The room was small, and Obi-Wan found himself brushing up against his lover more often than not. As he was placing his saddle on a high shelf, he felt arms slip around his waist and a bearded chin nestle between his neck and shoulder. With a sigh, he lowered his arms so that his hands rested on the broad ones covering his waist. "Yes, Qui-Gon?" he prompted softly.

"Oh, nothing, Obi-Wan. I just wanted to hold you. I love feeling you in my arms, so warm and vibrant," the older man murmured, placing tiny kisses to his young lover's ear. "You are quite soothing to me."

"Hmm," the Padawan purred slightly, snuggling against the solid warmth of his lover and master behind him.

"You smell like Sinnrai Oil," was the statement a moment later.

"Well, I am somewhat covered in it, Qui-Gon. Do you mind?"

"What, kissing you? No, not at all."

"No, I mean my smelling like Sinnrai."

"Oh, that. No, not really. But I think we should clean up soon. Leaving the Sinnrai on is bound to cause itching in a little bit. There's just one problem."

"Ah. And that would be?"

"I'm still too tired really from your 'convincing' to scour you enthusiastically in the shower."

Obi-Wan grinned. "That's fine, Qui-Gon. I'm too tired as well. You really make me work for my pleasures, you know. But, this is a good thing."

"How so, love?" Qui-Gon asked, nuzzling at his lover's neck still.

"Because finally I'll be able to know what it's like to take a shower with you without winding up having sex there!"

The older man grinned smugly. "We do seem to have a habit of winding up that way in confined spaces, don't we, love?"

"Yup. So, what say? Want to take advantage of this sudden opportunity before either of our libidos returns with a vengeance?"

"Definitely."

The two men went upstairs, taking their luggage with them, and then stood in a hot shower together and took the time to soap each other slowly and massage stiff muscles and tired bodies. True to their word, they were too tired to actively respond to the caresses given, and so it was the most relaxing shower they'd ever taken together, a thought that made the both of them laugh.

Later, cleaned and dressed, Qui-Gon took Obi-Wan on a tour of the cabin, telling a tale of his toddlerhood with each room they visited.

Standing in the attic, Obi-Wan looked up at his lover and said, "You did not."

"Did so," Qui-Gon sassed back, grinning.

"You found your mother's old hair ribbons and decorated the family dog with them?!" The younger man began giggling, trying to imagine his serene and rarely playful master as doing something so outrageous, even as a child.

"Well, it was better than my first idea," the older man said, slinging an arm around his lover's shoulders.

"Which was?"

"My father."

"You don't mean..."

"It wouldn't have been so bad. Pink was a good color for him. But he said there was no way in the seven standard galaxies that he was going to wear any girly-girl ribbons."

Obi-Wan's laughed harder. "Oh, good. At least he drew the line somewhere. So the dog got your attentions?"

"Yes, but I got to watch while Mother chased Father all over the house, tying his hair up with the ribbons," Qui-Gon said with a grin. "He really should have known better than to issue that statement where she could hear him."

Obi-Wan howled with laughter. He was just coming under control when Qui-Gon added, "That was about the time Father decided that cold weather or no, hats and scarves worked just as well, and took to keeping his hair sheared short."

The taller man grinned down at the gasping, laughing young man who knelt on the floor, trying to regain control of himself. Then he began snickering himself as the memories played back in his head.

Finally, they wound up outside. They'd just been to the barn to feed their mounts, and Qui-Gon had amazed his young lover with the tale of how, as a young boy, he had climbed up into the tall rafters and swung down from a rope into a pile of loose hay.

"Your mother didn't skin you alive?" he had asked, incredulous.

"She didn't have to. Father lit out after me with a switch, then shook me up proper by saying that I had scared them both silly, and would I please think about that the next time I felt like risking my life," Qui-Gon had replied.

"It's a wonder they let you be taken by the Jedi, then," Obi-Wan had stated as they wandered out into the cold air of twilight.

"They were proud that I had been chosen. I finally figured it out that they didn't mind me risking my life, so long as I was doing it in relative safety, supported and surrounded by others of my kind," Qui-Gon said, and he walked along next to his young lover, grinning at the snort that had been his reply.

They stood outside, watching the light fade from twilight and the pale light of the twin moons fill the sky and cascade over the snow. It was still and silent and very peaceful, everything bathed in the majestic silvery glow of moonlight.

Obi-Wan breathed lustily, filling his lungs with still, cold night air, as he silently reveled in the beauty that surrounded him, in the company of the man he was with.

Qui-Gon glanced down at the young man by his side and grinned. The moons were full, their light on the snow-covered ground enabling him to see his lover as clearly as if it were daylight. The cold air had brought a pink flush to his cheeks and a sparkle to the blue-gray eyes. He watched the younger man for a long moment before he managed to control a need almost as powerful as the one that had brought them together as lovers so many months ago. He enjoyed watching Obi-Wan's pleasure in the snow-shrouded evening, but he ached to take this young man into his arms, to feel his warmth, his satiny hardness, to breathe again his scent.

Obi-Wan raised his gaze to Qui-Gon's shadowed face, then laughed as the older man tried to ease the moment with a teasing remark lest he lose all control and pounce upon the Padawan's unsuspecting form. "Your nose is red again."

The younger man's eyes danced with mischievous humor. "How unkind of you to point that out, Qui-Gon."

The Master laughed. "That may be, but you-" He never finished, ducking instead as a snowball came flying in his direction.

An instant later, Obi-Wan turned and ran. His intent was obvious as he made for a huge tree at the side of the front yard. He'd almost reached his goal when a snowball smacked against the back of his head. He turned, his eyes dark with the promise of retribution.

Qui-Gon laughed as his apprentice calmly began arming himself with a pile of snowballs, placing them neatly at his feet. "Come now, Padawan! Jedi are not supposed to seek revenge, you know," he taunted, dodging an occasional throw. "Aren't you supposed to turn the other cheek?"

"You didn't hit me on the cheek, Master." Obi-Wan's eyes glinted as he prepared his arsenal. "You hit me in the back of the head. Rather hard, too." He bit his lip to keep his laughter from breaking loose. "I'm afraid I can't, in all good conscience, let you get away with that."

"Oh, I see. An eye for an eye, or in this case," he grunted as he shifted away from a snowball that nearly smacked him on the nose, "a head for a head, is that it?" The next snowball splatted into his hair, soaking him.

Qui-Gon grinned as he bent to gather a snowball of his own, inadvertently offering his apprentice yet another target, which he didn't hesitate to bombard. He chuckled, his dark blue eye gleaming with laughter as he dusted the seat of his pants until they were free of snow. It was then, with a wicked, menacing promise of retribution in his eyes, that he began moving toward the younger man, his body crouched and weaving as he dodged his way easily through a constant barrage of snowballs. Obi-Wan's aim, while incredibly accurate, didn't deter his master one bit. Qui-Gon kept up his advance until his boots squashed the younger man's supply of weapons to useless white powder.

"Cheater!" Obi-Wan couldn't keep the laughter from his voice, even as a shiver of excitement overtook him. He could have turned it into a wrestling match right there, but he felt like being pursued, and so he turned on his heel and ran as fast as his legs could carry him, the second before Qui-Gon reached for him. His laughter carried upon the silent night air and invaded the older man's soul. He had to capture the sound and to do that he had to take this man.

Obi-Wan gasped to find himself suddenly flung to the ground. An instant later, he was flipped to his back as if he weighed no more than a feather. Qui-Gon settled himself comfortably upon his lover, his arms supporting most of his weight.

Qui-Gon was looking down at him, his expression a strange combination of laughter and love and lust as he loomed threateningly above the younger man. Obi-Wan felt smaller and, while not quite helpless, willing to submit to this man because it pleased him to give of himself to his lover. "Look what you've done," he sputtered, grinning, blowing already-melting snow from his lips. "I'm covered with snow."

"Better yet, look at what I'm going to do," Qui-Gon said as his hot mouth descended on Obi-Wan's.

When they broke apart, the younger man grinned up at him and said, "Master?"

"Yes, love?"

"Is this why Master Windu calls you 'Hot Lips'?"

Qui-Gon gaped down at his apprentice, who began laughing uproariously at the look on his lover's face, and then the older man put his head down on Obi-Wan's shoulder and laughed along with him helplessly.

When the two of them calmed down, Qui-Gon gave his lover an exasperated smile and said, "What am I going to do with you?"

A slow, thoroughly wicked grin spread across Obi-Wan's face and he opened his mouth to say something to that straight line his master just handed him, but a large hand carefully whapped down over his orifice, shutting him up. His blue-gray eyes twinkled mischievously as he stared up at the older man and quirked an inquisitive eyebrow.

"My stomach can't handle another laughing fit at the moment, love," the Master explained, grinning. Then he removed his hand and covered the cool, smiling lips with his own before adding, "And as to any suggestions of a delightfully intimate nature you may have, I'd much rather follow through on them inside the warm house, if it's all the same to you."

Obi-Wan smiled and nodded as he said, "Of course, love. I've been wanting to snuggle you in front of the fire for a while now anyway. Could we?"

"Did you doubt?" Mock-incredulous tone.

"No, just impatient. So, if you would kindly get that great, heavy bulk of yours up and off me..."

Qui-Gon grinned and then did so, moving in such a way as to inflame the younger man's desire, which only brought the Padawan to his own feet that much faster. The older man allowed his lover to take him by the hand and pull him enthusiastically into the cabin.

Minutes later, the fire was blazing, putting out plenty of heat. As were the two men who cuddle in front of it, nestled into a comfy pile of furs.

Obi-Wan lounged between Qui-Gon's legs, snuggled back into the solid warmth of his master's chest, eyes shut loosely, purring under the stroking hands of his lover. Eventually, though, he shifted and rolled over so that he faced the older man. He began to kiss every inch of Qui-Gon's face and then his neck, nipping lightly at his ears, and catching the beard covering his lover's chin playfully with his teeth and tugging lightly. Then he worked his way down, nuzzling and rumbling happily over the powerful shoulders and down the broad chest, teasing and licking the rapidly hardening nipples. The younger man had been on a slow burn for the last few hours, however, and so he did not delay too long in reaching his ultimate destination.

Qui-Gon moaned and arched up when his cock was engulfed in a warm, wet mouth. He reached down and held Obi-Wan's head still as he languidly lifted his hips repeatedly, slowly, carefully moving into that inviting warmth. When his young lover batted his hands away gently a few moments later, he released the younger man and then writhed anew when that agile tongue moved lower, teasing his balls and the entrance to his body.

He lifted his head a moment later when the ministrations stopped and he found Obi-Wan looking up at him, the blue-gray eyes narrowed with hunger. "May I have you tonight?" his apprentice whispered huskily.

He raised an eyebrow in slight amusement, reaching down to stroke the smooth cheek. his Obi-Wan did not often take the lead in their lovemaking. Smiling, he shifted a bit, spreading his thighs wider, giving silent acquiescence to his love's passive demand.

Obi-Wan smiled and then reached for the oil they had brought down to their nest and left warming by the fire. He poured a small amount onto Qui-Gon's lower belly and rubbed his fingers in it, coating them, and then carefully inserted first one, then two, then gradually three into the older man's body, stroking and stretching him pleasurably. When Qui-Gon was gasping and pleading for him the younger man to take him, Obi-Wan poured more oil and coated his erection with it, then tenderly pressed into his lover.

No hurried frenzy of sex this time around, but a slow, tender taking and giving of their bodies and love for one another. Qui-Gon reached up and pulled Obi-Wan close to him, wrapping his arms around the younger man's shoulders, lifting his head in a demand for a kiss. The Padawan obeyed, giving his mouth to his master and lover eagerly, and then he pulled back and buried his face in the older man's neck as he whispered, "I love you, Qui-Gon ... love you, love you so much..."

When their orgasm finally rushed towards them, they rocked together in verbal silence, their bond singing all their love and want and need of each other in perfect harmony. Shuddering in their completion, neither man really noticed or cared that tears were stinging their eyes as they waited for heartbeats to calm and breathing to slow.

A long while later, they sat up before the fire again, this time, Qui-Gon laying between Obi-Wan's legs as the younger man slowly brushed through his master's hair with his fingers. The stroking was soothing to Qui-Gon, who smiled and "hmmed" with pleasure.

Obi-Wan grinned. "I'm glad the Council gave us this time off. You've been entirely too tired and tense for a long time now. It's nice to see you smile like that again."

"It's nice to be able to do so. To be able to sit here with my love, to be tended to with such care, to give that care in return without restraint ... It is good, Padawan," Qui-Gon replied. He reached up to stroke the younger man's cheek lovingly.

The apprentice nuzzled his cheek into the broad palm and continued to sift through the long, silky hair. "Qui-Gon, thank you for bringing us here. I am enjoying being in a place that brought you such happiness as a young boy. I fully intend to luxuriate in this vacation of ours in a thoroughly un-Jedi like manner."

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Because no doubt the Council will have something even more difficult waiting for us when we get back. For all that you say they like us, we seem to get the short end of the saber more often than not."

"They do like us, Padawan; they show their faith in us by giving us such potentially disastrous missions. However, speaking of sabers, just because we're on vacation doesn't mean we should slip and become lax in our routines. I don't believe a few low-level katas, sparring, and some meditations will do anything to sour the mood."

Obi-Wan sighed and grinned. That's my Master, he thought to himself, leaning down to hug the older man and place a kiss on the crown of his head. Jedi to the core. Stars, but I love him. A moment later, with all the love he could inflect into his voice, he replied, "Yes, my Master."

Qui-Gon smiled and nestled back against his Padawan. If there was anything better to life, he didn't want to know about it.

Fin.




Let the critiquing begin! Also, let me know if I should continue anything from this particular fic, or leave it to dry up and fade away in peace?