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Obi-Wan loved the water. The way it multiplied light, the way it never failed to calm him. His childhood was irrevocably bound to this room. He'd spent hours here, reading, playing, meditating, keeping Bant company while she immersed herself in the lake or one of the smaller pools.

Sometimes he missed how simple life had been back then. Studying, meditation, lightsaber practice. Always someone there who'd explain a lesson when it didn't make sense. Dreaming of being a Knight, imagining by the time one was a Knight, one would have a few things figured out.

Now he was a Knight, and he couldn't say he was much wiser. Only it was expected of him to take care of himself now, solve his own problems, understand the lessons life and the Force tried to teach him without running to anyone for an explanation.

He sighed. Asking for help had never been something he excelled in.

He had tried to meditate for hours, but had been unsuccessful. He couldn't rid his mind of the questions that assaulted him every time he closed his eyes. So when he heard footsteps behind him, he actually welcomed the interruption.

Qui-Gon approached the kneeling Knight with caution, not wanting to interrupt meditation.

Sleep had eluded him for hours, so he'd wandered around the Temple gardens, until a familiar presence had lured him here.

He felt Obi-Wan's inner turmoil and wanted to offer his help, but he wasn't sure how he would be received. His Obi-Wan had always kept his troubles to himself, only approaching Qui-Gon for help when he was unable to come to a solution on his own. He guessed this hadn't changed.

He settled in to wait for Obi-Wan to finish meditation.

For a while, neither moved nor spoke.

"We seem to bump into each other with shocking regularity these days, don't you think?" Obi-Wan's voice broke the silence so suddenly that Qui-Gon almost jumped out of his skin. The young man hadn't turned around or moved a muscle.

Qui-Gon swallowed, not really knowing what to say, so he only ventured a quiet, "It seems so, indeed."

Obi-Wan turned, then, and looked at the Jedi Master, his face hardly visible in the dim light, "So, is this insomnia a new Jedi disease or does it only affect the two of us?" His tone was light, nevertheless Qui-Gon sensed the tension in the younger man.

"I don't know. I didn't make a survey," he replied, also keeping his tone light.

Obi-Wan met his eyes squarely for the first time this evening. "Was there anything you wanted?"

He shook his head. "I was just taking a walk, and then I saw you here. You were so quiet over dinner, and now you're sitting here in the middle of the night, so I wondered if there's something wrong and if I might be able to help."

Silence settled between them again.

Qui-Gon inwardly cursed the dark that made it impossible for him to see Obi-Wan's eyes properly. He couldn't tell their colour.

When Obi-Wan finally spoke, his tone was detached, contemplative, "As an initiate you are taught to accept fate as the will of the Force. Never question, live in the moment. The past is set, the future shapes itself from the present you make for yourself."

Qui-Gon nodded, uncomfortable as to where this might lead. Obi-Wan couldn't have found him out. It was impossible. Still, he braced himself when Obi-Wan continued.

"When you grow older, you inevitably start to question, though. 'What if' becomes a part of one's reflective process as much as the ever-present question of why."

Obi-Wan had addressed all this to his knees, now he looked up at Qui- Gon, when the Jedi Master motioned for him to continue.

"Why did you refuse me as your Padawan?"

Taken aback, Qui-Gon actually flinched. It took a moment to find his voice, then he only brought forth a hoarse, "What?"

Obi-Wan's eyes dropped to the ground again. He started to play with a fallen leaf while he spoke. "Adi told me that Yoda tried to get you to take me as your Padawan, but you refused. Is that right?"

Qui-Gon frowned, "Well, yes and no. Yoda never mentioned you by name, but I refused to take another Padawan categorically."

"Why?"

"Because I thought I had failed as a teacher. My last Padawan turned, and I blamed myself for his failing."

Obi-Wan's tone softened considerably, "I'm sorry."

Qui-Gon couldn't stand the distance between them anymore, so he moved closer to Obi-Wan and knelt in front of him. He tenderly lifted Obi-Wan's chin to be able to look into the Knight's eyes, which had turned a deep, shadowed blue. "You don't have to be sorry."

A soft smile returned to Obi-Wan's face. "So the why is answered. The what if will probably stay unanswered."

Inwardly, Qui-Gon winced. He clasped Obi-Wan's shoulders. "I can only tell you what I see. You have turned into a magnificent Knight without me, so the loss here is entirely mine."

The sincerity in Qui-Gon's voice shook Obi-Wan. He laid his hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder. "Yet you have taught me so much already."

Qui-Gon smiled. "Did you think your Master was the only person who would ever teach you anything, or that now you're a Knight, the learning was over? Obi-Wan, every person you meet in your life will teach you something. If nothing is learned or taught, any relationship is not worth having."

Obi-Wan chuckled, "I thought life would be easier after my Knighting. But suddenly I am on my own, and it is expected of me to solve my own problems, take care of myself. All a part of growing up, I guess."

Qui-Gon nodded. Dryly, he added, "If you think life is complicated now, wait until you have a Padawan."

The young Knight chuckled, a sound that made Qui-Gon's heart light.

The soft sound faded and Qui-Gon felt the tension ebb from Obi-Wan.

He withdrew his hand from Obi-Wan's shoulder, but it was caught and squeezed by Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon smiled and entwined his fingers with Obi-Wan's. Obi-Wan met his eyes, obviously trying to work up the courage to ask a question.

Qui-Gon ran his thumb over the back of Obi-Wan's hand in a reassuring gesture. "Ask."

The younger man smiled shyly. "I know it's probably not polite to ask, after Xanatos and all, but is it worth it?"

"Having a Padawan?"

Obi-Wan nodded.

Qui-Gon sighed. "Yes. Very much so. Before Xanatos, I had another Padawan. He was the joy of my life. He taught me more about myself, the Force and life than anyone else, and I loved him deeply. Every headache or worry he cost me, he repaid tenfold with the pride and joy he brought to my heart."

Obi-Wan swallowed. The warmth in the Jedi Master's eyes was almost physically tangible to him. He basked in the reflected warmth and caught himself wishing all the love he could see there was for him, not this nameless Padawan. He could feel his cheeks flush.

Absently, Qui-Gon ran a hand through Obi-Wan's hair while he stood up. "It's late. You should try to get some sleep."

Still, he held Obi-Wan's hand.

Obi-Wan smiled, "I think I'll try to meditate. I still have this one problem to work out."

Qui-Gon slowly and reluctantly released Obi-Wan's hand, brushing his fingers against the other man's before letting go altogether.

"Well, then. Good night, and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, and thank you," Obi-Wan said softly.

"You're welcome," Qui-Gon replied and after a last, lingering look, he left the Knight alone.

As soon as he was out of sight, Obi-Wan buried his head in his hands and let out a frustrated sigh. His emotional confusion had just multiplied.

When he had stared into Qui-Gon's deep blue eyes so full of love, he had discovered much more than his wish to be regarded with so much love. Specifically, he wanted Qui-Gon to look at him like that and the feeling to be for him. He wanted to know what it was like to be desired and wanted by Qui-Gon Jinn. He wanted the hand that had touched his shoulder to touch him much more often and without the hindrance of clothes. He wanted these fingers to brush against his skin. He wanted to kiss these soft lips and imagine other interesting things these lips could do.

All these reflections could lead to only one conclusion. Force help him, he was falling in love with Qui-Gon Jinn.

His, indeed. The loss was his alone, he was convinced of it. The glorious Knight Obi-Wan had become without his involvement made him sure of the fact that his impact on Obi-Wan's life had yielded more bad than good.

He closed his eyes. Was it worth it?

~~Bandomeer.

The fear, self-doubt and gnawing uncertainty of that time still left him wondering how anything lasting could have come out of the chaos the whole experience had been.

Sending the angry and hurt boy away to the AgriCorps. Missing him, despite himself. Fearing for him when learning of his abduction. The overwhelming feeling of terror in the mine when he realised this boy was about to die for him. Calling him Padawan for the first time. The relief, warmth and feeling of home when he accepted Obi-Wan as his Padawan.

Melida/Daan.

A very determined Padawan drawing his lightsaber, Qui-Gon drawing his own. Fate hanging in the balance for a moment. Blue eyes meeting clear grey ones. Both recognising what was happening. Both made a decision, then. Never. Both deactivated their lightsabers. It would never come this far between them.

Feeling regret, pain and grief when Obi-Wan handed in his lightsaber. Relief, when the boy was once again in his care, returning to the Jedi Temple. Feeling astonished that he'd missed the boy so much. Infinite relief and warmth when after what seemed such a long time he could call Obi-Wan Padawan again. ~~

Was it worth it? More than that.

What one never realised before taking a Padawan was that the shaping of lives and personalities was mutual. The Master helped the Padawan become the person they wanted to be, but the process changed the mentor just as much as the student. He could now hardly remember the Qui-Gon Jinn before Obi-Wan, much less did he bear any but a fleeting resemblance to him. But there was more than that, in the present case.

The Force had granted him in the man his apprentice had become, the man he had watched and guided for over a decade, a person he had loved in every way a human being could love another.

And it slowly dawned on him that despite small differences, the person he'd loved with all his heart and the person he'd just left in the garden were basically Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Yes, his Obi-Wan would probably have beaten him in the saber match this afternoon, but then again, his Obi-Wan had known his fighting style much better, and where he'd seen gnawing emotional uncertainty in his apprentice he saw only startling confidence in this man.

The longer he knew the young Knight, the more he saw the man for who he was and no longer only how he was different from his Padawan.

He was incredible. Extremely bright, very strong with the Force, a huge heart, a wicked sense of humour, yet a serious nature, and a moral courage that sprang from the very core of his being.

Yet underneath all of that confidence, he was lonely and not used to confiding in anyone. Qui-Gon had seen tonight that Obi-Wan wasn't used to dropping his guard around anyone. But then again, it had taken Qui-Gon years to get Obi-Wan to trust him enough to confide in him.

Still, differences aside, timelines and memories aside, Qui-Gon Jinn was honest enough to admit he'd made a miscalculation when he'd thought he could just be Obi-Wan's friend when it was clear he could do no less to Obi-Wan Kenobi but deeply and sincerely love him.

Obi-Wan surfaced from meditation slowly.

The dream images had insinuated themselves even into his meditations. This time, it had been more a jumbled pile of emotions, flashes, images, not full scenes like in the dreams before.

He shook his head and rubbed his temples to fight a nasty headache that had settled in. These images and emotions were slowly eating away his serenity.

He sighed. He would ask for help. But not just yet.

Over the next few days, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan slipped into a routine that allowed them, without either having to voice the wish, to spend as much time together has possible. They helped each other with their individual classes, they sparred together, against each other and against other pairs, they ate lunch and dinner together, ostensibly to plan their courses, but really they spent their evenings playing Secheck and talking about a variety of topics that had nothing whatsoever to do with their classes.

Qui-Gon noticed with a slight twinge that Obi-Wan wasn't quite the glorious Jedi his Padawan had been, so he taught the young man one little thing here, another there.

Though to tell the truth, the lines between Obi-Wan and Ben (he had started to refer to his Padawan as such in his mind) blurred further in his mind as he started to fall all over for this amazing, beautiful man he had the chance to discover anew.

Falling in love with Obi-Wan Kenobi 101. First he made one laugh. Then one discovered how amazing his smile made one feel. Then he looked at one with those incredible smoky blue eyes that made one's insides melt. Then he allowed the touching to happen. Casual brushes in saber training, fingers just missing each other over the dining table, a hand sliding down one's back seemingly casually, always accompanied by a husky look and sometimes an insinuating smile. Then he took one's hand in his own and one just wanted to never let go again. Then one cast resolve in the wind and kissed him.

Only he hadn't. Not yet. At least not this man. Not this Obi-Wan. Ben, on the other hand...

No. He wouldn't allow this memory. When he finally had the courage to kiss Obi-Wan, he didn't want the memory of Ben imprinted on his mind. The feel of his lips. The taste of them. He shut all of it away, together with his pain and regret, his guilt and fear. He would not allow the past to haunt him.

A searing pain called him back to the moment. His lack of concentration had cost him the saber match.

He saluted Obi-Wan and smiled, though his smile faded when he realised the other man was fatigued beyond what could be explained by their rather light sparring. Obi-Wan was panting, standing doubled over, his hands on his knees for support.

Worried, Qui-Gon approached his partner. "Obi-Wan, are you all right?"

With trouble, Obi-Wan straightened. Only now did Qui-Gon notice the dark circles under Obi-Wan's eyes and the pale cast of his skin.

Qui-Gon took one step closer and laid his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, "What is it? You look exhausted."

Obi-Wan tried to smile and shrug off Qui-Gon's concern, "It's nothing. I just didn't get too much sleep the last few nights."

Qui-Gon frowned at the younger man, "Why? Does something trouble you?"

He could have sworn Obi-Wan was blushing, but the young man turned away a little so Qui-Gon could not see his face properly. His voice was steady though when he replied, "Not really, I just - well, I had some strange dreams."

"Do you wish to discuss these dreams?" Qui-Gon enquired kindly.

This time he was sure Obi-Wan was blushing. "Ah - no. But thank you."

Qui-Gon bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling, but the urge to smile disappeared when he met Obi-Wan's eyes and saw nothing but confusion there. Whatever these dreams were, they were taxing the young Knight's serenity.

Sith. Sometimes he missed the training bond desperately.

He regretted that thought as soon as he'd put words to it. As always, when he thought about the bond or subconsciously tried to access it, the bond flared to life, and if Qui-Gon didn't reinforce the shields around it immediately, it stretched out tendrils into the Force, seeking, almost longing for the mind it had been attached to for so long.

The greatest danger was when they fought side by side against another pair. More than once, he'd needed every ounce of his Jedi control to keep the bond from forming a passage into Obi-Wan's mind.

He couldn't let that happen. As much as he missed and longed for his Padawan's shining presence in his mind, Obi-Wan would neither tolerate nor understand such a bond between them.

Still, he would have liked to be able to determine what exactly was wrong with Obi-Wan, if only to help him deal with whatever it was.

But he wouldn't infringe on Obi-Wan's privacy for anything in the galaxy, and since even a Force-blind person would have sensed that Obi-Wan was very uncomfortable talking about his dreams, he dropped the subject with a suggestion that the Knight should remedy his fatigue by going to bed.

The smile returned to Obi-Wan's face, taking an indecent edge. Sparks flared up between them, one of many moments of mutually acknowledged attraction neither had had the nerve to act on yet. Qui- Gon could see Obi-Wan biting down a remark to match the indecent and almost inviting smile, and found himself almost wishing the young man would say something; at least it would be out in the open, then.

But Obi-Wan remained silent, and after a moment of intense eye- contact just nodded and grasped Qui-Gon's arm. "Thank you. I think I'll take your advice and get some rest."

The almost wistful tone in his voice as much as the hand on his arm sent a shiver down Qui-Gon's spine, and instinctively, his hand travelled to Obi-Wan's arm as well so that their underarms were pressed together.

Neither of them wore their long-sleeved tunics, both wore training garments that left most of the arm exposed. Skin on skin. Delightful rush of sensation, and a bit of a shock for both.

Qui-Gon's mouth went very dry. He could feel Obi-Wan's erratic pulse under his fingers, his own heartbeat echoing the unsettled rhythm.

Warmth settled within him, seemed to seep from Obi-Wan's skin to his and from their clasped arms through his whole body. He couldn't look away from Obi-Wan's eyes, not even if his life depended on it. Muted blue depths full of promise and warmth.

He saw Obi-Wan swallow soundly, saw him lick his lips determinedly, inching just a little closer...

A clank from a falling saber brought reality crashing back to them, shattering their suspended moment. They were still in a moderately populated training hall.

A regretful smile played over Obi-Wan's lips as he slowly withdrew his arm, deliberately letting his fingertips graze ever so softly over Qui-Gon's arm. "Are we still on for dinner?"

Qui-Gon nodded, unable for the life of him to utter a coherent sentence.

Obi-Wan's smile turned faintly smug as he nodded to the Jedi Master and turned and left with a last "See you then" tossed over his shoulder.

Qui-Gon gritted his teeth. There is no passion, there is serenity.

What a Sithly pile of Bantha poodoo. Whoever had written the code had obviously never met Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Adi Gallia watched her ex-Padawan with concern. He looked tired and drawn, and she didn't like that at all.

Furthermore, she began to wonder if friendship with Qui-Gon was a good idea for her much too trusting and vulnerable former apprentice. Qui-Gon hadn't shown much interest in any other being in the last decade or so, and why this had suddenly changed to such a degree that he was hardly to be torn from Obi-Wan's side was something Adi wondered at.

Of course she knew how much Obi-Wan changed everyone he met, how his open heart and friendly manner invited people to open their hearts to him, but she also knew how ridiculously easy it was to hurt him, despite her best efforts to teach him resilience in heart as well as in body.

And to a certain degree, she had been successful. But allowing oneself to love and be loved always held certain risks, and even more so for people like Obi-Wan, who had no concept of half measures and always gave their hearts fully or not at all.

Adi had watched civilisations fall into bloody conflict, she had seen every atrocity known to man and had survived with her soul intact, but watching her Padawan suffer and stand idly by was inconceivable to her.

She sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Maybe she should have a word with Qui-Gon Jinn.

Weightless. Silent. Liquid suspending his limbs.

The only sounds his heartbeat and his breath resounding in his ears. The water enclosed him completely, leaving only his nose and mouth exposed to air, drowning out the world as effectively as any sensory deprivation chamber. His limbs were surrounded by the liquid, carried by it, the only sensation the water against his body.

He let himself relax further, trusting the water to carry him, he let go of his tension, his worries, his conscious thoughts, let them fall into the water.

Obi-Wan didn't know how much time passed. The water suspended time as much as it did gravity, sound and sensation. He only knew that the vision came to him, unbidden as always, when he slipped from relaxation into trance.

~~... Qui-Gon Jinn paced the landing pad, waiting for the Master who would be responsible for his Padawan on this mission. He knew that it was an old tradition in the Order to send Padawans on missions with other Masters at least once during their apprenticeship as preparation for the inevitable separation that would come eventually as well as to teach them to work with Jedi other than their Masters.

The theory of it was known to him, and technically he approved.

Still, the practice of having to let his Padawan go on a mission with someone else was more than unsettling.

At last, Master Gerrona appeared. Qui-Gon respected the man, his abilities and philosophical background were well known to him, and he truly held the other Jedi in great esteem.

That didn't help the pointless resentment that made him fix the Twi'lek Jedi Master with a cool stare.

Gerrona nodded a greeting and proceeded to business at once, "I've received your message and the list of assignments Obi-Wan has to finish. I assure you I will see to it that he doesn't fall back in his work."

Qui-Gon nodded. There were a thousand things he'd like to say to this man. See to it that he eats sensibly. He doesn't like it when he's pampered during saber practice; so don't hold back when you spar. Give him a kind word now and then, he needs that. See to it that he gets enough sleep, and don't talk to him in the morning before he had his first cup of tea.

But of course he could say none of that. He just had to trust the other Jedi to take care of his Padawan.

He snorted inwardly. Right, Jinn, and then you'll walk on water.

Master, you're brooding. his Padawan's cheerful voice in his head roused him from his thoughts. He turned and smiled at the boy...young man, he corrected himself. He's 18, no longer a boy, he chided himself silently.

"Take care of Master Gerrona, Padawan." He joked, hugging his Padawan tightly when Gerrona wasn't looking and sending a wave of affection and reassurance through their training bond, knowing that Obi-Wan would be shown none of that in the next few days, for Gerrona wasn't renowned for his cordiality. But then again, neither was he.

He saw the team off, with a last look at Gerrona, warning and plea all at once. Take good care of him. For your sake and mine.

The mission was a disaster, and Obi-Wan returned covered in bacta and unconscious.

When Qui-Gon could tear himself from his apprentice's side, he encountered Master Gerrona in the waiting area. The man was pale and exhausted, and as he spoke, his voice held a slight tremor, "How is he?"

"Better." Qui-Gon pressed out between clenched teeth.

Gerrona hesitated, then continued, "Master Jinn, I..."

Qui-Gon held up a hand, "Save it. I read the report and I know it wasn't your fault."

He met the other man's eyes and bent to speak into his ear, "Lucky for you."

Gerrona nodded slowly, meeting the cold steel in Qui-Gon's eyes. Both knew that had Obi-Wan's injury been Gerrona's fault, the Jedi Master would likely need bacta treatment of his own...~~

Obi-Wan forced himself to a state of wakefulness once again. He opened his eyes to stare at the fake night sky that spanned over his head. He wished these visions would not haunt his sleep and meditation.

Although he wasn't sure anymore if they were visions or dreams or hallucinations. He always seemed to hover at the edge, an observer to a dream or a memory somebody else was experiencing, sharing emotions and perception.

But he always appeared in these dreams. He and Qui-Gon Jinn. They were of different age and in different situations, but always together.

He sighed. Was his mind just speculating too intensely on the What- If? Or was he indeed receiving visions of the Might-have-been?

Maybe he should speak to Master Yoda. Yes, that was the solution. Yoda would not ridicule him or judge him, the ancient one would listen with patience and love, like he had always done, and would surely help him solve this complex problem.

Meanwhile, he was getting cold and considered leaving the water. He flicked a glance to the lake's shore and saw Qui-Gon sitting there, a contemplative look on his face. The Jedi Master had waited for him. Good. After dinner and a quick saber match, they'd taken a walk in the Room of a Thousand Fountains and Obi-Wan had decided he wanted to go for a swim. He was glad that Qui-Gon had agreed to wait.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Adi leaving. Idly, he wondered what she had wanted, but since she hadn't waited or contacted him over the training bond, he assumed it had time.

Leisurely he swam back to the shore, towards Qui-Gon. He smiled. Maybe Qui-Gon would help him warm up.

Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan practically strolled out of the water and towards him. He wore nothing but his exercise pants, their wet material clinging to his equally wet skin in a way that left little to imagination.

Not that Qui-Gon suffered from any lack of imagination. Right now he imagined what it would feel like to remove the clingy wet material and expose some more cool skin to eyes and touch.

Trying desperately not to stare, he took in Obi-Wan's dripping moonlit beauty with an aching heart and a throbbing pulse of desire that started in his toes and flowed through his entire body until it settled in his groin.

He tried to will down his arousal, but the sight of moonlit, glistening marble skin, wet unruly hair, twinkling eyes of which he couldn't tell the colour in the dark and rippling muscles under fine drops of liquid that left paths on skin and fairly begged to be traced back to their origin made him tremble with suppressed longing.

He couldn't hide his arousal much longer, so he tried to diffuse it into the Force. Closing his eyes, he forced the image of wet, half naked Obi-Wan from his mind and replaced it with his best visualization of Master Yaddle in a bathing suit.

It worked tolerably well. At least he could sit up again without being embarrassed or hurting himself.

He opened his eyes again and looked directly into sparkling blue- green ones that held a slightly impish expression that rendered Obi- Wan altogether even more beautiful. Qui-Gon groaned.

Obi-Wan smiled, a tad smug, "Are you all right?"

"Never better." Qui-Gon pressed out between clenched teeth.

"Was that Adi I saw leaving before?"

Qui-Gon nodded.

"What did she want?"

Qui-Gon smiled. My head on a plate in case I hurt you, he thought. Aloud he said, "She spoke to me about a personal matter."

Obi-Wan raised his hands in apology, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."

Qui-Gon waved the apology away. "Forget it." He noticed the Knight was shivering. "You should get dressed."

"Yes, but before I do that, do you mind if I performed a quick kata to warm up? The water was rather cold, and my muscles are a little sore."

Qui-Gon sighed inwardly, but remained a façade of calm. He made an inviting gesture, "Please, go ahead."

Smoothly, Obi-Wan moved into the opening form of the Meditation to the Three Moons by Master T'lira.

Qui-Gon groaned silently again. He was in trouble. It was an especially beautiful kata, and Obi-Wan had always excelled in doing it. But then again, Obi-Wan was graceful and beautiful beyond reason when he swiped the floor, so there really was no point in complaining about the kata. On the contrary, he should just lean back and watch, which was exactly what he did.

He'd seen Obi-Wan perform this kata countless times. No, he corrected himself, he had seen Ben perform the kata countless times. Still, every time had been a treat. Sometimes he'd request it from Ben,and he'd comply with a flattered smile. He wondered if he would be able to see a difference.

But then Obi-Wan began the kata and all conscious thought fled Qui- Gon as his mind fast turned to overheated jelly.

He lost all sense of time and reality, all the universe seemed to contract as he watched muscles ripple under skin that was first wet with water, then dry, then shiny with sweat that trickled down perfect marble skin as this silken, shining, glistening body performed movements that were older than the Temple they lived in with a simple, natural grace that sprang directly from the Force.

Oh, Force, how he wanted to touch Obi-Wan right now. How he wanted to run his fingers over his cool, slick skin, trace a bead of sweat, feel muscles work, connect to the heat he could feel radiating from Obi-Wan's skin even from where he was sitting, three feet away.

As in trance, he stood up and went over to Obi-Wan. The arm movement he'd just made wasn't entirely correct, the part of his mind that still worked noted.

Slowly, he raised his hand and laid it on Obi-Wan's upper arm, stilling Obi-Wan's movement immediately. He young Knight froze mid-movement and just looked at Qui-Gon, his eyes unfathomable in the near dark of the night.

Qui-Gon swallowed and let his other hand travel the length of Obi- Wan's arm to his fingers. He took Obi-Wan's hand in his, and keeping his other hand curled around Obi-Wan's biceps, he slowly moved the Knight's arm into the next movement, Obi-Wan's body automatically following until he was in the next position of the kata, standing straight, arms outstretched in front of him, palms open to the sky.

Qui-Gon, standing so close to Obi-Wan they almost touched body against body, whispered into Obi-Wan's ear, "See? This is the right position. You may notice the flow of the Force is better this way."

Obi-Wan nodded dazedly, "Any other mistakes?" he breathed, locking eyes with Qui-Gon. The Jedi master met his gaze steadily, the glowing embers of desire in Obi-Wan's eyes all the encouragement he needed.

Almost without conscious thought, his hands moved along Obi-Wan's arm to his shoulders, along his collarbone, down his back, and Qui- Gon drifted to stand beside Obi-Wan so that his shoulder almost touched the Master's chest.

Qui-Gon's left hand came to rest between Obi-Wan's shoulderblades, taking in a racing heartbeat and increasingly unsteady rising and falling of Obi-Wan's breathing, while his right hand travelled down Obi-Wan's spine, coaxing a shiver out of the young Knight, and came to rest in the small of his back.

He let his arm slip around Obi-Wan's waist, coming in contact with the still wet fabric there, while the fingers of his other hand found their way into Obi-Wan's hair.

His eyes drifted shut and something inside himself broke. How long had he wanted this, wanted to touch, to feel solid skin and heat against him, how long had he wanted to take this siren of a man into his arms? How long had he waited, dreamt of this moment, only to deny himself fulfilment of his wishes time and again, because it wasn't proper, wasn't right or convenient.

But this just felt so right, and now that he'd started to touch, he didn't think he could ever stop.

Obi-Wan turned his head towards him and caught his eyes. This close he could see that they were a husky blue, diffuse and smoky with desire, pupils dilated to let only a small rim of blue enticement remain.

Qui-Gon's eyes trailed the lines of Obi-Wan's face, then his fingertips followed the pattern of his gazes, and all the while Obi- Wan remained still, allowed him to touch and to feast his eyes, never demanding, never questioning.

Qui-Gon's thumb trailed over Obi-Wan's lips, and the young man's eyes closed in silent appreciation and anticipation.

Qui-Gon leaned closer and softly touched his lips to Obi-Wan's. When he felt Obi-Wan return the pressure ever so slightly, he was lost.

He tumbled into the kiss, his world reduced to the feel of Obi-Wan's lips against his, a silken tongue caressing Qui-Gon's and Obi-Wan's arms sliding up Qui-Gon's back to come to rest in his hair.

Qui-Gon felt his mind dissolve in a hot wave of desire that threatened to turn his bones to liquid. He buried his hands in Obi-Wan's hair, his tongue in Obi-Wan's mouth and his doubts and fears under his raging desire. He closed his eyes and let go of a whisper in his mind. Ben..

Obi-Wan drew back from the kiss. "What..." he whispered.

Qui-Gon stared at him in shock. He'll hate me, he thought. We were friends, and I ruined it all because I had to give in to this mad desire.

He took a step back from Obi-Wan, just to remove the maddening temptation of this strong body so near his own.

Obi-Wan looked at him, confused, "Did you..."

Qui-Gon shook his head, "I'm so sorry, Obi-Wan. I shouldn't have done that. I deeply apologise. I hope we can forget this ever happened and remain friends."

With that, he turned and almost ran out, leaving a trembling, confused and very lost-looking Obi-Wan standing in the garden.

Obi-Wan couldn't move. He was sure he could never move again. He was frozen in the moment, though his skin and his insides felt unbearably hot.

Had he imagined what had just happened? Had he finally lost his mind, or had Qui-Gon Jinn kissed him?

Shaking, Obi-Wan lifted one hand to his mouth, ran the tips of his fingers over his lips, and tasted the wetness on them with his tongue. No, his sanity was still intact. Qui-Gon Jinn had just kissed him.

And it was glorious. He had fantasized about kissing Qui-Gon for longer than he cared to admit. The first time he'd thought about it had been during their very first sparring match, when Qui-Gon had bit his lip and Obi-Wan had noticed how full and inviting that mouth was.

From that point on he'd wondered with increasing frequency what these lips would feel like against his own, against his skin, how Qui- Gon would taste on his tongue, what it would be like to be caressed by that mouth.

Now he knew, and in his wildest dreams he couldn't have imagined the reality of it.

One kiss from Qui-Gon had turned his brains to mush and his bones to water. And now, when he could think again, all his brain could dwell on was: More.

Confusion took over. Why had Qui-Gon just stormed out? Had he misread Obi-Wan's breaking of the kiss as disapproval?

Obi-Wan cursed under his breath. He could have sworn he'd heard Qui-Gon's voice in his head, calling him Ben, but that was impossible. Mind contact between Jedi who were lovers wasn't unheard of, but neither were Qui-Gon and he lovers yet- a state of affairs he resolved to remedy shortly-, nor did Qui-Gon even know this very private and special nickname.

He shook his head, dismissing the train of thought as irrelevant. He had bigger mynocs to fry.

He had just shared something of a startling and intimate intensity that was unlike anything Obi-Wan had ever experienced in his life. And just as his somewhat hard to define relationship with the older Jedi had finally seemed to reach a very well defined point, Qui-Gon had practically fled the scene.

He believed he understood why Qui-Gon had left. He assumed the Jedi Master still had problems trusting his feelings after being so horribly betrayed by his former apprentice. And from the way Qui-Gon had spoken of his other Padawan, Obi-Wan guessed this relationship had also ended unhappily, for Qui-Gon had never mentioned his other Padawan ever again, while he'd freely spoken of Xanatos on more than one occasion.

So Qui-Gon was afraid of commitment, afraid for his heart. So far so good.

The fact that he knew all this and could even sympathise made his own dilemma not one bit easier, on the contrary. If he didn't pursue this now, Qui-Gon would retreat back into the shell Obi-Wan had carefully coaxed him out of, and he would probably loose the other man's friendship for good.

He sighed. When had it happened? When had the Jedi Master touched Obi-Wan's heart so deeply that at times, Qui-Gon was the only thing Obi-Wan could think about?

Even before tonight, he'd felt closer to Qui-Gon Jinn than he'd ever felt to anyone in his entire life. It left him in wonder that he had been gifted with the man's friendship and confidence, and their friendship had deepened far more quickly than Obi-Wan could have hoped.

He had Qui-Gon's respect and friendship, he was sure of that. It should be enough.

But it wasn't, could never be. Not when all Obi-Wan wanted at times was to crawl into the other man and never surface again.

So he'd sounded Qui-Gon out, had thrown looks, innuendos and small touches his way, and had seen his own growing attraction and desire reflected in Qui-Gon's eyes.

But the older man hadn't acted on his obvious attraction. Until tonight.

He had finally kissed Obi-Wan nearly senseless, and then had stormed out and left Obi-Wan feeling remotely silly and almost rejected. Apparently flirting and innuendo would only take Qui-Gon so far. Obviously Qui-Gon had misread his meaning.

Clearly, it was time for Plan B. Outright seduction.

Obi-Wan's lips drew into a smile, his eyes narrowed and took on a predatory glint. No time like the present, he thought with a mental chuckle, picked up his tunics from the floor and made his way to Qui-Gon Jinn's quarters.

Qui-Gon Jinn paced the space between his couch and the window of his living room, taking in neither the view nor the fact that he was wearing out the carpet. He was too busy beating himself up to notice any of his surroundings.

What had he done? What had gotten into him? The point of this entire exercise had been to free Obi-Wan from his obviously damning influence so it would be possible for the young man to lead a long, fulfilled, happy life. One that didn't include Qui-Gon, in other words.

Instead, he'd done everything in his power to spend as much time with Obi-Wan as possible, entangling his life once more with the man he'd given up in order to save him. And then he'd kissed him.

Qui-Gon's eyes slid shut and he stopped to sink down to the couch under the pressure of the memory of the kiss. He'd wanted to kiss Obi-Wan from the moment he'd woken up in this timeline, and he didn't even want to think about how long he'd wanted to kiss Ben, and all the other things he'd fantasised about for too long.

Tonight, he'd been closer to getting what he'd only dreamed about for years than ever before. And he'd been so scared he just ran away.

He was torn between patting his own shoulder for doing the right thing and not succumbing to temptation and calling himself all shades of an idiot for not taking the only chance he'd ever get to ravish Obi-Wan Kenobi, as the young man had obviously been willing enough.

Or had he? Obi-Wan had drawn back, after all, and had broken the kiss.

Inconsequential, Qui-Gon screamed at the arguing voices in his head. I can't do this to him. I can't inflict myself on him. Who says I wouldn't ruin his live a second time over?

From now on, he'd put a bit of distance between himself and Obi-Wan. Something like tonight couldn't happen again. If it did, his control might shatter into a million pieces and he might be tempted to take what the young Knight offered.

He buried his head in his hands. Force, he wanted this beautiful, amazing young Knight so much, and yet a part of his soul still ached and yearned for his Padawan, his Ben, the young man he'd known so well and had wanted so badly and had never allowed himself to more than kiss once.

Sometimes he was amazed at how quickly he had arrived with Obi-Wan exactly where he'd left off with Ben.

~~...Of course he had always loved Ben. And at some point in their relationship, the love of a Master for a Padawan had transformed into the love of one man for the other.

But last time, falling in love with Obi-Wan had been a gradual process, slow and coming to his notice rather late in the game, when he was already in too deep, metaphorically speaking.

Times of sorrow and joy, battles waged, won and lost, blood, sweat and tears, love and loss.

Twelve years of closeness, sharing, teaching and learning, taking care and being take care of, holding and being held, fighting together and fighting each other both mentally and physically, growing up and growing wiser, twelve years that had formed them both to men they would not have been if not for the other.

So when the time had come for Qui-Gon to contemplate if Obi-Wan was ready for his Trials, icy fingers of apprehension had come to live in his heart.

Fear was not an emotion a Jedi should indulge, but in the quiet of meditation he admitted to being terrified of letting his Padawan fade from his life. The depth of his need for Obi-Wan startled and frightened the Sith out of him.

The boy had been the light of his life and the saviour of his soul, the man was his strength, his partner, his heart, and he wanted him with a passion that was almost painful at times...~~

And here he was again. After all he'd done to make sure Obi-Wan would be well rid of him, after all the meditation to put his longing for this man behind him, here he was, shaking with the very memory of soft lips against his, cool, slick skin under his hands, and smoky blue eyes staring into his.

Meditation. That was the key word. He would meditate on this and release it into the Force. Even if it meant he had to cut out his heart, he would not risk Obi- Wan's future just to satisfy his selfish longing.

He lit several meditation candles that were scattered around the living area and was just about to settle on his meditation mat when the door chime interrupted his preparations.

Sighing, he went to the door. A part of him already knew who would be there and seriously considered hiding under his bed. But a bigger part of his mind pulled him towards the door as iron is pulled to a magnet, compulsory, primal, impossible to ignore.

He palmed the door open, and as it slid apart, he stared directly into determined eyes, blue-green depths of resolution and promise.

A smoky voice greeted him, a small insinuating smile played over lips that were slightly parted, "I think we have some unfinished business, Master Jinn."

Qui-Gon swallowed. Even as he extended a hand in invitation to bid the young Knight in, he knew he was lost. And a large part of him didn't mind in the least.

Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan took in his surroundings, observed every move of the younger man's body, every breath he took, with fascination.

When Obi-Wan's roaming gaze returned to him and they locked eyes, the young Knight smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes, "You know, it's not very polite to kiss somebody almost senseless and then just walk out."

So the games had begun.

But for now, Obi-Wan was seemingly content to look around Qui-Gon's quarters, knowing very well that his every move was watched as the tension level in the room increased to a degree that made the hair on the back of Qui-Gon's neck stand up.

Finally, Obi-Wan turned and took one step towards Qui-Gon. Just one step, but Qui-Gon's heart rate sped up considerably.

Smoky eyes met his and echoed the question that an equally smoky voice delivered out loud, "Why did you leave, Qui-Gon?"

He swallowed. He searched for words, but none came.

Obi-Wan tilted his head to one side and looked Qui-Gon up and down appraisingly. "No answer? Well, let me try."

"You left because you're afraid." He moved a step closer, his hips swaying softly, his whole body moving with almost feline grace.

Qui-Gon started to recite the Meditation for Serenity in his mind, but gave up on it when Obi-Wan took another step towards him and he forgot most of the words.

"You left because I got too close." Another step.

"You left because you can't loose control." Another step. Obi-Wan's voice had dropped to an almost-whisper and he was standing at arm's length now.

"You left because you're afraid of what would have happened if you'd stayed."

Obi-Wan took one last step and was standing right in front of Qui-Gon now, bodies almost touching. Qui-Gon could feel the heat radiating from the smaller man's body, and he felt arousal start to make its way through his body.

Obi-Wan's eyes locked with his, and this close Qui-Gon could see the specks of green and grey in the smoky blue. Never breaking eye contact, Obi-Wan slowly put a hand on Qui-Gon's chest.

"You don't need to be afraid. I won't hurt you, I promise." Obi-Wan's voice was soft, tender, and it melted whatever resistance Qui-Gon had built up inside his heart. His breathing quickened and desire turned his will liquid as Obi-Wan's fingertips slowly travelled down the Jedi Master's chest. Even through the tunic, he could feel trails of fire on his skin, drawn by Obi-Wan's fingers.

Marshalling the last of his will, he moved a step back from Obi-Wan and took a deep breath. "Obi-Wan, I.... I'm not sure this is a good idea. Maybe we should both give each other a little distance and think about this again."

Obi-Wan only smiled, "Then tell me to leave. Tell me I've read you wrong, that all the touches and looks meant nothing, tell me that when we kissed tonight, you didn't want much more. Tell me you don't want me now. Look into my eyes and tell me you don't want me tonight, and I'll leave right now."

Staring into the blue depths of Obi-Wan's eyes, Qui-Gon could not for the life of him utter a sound, much less a coherent sentence. He only knew that the last thing he wanted was for Obi-Wan to leave.

His silence was most expressive, and Obi-Wan smiled again, a slow, seductive and rather smug smile, "I thought not."

His voice dropped once again to this combination of a whisper and a purr that drove Qui-Gon almost crazy. "I don't think we need distance. And there are other things we can do without now."

He raised one of his hands to his mouth and slowly, lazily, licked his index-and middle finger. Reaching out with his wet fingers, he put out one of the candles standing on a table nearby. "Too much light."

He took one step closer to Qui-Gon. "Too much room."

Slowly, he undid his sash and let it fall to the floor. "Too much clothing."

He stepped up to Qui-Gon, who was frozen in place and trailed one hand up Qui-Gon's arm, tracing his collarbone until the hand came to rest over the Jedi Master's heart.

The tenderness of the gesture made something inside Qui-Gon break. The liquid warmth of Obi-Wan's touch seeped into his very bones, making his entire body cry out with need for sheer contact. The last of his resistance flowed out of him with the shuddering breath he released before settling his hands on Obi-Wan's hips and drawing the other man closer.

Obi-Wan's arms snaked around Qui-Gon, his hands settled in the taller man's hair, and for a while, they just stood like this, embracing, listening to each other's breathing, revelling in the other's nearness.

Qui-Gon broke the embrace, pulling back slightly to gaze at the man in his arms. Slowly, he let his hands slide up Obi-Wan's strong body until his hands rested at the sides of his head, then he drew Obi-Wan to him for a kiss.

Qui-Gon's eyes slid closed as he gave himself over to the moment. Obi-Wan's lips against his, their tongues entwined, Obi-Wan's taste on his tongue. He let go of his fears, doubts and questions and, for the first time in years, allowed himself to be happy.

Obi-Wan could have stood here for eternity, just kissing Qui-Gon, tasting him, exploring and being explored, but his blood was thrumming in his ears, his heart beat faster, and he definitely needed to breathe.

They broke apart for breath, both panting by now.

Obi-Wan darted in again, but Qui-Gon drew back, running his hands over Obi-Wan's arms up to his neck, then stepping behind the younger man. Running his fingertips down Obi-Wan's throat, he travelled to the fastening of Obi-Wan's tunic, opening it. The garment fell open, and Qui-Gon slid it down Obi-Wan's shoulders until it fell to the floor.

Reverently, Qui-Gon ran his hands over Obi-Wan's bare shoulders, through his hair, over his collarbone, until the younger man was trembling.

Obi-Wan's eyes slid shut as he gave himself over to the feel of Qui-Gon's roaming hands over his skin. In all of his life, he'd never been touched like this. The sheer affection and admiration he felt in that touch overwhelmed him as much as the physical sensation of calloused palms made his groin heat up.

Qui-Gon's fingers settled under his chin and he felt his head being turned to the side. He opened his eyes and gazed into blue ones that were so full of emotion that for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

He felt that the moment Qui-Gon had surrendered to what they both wanted, the balance of power between them had shifted to Qui-Gon's favour, but right now, Obi-Wan did not care, instead he gave himself over into Qui-Gon Jinn's hands to do with as the older man pleased the moment their lips touched again in a second kiss.

This time, though, the tender brush of Qui-Gon's lips against his gave way quickly to a more demanding touch, and soon they were devouring each other, drinking from each other, hands roaming over skin, discovering, mapping, sensing, all while their tongues battled and their mouths crashed together with a force that left both of them dizzy.

Obi-Wan gasped when Qui-Gon's roaming hands found his bottom and pressed their bodies even closer together, grinding their straining erections together.

Obi-Wan's hands rid Qui-Gon from his tunics, starting to work on the fastenings of Qui-Gon's leggings.

Breaking the kiss, Qui-Gon put his arms around Obi-Wan's hips and lifted him up, stirring them both towards the bedroom.

Obi-Wan put his arms around Qui-Gon's neck, softly kissing the other man even as he smiled, "See, now, was that so hard?"

Settling Obi-Wan down on the bed, Qui-Gon trapped one of his hands with his and guided it down to his erect shaft. "Yes." he breathed.

Obi-Wan chuckled, but the sound was stolen from his lips as Qui-Gon settled down on top of him and kissed his smiling lips.

With a few quick movements, they rid themselves of the rest of their clothing. Qui-Gon rolled on top of Obi-Wan, and for a moment, they just lay there, skin against skin, staring into each other's eyes, breathless and flushed with desire.

Obi-Wan swallowed, overwhelmed as a wave of desire and love so powerful it made his heart miss a beat washed over him. Looking up into blue eyes filled with love and passion, he knew beyond a doubt that this was right. This was where he should be. Not just now, but always.

He twined his fingers into Qui-Gon's hair, pulling him down for a kiss, his emotions too powerful to be expressed in words.

Qui-Gon's mouth left his, only to kiss his way down Obi-Wan's face to his throat, down his neck to his chest, and then Obi-Wan lost himself in the maddening sensation of Qui-Gon's tongue on his chest, mapping him. He gasped as Qui-Gon drew one nipple into his mouth, sucking on it, sinking his teeth into it.

Obi-Wan's hips thrust upwards in reflex, rubbing his cock against Qui-Gon's stomach. His hand groped blindly at the nightstand, finding a bottle of lotion. He put it into Qui-Gon's hand, pulling Qui-Gon up so he could look into the other man's eyes. "Take me. Make me yours. Love me."

Qui-Gon could only nod. He drew back, taking the lotion from Obi-Wan, and put a bit of it in his hands, coating his throbbing member with the slick lotion, spilling more of it in his hands. Obi-Wan hooked his legs behind Qui-Gon's back and drew his lover down back on top of him.

He gasped and moaned as he felt Qui-Gon's fingers tenderly circle his opening, spreading the lotion over his tender flesh.

Qui-Gon captured his lips in another crushing kiss, swallowing the moan that escaped Obi-Wan when Qui-Gon's fingers entered him.

He threw his head back, away from Qui-Gon's mouth, moaning, and thrashing his hips in reflex, wordlessly begging for possession.

Hands slick with lotion caressed every inch of his skin, lips nibbled and kissed a fiery trail all over his torso and just when he thought he might pass out with the onslaught of sensation, Qui-Gon entered him and everything else paled to nothingness as the full hard length of his lover filled him.

As he cried out incoherent pleas for more, a wave of emotion crashed into him that threatened to drown out even the white-hot pleasure erupting inside his body.

In all his life he'd never felt this loved, this cherished before. With every thrust, he felt his shields dissolve into ashes, and he felt Qui-Gon's shields drop as well. Qui-Gon's hand found it's way to Obi-Wan's shaft, rubbing and squeezing, moving up and down in the rhythm of Qui-Gon's hips.

With every touch, every movement of their bodies against each other, wave after wave of love and longing crashed into Obi-Wan, creating a light in his heart and mind, filling him with a warmth he'd never experienced before.

Unnoticed by either, every wave of emotion, every thrust, every surrendering of control strengthened the flow of the Force between them, and as Qui-Gon's body slid into Obi-Wan's, warm tendrils of Force energy slipped into Obi-Wan's mind, mending what once was broken. With each cry, each whispered endearment, the tendrils of a once- broken bond found their way into the mind it had once been a part of, moulding itself to pathways it had been attached to, forming a connection between the two souls it had bound together for over a decade.

The rightness of the moment sang in the very Force around them, dwarfing the physical as it jumbled together in a bright explosion of emotion between them as orgasm claimed Obi-Wan. With a wordless cry, he gave himself over to his climax, and as he tumbled, he heard Qui-Gon whisper a name that was endearment as much as vow, "Ben."

And then Qui-Gon followed him, warm seed spilled into Obi-Wan's body, and it was done.

As their arms reached out for each other to hold close bodies trembling with the aftermath of passion, the flow of emotion between them slowly diminished to warmth that settled into both their souls. As they drifted off to sleep, Obi-Wan understood, for the first time in his existence, the true feeling of home.

Obi-Wan surfaced slowly from sleep, floating for a while in the haze between slumber and awakening. He felt incredibly warm and safe, with strong arms wrapped around him, his head resting on a broad chest, his legs entangled with longer, stronger limbs.

His whole body was covered in a blanket of tingling warmth that seemed to permeate his entire being right into his heart. Keeping his eyes closed, he shifted slightly in Qui-Gon's arms so that he could extract his arm from under the other man's body and rest it around Qui-Gon's neck.

His lover stirred in his sleep, but didn't awake, and Obi-Wan hoped he wouldn't for a while. He was completely happy to drift between sleep and waking a while longer, just enjoying the feeling of being held. He knew on some level that what had happened only a few hours ago would have to be subjected to serious contemplation and he would have to talk extensively to Qui-Gon about the hows and whys of their relationship. There had been no room for words last night. But right now, he just wanted to feel. Feel cherished, loved, feel at peace with himself, his lover and the world in general.

If only his surprisingly adamant bladder didn't demand so much attention. He sighed. Always one to bow to necessity, Obi-Wan gently extricated himself from Qui-Gon's embrace to relieve himself.

When he re-emerged from the fresher, he wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed with Qui-Gon once again, but he was thirsty and surely Qui-Gon would be as well when he woke up, so if he got something to drink now, he'd spare them both the necessity of getting out of bed for too long, and that was always a good thing for it left time to explore some of Obi-Wan's more interesting ideas for the near future.

He moved through Qui-Gon's dark quarters, wrapped only in his robe against the night chill. After getting what he wanted from the kitchen, he moved through the living quarters he had briefly inspected last night.

Coruscant's three moons cast an eerie light on the walls and one ray of moonlight caught something reflecting and made it shine, almost as if the object had a life of its own. His curiosity piqued, Obi-Wan approached the shelf that hosted the small object glowing in the moonlight.

It was a small stone, almost black but with red streaks running through its smooth surface. It was quite beautiful, Obi-Wan noticed, even here on the shelf, collecting dust, going unnoticed between books and data chips.

With a frown, Obi-Wan realised that this stone didn't only look beautiful in the pale moonlight, it also looked almost... familiar. Like he'd seen it before, touched it. He could almost feel the stone in his hand, the smooth surface sliding over his palm; its shape between his fingers. It was a blurred, confused familiarity, almost like the memory of a dream.

His fingers trembled as he reached out to touch the stone. As he lifted it from its resting place, something deep inside him stirred, and at the same time, something inside the stone stirred as well and he felt a wave of Force energy wash through him. He almost dropped it as the stone started to glow softly in his hand, this time not with a reflected light, but one coming from the core of the object.

He realised that the stone must be Force-sensitive. Somehow, though, he'd already known that. Just like he'd known what the stone would feel like in his palm, like he'd known what its weight in the pocket of his tunics would feel like. He swallowed once and took a deep breath, centring himself in the Force, trying to get a hold of his confusion. He needed to meditate, to find out what this newest piece of the puzzle that was his mental state meant.

Without his doing, his feet carried him back the way he'd come only a few minutes ago, though it seemed to Obi-Wan that hours had passed, so far was he from the careless happiness that had filled his heart before. Without his doing, he felt himself guided - whether by his feet, the stone, or the Force, he didn't know - not to Qui-Gon's bedroom, but to the door directly opposite of it. The door to the room was ajar, and Obi-Wan pushed it open.

He stood in a second bedroom, but one that had obviously been empty for years. Dust had claimed almost every surface of the room, form the bed to the few empty shelves. Only a few recent-looking footprints broke the fine sheen of time that had claimed the room completely it seemed.

It must be the Padawan room, his brain supplied, while a voice from deep inside him screamed at him but he couldn't understand the words.

The eerie feeling of familiarity was back, only much stronger. It wasn't as if he remembered a dream anymore, but he felt as if he was actually experiencing the dream and as if he was walking in the ruins of a life he should and did remember on a hidden plane of his mind.

Completely overwhelmed with feelings that didn't seem to be his own and yet were so distinctly his, he sank to his knees in the centre of the room, called on the Force and welcomed the clarity and peace of meditation.

Qui-Gon awoke to a feeling of surrealism. He tired to remember the last evening and succeeded in excruciatingly pleasurable detail. Skin against skin, warm hands over his body, a silken sculpted wonder of a young Jedi Knight all his to love and cherish, and he'd done just that.

But surely it was his imagination playing a trick on him. It couldn't be that he'd made love to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Gravity still worked,he was still breathing and his heart hadn't stopped. After all the years of fruitless yearning, it couldn't be that he'd made love to Obi-Wan and the world hadn't collapsed around him. So it hadn't really happened.

On the other hand, the evidence to the contrary was overwhelming. He was naked, a damp spot on the mattress pressed into his lower back, the sheets practically stuck to his body, and he hadn't felt this wonderfully sated and relaxed in too many years to count. So something must have happened. Obviously his long-held dreams and desires had been fulfilled, and more wonderfully than Qui-Gon could have ever imagined.

That settled, he stretched leisurely and opened his eyes. He raised an eyebrow in puzzlement. He'd just ascertained that he had indeed made love to Obi-Wan Kenobi. That left only one question unanswered: where was he? For the sheets and the other pillow had definitely been used, and he remembered going to sleep with his arms draped around his new lover's body, but now the bed and his arms were achingly empty. Qui-Gon sighed. The man was going to drive him crazy, sooner or later.

He got up out of bed and pulled his robe over his naked frame. Then he set out to look for Obi-Wan.

He didn't need to go far. As soon as he stepped out of his room, he noticed the open door to the Padawan bedroom, heard steady breathing from inside, and cold fingers of apprehension settled in his stomach.

What in all Sith hells was Obi-Wan doing in there? Not that he didn't have a right to be in there, it was after all his room, and then again it wasn't, had never been.

Qui-Gon shook his head to clear it and stepped through the door into a room he'd avoided ever since the first night he'd spent there in meditation. He leaned against the doorframe and watched the young knight in silence, trying not to think how strange and disconcerting it was to see this young man here of all places, where the memory of Ben was so strong.

He closed his eyes and shut out all the memories that attacked his mind, memories of Ben kneeling right where Obi-Wan knelt now, of himself leaning in the door or sitting on the bed, going through lessons or just talking as friends and companions. A small twinge of hurt shot through him, but he dismissed it with the rest of his rolling emotions and concentrated again on the knight before him, his lover of only a few hours.

Softly, he said, "Come back to bed?" More a plea than a question.

Ever-changing eyes opened, their colour indiscernible in the near- darkness of the room, and a soft voice answered him in a neutral tone, "You called me Ben."

"What?" Qui-Gon's jaw dropped in surprise.

"When we made love, you called me Ben." Obi-Wan's eyes were on his, all cool detachment, like the tone of his voice.

"I did?" Qui-Gon croaked. It was all he could think of to say. Inwardly, he called himself all the names he could think of, idiot being the most frequent of the curses he thought about.

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes you did. How did you know about that name? You couldn't know. The only people who knew wouldn't tell you."

Qui-Gon sighed and closed his eyes. Of course Obi-Wan was wrong. One had told him. The memory came over him too quickly to prevent it..

~~ Obi-Wan was fifteen and suffering from Mardovian Flu, a very dangerous illness for Force-sensitive youngsters. Qui-Gon was at his Padawan's side day and night, worried out of his mind as Obi-Wan's fever got worse and worse and the young man's mind began to slip away. Then one fatal night, Padawan Bant had stood in the door to Obi-Wan's room, and Qui-Gon, exhausted and desperate, had collapsed and cried, whispering over and over, "He doesn't hear me. I can't reach him." Bant, overwhelmed with the Master's outbreak of emotion, had shyly begun to speak....~~

Qui-gon was wrenched back to the present as Obi-Wan's soft voice suddenly broke the silence, telling the story even as memory unfolded in Qui-Gon's mind, "It started when she couldn't pronounce my name in crèche. She didn't have the vocal ability back then to say Obi-Wan, the closest she could manage was Ben. So she called me that. Later, as we grew up, it became her special name for me. Every time she had something rather personal or important to say, she'd call me Ben. It always caught my attention, whatever I was doing. So she shared that secret with you that night. "Call him Ben and he will listen." It worked. I remember you calling me through the Force, "Ben. Come back to us." And I heard you. I came back, the fever broke and I was mending.

I didn't mind that Bant told you. In fact, I was pleased you too knew about my special name. Now it was a secret I shared with the two people I loved most. You only called me Ben a handful times after that, and never casually. When I woke up in the healer's ward on Cellis, you called me Ben to keep me awake. When I was 18 and away on my own, you called me over our bond, and to make sure I'd hear and feel you, you called me Ben. Every time you used the name, it was special. Like tonight..." Obi- Wan's voice that had taken over re-telling Qui-Gon's memories trailed off.

Qui-Gon opened his eyes to meet the young man's intense gaze. Something like recognition sparked in these incredible wide eyes and Obi-Wan whispered in a shaking voice, "Master?"

Qui-Gon stared at Obi-Wan in shock. These eyes. They didn't belong to Knight Kenobi, he could almost see... "Ben?"

The spark that had been there a moment ago disappeared. "What happened here? What was that? I know you felt that too." Obi-Wan's voice was confused, lost.

Qui-Gon shook his head, trying not to give in to his mounting sense of panic, "I don't know."

But he had a suspicion. He cast his thoughts and feelings inward and felt a light in his mind that was as new as it was familiar. Following the light to the part of his mind where his broken bond with his Padawan used to be, he found what he'd already feared. The bond was no longer broken; it was rebuilt, reaffirmed, had reclaimed its rightful place, it glowed with a light and warmth he'd desperately missed. "Sith." He groaned.

Obi-Wan's eyes widened as he mirrored Qui-Gon's actions. "What the..." he trailed off. Qui-Gon felt him probing the bond, testing it, feeling it, the he felt him reach a conclusion. "Qui-Gon, that's a training bond. How can that be?"

A flicker of memory passed through Qui-Gon's mind. Vows spoken. A ceremony older then the Temple itself. Braiding of a Padawan braid. Casting all that into the Force, as it claimed his past.

Obi-Wan's eyes snapped up at the older man. "What have you done?" His voice was raw, quiet, accusing.

Qui-Gon groaned in frustration. He'd been afraid of this question since the day he'd woken up in this timeline, and he hadn't come up with a good answer yet. What could he say other than 'I used the Force to change the past to make sure you wouldn't be my Padawan.'

"You did what?" Obi-Wan exclaimed, jumping to his feet.

Qui-Gon winced. Shields, Jinn, shields, he chided himself, before taking a step towards Obi-Wan, "Obi-Wan, listen to me. You don't understand..."

Obi-Wan took a step back, "I understand completely. Obviously you did choose me and regretted it, so you decided to rid yourself of me as a Padawan."

Qui-Gon shook his head frantically, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. "No, please, it's not like that..."

But Obi-Wan didn't seem to hear him. "I must have been a terrible Padawan for you to take such radical action. Or could you just not be bothered with me any longer after having had such a perfect Padawan before me and Xanatos? Obviously I was still good enough for your bed though." His voice was low and raw, hurt and anger coming off him in waves.

Qui-Gon, near tears, reached out, both physically and mentally, grabbing Obi-Wan's shoulder. Ben...

Obi-Wan pushed Qui-Gon's hand away. "No." His voice was cold and determined. "Don't touch me. Don't call me Ben. And get out of my head." With these words the young knight practically stormed out.

Qui-Gon sank to the dusty floor and listened to the silent sound of his heart breaking.

Obi-Wan wiped at his tears with the back of his hand. Unfortunately, he wasn't too angry to feel how deeply he hurt. He'd trusted Qui-Gon, had been fond of him, had even begun to love him, and now it turned out that all had been a lie.

Now it all made sense, the dreams and visions, the voices he'd heard all came from Qui-Gon. The man had used the residual training bond to flood Obi-Wan with memories and feelings. Lies, all lies.

But then again, it had felt so real. Qui-Gon's love for him, his silent admiration, all had felt so genuine, and all had stirred up a longing in his heart, a longing he'd felt for years, ever since he and Qui-Gon had returned from that mission on Nerela...

Obi-Wan shook his head. He'd never been on any mission on Nerela, and certainly not with Qui-Gon, and yet he remembered it all so clearly. And then again, he didn't remember it. And before, after his meditation, when he'd looked at Qui-Gon it was like he was seeing him for the first time, with a new set of eyes, a set that recognised...

A wave of nausea overtook him, and he stopped in his tracks. Bending over, putting his hands on his knees, he tried to calm his swimming head and his rebelling stomach. His vision distorted, split in two, as if he was looking at the world from two sets of eyes, and suddenly his feet gave out under him and he crashed to the floor. Terrified, two voices inside him called Master!

The call travelled through two bonds to two minds, and he felt two beings brush his own mind as unconsciousness claimed him.

Qui-Gon paced. And paced. And then he paced some more. There was nothing else left to do anymore.

He'd found Obi-Wan lying on the floor of the hall only a short distance from his quarters, unconscious. He'd taken the young Knight to the healers, who had shooed him out into the waiting area. There he'd waited until Adi Gallia had arrived and words had passed between them.

He rubbed his jaw. One had to say this for Adi, the years on the Council hadn't dulled her ability to throw a punch. Not that he blamed her for hitting him. After he'd told her and a worried Yoda the whole truth about what had happened between him and Obi-Wan, including all the time-line changing details, he would have liked to punch himself, and only Yoda's presence had prevented Adi from ripping his guts out and making Bantha stew of him. Again, not that he would have blamed her.

But for now all he could do was wait. He'd gone through a whole lifetime of emotions in less than 24 hours, and all that was left to do was pacing, so he did that with fervent conviction.

The confrontation with Adi and a rather unsurprised Master Yoda had been gruelling, but he knew it was a picnic compared to what his confrontation with Obi-Wan would be like. No matter. As long as the young man was alive and well, Qui-Gon could take his anger. But he knew he owed Obi-Wan an explanation and a damned good one at that. If only he woke up. Even after two hours, Obi-Wan was still unconscious and the healers were still trying to figure out what exactly had caused the young man's collapse. Grudgingly, Adi had allowed him to stay and wait with her and Master Yoda, so wait they did.

Finally, the Healer came out of Obi-Wan's room to talk to them. Adi and Yoda followed the Healer to his office, and Qui-Gon trailed after them until Adi gave him a stare that froze him in place. To his astonishment the Healer, a male Twi'lek called Dillon, gestured for Qui-Gon to follow them, giving Adi Gallia a short shake of the head when she started to protest. "This concerns him, too. He has a right to hear it," the healer said, his tone brooking no argument.

"But..."Adi started, but was interrupted by Yoda's gimmer stick cracking against the wall.

"In a serious condition, young Kenobi is. Need you both, he will. Settle who to blame for this is you can later. Now, focus on the boy you will." Yoda's usually gentle voice was sharp and had both Jedi Masters standing to attention like first-year Padawans. Meekly, Adi and Qui-Gon followed the Healer and Yoda to Dillon's office.

Three Jedi Masters stared anxiously at him when the Healer finally began to explain, "Well, physically, there's not a thing wrong with him. He's in excellent health, in fact. His Force signature, on the other hand, is greatly disturbed."

"Sensed that, I have. Mean what, this does?" Yoda asked.

Qui-Gon's worry increased. Even Yoda seemed confused.

Dillon sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "All that's unique to who he is in his Force signature, everything that defines his identity with the Force is in a state of flux. Temporal flux."

Qui-Gon swallowed. "So this is my fault?"

The healer grimaced. "Yes and no. There is no way you could have known the effect your closeness seems to have had on him, but yes, ultimately the re-established training bond was the cause for this breakdown."

"What effects does this temporal flux have on him? How can we fix it?" Adi asked, her face pale.

Dillon sighed. "We don't know yet. We'll have to wait for test results and for him to wake up. As far as we can tell, he collapsed because his mind couldn't cope with the sudden shift in his temporal identity. We hope this can be fixed when he wakes up, but as this case is without precedent, we're a bit at a loss."

The healer looked from one Master to the next. "I'm sorry."

Three Jedi Masters nodded, murmured platitudes and resumed their silent vigil in the waiting room.

He woke up with a splitting headache and a strong desire to throw up. Only his rigid self-control kept him from indulging the demands of his stomach to empty itself. When Obi-Wan could open his eyes without wanting to rip them out of his head, he took a look around. Healer's ward. Sith.

What was he doing here? And where was his Master? He'd be beside himself with worry. Automatically, he reached up to his shoulder, his fingers searching for the Padawan braid to play with it as he always did when he was nervous. It wasn't there.

He shook his head. Of course it wasn't there, he'd been Knighted over three months ago, and his Padawan braid now rested in a case in Master Adi's quarters. Master Adi. But his Master was Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi-Wan groaned as his headache increased.

He tried to centre himself in the Force, but when it flowed through him at his call, it wasn't soothing. It was charged with a strange energy he didn't understand.

He lifted his hand and the energy crackled around his fingers in sparks. His split vision and the experience of two lifetimes in service of the Force gave him no clue as to what was happening to him. He only knew it wasn't good.

Concentrating as best he could, drawing on two sets of teaching, his doubly confused mind wrapped itself in layer after layer of shields, drowning out training bonds, voices, even the Force until the crackling had stopped and the energy had dissipated.

Right, Kenobi, think. Why was he here? What was the last thing he remembered? He closed his eyes. Lightsabers clashing violently. Red. Force field. Evil. Dark. Nooo! He opened his eyes again, panting. Not good. Not at all good. Concentrate on this life, Kenobi.

Last night. He'd spent the night with Qui-Gon. They'd argued about Qui-Gon changing the past and then he'd run out and collapsed.

Qui-Gon. His Master must be so worried. No, the man wasn't his Master and he didn't give a Bantha's ass if the man worried, it was after all his fault that Obi-Wan was in this position. He had his reasons, surely. What reasons could that be? He didn't know, but half of him wanted to just lay back and give in to the decade of trust he had to build on.

Confused beyond belief, he was relieved when the Healer entered and demanded Obi-Wan's full attention. He was sick of trying to disentangle the jumbled memories of two lives, layered on top of each other until he wasn't sure if the eyes he saw with really belonged to him. He was sick of fighting himself. What he now needed were answers.

"He's awake."

Three words of wonderful relief to Qui-Gon's ears. Adi dashed into her former Padawan's room and Qui-Gon exchanged a look with Dillon. "Can I see him too?"

Dillon frowned. "I'm not sure if that's the best of ideas right now."

Qui-Gon sighed and sank back into his chair. "You're probably right. It's just."

The Healer put a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder. "I know."

He gave Qui-Gon's shoulder a quick squeeze and left.

For a while, all was silent in the waiting room, and Qui-Gon allowed himself to slip into a light meditative trance, in a desperate effort to release at least some of his guilt and fear into the Force. After what could have been a minute or a day, a three-fingered hand on his shoulder brought him back to the present. He opened his eyes and looked into ancient green ones that always seemed to see right down into his soul. "You knew, didn't you?" he whispered.

"Felt something wrong there was, I did. Knew what it was, I did not." Yoda's voice was calm and without a hint of the sharp censure Qui-Gon had expected.

"Beat yourself up you will much more efficiently than I could, I think." Yoda answered his unvoiced thought, a green thumb stroking over Qui-Gon's damp cheek.

When had he cried? He hadn't noticed. But it didn't surprise him at all. He smiled sadly and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Well, it's my own damned fault, isn't it? You can't remove the centre of your existence and expect your life not to collapse. Only I shouldn't have tried to live in the ruins."

The ancient one gave him a small smile. "Learned something, I believe you have. But not yet what you came here for."

Qui-Gon frowned. "What do you mean, Master?"

Yoda only gave him a look he knew too well, a level gaze meaning 'Think for yourself, young one.'

He was about to question further when they were interrupted by Adi's entrance. She stared at Qui-Gon for a moment, her eyes cold and flashing with protective anger, then she nodded her head in the direction of Obi-Wan's sick room. "He wants to see you."

Sterile white walls and the monotonous beeping of a heart monitor didn't form the ideal setting for the conversation that had to follow now, but Qui-Gon figured under the circumstances he was lucky to be here at all, to be given a chance to explain. Not that he had anything very brilliant to say.

He let his gaze sweep briefly over Obi-Wan's still form on the bed, before summoning up the courage to look at his face, if not quite into his eyes yet. Obi-Wan was pale, he looked infinitely tired and very lost, almost like a child again.

The silence in the room was oppressive and he knew if he didn't break it soon, he'd never speak again. "How do you feel?" he asked, his own voice sounding strange to him, detached. Obi-Wan didn't give any reply other than a noncommittal shrug.

Qui-Gon approached the bed and stood beside it, looking down at the blanket. He didn't know what to do with his hands so he started to absently fiddle with a loose thread of Obi-Wan's blanket. "So you remember me now?"

Another shrug. "Sort of. It's all a bit vague, but I remember."

Finally Qui-Gon had the courage to lift his head and meet Obi-Wan's eyes, stormy blue-grey depths of confusion. Instantly, all his discomfort melted into bone-wracking grief and he closed his eyes briefly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Anger flashed in Obi-Wan's eyes. "That's not what I need to hear right now."

Again, Qui-Gon met his gaze, this time unflinchingly. "Ask."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes. Ask what? He had so many questions, and he wanted to scream them all out until his throat gave out. But most of the questions came down to one. And there was only one way to find out.

Carefully, he dropped the shields he had raised to block out the training bond he had with Qui-Gon. He needed to feel this as well as hear it.
"Just tell me why."
Just tell me why
The question echoed through sound as well as through the Force connecting the two of them.

Qui-Gon sighed. Why, indeed.
"Because I love you."
Because I love you

Obi-Wan heard and felt the answer. He felt all of Qui-Gon's love through the training bond, and the feeling of it was as amazing and new as it was familiar. Still, it didn't make any sense.
"I don't understand."
Not enough. Show me.

It wasn't a request. It was a right to be claimed. They both knew there was no way Qui-Gon could refuse him.

All pretences between them, all the walls and false starts and smoke and mirrors they'd hidden behind for most of Obi-Wan's apprenticeship fell, and Obi-Wan finally saw.

Saw Qui-Gon dying, felt his regret. Saw him follow his Obi-Wan, his Padawan, to the hills of Naboo. Saw a final goodbye and a vision received. Felt the full impact of the vision and all of Qui-Gon's despair. His fault. All his fault. His Padawan's broken life, all his fault. Saw Qui-Gon's choice, his wordless appeal to the Force itself.

Obi-Wan opened his eyes again, deep blue now and shining with tears. He smiled and whispered, "Master, you can be such an idiot sometimes." But I forgive you.

His smile widened as he felt Qui-Gon's relief. Thank you. Aloud, the Master said, "Idiot?"

Obi-Wan sighed and settled in for what his other self knew would be a long and intense debate. "You do realise that what you did wasn't very smart, do you?"

Qui-Gon frowned at him. "I did what I thought was right for you at the time that I did it. That's what Masters do, you know." He leaned closer to brush the hair back from Obi-Wan's face.

The minute Qui-Gon's hand touched him, Obi-Wan's skin began to crackle with energy. Raw Force power flowed through the training bond, making Qui-Gon stumble a few steps back.

He looked back at Obi-Wan and saw the young Knight practically trembling with bristling energy that made Qui-Gon's hair stand up as small objects all over the room started to vibrate. Sparks of power ran up and down Obi-Wan's body, invisible to the naked eye, but Qui-Gon's Force sense went almost blind with the flashes of energy that seemed to course through Obi-Wan's body.

The sudden pain in his former Padawan's eyes made Qui-Gon freeze on the spot, but an agonised cry in his head galvanised him into action. Help me!

He was out of the room and had called for the healers before the echo of Obi-Wan's physical outcry had died down.

Again, three Jedi Masters sat in Healer Dillon's office, and again he didn't have any good news. "It's definitely getting worse." He sighed.

"Could you be more specific?" Adi said, her voice quiet.

"Well, it seems as if his entire being is pulled into different lives. His present is no longer determined." A puzzled look from even Master Yoda prompted him to explain further, "Normally, a person's past is set and determines the present. The future is in a state of flux. Now, in Obi-Wan's case, his past and therefore his present are also in a state of flux. He is hovering between two lives, two existences in different timelines."

Qui-Gon swallowed before asking, dreading the answer even as he formulated the question, "What effects does it have on him?"

Dillon rubbed his nose in thought. "Well, for one thing he can't control the Force anymore. When you called us before, a Force vortex was already beginning to form around him. It's as if the very midichlorians in his cells are being pulled into different futures."

He took a deep breath and continued somewhat reluctantly, " You must be aware of the fact that human physiology was not meant to withstand this kind of temporal strain."

All of them realised what that meant. Qui-Gon found his voice first. "He's dying." He whispered hoarsely.

Adi hid her face in her hands and Yoda's ears twitched at the statement. Dillon only nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Something to do, there must be." The ancient one's voice was quiet and Qui-Gon heard Yoda's underlying sadness.

The healer shook his head. "As far as we know the process is irreversible. But a condition like this is completely unprecedented, so we'll try everything in our power."

Adi stood and grasped the Healer's shoulder. "Thank you for being so candid with us. I appreciate your help." Yoda and Qui-Gon followed her out, exchanging nods with the Healer.

Once outside, Adi turned back to face Qui-Gon. Tiredly, Qui-Gon met Adi's eyes. "Say it."

She gave him a long look, her brows furrowed in thought, her eyes deep brown pools of sadness. "I don't think you need me to feel guilty. And whatever your actions, I know you really love him, and I know you never meant to harm him. You couldn't have foreseen what would happen. That he's suffering because of you is enough to make you live through several shades of Sith hells. Nothing I could say or do would make it any worse, so I'll save my breath."

He nodded. She was right, of course. He was in hell.

Everything he'd ever wanted to achieve by this whole exercise had turned into an enormous disaster. The very action by which he had tried to save Obi-Wan from a life in loneliness and despair was now the reason he would die. And all because Qui-Gon hadn't been able to stay away from him. He'd been nothing but a selfish bastard who had made big noises about sacrificing himself for Obi-Wan but hadn't had the self-control to deny himself the pleasure and solace of Obi-Wan's company and love. He was a fine Jedi Master. A life of service and discipline and it all came crashing down around his head because he hadn't been able to resist the call of his heart.

He let himself fall into a chair and gave up fighting his tears.

Like every Jedi, Obi-Wan had been taught, in both his lives, to trust the Force, to listen to it and follow it, but not to depend on it. All very well in theory, he thought, but admitted to himself that now, as he tried to meditate, find his calm centre and ease at least some of his fears, he missed its soothing power.

He knew that mental discipline and focus were much more important for meditation, but with the Fore singing within him, nothing had ever seemed insurmountable, and he'd actually believed the code when it stated 'There is no fear, there is the Force.'

He uncrossed his legs to get some circulation back into them and got off the bed to pace. All right, Kenobi, pretend like you're a Jedi and think this through. But as much as he tried to calm himself, he could not get past the fact that all that held him together was a damned Force inhibitor he was wearing around his neck. Taking a deep breath, he pushed that thought out of his mind and started to pace again.

Timelines. Temporal mechanics. He'd always hated temporal mechanics. But he'd learned one thing in these classes: the rules of time are binding, even if you break them.

That was exactly what was happening now. He was now no longer Obi-Wan Kenobi, he was one possible Obi-Wan, and the other possibilities had entered his place in time with him, and all of them could not co- exist together. Past and future, possibility and reality, never the twain shall meet.

All very well, but where did this leave him? An old lesson came to mind, learned in he did not remember which timeline, "If you can't work through a problem, try to change your system of reference. Liken it to something familiar. Visualise."

Visualise. Forces drawing him into different directions. He sat down again, crossed his legs under him and concentrated. Force. That was the clue. What would he do if this were a sabre match? Let go. Use the force behind the attack to break through. Choose a side.

He opened his eyes. Surely it couldn't be that easy. Choose? On the other hand, hadn't his instructors always told him that his focus determined his reality?

Choose. But choose what? He closed his eyes again. Examine your heart, Padawan. He heard both his Masters in his mind, guiding him, counselling him, loving him.

How could he choose between them? Between this life and one he only remembered very vaguely? And if he chose wrongly? And if he chose Qui-Gon's reality and Qui-Gon died at the hand of the Sith, like he'd seen in Qui-Gon's memory? Was he being selfish if he wanted his life with Qui-Gon back, even knowing what would come out of it?

For he admitted that was what he wanted. His life with Qui-Gon. Even though the man had all but ruined Obi-Wan's life by deciding his destiny for him, Obi-Wan could not find it in his heart to begrudge the Jedi Master this action. He knew Qui-Gon had acted out of deep and desperate love for him, however foolish and arrogant his action had been.

He rubbed a hand over his face in frustration. How could he possibly make a decision this important?

He needed guidance. Desperately. He'd never trusted prescience, but he believed in the will of the Unifying Force, and since it flowed strongly with him, he'd sometimes glimpsed hints of what this path should be for him. He needed that now. The strong presence of the Force within him, telling him in the voice of his own heart unerringly what was right.

He took a deep breath and centred himself as well as he could without the Force. There is no fear, there is the Force.

He stood up and locked the door. Then he went to the centre of the room and kneeled down. He pushed away the fear that wanted to overtake him, ignored the voices whispering that this was his last chance, his only chance. Desperate measures.

He repeated the silent chant in his mind.
There is no fear, there is the Force.
There is no fate, there is the Force.
There is no death, there is the Force.

Taking a deep breath, he lifted his hands to the Force inhibitor and opened it.

Pain. It hurts. But the pain fades and what is left is awareness.

I feel the power building around me, the energy cracking off the walls; small objects in the room begin to shake as with an earthquake. But the earth stays still, only the Force moves.

I wait. I can do nothing else. It will tell me when the time is right.

A loud bang draws my attention away from the forming vortex. They discovered what I've done. Pity. Well, there is no turning back now.

I meet their eyes through the glass window in the door. They try to push through with the Force, but I push against them and I know there is now way they'll be in time to stop me. I see Qui-Gon and Adi now, and both stare at me in horror.

I hear Qui-Gon scream, "What do you think you're doing? Are you crazy? You're killing yourself."

I smile at him. I know what I'm doing. Besides, it's not like I have anything to lose.

Tears well up in his eyes. He's already put two and two together; he knows what I'm trying to do. All the better.

You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. He practically pleads with me over the bond.

Anger flashes through me, but I release it into the maelstrom of Force that grows around me. It's my life. My choice.

He flinches and I know I've hit the mark. And he knows it too.

Ben, please. he practically sobs.

No. It's the only way, and you know it.

The power builds around me. Small objects have lifted off the floor and are flying around me with the maelstrom of pure energy that centres on me. I know it will be time soon.

Gently I reach through both training bonds. Master. I have to do this. I'm sorry.

I try to cut both training bonds and neither lets go.

I turn to Adi, look into her tear-filled eyes. Master, please. You know this is right. Please. Let me go. I send all the love I feel for her with the thought. All my conviction. I show her my heart for the first time since I met her, all of my heart. You know my place was never with you, much as I love you, Master.

A tear slips down her face and she nods. I know. May the Force be with you. With that last thought and a last wave of all her love for me, she lets go of the bond. It dissolves into the vortex.

Now for the more difficult fight. Convincing the Force will be easy compared to this. Master, let go.

No.

Force, the man is stubborn. I lock gazes with determined blue eyes. He wants to look intimidating. Not this time, Master. This time I won't blink first. You know this is right. You know what you did was wrong.

He doesn't flinch, but I know he hears me. He holds on as tightly as ever.

You can't stop me, you know. You'll be in psychic shock for days with the backlash over the bond, but you won't stop me.

A tiny spark of humour in steely blue. You wouldn't do that. It might kill me, and you know it.

Damn the man, he knows me too well. Anger flares within me again.

You arrogant son of a Sith. What right do you have to decide my life for me? Again?

I'm your Master. I do what is best for you.

You are my Master no longer. You gave that right up when you changed the past. You gave me up with that action. You made a decision you had no right to make. Now I claim my life back, Qui-Gon. My life, my choice. I want my life with you back.

We stare at each other a long time. Neither of us gives an inch. But he knows I'm right. I just have to wait until his love for me wins over his stubbornness. I don't have to wait long.

He sighs and he too is crying now. Go then.

I smile, relieved. Thank you.

He smiles back, shakily, through tears. I love you. He lets go of his part of the bond. It dissolves into the vortex.

I smile and whisper, "I know." Then I close my eyes and abandon my ties to the here and now.

The Force vortex sucks me in as easily as the training bond. Silently, I beg for guidance. I want my life with Qui-Gon back, I want to be Ben again, if only for a moment before one of us joins the Force. I want to be where I belong again. Please guide me. Show me your will. Place me back on the path you have chosen for me. I am your creature, you made me, I belong to you.

We serve the Force.
The Force guides us.
We follow the path of the Force.
So show me my path. Put me on it and I will walk it without regret.

I gather all I was, all Obi-Wan Kenobi could ever be, all the should- bes and might-have-beens, and I cast it all into the Force. I gather all that is me, my present, my future, my very self. Abandoning all corporal self, I let go.

The first thing Obi-Wan was aware of was a splitting headache. The second thing he noticed was enormous confusion. Where the Sith was he?

Carefully, his hand wandered to his right shoulder. Item: Padawan braid. He looked into his mind. Item: training bond with Qui-Gon Jinn. So far so good.

He opened his eyes and saw red. A force field, to be precise. Naboo. Sith. Literally. Memory rushed back. He remembered letting go and then being wrenched back to corporeal self and into temporal sync with a sharp order: Fix this.

He looked through the force fields separating him from Qui-Gon and the Sith and saw that Qui-Gon was kneeling on the floor, meditating. Good. He wasn't too late. Then again, the whole purpose of time-travel. His headache increased.

He felt a wave of confusion come from Qui-Gon, just before the cycle of the force field ended and the red curtains of energy flickered and deactivated, one by one. But instead of attacking, like he had done in Obi-Wan's hazy memory, he withdrew, parrying the Sith's attacks until they were once again separated by a Force field and Qui-Gon had reached Obi-Wan's side.

They exchanged a quick look. Qui-Gon's blue eyes mirrored his own confusion. "What happened?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "I don't know."

Qui-Gon shook his head. "We don't have time for this. Focus on the here and now, Padawan."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, Master." Apparently, whatever he'd done seemed to have worked.

He released his confusion into the Force and found his calm centre. He raised his lightsabre and exchanged a look with Qui-Gon. The Force flowed strong between them, the training bond fairly hummed with Force energy.

The cycle was completed once more and the force fields disengaged. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon moved into battle as one. The Force responded promptly to their call, each of them knew instinctively where the other would go and what he would do. There was no anger, but peace. No fear, but the Force. They fought like they had never fought before, neither alone nor together. Steadily, calmly, they met the Sith's every attack and drove him back into the core of the power station.

Neither knew who dealt the blow, but suddenly the Sith crumbled before them and the battle was over.

Obi-Wan bent over in exhaustion, resting his hands on his knees, panting. Qui-Gon went over to him and laid his hand on the Padawan's shoulder. "Are you all right?" he asked, out of breath himself.

Obi-Wan straightened. They were standing almost directly on the spot where he'd cradled Qui-Gon's dead body in his arms. Shaking, Obi-Wan raised one hand to his Master's face. "You're alive," he whispered.

Qui-Gon smiled a bit shakily. "It would appear so. What do you remember?"

Obi-Wan traced the lines of his Master's face with his fingers in silent wonder and answered absently, "Everything, but it's vague and fading quickly." His voice was quiet and as he spoke he trailed Qui-Gon's lips with his fingers.

He locked eyes with Qui-Gon and dropped his lightsaber, still breathing heavily. Adrenalin and the Force still coursed through his system, making his heart race and his head spin. He stared into the blue depths of his Master's eyes and moved closer, his hand travelling to Qui-Gon's neck.

Obi-Wan never remembered who started the kiss, but neither of the two wanted it to end. All the tension and fear seemed to explode between them in a storm of passion neither was willing to calm. Obi-Wan shoved his Master into the wall and practically devoured Qui-Gon's mouth. Qui-Gon held on to his Padawan in a death grip, having no intention of ever letting go.

They pulled at each other's clothing, trying to get as close to the other as possible, tongues battling for supremacy, mouths sucking and trying to merge together.

The sound of blaster fire near them brought both back to reality. Panting heavily, flushed with arousal and exertion, they broke apart.

Qui-Gon leaned against the wall he'd been pressed to not a minute ago and took a deep calming breath. "Padawan, we seem to forget there is still a war on. Maybe we should see to the Queen first."

Obi-Wan nodded dazedly. Wetting his swollen lips with his tongue, he answered in a shaky voice, "Yes, Master."

He went to retrieve his lightsabre and straightened his tunic while Qui-Gon tried to catch his breath and will down his arousal to a manageable level while straightening his hair. "Well, Obi-Wan, let's go win a war."

Obi-Wan quirked an eyebrow. "With all due respect, Master, I think we just did."

Qui-Gon sighed. "You have a point there, Padawan. Still, let's help win another one, shall we?"

Obi-Wan smiled. "Of course, Master."

Qui-Gon started walking and Obi-Wan fell into step one pace behind and to the left.

The Force sang with rightness as the two Jedi walked towards the battle.

"Confer on you the rank of Jedi Knight the Council does." Yoda announced solemnly, his hand resting on Obi-Wan's bowed head.

The ancient one stepped back to make room for Qui-Gon, who moved to stand in front of his kneeling apprentice and took out a ceremonial knife. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, I declare you a full Knight of the Order. With this cut-" he severed the Padawan braid with one swift slice, "I sever the ties that bind us as Master and Apprentice, to be replaced by the ties that bind us all as equals before the Force."

He spoke the ritual words, but their bond was thrumming with very personal emotions between them. Pride, joy, regret and wistfulness mingled together over the still intact training bond.

"Stand, Obi-Wan Kenobi and join the Order as a Knight."

Obi-Wan took Qui-Gon's hand up and stood, taking his lightsabre from his now former Master's outstretched hand.

The freshly made knight smiled a bit shakily. He was still confused. It had only been two days since their battle with the Sith, and he hadn't had any time to think, much less talk about all the memories crowding his mind.

While he had succeeded in his attempt to bring their timeline back, he still had trouble reconciling the - albeit fading and vague - memories he retained from both the life not lived and Qui-Gon's death with the events unfolding now. He had a hazy memory of both Yoda conferring the rank of Jedi Knight on him in this very room and a quiet ceremony in the Temple with Adi Gallia. The latter was a happy memory, the first was not. He'd argued with Yoda about Anakin, and Qui-Gon had been dead.

At the last thought, a chill ran through his body, but was soothed by warmth and understanding flowing into him from Qui-Gon.

Since neither of them had bothered to re-establish the shields their fight with the Sith had eradicated between them, he knew that Qui-Gon too was still disoriented and also had fading memories of the other timeline. He cast a grateful look at his former Master as the stream of affection and support increased.

"Now that recovered you have from your experiments with time, much to do you have."

Both men turned sharply to the ancient one, who contemplated them both with a look that was known throughout the entire Temple as Curious Amused Detachment and was so classic Yoda that even first level initiates could imitate it to perfection.

"You knew?" Qui-Gon croaked, stunned.

Yoda tapped his gimmer stick on the ground, a classic sign of annoyance. "Know, I did not. Feel the disturbance you caused in the Force, every Force-sensitive in the entire sector did. Now that finished you are railing against the will of the Force, maybe back to business we may get?" Yoda's tone was mildly amused.

Qui-Gon knelt in front of the ancient one. "Master, if I was railing against the will of the Force, why was it allowed in the first place? Why did I get what I asked for?"

Obi-Wan knelt next to his Master, wanting to be able to see Yoda's eyes when the small Master answered.

Shrewd green eyes met Qui-Gon's. "Learned something, you have?"

Qui-Gon lowered his head and said, quietly, "Yes, Master. I learned a great deal."

A three-fingered hand settled in his hair. "Then maybe your answer you have. Ours is not to question."

Obi-Wan hid a smile. Classic Yoda. He felt Qui-Gon's annoyance, but also a strange jumble of emotions, chief among them guilt and a quiet understanding.

He turned back to Yoda when the Master began to speak again. "Rest, you will. When recovered you are, many matters to discuss we have. Decisions, both of you have to make."

Obi-Wan, remembering his last talk with Yoda, spoke up. "Master, what is to become of Anakin?"

Two sets of eyes turned to him, both staring at him intently, the ancient green set with a curious mixture of wariness and respect, the blue ones with a myriad of emotions he could not identify. Yoda shrugged. "Discussed, we have this before. Trained he will be. When ready he is, Qui-Gon's Padawan he will become."

Qui-Gon cleared his throat. "Master, I am no longer certain that my decision to train Anakin was at all wise. Maybe he is too dangerous."

"With all due respect, my Master, I think you are wrong."

Obi-Wan suppressed a grin when he felt Qui-Gon's astonishment.

What? Can't I change my mind?

Qui-Gon's eyes widened even more. Well, yes, but why? You saw my vision.

Obi-Wan could no longer suppress a smile. Yes, but I don't agree with your conclusions.

"Then would you care to elaborate on my perceived error?" Qui-Gon's voice was ever so slightly annoyed and the question was accompanied by a stare that was supposed to be intimidating.

Maybe two days ago, Obi-Wan would have been intimidated, but he'd seen too much and felt too much for that particular look to work on him. "Well, Master, you had this vision and drew the conclusion that my life was doomed the moment you took me as your Padawan, when in actuality it was your death that set events in motion which will now never happen. Therefore your observations about the danger Anakin represents are no longer valid, since the trigger events for your vision have been rectified."

Qui-Gon's jaw worked as the older Jedi looked for an answer. Finally he gave up and settled for a proud grin. "I always said you're a much wiser man than I am."

"Need me for this conversation, you do?" Yoda sounded annoyed at being ignored, but both men felt his amusement at the exchange between Master and Padawan. Qui-Gon inclined his head respectfully. "I am sorry, Master. I will gladly take over Anakin's training." Would you help me with this task, Obi-Wan?

Obi-Wan swallowed. He hadn't expected this question, but needed no time to contemplate his answer. Gladly, Master. If it means I can stay with you.

Qui-Gon smiled at his former apprentice, warmth flowing freely over the training bond. "Master, I request Knight Kenobi to be assigned with me to help me train Anakin."

Yoda locked eyes with Obi-Wan. "Your wish, this is too, Knight Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, Master."

"Relay your request to the Council I will. But worry not, separated you will not be." Yoda smiled at both of them. "May the Force be with you." A blessing, and a dismissal.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood, bowed in unison to Yoda and left the old Master alone to contemplate a future that looked much brighter now.

For all the turmoil and chaos it had seen in the last weeks, Naboo's beauty was untouched, Obi-Wan mused as he looked out of the window of the common room in the quarters he shared with his Master - former Master. He let his thoughts drift over the implication of all that had happened in the last few hours while he watched the amazing Naboo sunset.

Knighted. He was a Knight now and that alone seemed almost surreal. Apparently, resetting a timeline and slaying a Sith Lord was enough for the Council in the way of Trials, and he had to admit that he had no desire to argue the point.

He was a Knight now. And what did that mean? It was hard to focus on the future again when he'd spent so much time contemplating the past lately.

He guessed contemplating the future was what Qui-Gon was doing right now. After they'd left Yoda, his former Master had gone off to the palace gardens to meditate.

Though it had sustained some damage during the battle, the palace seemed to overflow with activity and life, a bustling centre of a people again, not the sterile headquarters of occupation he'd known before.

Padme had thanked them profusely for their help and had invited them to the celebration ceremony tomorrow, but their work here was done. The queen had given them a large suite of quarters, had invited them to stay for as long as they liked and had basically sent them off to bed, and in so many words, Yoda had done the same.

He chuckled. Not that he was in any way adverse to the idea of spending the next few days in bed, but he didn't intend to sleep much, and he definitely didn't want to be alone in said bed.

That last thought made him check on Qui-Gon once more. His former Master had been gone for nearly two hours, and though Obi-Wan had to admit the man had a lot to contemplate, he was beginning to feel edgy and uncertain. Every time Qui-Gon spent too much time thinking about their relationship or their future together, he inevitably came up with a reason why it wasn't a good idea for them to be together. And he was so sick of that.

He checked the training bond and expected the gentle request for privacy he'd been met with for the last two hours, but was surprised when he felt Qui-Gon approaching their quarters and his mental inquiry was answered with I'll be right with you.

From the brief mental contact, he got the feeling that whatever conclusion Qui-Gon had come to, it would be very interesting to hear about it.

If only he could view the matter in an academic way. He would either stay with Qui-Gon or leave to take up his duties as a Knight on his own. He would either become his Master's lover or not. Only knowing what he knew now, from the other Obi-Wan's memories of the one treasured night with Qui-Gon, he didn't quite know how to deal with it if his Master tried to say no to him again.

A hint of his sense of humour asserted itself. Just do what you did last time, Kenobi. Plan B.

Only this time more was at stake that physical love. What he wanted was commitment. And no amount of seduction would get him that. He steeled himself for a long argument with his stubborn former Master and turned to the door as it opened to let Qui-Gon into the room.

Quietly, Qui-Gon approached him, not speaking, not even making a sound as his booted feet trod the soft carpet on the floor.

"Master, I...," Obi-Wan began when Qui-Gon stepped in front of the young Knight. He didn't get any further for Qui-Gon silenced him with a finger over his lips.

The Jedi Master smiled at Obi-Wan and removed the finger from his lips. "Let me speak first, please."

Then he did something that made Obi-Wan almost jump with surprise. Qui-Gon Jinn looked at him for a long time and then went to one knee before him.

Qui-Gon took Obi-Wan's wrists into his hands and brought them to his mouth. Turning the young Knight's palms up, he kissed one, then the other reverently and looked up at Obi-Wan's face. "Knight Kenobi, I have wronged you. As my apprentice and as a man. I beg you to hear my apology."

Obi-Wan recognised the ritual words and actions at once and responded with equal formality, though he silently wondered what the Sith had gotten into his prideful, obstinate Master. Qui-Gon Jinn did not apologise, especially not in the form of ancient Jedi ritual, but he was curious where this would lead. "I grant you the right to explain yourself, Master Jinn."

A slight smile accompanied Obi-Wan's words but his amusement dissipated when he felt his Master getting up the nerve to say whatever he wanted to say. Qui-Gon Jinn didn't apologise, but he needed to and had found a way to do something that was very hard for him without losing his dignity.

Obi-Wan tilted Qui-Gon's head up gently, his wrists still in the Master's grasp. "I hear you, Master." His voice was quiet, gentle and warm. Stark contrast to the ritual words he'd uttered just a moment before.

Qui-Gon smiled slightly and started to talk. "I have to beg your forgiveness for three things."

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows. Force, the man did nothing by half measures. After decades of complete abstinence, Obi-Wan was treated to three apologies all at once. "I hear you."

Qui-Gon took a deep breath and continued, "One: I know now that though I had the best intentions, what I did was wrong in at least one aspect. I had no right to make a decision of this magnitude for you. I arrogantly dictated your life without so much as a by-your- leave. I took responsibility for your life only to denounce it again when I changed the past so you would not be my Padawan. I assumed a right that was yours alone, and I'm sorry."

As the ritual demanded when seeking forgiveness from a loved one, Qui- Gon kissed Obi-Wan's palms again.

Obi-Wan laid a hand on his Master's cheek in keeping with the ritual. "I hear you with forgiveness in my heart. Let this be at rest between us."

Then he turned Qui-Gon's head up to once more meet his eyes. "I know you did it because you love me, and because you thought you were doing the right thing for me. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing if situations had been reverse. I understand and I forgive you." He smiled and let the truth of his words flow through thebond.

Qui-Gon smiled in relief. One down, two to go. Obi-Wan sent over the bond, grinning at his former Master.

"Well, then let's get on with it. Two: The way I treated you during the whole of the Naboo mission was unpardonable. I didn't pay any attention to you, I disregarded your opinion and I hurt your feelings when I claimed Anakin as a Padawan."

Obi-Wan flinched. Yes, that had indeed hurt a lot.

Qui-Gon grabbed Obi-Wan's wrists once again. "In my defence, it all went so quickly, and I did believe you were ready for your trials. The Council irritated me and I was so convinced that I was right that the words just came out of my mouth. I only realised later that what I said must have hurt you. But believe me, I always thought we'd stay together even after you were Knighted. The situation just got the better of me. I just..."

Obi-Wan smiled. "You put your foot in your mouth."

Qui-Gon chuckled dryly. "As always, Padawan, you manage to boil a complicated statement down to its essence."

"I thought you were trying to apologise to me." Obi-Wan retorted with a grin.

"Yes, I was. I am. I'm sorry for what I said then, Padawan. I never meant to hurt your feelings." Serious again, Qui-Gon once more turned Obi-Wan's palms up and kissed them.

Obi-wan responded with the traditional words, but added his own touch this time. "I hear you with forgiveness in my heart. I see you took the foot out of your mouth at last. Let this be at rest between us."

Qui-Gon chuckled, but composed himself quickly.

He looked up at Obi-Wan, and when their eyes met and held, Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gon look for courage to formulate this last, and apparently most difficult apology.

"Three: I should not have pushed you away. I should not have hesitated to acknowledge my feelings for you. Perhaps I would have behaved in a more rational manner if my unacknowledged and unexpressed feelings for you hadn't made it impossible for me to see you as anything but my heart's deepest unresolved desire."

Obi-Wan swallowed soundly at the candid statement. He hadn't expected Qui-Gon to be so straightforward about the emotions that had grown between them for years. He closed his eyes briefly to take in what Qui-Gon had just said, for the first time. To him at least.

"Obi-Wan? My knees are starting to hurt."

Obi-Wan opened his eyes again, and he was sure he would implode with all the love he felt radiating from Qui-Gon when he met his Master's gaze, shining with open adoration.

"What does that mean, exactly?" he asked, his voice shaky. He knew of course, but he had to hear it. After years of waiting and longing and loving yet not being able to express his love, he had to hear the words.

"I'm in love with you, Ben, and I should have told you long ago." Qui-Gon said, his voice warm and not very steady either. He kissed Obi-Wan's palms again, more tender and lingering this time. "Can you forgive me?"

Obi-Wan closed his eyes again, a smile spreading over his face. He opened his eyes again and with some effort found his voice, "I hear you with forgiveness in my heart. Let this be at rest between us."

Gently, he extricated his wrists from Qui-Gon's grasp, took his former Master's face in his hands and touched his forehead to Qui- Gon's in the traditional conclusion of the ritual. And I love you too.

I know. They pulled apart and shared a smile of recognition.

Qui-Gon grasped Obi-Wan's face in his hands and they looked at each other for a long time.

Finally Obi-Wan pulled Qui-Gon up. Get off your knees, Master. Your bones aren't what they used to, after all.

Brat. Qui-Gon stood and ruffled through Obi-Wan's hair affectionately. "So all is well between us?" he said out loud.

Obi-Wan nodded.

Qui-Gon took his hand. "Let's make a clean start, Obi-Wan. No more Master and Padawan, no more pretences and hiding, especially for me."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, Master."

The older man shook his head. "No more Master either, Ben."

Obi-Wan acknowledged the reprove with a smile. "Very well, Qui-Gon."

The Jedi Master smiled back and ran a hand through Obi-Wan's hair. "So let's lay the past to rest, then."

"Well, Master, there is one little thing left." Obi-Wan's tone was neutral, but nevertheless Qui-Gon braced himself.

"I'm all ears."

"Twelve years, the latest of which filled with unresolved love and longing, and your dying words to me are 'Train the boy'?" Obi-Wan asked, his tone light, but both knew he was only half joking.

"I was dying, I didn't have time for anything else." Qui-Gon spread his hands in a defensive gesture.

"Yes, but still, 'Train the boy.'" Obi-Wan scoffed. "I'd hoped for something more meaningful after twelve years."

"I'm sorry. I repeat, I didn't have the time to say or do all the things I wanted to say or do." Qui-Gon shrugged helplessly.

"Just out of curiosity, what did you want to say? Or do for that matter?" Obi-Wan smiled and let his interest in the question travel through the bond. I'd be grateful for a demonstration.

The last statement earned him a raised eyebrow and a half-smile that said more than words that Qui-Gon was more than willing to give him a demonstration.

Qui-Gon took a step closer to Obi-Wan, bodies almost touching. Blue, smoky eyes met Obi-Wan's as the Master slowly leaned closer and brushed Obi-Wan's lips with his own, a fleeting, light touch that was gone before Obi-Wan could respond.

Almost absently, though Obi-Wan was sure he had Qui-Gon's undivided attention, the Master trailed the outline of Obi-Wan's ear with his fingertips. "What did I want to say? Hm, where to start..."

He took one of Obi-Wan's arms and kissed the pulse throbbing erratically in Obi-Wan's wrist in a sensual mirror of his earlier gesture. He nuzzled his way up Obi-Wan's arms, and the young Knight shivered and felt his whole body start to tingle with his former Master's touch.

Well, I would have started with 'I love you.'

Goosebumps ran over Obi-Wan's arm when Qui-Gon kissed the inside of his elbow. Good. Classic. Perfect way to start.

Qui-Gon's fingertips trailed up Obi-Wan's arms and came to rest on his shoulder. Qui-Gon stepped behind his former apprentice so that he stood beside Obi-Wan's shoulder. Slowly, he moved his fingers over to Obi-Wan's neck and traced exposed skin between collarbone and neck. I probably would have followed up with 'I want you.'

Obi-Wan's mental voice was shaky; his eyes never left Qui-Gon's. I like it.

When Qui-Gon pressed a kiss to where his fingers had been, a spike of desire shot through Obi-Wan's entire being and settled in his groin. He lifted his hands to Qui-Gon's but they were swatted away.

A Force-touch unfastened Obi-Wan's tunic and gentle fingers exposed the skin from Obi-Wan's neck to his shoulder. A bearded mouth brushed his exposed skin and Obi-Wan's bones turned to water as another shiver of sheer electricity went through his body.

Then I would have said something like 'I need you. Now and always. Body and mind, heart and soul. You're everything I never thought I'd find in this world and I can't believe I was lucky enough to have you in my life'

Beyond words, Obi-Wan just looked at Qui-Gon, humbled and awed by the love he saw in his former Master's eyes. He felt all of Qui-Gon's love through their bond and he mirrored it with his own as their mouths met in a sealing kiss. It was gentle, loving, slow, yet filled with infinite promise and soul-deep desire.

His eyes shimmering with tears, Obi-Wan drew back for breath.

The voice in his mind was low and intimate. Come to bed.

Obi-Wan found it in his power to smile and formulate a reply. You would have said that to me on your deathbed?

Shut up, Ben. With that, arms settled around his waist and hugged him tightly to the warm, strong body he had dreamed about for longer than he cared to remember.

He buried his head in Qui-Gon's shoulder and inhaled deeply, savouring his former Master's unique scent, mingled with the older man's apparent arousal.

He drew back for another kiss and this time he was the one to take the lead, trailing his tongue along Qui-Gon's lips until the older man sucked it into his mouth and started to caress it with his own.

Moaning into Qui-Gon's mouth, Obi-Wan abandoned coherent thought and twined his fingers in Qui-Gon's hair, drawing the other man still closer until they were plastered together, mouths sucking, tongues caressing, nipples and groins rubbing against each other under layers of clothing.

Bedroom, I think. Obi-Wan was surprised that he could still think enough to formulate even a simple sentence like this.

Qui-Gon chuckled and followed Obi-Wan as the younger man broke the kiss to practically pull him into the larger one of the two bedrooms.

Clothes fell to the floor as Obi-Wan reverently undressed his former Master, kissing and licking skin he'd longed to touch like this for years even as he exposed it to the light of Naboo's sinking sun.

Qui-Gon's hands were busy with Obi-Wan's clothing as well, and soon they were both naked and lying on the bed. Qui-Gon trapped Obi-Wan underneath him, the weight of his lover making Obi-Wan dizzy with desire, his hardened flesh rubbing against Qui-Gon's arousal as the Master's lips found his.

Gentle went out of the window as both started to devour each other with all the strength of the bottled-up desire and love of years. Kissing and licking every inch of each other's skin they could reach, both were soon out of breath and incoherent with desire.

Qui-Gon kissed a trail of fire down Obi-Wan's chest, stopping to lavish attention on his right nipple. Gasping, Obi-Wan grabbed the sheets as Qui-Gon's teeth sank into the hardened peak. He almost sobbed with need when he felt Qui-Gon's lips wander further down his body to his achingly erect cock.

Reverently, Qui-Gon's tongue found its way around Obi-Wan's throbbing erection and the younger man gasped. Please. Take me. He pleaded, his throat unable to produce coherent sound.

Not yet. Another reverent lick. I've waited so long to touch you like this.

Obi-Wan sat up and met Qui-Gon's eyes. I've waited for a long time as well, Qui-Gon. I've waited for years to be yours. So do it already.

Trembling, Qui-Gon covered Obi-Wan's body with his and kissed the breath out of his former Padawan's body. He then trailed his tongue down Obi-Wan's neck and up again to one ear. Obi-Wan couldn't take much more of this. He thrust into his Master's hip, and almost growled, "Now. Please."

He felt tendrils of the Force enter his body even as Qui-Gon's tongue entered his mouth. He latched on to the tongue, sucking it and playing with it, driving it back to Qui-Gon's mouth and exploring his new territory with his own tongue. He felt his hips being lifted and almost sobbed again as Qui-Gon's large cock pushed into his body. "Yes!" he hissed, staying still for a moment to savour the feeling of being claimed by Qui-Gon Jinn.

Their eyes met and locked as Qui-Gon started to thrust into his body, sending spikes of pleasure through Obi-Wan's entire being. The bond between them pulsed with love, desire and answered longing, the strength of Qui-Gon's love for him slamming into him with the same urgent pleasure as his former Master's thrusts. He met thrust with thrust, love with love, passion with passion, and felt their bond expanding and filling him with a glowing white light.

The world faded away and all that was left was the mind and soul connected with his, the eyes staring into his, the body thrusting into his, all jumbled together in a whirl of pleasure. Distantly, he felt a hand curl around his weeping erection and welcomed the sensation into the sensory feast his whole body trembled with.

The light in his mind and the heat in his body swelled unbearably bright, and with a shout he came, feeling his lover follow him over the edge and fill his body with warm seed even as the mind inside his own twined itself even more firmly around his heart.

"Mine," he whispered.

"Mine," the echo came from Qui-Gon, who had collapsed onto the bed next to him and pulled him into his arms, both panting and sticky with the evidence of their lovemaking.

He rested his head on Qui-Gon's chest, his body and mind slowly coming down from the aftershock of sensory overload.

"Love you," he whispered, knowing he didn't have to say it, Qui-Gon could feel it in his heart, a heart that now wasn't entirely his own anymore, and a mind he shared as well from now on.

"I know. And I love you too." Whispered, just like his own words. And just as unnecessary, but he'd liked to say it, and he'd loved to hear it.

They stayed like this for a long time, listening to each other's heartbeats and breaths in the quiet of the room.

Both of them drifted towards sleep, and just before they succumbed, Obi-Wan snorted, "'Train the boy.'"

You are never going to let that rest, are you? Qui-Gon tried to sound exasperated, but he was too tired and too content to succeed.

No, you're stuck with that. Kind of like you're stuck with me, came the equally content answer.

A chuckle. I can live with that.

Both smiled as they drifted off to sleep, finally at home.

The End.