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"Fifteen minutes isn't enough time for the kind of shower I would like to take," I drawled as I rolled out of the bed.

"Well, for now you will have to settle for a shower that involves only washing," he teased. "Though, if you promise to behave I'll join you."

I winked as I helped him to his feet. "That is enough incentive even for a naughty boy like me."

Qui-Gon kissed me hard then headed into the refresher muttering, "I think I'm going to need the energy you've been feeding me just to survive."

I laughed out loud at his teasing, feeling relaxed for the first time since we left for that Sith damned mission to Naboo as I followed him into the refresher.

Even though we only showered, being together was a comfort in itself. We managed to wash, redress and be out in the main section of our quarters by the time Anakin and Garen knocked on the door. I unlocked the door with a wave of my hand and as it slid open, I could hear Anakin complaining, "hey, I live here, I don't have to knock," but his protest evaporated when he saw Qui-Gon sitting in his battered old conforming chair. "Master, you're out of the infirmary," he called out as he rushed into the room and wrapped his arms around him in a soft hug.

"Yes, Anakin," Qui-Gon replied then gestured to where I was standing in the kitchen brewing tea.

"Obi-Wan, you're home. Thank the Force," he said and I couldn't help but chuckle at how quickly he had learned that oft spoken oath.

I set the pot aside then headed back into the common room. "Back safe and mostly sound," I answered as I ruffled the short blond locks. I moved to where Garen was standing by the door, a medium-sized bag held in one hand. "Thanks for taking Anakin."

Garen leaned closer and whispered, "I can see you put the private time to good use. You look well fucked, Kenobi." He handed me the bag before I could say anything else and added in a more normal volume, "I didn't think preparing lunch would be part of your plans so I grabbed some stuff for you guys from the dining hall. Though I am still expecting the full story at some point, buddy." He walked a few steps further into the room and bowed politely to Qui-Gon. "I'm glad to see you looking so much improved, Master Jinn." Then he addressed Anakin, "Hope you enjoyed our time in the salles, Anakin. Although I'm not quite as skilled as either of your teachers, I hope you at least enjoyed the stories I told you of Obi-Wan's reckless youth."

"Thanks for working with me, Padawan Muln," Ani replied as he fought unsuccessfully to stifle his laughter.

I glared at Garen when I heard Anakin laugh. "Don't believe everything Garen tells you, Anakin. He tends to exaggerate things for his own amusement."

Garen laughed at my discomfort and declared. "Next time Anakin, I'll tell you about the time we snuck down to the lower levels so that he could drive in the speeder bike races."

"Speeder bikes races, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon scolded. "I thought you told me you got that scar on your leg from tripping over a planter."

"Garen, I had managed to keep that a secret until this moment," I complained with an exasperated sigh. "Anakin, do not let Garen put any ideas into your head."

"Well, I have to be off. Have a good day Master Jinn, Anakin. See you soon, Kenobi," he said with a smirk as he headed out the door.

I walked back into the room, dropped the bag onto the table in front of the couch and turned to Qui-Gon and Anakin. "Let's eat. I'll get the plates and tea," I said as I headed into the kitchen. Qui-Gon's and Anakin's eyes followed me as I moved, the first with amused annoyance and the second with the awe of finding out a role model isn't quite so perfect as you thought.

Speeder bike racing, came floating into my mind again and this time I had to laugh. Here I was a grown man, recently Knighted and I was worried about my Master's reaction to something I had done when I was fifteen. I really needed to shift my perceptions. Your perceptions were just fine a little while ago, was sent in an altogether different tone and I laughed again. Although I was maintaining my surface shields at the depth I normally did, he was sensing my every thought as if I had spoken aloud. This was definitely going to take some getting used to but not in a bad way. No, not in a bad way at all.

By the time I brought the plates and utensils back in, Anakin had taken all the containers from the bag and set them out on the low table. Returning to the kitchen, I poured two large mugs of tea, flavored them to each of our likings, filled a glass with that disgusting blue milk Anakin was so fond of and headed back to join them. I filled my plate and settled onto the side of the couch closest to Qui-Gon's chair and began eating.

Anakin chatted continuously while we ate, his topic switching from life at the Temple to my mission and back again as quickly as a bee flitting from one flower to another. The normalcy of the situation was a welcomed change from the past few days and I wanted it to continue but when Anakin deposited his dishes in the cleaner and picked up his backpack, I jumped up in dismay and started rifling though the duffle on the floor.

"What is it, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked in concern.

My head still buried in the bag, I explained, "Forgot all about the class I've been teaching and I imagine I'm expected to take it back over this afternoon." I pulled the students' exam chips from the pocket of my duffle and held them up with a frown. "I haven't even graded the mid-terms and I don't have a lecture prepared.

"Well, you have always been resourceful. I'm sure you can think of something to keep your somewhat rambunctious students occupied," he remarked wryly as he held out his hand. "Leave the exam chips and answer key and I'll grade them for you."

"I'm sure you have better things to do than grade initiate philosophy papers, Qui-Gon," I insisted. "I'll just do them tonight."

"I don't have anything pressing to do and it would please me to help you out," he argued with a smirk then sent in a husky tone, Plus I have plans for you later that do not include you correcting exams.

Well since you put it that way, I sent back in the same tone, before handing him the chips and adding aloud, "If you're sure."

He took the items with a sly wink, holding onto my hand for a few extra seconds before pulling back and setting them on the table beside him. The surge of love that washed over me during that tiny contact and the love in his eyes made my heart flutter. With each additional moment we spent together, more and more of my misgivings and fear evaporated as if they had never existed.

"I guess I should head down now, then," I said reluctantly. "I need to check in with the Curriculum Master to find out what my replacement covered in class and try to cobble together a lecture." After gathering my class materials, I leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Make sure you rest as well, Master. You wouldn't want to end up back in Healer's Hall again."

Catching Anakin's nod of agreement to my words, he replied, "No fear on that front, my Padawans. If I never have to return to those humble halls again it will be too soon."

Smiling in reply, I said, "I'll pick up late meal on my way back from class so you don't have to worry about that either. Come on, Anakin, we can head to the classrooms together." When he moved to my side, we left our quarters.

We had only gone a few steps when Anakin spoke softly, guilt flowing from him in waves. "I'm sorry, Obi-Wan."

"For what?" I asked gently, even though I had a pretty good idea what was behind his apology.

"For not telling you that Master Qui-Gon was back in the infirmary when you commed last night," he admitted sheepishly. "He made me promise not to."

We were just passing an empty alcove so I directed him into it and motioned for him to sit beside me. "I thought as much and I would not expect you to go back on your word, Anakin," I assured him. "But we both know that Master Qui-Gon isn't very good at looking after himself so if you're with him while I'm away on a mission, I need to trust that you'll tell me if something is wrong."

"But what if he makes me promise not to tell you again?" he implored.

I reached over and ruffled his hair as Qui-Gon had so often done to me over the years. "Just tell him that you already promised me you wouldn't keep anything from me. Master Qui-Gon would not expect you to go back on your promise."

"Okay, I promise, but you shouldn't be keeping things from Master Qui-Gon either, Obi-Wan," he admonished. When I looked at him in confusion, he added, "I heard Master Windu saying that you were sick too while you were gone."

I couldn't help but smile at his innocent instincts as I admitted, "That's true but my situation was a little more complicated. But, I give you my word from this point forward I will not keep any secrets from either of you." I thought about my choice of words and quickly amended that statement. "Unless it's to plan a surprise of some sort. Then we are all excused from revealing our secrets, okay?"

He smiled warmly at that comment and agreed. "Great." With that cleared up between us, we left the alcove and headed to the teaching wing.

Class went better than I expected considering I was ill prepared. Answering their numerous questions about my mission started us on an interesting discussion of the two Ansionian cultures. The students were enthralled by the philosophy of their separatist ideals and I ended up dividing the class into groups of three and assigning them each a specific treaty to research for an oral presentation rather than the next chapter's reading. I committed to sharing my full mission report with them afterwards so that we could compare. I scheduled class to meet in the library archives the next day and my students were very excited about this deviation from the norm as they left.

Anxious to get back to Qui-Gon, I was frustrated when a variety of people delayed what was suppose to be a quick side trip to the dining hall. The Curriculum Master caught me just outside my classroom for some additional updates then two of Anakin's instructors stopped me to discuss his progress. A few other people stopped me outside the teaching wing to inquire of Qui-Gon, having heard through the quick moving Temple grapevine that he had suffered a relapse.

I finally made it to the dining hall, where the cooks had quickly put together a nutritious selection of items for late-meal and was just heading to the door when the sound of my name pulled me back.

"Wait up, Obi-Wan," Bant called out from across the room. "When did you get back?"

"This morning," I replied but before I could politely extricate myself from her company she was rattling off a list of questions. Not wanting to offend my oldest friend, I answered all her questions, about my mission, Qui-Gon, Anakin and everything else in as short a version as possible, all the while inching my way closer to the door.

But by the time I managed to end the conversation, get out of the dining hall and get back to our quarters, almost an hour and a half had passed since my class had ended. The door slid open to reveal Anakin sitting at Qui-Gon's feet, concentrating on something on the datapad in his hands. "Thought you got lost," Qui-Gon said without looking up and or maybe got a better offer floated across the bond.

"Not possible," I said in reply to both comments as I came over for a kiss. "It seems that the Force was conspiring to delay me from getting back here, not to mention Bant."

"And how is Padawan Eerin?" Qui-Gon asked.

"As nosey as ever," I replied with a fond chuckle. "Had to get all the details of my mission and everything else that has gone on since we last talked."

You didn't give her too many details, I trust? rang with amusement over the bond.

And be envied more than I am now? I don't think so, I replied the same way.

"So what are you two working on?" I asked.

"Ethics problems," Anakin grumbled. "I don't understand why I have to spend so much time studying all this stuff and coming up with all these different scenarios. Why can't I just wait until a situation comes up and just decide."

Qui-Gon ruffled his hair and said, "That would be taking living in the moment a bit to the extreme, Padawan. We can learn a lot by studying things that have already happened and figuring out which choices were best for the majority of the people. But I think we have worked enough for now. Let's help Obi-Wan prepare dinner."

"Unpack dinner, you mean," I said, as I headed into the kitchen.

"This way is better because we get to eat quicker," Anakin declared as he tossed his datapad on the couch and stood up.

"That was always Obi-Wan's sentiment as well when he was younger, Ani," Qui-Gon teased as he joined us. "Food he could eat with a bare minimum of work was always preferred."

Setting the containers on the dining table, I rejoined, "My Master taught me to take advantage of every resource."

The light banter continued as we ate interspersed with some more pertinent information. Qui-Gon told me a couple of messages had come through for me while I was in class, one of them scheduling my formal mission report for 1600 tomorrow afternoon. By the time we were lingering over tea and Anakin was enjoying his second dessert, Qui-Gon announced that we were both being requested to appear on the following morning at 0900 for a review board on Anakin's training.

I placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder when he tensed at that information and added, "That would explain the reason behind two of your teachers' comments to me as I left the teaching wing. Don't worry, they gave you excellent reports."

Qui-Gon looked pensive for a moment then addressed Anakin solemnly, "That brings us to something that we need to discuss. When you agreed to come back to Coruscant to train to become a Jedi, you had no idea what that training or life would be like. Now that you have spent two cycles here, you have a better idea of the commitment you will need to make to follow that path. As I told you back on Tatooine, the life of a Jedi is not an easy one Anakin, so I must ask you again. Are you certain that this is the course you wish to take?"

I could feel the spike of fear in him as he looked at Qui-Gon. "Yes, I want to be a Jedi and help people like you and Obi-Wan do but what will happen to me if I can't learn all this stuff? Will I go back to being a slave?" he implored as his eyes suddenly became riveted to his empty plate.

Qui-Gon lifted the boy's chin so he could meet his frightened blue eyes. "You are free, Anakin and will remain that way no matter what. You are a very bright boy, Ani, and I am certain that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. The only question that remains now that you have been here a while is: do you still want to become a Jedi?"

"More than anything, Master Qui-Gon," he declared fervently.

Pushing his chair back. Qui-Gon opened his arms and Anakin literally flew into them. "Then you shall be, Ani. You have my word on it." He held the boy comfortingly for a few minutes then set him back on his feet with a smile. "Now, off to finish your homework."

"Don't you want me to help clean up first?" he asked in disbelief.

"I've been sitting around being lazy all day while you and Obi-Wan were in class. You have homework and Obi-Wan has a mission report to write so cleaning up is the least I can do," he stated firmly.

Not wanting to argue with such good fortune, I rose from my seat after doing a quick scan of Qui-Gon's physical state and said, "Take advantage, Ani. This won't happen very often - Master Qui-Gon hates doing dishes." Grabbing my mug of tea, I kissed my Master on the cheek and headed off to the computer terminal before he could change his mind.

My mission datapad had been thoughtfully left on the desk so I got right down to work. I had been writing our mission reports for the past couple of years so at least this part wasn't new. Having been well trained in the art of detailed recall, I set my mind back to the mission and began to write.

I lost track of how long I had been sitting at the computer and was surprised at how late it was when Qui-Gon came up behind me. "Anakin and I are going to head down to the gardens. I want to start him on the Jalienta exercises."

My Master was nothing if not decisive I thought as I saved the mission file. The Jalienta exercises were a series of skills taught to pre-padawan age initiates to assist them in forming their training bonds. Now that Anakin had reiterated his commitment to the Jedi path, Qui-Gon was moving ahead full speed.

Not quite ready to be away from Qui-Gon if I didn't have to and having plenty of my own issues to meditate upon since our conversation with Master Jufa, I asked, "I think I have had enough report writing for tonight. Mind if I come with you?"

"Your company would be most welcome," he replied with a smile, so I logged off the computer, grabbed my cloak and we all headed out the door.

It was almost 2000 so the gardens were sparsely occupied. Qui-Gon directed us down the familiar path to our favorite meditation spot. The sheltered grove of trees was very inviting and I breathed in the enticing scent of flowering foxtienta and pyetioni. The aura of this place had been part of my life for so long that it was almost as comforting as being held in Qui-Gon's arms.

I listened as Qui-Gon explained to Anakin just what the exercise would entail. He was so patient and loving, knowing instinctively just the right word or phrase to use to calm the boy's fears and a shiver went through me as I thought of what might have been. If the unthinkable had happened, how would I have coped with the same situation? With my heart broken by loss, could I have found the right words to reassure this bright but apprehensive boy? Luckily the Force and my stubbornness had intervened and I would never have to answer those questions.

Not wanting to intrude on this special moment for them, I moved off to a spot about a meter away and settled onto my knees for my own introspection. Closing my eyes and slowing my breathing, I allowed the Force to fill me as I concentrated on the discussion we had shared with Master Jufa this morning. So much had been revealed in that short time, so many questions had been answered and so many more unearthed so I allowed my mind to drift among them as it wished.

My actions on Naboo had begun the process of linking us together as fully as two Jedi could be linked and as happy as I was with that, it would mean some major changes in our lives. Qui-Gon and I had kept the intimate aspect of our relationship private and only our closest friends knew that we were lovers. At the time, it had been the only prudent choice. Although not forbidden, sexual relationships between Master and Padawan were strongly discouraged and only allowed after both parties had undergone numerous counseling sessions to rule out coercion. Even after our motives had been found true, the Council had strongly suggested that this information not become public knowledge.

So I had reluctantly complied, understanding but not liking the idea of hiding my love. But now that I had been Knighted, these concerns were no longer valid and we could be fully open about our relationship. Part of me wanted to shout it from the Spires of the Temple, to tell everyone that I was loved by the most incredible man in the galaxy. But public spectacles were not the way of the Jedi, so I would have to wait for another alternative to present itself. Plus there was the added aspect of Anakin. With the lifebond, I would also be connected to the boy and my choices and behavior could influence his training. Focusing only on those two things, I opened myself fully to the Force, waiting for the answer that I was certain it would provide.

I surfaced from my meditation with a new sense of resolve. The Force had illuminated a path for us to take and given me a basic direction to proceed. Qui-Gon was still focused on the exercise he was sharing with Anakin so I pondered an idea as I rose to my feet. I approached the pair as quietly as I could but I had barely made it half way when my movement caught Qui-Gon's attention and he glanced up at me so I quickly buried my thoughts. Although he smiled warmly he must have sensed something because he quirked an eyebrow in question as he looked at me. I put on my most innocent expression as he held my gaze and after a few seconds he turned his full attention back to Anakin. I strengthened my shields as I continued to watch them, knowing that Qui-Gon would respect that unspoken request for privacy and not wanting any hint of my idea to slip to my Master before I had fully formed my arguments.

It was only a few more minutes before I saw Anakin open his eyes and look intently at Qui-Gon. "I could feel you," he whispered in awe.

Qui-Gon reached out, grasping the short lock of braided hair between thumb and forefinger as he agreed. "Yes and after we have completed the Jalienta exercises and formed our training bond, we will be able to sense each other even more, Ani."

Anakin's look was wavering between wonderment and trepidation so I moved a few steps closer and sought to reassure him. "I always found it a great comfort to know that Master Qui-Gon was never more than a thought away." I reached out a hand to pull him to his feet and leaned in to add in a mock whisper, "And as your padawan-brother, I consider it my solemn duty to teach you to shield properly so that you don't broadcast to him every time you misbehave."

A Force swat rang against my backside as Qui-Gon glared up at me. "You could have at least allowed us to complete our bond before teaching him ways to circumvent it, Obi-Wan."

The comment had the desired effect and Anakin's apprehension and awe dissolved beneath the peals of his laughter. "These are skills that are passed down from one generation to another as part of the rituals of growing up in Temple and since he never had that opportunity, I will have to see that he learns everything he missed," I declared with a wink before sending privately, And you and I both know that there are never any real secrets between a Master and his Padawan, even clandestine trips to the sublevels for speeder bike races.

Well at least not until advance shielding techniques are mastered and that is definitely at a much later age than fifteen standard years, he sent in amusement as he rose from his knees.

I ignored the not so subtle jab as I took my place between them and we headed from the gardens. Reaching our quarters, we each settled to our own tasks without too much discussion.

By the time I was logging off my computer terminal, Anakin had already come by to bid me goodnight and Qui-Gon had retired to our bedroom more than a half hour before. After securing the door and turning off the lights, I spent a few moments staring out the transparisteel. As I watched the traffic in the night sky, I pondered my blossoming plans, needing to organize my thoughts before approaching my steadfast Master. When I felt I had my opening salvo properly planned out, I turned away from the window and headed into our room.

Qui-Gon was sitting up in bed reading an antiquated paper book, a pair of pillows propped between his back and the headboard. Gloriously naked with only a thin sheet covering his lower body, he was a tantalizing vision that was enough to make my heart skip a beat. I made myself undress slowly, in a slight parody of a striptease routine. I took the time to fold every item I removed, even going so far as to push my leggings and linens to my knees before bending forward to remove my boots. I said nothing and neither did Qui-Gon, though I could feel the arousal and lust building within him at my performance. After all the tension I had lived with these past cycles, it was fun to be able to play and tease in prelude to our more significant activities.

Tossing aside my leggings with a flourish, I stalked slowly to the bed and murmured, "Any chance I could convince you to set aside that riveting novel and undertake a more physical form of recreation?"

He pretended to think about it for a moment, his now almost black eyes roaming the length of my body with a hunger that always made me shiver before dropping his book on the table, grabbing my hand and pulling me into his lap. "And just exactly what did you have in mind, my beautiful Obi-Wan?"

I ground my butt into his rapidly firming erection, leaned forward until our lips were almost touching and whispered, "a long night of slow and sensual lovemaking with my handsome bondmate."

"I think that can be arranged," he replied before pressing his lips to mine and with that all thought of teasing conversation was lost.

Unlike our lovemaking this morning, we took our time, taking turns exploring every inch of each other's mouths before moving on to bodies. Qui-Gon flipped me onto the bed, kissing and caressing a path across my face, down my neck and chest and over my flanks with lips, tongue and fingertips until he finally slid down to my groin. He nuzzled his nose into the curls surrounding my shaft then moved on to lick at the tip of my penis. Every touch, taste and nuzzle was so filled with love and tenderness that I thought I would break apart from the sensation both on my body and in my mind. I allowed myself to wallow in the pleasure of his hot, wet mouth engulfing me until I felt my balls tightening. Not willing to let my greedy body end our night quite yet, I tugged at his hair. He released my cock with an audible pop and looked up at me questioningly.

I pulled him up for a deep kiss then murmured as I pulled back, "My turn." He lay back with a wry smile and I wasted no time feasting on his tactile offering. My motions very much followed his pattern and I lost myself in the joy of bringing him pleasure. My mouth and fingers tasted and touched every place I knew he found enjoyable and a few new ones I discovered as I explored. I allowed all my love and desire to flow into my touches as he had and I reveled in the knowledge that I could affect him this way just with the softest touch; that as my lover he offered me a side of himself that no one else ever shared.

Soon the taste of the salt of his sweat on my tongue, the feel of the pulse in his throat against my lips, the feel of the satin of his skin against my fingertips, the tang of his pre-come on my tongue combined to build my arousal from a smoldering fire to a blazing flame in much less time than I hoped. With a last long lick, I allowed his penis to slip from my mouth and was attempting to straddle his hips when he held me back. "Love?" I queried in confusion.

Rolling so that he faced away from me, Qui-Gon said huskily, "I would like to feel you inside me tonight."

My breath caught at the idea of being buried within him but the thinking part of me still had to ask, "Are you sure? I don't want to do anything that will hurt you."

He reached for my hand and drew it down between his legs with a husky laugh. "As far as I can recall, I did not suffer any injuries down there but if you'd like to inspect me yourself to be certain, I wouldn't complain."

A shudder ran though him as I traced the ring of muscle protecting the opening into his body with featherlight touches. I used my other hand to reach for the tube of lube, squeezed some on my fingers and moved it back to his anus and drawled, "Feels okay but I think I should examine it a little more thoroughly." Suiting action to words, I pressed a fingertip past the tight barrier, moving it very slowly in and out to the first knuckle then the second and finally as deeply as I could. My cock was throbbing almost painfully and by the time I inserted a second finger, I was fighting to keep the slow pace.

Finally he put an end to my battle. "Enough," he growled and I pulled my fingers from within him. After spreading a bit more gel on my penis, I spooned up behind, placed one hand on his hip and pressed slowly forward. The feeling of the velvet heat of his body surrounding me was exquisite and I began a pace of long, languid strokes. The bond between us was wide open and I could feel his pleasure as strongly as I could feel my own.

Soon all that existed was that pleasure and I sank into the sensations flowing through me even as I felt Qui-Gon do the same. He pressed back against me in a silent plea and I increased my pace as I slid my hand down to grasp his shaft. A second or two later I was coming, my orgasm exploding out of me like a supernova and I bit down on his shoulder to keep the resulting scream from echoing through the room. I felt him come a moment later, a low rumbling moan of my name his only sound.

For a few moments we just lay together, still intimately joined with my arm wrapped around his waist as we came back down from our release. Our bond thrummed with contentment and I was sure it had strengthened even more. Reluctantly, I pulled my spent flesh from within him and he turned to face me. I watched as blue eyes slowly opened and decided that now would be the perfect time for a discussion.

I reached over and pushed a strand of graying hair away from his face as I began. "Now that the shock of Master Jufa's revelation has worn off, I have spent some time pondering the changes that our lifebond will bring. Although I had dreamed that maybe one day we could have this type of connection, I thought that it would be years into the future." I ran my fingertips lightly along the edge of his beard as I delved on. "I know that the lifebond connects us as completely as two people can be but I find that after having to keep our relationship secret from all but our closest friends for the past two years, I want more." I moved my hand from his chin to rest flat over his heart and asked, "Will you take lifevows with me, Qui-Gon?"

"Lifevows?" he repeated softly, his surprise evident on his face.

Before he could begin to list his arguments, I continued, "I understand your desire to keep the details of our private life private and I realize that a bonding ceremony would be anything but private. Yet I don't want people to think that I stayed with you out of duty or pity or anything other than the fact that you are the other half of my soul and I love you."

He reached over and pressed a finger to my lips before I could speak again. "You misunderstand, Obi-Wan. I would be honored to take lifevows with you and proclaim our love to everyone around us. But there are a number of impediments to our taking lifevows at this point in time -- first and foremost the fact that you have only been Knighted for two cycles. That detail alone would cause the Council to deny our petition since a new Knight is restricted from completing any bonds or entering into any new partnerships for a minimum of one standard year."

I couldn't help but chuckle at that part of his argument as I grasped his hand and replied, "Well, from what Master Jufa has told us, the Council will not have any choice but to accept the lifebond and all that it entails." I allowed my smile to fade then added, "Plus you have never hesitated before to go against the wishes of the Council if you deemed it necessary, so why would you bend to their wishes in something as important as this?" I tried hard to keep any hint of accusation from my voice but I don't think I came close to succeeding.

The hand I was holding tightened around mine as Qui-Gon sought to explain his reasoning. "And I would not hesitate in this, Obi-Wan, if I was the only person being affected by my defying the Council. But you have never been comfortable with my disregarding their wishes and many feel that I have been a bad influence on you in that regard. Do you really want to have your Knighthood begin with a major confrontation with the Council?"

"If necessary, yes," I declared, "but I don't expect it will be. If you read the precise wording of the new Knight parameters, you will see that they are all guidelines not actual regulations. I think that if we presented our case correctly we would be able to convince the Council that this is the right path in our specific situation."

"And what about Anakin, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon contended. "I know that you two have become closer since Naboo but I also know that you still have reservations about him. If you and I take lifevows, your pledge to me would extend into assisting in all aspects of Anakin's training and serving as his surrogate Master if necessary."

"I realize that, Qui-Gon," I affirmed, "and I have no problem committing to serve in whatever role you need me to fill for his training. I still have some reservations about his apprenticeship but not for the same reasons I felt before. Anakin has a good heart, Qui-Gon, but his life on Tatooine has given him some strong views. Jedi are expected to be impartial, to control their own feelings and emotions and work for the benefit of all without taking their personal beliefs into account." Memories of my own struggle in this area welled up in me. I took a deep breath, released my sorrow at those recollections and pressed forward. "I learned this lesson the hard way on Melida/Daan and even your strongest arguments couldn't get through to me."

I could feel his pain at this admission but I knew that if I was ever going to convince him I would need to say even more. So after sending a wave of love over the bond, I resumed. "The Force calls to you and me in very different ways. Even before you agreed to take me as your apprentice, the differences in how we see the eddies of the Force affected us and that disparity continued to be a challenge for me throughout our years together. Anakin has great potential but even now, it is evident that his strength is more in the Unifying Force than in the Living Force."

Qui-Gon's irritation was building as I spoke and I knew that only his love and respect for me was keeping him from dismissing my opinions outright. I could see him organizing his rebuttal so I continued quickly, "I don't have your experience, Master, or your expertise but I do have an ability to see glimpses of the future that you cannot. And those glimpses tell me that for Anakin to succeed in his training, we need to work together. Only together will we be able to teach him to see both the Living and Unifying Force so that he can learn the balance he will need to remain rooted in the Light."

He stared at me for a few long seconds, his expression more open to me than at any time except when we made love. "I don't have your sense of seeing the future in the currents of the Force, Obi-Wan, but I do know that the thought of undertaking Anakin's training without you at my side terrifies me. But this isn't about what I want or need, this is about what is best for you."

"What is best for me is being able to perform my duties as a Jedi Knight while sharing my life with the man I love," I insisted. "And together we can insure that the hints of future Darkness that hover like a cloud around Anakin never materialize."

"I'm sure Anakin and I would benefit from your assistance but you must consider what you will be giving up," Qui-Gon argued.

I couldn't hold back my bark of sardonic laughter as I replied, "Cold transports, empty quarters, lonely solo missions from one Outer Rim world to another. Oh yes, giving that up would be such a hardship."

"I outrank you, Obi-Wan, and if we took lifevows you would be required to defer to my decisions in all things related to our duties as Jedi," he maintained, distress evident in his voice. "As a new Knight, you merit the opportunity to make your own choices and to learn by your own mistakes. But I know my own shortcomings, love. I can be obstinate and more than a tad controlling when I believe I am right," he admitted with a self-deprecating laugh. "I don't know if I could sit back and watch you do something that could cause you harm. A Jedi continues to learn even after they achieve Knighthood, by their experiences and choices. Remaining bound to me could stifle your personal growth and keep you from becoming the person you are meant to be."

"Qui-Gon, in most instances you and I have been equal partners in decision-making for the past couple of years," I maintained, ruthlessly pushing away the memory of our disagreement on the landing pad. "I know that you value my judgment and respect my opinions. You also taught me to think independently and I know that I can be stubborn enough to fight even you for what I truly believe is right."

He was silent for a moment as if weighing everything we had discussed and as I watched him I could only hope I had presented my points convincingly. Finally, he reached out, placed his palm against my cheek and said with a smile, "You seem to have a ready answer for all my concerns. I never expected to become victim to my own tutorials in debate but it is evident that you learned your lessons well, Obi-Wan."

"I had a good teacher," I replied with a wry smile, hoping my teasing would lighten the regret I could feel coming from him.

He caressed my chin with his thumb and said softly, "But there is one thing that I do not think you have considered. As pledged mates, only one of us can be training an apprentice at a time and I am committed to Anakin. Even though you will be assisting me with his training, it is not the same as having an official padawan. You are twenty-five years old now. By the time Anakin is ready for his Trials, you will be at least forty. Sharing your life with a padawan is a treasure that few things in a Jedi's life can compare to. Are you willing to forgo that experience and delay your opportunity to become a Master for all those years?"

"I don't plan on forgoing that experience," I rebuked just as softly. "As you said yourself in the infirmary this morning, this new aspect of our relationship will make me part of Anakin's life and training. With your consent and Anakin's, I would like to petition the Council to be officially declared his Provisional Master. And since the code only forbids a master having more than one padawan and not the other way around, I don't think the Council will have an issue with that. He is young, Qui-Gon, much younger than most who take on the mantle of Padawan. The difference in our ages and experiences will allow us to create our own special relationships with him and in turn offer him alternatives when things become difficult."

"As for being declared a Master in my own right, I will gladly forgo that to take lifevows with you." I grabbed the hand still resting on my cheek and placed a soft kiss in the center of the palm. "This is the right path for us. Stop trying to analyze something that can only be felt. Open your heart to the Force and trust your feelings and you will see that this is meant to be."

"Your line of reasoning is sound, Obi-Wan, and you have covered every contingency," Qui-Gon admitted, with a touch of pride in his voice. "Do not doubt that I love you with all that I am and my heart wants nothing more than to say - yes, I'll take lifevows with you. But I need some time to meditate on this and to work through my own issues. Can you be patient and give me that time, my love?"

"Take all the time you need, Qui-Gon," I insisted. "I'm certain your meditations will show you what mine already have - the Force has decreed that this is the right path for us." I kissed him gently then snuggled into his arms and laid my head in the crook of his shoulder. "But any more talk or thought can wait until morning. I can feel your exhaustion and I don't want you to end up back in the infirmary." His only reply was to wrap his arms tighter around me and within moments we were both drifting off to sleep.

When morning came, we all managed to settle back into our regular routine. After taking a few minutes to snuggle, Qui-Gon and I took turns in the shower, dressed and shared a relaxed first-meal with Anakin. When Anakin left for his classes, Qui-Gon headed to the balcony outside our bedroom for his planned meditation and I settled down at the computer terminal to finish my mission report.

I had managed to get most of the report done the night before, so it didn't take me very long to complete it and upload the official version to the archives, the Council and my datapad. Qui-Gon was still deep into his meditation when I finished, so I used the time to do some research on lifevows. I was curious to see how other bonded Jedi had balanced their duty to the Order and their padawans with the commitment they had to each other. I wanted to know if there was any documentation of previous pairs working jointly to train an apprentice rather then having the bondmate just taking a passive role. I was also looking for information on lifevow ceremonies. I had only attended one, during the second year of my apprenticeship. One of the bonded pair had been a yearmate of Qui-Gon's but I had been too young to think past the fact that there would be a party afterwards.

I was totally engrossed in my research so when my comlink chirped, I answered it distractedly. "Kenobi."

"Did you forget our training session, Obi-Wan?" Anakin's hesitant voice echoed through the speaker.

A glance at the chrono confirmed what I already knew. "I'm sorry, Anakin, I lost track of the time. Start your warm-up and I'll be right there," I said as I saved my research.

"Okay," he replied.

I logged off the computer as I broke the connection. Qui-Gon was still out on the balcony but I didn't need to explain where I was going because he would realize it when he saw the time. So I grabbed my cloak and headed out the door.

Anakin was just finishing his stretching routine when I reached the training room. "I'm sorry, Padawan," I apologized again. "Why don't you start with the Linead, so I can make sure Garen didn't teach you any bad habits."

He smiled mischievously then, bowing politely, he began the first movements of the kata. It wasn't until I watched him shift into the second position that I realized I had called him 'padawan' and he had accepted my use of his title without hesitation. I tucked that reassuring fact into the back of my mind and concentrated fully on his routine.

He made it through the Linead flawlessly and was making good progress on the Toral by the end of the session. I had just tossed him a towel when I felt Qui-Gon reach out to me over our bond. Are you heading back soon? Mid-meal is just about ready.

Just finishing up, Master. We'll be there shortly, I sent in reply before calling out to Anakin. "Master Qui-Gon has made mid-meal for us. Let's head back and you can shower in our quarters."

"Sure, Obi-Wan," he answered as he grabbed his backpack and in seconds we were on our way back to our quarters.

The comforting aroma of spicy tomato soup and warming bread wafted from the kitchen as we entered our quarters. I watched in amusement as Anakin hesitated for a few seconds, contemplating skipping his shower I assume, before calling out, "Smells great, Master," as he disappeared into the refresher.

I headed into the kitchen and wrapped my arms around Qui-Gon. "It does smell wonderful," I agreed as I inhaled deeply, "but we could have just eaten in the dining hall and saved you all this work."

"This was what remained from the last batch I made. All I did was take it from the cooler and reheat it," he replied leaning back against me. "And I must admit my motives are selfish. I find that I am not ready to share you with the multitudes in the dining hall."

I pushed aside the heavy mass of hair, kissed the back of his neck then whispered into his ear, "I'd be more than happy to have every meal in the privacy of our quarters."

He turned his head and stole a quick kiss before replying, "I think Ani might object to missing out on the camaraderie of the dining hall."

I stole a kiss of my own before chuckling, "I'm sure we could find some way to make it up to him." After glancing back to make sure the refresher door was still closed, I inquired seriously, "Did your meditations provide some insight into the proper path for us, my Master?"

He met my gaze and smiled, a love-filled smile that almost took my breath away, as he answered, "Again it seems that you are a much wiser man than I, my Obi-Wan. I think my own apprehension was keeping me from hearing the directive of the Force." He reached up, grasping a bunch of the shorter hairs behind my ear where my padawan braid used to begin and tugging gently as he added, "Though I don't expect that our course will be woven without undergoing some Council obstacles. I just wish it was not necessary for you to follow my rebellious path quite so quickly."

"And Anakin's training?" I prodded, needing to know his view on that as well.

"Though the final choice must be Anakin's alone, I agree that the Force has shown that the path of his future is much brighter if we work together," he affirmed.

I melted into his arms in relief as he spoke and didn't even hear the refresher door open or the steps approaching before a hesitant voice asked, "What will be my choice?"

I pulled myself reluctantly from Qui-Gon's arms and said, "Let's sit down to the wonderful meal our Master prepared and I'll explain."

After we were all settled at the table with our food, I explained. "Remember when Master Qui-Gon first came home and I told you about our relationship? Well, we have decided to ask permission of the Council to take lifevows."

"Lifevows," he repeated, sounding a bit confused.

Qui-Gon jumped in and said, "Lifevows are the Jedi equivalent to marriage."

"Makes sense, especially since you two act like you're already married," Anakin said with a smile.

"I guess we do," I admitted then continued with the real topic. "If the Council gives their consent, Master Qui-Gon and I will be paired together for most missions and many of our other responsibilities so I will be a large part of your life and training." I glanced over at Qui-Gon and when he gave me a smile and reassuring nod, I pressed onward. "If you agree, I would like to petition the Council to be declared your Provincial Master. That way I'd be able to assist Master Qui-Gon in all aspects of your training and would have the authority to work with your instructors and make decisions about your curriculum."

"So you would both be my Masters?" he asked.

"Yes, but only if you want me to be," I insisted.

"Yes, I want that. Having you both as my Masters would be wizard," he exclaimed, the enthusiasm he had shown Qui-Gon on Tatooine again evident in his voice.

"I'm glad you approve, Anakin," I agreed, "but this will have to remain just between us until I speak to the Council."

"No problem," he replied happily before turning his attention back to his food.

The meal passed all too quickly and soon I was gathering up my class materials, the students corrected exams chips and my mission report. With a quick goodbye to Qui-Gon and a promise to meet in the training salles after my Council appearance, Anakin and I left our quarters and headed for the teaching wing. We walked together until he reached his classroom then I continued on alone to the library. Master Jocasta had set aside a small study room at my request and I settled at the terminal at the front of the room, to review the exams and record the grades until my students arrived. They entered in small groups and after greetings and some hurried conversation, quickly set to work on their research. I finished reviewing the exams, and then between answering their questions, I did a bit more research and composed the formal request to the Council for permission for us to take our lifevows.

When the class period ended, I handed my students their exam results, reminded them that their rough drafts would be due in two days and headed to the Council Chambers. I was only made to wait a few minutes before being escorted into the circular room. Submitting reports to the Council was something that I was intimately familiar with so I didn't feel any apprehension as I stepped into the center and bowed formally to the assembled Council.

Each Councilor had already received a copy of my official report so I was able to forgo the summary and move directly to answering their questions. My report must have been comprehensive enough because the Councilors had only a few points that they felt needed clarification. I had just given Master Koth a few more details on the final deliberations when Master Windu said, "You did an excellent job completing your mission under difficult circumstances, Knight Kenobi, especially in light of Master Jufa's recent report. I only regret that you had to undergo such a physical hardship to do it."

"I'm grateful for your concern, Master Windu, but the events occurred as the Force directed they should. Without my disability, it could have been decades before the Lorei and the Niatchie reached this type of accord," I replied then smiled wryly. "And as my Master has so oft told me, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

"Nonetheless, you are to be commended for your dedication, Obi-Wan," he contradicted, his lips shifting into an all too rare hint of a smile. "The outcome you achieved definitely denotes a job well done." His statement was delivered in a tone that I knew from years of experience indicated that I was being dismissed.

When I did not bow and turn to leave, Master Yoda asked, "Something more to say you have, Obi-Wan?"

"Yes, if I could impose on your indulgence for a few moments, Masters," I began, after drawing on the Force for reinforcement. "As you are well aware, the events of Naboo precipitated some major changes in my relationship with Qui-Gon. I cherish the lifebond that has formed between us but I would humbly request that we be allowed to take it further." I ignored Yoda's drooping ears and pressed forward. "A short time ago, copies of our formal petition to pledge lifevows were sent to each of you." I could see Master Poof frowning so I continued before he could speak. "I know that this is an unusual request, especially in light of my very recent Knighting and Qui-Gon's commitment to train Anakin Skywalker. I only ask that you please read through the petition before reflexively dismissing my request. I believe that the document addresses every issue that could be of concern."

I bent forward into a deep formal bow before straightening and meeting the gaze of each Council member in turn before looking intently at Master Yoda. "At your request, I will be accompanying Qui-Gon tomorrow morning to present his update on the status of Anakin's training. I will answer any questions or concerns that any of you may have pertaining to the petition after he has completed his report."

I felt the glares coming from a few of the Council members but they held their comments when Master Yoda said firmly, "Continue this discussion tomorrow we will. Other matters to discuss, the Council has."

Glad to have been given my leave by the definitive statement, I gave another slight bow and said, "Thank you, Master," before turning and heading out the door. I went straight to the training area from the Council chamber. The residual tension of the meeting was strumming through me and I was glad that we had made plans to meet.

Qui-Gon had already begun his warm-ups when I entered. I could see Anakin sitting on one of the benches against the wall, his attention shifting between the graceful movements of our Master and the words on the datapad in his hand. Even going through these basic stretches, Qui-Gon's tall, muscular body moved with the agility of a Corellian sand panther and I had to bank down the surge of arousal that rose in me at the sight of him. He had regained a substantial portion of the weight he had lost and I could see that it would only be a few more tens before he was back to his pre-Naboo form.

I tossed my cloak on the other end of the bench as I gave Anakin a warm smile. Heading to the center of the room to join Qui-Gon, I knew that the boy would be hard pressed to concentrate on his studying when we began sparring. Qui-Gon never broke form as he smiled at me in greeting and I quickly moved into a position beside him and began my warm-up.

When I had completed my stretches, I turned to face Qui-Gon and we moved automatically into one of our regular routines. Even though he wasn't moving at full speed, I was relieved to see that his movements as he ran through this mid-level routine were steady and sure. This was the first time we were attempting a sparring workout since Naboo and a part of me had been a bit apprehensive. We fell into the routine like slipping into an old boot and it was easy to submerge myself in the familiar movements. Our expanded bond allowed us to be even more closely in sync and I found it exhilarating. Our bond pulsed with contentment as we flowed through the intricate patterns of the exercise.

I had melted so completely into the familiar motions that I was surprised when we reached the closing movements. I met Qui-Gon's gaze as we disengaged our sabers and I could feel his satisfaction. Although he radiated exhaustion, it was a good tired, one of exertion and accomplishment. This session had been a test for him, a personal challenge that he had not been sure he could achieve, and I could sense his relief. And even though the routine had not pushed me to my limits, the exertion had felt fantastic and the opportunity to regain this aspect of our lives fabulous.

Before either of us even regained our wind to speak, Anakin was beside us handing us each a towel. His awestruck look surprised me for a moment before I recalled that the only time he had ever seen Qui-Gon in action had been through the transparisteel of the Naboo cruiser on Tatooine and he had never seen me sparring at all. "You guys are amazing," he stammered. "I don't think I'll ever be able to do that."

Taking the offered towel, Qui-Gon ruffled the boy's hair and assured him, "It won't be too long before you are ready to begin working with a training saber, Ani."

Taking my own towel, I added, "And if your performance these last two cycles is any indication, you will pick up this next skill quickly as well."

Anakin's smile brightened at the praise even as I could see that gifted mind trying to figure out a way to begin saber training even sooner. Qui-Gon must have noticed it as well because he said gently, "All things will happen in their own time, Padawan." He draped the damp towel around his neck and added, "Now all this exercise has made me ravenous. Let's plan on heading to the dining hall for late-meal after Obi-Wan and I shower. You can use the time to finish the studying you neglected to watch us."

"Yes, Master," he replied, a bit chagrinned. But even as he turned back to the bench, it was clear to see that his mind was still contemplating the display he had witnessed and working out strategies to help him experience it for himself.

Without another word, Qui-Gon grabbed the duffle bag against the wall and headed to the showers, with me following quickly behind. The locker room was deserted so we moved into the open changing area and began undressing. As I stripped off my sweaty tunics, I was relieved to see that my always-prepared Master had remembered to bring a change of clothes for me as well.

When Qui-Gon sat down on the bench to pull off his boots, I quickly dropped to my knees in front of him to complete the task for him. As I pulled off the second boot, I looked up at him and a wave of desire rushed though me. He had pulled the tie from his hair so it flowed over his shoulders in striking disarray, strands of it clinging to his sweaty chest. I leaned forward and licked up a droplet of sweat that trailed down his chest, brushing none too gently against his slowly firming penis. He moaned softly at the sensation and I found myself overcome by a desperate need for him. I licked a path to his nipple then bit down firmly on the rosy nub.

When I tried to move my mouth to the other side, his large hands cupped my head and halted the movement. "As wonderful as this is, it would be rather embarrassing to have Anakin or someone else wander in on us, Obi-Wan." He leaned down and took my mouth in a bruising kiss. "Consider that a promise, my love. As soon as Anakin has settled into bed for the night, we can pick up where we left off."

I leaned in for another kiss then stood up reluctantly. "Do you think we could convince Anakin to go to sleep as soon as we get back from late-meal?" I joked.

"With his energy level, I would think that would take a very strong Force suggestion," Qui-Gon chuckled as he drew off his leggings and linens.

"Probably," I admitted as I toed off my boots and stripped off the rest of my clothes. My erection throbbed heavily and the sight of my wonderfully naked lover did nothing to reduce that problem.

"Anything worth having is worth waiting for, my Knight," he drawled as he raked his eyes over me.

"Too bad I can't spend less time waiting and more time having," I grumbled as I crossed the short distance to the shower stalls. "At least I won't have to worry if the hot water is lacking since it looks like I won't be using any." I ignored the soft chuckle that floated over from the next stall as I turned the water on and concentrated on getting clean.

The cold water did its job and my erection had subsided by the time I finished my shower. I had pulled on my leggings and was getting out my tunics when Qui-Gon reentered the changing area. Even though I knew it was a mistake, I couldn't resist turning to look at him. He stood there toweling off his hair, his skin flushed from the heat of the shower and a few drops of water were scattered over various parts of his body. He was magnificent and I was shocked by the enormity of my reaction. This overwhelming need to be joined with him was something I had rarely felt before and I again had to fight the desire to take him right then and there. He must have sensed my struggle because he looked up at me in amusement. "Patience, my own."

"Yes, Master," I replied as I turned away and finished dressing.

It took only a few more minutes for us to put on our clean uniforms and to toss our dirty clothing back into the duffle. Anakin must have heard us reenter the salle because he was tucking his datapad into his backpack and making his way over to us in just a few seconds. Although the trip to the dining hall was short, Anakin filled it with a multitude of questions about the routine we had performed and saber training in general. A number of people stopped to greet us both on the way and when we first entered the hall. News of Qui-Gon's relapse had spread and many of his friends used this opportunity to find out for themselves how he was doing.

About fifteen minutes passed before we were able to make our way to the serving lines. The lines were relatively short and we managed to make our selections and head to the seating area quickly. Qui-Gon led us to an empty table in a section not defined for a specific rank rather than the Master's section, probably to spare Anakin the intimidation. We had barely sat down when Master Jufa approached and Qui-Gon motioned him to join us. He inquired to how we were doing without getting into too much detail and I was certain that he had ascertained more from the quick Force scan I felt than from any of our comments.

Over the next few minutes, a few more people settled down at the table and we were soon engrossed in some very pleasant conversation. We were about half through the meal when Toq, one of Anakin's friends, came over. Qui-Gon was deep in conversation so Anakin looked up at me questioningly and motioned to the far end of the table. I nodded and he and Toq moved a few seats away. I could hear the beginnings of the conversation between the two boys and was not surprised when the topic was the sparring match Ani had witnessed.

We lingered in the dining hall for a time, savoring the camaraderie of our fellows as we drank tea and indulged in a second round of dessert. A few of my friends and yearmates stopped by including Garen, who didn't hesitate to comment rather loudly that the last two days of 'rest' had gone a long way to improving my physical state. I felt the questioning glances of a couple of the Masters Qui-Gon was talking with but they were polite enough not to voice them. I glared at Garen but he just laughed before moving down the table, whispering something conspiratorially to Anakin then disappearing across the room.

'Someday, I'll find a way to pay him back for all these little jabs,' I thought as he fled. No sooner had I thought it then a mental admonishment floated over the bond. Revenge is not befitting a Jedi, Obi-Wan. I would have felt chastised if not for the amusement that accompanied the words.

I'm sure the Force would forgive me a tiny bit of payback, I sent in reply before resettling into my discussion with the Knight beside me.

One by one, the people who had joined us departed until only Qui-Gon, Anakin and I remained at the table. "I guess it's time for us to head back as well," Qui-Gon announced as he rose. "As enjoyable as this was, we all have some things to do before bedtime." Anakin and I stood as well, gathered up the empty dishes strewn over the table and after depositing them in the collection area, followed him from the hall.

Much like the evening before, we settled to our individual tasks after we arrived back at our quarters. Qui-Gon and I had never spent much time in Temple over the years due to his high demand as a negotiator so I was finding this new home routine very comfortable. I knew it couldn't last but I wanted to enjoy the easy familiarity the three of us had fallen into for as long as possible.

An hour or so later, Anakin had come over to bid us both goodnight and Qui-Gon looked, no make that leered, over at me before saying huskily, "Are you ready to retire to our bedroom, Obi-Wan?"

I jumped to my feet, stalked over to his chair and pulled him up. "I was ready hours ago," I reminded as I led him into our room. The door had barely slid closed when I turned on him and took his mouth in a probing kiss. My need exploded as it had in the locker room and I found I could not remove his clothing fast enough. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted but I knew I just had to feel his skin against me.

I set his belt and saber carefully on the night table then pulled off his tunics and tossed them carelessly aside. My hands were moving to his waistband when he grabbed my wrists. "Slow down, love. We have all night."

"I can't wait. I need you now," I groaned before looking up into those beautiful blue eyes and entreating. "Please, I don't know why I am feeling so desperate but I just need..." I allowed the sentence to trail off, a bit disgusted at my own neediness.

"A residual effect of the bond's imbalance, I suppose. Master Jufa said it would take at least a ten to stabilize and it's only been two days," he insisted, before moving his hands to cup my face and kissing me gently. "You have spent the last two cycles putting everyone else's needs before your own. Let me take care of you, give to you, do for you. Tell me what you need, my Obi-Wan."

"You," I beseeched. "I want to feel your hands and mouth on me, touching every part of my body. I want to feel you in my mind, to lose myself in our bond until only you and I exist."

"Then you shall have it," he promised as his hands moved to my belt. I was undressed way too slowly for my taste but was rewarded by random touches of fingers, lips and tongue during the process. Teasing touches, nothing very substantial, were scattered over my face, neck and chest until I thought I would scream. Qui-Gon must have sensed my frustration because he backed me towards the bed with a husky chuckle. "Going too slow for you?"

"Yes, damn it," I growled as my knees hit the edge of the bed and I was pushed to sit on it. I toed off my boots before he even had the chance to bend down and would have stood to peel off my leggings but strong hands on my shoulders stopped me. "Hey!" I shouted.

"Not yet," he declared as he pressed me to lie back on the bed. He removed his own boots then climbed on the bed and straddled my hips. We both still wore our leggings but I could feel the heat and weight of his arousal pressing against mine as he leaned in and whispered against my lips, "I haven't had a chance to touch every part of your upper body yet." He hooked the fingers of one hand into the waistband of my leggings and added, "This will have to wait until I have completed my explorations."

I moaned, a frantic needy sound that was part frustration and part anticipation, before wrapping a hand around his neck and pulling his mouth to mine. I slid my tongue past his parted lips and twined it with his. Our minds opened even more to one another as the kiss continued, our love, need and desire flowing back and forth between us. The intensity of the feelings seemed to increase as they drifted along the bond and I thought I would come from the passion of our kiss alone.

Qui-Gon must have sensed it because he pulled his mouth from mine and began kissing a path over to my ear. He ran his tongue slowly over the whorl before sucking my earlobe into his mouth. It felt so good to have his mouth on me and I melted into the sensation. After a moment I realized I was hearing soft mewling sounds and after another realized that they were coming from me. His wonderful mouth traced a path across my cheek, down to my chin, nipping lightly at the cleft before continuing on to my other cheek and ear. I tried to shift to increase the contact between us but the weight of his body over mine kept me from moving.

He brought his mouth back to mine, kissed me gently then said, "I guess it's time for me to move lower."

"Force, yes," I cried as he slid down a little and kissed my neck. After a few gentle licks, he began sucking and the sensation went straight to my groin. He continued for a long moment and I wondered if the passion mark he had brought to the surface would be visible through my tunic. He left the spot after soothing it with his tongue and moved down my chest. The warmth of his mouth on my nipple was exquisite and I couldn't help but grab his head and push him down more firmly against me. He licked and bit at the needy flesh for a few moments then moved on to its mate.

He slid down a bit further when he released my nipple, licking a path down the center of my chest. He dipped his tongue in my navel and I arched my hips off the bed in anticipation when I felt him move to kneel beside me. When he hadn't pulled off my leggings after a few seconds, I slid my hands down to do it for him. "Not yet. Roll over," he ordered as I looked up at him in what could only be disbelief.

"You can't be serious," I grumbled.

"I told you that I wasn't moving lower until I had finished my exploration on your upper body," he said, his voice striving for an innocence he wasn't quite pulling off. "Trust me, love, it will be worth it."

I groaned theatrically but rolled over, wondering exactly what my torturous Master had in mind. I didn't have to wait long to find out. He started at my neck and worked downward, licking and biting along my sides and into the sensitive skin of my armpits. When he reached the indentation at the small of my back, he sucked another passion mark into the extremely sensitive skin there and I pressed my now seriously aching erection into the bed beneath me. He laved the mark with his tongue then kissed it before sliding a hand underneath the fabric of my leggings.

"Thank the Force," I exclaimed as I lifted my hips to allow him to pull the leggings off my body. I tried to roll over but Qui-Gon was again straddling my thighs. I started to ask but my words became a shriek of pleasure as he spread my cheeks with his thumbs and ran his tongue slowly along the crease of my ass. "Oh... oh..." I moaned as his talented tongue pressed against my anus. He teased those sensitive tissues with tiny licks until I was writhing helplessly under his touch. He thrust his tongue through the tight ring of muscle and I thought I would explode from the pleasure. "Oh gods, don't stop," I wailed and for a few moments he complied as I rubbed against the bedding beneath me. I was so close and I knew it would only take a few more thrusts for me to come.

"No," I half-yelled in dismay when he pulled away. I twisted to gaze into his smug face and pleaded, "please, so close... I need..."

Qui-Gon leaned forward and kissed me before lifting up onto his knees and spreading them to allow me to roll over. He rubbed his cloth-covered erection over mine as he stared down at me. "So needy, so wanton, so beautiful, my Obi-Wan." He sat back on my thighs, blew over the tip of my leaking penis and drawled, "Is this what you need, love?" before sucking my length into his mouth.

My howl of pleasure must have been really loud because a palm closed down over my mouth and a teasing voice echoed in my head while the wonderful warm wetness engulfed me. Shush love, Anakin is going to think I'm torturing you.

"You are," I growled as I pulled his hand away, "and don't you dare stop."

His rumble of laughter vibrated over my cock and I had to fight to keep from screaming again. It felt so good, so very good, that I couldn't help but thrust into his hot mouth. Qui-Gon swallowed around my cock as I thrust forward and I was coming, my semen pulsing deeply down my lover's throat. He held my hips as I shuddered beneath him, bathing my penis with his tongue until it had begun to soften in his mouth.

He rolled off me and pulled me into his arms, holding me tight against him as I recovered from my orgasm. Being held in his arms was a comfort I enjoyed almost as much as making love so I relaxed into his embrace for a few moments. Although he seemed content to hold me, I could feel his erection pressing into my thigh. I pressed him onto his back and took the nearest nipple into my mouth. He arched up into me as I sucked and I found myself beginning to harden again. His soft moans as I nipped at the tasty nub refueled my arousal and soon I was aching for him to be inside me.

I released his nipple and slid upwards, kissing him deeply as my hands moved to his leggings. "Will you let me be greedy for a bit longer, love? I want to feel you inside me."

"Whatever you need, my own," he replied as he lifted his hips.

After pulling off his leggings, I grabbed the lube from the table, unscrewed the cap and squeezed a generous amount into my palm. I coated his penis then brought my fingers to my opening, spreading the gel as I quickly stretched the ring of muscle. I moved to face the opposite direction, shifted onto my hands and knees then looked back over my shoulder and demanded, "Take me, Qui-Gon."

A wave of lust flowing through the bond accompanied his husky growl as he moved into position behind me. Stroking his thumb over the passion mark he had raised on the small of my back, he pressed forward, sheathing himself in one slow and steady stroke. The tiny frisson of pain on his entry quickly gave way to intense pleasure. He began to rock forward and back, lazily at first, as if he was totally unaffected by the intensity of our joining. But I knew better. I could feel his pleasure, his emotions and his struggle to keep control as easily as I could feel my own. The bond laid wide open between us; our love, desire and sexual bliss feeding back and forth in a maelstrom of sensations that seemed to expand in each exchange. My last coherent thought as Qui-Gon's strokes deepened to rake across my prostate was how anyone could live without this, how had I lived without this level of unity before Naboo.

It was so good, so right, and I lost myself in the pleasure. He filled me, body and mind, and I concentrated on the sensations. Being filled and filling, stroking and being stroked, being held and holding, the dual sensations were astonishing but almost more stimulation than I could handle. Then Qui-Gon was wrapping his hand tighter around my cock, fisting me roughly as he pounded into me and stars erupted behind my eyes. My orgasm seemed to come from my toes, rising within me until I couldn't hold back any longer. "Love you, love you, love you, Qui," I screamed as I came.

The hand holding me gentled a bit even as he kept up his fierce pace. "Yes, yes, yes," he moaned in time with his thrusts before burying himself deeply within me. He was completely still for a moment before I felt the shudders of his release overtake him and he moaned, "my Obi." His fingers dug into my hips as he rode the wave until his weight collapsed on my back a few seconds later.

It took him a few moments to recover enough to move and even though his weight had made breathing a bit difficult, I felt bereft when he slipped from my body. It took me only a second to turn myself around and dive into his arms. I was still trembling slightly as I pressed against him, overwhelmed by the power of our lovemaking. After a minute, I looked up into his handsome face and whispered, "Will it always be like this for us? Since I returned from Ansion, each time we make love I feel like a tiny part of my soul slips into you and a tiny part of yours flows into mine to fill the space."

"We can only hope," he affirmed. "Your Light has been my salvation for many years, love. Having the part of you within my mind and heart expanding a bit more each time is a gift I could never have dreamed of and will thank the Force for until the day I become one with it."

"Just make sure that day is in the very distant future," I protested as I leaned in for a kiss.

"Don't worry, my own," he replied when I pulled back. "I have the greatest incentive possible for remaining right where I am."

"And don't you forget it," I mock growled before asking him seriously, "What do you think the Council will decide about our petition?"

"Sadly, I have never been good about predicting the choices of the Council, Obi-Wan," he admitted. "But no matter what they decide, we will remain together. Taking lifevows would be wonderful but even if they deny our petition, it will not change what has grown between us. The Force has destined our union, nothing the Council can say or do will affect that."

"I know, Qui-Gon, but..." I began but he pressed a finger to my lips.

"No buts, my Padawan. We must live our lives in the moment. The future will take care of itself," he maintained.

"Yes, Master," I replied aloud while thinking, 'with a little help from me.'

"I heard that," he chided before replacing the finger lying against my lips with his mouth. When the probing kiss ended, he added smugly, "You are a brat, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I'm beginning to think that I should have spanked you more as a boy."

I rolled out of his arms, stuck my ass in the air and wiggled. "Well, you can always try to make up for it now."

His hand smacked down on my butt a couple of times before he pulled me back into his arms. "I will have to keep that in mind," he chuckled. "Now I think we should get some sleep. I don't think it would do well for us to appear before the Council in any condition but fully rested."

"Yes, Master," I snickered as I snuggled into his chest and within moments we were both drifting into a sated sleep.

Morning came much sooner then either of us would have liked and after indulging in a short morning snuggle, we were up and beginning our day. First-meal was not quite as relaxed as the morning before. I could feel Anakin's nervousness when the Council appraisal was discussed and I was controlling my own anxiety only slightly better when I thought about the lifevow petition. I tried to shift the conversation to other topics but Qui-Gon must have sensed the futility because he addressed it directly. "Do not center on your anxiety, Padawans. Trust in the Force and it will always provide."

"Yes, Master," we said in unison. I couldn't help but laugh and Anakin joined in almost immediately. Our laughter did the trick to lighten the mood and the rest of first-meal passed much more comfortably.

Since our appointment with the Council coincided with the time of Anakin's first class, Qui-Gon and I walked him to the teaching wing before continuing on to the Council chamber. We were kept in the anteroom for about ten minutes which, while not unusual in itself, managed to ratchet my anxieties back up a bit. I felt a wave of calm flow into me over our bond but before I could say anything the door before us opened and we were directed to enter. Thank you, I sent as I strove to mimic his serenity and we stepped into the circular chamber side by side.

When we reached the center of the chamber we bowed in greeting and I took one step back to allow Qui-Gon to direct the exchange. I was not surprised to see him get right down to business. "Good morning, Masters. Yesterday afternoon I sent each of you a report on Anakin Skywalker's progress. It included my personal appraisal as well as Knight Kenobi's plus reports from several of his instructors and his current standings in his classes. I also asked Master Jufa to do a general appraisal of his emotional state based on his interactions with the boy during my recovery and that was included as well." He stopped for a moment, swept his gaze over the Councilors seated around the room then continued. "You can see from my report that the boy has made amazing progress in the past two cycles. He is bright, naturally skilled, eager to learn and eager to please although I can see that his temper, anger and impatience will be challenges he will battle over his entire life." He looked over at me with a slight smile and I knew he was thinking of my younger days even as he talked of Anakin.

Eeth Koth took Qui-Gon's momentary pause as an opportunity to jump in. "His anger floats around him like a vapor shield, ready to be coalesced in an instant at the slightest affront. Do you really think you can change that?"

"I think that his anger has become a defense mechanism for him," Qui-Gon explained. "The boy grew up in a world where survival of the fittest is a way of life. To show weakness is to invite disaster so he unconsciously used his natural abilities to protect himself and his mother. While children raised at the Temple are shown how to release negative emotions into the Force from an early age, he did not have that advantage. He could only use his instincts to deal with the power within him that he could not truly understand."

"That is why he should not be trained," Yarael Poof stated firmly. "He is too old to change his ingrown behaviors and embrace the ways of the Jedi."

I touched Qui-Gon's arm in a silent gesture for permission to speak and when he nodded I stepped up to stand beside him. "I beg to differ on that opinion, Master Poof. During my Master's recovery, I had time to do some research on training methods in the Order's early days. Taking children from infancy is a luxury that the Order was able to shift to in this millennium due to the sheer numbers of Force sensitives being identified. Before identification methods were refined, most Force sensitives were not identified until the mid-years of their childhoods, when they would start to use their natural abilities."

"That may be true but it does not negate the boy's problem with his anger," Master Poof retorted.

"No it does not," I agreed," but Anakin is not the only young person in Temple to have trouble controlling his anger. I still struggle with my anger at times, as do many others. It does not mean that controls cannot be developed."

"There is another issue here that must be considered as well," Qui-Gon said as I finished. "During my recuperation, I had a vast amount of time to think and meditate. Whether he is the Chosen One or not, Anakin is a powerful Force sensitive and I am certain that finding him on Tatooine was the Will of the Force. You must realize that his ability to tap into the Force during the podrace would have been detected by any Force sensitive in the area. Consider the fact that Anakin and I were still almost fifty meters from the Naboo cruiser when the Sith attacked me. Can we be certain that Queen Amidala was the Sith's only target or is it possible that he was attempting to abduct Anakin as well?"

He stopped speaking for a moment, allowing the Councilors to absorb the enormity of that possibility before continuing. "And now the Sith Master will be searching for a new apprentice. We are no closer to discovering his identity then we were when Obi-Wan and I returned to Naboo so he could be closer than we think. Are we willing to allow the possibility of Anakin coming to his attention and potentially being corrupted by him because we are not willing to be flexible?"

I couldn't help my mental smile as I listened to my Master make his arguments so succinctly. His ability to dive right into the heart of an issue is what made him so formidable as a negotiator.

"Anakin now understands what it means to be a Jedi and what his training will entail," Qui-Gon stated. "Turning him away now that he has been given a taste of his potential and proven his dedication would be a betrayal that he would most likely never recover from."

Silence weighed heavily over the room for a few moments before Mace ended it. "You've made your point, Qui-Gon. The boy will be allowed to continue training under our scrutiny for the time being but I must admit that because of your track record, I have serious reservations on whether you are the right Master for him."

"You can't be serious, Master Windu," I blurted out before I could contain myself. I heard gasps from a couple of the other Councilors and Mace gave me a stern look but I stood my ground, preparing to list my reasons when Qui-Gon held his arm out to stop me.

With an eyebrow raised in his classic expression of annoyance, he queried, "And why would that be, Mace?"

I had to give him credit. In spite of the spike of pain that echoed over the bond from the comment, he stood before the Council, his dignity and serenity wrapped around him as securely as he wore his cloak, making Mace Windu put his insinuations into words.

"You know why, Qui-Gon. You were unable to see the Darkness growing in one apprentice. What makes you think that you would be able to see it if it began in Anakin?" he accused.

I felt a wave of love flow across the bond even as the words left Qui-Gon's mouth. "Obi-Wan. Our years together have been as much of a learning experience for me as they have been for him. His unconditional love has changed me in many ways, including my ability to look beyond the moment into the future." He met Mace's gaze steadily as he declared, "I am not the same person I was when I trained Xanatos, partially because of his betrayal but mostly because of the Light and love that Obi-Wan has brought into my life. I know you and probably the majority of the Council considers me arrogant and stubborn and even though you have exploited that trait when it served your whim, you more often have berated me for it."

He smiled enigmatically at me again then pressed on. "What you consider arrogance and obstinance are in reality my commitment to my convictions. My vows as a Jedi dictate that I follow the will of the Force not the will of the Council. I regret that my single mindedness when it came to Anakin caused pain for the person I love most in the galaxy. I know now I should have taken a different approach when we appeared before this body prior to leaving for Naboo but that doesn't change my belief in the trueness of this course. As I said before, I have spent many hours in meditation during my recovery. The threat of Darkness may still loom over Anakin but if you really think about it, the potential for Darkness looms in each one of us at some point in our lives."

"That may be so but I agree with Mace," Ki-Adi Mundi declared. "I don't know if you are the right master for young Skywalker."

"The boy needs someone who believes in him, someone whose focus will be his talents, not someone whose foremost thought will always be his potential for Darkness," Qui-Gon affirmed stoically, even though I could feel his frustration growing with each exchange. "And the Force has shown me that together Obi-Wan and I can give Anakin what he needs to stay on the path of the Light."

"I find I have to concur with Qui-Gon in this," Depa Billaba announced, in rare public opposition of her former Master. "From what I have seen in Anakin's appraisal, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have done an excellent job so far in his training. Although he was uprooted from his mother and the life he had known for nine years, he is confident, well mannered, dedicated and happy. I see no reason why we would even consider changing that successful arrangement."

Debate began in earnest then, with the Councilors talking back and forth among themselves as if Qui-Gon and I weren't even in the room. More than once, I saw Qui-Gon look as if he wanted to join in, but a stern glance from Master Yoda quelled him before any words could leave his mouth. Finally, he blocked out the discussion going on around us, wrapped himself in his mask of serenity and turned inward, rallying his composure so that he was ready to face whatever decision came forth. I followed his lead and did the same, preparing myself for the inevitable.

I had not really expected the all out attack Master Windu had launched against Qui-Gon although in retrospect I should have. Even though they have been friends since childhood, it seemed that when Mace settled into his Council seat, he left his heart at the door. He regularly ignored his personal knowledge of the whys and wherefores of Qui-Gon's decisions and reduced them to the simplicity of compliance or defiance. Years of this had caused Qui-Gon to hide his true feelings from almost everyone and it made his revelations about the depth of his feelings for me before the Council all the more meaningful.

I basked in that fact as I gathered my serenity, knowing that I would need it if things played out as Masters Windu and Mundi intended. Qui-Gon would not accept having Anakin transferred to another master without a fight. He had made a promise to the boy and renewed that promise just yesterday and I had made one as well. Although I hoped that outright defiance wouldn't be necessary, I would be by his side in full support regardless.

The sound of Yoda's gimer stick hitting the floor pulled me from my thoughts. I looked intently at the diminutive master and could see Qui-Gon doing the same. "Much difficulty I still see surrounding his training, Qui-Gon, but your padawan, young Skywalker will be. Form a training bond when ready he is. Be vigilant. The Darkness around us is growing and target for the Sith the boy could easily be."

"We will be, my Master. Thank you," Qui-Gon pledged, not wanting to say more and reanimate the discussion.

When no one else spoke, I stepped forward again. "Masters, since you have all had ample time to review the information I sent, are there any questions or concerns regarding our lifevow petition?"

Surprisingly, Adi Gallia was the first one to speak. "I must admit that my initial reaction when you broached this subject yesterday, Obi-Wan, was categorically no. But after reading through the detailed document that you sent to us, I find that my position is wavering. It appears you have thoroughly considered how this would affect both of you and what you would be forfeiting, although I do still have a few concerns. Taking lifevows with a person so much your senior in rank and age could be detrimental to your own growth. You would be bound to defer to Qui-Gon on any difference of opinion regarding your duties, much as you did during your apprenticeship. Are you certain that you want to yield your right to make your own choices?"

"I honestly do not feel I will be yielding any of my rights, Master Gallia," I rebuked. "Even from the earliest days of my apprenticeship, Qui-Gon has always encouraged me to think for myself and welcomed my opinions even when they differed from his. I am certain that we can work together as partners without me having to sublimate my progression."

Oppo Rancisis was the next Master to speak. "Do you truly believe that you and Qui-Gon can settle into an equal partnership without your history overshadowing you?"

"Yes I do, Master Rancisis," I affirmed. "Our relationship these past two years has been much closer to a partnership than a classic Master/Padawan pairing and since my Knighting, it has shifted even more. Our lifebond has connected us to a degree that others can only dream of. As it deepens, there is no way for us to be anything but equals. We are aware of each other to an extent that is almost total. Nothing can be hidden and even the tiniest upset would be revealed. How could that not create a complete equity between us?"

Master Yaddle asked gently, "The lifebond is a connection unmatched. Why do you need the declaration of lifevows?"

I met her penetrating gaze and answered honestly. "In truth, my reasons are basically selfish." I ignored Qui-Gon's mental snort and continued. "By declaring lifevows, we would be publicly pledging our commitment to one another. I want everyone to know that we are together out of love and not out of some sense of duty."

The room was silent for a few moments, each Councilor seeming to be considering our request. I was a little surprised that none of the questions had been directed at Qui-Gon but since I was the one supposedly giving up things, I guess it made sense.

Finally Master Yoda announced, "Approved your petition is. Take care of each other you must."

"Thank you, Masters," we answered in unison before I added, "Master Yoda, I have one additional request if I may?"

I could almost hear the sigh of frustration Mace suppressed as he asked, "And what would that be, Knight Kenobi?"

"After we have pledged our lifevows, I would like to be officially pronounced as Anakin's Provisional Master," I contended. "Although I know I will be heavily involved with his training as a consequence of my relationship with Qui-Gon, I want to affirm my commitment to him and for him in this outward manner."

Mace just shook his head and mumbled, "Haven't you flaunted tradition enough for one morning, Obi-Wan?"

I could feel Qui-Gon's smile even though I focused my attention on Mace. "In this instance, there is a precedent for my request. There have been two cases documented in the Temple Archives in the past eighty years where bondmates have officially served as joint masters to a single apprentice. As they did, I would like to invoke the little used custom of provisional mastership."

I watched as Yoda closed his eyes, his ears dropping a bit as they always did when he probed the eddies of the future. He and Master Yaddle were the only ones who had been on the Council during either of those two instances. "Allowed it will be but proceed slowly you must. When current class term ends, sent to Kamparas you three will be. Need teachers there they do. Good for the boy a smaller Temple will be."

I spared a quick glance at Qui-Gon and could see that he too was trying to puzzle out this sudden shift in direction. Not that either of us really minded, but honor dictated that we not concede too readily so Qui-Gon asked, "For how long, my Master?"

"Three cycles at least," Yoda declared. "Then visit I will and decide if longer is needed."

"That would be acceptable," Qui-Gon said dryly, though a hint of a smile played across his lips.

"Now if there is nothing else gentlemen, we do have other business to attend to," Mace said in an exasperated tone.

"Yes, go you should. Much planning you have to do," Yoda cackled.

"Yes, Masters," we replied. We bowed formally to the assembly then turned and headed for the door before he could change his mind.

"Well, that was interesting," Qui-Gon quipped as we passed through the anteroom. "A confrontation where I had not expected one and relatively easy acquiescence where I expected a battle."

I looked at him in concern as I said what I had not been able to in the chamber. "Master Windu's vehemence surprised me. Are you okay?"

"I am fine, Obi-Wan," he said. "Old pains may never die completely but I find they have faded to the point that they are easily ignored. Thanks to you." He reached up and touched my cheek gently, his love for me very evident in the small gesture. "Now let's go find Anakin. I'm sure he is bouncing with pent up anxiety, waiting to hear the results of our session."

The next ten passed in a whirlwind of activity. In addition to classes, training, pre-bonding exercises, planning for Qui-Gon and Anakin's bonding ceremony and our lifevows, we were packing and making preparations for our temporary move to Kamparas. The Temple there was in a much less populated area and the rustic setting would allow us the pleasure of spending a good amount of time outdoors. The planet was temperate and we would be arriving at the beginning of the summer solstice so we would have the opportunity to swim and hike in addition to other more basic training activities.

Unlike the Coruscant Temple, the Kamparas compound consisted of a number of buildings separated by a variety of distances. Although the teaching, training, healing and dining facilities were all within relatively close proximity to one another, the residential set up was more spread out. It consisted of a dormitory that housed the crechlings and the initiates and a number of individual cottages that provided homes for the masters, knights and padawans in residence. These buildings were located around the perimeter of the compound and depending on where someone lived, it could be as much as two kilometers to a cottage on the opposite side. If you wanted to explore the lake or wooded areas that surrounded that complex you would have to walk even further.

By calling in a few favors, I managed to acquire a couple of run down speeder bikes and had them crated to take with us, unbeknownst to the others. Rebuilding them would give Anakin and I an opportunity to work together on something outside his training and I had to admit that I was eagerly anticipating being able to pilot the speedy crafts through the tree dotted landscape.

Qui-Gon and I had taken time during the ten to catch up with many of our friends, each sharing meals and the like with our peers since it would be a while before we would see them again. Anakin had spent the time with his new friends as well, getting comm codes and message mail addresses so that he could keep in touch with them while he was away. At first he had seemed a little unhappy about being uprooted again but after he saw all the things available on Kamparas, his gloom faded quickly.

All in all, the three of us were looking forward to our exile on Kamparas. Whether Yoda had intended it as reward, punishment or just as a way to get us away from the attention of the Council, we would probably never know but I had learned at an early age to take small pleasures whenever they were offered. And Kamparas was only a two hour journey from Ansion. So if things worked out, I was hoping that at some point during our tenure there we would be able to head over there for a visit.

This was our last night in Temple so we had enjoyed a leisurely late-meal in the dining hall with a mixed group of our peers. Toq's Master had invited Anakin to stay with them overnight to allow the boys to spend some time together so Qui-Gon and I had come home alone and taken full advantage of the unexpected privacy. Removing our boots, we started out snuggling on the couch, just kissing and touching without even removing any of our clothing. Our arousal built slowly as we teased each other with lips, tongues and fingertips until we needed more.

I took the opportunity to slowly undress my lover, indulging in kisses, licks and nips upon each bit of skin I exposed. Our bond had deepened even more during this ten and I could feel his pleasure as if it were my own. By the time I drew off his leggings and lapped up the drops of fluid pooled in the slit of his penis, we were both panting with desire and need. I knelt between his legs, looked up at him sprawled in sensual abandon over the couch and said, "Tell me what you need."

"Take me in your mouth. Suck me," he implored and I complied without hesitation.

I could feel him holding back as I began to pleasure him, running my tongue teasingly along the heavy vein before sucking gently on the tip. His hips bucked when I did it again before he forced himself back to stillness with a low groan. Don't hold back, I sent, show me how much you need me.

That tiny bit of encouragement was all he needed. He began thrusting into my mouth in earnest, moaning, "so hot, so wet," over and over, and I reveled in the pleasure I was giving him. I could feel his climax building with each thrust so I slid one hand down to gently fondle his sac and gave myself over to his pace, letting him take his pleasure. Within a few seconds he was coming, the tangy flavor of his release bathing my mouth and throat. I savored every drop, gentling my caresses as his tremors faded and letting him slip from my mouth when his penis softened.

"I love you," he murmured as I crawled back into his lap. He kissed my neck then looked up at me with an indulgent smile. "How is it that I am naked and you are still fully clothed?"

"Someone has been derelict in their duty?" I teased as I rubbed my leggings against his naked thighs.

"I'll show you..." was all he managed to growl before flipping me onto my back and covering my mouth with his. He never broke our kiss as he pulled off my belt and sash and opened my tunics. His fingers moved to my nipples and I moaned into his mouth as he flicked and pinched the sensitive buds. He released my lips for a second to pull my tunics over my head before diving back into my mouth. I was so lost in the pleasure of his kiss that my leggings disappeared almost without me noticing.

He released my mouth with a teasing lick to my swollen lips, slid to his knees then moved directly to the place I wanted him most. He sucked my length into his mouth without a word and set about to drive me insane with pleasure. "Oh sweet gods," I moaned as he sucked and licked. I began to babble continuously, " yes, suck harder, more, please," as his wonderful mouth brought me to the edge of the brink over and over. At some point, I had wrapped my hands in his hair, and I felt his flinch of pain as I tried to direct his movements. I loosened my grasp immediately but he must have sensed my need because all teasing ended and he swallowed me to the root. I think I screamed and then I was coming, pouring my seed into his mouth.

When my sanity returned, he was lying on the couch beside me, his arms wrapped tightly around my spent body. "Sometimes I think you're trying to kill me," I muttered against his chest. I could sense his snippy reply so I covered his mouth with my hand and said, "I know, I know. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. But I don't think that mind-blowing sex was quite what the Jedi philosophers had in mind when they created that axiom."

"Maybe not, but that truism does fit for a multitude of situations, love," Qui-Gon chuckled as he leaned down and kissed my hair.

We lay together for a few more minutes, kissing and nuzzling, content in each others arms until the cool room air combined with the sweat cooling on our bodies began to make us a both uncomfortable. My body was starting to react to his touches and our proximity and I knew it wouldn't take much to renew my interest. I rolled out of his arms and to my feet, holding out a hand to him as I beckoned, "Let's move this to our bed. Since it will be our last night in it for a while, I want to spend it making slow sweet love with my bondmate and falling asleep in the comfort of his arms."

His eyes raked over me as he rose, his hunger renewing as easily as mine had. We made our way quickly to the bedroom, sliding between the covers, kissing and cuddling while our arousal rekindled. When we were ready, Qui-Gon slicked my passage and his shaft, spooned behind me and sheathed himself slowly within my body. Our pace was slow and gentle, building gradually, and part of me wished that we could stay like this forever. But we couldn't and as with all good things it had to end eventually. As our need increased so did our pace and soon we were lost in a rhythm that gave no quarter, driving us to the pinnacle of climax. We cried out each other's names as our release surged through us, Qui-Gon's into my body and mine into his hand and the sheets.

I cleaned us both with the towel that had become a regular item on our nightstand, then rolled into his arms. I placed my head on his chest, allowing the echo of his slowing heartbeat to fill my ears. "I love you," I whispered as I drifted off to sleep to the comforting rhythm of his heart.

The room was still dark when I came awake sometime later, not quite sure what had woken me. I gently probed Qui-Gon, checking to see if something was disturbing his rest, but he was sleeping soundly. I automatically reached out to check on Anakin before I remembered that he was sleeping at Toq's. I glanced around the room, making sure nothing was untoward or out of place but everything appeared perfectly normal. With a sigh, I turned back to look at my sleeping lover.

I catalogued the changes in him from the last time I had done this, on his first night home from Healer's Hall after Naboo. His face was no longer thin and drawn out, having regained its normal fullness. His hair, though retaining its additional silver streaking, was shiny and lustrous now that he was again eating properly and no longer taking any medication. His breathing had returned to its normal rhythm and his heartbeat was strong and steady. His face was no longer grimaced in pain at each tiny movement and he slept peacefully without discomfort or night terrors disturbing his rest. He was growing stronger each day and I was relieved to finally be certain that one day very soon he would be physically back to his pre-Naboo self.

Emotionally, his encounter with the Sith's blade had changed him, had changed us both. I had learned to live in the moment and I think he had finally realized that you could not totally discount the eddies of the future. And our love was stronger for all the pain and suffering we had each endured. Although I would have done anything to keep him from suffering this physical agony, it had brought us something that we would cherish until the end of time. The lifebond had been our salvation, saving his life and my soul. I shuddered to think what would have become of either of us, or Anakin for that matter, if I had failed to save Qui-Gon.

The sky was barely beginning to lighten as I brushed a stray hair from his cheek. He shifted slightly but didn't wake and I stilled completely until his sleep deepened again. Today would bring a number of additional changes to all of our lives.

At 0900, Qui-Gon and Anakin would undergo their bonding ceremony. Breaking with tradition, I would stand witness to the bond's actual creation rather than Qui-Gon's master, using our lifebond to certify the depth and authenticity of their bond. Then the two would pledge their vows before Master Yoda and Anakin would be officially elevated to the level of Padawan Learner.

At 1400, Qui-Gon and I would take our lifevows. We had a small ceremony planned in our favorite garden with only our closest friends in attendance. Again we would defy tradition, having Anakin stand witness for both of us, rather than each of us having a close friend. Since the Council had asked me to wait before I could formally be declared his Provisional Master, we chose to have him stand up for us to publicly declare our commitment to him being a major part of our joint lives.

At 1600, there would be a joint reception to celebrate the Master/Padawan bonding and our lifevows. All of our friends and acquaintances in Temple would be attending, in fact everyone in the Order currently on planet was invited. It would be a boisterous affair just from the high number of attendees and since my childhood friends had been involved in its planning, I wasn't quite sure what I should expect. But lifebonds and lifevows were a rare occurrence so they were celebrated to a degree that was almost excessive especially for the Jedi.

Our ship for Kamparas was scheduled to depart at 2200. It was a seven-hour trip and with the time difference we would be arriving at the Temple at mid-morning. Most of what we were taking had already been delivered to the hangar. We would only have a small satchel of personal belongings to bring with us when we came back to our quarters to change for the flight.

I studied Qui-Gon's sleeping face intently and recalled recent events. During the past two cycles, my carefully controlled world had shattered and our lives had been turned upside down. Qui-Gon's injury and recovery, my difficulties from the imbalance in the lifebond, the adjustments necessitated by the changes in our relationship and my Knighthood, my struggle with accepting Anakin, had one by one, splintered my confidence and made me doubt myself to a level reminiscent of my early years as an apprentice. Individually, any of these events might have shaken me but together they almost crushed me. I had let my emotions overrule my intellect instead of approaching the situation logically, as Qui-Gon had taught me to do. Thankfully, the Force had been there to assist me, helping me through this difficult period.

I brushed a stray hair from Qui-Gon's face and my love for him filled my heart. The Force had brought us together in a way that defied time itself. No matter how many changes either of us underwent for the remainder of our lives, one thing would remain constant. We were part of one another, the core of our souls eternally intertwined so that even in death a portion of the other's essence would remain with the one left behind. Whether we were in the same room or across the galaxy, we would be able to offer support, comfort and love to each other in an indefinable number of situations. That promise from the Force itself ensured that whatever life dealt us, we would get through it together and that was enough for me.