The Lie

by Yvette yvette@ecn.net.au

Archive: Master & Apprentice, please

Category: Pre-slash, non Q/O, angst, drama

Rating: PG

Spoilers: None, Obi-Wan is seventeen

Summary: Obi-Wan tells a lie and nearly loses his Master because of it

Feedback: yvette@ecn.net.au Please? Thank-you to everyone who generously commented on Bear the Consequences. I got so much positive feedback, I ended up starting a series. This story is the first in the series, so there's no real need to read Bear the Consequences. This story owes it's life to the best betas in the whole world - Fern, Sithdragn & Megan. Who knew there could be that many errors in a single story? <g> Thanks, guys!

(c) September, 1999

"So, Obi-Wan, when is that gorgeous Master of yours back?" Arista's question fell in one of those silences, and immediately caught the attention of the rest of the table.

Valerin grinned at the table of Padawans.

"Why, Arista? Think you'll have a better chance with him this time around?"

There was a general snort of humour from most at the table - Arista's infatuation for Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was no secret amongst the Padawan set. The confident blonde tossed her head impatiently, ignoring Valerin's comment, and directed the full force of her attention back to Obi-Wan.

"So?" It was more a demand than a question, and Obi-Wan was all the more reluctant to answer. The icy blonde only ever addressed Obi-Wan when she wanted the low-down on his Master, and her open and obvious pursuit of Qui-Gon made Obi-Wan uncomfortable for more reasons than he wished to delve into.

"He won't be back for a couple of weeks, at least," he answered finally.

Arista frowned.

"It's so unfair that he's off world and you're the one spending time at the Temple," she huffed. Obi-Wan and his friends were left in no doubt that she wasn't referring to any unfortunate interruption in Obi-Wan's training. Her rather insulting dismissal of Obi-Wan's attraction immediately got Xera's attention, and she leapt to the defense of her long-time friend.

"Well the rest of us are all glad you're here, Obi-Wan. We don't see enough of you as it is."

Obi-Wan smiled at his friend and continued eating, not particularly bothered by Arista's comment. Arista wasn't letting it go, however.

"Master Jinn hasn't seen me in over six months. I think he'll be pleasantly surprised when we do finally catch up."

Her smug tones caused Valerin to roll his eyes, but there was little response from the other Padawans. Xera and Pro-Hon silently wondered how Arista's Master could fail to see the obvious conceit that was so much a part of Arista's personality, and Valerin was amused at the blatant self admiration. Obi-Wan disliked the possessive tones Arista used when speaking of his Master, but he was completely unconcerned about his Master falling in love with her. Qui-Gon Jinn was far too intelligent to fall for a pretty face.

Unlike his Padawan, Obi-Wan thought with a rueful grin. Obi-Wan had suffered an embarrassing crush of his own on Arista when he was fifteen and the stunning female Padawan had been seventeen. Although two full years had passed since then, Obi-Wan still recalled the humiliation of Arista's very public put-down.

It was not the Jedi way to nurse a grudge, and Obi-Wan gave her very little thought at all in the intervening years. But a year ago, Arista had decided that Qui-Gon Jinn would be the perfect mate for her, and had begun a concerted campaign to win the Jedi's attention. She had absolute confidence in herself and her own attractiveness, and did not doubt for a moment that her campaign would be successful. It didn't help that her own Master was on the Council, and spent much of her time involved in that, leaving the bulk of the rudimentary training to the wide range of teaching Masters in the Temple.

Obi-Wan was laughing softly at one of Xera's stories when Arista rudely interrupted them both once again.

"I wonder if the Council will let me move into Qui-Gon's quarters straight away?"

It was then that Obi-Wan spoke without thinking.

"Well, you'll have to get a new bed, the springs in his are so worn it's like sleeping on rock."

His throwaway comment had an instantaneous effect on his audience. Arista reared back in surprise, her perfect mouth dropping open unattractively. The rest of the table looked no less stunned, and it was Xera who broke the sudden silence.

"You've ........ ah ...... spent the night in Master Jinn's bed?"

It was then that Obi-Wan realised the interpretation they'd put on his words. As he opened his mouth to explain, his glance caught the expression on Arista's face, and somehow the words did not come. His silence stretched for three or four seconds longer before Obi-Wan replied.

"I spoke without thinking. I beg you will all forget what I just said."

He bowed his head, the blush on his face very real for the knowledge of what he'd just done. Without actually coming out and saying it, he'd virtually confirmed that he and his Master had been sexually intimate.

"I don't believe it."

But the expression on Arista's face gave lie to her words, and the rest of the table seemed to share her opinion. Xera shrugged her shoulders and silently raised her eyebrows at Pro-Hon, who didn't look too surprised. Obi-Wan was even blinder to the admiring glances of his peers than his Master was to the blushing Padawans who were madly in love with him.

So the fact that the Jedi Master had bedded the gorgeous young Padawan seemed perfectly logical, upon reflection. By the time Arista grabbed her tray and stormed off out of the dining room, Xera and Pro-Hon had accepted the new relationship between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon as virtually inevitable.

Valerin was looking at Obi-Wan's bowed head with a slight frown. He knew Obi-Wan too well to jump to the conclusion the others had. Valerin had the feeling that Qui-Gon Jinn would not be too happy were he to discover what had transpired this afternoon.

Obi-Wan sat through his afternoon class in somewhat of a daze. Fortunately, it was solo meditation in the Temple gardens, and Obi-Wan was left much to his own devices by the teaching Master. He'd left the dining hall as soon as he had finished his lunch, but not quickly enough to avoid meeting Valerin's eyes. The glance told Obi-Wan that Valerin knew his lie for what it was.

A month ago Obi-Wan and his Master had returned from a mission very late at night to find the Temple unprepared for their arrival. Obi-Wan's quarters were being used by the parents of a novitiate who had traveled some way to see their only child. The Jedi had shared Qui-Gon's bed for the rest of the night. They had been sent on another mission the next day, and leaving Obi-Wan no chance at all to even say hello to his friends. He had grumbled good-naturedly about the discomfort of his Master's bed, and Qui-Gon had grinned, but offered no apology.

Obi-Wan spent most of the afternoon searching for the answer as to why he'd allowed Arista and his friends to think he and his Master were lovers. It wasn't out of fear of Arista seducing his Master - Qui-Gon Jinn would never consider a relationship with Arista, no matter how beautiful she was.

Obi-Wan forced himself to delve further - remembering back to when he'd wasted two months of his life longing and lusting after Arista.

//"You look fine, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon Jinn stood behind Obi-Wan at the mirror, his understanding gaze taking in his young apprentice who had been fussing in front of the mirror for far longer than was necessary or suitable for a Jedi.

The fifteen-year-old Padawan fixed his shirt yet again and took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, Master. I just want to look good tonight, that's all." Searching hazel eyes scanned his reflection in the mirror, seeing only imperfections. Qui-Gon had allowed this un-Jedi-like behaviour, knowing that vanity was not one of Obi-Wan's besetting sins. The Padawan had been nervous about the dance all week, and tonight was finally the night he would get up the courage to ask the beautiful Arista to dance with him.

Finally, his Master placed both his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders and steered him towards the door.

"Trust me, Padawan - any more time spent in front of the mirror will only make you more nervous. You look quite presentable, Obi-Wan, and I'm sure you will not lack willing partners this evening."

Obi-Wan gave a reluctant half-grin. He didn't care about anyone else except Arista. She was so beautiful, so incredible - and now that he was fifteen she would surely notice him. Obi-Wan was grateful for the silent but reassuring presence of his Master as he approached the big hall. Qui-Gon Jinn had consented to act as a chaperone that evening, and would be at the dance also. When they got to the doors, however, Obi-Wan stood back to allow his Master to precede him. By several minutes, if he could manage it. Qui-Gon paused as Obi-Wan stopped walking, and turned back to wait for his Padawan with one eyebrow raised.

The fifteen-year-old glared at his Master.

"I am old enough to enter the hall by myself, Master."

Qui-Gon's mouth quirked slightly.

"My apologies, Obi-Wan. I forget how ancient you are sometimes," he commented, waiting only for Obi-Wan's lightening grin before entering the hall in search of the other chaperones.

Obi-Wan had taken several breaths to steady himself, and had entered the hall then, transfixed for a moment by the bright decorations and colourful lights. His duties with Qui-Gon Jinn had meant that Obi-Wan had missed virtually all of the other social events at the Temple since he'd become a Padawan. This was his first mixed social.

An hour later, Obi-Wan had relaxed somewhat and forgotten the presence of his Master as he laughed and joked with his friends, even dancing several times. Then Arista had arrived, a vision in white, and all of Obi-Wan's previous nervousness had returned in a rush. He had waited for several songs before getting up the courage to approach his idol, but his timing had been unfortunate. As he had started to ask Arista to dance, Gedan, the good-looking twenty year old Padawan of Master Sokoth, had returned to Arista's side bearing two drinks.

Gedan had smiled at Obi-Wan understandingly, handed Arista's drink to her, and murmured something about going to talk to some friends before departing. Obi-Wan had been grateful for his kindness, but a glance down at Arista's furious expression told him that she was none too happy about being deserted by her escort.

Obi-Wan had forged ahead gamely.

"Would you like to dance, Arista?" he had asked politely. The look she shot him would have scorched a lesser mortal, as Obi-Wan's blonde Goddess rose from her seat.

"With you? You must be joking, Obi-Wan. Look - if you have to hang around me like some pathetic little weed then do it - but don't expect me to get involved in your sordid little fantasies, all right?" Her strident tones carried easily to several dozen Padawans and initiates around them, and several in the crowd snickered at Obi-Wan's blushing features.

Arista had rolled her eyes dramatically at Obi-Wan's discomposure, before shoving the full cup in her hand at Obi-Wan and stalking off in search of Gedan. The drink had spilled down Obi-Wan's front, and had put the seal of disaster on an already lousy evening. Obi-Wan had left the dance then, storming back to his quarters, his emotions a confusing conglomeration of anger, shame and disgust. He had stripped off the soiled shirt and tossed it in one corner, vowing silently never to wear it again, before attempting some sort of meditation to calm his mind. Some time later he had been congratulating himself on his ability to release the negative emotions he had been feeling to the Force, when his Master entered his quarters.

The Jedi Master had stood silently for several long moments, arms crossed in front of him, considering Obi-Wan gravely. Obi-Wan had stood the silent regard for as long as he could before speaking.

"I'm not angry anymore, Master. I've accepted it, and released it to the Force, just like you taught me." If he was expecting praise, he was doomed to disappointment.

"You didn't dance with Valerin."

Obi-Wan looked up at his Master, confused.

"Or with Xera, or Pro-Hon. Your friends don't get to see much of you, Obi-Wan. I'm sure they would like to spend some time with you this evening." Qui-Gon's words were calm, but his meaning was clear. Obi-Wan frowned and looked away. He'd let go of his anger and humiliation, but to return to the dance after everyone had seen............... He sighed then, understanding the lesson his Master was gently trying to teach him.

"Yes, Master."

Qui-Gon had found another shirt for him to wear, and had accompanied him back to the hall. This time, Obi-Wan had not hesitated at walking into the dance with his Master, and when he had joined his friends, their unspoken support had warmed him through. The dance turned out to be one of the more enjoyable evenings he had had, and he was glad Qui-Gon had made him return.//

The Temple Gardens were getting cooler as the day waned. From the ache in his legs Obi-Wan was dimly aware that he'd been meditating for quite a while. There was more to think about, though.

The dance seemed a long time ago and Obi-Wan was almost sure he hadn't made the comment to hurt Arista. But there was a twinge of satisfaction at the thought that Arista would cease her infernal pursuit of his Master. A small amount of pleasure in the thought that she would no longer presume to refer to his Master as 'Qui-Gon' in front of the other Padawans, would no longer ponder out loud about what sort of lover he would be, and his possible ... dimensions. Obi-Wan blushed even now, just thinking about it. Arista had delighted in Obi-Wan's embarrassment and his anger that she would discuss his Master in such an intimate way.

But it was more than that, and finally Obi-Wan admitted to himself that he'd said it because he'd wanted it to be true. Wanted it to be like some cheap romance novel, where Qui-Gon would hear the rumour, and wouldn't be angry. Instead, he'd be thrilled by his Padawan's feelings, and would pledge his own true and eternal love.

It took some time for Obi-Wan to recognise and purge every romantic ideal he had haboured his entire life, and review the subject dispassionately. What was left was anger at himself for putting his Master in what could be an embarrassing situation. There was deep and sincere regret at having acted so impulsively, and there was fear. Qui-Gon would be disappointed in him, and that was worse than anything.

He would have to tell his Master what he had done.

Wouldn't he?

After all, he hadn't actually spoken a lie to his friends, he'd merely allowed them to make an incorrect assumption. And Qui-Gon wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks at least - they'd probably have forgotten the whole thing by then. Did he really need to burden his Master with this? Qui-Gon Jinn was currently on a quite demanding assignment - surely it was the duty of his Padawan to do everything he could to ensure his Master's peace of mind? Perhaps it would be better to let the thing die a natural death. After all, he'd already meditated truthfully and honestly, and had admitted his failings. He could work on them by himself, not trouble his Master with this minor matter.

His decision made, Obi-Wan left the gardens with a spring in his step that was due not only to his successful meditation, but also to the thought of the hot dinner awaiting him in the dining hall. Roasted Bantha with qualla beans. His favourite.

There were few in the Temple with such a skill for self-deception as Obi-Wan Kenobi.

There was a subtle change in the attitudes of his friends over the next two weeks, but Obi-Wan, for the most part, was able to write it off to his overactive imagination. Nobody mentioned Obi-Wan's Master. In fact, they went out of their way to avoid subjects that might lead to the mention of Qui-Gon Jinn.

Obi-Wan suffered a few nervous moments when he wondered if the word would spread about his supposed relationship with his Master. But Arista certainly wouldn't be advertising it - not after she'd made such a public pursuit of Qui-Gon Jinn. And Xera and Pro-Hon weren't the gossiping type. Valerin knew the lie for what it was, but he wouldn't have told anyone even if it were true. And so, without anything further to fan the flames, Obi-Wan was able to convince himself that the subject was forgotten by everyone, and by the time his Master returned from his mission just over two weeks later, Obi-Wan had almost forgotten about it himself.

The Kwi routine was something all Padawans dreaded. There were eight Padawans in the giant hall, and when Master Koth announced they would be doing the Kwi, there was a collective groan.

It was the last chance for a long time that any of them would have an opportunity to waste precious breath.

The Kwi involved working through a series of twenty-two basic forms, whilst simultaneously using the Force to weave twenty-two coloured ribbons into a an intricate pattern that would remain suspended high above the Padawan's head. Each ribbon represented one of the workout routines, and had to be plucked from the pile in the correct order and woven into the pattern while the routine was being performed. Doing the forms on their own was an exhausting process, but the need to divide one's concentration to complete the pattern made the entire routine both physically and mentally draining.

Each weave of the ribbon was dictated by a movement within the routine, and so unless the routine was done perfectly, the ribbon would not be woven correctly, and the Padawan would be unable to continue until he or she had redone the routine exactly as it should be done. The entire Kwi took nearly two hours to complete if all twenty-two forms were performed perfectly the first time around, much longer if the Padawan had to redo sections. It was an excellent training tool.

Obi-Wan, like all the other Padawans, hated doing it, but immediately fell into position when the Master gave the order.

He was more than a third of the way through the entire routine when he felt his Master's presence in the hall. Obi-Wan finished the current section, landing on two feet firmly after the final leap. He began the next phase immediately, waiting for an opportunity to glance around and confirm what he could already feel to be true. Obi-Wan was given his opportunity in the next form, swiftly shooting a glance to the doorway just before launching into a rather difficult spin.

His Master was relaxing against the wall near the entrance, his arms crossed in front of him, watching his Padawan's routine. There was another Jedi next to Qui-Gon, but Obi-Wan didn't have the opportunity to see who it was. His glance had made him falter fractionally, and the weave high above his head tilted precariously for a moment. He regained control immediately, determined to do the Kwi perfectly the first time and make his Master proud.

His awareness of the Force was at a high level, and Obi-Wan poured his concentration into the harsh workout routine, allowing his awareness of the other Padawans to slip away slowly as the sweat poured from his body.

When he finally finished the Kwi, each strand was delicately woven into the beautiful fluttering pattern above his head. It was the first time he had ever accomplished the taxing routine in entirety without having to do any of the sections over. Obi-Wan got his breath back, allowing the woven strands to sink gracefully to the floor. As he was the only Padawan finished, it was clear that the others had experienced some problems. Obi-Wan could see that Valerin was very close to the end; he could not have redone more than two routines to be this close to Obi-Wan's time. He was happy for Val, knowing how much his naturally impatient friend hated the Kwi, and the knowledge that the more mistakes he made, the longer it would take.

Master Koth gave Obi-Wan a short nod of acknowledgment which was also a dismissal, and Obi-Wan slipped away from the other seven quietly, heading for his Master. He followed Qui-Gon Jinn and the other Jedi out of the hall, where their conversation could not be heard.

"Well done, Padawan Kenobi. I was much older than you before I could perform the Kwi perfectly the first time." The other Jedi was almost as tall as Qui-Gon Jinn, and as he smiled down at Obi-Wan, the Padawan felt dwarfed by two giants.

Obi-Wan's Master smiled.

"You were eighteen as I recall, Daen. And you were that proud of yourself you let everyone in the Temple know about it."

Obi-Wan watched as the other Jedi grinned, the expression making an already exceptionally good-looking face even more attractive. His dark hair was cut quite short, but didn't retract at all from his ruggish good looks. This Jedi had a body much like his Master's - tall, lean, muscled. Twinkling green eyes and even white teeth just added to the overall package, and Obi-Wan recognised the first stirrings of jealousy when he felt them.

Daen looked back down at him.

"Well, you're a couple of years away from eighteen, aren't you, Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan stiffened. Just because he wasn't some giant like his Master people always assumed he was younger than he was.

"I turned seventeen two months ago, sir." There was a distinct snap to his tone, and he had neglected to give the Jedi the title of Master. Technically, he hadn't been introduced to the other man, but it was clear he was of the Jedi Order, and Obi-Wan's failure to give him his title could be construed as rudeness, if one wanted to look at it that way.

His Master definitely looked at it that way.

"This is Master Koran, Obi-Wan. I believe he will accept your apology." Qui-Gon Jinn's tone was glacial, and Obi-Wan flushed.

"I'm sorry, Master Koran. Please forgive my lack of courtesy." It was a sincere apology, as Obi-Wan was already mentally kicking himself for embarrassing his Master with his childish display.

Daen's smile was gentle as he took in the flushed features of Qui-Gon's Padawan. The boy had performed the Kwi well and deserved some recognition of that fact from his Master. Which he would probably have received if Daen hadn't inadvertently insulted him by assuming him to be younger than he was.

"That's quite all right, Obi-Wan. I'm glad I had a chance to see you in action. Qui-Gon was right - you are a very gifted student."

Obi-Wan glanced involuntarily at his stern-faced Master, the look on his face showing clearly his surprise at hearing that Qui-Gon had said such a thing about him. He recovered immediately, though, and looked back at his Master's friend.

"Thank you, Master Koran. If you will excuse me, Master," this was directed at Qui-Gon Jinn, "I need to shower now if I'm to make my afternoon class on time."

His Master nodded his dismissal, and Obi-Wan practically fled down the hallway.

Rumour had it that Master Koran had been recalled to Coruscant after his last mission because the Council had decided it was time he took a Padawan. The news caused a great deal of excitement amongst the younger initiates, and Master Koran's every move was noted and discussed at length by initiates and Padawans both.

The Temple had stood more than two thousand years, but it was built at a time when the Jedi were less in number than the current day, and thus, guest accommodations were at a minimum. Those in the Padawan ranks assumed that one of them would be ordered to give up his or her quarters for the duration of Master Koran's stay, and it caused no end of interest that, by dinner, no Padawan had been given that order.

By breakfast the following day, it was clear why. Master Koran was apparently sharing quarters with Master Jinn.

Some distant part of Obi-Wan's mind was grateful he heard the news before he had gone to the dining hall for breakfast. Valerin had been the one to break it to him as he headed for the hall, and when he had done so, all thoughts of food left Obi-Wan's mind. He felt sick with jealousy. Numbly he headed for the gardens, finding a quiet corner within minutes where he could just breathe and try to control the raging emotions within him. It was a few minutes before he even noticed that Valerin was still with him.

His friend shook his head as Obi-Wan looked over at him.

"It was bound to happen eventually, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan shrugged, hating himself for his weakness. Valerin had always understood, though.

"He's gorgeous, Val. Tall, and good-looking and the perfect Jedi." The bitter words showed the depth of Obi-Wan's misery.

Valerin rolled his eyes impatiently.

"It wouldn't matter if he looked like Master Yoda and smelled like a rotting Tauntaun, Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon Jinn just isn't the type to get involved with his seventeen-year-old Padawan."

Obi-Wan was too miserable to bother with niceties.

"Oh, thanks very much, Valerin. Why don't you just kick me a few times while you're at it."

The corner of Valerin's mouth twitched slightly at the typically Obi-Wan black humor. Obi-Wan gave a short laugh, before flopping on the ground with his arms outstretched dramatically. His eyes were shut tight.

"I hate this. I hate that someone else has what I want. I hate that I'll never have it." The tone was matter-of-fact now, but Valerin could see the pain Obi-Wan was trying to hide behind the prosaic statements. He sat down beside his friend.

"I didn't say it would never happen, Obi-Wan. I just don't think it's likely to happen before you reach your majority, at least. No matter what Pro-Hon and Xera are stupid enough to believe."

Obi-Wan's eyes snapped open as Valerin's words recalled him to a far greater problem. He opened his mouth to reply but was forestalled by the appearance of a droid. Obi-Wan and Valerin were late for class. The two Padawans leapt up and ran for their class, the problem of Obi-Wan's impulsive lie momentarily forgotten.

When it became common knowledge that Master Jinn and Master Koran were lovers, things changed at the Temple for Obi-Wan. There was no outward reaction from anyone other than his circle of friends, as many of the Masters knew that Qui-Gon's relationship with Daen went back a long way. But Obi-Wan's friends were a different story. Xera and Pro-Hon were outraged at what they thought was a gross betrayal of their friend. Valerin was sympathetic, and typically used his dry sense of humour to hide it. Arista was positively gleeful.

The four of them were warming down after a particularly hard session in the gym. They had a corner of the room to themselves, and there were no Masters present.

"Well, I can totally understand how Qui-Gon could fall for Daen. After all, Master Koran is gorgeous, isn't he?" Arista smiled smugly in Obi-Wan's direction.

It was Pro-Hon who answered her, though.

"What are you so happy about? I thought you were determined to have Master Jinn for yourself, Arista. It's all we've been hearing about for the past year, after all."

The blonde shrugged.

"Easy come, easy go."

Xera picked up her towel and began wiping the sweat away. She knew the subject was making Obi-Wan uncomfortable, but Arista's attitude was just too annoying for words.

"What do you mean, 'easy come, easy go', Arista? I mean, it's not like you ever actually succeeded with Master Jinn, is it? You make it sound like you handed him over or something."

She knew she had hit a nerve by the nasty glance shot her way by the other Padawan. But Arista wasn't going down without a fight.

"No, that's true. I guess I'm lucky he didn't use me for some sordid one night stand and then dump me publicly. Oh, I'm sorry, Obi-Wan. I didn't mean to make you feel bad." And with an insincere look of sympathy on her face, Arista grabbed her own towel and strode off.

Xera, Pro-Hon and Valerin remained silent, each feeling bad for Obi-Wan, but for different reasons. Obi-Wan felt ten times worse. How could he let his friends think that of his Master? This was a nightmare.

The young Padawan was completely unaware of the look of misery on his face, and the anger that was beginning to build in Xera as she watched her close friend pack up his kit silently. The female Padawan was usually slow to anger, but this had been building ever since Master Jinn had returned from his mission, bringing an old lover with him without giving so much as a thought to his own Padawan. Xera didn't know if Obi-Wan was in love with his Master, but she knew Obi-Wan wasn't the type to sleep around, and if he'd trusted his Master that much, there had to be some serious emotion involved. As the three friends left the hall and headed for their respective quarters, Xera came to a decision.

It was time someone told Master Qui-Gon Jinn a few home truths.

When Obi-Wan stepped into his quarters at the end of the day, he knew instantly that something was wrong. Qui-Gon Jinn was sitting at the table in the main room, and his expression was one Obi-Wan Kenobi had never thought to see directed at him.

He stopped just inside the door, hearing it slide shut smoothly behind him. There was no thought of going any further. Obi-Wan wasn't sure his legs would carry him, anyway. He couldn't tear his eyes away from his Master's, but he wanted to. He had never before seen the blue orbs look so cold.

"So, Obi-Wan." His Master's voice was very quiet, and very calm. "Just how long is it that we have been lovers?"

Obi-Wan could feel himself turning pale, and there was a lump in his throat the size of a fist. He couldn't move. He couldn't speak.

"I felt I should know, just in case some other Padawan Learner decides to censure my behaviour in the corridors of the Temple."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes in horror.

"Look at me!" Qui-Gon snapped, rising from his seat suddenly to approach and tower over his Padawan. He leaned down close to Obi-Wan's pale features and spoke in a flat tone that completely failed to hide his anger.

"It would seem that I was grossly in error when I thought you might one day make a fine Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan."

He left his Padawan's quarters then. Obi-Wan stood stock still in the middle of his room, shaking with misery.

I will not cry, Obi-Wan told himself savagely. Obi-Wan could count the times he had cried in his life on one hand. When he was upset, he tended to get very quiet, hold the pain inside until he could deal with it somewhere on his own. But now he could feel the tightness in his chest and throat, the tears threatening to spill over. He was seventeen years old.

Seventeen-year-old Jedi Apprentices Did Not Cry.

This one did.

"You'll have to take him."

Daen closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath.

"I can't take him, Qui-Gon - he's your Padawan."

Qui-Gon Jinn looked calm enough, but Daen had no trouble at all deciphering his fear.

"I won't have another Padawan turn to the Dark Side, Daen. You know how it was with Xanatos. I can't go through that again."

Daen shook his head.

"Obi-Wan is nothing like Xanatos, Qui-Gon. He did a foolish thing because he's young and stupid and that's how boys tend to be at that age. There was no malice in it, no deliberation. Xanatos was a compulsive liar who manipulated every situation he was in to his own advantage. He pretended the two of you were lovers so that I would stay away. I think he knew that I held no illusions about him, and if you and I were intimate, it might have jeopardized his hold over you. If you would only take the time to step back from all of this, you'd be able to see it clearly."

Qui-Gon was pacing the floor now, the familiar stubborn look on his face.

"Daen, I care too much about Obi-Wan to let this happen to him, too. Maybe he's not like Xanatos - yet. But if he becomes your Padawan, I can be sure he won't go any further down that track. Please, Daen."

Daen was unable to resist the beseeching look that Qui-Gon gave him. His friend needed some reassurance before he could calm down enough to view the situation rationally.

"I'll make you a deal, Qui-Gon. You spend a week with Master Yoda. You meditate with him, do whatever he tells you to - you become his Padawan again. I'll watch out for Obi-Wan while you're doing that. And at the end of the week, if you still want me to take Obi-Wan as my Padawan, I'll do it."

The blue eyes were still haunted, but there was relief there as well as determination.

"Yoda won't change my mind, Daen."

Daen stood.

"Then you won't have a problem proving that, will you?"

Their campsite was deserted except for the multitude of smaller life forms who chirped in varying degrees of tone and volume all around them. It had taken less than an hour by shuttle to reach the moon of Telemarin, one of the three that orbited Coruscant. This was a popular camping ground for the Jedi, and Obi-Wan had been here several times before. But this time he was accompanied by his Master's lover.

Master Koran had come to his quarters early that morning, to find Obi-Wan sitting in the chair his Master had vacated the night before, pale-faced and red-eyed. Obi-Wan hadn't slept at all, and despite his reluctance to face Master Koran, he had been grateful that his Master's lover had tactfully ignored the evidence of Obi-Wan's tears. The Jedi Master had every right to simply order Obi-Wan to accompany him, but instead he had requested Obi-Wan's company on a camping trip. Obi-Wan felt nothing more than exhaustion, and it had been a simple matter for the older Jedi to organise him gently but firmly, packing what he would need and shepherding the silent Padawan onto the transport.

They had hiked for about three hours before reaching the usual campsite which was situated some distance from the landing pad. Master Koran had respected Obi-Wan's desire for some time to think to himself, and there had been little conversation as they set up camp and cooked and ate their evening meal. But then Master Koran had bought up the subject of his Master, and Obi-Wan was duty-bound to be as civil as possible. It was hard to dislike Master Koran when the Jedi was being so nice to him, but Obi-Wan missed his Master fiercely.

Master Koran had attempted to breach the walls Obi-Wan had erected with subtle questions, but was having no success. He finally decided to go with a more aggressive approach.

"It's difficult to distance yourself enough to see things clearly when you're filled with all these feelings about him, isn't it?"

Obi-Wan glared defiantly.

"You don't think seventeen-year-olds are capable of being in love, Master Koran?" The stubborn look on his face was so like Qui-Gon's that Daen had to fight back a smile.

"I think seventeen-year-olds are quite capable of falling in love, Obi-Wan. I just don't think you're in love with Qui-Gon."

"Why not?" Obi-Wan demanded.

Daen threw another stick on the fire.

"He hates qualla beans, you know."

Obi-Wan was completely bewildered by the comment and it showed.

"Pardon?"

"When I asked him about you he told me you were very talented. That you loved the 'saber and the physical components of your training, hated the patience and serenity meditations, and had a 'unique' sense of humour. And that your favourite meal was roast Bantha and qualla beans."

Obi-Wan was still confused and it showed. Daen explained.

"He knew I'd find it amusing that he would have to eat the stuff with some semblance of enjoyment if it wasn't to ruin your own pleasure in the meal."

Daen looked over at the perplexed Padawan before tossing another stick on the fire.

"Do you know why you stayed at the Temple while your Master negotiated the treaty?"

Obi-Wan shrugged, more than a little confused at all the twists and turns this conversation seemed to have.

"I normally go on missions with him, but every few months he makes me spend time at the Temple. I always supposed he wanted to ensure that my schooling was up to date, and my training never fell behind the other Padawans."

Daen nodded.

"That's part of it. It's important that you learn to interact socially with others your age, too. But one of the main reasons you stayed behind is because you're not quite ready to take the next step in your training yet."

The Padawan sat forward curiously.

"What do you mean, the next step?"

"It's usually done when the Padawan is somewhere between eighteen and twenty. It's important to the Council that the Padawan finish their formal training at the very least, before beginning anything else. And some Padawans take longer to mature than others."

This was said with a reminiscent grin that made Obi-Wan curious. He silently resolved to ask about it later.

"Instead of being left behind every few months, the Padawans join their Masters on all missions. Even the tedious, months-long negotiations between a bunch of boring politicians type missions. They spend so much time with their Masters that the bond between them strengthens to the point where they can communicate mentally. They also discover that they are required to do more than observe. The learning curve is steep, but they are expected to contribute to the mission."

Daen glanced over at Obi-Wan, a thoughtful smile on his face.

"You'll find, Obi-Wan, that your Master will discuss the mission with you. That he will ask for, and will listen to your own observations and opinions. And he will share his with you. You will write your own report to the Council, and may even be called upon to report to the Council on his behalf."

Obi-Wan thought of the many times in the past when he'd been frustrated by his Master's silence. Qui-Gon Jinn operated strictly on a 'need to know' basis, and it often seemed as though Obi-Wan didn't need to know anything at all.

Daen seemed to read his thoughts. "He's something of a mystery, isn't he?"

Obi-Wan gave a short laugh.

"He doesn't tell me anything unless he has to. Most of the time I have to ask the pilot for our heading just to find out what planet we've been sent to."

"That will change. As you work on strengthening your bond, you'll find Qui-Gon will drop his shields more and more, and you'll come to know him as a man, not just as your Master. Of course, that knowledge goes both ways."

Obi-Wan considered that. It was at once exciting and terrifying. To know what lay beyond the stoic facade............ the thought alone was exhilarating. But his Master would also come to know the man that Obi-Wan would become, and that was a little scary. No boundaries of Master and student, no fixed schedule for learning, no comforting Temple guidelines. Obi-Wan wanted it more than anything in the world. He also understood what Daen had been trying to tell him.

"I don't know him at all."

The blank statement wasn't angry, or hurt, just a fact. Obi-Wan looked up at the Jedi Master.

"It's just a crush because I don't really know him. I can't be in love if I have no idea of what sort of man he is."

The Jedi Master smiled.

"You are wiser than I was at your age, Obi-Wan. It took me two years to grasp what you've managed to grasp in ten minutes. And my poor Master had to suffer through the entire two years right along with me." He chuckled softly and Obi-Wan couldn't help his answering grin. It faded, though, as he recalled his Master's behaviour on Coruscant.

"Will he still want me to be his Padawan?"

Daen could hear the fear in Obi-Wan's question clearly, and his heart went out to the miserable boy.

"Of course he will, Obi-Wan. Jedi Masters aren't infallible, you know. Sometimes they get just as confused as Padawans. Qui-Gon just needs a little time to himself to realise you didn't do what you did maliciously."

Obi-Wan looked up with a frown of incomprehension.

"What do you mean?"

Daen sighed.

"You know about Xanatos, I suppose?"

The Padawan nodded, but remained silent.

"I visited Qui-Gon when Xanatos was about your age, maybe a year or two older. I was only on Coruscant for a couple of nights, and I knew Qui-Gon had been off-world for quite a while, so I hoped he'd be free to spend some time with me."

There was a twinge of jealousy at the thought of someone else being able to have that intimacy with his Master, but Obi-Wan understood his emotions far better now, and had no trouble letting it go.

"Thinking back, I suppose Xanatos orchestrated the entire thing, but I was expecting a young Padawan, not a manipulative, lying little bastard, so I fell for it. He answered the door to Qui-Gon's quarters half dressed, looking like he'd just crawled out of bed. He never actually said so, but he gave the clear impression that he and Qui-Gon were lovers. I only spoke to him for a few moments, I didn't really like Xanatos and I was a little taken aback that Qui-Gon would take someone so young as a lover. I found other ways to entertain myself, and I didn't meet up with Qui-Gon again until just after Xanatos turned. He'd wondered why I hadn't come to see him while I was on Coruscant, and of course, Xanatos had spun him some story about seeing me on the town with someone else."

"And when he heard that I'd done exactly the same thing..........." Obi-Wan's voice trailed off as the sickening truth became clear.

Daen nodded.

"It's more than that, though. When Xanatos turned, Qui-Gon swore he'd never take another Padawan. He thought he would never trust someone that much again, and he never did, until you. He's let you fill the hole that Xanatos carved out of him. This just came at time when he was on the verge of trusting you even more by elevating you to that next step. The coincidence of timing was like some sign to him that he'd made the same mistake with you that he did with Xanatos."

Obi-Wan groaned softly.

"He'll never trust me after this."

"Yes, he will, Obi-Wan. When he's had a chance to think things through, he'll realise that you and Xanatos are two totally different people, and that what you did was one stupid mistake, not one more lie in the midst of a giant manipulation."

Obi-Wan sighed, disgusted with himself.

"He was going to ask me to come with him to Kalateo, wasn't he? He was going to trust me enough to start including me on missions, and I go and do something like this."

Daen smiled in sympathy.

"Yes, he was going to ask you to go with him to Kalateo, and he probably won't now, but give it some time, Obi-Wan. You two will get back on track, and maybe the mission after Kalateo will be the one he'll ask for your input on."

Obi-Wan looked over at the Master, grateful for the kind words.

"Thank you, Master Koran."

He began laying out his bedroll then, in preparation for bed.

The handsome Jedi Master watched him for a while, thinking about his friend. Obi-Wan was a striking boy, and he would be a truly beautiful man. Daen wondered if Qui-Gon would ever allow himself to love Obi-Wan as he deserved to be loved. The two of them would make an incredible bond.

"Goodnight, Master Koran."

"Goodnight, Obi-Wan. And Obi-Wan? I think you're old enough to call me Daen."

He could hear the smile in Obi-Wan's voice clearly as the Padawan answered.

"Goodnight, Daen."

It was a week before they returned to Coruscant, and Obi-Wan felt vastly improved for the time he'd spent away. It was an unusual experience, spending so much time alone with another Master, but it was also interesting. Daen had a great number of stories to tell, a lot of them involving Obi-Wan's Master. Obi-Wan opened up to the Jedi Master, becoming quite chatty as the days were spent hiking and swimming and meditating and working out.

But for all Obi-Wan enjoyed Daen's company and respected his knowledge and experience, his heart ached for his Master. The many hours spent in meditation during the week made his revelation of the first night become an accepted part of his psyche. He had a crush on his Master, but he was not in love with Qui-Gon Jinn. He did, however, love his Master deeply as any Padawan could love their Master, and he missed the unique personality that was the revered Jedi. The infrequent grin, the quiet laugh, the way his Master had of making Obi-Wan feel safe and protected, even in the most dangerous of situations. Daen was a fascinating individual, but he did not have the gift of teaching that Qui-Gon Jinn did.

As the week drew to a close, Obi-Wan's fears about what he would find when he returned to Coruscant resurfaced. Daen didn't seem too concerned, however, and this gave Obi-Wan some hope. He knew the Jedi had been in contact with Master Yoda via the comm link, but had no idea what news Yoda was passing on.

The Padawan finished packing up the camp and stowing the gear away inside the two-man shuttle that had brought them to the moon. The Jedi Master finished yet another softly whispered conversation with Master Yoda, and clicked off the comm link. As he approached the shuttle Obi-Wan looked up hopefully.

"Daen - can I fly us back? I've flown this type of shuttle before."

Daen had absolutely no defense against begging hazel eyes, and he grinned at his own weakness. If he didn't learn some severity, whomever became his own Padawan would run rings around him.

Obi-Wan saw the grin and matched it with one of his own before scrambling into the pilot's seat with typical seventeen-year-old enthusiasm. Daen strapped himself into the passenger seat and supervised Obi-Wan's take-off procedure. As the shuttle got underway, he lent only half an ear to Obi-Wan's chatter, instead thinking back on the week and wondering if he'd done the right thing when he'd told Obi-Wan the truth about his relationship with Qui-Gon Jinn.

Daen knew that Obi-Wan had come to terms with his feelings for his Master, but it concerned him to feel a definite rush of relief from the Padawan when he'd told Obi-Wan that he and Qui-Gon had not been sexually intimate for more than eight years. For all that their affair had been hot and passionate when it had lasted, their friendship had become far more valuable to Daen.

On that first night back at the Temple, he and Qui-Gon had sat up late talking, and it seemed unnecessarily cruel to put some poor Padawan out of his bed when Qui-Gon's was large enough for two. Daen had shared Qui-Gon's quarters, and had teased his friend mercilessly about the sorry state of his bed. He had suspected that Qui-Gon had a lover, but it wasn't until the second night that his friend admitted that he had been seeing someone on a regular basis. However, Qui-Gon's mystery lover seemed to have no qualms about letting an old lover of Qui-Gon's share his bed for a few nights. It didn't sound like the romance of the century.

Naturally, Daen hadn't told Obi-Wan any details of his relationship with Qui-Gon, just that it was in the past , and they were no longer lovers. It wasn't his place to tell Obi-Wan that Qui-Gon currently had another lover, and he hoped it wouldn't be a problem in the future. Obi-Wan had made the assumption that Qui-Gon was celibate for his own reasons, and their Master/Padawan relationship had enough problems right at this moment without making things more difficult by introducing yet another third party to the equation.

Daen noted that Obi-Wan's chatter was getting gradually more sporadic, and correctly assumed the cause to be their imminent arrival on Coruscant. He reached over to ruffle Obi-Wan's hair affectionately.

"Don't worry, Obi-Wan. Everything will be all right, I promise you."

He would not have made the promise unless he was sure, and Yoda had been quite forthcoming about the week he'd spent with his old Padawan. Qui-Gon had apparently examined the mental scars Xanatos had left quite closely, and was far better for the experience. He regretted his actions towards Obi-Wan, and had so far checked three times via comm link on his Padawan. Daen had not mentioned those conversations to Obi-Wan. Let Qui-Gon show his Padawan just how much he was missed. His actions would be far more beneficial than any verbal assurances Daen could give.

The transport set down smoothly, and both Daen and Obi-Wan could see their greeting party of just one standing on the transport pad, calmly awaiting their arrival. Obi-Wan sat for a moment in the pilot's seat, drinking in the sight of his Master hungrily, wanting the comfort of the Master/Padawan bond more than anything in that moment. He barely heard Daen congratulating him on his skill as a pilot, so engrossed was he in his Master's approach to the transport.

Daen exited the shuttle, and gave a rueful smile as Qui-Gon ignored him completely and went around to the pilot's side to open the door for Obi-Wan. Daen grabbed his bags from the transport and headed for the Temple, wanting to give Qui-Gon some time with his apprentice.

Obi-Wan alighted from the shuttle, then looked met his Master's eyes.

"Master --"

"Obi-Wan--"

They spoke together, then stopped. Qui-Gon motioned for Obi-Wan to speak and his apprentice obeyed.

"Master, I'm sorry. What I did was selfish and thoughtless and completely stupid. I'll go immediately and tell Xera and Pro-Hon and Arista that it was a lie and I'll happily take any punishment you want to give me. But please don't give me up, Master." His eyes pleaded for forgiveness and there was an embarrassing break in his voice as he fought tears.

Qui-Gon Jinn smiled gently down at his Padawan. He loved this boy.

"I won't give you up, Obi-Wan. I also must apologise for my behaviour. I acted badly, Obi-Wan. I allowed old fears to blind me to the truth."

Obi-Wan nodded, his eyes showing clearly his wish that Xanatos had never existed, and had never had the chance to hurt his Master so. There was a look of determination on his earnest face as he spoke.

"I will never hurt you like that, Master. I promise."

Qui-Gon smoothed Obi-Wan's mussed hair with a large hand, his mouth showing just a glimmer of the smile Obi-Wan loved to see.

"I believe you will try very hard not to do so, Obi-Wan."

The two of them then returned to the Temple, each carrying one of Obi-Wan's bags, walking side by side silently, but in perfect harmony.

The interview with Xera, Pro-Hon, Valerin and Arista was hard. Obi-Wan had wanted to get the thing over and done with as soon as possible, and he was eternally grateful that Qui-Gon trusted him enough to leave him alone with nothing more than a request to come and see him first thing in the morning.

His friends arrived full of curiosity. Obi-Wan's sudden departure from the Temple in the company of Master Koran had been the cause of much gossip throughout the Temple.

"What the hell is going on, Obi-Wan?" This was Valerin's typical greeting as he entered Obi-Wan's quarters. Hot on his heels were Xera and Arista, with Pro-Hon bringing up the rear.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath.

"Sit down, will you?"

Valerin raised an eyebrow, immediately guessing what was coming. The others still looked confused, however, and took their seats around the table as requested. Arista did so with bad grace, and it was clear that curiosity was the only reason she was here.

"I have to ask for your forgiveness."

It was Xera who answered for the three around the table who were completely in the dark.

"What on earth for, Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan fought the flush of shame that he could feel creeping up to cover his face.

"I lied to you. That day in the dining room you made an assumption based on a comment I made. You thought I had been intimate with my Master, and I let you believe it. I had a crush on him and I wanted it to be true, so I lied to you."

The range of reactions from his friends was quite extreme. Valerin just raised one eyebrow and said nothing. Pro-Hon looked shocked, and Arista looked triumphant. Xera looked absolutely horrified.

"Why, Obi-Wan?" "I knew it!" "Oh, Obi-Wan how could you?"

The three spoke virtually simultaneously, but Xera's dismayed question caught the attention of everyone immediately. Even Valerin had been unaware of her attack on Obi-Wan's Master.

Xera looked on the verge of tears.

"I accused him....... oh, Obi-Wan. He looked so angry and I...." Xera couldn't even finish the sentence, so horrified was she at what she had accused the revered Jed Master of.

Obi-Wan bowed his head in shame.

"I'm so sorry, Xera. I had no idea you were going to say anything to him ---- no, that's not an excuse. I lied to you and you were just trying to protect me. I am so sorry, Xera." The genuine remorse in Obi-Wan's voice and the misery in his expression went a long way to alleviating Xera's anger. But she was still distressed at her actions.

"Oh, Obi-Wan. We've been friends too long for me to hate you over this, but I yelled at your Master. Oh, Sith, just let me die now." She dropped her head into her hands on the table, as her friends stared in amazement at the sound of their gentle-natured friend cursing.

Arista chose that moment of all times to speak up. She rose from her chair at the table and looked over at Obi-Wan, her lip curled in disgust, triumph clear in her tone.

"Well I for one am not at all surprised. As if someone like Qui-Gon Jinn would ever look twice at someone like you, Obi-Wan. You'll be a thirty-year-old virgin, Obi-Wan Kenobi. And if you're not careful, you won't have any friends, either."

And with that venomous comment, she swept out of Obi-Wan's quarters.

There was silence for a long moment until Valerin broke it.

"You know, I've often wondered if perhaps Arista doesn't like you very much, Obi-Wan."

He said it with such a completely straight face that it was seconds before the others reacted. Pro-Hon choked back a laugh, and a reluctant smile played on Xera's mouth. Obi-Wan stared down at his friend for a second, before smiling himself. The smile turned into a chuckle as Valerin grinned at him, and then Xera's laughter and Pro-Hon's snorts broke them both up. The four of them laughed almost hysterically for several minutes.

It was very late at night when Obi-Wan's friends took their leave of him. Somehow between them they had managed to put together a meal, and had then spent several hours talking and laughing and just enjoying each other's company. Xera told them about her run-in with Master Jinn, and Obi-Wan talked about his week on Telamarin with Daen Koran. Then matters turned to more every day stuff, with Valerin bitching about Master Toruk's latest torture device masquerading as a training exercise. Pro-Hon ably demonstrated a new wrestling hold he'd learned, in the process breaking nothing more than a vase, a chair and a couple of glasses.

Obi-Wan slept the entire night through for the first time in quite a while, having gone to bed thanking the Force for his forgiving Master and wonderful friends.

The following morning saw Obi-Wan report to his Master's quarters as ordered. His Master emerged at Obi-Wan's tentative knock, and strode down the hallway without a word of greeting to his Padawan. Obi-Wan ran to catch up, and followed his Master to one of the training halls.

There was no one else in the large room as Qui-Gon Jinn stopped, turned, and faced his Padawan. Obi-Wan swallowed nervously, but although his Master's expression was severe, there was warmth in the blue eyes that looked down at him.

"Well, Padawan. Time to discuss your punishment, I think."

He hadn't even asked about last night. Obi-Wan was filled with gratitude at this further example of his Master's complete trust in him, and was determined to take any punishment Qui-Gon Jinn could mete out without complaint.

"You will report to this room every morning for the next month and you will perform the Kwi from beginning to completion. Then you will do the Hastoth Meditation. After your shower you will come and find me and we will begin your training for the day. You will not report to me later than mid-morning break. Is that understood, Obi-Wan?"

It was. The Hastoth Meditation concerned pride, truth and honesty. It took more than an hour to complete, and combined with at least two hours for the Kwi if he didn't screw up too many of the forms, his punishment meant that Obi-Wan would be rising before dawn every day for a month. He felt nothing but gratitude.

"Yes, Master."

Things had settled into a routine more than a week later when Obi-Wan joined his friends in the dining hall for dinner. His punishment pushed him to his limits physically, but already he could see an improvement in his balance and his timing. The Kwi was a nightmare to perform, but it was certainly having a beneficial effect on his already high level of fitness, and his concentration on the Force. The meditation was also helping Obi-Wan cope with the continual stream of snide remarks and nasty insinuations from Arista.

When she had thought that Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were lovers, Arista had been quick to distance herself from the idea that she had any feelings at all for the Jedi Master. It was a blow to her pride that others thought that Obi-Wan Kenobi - of all people! - could have been considered a more attractive bed partner than herself. And even now that Obi-Wan had told the truth, there was no way Arista could return to her old pastime of planning the seduction of Qui-Gon Jinn. It was just too humiliating.

There was a native cunning to Arista, and she possessed an uncanny ability to sense weakness in others. Obi-Wan had a very low self-esteem, which was why he was completely blind to the many Padawans and initiates who had a crush on him. He would not have suffered for dates, either, had it not been for the fact that he simply didn't have the self-confidence to ask anyone out.

It was more than likely that someone would change that, and fairly soon, and odds were that it would be Valerin. He was older by two years than Obi-Wan, but the two had been close friends since Obi-Wan became Master Jinn's apprentice, and Valerin was certainly not blind to Obi-Wan's physical attractiveness. But while he waited to make his move, Arista enjoyed herself immensely by constantly reminding Obi-Wan of his complete unattractiveness, and teasing him in a cruel fashion about his fantasy lovers being the only companionship he could count on.

Obi-Wan withstood the malicious comments patiently, but there were times when he was forced to call on all of his training to take the demoralising abuse silently, and release his feelings of unworthiness and anger to the Force. Aside from Arista though, things had been going well, and he had no desire to change that. So he sat silent as Arista started up again, only listening in with half an ear as his friends, as usual, stood up for him.

"So, Obi-Wan - slept with anyone famous this week?" The familiar smirk was there on Arista's face.

"Don't you ever give up, Arista?" Pro-Hon was getting progressively more annoyed with the female Padawan's snide comments.

Arista smiled coldly.

"Why? Obi-Wan's imagination is the only sex he's likely to have, so I'm sure it's worth hearing whatever fantasy he's got going this week."

Valerin opened his mouth to cut Arista down to size, but before he could speak, Master Koran's voice cut into the conversation.

"Obi-Wan - I've been looking for you everywhere."

The Padawan group all looked up at the handsome Jedi Master, but his attention was firmly on Obi-Wan. There was a gleam to his eye that Qui-Gon would have recognised, but the group at the table were, for the most part, too awed to notice anything awry.

Obi-Wan didn't notice Arista's preening, or Xera's shy smile. He grinned at the Jedi Master and rose from the table to go to him.

"Hello, Daen. I hear you're leaving us again."

Obi-Wan had used Daen's first name automatically, and he didn't notice the surprised looks from the table behind him at his familiarity. Daen did, however, and it was with a glimmer of mischief that he put both hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders to draw him in closer. Obi-Wan didn't notice anything unusual about Daen's behaviour, and the Jedi Master felt quite safe in what he was doing, knowing that Obi-Wan harboured absolutely no hidden desires for him.

To the table behind Obi-Wan, though, there was a surprising intimacy in both Daen's tone and his body language.

"I'm off tonight, Obi-Wan. I wanted to say goodbye before I left."

There was regret in Obi-Wan's expression, but nothing more. Daen had heard the taunts from Arista when he'd approached the table, and knew enough about this special young man to know that Obi-Wan would take each and every one to heart. He deserved a little confidence boost in front of the spiteful Padawan. Knowing his face was hidden from view from the Padawans at the table, Daen winked at Obi-Wan before leaning down and kissing him.

Obi-Wan caught the wink, and there was a split second of comprehension in his eyes before his mouth was captured gently by Daen's. The older Jedi cupped the back of Obi-Wan's neck with one hand, the other toying with the Padawan braid in a surprisingly erotic display. The kiss wasn't anything lewd, but it was still far too intimate to be passed off as a kiss between friends. It was also Obi-Wan's first kiss, and he found himself enjoying the feel of Daen's lips against his own, his tongue shyly swiping Daen's as it entered his mouth. It was sweet and it was gentle and it was everything a first kiss should be.

Obi-Wan was flushed when Daen finished with his mouth, and the Jedi smiled at the dazed expression in his eyes. It cleared quickly, though, and there was gratitude, and friendship there. Obi-Wan would not mistake this kiss for anything other than it was.

There was dead silence from the table of Padawans behind Obi-Wan as Daen dropped a final kiss on Obi-Wan's nose before turning and leaving the dining hall. Obi-Wan went back to his seat, a small smile on his face. He was no longer afraid of Arista's comments. It was as though the kiss had cleared away a fog in his mind. He might not be tall, or gorgeous, but he was no ogre. Obi-Wan laughed at the stunned expressions on the faces of his friends, and the completely pissed off expression on Arista's face as he calmly went back to his meal.

Obi-Wan was glad his first kiss was from someone he liked as much as Daen. He wondered how long it would be before he was kissed again. And by whom. He was looking forward to it already.

Epilogue:

Master Qui-Gon Jinn had been eating his dinner in the dining hall when Daen had kissed Obi-Wan. He wasn't surprised at Daen's actions. Both Jedi had been aware that Obi-Wan was getting a hard time from that bitchy little blonde Padawan, but Qui-Gon hadn't considered doing anything about it. Obviously Daen had.

It wasn't Daen's action that bothered Qui-Gon. It was the kiss. His seventeen-year-old Padawan had leaned into the kiss like a natural, his hands resting lightly on Daen's slim hips.

It was the most erotic display Qui-Gon had ever seen, and he hadn't even noticed Daen.

Jedi Masters do NOT think of their Padawans in that way.

It was going to take a lot more meditation before Qui-Gon Jinn could make himself believe that.

The End..