A Modest Proposal

by Rose

Title: A Modest Proposal
Author: Rose
Archive: Master and Apprentice, and wherever you'd like
Rating: G or PG (depending on your view)
Category: Romance... and i'm not sure what else
Warnings: No death, merely fluffy love... if you don't agree with the aspect of a relationship between the two, why exactly are you here?
Disclaimer: Uhhh duh, I do not own these characters, nor do I wish to incur the wrath of Lucas upon my weary soul. I am merely borrowing them for a moment. I promise they will be returned in the condition with which they were lent. Nor did I intend any copy right infringements on Jack Johnson's part.

Feedback: It would be loverly. Please help me improve.

Summary: A peaceful day in the Jedi Temple result in new beginnings for Master and Padawan.

Author's Note: This is my second fic ever, so be gentle. My romantic mood was inspired by the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Anyone who knows the movie should recognize my (slightly altered) quote. Thank you for indulging my healthy addiction.

It started out as a day like any other. Master and padawan went about their daily chores with a peaceful aura about them. Qui-Gon Jinn had little difficulties with his morning philosophy class, the students seeming to latch on to the peace emanating from him. His meeting with the council proved of little consequence; he even left with a smile, a rare occurrence for this particular Jedi master.

When sparring in the training salle, with his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, he discovered nothing wrong with their technique. To his surprise, at one point he found himself on his back, staring up at a blue lightsaber pointed toward his neck; his padawan gazing triumphantly into his eyes. Obi-Wan good-naturedly offered him a hand up and Qui-Gon squeezed his shoulder in a job well done.

Qui-Gon dismissed his padawan to their quarters with a smile as he headed to the gardens for his evening meditation. While strolling through the halls, he mused on his excellent day. I haven't had a day go quite as smoothly as this one in decades. He smiled to himself best not admit my age even to my own thoughts.

Then his musings turned to Obi-Wan. Ah yes, he'll make a fine Jedi Knight. And if intuition serves me right, he's due for his trials by the end of this year. Despite the tender glow of pride those thoughts produced, he felt a stab of regret as he realized his light in the universe would soon leave him for his own adventures.

Swatting at a stray tear, he cast that last thought aside and settled down for his meditation. I knew the end result when first taking him as a padawan as all masters know: we must eventually let them go. With a heavy sigh, Qui-Gon released his emotions and let his mind drift on the safe, swells of the living Force.

When he emerged from his meditation, he felt the peace from the beginning of the day return to him yet again. To his amusement, he found his Obi-Wan waiting for him somewhat impatiently.

Are you finished with your meditations my master?

Yes my padawan. And what has stirred up your impatience this evening?

Is it a crime to be hungry, master? Qui-Gon laughed outright disturbing the still life around him, earning the curious glances of Jedi passing by.

No it is not, Obi-Wan. Now please restrain yourself for another few minutes. I shall arrive shortly. And he set off for their shared quarters with a smile on his face.

On the way, his thoughts once again returned to Obi-Wan. Oh, but he is the light of my life. A light that shall be sorely missed with his upcoming Knighting. Refusing to release the peace gained from his meditations, he shook the thought from his mind and determinedly cleared his mind. Whatever happens, I shall accept it and be glad for what has been given to me. With that, he reached the door to their quarters and entered.

The scent that greeted him was surely sent from heaven. Obi-Wan was an exquisite chef and enjoyed testing his abilities on his willing teacher. Said student emerged from the kitchen to greet his master.

"Good evening master," said with an accompanying bow. He moved behind Qui-Gon to remove his cloak and hang it on the hook next to his own. Then he bent to remove his boots, placing them in the corner next to his. Qui-Gon smiled fondly down at his apprentice and saw his smile reflected in the oceanic eyes. He thought he saw something flash behind them, but dismissed it immediately.

Obi-Wan rose and reached for Qui-Gon's hand. "Come, master, I've prepared something new for you to savor." That indistinguishable flash turned into playful teasing. Qui-Gon's pulse quickened slightly, but he tamped it down beneath his shields. Obi-Wan led him across the hall to their small dining room adjoining the common room. He was seated at his usual spot across from Obi-Wan. When he turned his attention to the table, he saw a great array of dishes waiting for tasting. His gaze returned to Obi-Wan's questioning eyes.

"It looks delicious, padawan, as always." Obi-Wan relaxed slightly and smiled in gratitude to his master.

"I live to please you master, as always." Qui-Gon raised his eyebrow at that comment. Obi-Wan merely blushed and began to serve him.

Dinner passed as smoothly as every other night; each happy to be safe in their quarters, sharing a warm meal between them. It wasn't often they enjoyed such luxuries, and none of their special meals were taken for granted. Qui-Gon found his thoughts returning to his earlier melancholy when he realized that they would not be sharing many more meals together. He harshly cast the thought aside and raised his shields tighter in an effort not to alert his padawan to his feelings. At the touch of warm fingers to the back of his hand, he looked up and in those stormy eyes, he knew he was caught.

Obi-Wan smiled affectionately and rose from the table. After clearing the remainder of their dinner from the table, he returned from the kitchen with two glasses filled with champagne. When Qui-Gon took his glass from Obi-Wan, he recognized the glasses as ones purchased on Alderaan during one of their rare vacations. The glasses were made of green and blue fused glass, swirling around each other, finally merging into one at the top. He smiled up at his padawan as they both recalled the happy memory.

"Come with me to the balcony my master." Obi-Wan said softly as he offered his hand down to his teacher. Qui-Gon took his hand and was again led by his padawan. Obi-Wan opened the door to their balcony and sat on the comfortable bench overlooking the gardens. Qui-Gon joined him with a respectable distance between them. A companionable silence fell over them as both were lost in their own thoughts for a few moments. Obi-Wan finally broke the silence with a small sigh.

"I know my trials are coming very soon," Qui-Gon tensed at the mention of his trials, "And as much as I am proud to say I am very nearly a Knight," Obi-Wan nervously took a sip of his champagne, Qui-Gon echoing him. "I find that I am also dreading the event." Another sip and he fell silent gazing into his glass. Qui-Gon held his breath waiting for him to continue, refusing his giddy hope to over take his tortured mind. Could it be? Could he feel the same...? He took a gulp of the champagne allowing the bubbles to burn his throat.

Obi-Wan seemed to have gathered his courage by this time, as he met Qui-Gon's eyes for the first time since sitting on the bench. "I sensed the direction of your thoughts tonight, master, and I know you feel the same dread accompanying the nearing date. Knowing that I have done nothing to make you feel I am not ready to face my trials, I deduced that maybe you don't want to let go of me quite yet," He paused for acknowledgement from Qui-Gon who could merely nod, his voice seemingly caught in his throat.

"I have been considering this for quite sometime, and I have searched my heart. I discovered that I do not want to become separated from you, so I was wondering if you would like to continue working together after my Knighting. We make such a wonderful team master, and I feel it would be beneficial-" He was cut off by Qui-Gon's fingers upon his lips.

"I agree Obi-Wan, and I propose a toast," He paused, raising his glass, Obi-Wan smiling and raising his own. "To the order's best up and coming Knight: May he retain his brilliance, light, warmth, sharp wit, and youthful exuberance no matter what life throws him." And may he realize he his loved with all my heart. he whispered silently to himself. They clinked glasses and drank the contents of their glasses.

Qui-Gon didn't quite finish his as he realized something was at the bottom of his glass. Curious, he tipped it over into his palm, the last bit of champagne pouring over his hand followed by a silver object. On closer inspection, he realized it was a ring. A ring?! He looked up at his padawan seeing an anxious expression gracing his beautiful features.

"I, um, forgot to mention one thing," He paused to take the ring from Qui-Gon's palm and place it onto his ring finger. "I would like us to remain working partners in the field, but not just after my Knighting. I would like us to remain partners for life. I have loved you for quite some time, Qui-Gon and will love you till my dying breath, if you'll have me. What do you say? Will you bond with me?"

Qui-Gon's vision blurred from tears as he tore his eyes from the ring on his hand to his love's. A smile spread on his face as he whispered softly, "`The greatest thing I have learned, is to love, and be loved in return.' Yes I will bond with you my Obi-Wan," he placed his hands on both sides of Obi-Wan's face and continued, "I have always known something was missing from my life, and I despaired that I would ever fill the deep chasm in my heart. The gap is you, my love. You are the other half to my soul. You are the reason for my melancholy thoughts this evening. I could not imagine a life without you. I would be more than honored to spend the rest of my days wrapped in your sure embrace."

A brilliant smile burst from Obi-Wan's face, and Qui-Gon imagined not even the sun could surpass its glory. They leaned in toward each other and shared their first loving kiss.