Not Invincible

by Jane Sehrn-Ta

Title -- Not Invincible.
Author -- Jane Sehrn-Ta (jane.sehrnta at googlemail dot com).
Archive -- Yes to Master Apprentice and my livejournal only.
Category -- Qui/Obi, Angst, First-Time, Hurt/Comfort, Non-Consensual, Romance.
Rating -- Adult. See warnings.
Warnings -- Brief description of physical/sexual torture. Please do not read if these subjects are triggering for you.
Summary -- Qui-Gon learns yet again that he really should listen to Obi-Wan’s bad feelings.
Feedback -- Is greatly valued, on or off-list.
Disclaimer -- Star Wars belongs to George Lucas. I love playing with his creations, but I never made a cent from it, and the merchandise cost me a fortune!
Thanks -- My heartfelt thanks to the lovely Claude for her beta, and for her support and patience! Any remaining mistakes are mine because I keep messing with things.
Notes -- // // indicates telepathy.

It's time I honoured Obi-Wan's bad feelings by paying attention to them, Qui-Gon Jinn thought, not for the first time in his career as Obi-Wan Kenobi's master. That sentiment stood out in the silence that encased him, now that the taunts of his captors had gone and the nearby explosions had ended.

Just before they had emerged from the tunnels into the war-torn streets of Rakhron City proper, Obi-Wan had murmured, "I have a bad feeling about this," as though ashamed to admit it.

To which he had automatically replied, "Stay in the Moment, Padawan."

"Yes, Master," had been the equally automatic reply.

Mace Windu and Depa Billaba, accompanying them on the strike, had both cautioned their own Padawans, demonstrating a trust in the boy's abilities that he now realized he had failed to show himself.

Obi-Wan's foreboding had, as usual, been proved spectacularly correct. They had emerged into the narrow street just two blocks away from the rebel headquarters, with the sounds of distant strife reflecting off the buildings around them. Qui-Gon had watched Obi-Wan in the periphery of his vision, noticing how Obi-Wan edged forward, hand on the hilt of his lightsaber.

Qui-Gon had sensed the surge of warning in the Force when it came, but it was nearly too late. He had gestured abruptly toward Obi-Wan, throwing his Padawan back. The stun net had fallen over him instead, and a cry of pain had been locked in his throat as electricity ran across his skin, dancing to the peripheries of his hands and feet. The last sounds he had heard were Obi-Wan's anguished shout of "No!", the sound of blaster fire above his head and the responding hum of several 'sabers bursting into life. Then he had fallen into unconsciousness.

He had woken up, supine, on the ground. A chill had settled over his bare skin, and his ankles and wrists had immediately protested movement against the barbed cuffs binding them. Several of the rebel Rakhrons had stood over him, wearing combat fatigues with the headgear still in place to conceal their identity. The strong light focussed on him had prevented him from seeing his surroundings. He had released a rush of fear with a measured breath. He had wondered if Obi-Wan and the others were safe. They had not fallen within the perimeter of the net -- at least he thought not. He had reached out with the Force, only to meet an unpleasant tingling that quickly transformed to sharp pain at the base of his skull. He had winced, and his captors had laughed.

"You are alone, Master Jedi," the leader of the group had announced, his voice electronically disguised by the mask, which somehow managed to convey the owner's sneer. "Your Force cannot help you."

Qui-Gon had said nothing and lain still.

"Let this be a warning to the Rakhron government and the Jedi. We shall prevail, despite your interference." He had nodded and the group towered closer over him. Then the abuse had started.

Qui-Gon had withdrawn into his mind as best he could, although the persistent buzz of the Force suppressor at the base of his skull flared painfully with every attempt to reach for the Force to defend himself. Blows and kicks had rained over him, and one of his captors had even yanked his head up, sawing at his hair with a vibroblade, nicking his scalp in places and tugging him away from his effort at meditation. Then someone had produced a spark wand and it had been applied liberally to his body. He had blacked out once, only to be woken by the sting of it across his cheek. He had closed his eyes and tried to separate himself from the pain as they abused him intimately with the wand, before kicking his legs back down and securing his ankles with the cuffs once more.

As a Jedi, he had suffered such humiliation before, but somehow the assault felt more intense than usual. Perhaps he was getting too old for this kind of thing. When the beating had ended, they had kicked up the dirt on the floor and had even urinated on him, working both into his skin with their boots.

It was then, even through the Force suppressing field, that a trickle of concern reached him. So, Obi-Wan was alive. Settled by the knowledge, he had felt better able to face whatever might happen next.

A nearby explosion had punctuated his thoughts, and the group had fallen back as one. The leader spoke once more. "Remember, we shall not be as kind to any other Jedi you send here. Leave Rakhron alone!"

Qui-Gon had gasped as one, then another, of his hands were stamped on by booted feet. As the pain had blossomed along his arms, stinging his wrists with the cruelty of the cuffs, he had heard a thump on the ground beside him. He had turned his head to see his lightsaber lying near one of his now useless hands. Then his captors had left, extinguishing the light and leaving Qui-Gon alone in the dark.

The waiting had begun. Although it should not have been possible, he sensed Obi-Wan through the dull ache in the base of his skull, as though Obi-Wan had somehow reached along their training bond and tunnelled through the Force-suppressing field. It wasn't strong, but it was contact. He couldn't respond, but he could open his thoughts to it, and fill his mind with his apprentice. A sense of determination and strength filtered through to him, and he tied himself to it, allowing it to soothe the jangling pain in his body.

He had been chaste for many years, and the intimate violation of his body stood out above the pain of his fractured fingers and his burnt and bruised body. He felt ashamed but, despite his effort to release that shame, he failed without access to the solace of the Force. As though sensing this, the presence in his mind increased slightly, providing what he couldn't reach for himself, and it was enough. He sighed.

Obi-Wan: he was no longer a boy, and hadn't been for many years. Even when Qui-Gon had rejected Obi-Wan's advance of some five years before, on his Padawan's twentieth name day, Obi-Wan had accepted the rejection with grace. He had bowed and promised to meditate on releasing his feelings as Qui-Gon had suggested. Over the years, Qui-Gon had struggled with his own feelings on many occasions. With practise, he had released them to the Force to refocus his energy to support his student.

The flip side of denying his feelings meant that he had refused to see Obi-Wan grow into the man he had become, and he was certain that it had affected the strength of their training bond too. It seemed odd with a Force suppressor on his person, and weakened by a vicious assault, that he could sense his Padawan at all.

Perhaps because I finally realized that I should trust him. He's matured and moved on. He's taken lovers, and grown in confidence, yet he continues to seek approval from me. Force! If only I acknowledged his strength in the Unified Force, he would be strong enough to leave me and become a Knight in his own right.

A sharp gasp of breath broke from his chest, but it wasn't caused by his bruised ribs as much as the realization that he had inadvertently been binding an already competent Jedi Knight to him.

Why, Jinn? Afraid to be alone? Yes! Afraid that when he's tested like Xanatos... Impossible! He snorted, and this time the sharp pain from his ribs brought tears to his eyes. He's of the Light, more than I'll ever be... more than Xan ever was. He's ready. I must let him go.

The hum of Obi-Wan's presence in his mind had taken on a different timbre and urgency, and he suddenly realized that there was movement in the dark, and the sound of metal doors being taken off their hinges by 'sabers.

"Master!" Obi-Wan's voice rang out across the space in which he was imprisoned, even before the lights flared on, high overhead.

He glimpsed the vast warehouse surrounding him before closing his eyes, aware of his complete vulnerability as they approached. He tried not to flinch at the clatter of boots on the floor or the touch of fabric as a cover was laid over him -- by the scent, Obi-Wan's robe.

"Master?" Obi-Wan leant over him

Now that he was covered, Qui-Gon dared to open his eyes.

"Master Jinn," Mace asked solicitously, "are you all right?"

"The rebels?" Qui-Gon croaked.

"They've been routed," Mace replied.

"Depa, and the Padawans?"

"They're outside, standing guard, Master," Obi-Wan said, his gaze flicking over the burn ravaging Qui-Gon's cheek and his torn, bloodied shreds of hair. "Those who did this to you have gone. Let me help you, Master."

Obi-Wan hastened with Mace's help to release the bonds on Qui-Gon's wrists and ankles. Breaking open a medkit, together they wrapped bacta film and pressure bandages across the broken skin, and then Obi-Wan gingerly wrapped his hands as Mace gave him pain meds.

"Careful, Obi-Wan," Mace said unnecessarily.

"There's a suppressor near my neck," Qui-Gon said, turning his head so that Mace would be able to see it.

Mace carefully released the suppressor’s mechanical hooks from Qui-Gon's skin. "It's indeed fortunate then that Padawan Kenobi was able to sense you." He glanced at them appraisingly. "It could have taken us much longer to find you."

"I thank the Force that he did," Qui-Gon replied, ignoring the implication. The Force rushed back to surround him, and he couldn't hold back a contented sigh. Behind it, he felt a surge of love and concern from Obi-Wan, and nearly gasped again at the intensity of it.

"Are you all right, Master?" Obi-Wan asked, misinterpreting the muffled sound.

"Yes, Padawan," Qui-Gon said, glancing at Obi-Wan as the younger man belatedly shielded his emotions. He flinched at the raw pain spearing through him as they helped him to sit up. He smiled to reassure Obi-Wan as the younger man hesitated, before applying bacta to the wounds on his scalp and neck. He was aware of Mace’s intense regard, before the Jedi counsellor helped him to dress in Obi-Wan's cloak. Obi-Wan secured it with a clasp from his utility belt.

"We'll return to one of the safe houses, Master, and get you fixed up. I have your 'saber. It's damaged, but the crystal is intact. You'll be able to repair it."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan." Even now, despite the shielding between them, Obi-Wan's presence was in his mind. He said nothing as they helped him outside to Depa and the two Padawans, who were visibly shocked by his appearance as they hurried to settle him inside a speeder they had procured. They pulled away from the warehouse slowly, navigating a fresh outcrop of rubble.

As they travelled through the streets, aware of the tentative looks from citizens inside the houses, Qui-Gon could not ignore the persistence of the open training bond, which had managed to survive their mutual shielding. With a sigh, he let go of the effort of shielding. It held him back from the Force and he needed to feel it now, more than ever. Besides, it was time Obi-Wan knew everything: his fears, his expectations, and his belief in his apprentice's abilities. Obi-Wan was ready to be a Jedi Knight, and it was time to dissolve their partnership. He heard a soft exhale from Obi-Wan, undetectable beneath the sound of the speeder's engine. The young man mastered his surprise, but a sense of pleasure permeated the bond between them. Of course, Obi-Wan would be relieved that he had finally recognized the obvious. When he looked at Obi-Wan, the young man glanced away towards the safe house as they pulled up outside.

They were welcomed inside, and as soon as they were settled in a private room, Obi-Wan immediately assured Mace that he could manage whilst they liaised with the city government.

Even though Qui-Gon wanted to refuse his help and take care of himself, a look from Obi-Wan told him that his Padawan would not be put aside.

Obi-Wan led him into the fresher, helping him step into the small bathtub there, removed the clasp and reached up to slide the robe from Qui-Gon's shoulders.

"Wait," Qui-Gon said at last, staying Obi-Wan's hands by raising his damaged ones defensively.

"Let me help you, Master," Obi-Wan said, not for the first time that day.

Qui-Gon surrendered, letting his arms drop passively to his side. It's time you see that you've outstripped your Master.

Obi-Wan helped him to sit down, testing the temperature and the strength of the spray, before gently sluicing water over Qui-Gon's skin. He took a cloth and mapped the trails of water, washing the dirt and stickiness away, his face showing distaste.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Of course... I'm just sorry that they did this to you, Master. That they showed such disrespect..."

"I am but a man... and not invincible at that, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan fell silent, seeming to consider the words as he bathed Qui-Gon, allowing the filthy water to drain from the tub, and only allowing the tub to fill once he was satisfied that Qui-Gon was clean and comfortable.

Qui-Gon rested back against the tub with a sigh as Obi-Wan began to gently rinse his hair, carefully avoiding pressure on the wounds from the vibroblade and the Force suppressor.

"I'll cut your hair when we're done, Master. I'm afraid... it's rather short in places..."

"My hair was a vanity, anyway, Padawan. Perhaps it's time for a change."

"It'll look a little like mine," Obi-Wan ventured with a grin.

Qui-Gon chuckled, but groaned at the resulting pain that seized his ribs.

Obi-Wan touched them, and Qui-Gon felt energy trickling from his fingertips, soothing the hurt as best as Obi-Wan could. Obi-Wan hesitated, now looking into Qui-Gon's eyes. "Did you mean it, Master?"

"What?"

"You think I'm ready to be a Knight?"

"You are," Qui-Gon said. "It's only the fears of your old Master that hold you back."

"I've never thought of you as old, Master."

Qui-Gon settled for a wry smile. "Seeing what is before you now, I trust you have revised that opinion."

"I see only the man who saved me the fate you suffered in my stead." He carefully began to soap Qui-Gon’s skin. He frowned a little. "If only..."

"If only I had listened to you?"

Obi-Wan nodded, before continuing his self-appointed task in silence.

Qui-Gon closed his eyes and withdrew into his thoughts as Obi-Wan bathed him professionally. It was easy not to respond to the intimate touch after the abuse he had suffered, but he breathed steadily, so as not to flinch and cause Obi-Wan additional concern. He focussed on the presence in his mind. Their bond had been quiescent for many years, but now it hummed with energy and, like worrying at a wound, he examined it. He gasped as the energy between them expanded, and realized that Obi-Wan had lowered his shielding. He was overcome once more by the sense of deep concern and love. He couldn't help that he opened his eyes and automatically drew back from Obi-Wan's mental touch, as much as his physical touch.

"Don't, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan whispered, putting the cloth aside and reaching to touch Qui-Gon's face.

"I am your teacher, Obi-Wan. This course is not wise... You don't know what you're doing."

"I am soon to be a Knight, Master, and while I shall always honour and revere you, you are wrong in this instance. I know exactly what I'm doing, and what course we're embarking on." Then Obi-Wan's lips closed over his.

Qui-Gon relented timidly, opening himself to the kiss, but groaned from the bruising and the taut pull of the burn that marred his face. Obi-Wan sensed his discomfort and reduced the pressure of the kiss. Qui-Gon’s next groan, however, was one of disappointment as Obi-Wan pulled away. It was then he realized there had been a knock at the door, as Obi-Wan moved into the main room to answer it.

After a pause, Obi-Wan spoke in response to instructions he hadn't been able to hear. "Of course, Master Windu, I'll wait with him until the healers arrive,"

"The healers will be here within the hour," Obi-Wan said as the door closed and he returned to the fresher to kneel beside the tub. He grinned. "Trust you to make your feelings clear when Master Windu is on the other side of the door and we're about to be overrun by healers. Now, where were we?"

"I was about to tell you that we need to take the time to meditate and--"

Obi-Wan snorted. "I have meditated on this for five years, Master, and I want this more than ever. I know you feel the same. I could sense you in the warehouse. It's how we found you so quickly. You always tell me to listen to the Force, Master. I did, and it led me to you."

"You heard and responded to my fear," Qui-Gon began.

"And your love." He leaned closer. "Tell me that I didn't sense that too."

Qui-Gon shook his head finally and Obi-Wan kissed him, only to have Qui-Gon groan again.

Obi-Wan sighed, drew back onto his haunches, and gently stroked his fingers down Qui-Gon's face. "I think I'd rather do this when my kisses and touches don't inspire such agony."

Qui-Gon smiled ruefully and accepted Obi-Wan's help to get to his feet, allowing himself to be dried and dressed in a clean, civilian robe. They moved back into the main room and Obi-Wan helped him to lie down on a sleep pad, before reapplying bacta to the worst of the vibroblade wounds. Obi-Wan then retrieved scissors from the medkit, before helping him to sit up. He grimaced with pain.

"Is there anything I can do...?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "The healers will take care of it." There were probably burns to accompany the bruising, and Qui-Gon didn't feel ready to let Obi-Wan survey the extent and nature of the damage.

"Do you want to lie down again?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "I'm okay."

Obi-Wan kissed his forehead and then went to work with the scissors. When he was done, he drew back to examine his handiwork. "You must have been quite the intimidating Padawan, Master," he quipped, before helping Qui-Gon to lie down again.

Qui-Gon smiled then and touched his bandaged hand to Obi-Wan's hand fondly. "Not as intimidating as my own." Through habit, he pulled away at once, but Obi-Wan reinforced the gesture.

"It would seem that it's my turn to teach the Master some things." Obi-Wan didn't seem fazed by the lack of response. After refreshing the pain meds, Obi-Wan sat beside him, apparently content to wait in silence until the healers arrived.

Qui-Gon had spent two days in the care of the Rakhron Senator’s personal healer, whilst the remainder of the Jedi contingent tied up matters with the Rakhron government and attended a formal state farewell. He had only just been declared fit for travel, when he joined the others and the Rakhron Senator aboard a runner bound for Coruscant. Although the runner was sleek and compact, it was well-appointed, and Qui-Gon enjoyed the comfort of a soft sleep couch, which contrasted with the rigid bunks of the freighters that Jedi usually frequented.

He and Obi-Wan had scarcely had time alone since the safe house in Rakhron City, and he had begun to wonder if the kisses had been the product of a fevered imagination. Indeed, he supposed anything that replaced the harsh reality of the assault, which had occupied his thoughts in the last three days, was likely just a welcome distraction. Obi-Wan had been nothing but professional ever since, even in the scarce moments they were alone. He decided that once he was restored to the Temple, he would seek some time alone in his favourite meditation garden and release feelings that weren't worthy of the attention Obi-Wan deserved, as his student and soon-to-be equal.

The Jedi team had just shared a dinner with the Rakhron Senator in the main cabin, and the Senator had insisted that Qui-Gon retire to the comfort of his small stateroom to rest. He bathed using the water quota allotted to him, went through the medication schedule the healer had given him, and changed the gloves protecting his injured hands. They still caused him considerable pain, despite the bone-meld for the breaks and fractures caused by his ordeal, but the pain meds would soon do their work and he could rest quietly. Having finished his toilette, he turned the glowpanels off and settled onto the sleep couch, pulling the blanket up to ward off the chill that seemed to permeate the most luxurious of spacecraft. In time, the sedation took effect, and he slept a dreamless sleep.

It must be the meds, he thought muzzily, waking with the realization that someone had entered the room in the darkness, before he had detected the intrusion. However, before he could react, that someone was climbing onto the sleep couch beside him and his nostrils flared, recognizing Obi-Wan. "What is it?" he asked.

"Shhh," Obi-Wan settled beside him carefully, making sure not to put weight on Qui-Gon's healing body as he pulled the blanket back into place.

"This is not wise," he began.

"I believe we've had this discussion."

In the dark, he heard the smile in Obi-Wan's voice, and then felt a hand alight on his cheek, a kiss brush against his lips. He gestured to the glowpanels, and the light increased, showing Obi-Wan leaning over him. //Attachments are against the Code... You are soon to be a Knight...//

Obi-Wan shook his head. //Might as well not knight me then, Master. I am already attached.// He leaned in again and brushed another kiss over Qui-Gon's lips.

//As am I,// Qui-Gon admitted, before gently pushing him back. "However, we didn't come this far to see you not reach Knighthood."

"We are Jedi, Master. We've faced worse challenges than the Council. Defying them has never troubled you before."

"Should I be concerned? You've never wanted me to before."

"Until this mission, I never saw you as anything but invincible... I certainly didn't see you as someone who would consider me a worthy partner."

"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon sighed, stroking his face. "You are more than worthy."

"I think I see that now," Obi-Wan replied, nuzzling toward the touch but wary of putting pressure on Qui-Gon's hands. "You wanted me to see that, didn't you?

Qui-Gon nodded and smiled. "Wise as always, my Padawan."

Obi-Wan leant closer, pressing his lips to Qui-Gon's in a sweet, chaste kiss.

Qui-Gon felt the last of his control unravelling, and parted his lips, wanting more and inhaling the moan that Obi-Wan breathed into his mouth.

//Does it hurt?// Obi-Wan asked, even as he deepened the kiss, his tongue plundering Qui-Gon's mouth.

//It hurts not to...// Qui-Gon replied, circling Obi-Wan with his arm and pulling Obi-Wan's body against his. There was pain, but it paled next to the fire that blazed across his skin. He moaned involuntarily as Obi-Wan pulled away and slipped from the sleep couch, but Obi-Wan was stripping off his sleep tunic and leggings and turning back the blanket to divest Qui-Gon of his leggings too. As Obi-Wan settled back against his body, he gasped at the contrast between the chill of the cabin and the heat of Obi-Wan's body.

Obi-Wan inched down the couch a little, leaning over him to trail kisses lightly across the curve of his ribs.

//Obi-Wan... stop.//

Obi-Wan obeyed the directive, but smiled at the reassurance in Qui-Gon's gaze as he looked up.

"I am no longer broken," Qui-Gon murmured. "Well, except for my hands, perhaps." He chuckled, and ran the back of his gloved hand across Obi-Wan's cheek. "There is one last thing that you need to learn, before you become my equal."

"What is it?" Obi-Wan asked.

"You have seen that I am fallible, Obi-Wan. I can be mastered. I want you to master me."

"But... you're hurt..." Obi-Wan's gaze flickered down his body, his green eyes entertaining the possibilities but pushing them away even before he looked back at Qui-Gon.

"I am well on the way to healing. Nothing you would do could hurt me. Trust your instincts, trust yourself."

Qui-Gon waited to see that his meaning had been absorbed, and wasn't disappointed by the grin blossoming on Obi-Wan's face.

Obi-Wan returned to slide up his body, placing another kiss on his mouth, before resuming his interrupted exploration with lips, tongue, teeth and fingers.

At first, Qui-Gon tried to lie still beneath him, marvelling at the quiet experience of Obi-Wan's attention. Like anything his apprentice did, Obi-Wan brought his entire focus to the task, and it wasn't long before he was gasping, hips rising, as Obi-Wan sucked and then pinched his nipples in turn, fingers fluttering over his skin and then stroking roughly, finding all the ways to inspire a response in him. He didn't want to be passive, but this lesson was Obi-Wan's and he would obey whatever direction Obi-Wan gave him. When Obi-Wan's hands drifted down at last, directing his hips upward, he arched and relaxed back onto the cushion that Obi-Wan placed under his lower back, letting Obi-Wan move his knees apart. He knew that the bruising had not yet subsided and the burns were still slightly pink, despite repeated bacta treatment. He watched as awareness of the extent of the assault settled over Obi-Wan.

"Oh, Qui-Gon..." Obi-Wan's fingers trailed along the planes of his stomach, then down through coarse hair, moving on to caress his scrotum, teasing its weight in his hands, before running up along the underside of Qui-Gon's cock, which responded despite the trepidation of the touch. Obi-Wan froze for a moment, and it was only that Qui-Gon arched toward him, that he moved again. He gestured toward the tunic on the floor and a large vial came to his hand.

"You came well prepared," Qui-Gon murmured.

"Well... I had some idea of how much to expect," Obi-Wan quipped lightly, cupping his fingers to stroke Qui-Gon's length. He seemed awed by the groan he had inspired deep within Qui-Gon's throat.

Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan coated his fingers with the lubricant. He closed his eyes as a finger slid inside him, centering his awareness as each knuckle pressed deeper into his body. He clenched down to increase the sense of both possessing and being possessed. However, he was suddenly aware that Obi-Wan had stopped moving and he opened his eyes to see the concerned expression resulting from the lack of feedback. He smiled then, and locked his eyes with Obi-Wan's, giving a hint of direction. "More..." The huskiness of his own voice, and the sudden blaze in Obi-Wan's eyes sent fire running down his spine.

Obi-Wan eased another finger inside to accompany the first, and although there was now some pain from the healing tissue, Qui-Gon resisted the desire to reject the intrusion, instead choosing to take someone warm and alive into himself, to reject his recent memories. He kept his gaze on Obi-Wan as he pressed down toward Obi-Wan's fingers. He hadn't realized that at some point he had started gasping with want, and although his erection had flagged, it responded as Obi-Wan reached up to run his other hand along its length, fingers gently rippling the foreskin back and forth, his thumb sweeping over the head, taking pre-come with it as he slowly fisted Qui-Gon to the base, and began the movement over again.

Obi-Wan finally withdrew both hands, inspiring a whimper from Qui-Gon, before lifting Qui-Gon's hips up further, sliding them over his thighs and, with a pause to lubricate himself, breaching Qui-Gon and inching inside. He pushed Qui-Gon's legs further up and open, supporting himself against them as he completed the thrust with a soft cry. He leaned forward, his lips covering Qui-Gon's, claiming his mouth as well.

Qui-Gon allowed his eyes to close as Obi-Wan's mind pressed insistently against his, opening himself, mind and body. //Please...// His eyes opened, locking on Obi-Wan's face as Obi-Wan started to thrust, radiating power and possession. He absorbed that power, returning with it his need to be healed, and to be claimed. At last he felt the warm, sticky surge of Obi-Wan's completion inside him, although surprisingly, he still felt filled by Obi-Wan, as the younger man reached between them and began to fist him slowly. He thrust into Obi-Wan's hand.

//It's your turn,// Obi-Wan said, and Qui-Gon came with a hoarse, barely suppressed shout.

"All right?" Obi-Wan asked, nuzzling close to his face and checking his expression with concern, relaxing at the sight of what was, Qui-Gon was sure, a lopsided and sated grin. Obi-Wan kissed him again, and confessed in a conspiratorial whisper, "Would it be giving in to passion too much if I said I wanted to do that again?"

"Force, no," Qui-Gon whispered back. It was only after being claimed once more by Obi-Wan, that he recognized the protests of his body, but Obi-Wan seemed to have sensed it too, and cleaned them up before lying back beside him, ensuring that Qui-Gon was settled comfortably beneath the blanket.

Obi-Wan nuzzled in against the crook of his arm, fingers playing over his chest.

Qui-Gon sighed. "You best go back to your own room."

"I shall... in time," Obi-Wan said, a hint of a smile on his face. "Though I rather hoped for one more time before firstmeal."

"We shall have to be discreet," Qui-Gon warned, but pulled him closer. "I don't want to give Master Windu any grounds to question us or jeopardize your Trials."

"I don't believe that will be a problem, Master," Obi-Wan said, his smile now unashamed.

"How so?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I have an understanding, you could say, with Master Windu." Seeing the confused expression on Qui-Gon's face, he continued immediately. "You see, I ran into him in the corridor on my way here. Upon recognizing a rather embarrassing situation, he took me to his cabin and gave me an impromptu lecture on discretion, and explained that it would have appeared very bad if the Senator had seen me creeping barefoot in my sleep tunics into my Master's room. That's why it took me much longer to get here than I expected."

Qui-Gon frowned lightly. "And still you came to me?"

"You haven't heard what the embarrassing situation was, Qui-Gon. You see, I caught Master Windu going into Master Billaba's room."

"What?"

"Indeed," Obi-Wan continued, his expression glowing. "It was only on the conclusion of his lecture that I asked if discretion was why he was fully dressed down to his boots when he entered Master Billaba's room."

Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows in a mixture of fascination and horror.

"We then went on to discuss the Jedi Code and attachment. It seems that the Council is willing to overlook the existence of bonded partners, provided that discretion and adherence to the Code is maintained in public."

Taking Qui-Gon's stunned silence as permission, Obi-Wan continued. "I then asked if that's why he was permitted to remain on the same mission rotation as Master Billaba, and wondered if the same consideration could be shown to you and me. Of course, by that time, I think Master Windu was rather glad to be rid of me. He told me to be quick about retrieving the rest of my uniform and to hurry here. So, you could argue that he gave me permission to be here."

By now, Qui-Gon was laughing soundlessly, until he had to stop because of the ache in his lungs. "Ahhh, Obi-Wan..." His expression became serious. "And you knew this all the time I was arguing with you against our involvement?"

"I had to be sure that you respected my position, Master, and now I'm quite confident you do." His hand ran possessively over Qui-Gon's body beneath the blanket. "Indeed, you do."

"I've created a Jedi Knight... and a monster," Qui-Gon sighed.

"A master negotiator sounds better," Obi-Wan grinned and leaned up, nibbling at Qui-Gon's ear. He whispered, "Perhaps you understand better now why you should listen to me more often."

"Indeed, Obi-Wan. Indeed." After resting for a while, he was still in agreement when Obi-Wan woke him and turned him onto his side, before entering him in one smooth, slow thrust. Indeed, it was wonderful, he thought, to not always be the Master.

Fini.