Master Apprentice  Archive Out of Reach |
|
Archive: M_A, others please ask
Pairing: Q/O, O/Other male
Rating: NC-17
Category: Hurt/Comfort, Angst
Summary: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan must overcome a pre-existing bond, grief, and a master’s treachery in order to be together.
** ** denotes written messages
// // denotes sent or read thoughts
He fidgeted. Smoothed the front of his tunic. Tapped his finger on the arm of his Council chair. Even went so far once as to stretch his long legs out in front of him. Yes, he knew he was being very un-Jedi master like today, but damn if these Council meetings hadn't begun to blend into one another. Session after session he listened to reports from around the galaxy. Reports from brave, well-trained knights and masters who were spread too thinly and too often bound by outdated traditions. He should be out there. He should be the one put into danger instead of sitting here on Coruscant, a member of a Council which had until very recently thought of him as a rebel.
Still a rebel, Qui-Gon Jinn thought.
If it hadn't been for that horrible mishap on that Corellian freighter, when he had very nearly lost his life, he would not be sitting here now. His good friend and former master Yoda, had invited him to sit on the Council, to retire from the field and use his great knowledge of the Living Force to guide the Order. After a long and painful recovery, Qui-Gon was not eager to return to danger, and so he had accepted. Now he regretted it.
As usual there was a long list of Jedi who needed to address the Council. They had concerns that Qui-Gon did not take lightly, but again he chafed at being so idle. Retirement wasn't for him. And a retirement spent sitting on the Council, especially so. But today, his impatience seemed particularly pronounced. It was as if something big was about to happen. Some great truth was about to be spoken and he could barely contain himself in anticipation. But as each visitor came and went, the feeling still clung to him... hopeful... and persistent when at last he felt a caress in the Force, a caress that lifted his chin and his eyes to the large double doors of the chamber.
The closed, ornate doors suddenly seemed as if they were hiding something. No, about to reveal something. As Qui-Gon's blue eyes searched them for an answer, for any hint of movement, he was suddenly rewarded. The doors were opened, yawning wide to admit the next visitor.
"Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi," Yoda announced to his Council mates.
Qui-Gon all but gaped as the young knight walked smoothly into the Council Chambers, his cloak billowing behind him. Force... light, he thought, and then shut his mouth with a click of his jaw.
"Masters," the knight said and bowed. His sandy blond hair fell to his shoulders and obscured his face slightly.
There was definitely a light about him. A Force light, that only another Force-sensitive could see, and yet Qui-Gon believed he was the only one to notice the brilliance emitting from this young man.
"Come here to be praised young Kenobi. Your mission's success an achievement for all," Yoda said.
"Thank you, Master," he said, nodding to Yoda.
Yoda noticed Qui-Gon's intense gaze on the young knight and sensed his curiosity. "Knight Kenobi spent many years away from the Temple. His master Yuta Mulan," Yoda said to Qui-Gon and then looked at Obi-Wan and said, "New to the Council is Master Qui-Gon Jinn."
Obi-Wan bowed to the Council member. "Master Jinn," he said, and when he raised his head his eyes met Qui-Gon's, lingering for slightly longer than appropriate.
Yoda cleared his throat. "May the Force be with you."
The knight bowed and left.
When the door closed behind him and the young knight was no longer in view, Qui-Gon found himself breathing again. His breath had been taken away with the young man's grace and beauty... Qui-Gon had been transfixed.
With the Council adjourned, Qui-Gon slowly peeled himself out of his chair, his senses still lingering on the knight's Force signature. Yoda dallied as well, waiting for the others to leave before he spoke his mind.
"Time there will be to see Kenobi later," the old master said.
Qui-Gon stood motionless at his master's words. "He seems a capable knight."
"Hmph," Yoda voiced. "Guard your feelings you should, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon bowed to the venerated Jedi master and then Yoda left him alone in the chambers. Surely Yoda was merely cautioning him that his shielding may have slipped a little.
Standing at the center of the chamber, Qui-Gon took a deep breath. The young knight's Force signature was still lingering... mesmerizing him. What was it about Obi-Wan that fascinated him? And fascination was surely the word for it. Never had he been so transfixed by someone so quickly. He turned around, almost spinning in place, sensing the answer was just behind him, just out of reach and dancing at the edge of awareness. There was something.... But the search would have to wait; one of the aides to the Council came back into the chamber to retrieve a datapad left behind.
"Can you get me a copy of Knight Kenobi's last mission report?" Qui-Gon asked the young Calamarian aide.
"Yes, Master. And the treaty as well, sir?"
"Hmm, yes, that would be good to read. Please have them sent to the commpanel in my quarters."
"Right away, Master Jinn."
"Thank you," Qui-Gon said, and left the chambers.
A few hours later, after having read the reports and the treaty thoroughly, Qui-Gon attended a reception for several newly knighted Jedi. It was a pleasant affair simply because of the excitement of the Jedi who had reached their goal, but Qui-Gon knew that the real celebration would be later... after the Council members had made their congratulations and only the knights' closest friends remained.
After he spoke briefly with each new knight, he thought to return to his quarters, but felt that tingle again... the same caress he had felt in the Council chambers earlier that day. He looked up. His eyes scanned the crowded room until his breath caught at the sight of him---Knight Kenobi.
The young man must have felt the eyes on him, because at that same moment he turned from his conversation to see Qui-Gon. With a small smile, he excused himself from his friends and walked over to the Jedi master and bowed. "Good evening, Master Jinn."
"Knight Kenobi," Qui-Gon returned with a bow. "The Council was very pleased by your ability to negotiate the inter-species treaty."
The knight tilted his head slightly, disappointed in the conversation opener. It wasn't the kind of conversation he was expecting from the rebel all the knights talked about. "I am honored by their praise and yet confused by it," Obi-Wan admitted.
"Confused, how so?"
"That treaty was begun by Master Perlal. I only oversaw its conclusion when he became ill and had to return to Coruscant."
"You believe the credit should go to Master Perlal?"
"Yes."
The simple answer at once intrigued and confused Qui-Gon. After reading the treaty negotiations and mission report he had concluded that this young knight had great promise, and showed great potential.
"You have underestimated your role, Knight Kenobi. Surely you can see that Master Perlal's unfortunate illness nearly shattered the peace talks. Your quick study of the situation and diplomatic skills allowed you to step almost flawlessly into the talks."
The knight's gaze shifted downward uneasily.
"You are too modest, Knight Kenobi."
The younger Jedi looked up into Qui-Gon's eyes, admiring his handsomeness. "Please, call me Obi-Wan," he said and smiled, the blue-green depths of his eyes drawing the older Jedi into his very soul.
Qui-Gon smiled in return. "Thank you, Obi-Wan." He would have liked to tell the young man to call him by his first name, but he knew that was against protocol, at least in formal situations such as this.
"May I get you something to drink, Master Jinn?"
"Yes, brandy would be nice. Thank you."
Obi-Wan nodded and left his side to retrieve their drinks. As soon as the young man had left his presence, Qui-Gon was miserable. He hadn't felt this way about anyone since he was a young man first exploring his own sexuality. This knight definitely had a profound impact on his senses and he wanted more than anything to get to know him better. So far, that seemed mutually acceptable.
The break gave Obi-Wan a chance to think. Qui-Gon Jinn was larger than life and not just because of the legends that surrounded him. He was a brilliant fighter, but looking into his eyes Obi-Wan also saw kindness... and light.
Several minutes later when Obi-Wan returned he handed a glass to the Jedi master. He couldn't resist brushing his fingers lightly against the older man's which in turn piqued his curiosity. He needed to learn more about him.
Qui-Gon flattered himself that the young man was actually flirting with him. The touch, though brief, had sparked something within him. Something that told him he should take him away from all this to talk. And so, he asked Obi-Wan to join him for a walk in the gardens.
"I'd like that. Thank you," Obi-Wan said, eager to accept the invitation.
They left the reception without a word to the others in attendance and walked to one of the upper level Temple gardens. By the time they'd arrived in the garden, Obi-Wan was taking the last gulp of his drink. The slight burning sensation of the alcohol was pleasant, but did little to ease his nerves. He wondered why he was so nervous as he followed Qui-Gon into the maze of paths in the garden.
Qui-Gon, too, was uneasy, but chose to mask it by nursing his drink. Using the glass as a prop, he conversed about plans to expand the garden. After walking some distance, he realized they were quite alone and turned the conversation to slightly more personal matters.
"You've been away from Coruscant a long time," Qui-Gon began.
"Master Mulan liked to keep busy. I suppose I've continued in that tradition."
Qui-Gon nodded. "I met your master many years ago. I seem to recall he was a very patient man."
Obi-Wan bowed his head slightly. "His death was difficult for me." As difficult as his life, he thought.
"Of course. But I understand he was able to celebrate your knighting. That is fortunate."
The young man grinned. "I was his fifth apprentice. By the time he took me as his padawan he was already seventy-five standard years."
"An amazing accomplishment. I'm sure he is very proud of you," Qui-Gon said, referring to the Jedi tenet that there is no death, only the Force, and that Master Mulan was now one with the Force.
"What about you?" Obi-Wan asked, anxious to begin his own research. "Where have you been hiding all these years?"
The odd wording of the question made Qui-Gon think that perhaps the knight thought he had been hiding from him. He wanted to assure the young man that had he known he existed he would have cut a path with his bare hands through thickets of Rodarian bristle brush.
"I've been training my own Padawans. Three all together."
"Three, huh?"
Qui-Gon cringed. He was sure the young man was trying to calculate his age. "Fifty-five standard years, if you must know," he said, almost defiantly.
Obi-Wan laughed. "All you Jedi masters are the same... nothing gets past you."
The older Jedi raised his eyebrow at that. "Maybe you should take an apprentice. Have a turn at being the master."
"No, no, not just yet. I'm not ready for that... maybe in a year or two."
Qui-Gon nodded, understanding the hesitation in taking an apprentice. "It is a tremendous responsibility, but one you will cherish."
As they talked, they moved deeper into the gardens until they reached the butterfly sanctuary. There, they were silenced by the beauty and graceful motion of the velvety blue and purple winged creatures as they fluttered about them.
"I haven't been here in years," Obi-Wan said in a near whisper, since loud voices were prohibited in this part of the garden.
Almost as soon as they stopped moving, the delicate insects began lighting on them, unafraid of their Jedi visitors. Both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had at least a dozen on them, and in Obi-Wan's case, even one on the tip of his nose. His eyes crossed trying to see the tiny invader.
"Now what do I do?" he asked, quietly.
"Be still, Obi-Wan, and delight in the fact that it finds your nose a suitable landing pad."
With that comment, Obi-Wan burst into laughter and all the butterflies were in flight once again.
"I'm sorry," he chuckled. "But that was quite funny."
Qui-Gon watched with great satisfaction as the young man tried to regain his composure. He had the suspicion that Obi-Wan hadn't had a good laugh in months, and this break was very much needed.
As he continued to laugh over Qui-Gon's joke, Obi-Wan moved closer to the Jedi master and patted his arm at the shared fun. He shook his head in bewilderment. "I can't believe a Council member could actually have a sense of humor."
"Well, I haven't been on the Council that long. Maybe in a few more months..."
And Obi-Wan started laughing loudly again. Force, if the sound of his laughter wasn't the most beautiful thing Qui-Gon had ever heard. Obviously the young man had a healthy appreciation for humor, but what was even more interesting was that the joke had broken through some underlying tension between them. A tension that Qui-Gon had not been aware of until this moment.
Seeing Obi-Wan's features relax and brighten with laughter made Qui-Gon relax and join in the laughter. They stepped closer to each other, touching companionably like old friends... and then it happened. They were in each other's arms. Looking into each other's eyes. And the laughter stopped.
Qui-Gon froze as Obi-Wan looked up into his eyes; a swirl of blue-green searching him. Is he frightened, Qui-Gon wondered as he tried to decipher the emotions on Obi-Wan's face. Was that a hint of lust he saw in those beautiful eyes? Or was he just being hopeful again?
The feel of Qui-Gon's arms around him had silenced Obi-Wan immediately. It felt right like he belonged in this man's arms which surprised and frightened him, but he didn't pull away. Instead, Obi-Wan leaned in boldly, challenging Qui-Gon to deny this moment, deny what was happening between them. The Jedi master was willing to take the bait and leaned down to accept Obi-Wan's lips. At first, the kiss was tentative, a light brushing of lips, to keep from frightening each other off, but once it was clear neither one was going anywhere they dove into each other. Lips pressed hard against lips. Mouths fell open. Tongues darted out to explore. Time stood still... briefly.
Obi-Wan was the first to withdraw. His heart pounding so hard against his chest he thought it would burst right through. What am I doing, he wondered, suddenly awash with guilt. "I'm sorry," he said, as he pulled out of the Qui-Gon's arms, stepping back a pace.
"You should never be sorry for a kiss like that," Qui-Gon mused, still thrumming from the delicious encounter. Despite the high, Qui-Gon recognized that Obi-Wan was truly sorry. He was breathing hard and looking at him with wild... haunted eyes. "Are you all right?"
"I... I should go," Obi-Wan said, and turned to leave.
"Wait," Qui-Gon said, reaching his hand out to grab Obi-Wan by the arm, but he was already out of reach and moving quickly back down the path.
Qui-Gon watched in a dazed confusion laced with the remaining tingling sensation of pressed lips. He was frozen. Immovable as he watched Obi-Wan disappear from sight. With the quiet solitude of the young man's departure, he began to see things differently. Had it been a truly spontaneous moment... a discovery of mutual attraction... or was it a case of intimidation?
The Jedi master gulped. Did he unwittingly force Obi-Wan into acting against his will? Was that why the young man had looked so frightened? Because he was unwilling or unable to disappoint a member of the Council and so had kissed him, thinking it was the only way he could respond? Qui-Gon didn't want to waste a moment finding out and finally moved in pursuit of him. He couldn't let this come between them... If nothing else he wanted to be Obi-Wan's friend.
Obi-Wan had exited the garden quickly and had reached the reception hall quite a bit before Qui-Gon. As the Jedi master entered the hall he saw Obi-Wan standing with a group of other knights. He started to close on them, but stopped cold when he noticed another young knight approaching with determined steps. The knight was young, about the same age and build as Obi-Wan, but with long auburn hair smoothed back into a braid. He watched in quiet pain as this knight grabbed Obi-Wan from behind and swung him around to give him a very public and wet kiss.
"Force, I've missed you," the young man as they kiss ended.
Obi-Wan smiled brightly. "Aleki!" he exclaimed, embracing the newcomer and then giving him an equally passionate kiss.
The pair were oblivious to everyone else in the room, and it seemed so was Qui-Gon. He was startled out of his voyeurism by a hand on his shoulder.
"Mace," he said, turning to his Council mate.
"Young love is hypnotic," Mace said, knowingly.
"Yes," Qui-Gon responded automatically.
"They are a bonded pair, and I think a good match."
"Bonded?" The surprise was evident in Qui-Gon's tone.
"Yes, they pairbonded just after Kenobi's knighting. I believe they had been lovers as padawans."
So, that explains why he was sorry for the kiss, Qui-Gon thought, feeling his chest constricting as he continued to torture himself by watching the pair who couldn't keep their hands off each other. Nearly half of all knighted Jedi chose to pairbond in order to form a working and loving relationship. Pairbonds paralleled the master and apprentice training bond in that they were a mutually agreed on bonding, but usually only temporary. The bond was considered a support system and encouraged by the Council who well understood the difficulties and loneliness of being a Jedi knight. When resources permitted, the pairs were allowed to go on missions together.
"I'm suddenly feeling very tired," Qui-Gon said to Mace.
He left the reception hall without looking back... not seeing that Obi-Wan was watching him and regretting the hurt he had caused. He would have to explain his actions to the Jedi master later. But for now, Aleki Runalt was back in his arms.
The two young Jedi made love through the night. They hadn't seen each other in over three months, their longest separation since their bonding almost two years ago. But as Obi-Wan thrust in and out of his lover he couldn't stop thinking about the look on Qui-Gon's face when he had left the hall.
"Sith, you're horny tonight," Aleki moaned, not noticing the slight change in Obi-Wan's rhythm.
"I've... been... saving it... all... for you," he grunted with each thrust into that delicious backside.
"You mean you didn't even jerk off while I was gone? Geez, Obi, that's sweet," Aleki said and then moaned again as the thrusts quickened.
Aleki had always been a sensual and generous lover for Obi-Wan and this reunion was no different. He offered himself up to Obi-Wan's pleasure eagerly. Loving to give himself completely to his bondmate. When they had arrived back in their quarters, Aleki had quickly undressed them both and then knelt on their bed, sticking his ass in the air as an invitation he knew his lover could not refuse. In return, Obi-Wan mounted him, joined their bodies, to give them both what they wanted. In moments like this, Aleki felt closest to Obi-Wan... not just physically, but emotionally. Obi-Wan had a tendency toward seriousness and there was an underlying sadness that hung about him that Aleki had never been able to break through. Making love changed that... though only temporarily.
With his hand around Aleki's hardened cock, Obi-Wan began pumping in time with his own thrusts. It felt so good being inside Aleki, being with him again. They had such an easy relationship. Or at least Aleki made it that way. Obi-Wan knew he didn't give as much as he got back and for that he was sorry, but he truly felt helpless in changing that. Though he could complain to the Council about their long separations. Aleki would be very pleased about that and it would show that Obi-Wan did care.
The thought of the Council quickly took Obi-Wan's mind back to Qui-Gon. Back to meeting the Jedi master and to what happened in the garden. The memory of that handsome, bearded face was imprinted on him making his concentration waver and throwing off his pumping and thrusting.
"Hello," Aleki called out from under him. "Hello up there? I'm not going to come like this."
The wake up call startled Obi-Wan out of his daydreaming. He released Aleki's hard sex and pulled out of him quickly.
"Bantha piss! What do you think you're doing?" Aleki shouted. He flopped face down on the bed turning his head to stare at Obi-Wan who was standing to the side of the bed with his hands on his hips. His cock still achingly aroused. "What's with you tonight? It started off great, but..."
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. He needed to focus. Why the Sith couldn't he get Qui-Gon's face out of his mind? "I'm sorry. I guess I have something on my mind."
"Oh, that's just great," Aleki said, shaking his head and getting off the bed. He grabbed his silk robe and pulled it around him, very deliberately putting up a barrier between them. "That's the curse of death for any relationship. You're not attracted to me anymore."
Obi-Wan's eyes went wide. "How can you say that? Look at me!" he said, pointing to his still very erect cock.
"Then what could possibly be plaguing your mind at a time like this?"
"A Council member," Obi-Wan said finally.
"Huh?" Aleki asked.
Obi-Wan didn't have any intention of telling his bondmate about kissing Qui-Gon, but he needed to broach the subject at least a little. "I was speaking to Master Jinn tonight before you arrived at the reception. He's only recently been appointed to the Council."
Aleki was now sitting on the edge of the bed.
"I think he may have misunderstood something I ... said."
"Oh, that's all? Well, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You'll probably never see him again. The Council members tend to keep to themselves." Aleki was now stroking Obi-Wan's cock with his hand. "Come on, lover. I'm sure whatever you said has been forgotten by now." He slid off the bed to his knees, and quickly wrapped his hot, wet mouth around Obi-Wan's cock, sucking him in all the way and encouraging his lover to thrust into it.
"I don't deserve you, Aleki," Obi-Wan moaned, holding the other man's head as he gently thrust into that willing mouth. And then a hiss escaped him as he felt his lover release him.
"I can forgive a lot for the best kisser in the Republic," Aleki said hopping onto the bed again, throwing his robe open, and spreading his legs. "Now fuck me, or I'll get really mad."
The next morning the pair decided to have breakfast in the company of other Jedi. It might have been better to stay confined in their quarters since, after a night of lovemaking, their revived bond was glowing for all the Force sensitives to see. Aleki, however, was anxious to be in the company of other Jedi again, and so they made the decision to join them for their morning meal.
Qui-Gon cringed when he saw them come into the dining hall. Aleki looked well-fucked, and Obi-Wan seemed no worse for the workout the other knight had given him. The Jedi master had slept fitfully, since images of the young, reddish-blond haired knight filled his thoughts. The memory of their kiss was bittersweet. He still worried that Obi-Wan had somehow felt pressured into it, but also felt sure that there had been some mutual attraction.
Mace Windu, who was sitting next to Qui-Gon, noticed how his friend tensed when the two knights had appeared. "Is there something you'd like to tell me, Qui-Gon?" he asked.
"Nothing that a little meditation won't resolve," Qui-Gon said flatly. He didn't feel like mentioning that all his attempts at meditation the night before had been thwarted by images of that beautiful young man.
"Really? I thought you'd have this worked out by now, but I can see you're still fixated on them. What is it that bothers you?"
Qui-Gon gave his friend a sideways glance. "I'm just a foolish old man, Mace. Nothing more and nothing less."
"I see... So which one has you so enthralled? Kenobi or Runalt?"
Qui-Gon shook his head. Since Obi-Wan was not interested there was no need to go into it with Mace. "It's not worth discussing."
"Maybe not now, but it will be," Mace grinned knowingly.
Obi-Wan had noticed Qui-Gon almost as soon as they'd entered the hall. He assumed, since he was dining with Master Windu, that their intense discussion had something to do with Council matters. He had meant to look away, but even as he and Aleki sat down with some friends, his eyes stayed on Qui-Gon. Then it was too late... Qui-Gon looked over again and their eyes met across the room. Obi-Wan gave a slight gasp when he saw the pain in the other man's blue eyes, and then forced himself to turn away.
"Who's that with Master Windu?" Aleki asked, just noticing where Obi-Wan had been looking.
"That's the new Council member, Master Jinn."
"Oh, that's who you were talking about last night. You know, I think I've heard about him. He's some sort of legend. One of the best negotiators the Jedi have ever had... and known for his brilliance in battle," Aleki said.
Another knight joined the conversation. "He was injured about a year ago... nearly died."
Obi-Wan cringed at the news. Qui-Gon had almost died?
"Yes, I'd heard that too. Took him nearly six months to recover and then the Council asked him to join them," Aleki said.
"He's unable to fight now?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I don't know," Knight T'mar shrugged. "I think the Council decided they didn't want to risk losing one of their best, after he'd come so close to dying."
Obi-Wan's eyes wandered to the masters' table again. Qui-Gon was turned to the side and he stared at him, studying the man's strong profile and long, silvery brown hair. He wasn't sure why, but it bothered him deeply that Qui-Gon had almost died. Except for the skill of the Jedi Healers, they would have never met.
An elbow in his ribs brought him back to the conversation. "Obi, I was just saying that I didn't realize that's who you were talking about last night. I think you'd better apologize," Aleki said.
"What did you do, Obi-Wan?" Knight T'mar asked.
"Nothing. Just a slight misunderstanding," Obi-Wan said, trying his best to act casual about an incident he knew very well could put him on the "outs" with the Council. "I'll draft an apology after breakfast," he said to Aleki, and the auburn haired man grinned back at him.
Qui-Gon did not return to his quarters until late that afternoon. He threw his robe on a chair and dropped onto the couch. He was tired, and not the good kind of tired he'd felt when he was on missions and flying across the galaxy to prevent civil wars from erupting. This was a sitting-all-day-getting-nowhere kind of tired and he disliked it intensely.
His communications panel was beeping softly and so he leaned over and pressed the retrieve key. He had five messages and to his surprise one was from Knight Kenobi. With a deep breath, he moved over to sit in front of view screen and then opened Obi-Wan's visual message. Seeing the knight look directly at him, even if it was a recorded message, made Qui-Gon ache. He watched and listened carefully.
"Master Jinn, I feel I must apologize again for last night."
Qui-Gon paused the recording and turned his eyes away from the monitor. Why was this so damn hard? Why was he in such turmoil over a man he had known less than 24 hours? How was it that Obi-Wan Kenobi had gotten under his skin so quickly?
"I am an old fool," he said aloud, and then resumed the recording.
"I'm not sure what came over me to act that way. I had no right, and as I'm sure you've discovered by now, I'm pairbonded to Knight Aleki Runalt."
The cultured voice soothed Qui-Gon even as the words cut him. Obi-Wan was backpedaling out of what Qui-Gon had hoped was a beautiful moment between them. Obviously it wasn't what the knight had wanted.
"I hope the events of last evening won't keep us from getting to know each other further. I enjoyed our conversation and your sense of humor. It's been a long time since I laughed like that."
Qui-Gon smiled. He had thought as much.
"I'm scheduled to be on Coruscant for the next several weeks. I hope we'll have the opportunity to speak again."
The message ended and the screen went black. Qui-Gon leaned back in his chair and considered the young man's words. So, maybe he could assume that Obi-Wan had been caught up in the moment as well. He had heard of people being immediately drawn to one another, but he had never experienced it for himself. It was a shame that he really wouldn't be able to experience it now either. Obi-Wan was pairbonded and had made it very clear that last night was a mistake.
It was clear that Qui-Gon would need to meditate on his tumultuous feelings before he could face the young man again. If he couldn't have him for a lover then he would have to settle for a friend.
Out of courtesy and friendship he sent a brief reply. "I accept your apology, Obi-Wan, and look forward to our friendship."
Five days passed before their paths crossed again. Qui-Gon thought he had his feelings under control until he saw Obi-Wan in the training hall. The young knight was dueling with another knight, thankfully not Aleki Runalt. Qui-Gon stayed to the back of the arena so as not to disturb their exercise, or the other young trainees who were working out in the hall. The presence of a Council member always put the younger Jedi on edge and he had no wish to distract them, but only to observe.
Obi-Wan's technique was quite good, and his movements fluid, almost hypnotic in their rhythm. Qui-Gon was reminded of himself as a knight, but this young man had more of a taste for battle than he. He could feel the Force flowing around the knight and see the gleam in his eyes as he swung at his opponent. Yes, he was made to do battle.
As he watched, Qui-Gon realized that any progress he had made in curtailing his desire for this young man was now gone. There was something powerful about being near Obi-Wan. Something deeper than lust. Though fantasies of bedding this knight had entered Qui-Gon's mind more than once, he knew this was not just simply a physical attraction.
Knight T'mar finally conceded the match. "You bested me again, Obi-Wan. I think you enjoy fighting a little too much for your own good," he said, smiling at his friend.
"It's the Force. It's with me in battle," Obi-Wan said, and then noticed Qui-Gon approaching. He turned and bowed. "Master Jinn, I did not see you..."
"Sometimes that is best. Knights tend to get uneasy when Council members are about," Qui-Gon said, evenly and grinned.
Obi-Wan was relieved to see friendship in the master's eyes. He truly had been forgiven. At least by Qui-Gon. He hadn't quite forgiven himself yet.
"Do you have a moment to talk?" Obi-Wan asked, hopeful that this would be their new beginning. We can be friends, he thought even as he admired the other man's tall, broad physique.
"I would like to talk, but I only stopped here for a moment to see how the training was coming," Qui-Gon said, leaving out the fact that he had sensed Obi-Wan's presence here and after five days could no longer resist not seeing him. "I'm scheduled to meet with the head master of the creche now."
The young knight barely hid his disappointment, wondering if Qui-Gon was now uncomfortable being around him. "Then join us tonight," Obi-Wan said, his eyes glowing with the idea. "We're going to the Assassin Droid..."
Just then Knight T'mar nudged Obi-Wan in the ribs with his elbow. He couldn't believe Obi-Wan would invite a Council member to their night out. That would ruin everything. They'd all have to be on their best behavior.
The knight's discomfort did not go unnoticed by the Jedi master. "Thank you, Obi-Wan, but I think you overestimate the comfort level of your friends."
Obi-Wan looked at T'mar and frowned. "Of course," he said, realizing that masters and knights did not typically socialize... and especially masters on the Council.
Obi-Wan and T'mar bowed to Qui-Gon who left without another word.
"T'mar told me you actually invited Master Jinn to join us for drinks tonight. What were you thinking?" Aleki asked as he helped clear the kitchen table. "He accepted your apology. It's not like you have to kiss and make up."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "Why did you say that?"
"It's just an _expression. I didn't know you were so concerned about what the Council thinks of you. Let it go already," Aleki said, sounding a bit annoyed.
"What if I said I actually enjoyed speaking with Master Jinn? He's got a great sense of humor," Obi-Wan said, trying at the same time to convince himself of the purity of his intentions.
Aleki stopped putting the dishes in the sink and turned to look at Obi-Wan. He leaned back on the counter. "If we weren't pairbonded I'd say you have a thing for this Master Jinn."
"That's ridiculous and you know it," Obi-Wan shot back, defensively.
"Is it? Being bonded hasn't stopped anyone from drooling over you."
"Or you!" Obi-Wan added quickly.
Aleki grinned. He liked the sound of Obi-Wan being jealous. "We're being silly, aren't we?"
Obi-Wan set aside his dishes and wrapped his arms around Aleki's waist. They were nearly the same height and their eyes met straight-on. It was obvious that Aleki needed reassurance and Obi-Wan had missed his lover. A little bit of wooing couldn't hurt.
"I love it when you where this sage-colored tunic. It enhances the green in your eyes," Obi-Wan said, as he nibbled on Aleki's ear. "And I love the way you roll your r's when you speak Juraldi..." His lips moved down along his lover's jaw now. "And those fantastic biceps of yours..." He nipped at Aleki's neck and then kissed the small mark. "And Force I love it when you scream."
The auburn-haired knight pushed Obi-Wan back onto the table, his lips hard and passionate on the other man's. He loved to be reminded of the things Obi-Wan enjoyed about him. Hearing them made him want to take Obi-Wan right now on the kitchen table. He pulled out of the fierce kiss and turned Obi-Wan around so that he was folded face down over the table.
He slipped his hands under the tunics and around to the front of his lover's pants, feeling the growing hardness there. With deft fingers he loosened the pants, sliding them down and exposing his lover's wonderfully firm ass. Aleki bent to kiss each cheek and then quickly unleashed his own arousal, nestling his stiff shaft in Obi-Wan's crack. The cooking oil was called into his hand by use of the Force.
"We've got some catching up to do," Aleki growled, and slicked his fingers before pushing two inside his bondmate.
Obi-Wan moaned at the intimate contact, "What was last night?"
"A down payment," Aleki chuckled.
He was feeling particularly aggressive tonight. More so than usual. Within seconds he was withdrawing his fingers and plunging his cock into Obi-Wan's backside. Obi-Wan groaned loudly, delighted in the sensation of Aleki inside him. They had been lovers for seven years, though only regularly after their bonding, and all too rarely Aleki took control. More than not, he wanted to be the one being penetrated. Obi-Wan had long suspected that Aleki had insecurities, but he didn't have a clue how to soothe them. He spent as much time with him as he could when they were at Temple together, but it never seemed to be enough for Aleki. He guessed these insecurities were the reason Aleki liked Obi-Wan to top, as if topping meant he was a more active member of the relationship.
As Aleki's pace quickened and Obi-Wan leaned back into the hard press of flesh, it suddenly occurred to him that this was a claiming. That Aleki had perceived Qui-Gon Jinn as a rival and needed to take Obi-Wan in this way to mark him again. None of it mattered as Obi-Wan began to move smoothly in the rhythm of his lover. He took his own cock in hand as Aleki's grip on his bare hips tightened and the thrusts became more fierce.
They would come very quickly at this rate, but the need was so great, that neither could abate it if he tried. They rocked and thrusted and came together in minutes.
The group of five friends took an airbus into a respectable club district and then made their way on foot to the Assassin Droid, a chic, if not edgy club for the uppercrust of Coruscant. It was one of the few clubs on the planet that a Jedi could walk into and not expect to be attacked. Even on their home planet they were considered a threat. Since this club was hospitable to their kind they wore their uniforms with dignity and took a corner table in the candlelit establishment.
It was the candles that brought Aleki back here time and again. He loved the natural light. The way the soft orange glow flickered and made everyone's features softer and more relaxed. Even his serious Obi-Wan looked content.
He put his arm around his lover's waist and enjoyed the closeness they shared. The months that followed their bonding had been blissful and carefree by Jedi standards. The Council had made an effort to give them "easy" missions together to allow them time to solidify the bond. But unfortunately that couldn't last since skilled knights were a rare commodity and it was seen as a luxury to send two knights on any mission. Leave that for the masters and padawan teams.
The current year had found them on continuous, separate missions lasting from one to three months. Aleki was so desperately in love with his Obi-Wan that it was driving Aleki insane.
Their friends were in good spirits tonight. T'mar was alone, as usual, but Kreelon had brought his new love Sulta, which made everyone happy. Kreelon, a Calamarian had fretted for years that he would never find a compatible mate, and then one day, when he had stopped looking he met Knight Sulta, a Calamarian female. Within days it was obvious they were made for each other, and now they were beginning to talk of bonding. Even T'mar could put aside his loneliness to share in his friends' joy.
They weren't at the club more than an hour when several more Jedi arrived.
"Masters," Kreelon said softly, nodding towards the door.
The knights tried to conceal themselves by pulling further into the corner. It was to no avail. Jedi could not easily hide from other Jedi. They had sensed each other's presence immediately and Obi-Wan had picked up on Qui-Gon's Force signature before he had walked into the establishment.
Masters Windu, Trilar, and Jinn greeted the knights, but only briefly. Obi-Wan fought hard to suppress an excited grin when he saw Qui-Gon, knowing that Aleki would be taking notes on every word he uttered and twitch he made. Obi-Wan nodded and stated a general greeting to the three masters.
It was difficult for Qui-Gon to see Obi-Wan with his bondmate who apparently was very possessive by the way he had his arm wrapped tightly around his waist. Why he continued to have feelings for someone he could not have was beyond him. He was not normally this irrational.
After the masters had moved on to find their own table in another part of the club, Aleki asked Obi-Wan to dance. He had sensed the change in Obi-Wan when Master Jinn had approached the table, but had let his uneasiness pass. He pulled his lover to the dance floor and kissed his cheek.
Obi-Wan was a bit self-conscious about dancing. None of his friends understood why since he was by far the most graceful and the most rhythmic of their group. That shone clearly in his dueling and in his katas. Because of his reluctance to dance, Aleki danced for both of them, gyrating around Obi-Wan like a night beast in heat.
The music pulsed and the candlelight that they so enjoyed was now just a memory as the strobe lights and rotating blue and green lights whirled. Aleki was not subtle about his feelings for Obi-Wan and the dance floor seemed to allow him more freedom in expressing them. As their bodies pumped and bobbed to the music, Aleki straddled one of Obi-Wan's thighs and began humping it shamelessly, his growing erection rubbing against his lover's thigh and stomach.
"You'd think Aleki would learn," Kreelon said. "He does this every time, and Obi-Wan has yet to snap under the pressure."
T'mar laughed. "Maybe not snap, but look at how hard he has to concentrate to keep his control. I think that's what Aleki loves to see."
After several dances like that, Aleki's arousal was painfully obvious. "Come on, Obi... take me," he nodded to the back of the bar and nearly had to shout in his lover's ear to be heard over the music. Just this once he wanted... no, needed Obi-Wan to give into abandon. Take him into the lavatory or out back and fuck him senseless.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Not here. We can't risk being seen."
For a moment, Obi-Wan swore he saw Aleki's green eyes go flame red. "Always a Jedi first and a man second, huh, Obi?" Aleki asked as he turned tail.
Obi-Wan knew he was heading for the men's room to beat-off in private. He shook his head. Aleki had brought this frustration on himself, and Obi-Wan would not risk the honor of the Jedi Order for a quick fuck in the alley.
He returned to his friends at the corner table, but they were obviously unhappy by the outcome of the scene they had watched from afar.
"You should go speak with him," T'mar said, placing his hand on Obi-Wan's forearm.
"But you don't even know what happened," Obi-Wan said, looking at the three.
"We have a pretty good idea," Kreelon said. "He's missed you Obi-Wan."
"And I missed him..." he said, looking back at the crowd of dancing bodies. His friends were right, of course. He needed to go after Aleki.
Without another word, Obi-Wan got out of his chair and headed to the lavatory. Inside it was crowded with club patrons of many species. None took too much notice of him as he looked under each stall for a pair of Jedi boots. When he'd found them he knocked on the door.
"Aleki. Are you all right?"
Even in the lavatory the pulse of the music was nearly deafening, but after a long moment, the stall door opened a crack. Aleki was standing against the wall, righting his pants.
"You're too late," he said, as Obi-Wan stepped inside. "I've taken care of it myself."
"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan said, placing his hand on his bondmate's shoulder.
"Please... let's not fight over sex. You know I'll give you whatever you want... in private. But here," he said, looking about the dank, and not very clean stall, "this isn't what I want for us."
"What do you want for us, Obi-Wan?" Aleki asked as his eyes watered.
"I want what you want... to be happy. To be able to spend more time together."
Aleki pulled Obi-Wan into his arms and hugged him tightly. "It's so good to hear you say that," he said, and kissed his face.
"You know it's true," Obi-Wan said, returning the loving embrace.
Aleki had always needed little reassurances from Obi-Wan, but since mentioning Qui-Gon Jinn last night while making love, he had seemed particularly sensitive. Obi-Wan knew it wouldn't do any good worrying about Aleki's over-active imagination, but he would be careful to show his lover the extra attention he needed right now.
"Why don't you go sit down and I'll get us some drinks," Obi-Wan offered.
"Thanks. You know what I like."
"You bet I do," Obi-Wan said, giving Aleki a lingering kiss.
Outside the lavatory they parted ways with Obi-Wan giving Aleki's rump a good smack with the palm of his hand. He walked up to the bar as his lover disappeared back into the crowd. Just as he finished giving his drink order to the Ithorian bartender, he caught his breath as Qui-Gon walked up to stand next to him.
"Master Jinn," Obi-Wan greeted, his heart pounding in his chest.
"I see you like to dance," Qui-Gon said in good humor.
Obi-Wan blushed. Even if Qui-Gon had only glimpsed the scene on the dance floor there was no way he could've missed what was happening out there.
"Aleki is the dancer. I am only... the prop," he grinned, embarrassed.
Qui-Gon nodded in forced amusement. It had been very difficult for him to watch, and yet he had watched, unable to look away from the beauty that was Obi-Wan. When he saw Aleki leave the dance floor in a huff he had wanted to go to Obi-Wan to comfort him. It was a ridiculous urge and one he managed quite well to suppress, but when Obi-Wan had sidled up to the bar just now... alone... he couldn't resist the opportunity to speak with him.
Once they had their drinks, Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon back to a grouping of sofa and chairs. He just wanted to talk for a moment before returning to Aleki. The room was obviously designed for more intimate conversation and board games. And to Obi-Wan's surprise Masters Windu and Trilar were no where to be seen.
"My companions seem to have wandered off," Qui-Gon said in something like an apology. "Perhaps they went in search of a quiet corner."
"Oh, they're a couple?" Obi-Wan asked and then regretted the assumption as soon as he had made it.
"Yes, they are," Qui-Gon answered, and then sat on the arm of one of the couches.
Obi-Wan set his drinks down on a low table and then stood before Qui-Gon. Now was the time to make sure there were no hard feelings between them. "You are very generous, Master Jinn."
"In what way?"
"Last night... Under the circumstances I would have expected some admonishment for my behavior."
Qui-Gon hadn't expected Obi-Wan to be still thinking about the night before let alone mention it. "That's behind us, Obi-Wan," he said quickly. "I thought we were in agreement on that."
"Good, I just wanted to be sure. And how was your meeting at the creche today?" Obi-Wan asked, not sure of what else to talk about.
"It went well considering I had a list of demands for improvements shoved in my face. Not the welcome I was expecting as a member of the Council," Qui-Gon's tone was calm, but hinted at the displeasure he was still feeling over the incident.
"I'm sure he didn't..."
"He knew what he was doing. I'm new on the Council and he'd run out of options with the other members."
"And how are you finding your new position on the Council?"
"Under the circumstances... adequate."
"Circumstances?"
"You're too young to be concerned with such things," Qui-Gon said a bit too dismissively.
"I'm twenty-six," Obi-Wan said, defiantly.
"Half my age," Qui-Gon smiled. "A lot will change for you in the next several decades, my friend."
Friend, Obi-Wan thought, liking the sound of that and letting the word repeat in his mind several times. "Don't you wonder why we never met before?" Obi-Wan asked, feeling close to Qui-Gon again.
"The Force did not wish it." The standard Jedi master answer for everything and Qui-Gon felt a little disappointed in himself for having used it. But what else could he say? He felt very strongly about Obi-Wan and it seemed strange that he would not have connected with this young man before. He's been off planet... our paths never crossed, Qui-Gon reminded himself.
"But the Force wishes it now?" Obi-Wan asked. "Why now?"
"It is best not to question the F....." Qui-Gon began, but his next words were swallowed by Obi-Wan's mouth on his in a very hot kiss. The Jedi master nearly lost his balance, but the younger man grabbed his thighs to keep him firmly in place, pulling himself between Qui-Gon's legs. The kiss grew deeper as Obi-Wan pushed Qui-Gon's lips apart with his tongue... and then Qui-Gon pushed him away.
"I don't appreciate being made a fool, Knight Kenobi," Qui-Gon said firmly. Even though he desired this young man, after the events of the previous night and the knowledge of the other man's bond, it wasn't right.
Obi-Wan took a step back. He was just as confused. He had been immediately drawn to Qui-Gon from the moment he had laid eyes on him in the Council chambers. Ever since, he'd been fighting the urge to be with him... to touch him. An urge that was almost inescapable. Now, after their second kiss, he had no explanation except that he had felt compelled to do so... by the Force or otherwise. He had surged forward, latching onto Qui-Gon's mouth as if the man belonged to him. He couldn't explain it and even as he was about to try Aleki appeared at his side.
"There you are, Obi-Wan," Aleki said, putting his arm around Obi-Wan's waist. "Am I interrupting something?"
"We... we were just discussing the improvements needed in the creche," Obi-Wan spoke quickly.
"The creche? Sounds very enlightening," Aleki said, raising an eyebrow at Master Jinn and then noticing the drinks on the table. "Oh, is that mine?" he asked and reached over to retrieve the fizzing specialty drink. "We should be getting back to our friends now."
And with that, Aleki grabbed Obi-Wan's hand with his free hand and possessively escorted him out of the room and away from Qui-Gon Jinn.
Back in their shared quarters, Aleki hit the bed with a thud. After rejoining their friends, he had proceeded to drink until he was nearly blind with the effects of the alcohol. Obi-Wan had never seen his lover so eager to get drunk before. But he allowed it. The young man needed it for some reason and since he wasn't making a fool of himself, there was really no harm in it.
Somehow Aleki managed to wake up before Obi-Wan the next morning. He showered
and dressed and left their quarters to meditate alone in the gardens. Obi-Wan found a note on the data pad at the foot of the bed.
**Couldn't sleep anymore. Sorry I got so drunk last night. See you for dinner. Yours, Aleki.**
Nothing unusual about the message, but Obi-Wan felt uneasy. He suspected that Aleki may have seen him kissing Qui-Gon. If he was confronted about it he didn't know how he would respond. It wasn't an attraction he could even explain to himself let alone to anyone else. He shrugged off the worry and went into the common area where the communications panel was beeping with a message.
To his surprise the message was from Qui-Gon. A written message that simply read, ** Meet me at the Council chambers at 11th hour. We need to talk.**
Obi-Wan swallowed. 'We need to talk' was never a good thing.