Master Apprentice  Archive |
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It was late the next morning when Qui-Gon met Mace in the training hall for a friendly saber duel and katas. He was still shaken from Obi-Wan's desperate pleas to win him back. And it would seem that now Mace Windu was also on the knight's side.
"You're in love with each other. Everyone can see that."
"Time will change that," Qui-Gon snapped as he lunged forward to block Mace's thrust to the left.
"Time, my friend, will only deepen your feelings for each other."
Qui-Gon laughed. "When did you become Obi-Wan's advocate?"
"When Yoda told me what happened yesterday. And the fact that you look like Bantha poodoo today."
Qui-Gon deactivated his lightsaber, clipping it to his belt. "I've had enough of this."
Just as he turned to leave the training floor he sensed Obi-Wan's presence in the hall. He looked towards the door and saw him standing there with his hood raised. His Force presence was charged, and all of the Jedi in the room turned to look. Obi-Wan closed the distance between them and stood in front of Qui-Gon. They were silent for a long moment, looking into eyes that once held more love than pain, but now ached with the reality of love lost.
Qui-Gon felt an ache; not an ache in any particular part of his body, but throughout his being, his soul. He wanted desperately to take Obi-Wan into his arms, and feel their bodies pressed together in love. But fear and pride held him firmly in place.
Finally, Obi-Wan spoke. "If you will not take me as your lover, will you take me as your padawan?"
Qui-Gon blinked. This was the last thing he'd expected the young man to say. "No, I will not. You are a knight, Obi-Wan. To be a padawan again would be an insult to you and your former master."
Obi-Wan pulled his hand out from his sleeve and held it before Qui-Gon... open palmed. In it lay a very long, golden ponytail.
"What's this?" Qui-Gon asked, visibly shaken by the offering.
"It is my hair, Master Jinn. I wish for my rightful place at your side... as your padawan."
Qui-Gon's eyes widened. The words were reminiscent of the rite of passage Initiates took in becoming apprentices. Hesitantly Qui-Gon moved his hand over the offering. His ghosted touch trembled from the remembered softness of that hair in his hands... in lovemaking. He shook off the feeling and reached up to the hood and pushed it back; off Obi-Wan's head. There was a communal gasp as all the Jedi present, including Qui-Gon, bore witness to the young man's devotion to the master Jedi. He had cut his hair into the short padawan style, leaving a small ponytail at the back and a long braid at his right ear.
At first Qui-Gon feared the knight had been driven insane. Why else would he cut off his hair? But as he controlled his shock and looked into Obi-Wan's eyes, he could see a fierce determination... a steadiness that only a sane man could maintain. Still he was baffled at how to proceed, but he did not have to wait long for Obi-Wan's next move.
"If you will not allow me to beg for your love, then will you let me fight for it?"
"You wish to fight me?"
"Yes, Master," he bowed respectfully. "You once told me that a master has as much to learn from his student as the student from his master. I am asking you now to give me that chance."
"A chance to teach me a lesson?" he chuckled.
"Do you think I am incapable of doing so?"
Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes on the beautiful young man before him. He was long past trying to hang on to his Jedi master calm. "All right."
"... There are conditions," Obi-Wan said.
"Of course."
"If you concede the duel you will let me take you to my bed as my lover."
Qui-Gon tried to ignore the whispers growing around them. "And if you concede?"
"Then I will do as you wish."
"Even if I wish for you to never be in my presence again?"
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and swallowed. He had not expected that. It will kill me, he thought, but when he opened his eyes again he spoke in a soft agreeable tone. "As you wish."
"Agreed," Qui-Gon said, and walked to the center of the mat.
Obi-Wan shrugged out of his robe and laid it to the side of the mat. He joined Qui-Gon and lay the lock of hair on the floor between them. They faced each other with emotions carefully guarded. The customary bow at the beginning of a duel was made and then sabers were ignited. The dance had begun.
Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan was one of the best fighters among the knights, but he also knew he was probably one of the few people who could actually defeat him. The realization frightened and then elated him. If Obi-Wan conceded to him, then the knight would have to do as he wished. Qui-Gon would regain control, but that would mean Obi-Wan would be out of his life... And what kind of a life would he have without Obi-Wan?
If Qui-Gon conceded then he would become the young man's willing lover. He shivered with the image that went with that thought, but quickly stomped it down. He needed to be calm and centered. He wanted control even if it meant sacrificing his happiness.
Obi-Wan went on the offensive immediately. His first strikes were fierce, but Qui-Gon fell into the traditional battle role of the Jedi defense. They chased each other around the mat for nearly an hour.
The match too close to call, neither seemed to have an advantage over the other for long enough to force a concession. In fact, those fortunate enough to be in attendance for this beautiful and rare duel of two great swordsmen, thought that the men complemented each other so well they should be a team. The rumor of their incomplete lifebond filled the hall with much conversation and gossip as the duel raged.
"Concede, Qui-Gon. Let me take you. Let us complete our lifebond."
"You hurt me deeply, Obi-Wan. I cannot risk my heart again."
Obi-Wan sent love through the incomplete bond, and he could see it wash over the Jedi master. But Qui-Gon fought on. Then the knight sent an image of their lovemaking and a jolt of lust and desire. With this Qui-Gon's step faltered slightly, but he was quickly on his mark again.
"You expect me to be won over by hormones?"
"No, Qui-Gon. You know it's not just about physical pleasure. It never was. A completed lifebond will make us whole."
Just as Qui-Gon was about to fire another retort his mind was flooded by shattered images of silver and blue. He stumbled back and brought one hand up to cover his eyes.
"Qui-Gon, what is it?" Obi-Wan asked as he deactivated his lightsaber and reached for the Jedi master.
The older man dropped his saber, which deactivated automatically, and fell to his knees. He held both hands over his eyes, rubbing at them to stop the searing pain that was shooting through him.
// Pain,// he called to Obi-Wan through their bond.
Obi-Wan kneeled before him. // I'm here, Qui-Gon. What pain are you feeling?//
// Not... my pain.//
"Whose pain?" Obi-Wan said aloud.
// Aleki's.//
Obi-Wan gasped. // Aleki? No. You mustn't feel that, Qui-Gon. No!//
Obi-Wan panicked. He knew too well the pain of Aleki's death, and the last thing he wanted was for his love to experience it. But he had no way of stopping it. Qui-Gon was suffering. It was all the pain that Aleki had felt when he was cut down by the marauders. It echoed inside him as if it were bouncing off his vital organs and then settled in his brain. Then the pain changed. To grief. Bitter, tearing grief.
"Your pain," Qui-Gon cried out, pulling at his hair. His mind was clear; able to sense all the pain, but also understand that it was the pain Obi-Wan had struggled with for so many weeks.
Obi-Wan was trembling and reached to wrap his arms around Qui-Gon's sagging form, but was forcefully pushed away.
"No! I'm grieving."
Obi-Wan could have sworn that the voice that came from Qui-Gon's mouth was not the Jedi master's, but his own. He was helpless to intervene as wave after wave of ghostly fear and pain filled Qui-Gon. It seemed to go on for long minutes, but the flashes of each emotion were quite short--just seconds--a reprieve from what Obi-Wan had actually endured.
At last a clear image of a young man appeared before Qui-Gon's closed eyes. "Aleki is here," he told Obi-Wan, though he could not see or hear or feel Obi-Wan next to him, he knew instinctively he was there. "He says your grief was for me... for our loss," his eyes opened suddenly and his hands dropped away to look at Obi-Wan kneeling with tear-stained cheeks before him. "Your pain was for me... always."
"Yes, Qui-Gon. I loved you always... Forever as we vowed."
Qui-Gon took a shuddering breath and fell forward into Obi-Wan's waiting arms. The relief of the fading pain and realization of his love's own tribulation filled him with great emotion. He was rocked in Obi-Wan's arms like a frightened child.
// Thank you,// Obi-Wan sent to Aleki, though he didn't expect the spirit to answer. He had interceded to complete the bond.
"How could I have been such a fool, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon mourned into the younger man's chest.
"Not a fool. A man in love."
And then the master Jedi lifted his moist blue eyes to the gentle soul who would complete him. "I do love you, my Obi-Wan. Completely."
The knight's eyes smiled brightly and he leaned down and kissed the tear-sweetened lips of Qui-Gon Jinn. He couldn't think of a more beautiful image than the one of that powerful man lying in his arms.
"I promise to spend the rest of my life making you happy," he said to the older man.
"We will make each other happy, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon smiled, and their lips joined again in a deeper kiss.
A very uncharacteristic applause rang out among the Jedi witnesses. Their delight at seeing these two finally together was evident.
"I believe our bonding has finally been accepted," Qui-Gon mused.
Obi-Wan sighed with relief. "Thank the Force. I wouldn't want the healers trying to rip it out of me again."
Obi-Wan's off-handed remark got a startled look from Qui-Gon, who was now pulling himself to his feet and Obi-Wan with him. "What did you say about the healers?"
"All those months ago when Aleki protested our bond and I was kept by the healers... they talked of nothing but removing our growing bond. They called it 'ill-formed.' I protested as much as I could in my restraints until Master Yoda arrived and had me released."
"Oh, Obi-Wan. I had no idea they did that to you. No wonder you reacted so severely when I suggested you speak with the healers when you returned to Coruscant."
"It's all right. The Force has sorted it out for us. Now I ask only that you accept me as your Padawan Learner."
Qui-Gon breathed deeply, calmly, and looked with great gentleness into his bondmate's eyes. "You are young, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Do you understand the choice you are about to make?" Qui-Gon spoke the ritual words to seal the Master/Padawan training bond.
Obi-Wan recognized the words and gave the required response. "Yes, Master Qui-Gon Jinn. I understand and wish to be apprenticed to you."
Qui-Gon took Obi-Wan's hand in his, they retrieved their discarded weapons, robes, and the lock of hair, and then left the training hall.
"I think we need to visit the gardens."
"To meditate, Master?"
"To see where the Force first spoke to us."
The garden was alive with activity as they walked along, hand-in-hand, on the soft gravel paths. Jedi met in conversation, sat quietly in meditation, and in a very special area of the gardens, the children played noisily. This segregated, but very open area, included a meadow for running and games, and tall, sturdy shade trees for climbing and resting.
Master Inton noticed Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan approaching and was curious to see their intimacy. He greeted the two Jedi and then focused his attention on Obi-Wan. "It is good to see you again, Obi-Wan. Though last time I saw you... you were no longer a padawan," he said, his eyes questioning the haircut.
Obi-Wan gave a shy smile. "It's a long story, but suffice it to say, I have found my true master."
Inton raised an eyebrow and looked to Qui-Gon. "Does this have anything to do with the vid you showed me?"
"Yes, it does. May I ask another favor of you, Master Inton?" Qui-Gon spoke softly.
"Of course, Master Jinn. How may I serve you?"
"Obi-Wan and I would like to meditate together... in the children's garden."
The creche master blinked several times and then scratched his head. "I suppose that's all right."
"We recently discovered that we met here sixteen years ago," Qui-Gon explained.
The creche master nodded, but it took a moment for him to understand what Qui-Gon was telling him. "Oh... the vid! Yes, yes! Please, by all means, meditate here. Perhaps you would like the solitude of the trees. There are a few children sitting there in meditation already, but most of the Initiates are still playing in the meadow."
"Thank you," Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan said simultaneously.
They walked to the grove of large O'Knok trees, found a soft patch of grass and lay their robes down to kneel. They faced each other, knees touching, hands holding, and children scattered around them like stars in a night sky.
"This is right," Obi-Wan breathed out, as he sought his center, and closed his eyes.
"Yes. Now come with me..." Qui-Gon instructed.
With a few more breaths they allowed their shields to drop and their minds to join much in the same way they had done in their lovemaking. At that first touch of mind-to-mind their souls sang, opening more fully to the bond. Qui-Gon breathed deeply as if for the first time in his life. He had all but forgotten the warm, all encompassing bond that he and Obi-Wan had begun to weave so many months before. And now he could feel it reaching out again, needing and pushing for their souls to complete the journey.
Through the joined vision of their minds there was light, warmth and love. Soft images of separate, then shared memories surfaced between them. They drifted through time bearing witness to each other's trials and triumphs, and finally settling on the moment when the Force had first spoken of their bond... the day they first met.
Sunny images of children laughing and playing. Mild conversations of adults mingled with young voices. And then for both of them to see... their hearts' desire. From Obi-Wan's point of view Qui-Gon was standing contemplatively at the edge of the garden, his tall form, gentle eyes, and noble bearing attracting his attention. And from Qui-Gon's mind's eye, he saw the energetic youth that was Obi-Wan playing tag with several other Initiates, the child's face alight with promise and his hair damp with exhilaration.
They drifted in this place, in this time, consumed by the need to be here, to see it and feel it again. The moment had not been this clear in either's mind since the moment it had happened sixteen years before. And now before them, within them, came the exact moment the Force had first spoken to them. Their eyes had met---albeit briefly. Obi-Wan gasped aloud in his meditation as the memory, the vision of their first true awareness of each other, hit him. He had been playing hard, as he always did, when he had at last caught Reeft's arm and called out "tag, you're it." He had paused, bent over to catch his breath, when he had gotten the distinct impression he was being watched. But it wasn't the usual feeling of being watched by the creche masters, it was an awareness in the Force.
He had turned, scanned the small gathering of masters and knights, and then as he had stood to his youthful height, his eyes had met that noble face, those gentle blue eyes. And then the moment was gone... another Initiate had grabbed him roughly by the arm and pulled him back into the game. When he had looked back, moments later, the beautiful man was gone. His knight was gone.
Qui-Gon felt Obi-Wan's myriad of emotions as he revisited that day. He kicked himself, once again for having allowed himself to be called away at that moment. He had been observing the children, but was not particularly interested in taking another padawan. And then one boy had caught his attention. As he watched, the master next to him had continued to chirp in his ear about Senate politics, but he'd finally managed to put several meters distance between him and the other man... and then it had happened. The boy had turned and found his eyes. Brightness and promise sang through the Force. Just as it had seemed the boy would open his mouth and speak to him, another Initiate had rushed in and torn the moment from them. A second later and Qui-Gon's comlink had beeped. His transport was ready. He had left without turning back, promising himself he would check on the youth's progress during his next visit to the Temple... but that would not be for over two years, and by then the child was gone.
The shared emotions of their loss threatened to overwhelm them, and Qui-Gon gently nudged Obi-Wan back into the present. Slowly they calmed, completed their meditation and emerged conscious back in the garden. Their faces were streaked with tears and they leaned forward into each other's arms.
"How could we have been denied this for so long?" Obi-Wan sobbed.
"I don't know, Obi-Wan, but we are together now. And we must focus on completing our bond."
"Yes," the knight nodded and pulled back to wipe his eyes.
Qui-Gon reached into his survival kit and pulled out a small surgical knife. He held it up and with the other hand gently grasped Obi-Wan's padawan braid.
"No, you must not cut it now," Obi-Wan said firmly.
"I can't ask you to wear this braid, Obi-Wan. No matter how much it soothes me to hear you commit to me as my padawan, I cannot allow you to wear a padawan's braid. You are a knight and deserve that status."
"Then I will only wear it until you have taken me as your padawan."
"But I've agreed to that. I have taken you.... oh. Oh!"
Obi-Wan grinned mischievously. "Your place or mine?"
"Our place," Qui-Gon answered. He put away the knife and stood, pulling Obi-Wan with him.
They thanked Master Inton for indulging them, and then headed to the master Jedi's quarters.
As the door slid closed behind them, Obi-Wan pulled Qui-Gon to the sofa.
"Now, Qui-Gon... Master... Please make love to your padawan."
"My beloved padawan," Qui-Gon breathed and leaned into the young man for a deep, lingering kiss.
Their lips tingled and their bodies ached at the contact. Too long. Months and months of painful, pointless separation.
"I want you to lose control, Master. Take me... here... any way you like."
Earlier that day, Qui-Gon had wanted nothing more than to be in total control, and now his Obi-Wan, his padawan, was begging for just the opposite. But this kind of control, or lack thereof, would allow him to indulge in his deepest desires for this young man, to take him wildly into his arms, to drive into him again and again. Yes, he wanted to lose control for Obi-Wan and by it, regain the connection, the love they had nearly lost.
"Yes, I want you, padawan."
"Then take me, Master."
With those words Qui-Gon felt all his reserve, all his Jedi calm evaporate into thin air, and in its place there rose a throbbing ache in his groin. "Take off your clothes," he ordered.
Obi-Wan shivered from his master's tone, and quickly obeyed, stripping out of his tunics, pulling off his boots, and finally his pants. Qui-Gon had done the same and was standing over him naked and leonine with an erection proud before him.
"Turn over," Qui-Gon commanded.
Obi-Wan swallowed with anticipation. He was going to be fucked. Well-fucked by the man he loved with every cell of his body and his soul. He took the liberty of making himself a little comfortable, and leaned over the arm of the sofa, placing an extra cushion beneath his stomach. Qui-Gon moved to stand behind him. He spread his padawan's legs apart with his feet and then his hands were on the young man's ass, massaging and kissing it. Without further warning he wet two fingers in his mouth and then slid them into Obi-Wan's opening, making the young man arch beneath him. He bit hard on his shoulder and then licked at the red mark.
"You're sure you want it this way?"
"Yes, Master. I need to feel taken by you... possessed."
"Then the braid comes off?"
"Yes, Master. Of course."
Qui-Gon withdrew his fingers and reached in front of Obi-Wan and grabbed the braid into his hand. He ran it between his thumb and forefinger and let the feel of the soft plaited golden hair tingle his fingers... sending the sensation straight to his already aroused cock. With a firm tug of the braid, he jerked Obi-Wan's head up and back and into a fierce kiss. "I *take* you as my padawan... you are mine," he said, and thrust his hardened shaft into the young man.
"Yes!" Obi-Wan cried out.
The grip on the braid never wavered, as the Jedi master thrust in and out. Driving, pounding his love and possession into the other man. Obi-Wan moaned with each thrust, wanting more, and getting more as Qui-Gon's shaft was buried deeper and deeper inside him. With abandon, Qui-Gon made quick work of their desire and lust for each other. Even in this animalistic joining, their lifebond sang, harmonious and alive. It was what they wanted. It was right. It was love. And it was Force-driven.
Minutes later, they each climaxed and their sweat-slicked bodies slumped to the floor. They wrapped their arms around each other and fell asleep in the sweet sensation of their renewed and growing bond. But their solitude was soon interrupted by the beeping of Qui-Gon's comm panel.
He leaned up on one elbow to peer at the panel. "I have a feeling this is important."
He unwrapped himself from Obi-Wan, as the young man protested, and walked over to the panel. He pressed the retrieve button to see the written message on the monitor.
"The Council wishes to speak with us."
"Now?"
"Yes... unfortunately. But first, you have a promise to keep."
Obi-Wan's brow tightened in confusion.
Qui-Gon moved to the pile of discarded clothing on the floor. He found his survival pack and once again took out the knife. The young man understood and brought himself to his full height before his Master.
"You have been a good padawan," Qui-Gon smiled, remembering the taste of the young man's lips and the feel of his tightness around his shaft.
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan smiled back.
And then, Qui-Gon became more serious. He took the braid in his hand, stroked it lightly, and fought back the loss of years spent apart. Tears pooled at the corners of his eyes.
"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan protested as he put his hand over the Jedi master's.
"You should have been my padawan," he said in a voice heavy with grief. "This braid, its length, means so much between a master and his apprentice. There was so much I could have taught you... so much we could have shared."
A tear fell rolled down Obi-Wan's cheek, but he managed to hold back a sob. The act of cutting his hair in this style and taking the vows of master and apprentice was only symbolic of what should have rightfully been theirs.
"We have much healing to do on this, my love. But for now don't let it be a painful reminder of what could have been, but what we have at last found. Cut the braid, Master. Make me your equal in life and love."
Qui-Gon nodded. "Go forth into the galaxy, young knight." He spoke the traditional words of this ceremony with a lump in his throat. He regretted they did not allow for the possibility of the master and apprentice remaining together.
With a steady hand he cut the braid and held it loose in his hand.
Obi-Wan shuddered at the action. "I want you to keep the braid, Qui-Gon. It is yours. It was always meant to be yours."
The Jedi master nodded, and accepted a sweet kiss from his bondmate. They dressed quickly for their meeting with the Council.
"Something to tell us, Qui-Gon?" Yoda asked, as the two lovers stood before the Council.
Qui-Gon was a little surprised by the question. "Yes, my Master. Knight Kenobi and I have formed a lifebond."
There were murmurs among the Council, and Qui-Gon looked around the room at his
Council mates' faces. A lifebond was a rare thing indeed, but he had a feeling that their low whispers signified much more than fascination and amazement.
"Does something concern you?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Congratulations Master Jinn, Knight Kenobi," Mace said, generously. "Have you any suggestions for who might replace you on the Council?"
Qui-Gon's hesitation was quickly filled by Obi-Wan's surprise. "Replace him? Why should anyone replace him?"
"Bonded to a knight he may be, but not while he is seated on the Council," Yoda explained.
"Did you know about this?" Obi-Wan asked Qui-Gon, with concern in his eyes.
"Yes, Obi-Wan."
"And you didn't bother to tell me?"
"Would that have changed anything? We were meant to be together."
"But what about your position on the Council?"
"You are more important to me than that."
"But there is much good..."
Obi-Wan's rantings were cut off by Mace. "For you to stay together, he must step down, Knight Kenobi. His position on the Council and your position as a field operative would be considered unfair... others would perceive special treatment."
"That's ridiculous," Obi-Wan snorted.
"Is it? Could Qui-Gon send you on a dangerous mission? One where your life would be threatened, even if you were the right knight for the job?"
"Of course he..."
"No, Obi-Wan. I could not," Qui-Gon said, as he touched his lover's arm.
"That is why we have decided to make you a team. After your display in the training hall this morning it became very clear how well you work together," Mace explained.
"It would be for the good of the Jedi," Ki Adi Mundi added.
"Fight the darkness together, you will," Yoda instructed. "And now, attend to your lifebond you should."
"You have been taken off the duty roster for the next month," Mace informed. "To give you time to bond completely and begin training as a new team."
"Thank you," Qui-Gon bowed.
"Yes, thank you, masters," Obi-Wan said.
They retreated from the Council chambers, but once they were in the hall Obi-Wan protested. "I don't like that you're off the Council."
"You liked the idea of sleeping with a Council member?"
"That's not what I meant."
"I have a feeling we will do more good together *out there*," Qui-Gon said, gesturing around them, "than any good I might have accomplished sitting in that room."
"But I did so enjoy giving you pleasure there," Obi-Wan purred as he snuggled under Qui-Gon's arm.
"Perhaps that can be arranged again. I do still have friends on the Council," he smiled brightly at the young man.
They began walking back to Qui-Gon's quarters, when Obi-Wan realized he felt oddly homeless.
"I know you think of your quarters as *ours* now, but..."
"You must feel very displaced, Obi-Wan. First you lost your home with Aleki..."
"Yes, yes. Well, that's gone now. Long since packed up by the ordnance master's droids."
"Your shared quarters are as they always have been, love. I asked that they not be disturbed until you were ready."
Obi-Wan stopped walking, surprise visible on his face. "You were watching out for me the whole time... and I was so terrible to you."
"We both were suffering and did the best we could under the circumstances."
Obi-Wan grabbed Qui-Gon's hands and didn't care how busy this particular corridor was. "I love you, Qui-Gon. And with each passing minute I love you more."
The older man smiled and brought their hands to his lips. "Thank you, Obi-Wan. I feel the same, as if each moment brings a new understanding to the depth of my love for you."
Their lips met in a brief, feather-light kiss.
"Now, let's get your things," Qui-Gon suggested.
They went first, briefly, to Obi-Wan's most recent home; his single knight's quarters. The rooms were harshly bare of anything except the standard furnishings provided by the Temple. There were no mementos, and no personal touches to reflect the spirit of the man who resided within their walls. In its barren state it was a testament to the pain that Obi-Wan had suffered... alone. But no more.
He gathered up his change of clothes and shaving kit into a travel bag and then took Qui-Gon's hand as they made their way to their next stop, the former quarters of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Aleki Runalt.
Obi-Wan hesitated before swiping his hand across the access panel. Aleki at least had not erased his print. They stepped inside, Obi-Wan first, and then his new bondmate. There was still energy in these rooms, the stale energy of something lost. He looked at Qui-Gon and received a nod of assurance from the Jedi master.
"It's all right, Obi-Wan. Take your time," he told the younger man, but inside he carefully shielded his uneasiness. This was the first time he had access to Obi-Wan's private life with Aleki. And from the looks of their quarters it was a full life.
There were holographs of them together, smiling, holding each other, as they had at the knighting reception so many months before. Souvenirs from other planets such as a brightly colored throw rug which broke up the monotony of the cream decor, and an unusual three-legged stool which sat oddly in the corner as if someone, not very skilled, had constructed it and then left it there to finish it later.
Obi-Wan walked tentatively through the rooms he had called home for two years. As he turned each corner he half expected Aleki to jump out and announce his death had been an elaborate hoax. But the young man's Force signature was faint now. Not erased as someone would do if they knew they were never returning, but diminished from time spent away. With more time it would be gone forever, and Obi-Wan found himself sinking to his knees in the middle of the bedroom, crying.
Qui-Gon stepped into the doorway, but did not enter. "Love?"
Tear-filled eyes looked up at him with faint embarrassment. "It wasn't perfect, but it was still a bond."
"I understand, Obi-Wan. Do you need time alone?"
"No, please stay. Whether you knew it or not, you were a part of this place... of what happened here."
Qui-Gon straightened his back and looked inquisitively at the knight.
Obi-Wan gave a low chuckle. "That first night... after the butterfly garden, I came back to these rooms with Aleki expecting to renew our bond. We had been apart so long..."
Qui-Gon adjusted his weight on his feet, obviously discomforted by the confession.
"No, it's all right, Qui-Gon. You see, I could only think of you. Your face was in my mind as I..."
"Made love."
Obi-Wan nodded. "And Aleki knew, even then, that there was someone else. I suppose we all knew," he said, shaking his head. It still humbled him to think of how strong his new bond with Qui-Gon was... even from the very beginning. "Why was there so much hurt in our coming together, Qui?"
The Jedi master took a deep breath, thoughtfully considering the honest question. "Perhaps we brought it on ourselves. We were confused and desperate by suppressed memories of a moment so many years ago."
The knight wiped at his tears and looked around the room once more before standing and returning to the common area with Qui-Gon. He was through with this part of his life, though he would never forget it, and took only a few moments more to dwell in it. He selected two small items to take with him.
"This was taken not long after our affair began while we were still padawans," Obi-Wan said as he showed Qui-Gon the holovid. "It was a happy time... I hope you don't mind me taking it with me."
"Of course not," Qui-Gon said, half smiling as he looked at the happy faces preserved for all time. The image brought a renewed ache to Qui-Gon's heart. Not because of the love Obi-Wan had shared with another, but because of Obi-Wan's youth. He was just nineteen, and Qui-Gon felt a deep remorse that Obi-Wan should have been in his life then.
"And the pillow," Obi-Wan said, now holding that out. "It was given to Aleki by his sister for his knighting... and he threw it at me when he found out about us." Obi-Wan's face contorted in a mix of happiness and grief. "I always thought it was beautiful. Perhaps one day I will return it to his sister."
"Is there nothing else you would take with you?" Qui-Gon asked.
The knight shook his head as he gave the quarters one final look. "No, nothing," he said, tucking the small items into his travel bag and stepping through the door into the corridor.
When the door closed, he punched a long numerical code into the access panel. It was done, both his and Aleki's palm prints had been erased. The ordnance master could now ready these quarters for its next occupants.
Several floors above, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan arrived at the Jedi master's quarters.
"We could ask to be assigned new quarters," Qui-Gon suggested as they stood in the hallway looking at the plain door.
"No. I want to live here with you. I don't want a place without memories."
"Then give me your hand, Obi-Wan."
The lovely, white hand stretched forward into Qui-Gon's grasp. A password of numbers was punched into the access panel and then Qui-Gon held Obi-Wan's hand by the wrist as the young man slowly swept his hand over the monitor. It blinked yellow, then Qui-Gon entered more numbers, and then it blinked green.
"You're home, Obi-Wan," he grinned.
Obi-Wan felt his heart swell with those words and he couldn't help but smile at his lover. He swiped his hand once more over the control and the door slid open. Years of searching were finally over.
As they stepped inside, Obi-Wan sat down his bag and was immediately taken into Qui-Gon's arms. They held each other for a long moment before embracing and kissing before they pulled apart and looked into each other's eyes.
"It's been a long journey," Qui-Gon said.
"Yes," Obi-Wan said simply, and lifted his hand to caress Qui-Gon's bearded cheek. "You are so beautiful to me."
"And you to me, Obi-Wan. Now... I have a bottle of Alderaanian wine that would do nicely to celebrate our bonding."
"A new lifebond," Obi-Wan spoke softly, reverently.
"Never in a thousand life times would I have dreamed this was possible," Qui-Gon said, leaning in to kiss Obi-Wan's forehead.
"It does seem impossible now... all those years of longing." Obi-Wan pulled back, looking up into those gentle, blue eyes. "But we're together... at last."
Qui-Gon smiled and then went for the bottle of wine and two glasses. He opened the wine and then sat with Obi-Wan on the couch, pouring them each a glass.
"To us," they said together, and clinked glasses and then sipped the sweet elixir before leaning in for another kiss.
As they pulled out of the kiss, Qui-Gon got a twinkle in his eyes. "So, how long will it take for your hair to grow out?"
"You don't like it? But I hear it's all the rage for young knights this season."
"Is that right?"
"Yes, especially knights who really *need* their masters," Obi-Wan winked at his lifemate.
"Well, if that's the case, then I'm sure it will be a popular style. Though I have to tell you that cutting your hair was very brave," Qui-Gon said.
"It was desperation, not bravery," Obi-Wan corrected. "After yesterday's fiasco in the garden I knew I would have to attack the problem of getting you back in a different way."
"And you succeeded," Qui-Gon said as he kissed his lover again.
"Well, I definitely had the shock factor working for me, but I think we both need to acknowledge who actually brought us together this last time."
Qui-Gon nodded. "Yes, it was Aleki. He does want us together."
"He told me that we will accomplish great things."
"I think even the Council believes that," Qui-Gon added. "But we have much to learn about this bond."
"The Council's given us a month... there are a lot of things I can learn about you in a month. And there's one thing at the top of my list."
"What's that, love?" Qui-Gon asked, concern sounding in his voice.
"I want to know what it feels like to be inside you."
The Jedi master raised an eyebrow even as a bolt of arousal shot through him. "You do?"
"Mmm, yes. What it would feel like having you writhing beneath me as I fill you..."
"That's enough, love," Qui-Gon said, putting a finger over Obi-Wan's sweet lips. "If you're not careful I'll come just from you talking about it."
"I'm that good, am I?" the young man chuckled.
"Oh, you should never doubt how very good you are."
"Then let me take you now, Qui-Gon," he smiled wickedly and bit his lower lip. "I need to know you... better."
Qui-Gon leaned back on the sofa and opened his arms. "I'm yours, Obi-Wan. Do what you will."
Obi-Wan needed no more encouragement and moved to straddle his legs, covering his lover's mouth with a fierce kiss. He rubbed his hands over Qui-Gon's forearms and up to his chest until he was pulling the layers of tunics apart to expose the broad chest, licking and kissing every bit of flesh.
"You don't know how many times I've imagined this over the last eight months," he whispered into the other man's chest. "Trying to remember the feel of you... scent of you... taste of you."
"We're together now, love. Feel me. Smell me. Taste me," Qui-Gon moaned.
Belts flew off with two fluid swipes of hand, sashes unraveled, and tunics parted fully. Obi-Wan rubbed their bare chests together while grinding his restrained erection into the larger man's muscled stomach. Qui-Gon pushed him back to latch his mouth onto one of Obi-Wan's nipples and bit and suckled it.
"Yesss," the younger man moaned. "Oh, I'm going to make you scream," he promised as he undulated against the body beneath him.
When they couldn't hold onto their control any longer, Obi-Wan jumped off Qui-Gon's lap and held out his hands. "Come with me," he said taking the big hands and pulling his lover into their bedroom.
They stripped out of their tunics and boots as they walked and then Obi-Wan grabbed Qui-Gon for another hard kiss and let their bodies fall back onto the bed. They rolled and tumbled and kissed for long minutes; heavy panting and pleasured moans filled the air. Qui-Gon reveled in the sounds and smells of their lovemaking. It soothed his heart's aching memory of all the nights he had left this bed empty... all the nights after Obi-Wan... after that one passionate encounter.
"No more nights apart," Qui-Gon stated in a pleading tone through the kisses.
"Never alone again," Obi-Wan breathed back and ran his hand between the man's legs and stroked the erection through his pants. "Too many clothes."
They separated long enough to strip out of their leggings and then were connected again, rubbing their erections together while hands roamed over backs and buttocks, and lips pressed and teeth bit and tongues probed.
"Dizzy," Obi-Wan admitted. His senses were overloading from his desperation to be with Qui-Gon physically and mentally and the anticipation of the joining.
This coupling was in many ways far more intense than the others. Despite Qui-Gon's fierce taking of Obi-Wan earlier that day, this was the first time since the dissolution of Obi-Wan's pairbond that they would make love as equals. They milked their desire for each other, rolling in a tight embrace while exploring each other with lips, hands, and tongues.
// The bond, love. Let it take over,// Qui-Gon sent to him.
// Yes,// Obi-Wan moaned as he released all control and dropped his shields.
Suddenly waves of love, warmth and rightness in the Force surrounded and flowed through them. Similar to their meditation in the garden, memories from each of their lives were shared and blended. Though their identities remained separate, their souls merged, united and strengthened by the connection.
When Obi-Wan opened his eyes he could see the aura of their new bond glowing around them. // It's beautiful, Qui-Gon,// he exclaimed, and his lover looked with the same awe on the phenomenon.
// Take me now... while the Force is strongest,// Qui-Gon told him.
Obi-Wan nodded and pushed Qui-Gon onto his back so that they might look into each other's eyes and see the aura of their creating. He spread the big man's thighs, massaging the muscles and moving lower... licking an inner thigh and then the proud erection before him. Oh, the beauty of that engorged cock. Obi-Wan would have to enjoy it again later, but for now he needed to join them with his own aching sex.
Licking his fingers, he slid his hands down under Qui-Gon's thighs to the man's tight opening. He rubbed it and then pressed against it until Qui-Gon moaned with need. Seeing the larger man squirm with want made Obi-Wan even more hungry for their joining.
// It's been...//
// So long. I know, Qui-Gon.//
As his fingers slipped inside the tight channel, Obi-Wan's groin jumped with need. Soon his cock would be buried deep within his lover. But this lovemaking was more than mere physical pleasure. They both knew it would complete their bond. With no mental shields and no physical barriers to stop it, the lifebond would connect them for all time in the Force.
// This is about more than just you and me,// Obi-Wan said to his lover in sudden realization.
// It is the will of the Force. We are servants of the Force.//
// Yes, we serve,// And Obi-Wan withdrew his fingers and then positioned his hardened shaft at Qui-Gon's opening.
They looked deep into each other's eyes, once again searching for answers, but this time finding them. They could see each other clearly even as they saw the colors of their forming lifebond. Like an aura it clung around them, joining their hearts, minds and souls.
// I love you with my entire being. My heart and soul, Qui-Gon,// Obi-Wan said, and with the blessing of the Force he slid inside his lover with a long, needy groan.
// Yesss, Obi-Wan. I am yours. Heart and soul. I love you,// Qui-Gon responded, as he wrapped his long legs around Obi-Wan's smaller body.
Obi-Wan bent down and kissed his lover deeply as he thrust in and out slowly. He moaned from the tightness surrounding his cock like the grip of a closed fist. His lover's body melded around him perfectly and he shuddered with the first distant twinge of orgasm.
The feeling of his young lover's hard length inside him made Qui-Gon moan and arch his back wantonly. During his life he had rarely been penetrated in lovemaking. Not often desiring to be filled in this way. But with Obi-Wan he knew he would enjoy this again and again and they would find many ways to please each other.
// You are... beauty... itself,// Qui-Gon spoke to Obi-Wan, as the young knight thrust harder and deeper. The very shape and length of his lover's slender cock being enjoyed to the fullest.
The rhythm of their rocking, rutting motion became more frantic as both their orgasms stirred more intensely within them. Obi-Wan's sight began to blur as he became lost in the sensations. The face of his beloved Qui-Gon became unclear to him.
// Where are you love?// he called out in concern.
// Here, Obi-Wan.//
// It's hard to... see... you,// he groaned with the continued pulse of thrusts.
// Do not look with your eyes, beloved.//
With that guidance Obi-Wan closed his eyes and reached to the Force to give him sight. Qui-Gon's pure Force signature shone before him. The shape of the man was still there; strong, defined, masculine, but he radiating energy and light. A rainbow of bright colors. An aura of sensation.
For a brief moment, Obi-Wan wished he could've stopped his thrusts to give reverence to the beauty of the soul he was now joining. He stuttered in awe of what he saw. Of what they'd become. // Radiant... you... me... the Force.//
And at once he came, pumping hot seed into his lifemate with each continued thrust. Qui-Gon reached up and held Obi-Wan's face and the energy of colors that had surrounded him and climaxed, too.
Obi-Wan fell on top of Qui-Gon and they shook from the intensity of their shared orgasm.
// Love...// Qui-Gon said and then they both passed out.
Whey they woke several hours later, their muscles were frozen, tight from the lack of movement and uncomfortable positions. Obi-Wan moaned and rolled off his lover.
"That was... I don't know what that was," Obi-Wan said, shaking his head as he ran his hand through his hair, surprised to remember that he had cut most of it off.
Qui-Gon was gazing at him amused and bewitched by the striking beauty of his lifemate. "That was our lifebond singing its praises. And I think I could get used to you with short hair," he said, scrunching the gold spikes. "At least you won't be hiding behind your bangs for a while."
"Hiding? I never hid."
"Then you were being... elusive?" Qui-Gon ventured.
"Seductive," Obi-Wan said assuredly, and tilted his head down to give the effect, minus the long bangs.
// Definitely seductive.//
Obi-Wan smiled with that childlike smile he used when he was completely blissful. "I'm going to enjoy living here."
His lover chuckled. "Who would've guessed to look at that boy so many years ago, that he would end up here in my arms as this beautiful young man?"
"And naked and wanting you again..." Obi-Wan added.
"So soon?"
"It's been nearly three hours!"
"Maybe that's why the Council gave us a month... so we'd get this out of our system before they sent us on any missions."
"Oh, I intend on being a full service partner on our missions as well."
Qui-Gon tingled with the delicious image of this wondrous young man sucking him to completion after a long day of negotiations. "I'll make sure to keep *up* my end of that service as well," he smiled.
They gazed with loving eyes at each other and ran light touches over naked bodies, feeling the harmony their lifebond had created. It was a moment of light and love as their bond raced through their veins, pounded in their hearts, ignited their minds, and took flight in their souls. As much as they knew the Force was responsible for this perfect union, they also knew one man's sacrifice had finally brought them together. They held each other tight as they shared thoughts of Aleki Runalt. How his love for Obi-Wan at first kept them from completing their bond, and then helped him overcome his own loss in order to heal Obi-Wan's and Qui-Gon's hearts and minds of pain. The new lifemates would spend many hours in the next months meditating and connecting with Aleki's sacrifice, and would be forever indebted to the knight for his intervention.
They would honor and uplift Aleki's memory while washing away the sadness and treachery of Obi-Wan's former master. At last they could face life as the Force intended. They would no longer be alone, searching, longing, their souls no longer... out of reach.
End.