Master Apprentice  Archive Photographs & Memories:The Life and Times of Qui-Gon Jinn - 2000-01-24 |
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Archive: MA, any others just ask, I probably won't say no
My Home Page: http://www.jediphiles.com/~mali
Rating: G
Spoilers: None
Summary: A series of "photographs" and "memories" that relate to Qui-Gon. Each segment is a stand-alone piece, and they are in no certain order.
Disclaimer: These beautiful boys aren't mine, they belong to George. I'm just playing with them for a bit. I promise to put them back when I'm done. Don't sue - I've got no money. I've spent it all on seeing TPM way too many times and buying SW toys and feeding my Liam obsession.
Feedback: Oh yes, please. Good, bad or indifferent.
Author's Notes: These were inspired by the wonderful series "Snapshots: Obi-Wan Kenobi, This Is Your Life" done by Pumpkin. It is with her permission that I attempt a similar series about Qui-Gon's life. Pumpkin, thank you so much for allowing me to play in your sandbox.
This morning as Qui-Gon stood before the mirror in the fresher, Obi-Wan had wandered
in.
"First meal is ready, Master," the young boy said quietly.
"I will be there shortly, Padawan. I believe my hair is in need of a trim this
morning first," his Master answered, scissors in hand.
"Master?" the boy hesitated, looking up with earnest eyes.
"Yes, Padawan?"
"Could I, um, that is, would you let me trim your hair for you?"
"That is not necessary, Padawan, though I appreciate your offer."
Qui-Gon caught the brief flash of pain that slid across the young boy's face, before
Obi-Wan was able to hide it. He knew Obi-Wan was struggling with his self-esteem and
needed to feel valued. This was the driving force behind Obi-Wan's desire to take care of
his Master.
Since he had taken the boy as his Padawan six months ago, Obi-Wan had gone out of his way
to prove to his Master that Qui-Gon had made the right choice. Obi-Wan went about his
self-appointed tasks with a fierce determination, and was constantly finding new ways to
"take care" of his Master. On several occasions Qui-Gon had tried to tell the
boy that he was quite capable of taking care of himself but Obi-Wan would have none of it.
Qui-Gon looked at the boy thoughtfully, and then said, "Actually, Padawan, upon
reflection, I do believe it would be easier for you to cut it than for me, as I can't
really see the back well enough to keep it straight."
Obi-Wan was nearly beaming as he quickly grabbed the stool from its place near the tub and
brought it to where Qui-Gon stood. "Please sit, Master," he said shyly.
"Wouldn't it be easier if I stood and you used the stool?"
"I don't think so, Master, "Obi-Wan answered seriously. "Besides that will
give you a chance to rest instead of having to stand the entire time."
Qui-Gon was touched by the boy's concern. He drew Obi-Wan close for a quick hug before
settling on the stool. "Thank-you, Padawan. You take very good care of me."
"It is my pleasure, Master," the Padawan said grinning from ear to ear.
"How much should I cut off?"
"A few inches should be enough," Qui-Gon answered as he handed over the
scissors.
Obi-Wan set about his work with his usual care and thoroughness, biting his lip as he
concentrated. He was almost finished when a longer strand of hair in the back caught his
attention. Looking at the errant strand, he cut the hair he was holding and then moved to
the back to take care of the longer strand.
When he moved in front of Qui-Gon, he let out a startled gasp.
Qui-Gon looked at him sharply, noting his Padawan's eyes going wide as the color drained
from his cheeks.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked cautiously.
"Oh, Master," the boy was nearly in tears. "I'm so sorry, so sorry."
Qui-Gon slowly turned on the stool to face the mirror. His hair was perfectly even, except
for a large piece on the side that was nearly three inches shorter than the rest. He
looked at his reflection for a long moment, and then without saying a word he pulled his
small utility knife from his pouch on his belt and then cut off a small strip of leather
from his belt.
Taking the scissors from the boy's shaking hand, he reached over and cut the hair on the
other side of his head, making both sides even. He pulled the two shorter pieces of hair
back and deftly tied it with the strip of leather.
"The braid gives me a headache," he finally said, looking at his young Padawan.
"I've been wondering if there was another way I could wear my hair without it either
being in a braid or always in my face. I think I much prefer this." With that he rose
from the stool and headed into the common room.
Speechless, Obi-Wan hurried to clean up the fresher before joining his Master for first
meal. Qui-Gon chatted easily about happenings at the Council and Obi-Wan's training, never
once mentioning his hair. Obi-Wan ate silently, trying to understand what had happened.
Shortly thereafter, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan left their quarters and headed to the exercise
rooms for their early morning kata practice. Several Master/Padawan teams were already
there, as well as various other Knights and Masters, including Masters Windu, Gallia and
Yoda.
"Qui-Gon," Mace called out from across the room. "Glad you finally nixed
the braid."
"Very nice, Qui-Gon," Adi said walking towards them. "I really like that
look on you."
"My Padawan did it," he said as he casually placed a large hand on the back of
the boy's neck. "I am quite pleased with the result." He looked down at Obi-Wan
and was deeply touched at the love and pride he saw in the young boy's face.
"You are lucky to have such a resourceful Padawan, then," Adi said smiling.
"I am very lucky," Qui-Gon agreed, pulling the boy close for hug. "Very
lucky indeed."
end