Master Apprentice Archive The Present
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The Present

by KatBear (katbear@cox.net)



Archive: MA, QJEB. Any others please ask.
Category: first time
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Q/O
Feedback: Appreciated.

Thanks: To the beta readers who helped with various comments and encouragement (boots, emu, thalia and claudia). All mistakes are definitely my own since I can't resist tweaking.

Summary: Obi-Wan gets an unexpected birthday present.

Warnings: If you don't like male-male relationships you are in the wrong place. An old friend of Obi-Wan's makes an appearance from the Jedi Apprentice series.

Spoilers: None, pre-TPM.

Disclaimer: The boys belong to George Lucas, I'm just playing with them.

~ ~ Character internal thoughts



Obi-Wan finally finished the last question and wearily sat back from the terminal, drawing a deep breath and flexing his shoulders slowly. He took one last look through the closing set of questions and stabbed the key which locked in his answers and signaled the completion of the test. The brightly plumaged avian test proctor came to Obi-Wan's terminal, verified that the Padawan was indeed finished, and softly told him he was free to leave.

With an almost surly satisfaction Obi-Wan pushed his chair back from the terminal and thought briefly about various obscene gestures before deciding he was too tired to bother. Combining elements of organic and physical chemistry with a focus on forensics techniques, Analytic Chemistry was one of the most notoriously difficult upper level courses and the extensive hands-on laboratory requirements had kept him tied to Coruscant for four very long months now. The two day lab final plus the six hour written final today had fully lived up to the course's infamous reputation.

Dragging back to his quarters, Obi-Wan flopped down on the couch in the common area, leaned his head back and closed his eyes, absorbing the silence. Ten minutes later the door chime rang but Obi-Wan ignored it. Most of his friends were off- planet and there wasn't really anyone he wanted to talk to right now; he'd much rather sit here and wallow in tired self- pity. The chime rang again, shrill and insistent. Obi-Wan finally heaved himself up and went to open the door.

"Surprise! I'm back early! Happy Nameday!" sang out Bant as she rushed in and embraced Obi-Wan. After a thorough hug and the planting of a big kiss on her old friend's cheek, she fairly danced with enthusiasm as she went to put a small box on the table. "I'm so glad I made it back in time, I know how much you've been looking forward to today," she burbled. "How are things coming along ... " she trailed off as she noticed Obi-Wan hadn't moved and hadn't spoken. She took a long slow look around the plain, very empty, very quiet quarters. If such a thing was possible, her eyes protruded even further than usual as she took in the wild disarray; datapadds, clothes, dirty dishes were everywhere and a faint acrid chemical odor lingered in the air.

She swept aside a precarious stack of datapadds to make a place to sit down. "Obi-Wan, what's going on? This place looks like a herd of banthas stampeded through it. Qui-Gon's going to have a fit if he sees it like this. And how are you going to get everything decorated with such a mess? I know you've had this whole thing planned for ages but how can you pop the question to Qui-Gon if he's popping a gasket about this bantha sty?" she asked heatedly as Obi-Wan dejectedly wandered across the room and dropped listlessly back down on the couch. She quieted as she looked around again in the chaotic emptiness, focusing now on the young man's pallor and bloodshot eyes. "What's wrong, Obi-Wan? You look like you were on the bottom of that bantha stampede."

"Qui-Gon's not here," replied Obi-Wan sadly.

"Well, I can see he's not here," said Bant in exasperation. "But surely all those years of work and planning aren't just going to waste. Tell me what's going on."

"I meant that Qui-Gon's not here on Coruscant."

She leaned back in the chair, flabbergasted. "But you're taking A-Chem!" exclaimed Bant. "It's just about the hardest course in the whole entire Temple curriculum. Everybody knows they never send Masters away when their Padawans are taking A- Chem. That was the whole point of working so hard to get all the prereqs done in time to take the stupid course so you'd both be here for your twentieth Nameday!"

"Well, the Council sent my Master away. Almost two months ago, they called us both in front of the Council and ordered Qui-Gon to go on some secret mission, supposedly only he could do it. When Qui-Gon raised a fuss, they did apologize for breaking the tradition but insisted he had to go. Can you believe it, they said because I was such a good Padawan they thought I could handle the situation and offered me extra tutoring or help from some of the other Knights or Masters if I wanted it." Obi-Wan snorted bitterly as he leaned forward and flung errant datapadds off the crouch to go crashing into the wall, "I didn't want their stupid tutors, I wanted my Master to stay!"

"So Qui-Gon left for this mission? That just, well, it doesn't seem like him," she said wonderingly. Bant drooped in her chair and looked like she was having a hard time getting her mind around such a totally unexpected blow to her childhood friend's long held secret plans.

Obi-Wan nodded miserably, once again slumping back on the couch. "They didn't give him any choice. I think I must have let slip how much I was looking forward to this particular Nameday and Qui-Gon obviously wasn't happy about leaving, but he said he would try to make it up to me when he got back. He must have had quite a fight with the Council about it because he sent me out of the Council room while they discussed it; when they called me back in they were all glaring at each other and you could have made ice cubes, the atmosphere was so frigid in there." He smiled briefly in remembrance, drawing a knowing smile from his companion, but his expression quickly turned somber again. "But it's been over seven weeks, I haven't heard anything from my Master and when I tried to find out when Qui- Gon would be back, Master Windu said he didn't know. They won't even tell me if anyone else has heard from him." Obi-Wan buried his face in his hands before continuing in a low voice. "I wanted this to be such a perfect day. I had everything planned out to ask Qui-Gon to be my first love and now I don't know where he is, if he's been hurt or anything. Occasionally I get a little bit of something over our bond but most of the time it's like he's hardly there at all. Force, I miss him so much. It's just been awful, Bant." Shoulders drooping in exhaustion, hot tears began to leak quietly as the young man could no longer contain his feelings.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Obi-Wan," Bant crooned. She moved over to sit beside him, holding him tightly as she tried to ease his misery. As his long time confidant when he needed someone to talk to about his desires for his Master, the Mon Calamarian knew how devastating this must be for her friend. "I'm so sorry." She absorbed the muffled sobs in her soft tunic. "It's all right, Obi-Wan. You're tired, and disappointed, and worried and it all hurts. Let me help, let it out."

Eventually the tears ceased and the two friends simply sat holding on to each other in silence. Obi-Wan finally sighed and leaned back, eyes red and shoulders slumped. "Thanks, Bant," he said softly. "Just about everyone I care about has been gone and I needed a friend badly. Everything's just been so different from what I thought it would be, what I wanted it to be, and worrying about Qui-Gon on top of that with no one to talk to, well, it has really been pretty miserable here." He added with a half smile, "Not to mention the fact that A-Chem has been every bit as bad as everyone said it would be. It has to be at least a couple of months since I remember getting a full night's sleep." He looked around ruefully. "And I guess I let the place go pretty badly too. If it weren't for the dining hall I'm not sure I would have had time to eat anything either."

Bant smiled back and patted his hand. "Any time, Obi-Wan. I'm just glad I was able to get back in time to be here for you. I can imagine what it must have been like. Is there anything we can do to try to find out about Qui-Gon?"

"I doubt it. I've pestered just about everybody on the Council and in the Comm section. They all automatically tell me they haven't heard anything every time they see me now. Master Yoda threatened to hit me with his gimmer stick if I bother him again and Master Windu said he would make me clean the entire Grand Stairway with a toothbrush if I go back in the Communications Center. I'm certain Qui-Gon is alive because the training bond is still intact but I can't tell anything beyond that."

"Well, if we can't do anything about Qui-Gon today, is there anything else I can do for you? It is your Nameday, after all. Do you have class tomorrow?"

"No more classes for a while, thank the Force. I finished the last of A-Chem today. I'm afraid I'm so tired I really don't feel like doing anything. I'm sorry."

"Finishing A-Chem and a Nameday simply must be celebrated somehow, Obi-Wan. Tell you what, it's only midafternoon and it's a nice, warm sunny day out. How about if I take you out for some chocolate? It will do you good to get out for a walk and when we get back I'll help you clean up. Please?" She batted damp eyelids over her large eyeballs in her best attempt at emulating the fluttering eyelashes of one of the romantic holovid leading ladies.

Obi-Wan couldn't help laughing. "Bant, you know you look ridiculous when you do that. I appreciate the offer, but I'm just not up to it right now."

Bant was not about to be put off so easily. She reached over and knocked on her friend's head. "Hello, Coruscant to Padawan Kenobi, free chocolate, I'm buying, and I'm not leaving without you."

"Oh, all right, I'll go, I'll go," acquiesced Obi-Wan, raising his hands in mock surrender. He knew from past experience that once she got started on what she perceived as a mission of mercy, she would not stop even if she had to literally drag him out of the room. "If we're going out of the Temple, though, let me change into civilian clothes first, all right?"

"That's fine. We can stop at my quarters on our way out and I'll change also," replied Bant with a grin.

Obi-Wan went into his room and had just started to take his utility belt off when something on his bed caught his eye. He walked over and looked at the piece of paper lying face down on the blanket so only the blank side showed. He tentatively touched it; yes, it was real paper.

"Bant," he called out, then waited until she appeared in the doorway. "Is this your doing?"

"What are you talking about?"

"That," he said, pointing to the bed. "Hardly anyone uses real paper. Is this some kind of trick?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I just got back to Coruscant this morning; when have I had time to do anything but unpack? Why don't you read it instead of just staring at it like that?"

Obi-Wan glanced at his friend, but she appeared completely innocent. He slowly reached down to retrieve the single sheet, then turned it over so they could both see it. In rough block letters was the following message.

IF NEWS OF YOUR MASTER YOU TRULY DESIRE YOU MUST SEEK THE SKYDOME'S EVENING FIRE

Both Padawans stared at the missive in puzzlement for a moment.

"What kind of nonsense is this? And I would like to know how it got into my locked quarters, too," said Obi-Wan with irritation.

"Well, I know what the skydome is," replied Bant. "That's what people call that small observation room at the very top of the central tower. I think Masters can get in if they want to but it's normally locked to everyone else except for special ceremonies a few times a year."

"Fine, we have a where, but I don't understand the why or when. If someone knows about Qui-Gon, why can't they just tell me instead of going through all this rigmarole?"

"You said your Master was on a secret mission, so perhaps someone felt sorry for you but doesn't want anyone else to find out they tried to talk to you. From what you said earlier, I would think there are a lot of people who know how worried you've been about Qui-Gon."

"I suppose so," said Obi-Wan doubtfully. "I guess I did make rather a pest of myself to a lot of people. But even if that's the case, and this `whoever-it-is' wants me to meet them, that doesn't explain how they got into my quarters or what this `evening fire' reference means."

"There are lots of ways someone could have gotten in. They could have gotten maintenance to let them in, they may be a friend of Qui-Gon's who has the code, or, well, maybe they just hacked the code. These doors are not really all that sophisticated, you know."

"That's reaching, Bant." Obi-Wan scowled at the paper in his hand. "However it happened, they obviously did get in, so I guess it's not really worth arguing about. I suppose the great intergalactic detective has also figured out when we're supposed to meet this mysterious benefactor?"

"Why, it's soooo obvious, my dear Padawan," Bant said, pausing expectantly.

Obi-Wan looked at her warily, muttering to himself, "I'm going to regret this, I just know it." He drew himself up to his full height and crossed his arms before replying, "So enlighten me already."

Drawing upon her most solemn expression of wide-eyed innocence and sincerity, Bant gravely intoned, "We should meet them . . . in the evening." She managed a quick grin as she ducked the Force-propelled flying pillow that whizzed past her head to thwuck harmlessly against the doorframe.

Obi-Wan groaned, then stalked out to the common room, waving the piece of paper as he grumbled, "Never trust a fish that thinks it has a sense of humor."

Bant followed him, cheerfully chattering on, "Evening fire, get it? Evening?"

"I got it, I got it," the young man scowled.

"And I suppose you have a better idea, Mr. Intergalactic Genius? Hmmm?"

"Yes," he replied with a dignified smirk. "I'm going to do a proper search and see what's in the data banks about this `skydome'."

An hour later Obi-Wan pushed back from the terminal and scowled at the happy Padawan casually perched on the edge of the table. He harumphed grumpily a few times before finally admitting, "All right, I suppose it is possible you were right. The references do talk about some special crystals that were used for the top bank of windows in the observation room and how they light up when the morning or evening sun comes in at the right angle."

Bant grinned her special "I told you so" grin.

"But," Obi-Wan wagged an admonishing finger, "they also say that the evening display could be any time between seventeenth and nineteenth hour, depending on the season and the cloud cover. Surely I'm not supposed to sit around for a couple of hours just waiting. That's ridiculous, and I'm not going to do it."

Bant shook her head over her friend's obvious case of terminal obtuseness. "You know, Obi-Wan, I think that A-Chem class burned out what little bit of brain you had left. There isn't any cloud cover today, so, as you said yourself, we just need to look at what season this is."

"There was nothing in the references about how to predict what time the display would be," scowled her companion.

"Well, no specific references, but there were several pictures which showed the sun coming in through the top windows to make the fancy light show, so if we figure out what the best angle is I bet we could match that up with the sunset times in the Coruscant Almanac to find out about when it should happen today."

Fifteen minutes of scrutinizing, comparing, figuring, more comparing and arguing finally brought forth the opinion that the best time for the evening display was about twenty minutes before sunset. "So tonight the display would start," Obi-Wan paused to look up at the clock, "in just about three hours from now."

"Now we have the where and the when, so you just need to be there to find out what happened to your Master," said Bant triumphantly, gently tapping Obi-Wan's chest.

"Aren't you forgetting one little detail?" asked Obi-Wan, leaning back in his chair.

"Such as?" prompted Bant.

"Such as the fact that the room is locked and only Masters are allowed in there most of the time."

"Details, details," replied Bant, airily waving an upper appendage. "If your mystery person could get into your room to leave the message, I wouldn't think he would have any problem getting into the skydome and having the door unlocked for you. If it's one of the Masters, they all have access anyway." She paused thoughtfully. "Actually, it might be more difficult getting past the upper complex. That whole upper section of the central tower is supposed to be restricted access."

"Actually, I think it's more like limited access. Qui-Gon and I have been up there several times for meetings. I know the elevator stops at the main entrance level for the section but the guard there mostly seemed to be checking to see if you had an actual purpose for being there and directing people to the right meeting rooms. Qui-Gon told me I shouldn't go up there without a reason but the actual security didn't seem to be all that tight."

"Well, let's check it out in the data banks then."

After another hour of research the two Padawans decided that Obi-Wan was probably right. You could take an elevator or the stairs to the main entrance level of the upper complex but from there you had to change to a different elevator or stairs to get to any of the upper floors where the various meeting and conference facilities were located. There was a guard stationed there but he seemed to be more or less there for directing traffic and keeping out nuisance visitors. He did have a security panel however, which showed when any of the elevators, stairway doors and even maintenance hatches in the actual meeting complex were open.

They decided the best approach was a team effort. Obi-Wan located a maintenance hatch on the floor just below the complex entrance which opened into the air conditioning system. While Bant chatted with the guard and kept his attention diverted, Obi-Wan went through the air ducts into the floor above the entrance level. He tapped twice on his comm link when he was ready to open the maintenance hatch out of the air ducts, opening it when Bant signaled back that she had the guard distracted. They did the same thing at the entrance to the inner stairway; Obi-Wan then opened the door to the stairway and jogged up the final four flights of stairs. Once at the top, he signaled again and went through the final door after receiving Bant's response. Once the door monitor door light changed from red to green, he gave the final signal that he was at the top and Bant was then free to leave.

Stepping through the final monitored doorway, Obi-Wan found himself in an open room that looked like a holding area. There were some couches, a few tables and chairs, and a restroom.

~ I suppose this is where people gather for the ceremonies in the skydome that the data bank described. ~ he thought idly as he looked around while recovering his breath. He checked the area for monitoring devices but did not detect any in the room or near the open stairs which led up to the actual tower top.

~ Well, so far, so good. ~ Obi-Wan paused, standing a bit uncertainly before the plain entrance door to the skydome and wondering if this was really such a good idea. He didn't like the feeling of being toyed with, but whoever had set this up must know that the potential prize was one he could not resist. The apprentice tried a brief probe, but if anyone really was inside, they were well shielded and he could not feel anything. Taking a deep breath, he stepped up to the door, palmed the entrance pad, and let the breath out as the heavy door proved to be unlocked and began to slowly slide open.

As Obi-Wan stepped through the opening, his first impression was ... color. Deep, intense, magnificent hues of red, blue, green, yellow and shades inbetween filled the room as if the very air itself had taken on substance and filled the empty space. He had entered at the peak of the evening display, light from the setting sun pouring through the special crystalline panels to ignite the spectacular firestorm swirling through the enclosed area. Obi-Wan could only stand and stare as the scintillating display played over and around him, pulling him into its fiery heart. Several minutes passed before the angle of the setting sun diminished the brilliance sufficiently for the young apprentice to become aware of the silent figure seated in the center of the room near a nest of pillows and blankets.

Obi-Wan blinked several times to clear his eyesight before focusing on the being before him. A Master's robe completely covered the large sitting shape, upper limbs enclosed in the sleeves and the hood drawn far forward, completely concealing the face in darkness. Intense shielding made the disguise complete. Another long moment passed as the sun's continuing decline finally extinguished the artificial flames.

Growing impatient, Obi-Wan finally blurted out "Who are you, and what do you know about my Master?"

Remaining silent, the figure withdrew one hand briefly from its concealing sleeve to gesture at the still open door. The apprentice quickly closed the door, then turned back to see that the tall Jedi had risen and now stood upright in the center of the room, highlighted briefly in the last rays of the setting sun before the automatic lights came on to bathe the room in a soft glow. Two large hands slowly drew back the heavy hood to reveal flowing brown hair neatly tied back, bloodshot blue eyes surrounded by dark shadows and a bearded face heavily lined with fatigue.

"Master!" Obi-Wan cried out joyously as he rushed forward to embrace the still silent figure, his earlier exhaustion vanquished by relief and happiness. "You're back! I've been so worried about you! Nobody would tell me what's been going on, or whether you were all right, or when you were coming back or ... "

After returning the hug, Qui-Gon stepped back and raised a hand to gently stop the flood of words. He dropped enough of his shields to let their bond flow more freely. "It's all right, Padawan, I'm safe and I'm home now. I know the last seven weeks could not have been easy for you and I wish I could have been here to help you; unfortunately, it just couldn't happen as either of us might have wished." He looked more closely at the pale young man before continuing, "Obi-Wan, are you all right? You look like I feel right now."

"I won't lie to you, Master, it has been difficult, but that's over. I feel wonderful now and I'm so glad you're back, Master. I've missed you so much," replied Obi-Wan, a huge grin plastered on his face. He stopped in confusion, however, the grin disappearing, and continued, "But I have to say that I don't understand what is going on, Master. Why the mysterious letter and this meeting up here? Why didn't you just come to our quarters after your debriefing for the Council?"

As Qui-Gon cleared his throat the apprentice was certain he saw a faint blush coloring his Master's cheeks. "Actually, Obi- Wan, most of the Council do not yet know that I have returned. I wanted to spend some time with you on your Nameday before I have to deal with them."

"Is something wrong, Master? Is there anything I can do to help?" Obi-Wan started to move closer to Qui-Gon, reaching for his hand, but stopped when Qui-Gon waved him away.

"This is not your problem, Padawan. Master Yoda knows that I returned several hours ago and, after I explained the situation to him, he agreed to help me, although he was rather reluctant and I had to listen to a long lecture in return for that help. I wanted to see you first because I know the Council will not be very pleased with the way I conducted this mission and I expect the debriefing and discussions will most likely be exceptionally long and tedious."

"Master, what happened on the mission?"

The Jedi Master sighed, then rubbed the bridge of his nose with one long finger for several moments. He had never lied to his Padawan, and he wasn't about to start now, but he knew this mission was probably going to be considered one of the more infamous accomplishments of his career; he shuddered briefly at the thought of what the Council was going to say about his actions.

"Padawan," he started softly, "you know that sometimes people let their feelings or emotions overcome their training and do things rashly or hastily which they probably shouldn't."

"Yes, Master," as puzzlement creased his forehead.

"I am afraid that in this case I allowed my anger at the Council for what they did to get in the way of my normal principles and I, uh, took a few shortcuts in order to get this mission finished as quickly as possible. This is not really something you should emulate except to remember it as a lesson that none of us are perfect."

Obi-Wan frowned as he put his hands on his hips, "Master, just what happened out there?"

"Well, the secret and allegedly vital mission was to recover the heir to the Kingdom of Guertan and several critical documents that went missing at the same time. They wanted me because I already knew most of the people involved. As far as I could tell, though, the whole thing actually revolved around money; the Guertan systems are the primary source for some very rare and expensive ores needed to manufacture several key space navigation systems and the missing documents were actually the encrypted programming codes for the mining combine's automated equipment. The Council could have sent anyone on that type of recovery mission, but I believe that several Senators from that region twisted their arms into sending me." Qui-Gon hmphed and started into his lecture mode, eyes flashing and residual anger still rumbling in his voice, "You know, Padawan, it is a sorry state of affairs when the Council lets politics and wealthy politicians override their obligations to the Order and separate a Master from his Padawan during a protected training period. One would think that miserable bunch of "

"Master," Obi-Wan interrupted gently before Qui-Gon could get too far off track, "I appreciate your feelings, and I understand why you were upset, but you were going to tell me about what you actually did ?"

"Oh, yes. My apologies, Padawan." Qui-Gon took a deep breath before continuing. "I am afraid I have yet to regain a proper state of mind about this affair and need to undertake a great deal of meditation to resolve my feelings. I was angry when I left and even more upset when I realized what the mission really was and decided to just do it and get it over with as quickly as I could." He shrugged and smiled ruefully. "Probably not the best decision, I know, but it’s done now. Anyway, I made contact with several beings with whom I had had occasion to do business previously and obtained their assistance. With the information from my own investigation plus that of my informants I was able to quickly find out that the heir had evidently left of his own volition, evidently taking the mining system codes with him."

"I get the distinct impression the Council would not approve of your 'colleagues', Master," said Obi-Wan dryly, a smile playing around his lips as he shifted in place to cock one hip.

"The Council will most certainly be displeased with my `colleagues', as you so delicately put it, and probably my own investigative techniques also," said Qui-Gon with a wry half smile. He continued musingly, "Perhaps that displeasure will help distract them from being quite so upset about the rather large quantities of credits I had to dispense to get such quick results."

"I take it you found the missing heir?" asked Obi-Wan, trying vainly to suppress another smile at this rarely seen side of his revered Master.

"Of course. He had taken up with a large group of pirates several systems over and was paying them to protect him. By the time I caught up to him, he had issued an ultimatum to the mining conglomerate that really controls affairs on Guertan; he wanted money and a position on the board of directors or he was going to destroy several of the mines. He was a spoiled, arrogant twerp with the manners and language of a bawdyhouse bouncer but also a brilliant programmer so he probably could have done it. Obviously I couldn't let that happen, if only to protect innocent miners, so I kidnapped him from the pirates. We had six days together alone on the trip back to Guertan to `discuss' the situation." Qui-Gon paused and pursed his lips. "Did I mention that in addition to poor manners he had an annoyingly high level of immunity to mental persuasion?"

Obi-Wan shook his head, biting his lip to keep from laughing aloud. He was beginning to get an excellent picture of why his Master wasn't particularly anxious to discuss this mission with the Council.

"Indeed he did, it was almost as bad as dealing with a Toydarian," sighed Qui-Gon. "To resolve the situation, I opened a channel to the mining conglomerate and his father and served as the facilitator for their negotiations." He shrugged at Obi-Wan's raised eyebrow and incredulous expression. "Since the heir hadn't actually been kidnapped, the original mission orders really didn't apply any more, so it seemed an appropriate way to resolve the situation with no loss of life and to everyone's relative satisfaction. I was able to convince the King and the mining board that the Prince would be a talented addition to their group and they were better off including him before he did anything even more drastic."

Obi-Wan snorted and shook his head. "So the Prince got what he wanted, the mining people got their codes back and everyone was happy?"

"Well, the King and the mining conglomerate were pleased with the outcome. I'm afraid the Prince needed a bit more persuasion but he did come around before we landed on Guertan, so I was able to finalize everything after we landed. After the paperwork was completed, the King provided return passage on a fast ship and here I am." He waved a hand dismissively, "So, that's that, and I would like to wish you a happy Nameday ... ."

Obi-Wan sensed there was more to this, however, and pressed to take advantage of this rare opportunity to not let his Master off the hook so easily. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he continued, "And I am very happy to have you back, Master, but I'd really like to know how you managed to persuade the Prince to cooperate."

There was a long silence as Qui-Gon shifted uncomfortably and suddenly seemed to find the view of Coruscant's skyline remarkably absorbing.

"Maaassteeer, what did you do?" prodded Obi-Wan.

Qui-Gon cleared his throat, "Well, he was being quite intransigent, and I was starting to run out of time, and, well, ... "

"And?" prompted the apprentice.

"Obi-Wan, it was very important that I get back," said Qui-Gon quietly, still looking out the window. Turning to face his apprentice, he continued defensively, "The prince was an incredibly, most remarkably annoying young idiot and the entire negotiation process was threatening to fall apart because of him. He was acting like a child and holding out for more money and finally told me I could take the King, the board, me and the whole Jedi Order and go have the whole lot perform some remarkably flexible sexual acts. The board's offer was really quite generous considering the way he treated everyone." Qui- Gon turned and looked back out the window. "So we had a very private discussion and I firmly convinced him of the error of his ways."

Obi-Wan rocked back on his heels and thought for a moment. "Master, please tell me you didn't do what I think you did!"

Qui-Gon worried at his lower lip and looked sideways at his grinning Padawan. "Let's just say I took care of the problem and he was much more agreeable after that."

"I'll bet he was!" laughed Obi-Wan, remembering very well just how `persuasive' Qui-Gon could be. After he quieted down, however, he sighed and continued seriously, "Master, the Council is definitely not going to be pleased and you must have known that. Happy as I am to have you back right now, I don't like it being at the expense of having you in trouble with the Council." As Qui-Gon started to protest, "Again," the apprentice added firmly. He shook his head as Qui-Gon turned back to face him. "It's just a Nameday, Master. I would have been happy if you could have just sent a message letting me know you were alive and well."

Qui-Gon raised one hand in a vague gesture. "I have to admit that part of my hurry was due to being so irritated with the way the Council handled the situation; it was all wrong from the very beginning." Dropping his hand, he took a small, hesitant step closer to his apprentice. "There was more to it than that, though. I also wanted very much to be back here for your twentieth Nameday. It is a very special day; knowing how very important this day was to you, after the years of hoping and praying, I just had to find a way to get back in time. I wasn't about to let all that planning go to waste after all the effort you ... " Qui-Gon stopped abruptly as he saw his apprentice go still and white.

Obi-Wan took a step back, head back, breathing shallow. "What are you saying? Why do you think this particular Nameday is so important?" whispered Obi-Wan, his lips barely moving.

His face turning bright scarlet, Qui-Gon started to speak but could not bring any words out. He started to raise a hand toward his Padawan but the hand shook once, twice, then dropped to his side. A very long silence stretched between the two men until Qui-Gon finally straightened himself to his full height, unconsciously clenching his hands fall at his sides.

"Obi-Wan, I have a confession to make. I did something I had no right to do and for which I must beg your forgiveness." He hesitated, looking into the eyes of his silent apprentice. "About a year ago, I overheard you speaking to some of your friends about your feelings for someone and how you were planning to ask that person to be your first on your twentieth Nameday. Please understand that it was not intentional, but once I started, I couldn't stop. Obi-Wan, you know that it is forbidden for a Master to initiate a relationship with his own Padawan?" He paused as the still silent young man nodded once, slowly, cautiously. "I could not speak of my feelings for you, feelings that had been growing for several years. I can only tell you it was very important to me to know for whom you had such strong feelings." Qui-Gon started to extend a hand to the young man, but stopped short when Obi-Wan reflexively flinched back. Wincing at the reaction, Qui-Gon looked down at the floor for a moment as if trying to gather his courage.

Slowly raising his eyes, Qui-Gon quietly continued. "Obi-Wan, after you left our quarters I ... I went into your room and read your private journal." Qui-Gon stopped and swallowed hard. "I know it was wrong, and it was a violation of the trust between us, but I swear I only did it that once. I had to know, Obi-Wan, but I am truly sorry and I beg your forgiveness for intruding on your privacy."

"You read my journal? The one place I thought I could safely spill my guts?" The voice rose a little. "You knew about my feelings and said nothing? You let me go through another year of, of just about the most misery someone can live through?" The rigid body revealed nothing, but the stormy grey eyes reflected anger and confusion.

"Obi-Wan, I know what was written in your journal a year ago, but I couldn't bring myself to read very much of it and what I did see was rather cryptic. For good or ill, you have learned your lessons in control all too well and have seldom allowed your feelings to show, so I could not truly be certain." As Qui-Gon paused to consider his next words, he saw the stiff body soften just a little, a bit of uncertainty creep into the agitated eyes.

Qui-Gon wet his lower lip before continuing softly. "Obi-Wan, please try to understand my position. The rules are clear and are meant to protect the Padawans. I would rather have risked never knowing if to speak of my feelings meant being separated by the Council, or, worse yet, being summarily rejected if you had changed your mind or I had misinterpreted what I read." He raised both hands in supplication and took a small step forward, hope brightening his features when Obi-Wan did not move away.

"And just what was it you thought was happening in my head," replied Obi-Wan just as quietly, his expression turning thoughtful as he cocked his head a bit to his left, eyes narrowing a little. His gaze flicked briefly to the outspread hands before returning upward to rest on the craggy countenance.

"My Padawan, my light, I hoped I was still the one of whom you had written. I believed that both of us had come to attach a great deal of importance and symbolism to this Nameday, and I was willing to risk much on this misbegotten mission in case there was still some substance to my hopes. If I am wrong, I apologize again and ask that you forgive a foolish old man for his dreams." Qui-Gon dropped his hands and bowed.

The apprentice stepped back, crossed his arms, eyes now almost expressionless, and waited silently. ~ Can it be true? But if he read the journal how could he have acted like he felt nothing? How could he do that to me? Oh Force, what is happening, what should I do? ~ He was fighting hard to keep the confused turmoil of emotions from overwhelming him and took refuge inside himself, almost unconsciously closing down the bond, clearing his face to the calm non-expression he had learned at his Master's side.

Qui-Gon straightened, put his hands together in the sleeves of his robe, and continued in stoic dignity. "Tell me I am wrong and you have my word I shall never speak of it again. If you wish, we can leave this room now, I will go to the Council to make my mission report and it will be as if this conversation never took place." Looking at the sudden cold, empty expression on his apprentice's face, feeling the bond snap shut, the now almost black eyes pierced his heart. ~ Force, could I have been so very very wrong? ~ he asked himself despairingly, not knowing how else to interpret the situation.

His voice caught, and there was almost a tremor as he continued, "If anything I have done or said is so wrong or offensive to you that you feel you can no longer trust me or want me, ... " Qui-Gon had to stop and swallow convulsively before continuing, eyes downcast. "If that is so, I will do what I can to make amends, and I will not stand in your way if you wish to request a different Master to complete your training. Please, tell me what you want, Obi-Wan."

At his Masters's last words, Obi-Wan jerked as if he had been struck, shaking his head as a silent `NO' formed on his lips. The sun had entirely set by now and the soft oblique room lighting left the young man's face partially shadowed as he slowly turned away, still shaking his head, and walked to the nearest wide window. He stopped to gaze through the thick glass out over the dark Coruscant night. Finally, he took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and turned to face the tall, silent figure in the Jedi Master's robe. The serenity of the Master's expression was belied by the tension and anxiety Obi- Wan could feel trickling across their bond despite the older man's continuing efforts to suppress it.

Looking up into Qui-Gon's familiar face, the young man spoke quietly in calm, measured tones. "For many years, I respected you, revered you, loved you as a child would love a parent. But there were also a lot of times when I was afraid of you or for you, annoyed, irritated, angry, even times I was embarrassed for you and about you when the Council punished you or you did something my friends laughed at. You have been a difficult person to live with, you know."

The Master acknowledged the words with a grimace and a self- conscious half-smile. "I didn't always mean to be. And I'm sorry you had to share in so many of my grillings in front of the Council."

"I know. You couldn't help what you are and I wouldn't want you to be anything different," replied Obi-Wan with a small smile. His heart leapt inside as he saw the glimmer of hope brightening the dark blue eyes and detected a slight quickening of breath.

Obi-Wan paced slowly, gesturing with his hands as if trying to weave just the right words of explanation. "I admit I was angry tonight when you told me you read my journal. I felt I had been betrayed, that you must have known how I felt and have been laughing at the silly love sick Padawan all year, that, well, all of my feelings had been thrown into a dark pit and trampled on." He stopped when he saw the anguished look and slumped shoulders that replaced the light in Qui-Gon's expression.

"But I don't want or need any other Master, and I'm sorry if I gave you any reason to believe that I would even consider such a thing, even for a moment, because inside I know you could never hurt me like that," he quickly continued, anxious to relight the now dark eyes, relieved when he saw the posture straighten and head come up, relief flooding across the face. "During the last several years I have come to realize that the feelings I have for you are different from the way I feel about anyone else. It was only when I was with you that I felt truly complete, that there was a sense of rightness about my world, and when I was apart from you it was as if a part of me was missing. But it did take me a while to sort out all the different feelings I was having as I grew up. As I grew older, I had a lot of offers for sex; there were some people I felt comfortable with so I tried to do some experimenting but it never felt really right and I never got much past kissing and petting. It was if my heart really wasn't in it, if you know what I mean."

Qui-Gon smiled a little. "I did sometimes wonder why you never seemed to go out with your friends for that sort of thing." He ducked his head almost in embarrassment as he continued, "Until you learned to shield properly I did catch an awful lot of, shall we say hormonal echoes, through the bond."

Obi-Wan gave a small snort and felt his cheeks warm several degrees. "I imagine you did. Believe me, all the parts definitely worked but it seemed they worked best when I was thinking of a certain tall Jedi Master. I do appreciate your not saying anything about the inordinate amount of laundry and cold showers I went through for a while." He smiled wickedly for a moment but quickly turned serious again.

"Master, I meditated upon this matter for several years before I understood my feelings and truly believed in them, knew that I wanted you both emotionally and physically, but I didn't know if there was any chance that you might return those feelings. I knew in my head that even if you had the same kinds of feelings for me you weren't allowed to speak to me about them, but you were so hard to read I couldn't tell in my heart if you felt anything at all beyond the normal Master-Padawan relationship, the kind of feelings my friends told me they had with their Masters. I decided to wait until my twentieth Nameday to tell you about how I felt about you, about us." He grimaced apologetically. "It seems that we unintentionally ended up making life a lot more difficult than necessary this last year, each of us trying his best to be such a good little Jedi and hiding his feelings from the other." Qui-Gon nodded in agreement, unspoken apology in his small smile.

Obi-Wan looked around the almost empty room ruefully before returning his gaze to Qui-Gon. "I did plan for a long time about how it would be. I knew exactly how I was going to decorate our quarters, I had your favorite meal planned, I was going to wear that special blue sagelsilk shirt I spent six month's savings on, I even wrote out what I was going to say and practiced in front of the mirror in case I lost my nerve."

Obi-Wan looked down at his hands which were anxiously rubbing against his thighs almost of their own accord. He drew a deep breath and looked up again. "I know this isn't what I planned, and I only have myself to offer. I love you, I forgive anything you think you have done which you believe might offend me, and I want you to be my first love. Even if turns out that you can not truly return my feelings after tonight, I will understand, but I would still ask that you please give me at least this one night to have and to remember. Qui-Gon Jinn, will you be my first love?"

Blue eyes suspiciously bright, Qui-Gon swallowed hard before replying. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, you are all I want, all that I have wanted for a long time. It would be a great honor to be your first love, and it would be an even greater privilege to share that love for as many more nights as you will have me. I accept gladly and gratefully." He grinned wryly and waved a hand vaguely around the room. "I know the circumstances are not what either of us might have planned or wished for, but the door is locked, the lights can be turned down, I have a couple of bottles of very nice wine and some very comfortable pillows, if that will do in the way of romance. I'm afraid the only other thing I have to offer you tonight is this ... "

Large hands slowly reached up to undo the clasp at the neck of the robe whose voluminous folds had remained firmly in place during the entire conversation. Qui-Gon opened the bond to release the joy of his feelings as he simultaneously released the clasp of the robe, pushing back the concealing fabric and allowing the robe to fall away and pool around his feet, standing quietly in place as he waited for his companion's response.

Obi-Wan gasped, and, his eyes dilated and mouth open, could only stare wordlessly at the magnificent gift being offered to him. He had seen his Master unclothed on many occasions but never so gloriously and sensuously naked as this being who offered himself so freely and totally. The tall frame was reflected in the outer windows, the soft lighting revealing the many scars which overlaid the well muscled body and reflected his long years of dedicated service. The bond between them pulsed with the depth and sincerity of the offering. Slowly the two long arms raised as if in invitation.

"Happy Nameday, Obi-Wan," said Qui-Gon softly. "How may I please thee tonight?"

"Oh Force!" breathed the young man, still too stunned to move. His gaze traveled up and down the Master's body again, stopping to take in and appreciate the size of the flaccid member, impressive despite its currently quiescent state. "Oh Force," he said again, eyes still locked on the Master's groin, "can this really be happening?"

"I assure you it is quite real," smiled Qui-Gon, enjoying the effect he was having on his apprentice.

A smile tugged at the young man's lips as he caught the double meaning of Qui-Gon's last statement. Shaking his head, he roused himself and walked forward slowly. The Master lowered his arms as Obi-Wan approached but otherwise remained motionless as the apprentice made a very slow circuit around the older man. Finally, Obi-Wan stopped in front of Qui-Gon, turned to face him, and drew a deep breath.

"Master," he started.

Holding up a hand, his Master intervened, "Qui-Gon, please, when it is just the two of us. I know this will cause us to need some adjustments in our relationship, but I believe we will manage."

"Qui-Gon," said the younger man slowly and softly, savoring the sound and feel of the name as it rolled off his tongue. "It feels so strange to call you Qui-Gon, but it also feels ... good. You're right, it will be different, but I know we can work things out. Right now, though, I want to take your advice to heart, my long suffering Master."

"And which piece of often neglected advice is that, my Obi- Wan," said Qui-Gon with a small laugh.

"Your focus determines your reality, and right now I feel very, very focused on you," replied Obi-Wan with a wicked grin. He reached up to Qui-Gon's face with one hand and used the other to pull the Master's head closer to him as he captured the smiling lips in a firm kiss. After a moment of initial surprise, Qui-Gon returned the kiss and willingly allowed the questing tongue in to conduct a tentative exploration. As large hands began to reach forward to embrace the smaller body, Obi-Wan broke the kiss and pinned the large hands by their owner's side.

"Not yet," commanded the apprentice, eyes closed and a blissful smile on his face. "mmm ... that was good, but there is a lot more of you to explore tonight."

"Yes, Master," said Qui-Gon with a small bow and a smile. "Were you planning on getting undressed any time tonight, sir, if I may be so bold as to ask?"

"Oh, don't worry, we'll get around to that eventually, my good man," said Obi-Wan airily in his best pseudo-aristocratic air, the effect of which was unfortunately spoiled by a barely suppressed nervous giggle. Smiling broadly, Obi-Wan released his Master's hands and stepped back as if to consider his next move. Glancing past the tall figure, he paused suddenly as he caught sight of their reflection in the huge windows.

"You know, Qui-Gon, it occurs to me that we are standing in the tallest tower on Coruscant in a room that is almost all windows. Aren't we a bit, uh, conspicuous?"

"Not really," Qui-Gon replied with a rare mischievous smile of his own. "Not that I'm sure I would really mind tonight though." With a wave of his hands he dimmed the lights so the primary lighting was now from outside, the tower's yellow, blue and red rotating navigation warning lights and the incessant night traffic providing a pleasant play of multicolored hues. "The windows are exceptionally thick and cleverly designed. They allow us to see outside clearly but appear almost opaque to anyone trying to look in. The room is seldom used but, as you say, is quite obvious. If one wishes to wait but be unnoticed by certain Jedi who sit in another tower of the Temple, what better place to do so than right under everyone's noses?"

"Thank you for those words of wisdom, o great one."

"That is why I'm the Master and you're still the student, my Padawan," said Qui-Gon serenely, a hint of a twinkle in his eyes.

"Then I think I had better continue my education immediately." Suiting action to words, Obi-Wan began a silent but thorough exploration of the tall frame. Starting at the face, he used gentle fingers to touch the long desired flesh as if seeking to memorize every inch of skin. Soft, short strokes on the face, rubbing gently through the whiskers on the chin, longer, sweeping strokes across the chest and down the arms, stopping to tweak both nipples into hardened buds, a smile of delighted wonder on his face as he felt them come to life under his touch. The only sounds in the room were those of breathing and the soft sibilant sweep of flesh against flesh. Gentle massage down the hard belly, now a wicked smile as he carefully avoided the rapidly hardening penis in the movement out to the lean flanks, stopping briefly to inhale deeply as the scent changed from Qui-Gon's familiar herb-based soap to deeper, muskier tones, down the long thighs, the calloused hands continued their journey past the hard shins. Kneeling, Obi-Wan lifted each foot in turn to caress the tough flesh, carefully massaging each long toe. Crouching, Obi-Wan paused to look up. ~ Force, the man's legs go on forever, ~ mouth open momentarily in awe. Moving to the back, Obi-Wan reversed his journey, up the trim calves, a quick grin as he found a sensitive spot behind the knees which drew a sharp gasp from the otherwise silent man, stroking the heavily muscled thighs. Several delicious minutes on the well defined buttocks, handfuls of firm flesh which clenched and unclenched under his careful ministrations as the breathing deepened. By now Obi-Wan could feel heat coming off the long body, almost swore he could see the first tiny drops of perspiration popping out of the pale skin. Up the lower back, locating spots at the base of the ribcage which drew more gasps and a quaking shiver, ~ mmm, have to remember that spot ~ , then long sweeping strokes across the broad shoulders. He could feel the heat coming from both bodies now, and was surprised to find his penis had hardened almost without his notice, so absorbed had he been. Standing close to Qui-Gon's back, he reached across the shoulders, one hand on each side, to gently tip the chin back, then ran his hands slowly up the sides of the face and into the hair. Untying the clasp with trembling fingers, Obi-Wan let the long brown silver flecked hair fall loosely, then buried his face in the soft mane as he ran his fingers through it again and again, breathing in Qui-Gon's essence, feeling the silken strands caress his skin and shred his consciousness into mindless ecstasy. Finally, uttering a soft sigh, he reluctantly released the tousled hair and moved around to stand in front of his Master.

Although still silent, Qui-Gon was breathing heavily, lips barely parted, two spots of color high on his cheeks and a fine sheen of sweat glistening in the subdued light. He opened his mouth to speak but Obi-Wan silenced him with a soft finger across the opened lips and a small shake of his head. The young man reached out to take one large hand in each of his, holding them loosely, palms up, as he massaged each open palm with a thumb. Slowly he raised the hands to his face, holding the palms to his cheeks, letting the fingers curl naturally around his head. His eyes closed, the young man slowly nuzzled the hands, turning to kiss and lick each palm in turn, until finally he simply held the hands tightly to his face and shivered in joy.

Opening his eyes, Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, who still waited patiently for permission to move, although the strain was starting to show, his fingers twitching almost imperceptibly against Obi-Wan's skin. "You know," he said softly, "I have had entire erotic fantasies about just your hands and your hair." Obi-Wan pulled the large hands away from his face, holding them clasped lightly before him. With a shaky laugh, he patted the right hand, saying, "I hate to even try to remember how many sheets I went through imagining what you could do with this thing." Drawing a slow breath, he licked his lips before asking shyly, "Will you do something for me now?"

"Of course," replied Qui-Gon hoarsely. "You have but to name it, my love."

Obi-Wan shivered again at the endearment. "I want you to undress me, then touch me, just your hands, slowly, I want to feel your hands on my body."

Qui-Gon swallowed, then nodded, as if not quite trusting himself to speak again. He knelt before the shorter man, and slowly, reverently, began to remove the utility belt. Laying it carefully aside, he rose and removed each of the upper garments in turn, folding and placing each on a pile with slow precision. When the upper body was bare, Qui-Gon gazed hungrily for a moment before kneeling again and bending to unbuckle the high boots. After the boots and socks were removed and placed next to the pile of discarded clothing, he paused for a moment, small trickles of sweat forming on the sides of his face. With trembling hands, he reached for the drawstring at the waist and slowly unfastened it. Qui-Gon inserted his thumbs into the waistbands of both inner and outer garments, flushing a little the first time he touched hot flesh, and carefully drew both garments down, pulling a little more firmly as the cloth snagged on the hard penis, then swiftly finishing and laying them aside after the young man stepped out of them.

Kneeling, leaning back silently with buttocks on heels, lips parted, eyes shining, Qui-Gon contemplated the task before him as if deciding where to begin. His own breathing roared in his ears as he reminded himself that this was real, no longer one of his secret fantasies. Looking up at Obi-Wan, he reached slowly for the right foot, giving the younger man time to rest one hand lightly on the broad shoulder for balance. Qui-Gon placed the foot on the front of his thigh and gently massaged it, giving each toe individual attention, working his way across the top of the foot, soothing calluses on the bottom and heel before moving up the ankle, the shin, and back down the calf, keeping his hands in constant motion. Gently placing the foot back on the ground, he repeated the massage with the left foot, then worked his way up the front of each thigh. Each touch was bliss, a silent worship to his private god.

Still on his knees, Qui-Gon moved around the still form and began at the back of the knees, kneading and smoothing the warm flesh of the thighs and the outer flanks. He teased at the lines where buttocks joined lower legs, then firmly massaged the large muscles of the enticing rear, drawing a soft moan from the young man, barely suppressing a moan of his own. Working his way up the lower back, he eased the knots in the heavy muscles that betrayed a tension born of nervousness. As he rose to attack the shoulders and neck he carefully refrained from allowing the rest of his body to touch his apprentice, although it was evident from the occasional tremor and heavy breathing that Obi-Wan was all too aware of his close proximity. He allowed himself to bask in the heat of both bodies, smell the soap and sweat, breathing deeply. Qui-Gon massaged each arm from behind, handling each finger separately, caressing the palm gently, pausing to feel the blood pulsing through the vein on the wrist, smoothing the skin of upper and lower arm.

Standing fully upright, Qui-Gon ran his fingers through the short Padawan haircut, now spiky with sweat. Still running the fingers of one hand through wet hair, he slowly moved around to face Obi-Wan. Using both hands, he gently caressed the face in front of him, drawing a deep open mouth moan and a fluttering of eyelids. Fingertips ghosted across and around ears, then under the chin and across the thumping vessels now surging wildly with racing blood, a beat which matched his own thudding heart. He closed his eyes, seeing only with his fingers, hearing the blood roar, letting the bond pulse to match the heat growing between the two men. Leaning closer, he breathed gently across unseen lips before forcing himself to move on, leaving behind a strangled moan.

Moving slowly down and across the upper chest, Qui-Gon teased and tweaked the nipples until they were hard and brown. A hard twist resulted in clenched hands and another deep moan as Obi- Wan shifted in place. Qui-Gon smiled gleefully as fingertips across the belly resulted in an almost frantic rippling of muscles and spasmodic twitching of fists. Gradually sinking into a kneeling position again, Qui-Gon continued to massage the warm skin on the hips, finally ending with large hands splayed across the lower groin, a thumb just barely not touching each side of the hard flesh which strained toward him. He breathed deeply of the musky scent, feeling his own body respond with an aching hardness and sensitized touch, each drop of sweat tickling as it slowly descended, tongue reaching out to wet suddenly dry lips.

Qui-Gon paused, then looked up to seek permission before continuing. Obi-Wan's eyes were closed, his head tilted back, mouth open and face flushed. The eyes opened as the young man became aware that the delightful friction had ceased; he looked down into the questioning blue eyes and nodded. Slowly, carefully, as if handling a fragile treasure, Qui-Gon cradled the hard penis in both hands, fingertips supporting the heavy scrotum as a hot flush swept his own body at the first delicious contact. Moving one hand up to fondle the hot testicles, he used the other to caress the silky skin, long sweeping strokes with his palm from the root to the now copiously leaking head alternating with soft short ghostings from fingertips. Qui-Gon shivered as he stroked the hard member, his head slowly moving closer as if drawn by an unseen magnet, until he could almost breathe on the slippery head. Licking his lips nervously, he listened to the young man's moans, his focus centered on the tempting flesh before him, his own breathing harsh in his ears. Finally, he could stand it no more.

"Obi-Wan," he pleaded huskily. "Please, I want ... I need to taste you."

"Yesss," hissed the apprentice through clenched teeth. His hands reached out to grasp the Master's head, pulling him forward.

Qui-Gon moved his hands to hold Obi-Wan's hips as he reached with his tongue to lap up the liquid on the head of the penis. At the first touch, time seemed to freeze, his senses straining to capture this intoxicating moment. This was his Obi-Wan, his own Obi-Wan, but it was hard to believe that it was really happening at long last. The skin burned hot under his hands and the mingled odors of sweat and musk seared a path through his nose to his brain. Closing his eyes, his tongue reached into the slit for more of the salty fluid before swirling gently around the head several times. Hot, sweet velvet on his tongue, the taste of long sought nectar sending jolts of electricity down his spine. The wet tongue slowly licked up and down the entire length of the hard member, stopping briefly to taste each of the heavy testicles as he buried his nose in the short, wiry hair to drink in the scent, feel the tickling sensation. Qui-Gon pulled back slightly and breathed gently on the head, letting it cool in the slight breeze, a smile playing on his lips as he heard an inarticulate groan from above him. He drew the head into his mouth and let it rest in the hot cavern as he savored the feel and flavor for a long moment, reveling in the wonder, awed that he was the first being to experience this rapture. Feeling the hands tighten in his hair, Qui-Gon lunged forward, drawing almost the entire length of the generously sized penis into his mouth. He sucked hard and was rewarded with a stunned gasp and strained pleas for more. He set up a steady rhythm, pulling off until the head barely rested inside his mouth, then plunging down and drawing Obi-Wan's entire penis into his mouth and relaxed throat. The moans were music to his ears as he set to work, spurring him on, energizing him as no drug possibly could. Qui-Gon called on every bit of his experience and strength to make this first homage as wonderful as he could, now varying the rhythm, then burying his Obi-Wan deeply and swallowing, now sneaking in a suckling of the testicles. Only distantly aware of his own racing heart, the sweat trickling down his face and tickling his ribs, the hard floor beneath his knees, Qui-Gon was drunk on the emotion of the moment, his mind ablaze with the hot silk in his mouth, the susurrations of wet tongue on hard steel almost deafening in his concentration. He held the bucking hips steady as he returned to a hard, steady rhythm and increased the speed. Warned by the tightening of hands in his hair and a screaming moan, Qui-Gon tightened his grip as Obi- Wan's knees buckled and his hard penis suddenly spewed forth its hot liquid. Qui-Gon greedily swallowed, ~ Mine! ~ he thought dazedly, still not entirely certain if this was dream or reality, then held the young man up as he cleaned off all traces of the offering from the still partially hard member with his tongue, savoring every bit he could find, suckling for the last precious drops. The Master then carefully gathered his groggy apprentice into his arms and carried him over to the soft nest he had prepared, laying him down among the pillows, then lying down beside him.

Obi-Wan finally opened his eyes to the delightful sensations of a warm body next to him and a hot tongue licking the sweat from his neck. Dark eyes peered down as soft lips moved upward to drift across his own lips.

" mmmm .... That was wonderful," murmured Obi-Wan. "Thank you, Qui-Gon."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," replied Qui-Gon, "although I should be the one thanking you." He continued soft kisses across the apprentice's face then stopped to nibble on an ear.

"Enjoy is definitely an understatement," said Obi-Wan as he felt his penis taking a definite interest in the new activities. A hot tongue and cool breath in his ear sent shivers down his back. "It's even better than I imagined it would be." He paused thoughtfully. "It's still my Nameday, isn't it?"

"Of course," the Master whispered into the ear he was delicately licking.

"Good." Obi-Wan smiled gleefully, pushing Qui-Gon over flat on his back, then capturing his mouth in a long kiss, tongue pushing eagerly into the welcoming wetness to taste his own essence still within the hot cavern.

Finally stopping for breath, Obi-Wan sighed. "That's another one of my fantasies, Qui-Gon, to kiss you," a chaste kiss on the nose, "and kiss you some more," a nibble on the lower lip, "and taste you," a long lick to gather in the trickle of sweat on one temple, "and taste you some more."

"This night is for you. Whatever pleases you, pleases me as well, my love," replied Qui-Gon a bit breathlessly.

"Then you are about to become very happy," said Obi-Wan slyly as he suited actions to words and began attacking the large man with lips and tongue. Kisses across the broad forehead, a tender kiss on the crooked nose, long swipes down each temple and a soft kiss on each eyelid were followed by another long searing kiss and vigorous exploration by two tongues as two pairs of hands roamed freely over bare skin.

"Qui-Gon," gasped the apprentice. "Oh yes ... that is definitely good." He smothered any reply by diving in again, this time enhancing the effect by lying directly on top of Qui- Gon, bare, sweaty skin to bare skin at chest, belly and groin. He moaned into the kiss and felt the answering vibrations rumbling in the broad chest beneath him as two hard and leaking penises rubbed together. He felt two large hands travel down his back and grasp his buttocks, driving their slippery groins together as two tongues caressed. Pulling up and breaking the kiss with another gasp, Obi-Wan braced his forearms on the large heaving chest, then let his body slide sideways to rest beside his Master's body, his erection tingling in the sudden rush of cool air as it rested across Qui-Gon's upper hip. He detected a small whimper among the panting as the older man's hips bucked up at the sudden loss of contact and realized that Qui-Gon had so far denied his own release to allow the younger man to satisfy his own desires.

Obi-Wan sat up, reaching with one hand to smooth back the sweat-soaked hair, then brushed his lips across the swollen lips beneath him, murmuring softly, "Soon, my love, very soon, I promise." Pinning Qui-Gon's elbows by his sides, he moved down aggressively, licking the salty sweat from the neck, sucking hard at the point where neck met collarbone, nipping and sucking again to leave his mark, drawing moans from the older man. He licked large swirling circles on the broad chest, the circles narrowing until he locked on to a brown nipple, sucking hard to elicit a gasp from the writhing form. He moved over to lavish his attentions on the other nipple, sucking and biting, leaving it hard and marked. Moving down the midline of the chest, he kissed and licked, enjoying the reactions as he reached the taut belly and felt the muscles ripple under his tongue. He paused for a moment at the belly, releasing Qui-Gon's arms so he could prop himself on one elbow and contemplate the hard member which slapped against the lower stomach as the big man's hips bucked again. He felt a moment of trepidation as, practically nose to nose, so to speak, he realized just how big Qui-Gon's fully erect penis really was.

"Oh Force," he gasped as he swallowed hard and stared at the hard phallus and heavy sac.

"Obi-Wan," came a strained voice from somewhere above him. "Please. I know it's your day, but I don't think I can wait much longer if you are going to keep doing that to me. Especially if I am to continue shielding our activities from the rest of the Temple." An attempt at a short barking laugh between panting breaths. "Even Masters have their limits, my love."

Obi-Wan grinned, pleased that he had cracked his Master's legendary serenity, and seized Qui-Gon's penis as he moved toward it. It was hot and hard in his hand, the moisture that had been present for some time making it slippery in his grasp. He heard a loud moan and felt a shudder go through the large frame as he licked and swirled his tongue around the smooth head. One hand moved down to massage the heavy testicles, the other hand caressing the hot length, as he put the head in his mouth, licking gently. He continued the slow movements as he paused to savor the fulfillment of another of his fantasies.

"Please ... Obi-Wan ... please don't stop," the guttural moans, clenched hands and squirming hips reminded the apprentice of his partner's needs.

With more enthusiasm than expertise Obi-Wan set to work. He had read the books and seen the vids, but he had still felt a short but unexpected hot flood of embarrassment when faced with the actual reality. After all, this wasn't just anybody, this was Qui-Gon, the man he had been longing for, aching for, and he wanted so much to please him. He licked up and down the shaft as he fondled both testicles, squeezing and massaging, trying to remember the most sensitive things which had given him pleasure when he masturbated and occasionally trying to sneak a glance upward to catch a glimpse of Qui-Gon's reactions. Obi-Wan tried vainly to take all of the penis into his mouth and throat but didn't have the trick of it yet and could only get about half the length inhaled, almost choking on the part he did get down and feeling another flush of inadequacy. Judging by the moans and bucking hips though Obi- Wan guessed the effort was at least appreciated. By this time Qui-Gon was well beyond caring about the skill level of his apprentice and simply tried to keep from thrusting hard enough to choke the young man. Obi-Wan made up for his lack of experience through increased effort, vigorously sucking and tonguing as much of Qui-Gon's penis as he could get into his mouth while pumping both hands rapidly up and down the rest of the slick exposed length. His efforts were soon rewarded as he felt the testicles tighten and a strangled shout presaged an outpouring of hot white liquid. Obi-Wan swallowed as rapidly as he could but had to let the excess semen dribble down both sides of his chin to keep from choking. He stubbornly persevered until the flow stopped, then, following Qui-Gon's earlier lead, Obi-Wan slowly cleaned all traces of the eruption from the semisoft penis with a gentle tongue, taking time to actually taste the warm liquid, feeling its texture on his lips and in his mouth.

Obi-Wan crawled back up the recumbent form, supporting himself with an arm on each side of the broad chest as he contemplated the sweating, flushed face, eyes closed, loose hair plastered to the forehead and temples, mouth partially open to suck in air. He marveled at the damage he had done to his Master's vaunted composure and felt extraordinarily privileged to be the one allowed to wreak such havoc. Blue eyes opened halfway and the mouth smiled as a large forefinger carefully reached up to gather the liquid trailing down one side of Obi-Wan's chin.

"mmm" crooned Qui-Gon as he blissfully sucked the finger clean.

Obi-Wan laughed as he removed the large finger and lowered his head to claim a kiss; he was intercepted by a questing tongue which reached out to clean the other side of his chin before the two mouths were joined together in a lingering kiss. Several minutes passed as they alternated slow kisses, nibbling on lips and sucking on tongues as Qui-Gon recovered, hands gently caressing warm, wet flesh.

"Thank you, love," Qui-Gon finally murmured as both men paused to gaze at each other. "That was wonderful."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "It is I who should be thanking you for putting up with such a clumsy lover. This has been the best Nameday I have ever had."

"There is a reason they call it `first love', my Obi-Wan," Qui- Gon smiled. "You are not clumsy, merely inexperienced, and I hope to have many occasions to help you improve your technique."

Blushing a little, the apprentice stumbled on his reply. "I . . . I'd like that."

Glancing down, Qui-Gon nudged the resurrected erection poking into his hip. "It does not appear that we are quite finished with your Nameday celebration," he said dryly.

Obi-Wan blushed even more. "You've already done so much, I don't want to be too greedy," he mumbled, looking away.

Reaching up with one hand, Qui-Gon grasped the apprentice's chin and turned his head back so he could look into the young man's eyes. "Obi-Wan, I went to rather a lot of trouble to be back here for this night. I suggest you take advantage of this opportunity while you can, because there may not be much of me left after the Council gets done chewing me up and spitting me out in little pieces tomorrow," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Giggling a little at the image, Obi-Wan countered, "I think they're rather more likely to choke on your tough hide, Master Jinn."

"Impudent whelp," was accompanied by a pillow to the head of the aforesaid whelp, who easily ducked. "It's terrible the things the Council expects a poor Master to put up with these days."

Obi-Wan laughed and propped himself up on one elbow. "And I love you too, Master."

Qui-Gon smiled briefly, put his hands behind his head and contemplated the happy face of his Padawan for a moment before continuing, glad that he had been able to put the young man at ease. "Seriously, Obi-Wan, this night is for you. If there is anything else you would like to do, I will do it for you if I can."

Nibbling on his lower lip, Obi-Wan thought for a while. "There are lots of things I would like to do, but not all of them tonight, Qui-Gon." He glanced down at his Master's groin, noting that the penis was still remarkably impressive even in a partially flaccid state. "I want to have you inside me, but I don't feel nearly ready for that yet." He stopped and looked away but not before Qui-Gon caught the flash of apprehension in his eyes.

"I don't want you to do anything you're not comfortable with, my love," said Qui-Gon quietly. "But there is something else, isn't there?"

"Well, yes," replied Obi-Wan, hesitating. He went on in a rush, "I've read about it, and seen the pictures and took the classes, and I really, really want to do it but I don't want to hurt you or do something wrong or "

Qui-Gon held up a hand, chuckling, "Easy, Obi-Wan, it's all right, just slow down, please." He reached over to trace one finger gently down the side of Obi-Wan's face. "I would be pleased to have you join with me if that is what you want."

Obi-Wan looked up unhappily. "I want to ... but, well, you are my Master, and I didn't think you'd be willing to ..."

Qui-Gon grasped his apprentice's free hand and held it to his heart. "Obi-Wan," he said softly but firmly, "listen to me very carefully. This is a new and different relationship, and we have to learn what the new rules are and how to separate it from the rest of our life so that it does not affect your training; I suspect that learning will be a long, ongoing process. In this relationship, it is not about Master and Padawan, it is about two people who love each other and who both must be willing to contribute equally to the relationship." Qui-Gon deliberately glanced downward at the two naked bodies, a hungry, almost feral look in his eyes as his nostrils flared, drawing a squirm and another blush from Obi-Wan. "I certainly have dreamed about what I would like to do with you, and I have to admit that being inside you is very high on the list, but I can live without that if you are not ready. I will never knowingly do anything to hurt you." A squeeze of the hand, and Qui-Gon looked directly into his apprentice's eyes. "On the other hand, I have no problem with you being inside me if that will make you happy. This is not about power and authority, although I suspect there will be times when that does become an issue, this is about our feelings for each other as individuals and pleasing each other without giving up our own individuality. Tonight is for Obi- Wan and Qui-Gon, not Padawan Kenobi and Master Jinn. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I believe so," replied Obi-Wan, nodding. "Tonight is for us, just two people who love each other. But are you really sure you don't mind?"

"I have never taken a lover lightly, and I have found that there are times you must be willing to both give and receive if the love is worthwhile. You are very special to me, Obi-Wan, and it truly does make me happy to be able to give you pleasure. If this is what you want, then I want to do this for you tonight."

"Yes, I want to very much, but I don't want to hurt you."

"Don't worry, there's no rush and I'll help you," said Qui-Gon with a smile. "Shall we begin?"

After a few minutes discussion, they determined that it would be easier for both men if they kept things as simple as possible for this first time. Obi-Wan felt a bit overwhelmed as he watched Qui-Gon retrieve a tube of lubricant from the cooler of wine and several towels. ~ Force, he's so calm about this ~ thought Obi-Wan, ~ and I feel like I want to throw up, there's so many butterflies in my stomach. ~ Qui-Gon caught the tension through the bond; he paused to smile reassuringly and squeeze Obi-Wan's shoulder. He continued his preparations, carefully positioning several pillows, then draping a towel over them before lying down over the pillows so his hips were raised, the muscled buttocks looming enticingly before the suddenly shy apprentice. Although there was no discernible breeze in the room, Obi-Wan shivered, his penis drooping at half mast.

Sensing no activity from his partner, Qui-Gon glanced back quizzically from where his upper body reclined on his forearms and asked, "You do still want to do this, yes?"

Rousing himself, Obi-Wan breathed, "Oh, yes, most definitely yes," as he knelt between the long legs and reached out to massage the heavy muscles of the lower back. ~ Calm down, Obi- Wan, ~ he chastised himself, ~ people do this all the time, you can do this too. ~ For several minutes he kneaded the middle and lower back, giving both men time to relax and become comfortable with the situation. Obi-Wan felt an electric jolt the first time his penis made incidental contact with the recumbent form beneath him, and felt his anxiety change to anticipation as Qui-Gon made encouraging noises of contentment under the steady ministrations of the strong hands. In the back of his mind he became vaguely aware that Qui-Gon was sending warmth and happy thoughts over the bond to help him. Moving lower, Obi-Wan grasped the buttocks, gently squeezing the flesh, using his thumbs to press in and up and down on the edges of the cleft, revealing the concealed opening. Anticipation changed to excitement, his member once more hard and his face flushed. Again, Obi-Wan was content to caress the hot flesh for several minutes, enjoying the slide of soft skin and hard muscle under his fingertips, watching the flow of multicolored lights over the light flesh. He finally drew a tentative thumb to brush the length of the cleft, eliciting a gasp as he passed gently over the puckered skin, down the perineum to rest lightly on the testicles below.

Heartened by the continued encouragement from his lover, Obi- Wan grew bolder and kissed and licked the firm buttocks as he used his hands to fondle the heavy sac and bring Qui-Gon's penis to full life. Using his knees, he nudged the long legs even further apart. Grasping a firm muscle in each hand, he held the buttocks apart as he tongued the top of the cleft and slowly worked his way up and down the tender skin. Closing his eyes, Obi-Wan let tongue and nose see for him, enjoying the changing textures of skin, the musky smell enhancing the salty earth flavor, the wiry pubic hair tickling his chin as he worked his way lower. ~ mmmm, yes, those silly books don't even come close ~ passed idly through his thoughts. His efforts rewarded by another rumbling moan of pleasure, after several passes he gathered his courage and inserted his tongue deeply into the heavy ring of muscle. A deep gasp was accompanied by a reflexive surge of hips, surprising Obi-Wan so much he almost bit his tongue as the buttocks came up into his face. Encouraged by the quivering aftermath beneath him, Obi- Wan regrouped and tried it again, this time leaning forward to let his weight control Qui-Gon, feeling the buttocks clench against his restraining hands, then kissed and tongued the sensitive area, periodically diving in again, until the hips began squirming and he could hear Qui-Gon breathing harshly. Easing up, he caressed the buttocks for a moment before seeking out the tube of lubricant his Master had so thoughtfully provided.

Remembering the careful instructions, Obi-Wan squeezed out a large dollop of the clear heavy gel onto his right forefinger. Reaching down to begin inserting the finger he was unexpectedly greeted by a sharp hiss and abrupt expletive as the hips jerked sharply away from the contact. Pulling back immediately, he asked anxiously, "Are you alright, Qui-Gon? Did I hurt you?"

"No, no, you didn't hurt me," responded Qui-Gon a bit shakily. "I'm sorry, it was just that it was a lot colder than I was expecting."

"Cold?" asked Obi-Wan, not quite catching on. Looking down at his finger, he realized his mistake and hastened to apologize fervently. "Oh, no, the lube, I'm sorry, I forgot it had been in the wine cooler, oh force, I'm so sorry, Qui-Gon."

"It's alright, love," the older man said softly, trying very hard to restrain a smile, knowing that it would be a good while before he would be able to convince Obi-Wan to see the humor of the situation. "No harm done." He coughed discreetly. "If you could perhaps warm the lube a little, it would be nice."

"Of course, of course, I'll take care of that right away," replied Obi-Wan, fumbling with the cap of the tube in mortified nervousness, thankful for the semidarkness that hid his flaming cheeks as he squeezed out some more lube and warmed it between his palms, inwardly cursing himself for five kinds of a Sith- spawned idiot. Gathering the slippery gel onto his finger again, he called out tentatively, "Uh, Qui-Gon, are you ready?"

"Yes, love, any time you are." Sensing the apprentice's hesitancy, he continued softly, "It's alright, really, please go ahead."

Clenching his lower lip between his teeth in concentration, Obi-Wan used one hand to massage a buttock briefly before pushing it aside to allow access for the finger that was ever so slowly and gently inserted part way into the tight ring of muscle. He felt the muscle clench tightly on the slick digit and stopped as he heard the sharp exhale of a breath held too long.

"That's good, love, you're doing fine," said Qui-Gon encouragingly. "It has been rather a while since I've been with anyone, so you'll need to loosen the muscles quite a bit, but you're doing well."

"Thanks, Qui-Gon. You'll let me know if I'm hurting you?" A touch of unease still tinged the voice.

"Of course, my Obi-Wan."

Feeling the ring relax around his finger, Obi-Wan carefully probed a bit deeper while rotating his finger. As he continued, he used his other hand to massage Qui-Gon's penis and testicles below the perineum, enjoying the feeling as he brought the flagging member back to full hardness after his initial misadventure with the lube. After several minutes, he heard Qui-Gon begin to moan and ask for another finger. Adding more thoroughly warmed lube, the apprentice began to probe deeper with two fingers. Rotating the fingers to a new angle, he heard a moan that suddenly changed to a high-pitched yelp. He immediately stopped, anxiously querying his Master again.

"Don't stop, love," gasped Qui-Gon, any concerns about Masterly dignity long gone. "Oh, yes, that's the spot. Don't stop now," he pleaded.

Obi-Wan realized that he must have found his Master's prostate and continued to probe and massage, enjoying the excited grunts and moans emanating from the now clearly far from serene older Jedi and the twitching of the hard penis which was starting to leak at the head. He grinned as he decided that this was fun once you got the hang of it; looking down he noticed that his own penis evidently agreed strongly with that opinion. Hearing a plea for more, he very carefully added a third finger and continued until he could feel that his partner was very relaxed, the muscles loose and pliant. Obi-Wan felt that he was finally beginning to understand what Qui-Gon had said earlier about how it could feel just as good to give pleasure as to receive it.

"Obi-Wan," panted Qui-Gon. "I'm ready. I want you, love."

The apprentice withdrew his fingers, then added a generous coating of lube to the moisture being generated by his hard and aching member. His testicles swung as he positioned his penis’s smooth glistening head at the entrance to his Master’s body. He paused to drink in the sensations of this magic moment, suddenly needing desperately to emblazon it on his memory. Hot, smooth flesh under his fingers, barest trembling of legs as they touched, play of lights across the long body in front of him, sweat soaked long hair strewn in disarray. Obi-Wan’s own breathing was loud in his ears as his veins pulsed madly, sweat tickling as it trickled down his face, his ribs, his back, a drop burning as it fell into his eye. The smell of sex filled the air and the heady taste of Qui-Gon’s earthy tones lingered on his tongue as he licked suddenly dry lips. The sensitive head of his phallus seemed to feel every wrinkle of the loosened ring beneath the smooth layer of lube. A small moan escaped his lips as he leaned forward and felt muscles part around the hard slick intruder. He almost stopped when a deep grunt accompanied his first small push but then continued to ease into Qui-Gon’s tight channel until the head was fully enveloped. Both men gasped and moaned.

"Qui-Gon, oh, it's so good."

"Yesss, keep going, love, it gets better."

Obi-Wan held Qui-Gon's hips to steady himself as he continued to slowly push into the hot tightness. He could feel the sweat dripping down his temples and gathering at the back of his knees as his heart hammered and blood roared in his ears, a bass counterpoint to Qui-Gon's inarticulate moans. An inch, two inches, three, his progress continued. Halfway in he swore he felt Qui-Gon's muscles clench around him and begin to pull him inexorably forward, deeper and deeper into the sweet darkness. He closed his eyes and let it happen; he could no more have stopped that journey than he could have stopped breathing. After what seemed a blissful eternity he finally stopped as he realized his hips were flush against the Master's buttocks, his heavy testicles snugged up against hot flesh.

Time stopped and for a long moment there was nothing else in the galaxy beyond this wonderful feeling, the heat of bodies joined tightly together, blood surging, hearts beating, lungs sucking air. There was no conscious thought, only feeling and sensation, until gradually Obi-Wan became aware of movement beneath him as large hips shifted slightly.

"Obi-Wan, are you alright?" called Qui-Gon softly, breathing heavily.

Slowly opening his eyes, Obi-Wan replied dreamily, "Much better than alright ... it's wonderful. I could stay like this forever."

Qui-Gon snorted and smiled as he glanced back at his apprentice. "I suspect your knees would get rather sore eventually, as would certain of my body parts," he said wryly. "Would you believe me if I told you it does get better still?"

Obi-Wan shuddered and gave a low moan of appreciation as he felt muscles contract around his embedded penis, milking the hard length. "Ohhh ... Qui-Gon, yes, yes." He decided to try pulling back a little and found that this too was very pleasurable, so he slowly pulled back until just the head remained inside his lover's body.

"Yes, Obi-Wan, that's it, keep going."

With this encouragement, the young man began slowly sliding in and out, the older man adjusting the angle of his hips until Obi-Wan heard a sharp gasp and plea for more. He concentrated on trying to hit that spot again and was rewarded with several fervent moans. Leaning forward to kiss the broad sweaty back, he felt his hands slip forward, then continued the movement to reach around and grasp Qui-Gon's penis. It was hot and hard and he gathered moisture from the head to spread along the length before started to pump with a clenched fist.

By now Obi-Wan was ecstatic but he could feel his testicles starting to tighten and knew he couldn't last much longer, his senses beginning to overload from all the new and wonderful sensations. He began to plunge harder and felt Qui-Gon respond by thrusting his hips back to meet the solid penis entering him and then thrusting forward into the fist pumping his own stiff member. Obi-Wan kissed, licked and nipped almost frantically, the tempo of the pounding hips increasing frenetically. He was beyond conscious thought, driven by his body's ruthless demands for completion. He used his free hand to balance himself as he drove harder, faster, until with a triumphant scream he lunged forward and buried himself to the root as his seed emptied itself into his lover's body, bright lights exploding behind his eyeballs, vaguely aware of an echoing shout and the sensation of hot semen flowing over the hand still clutching the pulsing penis below him. Obi-Wan slowly slipped forward to lie on Qui-Gon and embrace him, his penis still embedded in his lover, lost in a gentle glow of euphoria. He rested his head against the base of Qui-Gon's neck, feeling the rise and fall of the hot, sweat slicked body beneath him, hearing the reassuring heart beat, content to remain there as both men gradually recovered their breath and some small measure of sanity.

Obi-Wan was finally roused by the movement of the large body beneath him. Letting his now flaccid member pull free from the stretched opening, he slid down to lie on his side as his Master shifted up to his side so the two men were facing each other. Qui-Gon languidly leaned over for a soft kiss.

"Qui-Gon," breathed the young man.

"Yes, Obi-Wan?"

"I don't know what to say. It's ... it's just so much better than even my dreams."

"So you might like to try it again sometime?" asked Qui-Gon slyly as he removed the wet towel left over from their lovemaking and rearranged the pillows into a comfortable nest.

"Oh yes, lots and lots of times," replied Obi-Wan quickly with a wide grin before unleashing a jaw-cracking yawn.

Qui-Gon smiled at the young man's enthusiasm as he used a dry towel to clean them both. Finishing, he put the towel aside and laid down next to his sleepy apprentice, pulling a light blanket up to cover them both.

"I think that could be arranged, my love," Qui-Gon whispered as he gently caressed the soft belly.

"Good," replied Obi-Wan firmly. "Love you," he whispered as he turned over to snuggle up to his Master's long body, cherishing the warmth spooned against his back.

"I love you, too."

"There's just one thing, though," Obi-Wan murmured drowsily as his eyes began to close. "What are we going to do with the four cases of candles I have stashed under my bed?"

"Don't worry, love," smiled Qui-Gon fondly as he pulled the quiescent young man closer in a comforting embrace. "I'm sure we'll think of something."

finis