Master Apprentice Archive Shrift II Quick search:

Summary: On Naboo, as Anakin's training continues, Obi-Wan begins to realise how much has changed in the seven years since he left Qui-Gon. Worlds and people are different, and not always better. Perhaps, terrifyingly, he has changed the most of all.
Sequel to Shrift.

Angst, Action/Adventure, First-Time, Drama
Rated R, for sex.

I treasure feedback, on this story even more than others. Future parts are under construction, and this one is open to later revision, so critical comments and fingers pointing at things you'd like to see explored would be given coffee and thoroughly interrogated. Onlist, offlist, carrier pigeon. squidlove@virginqueen.com is the most effective.

Star Wars is the brainchild and property of Mr Lucas. I may say some unkind things on occasion, but I am eternally grateful to him for making such a great playground, and I promise I won't make kids pay to use the swings.

Thanks to 'chelle and Gloriana for early comments, to Gloriana for the Great Writing Workshop. Gail Riordan for character dissections. Big, big thanks to MJ, for helping me to get the squirrels out of Qui-Gon's underpants,and to Velma for patting him down. Apologies to all for inflicting the Shrift curse on you. Now let's hope the list doesn't disappear.

Thank you to everyone who made such incredibly thoughtful comments on the original. It was some of the loveliest feedback I've ever received, and it made me rethink a lot of what I was doing. As a result, this is far more complex than I might have hoped, and took many more months to write. So... it's *your* fault 60k took so long. Yeah, your fault.

"Be still, Anakin. You are wearing a hole in the floor."

"I am wearing a hole in your patience, Master."

"That, too."

"You should release your frustration into the Force."

"It is not for a padawan to teach his master patience."

"That's exactly what a padawan is for," Obi-Wan murmured. He'd been watching the interplay with amusement. Anakin hadn't even tried to suppress his excitement as he'd approached their transport, and since he'd learned that they were bound for Naboo he'd been pacing their room, emotions churning.

There had been a brief respite for the jump to hyperspace, but such beauty wasn't the sort to hold a teenage boy's attention for long, and soon he was pacing again.

It might have tried Obi-Wan's own temper, if he hadn't been enjoying watching Qui-Gon struggle to meditate.

Qui-Gon's stillness was legendary, even among the Jedi. He could go for hours, days, moving little more than his eyelids, and he couldn't understand that lack in others. It was a credit to Qui-Gon that he was maintaining his patience at all, though no doubt his own anticipation helped.

Qui-Gon was always most patient in anticipation, and the tongue that occasionally touched his lips was proof he still tasted the kiss as well as Obi-Wan. They hadn't said a word when they met back on the ship, but it weighed warm between them as Qui-Gon turned his attention to his padawan.

The open affection between master and apprentice had been strange to watch. Obi-Wan had never been quite so friendly with Qui-Gon; had only approached such closeness in his adult years at the end of his apprenticeship. He might have been jealous, had he not understood that Qui-Gon was the only friend Anakin had. Qui-Gon was walking a difficult line, balancing his roles.

Obi-Wan realised Anakin was staring at him. At Obi-Wan's questioning gaze, he put his hands on his hips. "Clearly, you didn't do a very good job."

"I beg your pardon?"

Anakin's lip curled up. "Teaching him patience." He cast a glance at Qui-Gon, who was now trying to meditate with his jaw clenched. Not an entirely unappealing look, in Obi-Wan's opinion, at least when the tension was directed at another padawan.

Qui-Gon opened his eyes to shoot Obi-Wan a pointed look and then swung to his feet. "Very well. If you cannot meditate, we shall have to burn off some of that energy. Exercises, perhaps?"

"*Now*?"

"This is not a vacation, Anakin."

"Three weeks on Naboo to attend one dinner? Sounds like a vacation to me. I can while away a few weeks with Padme, while you and Obi-"

"Do not presume that the Queen will have the time to while away. I'm sure she will make time to see you, but-"

"I'm not some infatuated nine-year-old anymore, Master." Irritation simmered, and was visibly pressed away. "I know she will be busy. I just thought you might like some time with Obi-Wan." He muttered something under his breath as he turned away.

"Would you mind repeating that, Anakin?" Qui-Gon asked, mildly.

Obi-Wan smirked. Qui-Gon shouldn't have asked.

Anakin looked at Qui-Gon, smirking a little himself, though it was good-natured. "I said, 'Nights, anyway.'"

Obi-Wan was impressed: Qui-Gon simply tipped his head as though he'd expected just that. "These weeks are yours, Anakin. We are here to guide you. Obi-Wan and I will find our own time."

Anakin smiled softly and bowed slightly to his master, a thank you. He sat down, finally, ready to meditate, and Obi-Wan wondered what he'd missed.

It reminded him, just a little, of the six months they'd all spent together. Of the better moments, in the early days. Then it had been Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan teasing, Anakin watching from the outside. Not for the first time, Obi-Wan wondered what that had been like for Anakin. He hadn't gone to any great trouble to include the boy, but he hadn't needed to. Qui-Gon had brought him in on all of Obi-Wan's training sessions, explained simple concepts while Obi-Wan struggled with more complex ones, included Anakin's untamed mind in their shared meditations.

More than ever, Obi-Wan had needed to be the focus of his master's love and patience, but Qui-Gon only drove him harder to prepare for his trials, until he was driven to work alone. An outsider before he was even gone.

However much it had angered Obi-Wan to be pushed aside, he had grown to be friends with the boy. Despite all the premonitions of doom, Anakin had been friendly and eager to please when Obi-Wan found the time to spend with him. Even then, Obi-Wan realised, Anakin had had no friends but themselves. Obi-Wan had been too focused on his knighthood at the time to notice.

Two footsoldiers escorted them straight from the landing pad to the palace. They were led along a wide balcony that overlooked a public courtyard, where the soldiers stopped and indicated a set of doors. They had been assigned four adjoining rooms, the last left bare for training purposes.

Amidala was waiting, alone, dressed simply in a handmaiden's cloak. She broke into a wide smile and crossed to meet them. She hugged Anakin first, brushed a kiss across his blushing cheek. "Ani. It is good to see you."

He smiled shyly. "It is good to see you, too."

She squeezed his shoulder affectionately, and turned to Obi-Wan. "I was glad to receive your communication."

"It is very kind of you to accommodate us."

She placed her hand on his. "You did my people a great service. Even if it were not so, you are my friends. I will always do what I can." She shook her head at him, and glanced back at Anakin. "You have both grown so much." She turned to Qui-Gon. "I am glad to see that someone has not changed."

He bowed slightly. "At my age, your Highness, there is little left for the years to do."

"You are as handsome as ever. And as tall."

"And you have grown into a beautiful woman - if I may be permitted to say such a thing."

Her royal composure didn't entirely hide the blush. "I wouldn't recommend you address the Queen publicly in such a fashion."

Qui-Gon's compliment was no empty diplomacy. Twenty-one years old now, grace borne of years of experience on a kind and innocent face. Looking at her now, it was hard to see how anyone had ever not known she was the Queen. Obi-Wan had been caught for words when her holo first appeared in his quarters on Coruscant. She'd found a style somewhere between Padme and the Queen, regal but approachable. She was older now and well-proven, no longer needing the pomp to buy her people's confidence.

She gathered herself together easily. "I am not able to stay; I have prior engagements, but I will see you during these weeks. You have been informed of the reception this afternoon?"

The Jedi nodded.

She returned to Anakin, sensing his disappointment at the brevity of her visit. "I will make the time to spend with you, Ani. It has been too long."

"I look forward to it, your Highness."

Amidala stepped back, and looked at Obi-Wan. "Perhaps you will accompany me while Master Qui-Gon and Anakin settle in?"

Obi-Wan bowed, and followed her outside. "I hope you did not go to too much trouble."

"We did not plan to."

"But?"

Her look was rueful. "It was necessary to invite Boss Chetz - Boss Nass's successor - and once the Gungans caught wind of a celebration..."

"Ah." Obi-Wan grinned. "I see."

"Now there are people coming from everywhere. Even Chancellor Palpatine was eager to make time in his schedule. I have ensured that you are simply honoured guests, and not the guests of honour. You will not be expected to attend any of the festivities except the banquet, though of course you will be welcomed wherever you go."

"Thank you. You have been most accommodating, and at such short notice..."

"I am glad that I can help. Even if Anakin were not special to me, the battle you and your master fought against the Trade Federation's warrior would entitle you to any favour you asked." Her _expression turned serious, and she slowed. "You sounded so very worried when you contacted me. How bad is it?"

Obi-Wan put on his best diplomat face. "It is nothing terrible. The Temple is stifling for Anakin; he grew up in a very different place." He put a reassuring hand on her back to quell her look. "The worry you saw from me was only haste. The Council was waiting."

They reached a plain door, and Amidala stopped and faced him. Her _expression showed she knew there was more, but she was as much the diplomat as he. "Then we must do what we can for Ani before he returns to Coruscant. If all he needs is peace, I'm sure we can provide it."

"Thank you, your Highness."

She bowed her head, and reached for the door, pausing to throw him a smile. "I didn't tell you; I like your beard."

He grinned and gave a small bow.

Her confidence was infectious, and Obi-Wan left her feeling buoyed. Naboo had brought them together before; it would do so again.

He wandered the streets of Theed, in no hurry to intrude upon Qui-Gon and Anakin, enjoying the strange peace of walking a familiar world with no mission to accomplish. The city was much as he remembered it, though a little quiet - but then, he had previously only seen them at war or in victory. He noticed with a smile that Gungans and Naboo were mixing like friends.

His good mood faded as he passed the military barracks. The main city barracks were just south of the palace, and looked to house a few thousand soldiers, at least. Amidala's vow that Naboo would never again be caught unawares was being served, but there was something painful about an entire world losing its innocence.

It was not so different, though, for the Jedi. For thousands of years they'd felt safe fighting on behalf of others. Now hundreds of knights were working in pursuit of the elusive second Sith. The master of the one Obi-Wan killed, the Council assumed - assuming the old rule of only two still stood - but in truth they knew nothing. The Order was in turmoil, and the rest of the galaxy was oblivious, noticed only, perhaps, that the Jedi were spread more thinly than usual.

When Obi-Wan finally returned to their quarters, he found Qui-Gon standing outside on the balcony, a picture of Jedi calm. This was how Obi-Wan always pictured him: beautiful, peaceful, waiting for Obi-Wan to return. Only a few strands of hair moved in the quiet breeze, but as Obi-Wan quickened his step he turned his head. "Jar Jar has taken Anakin to see the new Gungan city."

Obi-Wan took his traditional place beside and a little behind his master, and joined him in the view.

Force. This was home. At Qui-Gon's shoulder. This was home.

"I will continue with the same training levels for Anakin, but adjust to a more flexible schedule in order to allow him to socialise."

And then the moment was gone, but Obi-Wan was smiling. "That seems logical. Do you wish that I join you in training?"

Qui-Gon took a moment to consider it. "I think not - at least, not often. I don't want Anakin to see you as another master. Feel free to spar with him, as you have, but it is necessary that he see you as his ally, not mine."

Formal words, their kiss still danced around.

"It would be rather difficult to put things in that perspective, considering the circumstances."

"Perhaps." A sly smile.

"I think that we should wait." The words were out of his mouth before he'd thought them. Did he think that? He thought of Anakin's yearning on the balcony on Coruscant. Yes. "The last thing Anakin needs right now is to see us as lovers."

Qui-Gon's face fell, as he turned to face Obi-Wan properly. "He has always expected it. He knows how I feel about you."

"I don't think it would be wise."

A half-laugh. "I can't see that-"

"You can wait, can't you? For Anakin's sake?"

His lips drew thin. "I have waited over ten years for you, Obi-Wan. No one could rightfully call me an impatient man."

Obi-Wan immediately regretted his tone. "That is a long time to wait."

Qui-Gon relaxed slightly. "Anakin told me you would return."

"And you never doubted that, I suppose?"

"When I did, he would curse your stubbornness and my poor faith in his intuition." He reached to trace a finger over Obi-Wan's brow, almost as though he was testing to be sure he was solid. "Sometimes the nights were long."

Obi-Wan looked sideways at Qui-Gon. "Meditate with me?"

Qui-Gon nodded, appeased, and followed him into the rooms.

They sat, facing and only inches apart, and Obi-Wan slipped instantly into a light trance. As an apprentice, he'd looked upon meditation as a chore. Not an unpleasant one, but something that had to be completed, much like washing or eating. These days he looked forward to it, that utter peace in the Force. He searched for the familiar presence of his companion, felt his master's warmth reaching back in turn, enfolding him like a blanket, and they let their heartbeats fall into rhythm together. Obi-Wan slid deeper.

Much later, he opened his eyes to Qui-Gon's silent contemplation. The Jedi master was sitting cross-legged, as they had been when they began, his gentle gaze the only indication that he wasn't still meditating.

He didn't react to Obi-Wan's attention, so Obi-Wan stilled his urge to touch. It was the first opportunity he'd had to study Qui-Gon properly since his return, and he wasn't about to waste it. The gentle blue eyes and slightly crooked nose were more familiar than his own features, but now he had kissed those lips. Now Obi-Wan was seven years older, no longer an apprentice and he had an invitation to explore deeper. Now there were new lines, and the creases on his brow had deepened. Why had Obi-Wan not noticed that before?

"I have not changed as much as you, Obi-Wan. When did you grow your hair?"

Obi-Wan touched a hand to the hair brushing his shoulders. "This length seemed easy."

The door clicked open behind him, and Obi-Wan felt Anakin's head peek through. There was a snort of derision. "You're just meditating? Tell me I'll never be so old."

Qui-Gon stood, Obi-Wan close behind. "A Jedi is patient in all things, Padawan."

"Remind me again why I want to be one?"

Obi-Wan raised a brow. "There are many benefits. The lightsaber."

Anakin looked at his belt. "I do like the lightsaber. But the Sith have lightsabers, and they pay better."

"We should wash and dress. We are due for our audience with the Queen in half an hour."

Anakin slid a look at Obi-Wan to see that he had noticed Qui-Gon change the subject, even as he gave the obedient "Yes, Master," and retired to the next quarters.

Obi-Wan considered asking, but there wasn't time for a proper discussion. He withdrew to his own room.

Obi-Wan broke away from Major Panaka and made his way over to Anakin, who was doing his best to look fascinated by a potted plant. "This would be your first formal reception, wouldn't it?"

Anakin hid his pained _expression. "Is this what they've been protecting me from at the Temple? I must remember to thank Master Yoda."

Obi-Wan grinned. He still felt much the same way. Amidala had donned her formal robes for the occasion, making her unreachable, and most of the guests were too caught up in their own conversations to seek out a skulking padawan.

"The trick is to apply your own rules. Treat this as an opportunity to learn the culture and study important members of government. Information you learn at a reception may be invaluable while guiding negotiations or dealing with leaders."

"There are no negotiations. We're on Naboo."

"Which makes this a perfect time to practice. Invent a mission, and learn what you can." Obi-Wan looked over the room, using the observation skills that had become second nature. "You see the official by the window, speaking with Bibble and the Gungan officer? She's hardly taken her eyes off Rabe since we arrived."

Anakin watched them, subtly. "Rabe doesn't seem to notice."

"Watch a little longer. She looks in the official's direction occasionally, but never quite at her."

The handmaiden glanced towards the window at that moment, and Anakin let out a breath. "She's uncomfortable. Not angry, but... sad?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "Keep watching. Even if you don't learn anything useful, it does make the time go faster." He turned to go, and then leaned closer, confiding. "Or if that fails to keep your attention, start up a conversation with any government official and see how quickly you can learn to speak the local dialect of bureaucrat." He flashed a wicked smile, and wandered off to mingle with the locals.

He watched in satisfaction as Anakin began to pay attention. His obvious boredom had kept the rest of the people away, but as the young man began to take an interest, the friendly Naboo reached out to include him.

Obi-Wan looked around, and caught an approving nod from Qui-Gon. They smiled, an exchange so slight that no one else would notice, and returned to their respective conversations.

Much later, while Obi-Wan was seeking a moment's respite on the balcony, Anakin slipped out to join him. "The official suspects that Rabe is having an affair with her husband."

"Is she?"

"Rabe hasn't looked at the official's husband even once all night, and he seems completely oblivious. I think Rabe is in love with the official. Whose name is Aruku - she's the Queen's liason to the military." He didn't hide the note of triumph. "Is this what Jedi do? Spy on romantic entanglements?"

"You will find, Anakin, that lust is a driving force behind a great many conflicts. Jealousy and desire are two of the most powerful fuels in the galaxy."

"I've been watching others, too."

"Oh?" Obi-Wan knew exactly where this was going.

"I haven't seen you look at Qui-Gon all night, or he you. Somehow you've never even passed by each other, but you're each keeping constant tabs on the other through the Force."

"Your conclusion?"

"Sexual frustration."

Obi-Wan looked through the open door at Qui-Gon, just in time to catch him looking away, and his body warmed.

A shadow passed over Anakin's face. "You don't need to pretend. I knew as soon as he kissed you."

Damn. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's just a stupid crush."

The forced casualness in Anakin's tone echoed in Obi-Wan's own adolescent memories. Even the words might have been his, once. "There is nothing stupid about loving Qui-Gon."

Anakin stared at him a moment, and then smiled. "What I *meant* is I know how things are. Make him happy, and I promise I won't dissolve in a rage of jealousy."

"This trip is not an illicit honeymoon for-"

"Please tell me you two aren't going to follow me around constantly while we're here?" The mock-horror on Anakin's face soon lost to something deeper. Hurt. "You don't trust me to be happy for him."

"This time is important. We need to be sure that you focus on your training."

Anakin snorted in derision at Obi-Wan's hedging. "I'm jealous whether you're having sex or not, so you might as well. I'll focus better if I know Qui-Gon is finally happy." A heavy stare. "He waited long enough." He stalked back to the party.

Obi-Wan's gaze followed Anakin back inside. Qui-Gon was watching, curiously, so Obi-Wan nodded and gave a small smile.

His smile widened. Perhaps it was time.

Evidently, Anakin thought so. Unless he was waiting back, waving them off to leave without him because he was genuinely intrigued by the arguments the military clique were having over the relative merits of land and air forces.

Qui-Gon sent Obi-Wan a sideways look. "Are we being set up?"

"Anakin would prefer that we trust him well enough to pursue our own interests."

"Aah." Qui-Gon hesitated when they stepped into the fresh night, and then took the path away from their quarters.

They strolled along the cobbled street, footsteps falling together of their own accord. A cool breeze kissed their cheeks, making the night seem clearer.

Few people were out so late. A Gungan waved from his vantage point on a balcony. A group of girls in military uniforms hurried across the street, giggling, slightly tipsy.

Obi-Wan noticed an amused glimmer in Qui-Gon's eyes at the simple joy of youth, but as they disappeared into a bar, the glimmer dimmed. The bar was full of uniformed youths, all of whom would have been children when the Trade Federation changed their world.

Seven years sounded such a short time. Amazing, how different people could be. A single hurt, and a world changed. A single failure, and a master and apprentice could become strangers.

Obi-Wan stole a glance at his companion. He still had this man, despite everything, and still wanted him. The weight at his groin proved that. The heat in his stomach. The tingling in his fingers.

As they left the bright lights of the palace behind, Qui-Gon took a long breath and looked up at the spangled sky. "Coruscant is never so beautifully decorated. It is a long time since I saw the galaxy so close."

Obi-Wan didn't reply. Skies like this one were common on rim worlds; he'd come to take them for granted. He would rather watch Qui-Gon's pleasure.

Qui-Gon smiled, sensing the thought, and kindly kept his gaze on the stars a little longer.

Not quite a smile, Obi-Wan noted. Qui-Gon rarely smiled. This was barely a turn of the lips, but his pleasure was so clear through the bond that Obi-Wan's imagination supplied the rest. Somehow, that made the smile all his own.

He stepped forward and pulled Qui-Gon's head down, centimetres from his own. Qui-Gon's lips parted, even as he arched an eyebrow as if to ask Obi-Wan just what he thought he was doing.

They stood that way for a long minute, until Qui-Gon gave in and leaned forward, skirting over Obi-Wan's mouth to drop kisses on his cheek bones. The tip of Qui-Gon's nose traced Obi-Wan's brow and nudged in the hair at his temple as he drew a long breath. Light lips skirted the curve of his ear. Beards rubbed lightly against each other. Like the first cautious explorations of a feline.

Obi-Wan pressed on the back of Qui-Gon's neck, pulling his attention back to his mouth, and they kissed. It was sweet and warm, and... and only that. Hands settled on his shoulders; Obi-Wan pushed his fingers through Qui-Gon's hair and deepened the kiss, nudging that mouth a little wider, searching for the peace he'd found outside the Council's chambers. Qui-Gon's hands slid down, spanning his ribs and lifting him closer, letting the kiss drag on in the gentle chill of starlight.

Obi-Wan pushed away. Wrong, this was all wrong. "Perhaps we should be getting back."

Qui-Gon stared at him for a long moment, his face unreadable, but when Obi-Wan started back to the palace, he fell in beside him. They walked in silence, closed to each other, and when they reached their quarters they parted wordlessly, Obi-Wan swallowing back Anakin's earlier encouragement.

He closed his door, and leaned against it. What was that?

The Gungans, at least, had not changed. The Jedi paid their respects to Boss Chetz in the morning, thankfully in a more Gungan style than the Queen's reception. Chetz - a larger and more hideous beast than his predecessor, if that was possible - postured a little and conceded the respect of his people for the Jedi's long ago help, and then sent them on their way. He had more important things to deal with. Obi-Wan reserved a special place in his heart for people who refused to stand on ceremony. Ironic, for a Jedi.

Obi-Wan was only too glad to let Qui-Gon and Anakin get to training, accepting Jar Jar's offer to show him around Otoh Neelin, the new Gungan capital. Jar Jar pointed proudly to the Naboo soldiers. "Wesa teachen da Naboo. Wesa haben respect."

Obi-Wan touched his arm. "How are things here now? Truly?"

Jar Jar grinned. "Isa better. Naboo is bombad warrriors. Gungans is learnen da starfighters. Wesa strong."

And they were blending. There was a distinct Naboo touch to the new Gungan architecture, and there were Naboo wandering casually through the city, as though they had no urgent purpose to be there.

After a long walk, Obi-Wan bid goodbye and headed back to his quarters. He was almost there when he heard footsteps behind him. "Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Obi-Wan turned to see Palpatine's steady approach. "Chancellor." He bowed slightly.

"It has been a long time, Knight Kenobi. I hear you are doing great things for the Republic."

"I keep the peace as best I can."

"I am glad you and your colleagues could come. You all served Naboo well: better than I was able."

"The peace has held. I can only presume that your position in the Senate has been of value, though my own travels have rarely given me opportunity to follow Republic politics."

Palpatine smiled graciously. "I have no doubt that you would not have followed too closely if you were on Coruscant. The Jedi have little interest in the politics of the Senate."

"You might be surprised, Chancellor. An understanding of politics is vital to our work."

"But no more than necessary, am I correct?"

Obi-Wan merely smiled, conceding. Politics were a necessary evil which generally only served to make Jedi missions more difficult, and Republic Senators were the worst. Working on the outer rim, far from Coruscant, had been a blessing in more ways than one.

"This is my stop, Chancellor. I suppose I will see you around Theed." He considered retiring to his room, and then changed his mind and accompanied the Chancellor a few metres further to the training room. There were currents in the Force; something wasn't quite right.

He opened the door, and stopped. Anakin was attacking Qui-Gon, yellow lightsaber swinging angrily as Qui-Gon gave careful, measured ground. He was defending easily, almost casually, but Anakin was too enraged to realise that his advantage was imagined. Swing after swing, pushing his master back.

Qui-Gon reached the wall and tipped his head slightly, waiting for Anakin's next move; Anakin's mouth twisted and he barely hesitated in his attack. Qui-Gon blocked it, and turned his wrist to touch his own saber over Anakin's heart.

Anakin howled in pain and hurled his lightsaber at Qui-Gon. He ran to the door with a hand on his burned chest, barely noticing Obi-Wan as he pushed past and ran along the balcony.

Palpatine cleared his throat. "He could use some work on his inner peace."

Obi-Wan took a step into the training room, but Qui-Gon just waved him away, leaning wearily against the wall. There was no concern in-

This was not the first time this had happened. Obi-Wan knew it with certainty, and irritation surged over his shock. What was Qui-Gon thinking? Keeping secrets from the Council, and now him? As though he was another stranger to defend against?

A few steps forward, and then Obi-Wan's breath rushed out. These days, it seemed that Qui-Gon was the stranger.

Better to talk to Anakin. He stepped back outside, pulling up, even more annoyed at Palpatine's faintly amused curiosity. The Jedi were not fond of exposing their weaknesses to the general public. "You will excuse me, Chancellor."

"Of course."

Obi-Wan hurried along the balcony in the turbulent wake of Anakin's Force.

It took a considerable search to find him, but eventually Obi-Wan tracked Anakin down on the other side of the palace. He was sitting sideways on the low stone wall that edged the balcony, with his knees drawn up and his back pressed against the support column. For just a moment he looked like the child Obi-Wan remembered, but his face tightened as Obi-Wan approached, and he focused harder on the view of the military training grounds.

Far below, a couple of Gungans were leading Naboo soldiers through advanced hand-to-hand combat manoeuvres, accompanied by the distant echo of blasters from a range beyond the hill. A group of officers stood watching the exercises. Obi-Wan recognised a number of them from last night's reception, and if he wasn't mistaken that was Chancellor Palpatine standing at the centre of the group.

Obi-Wan took another look at Anakin. A good portion of the hard set of his face seemed for the Naboo military. Just another sign of broken trust.

Obi-Wan climbed up to sit on the wall at the next support column, mirroring Anakin's position. Qui-Gon wanted him to be Anakin's ally first; fine. He could do that. "He must have done something pretty bad to make you so angry."

Anakin's eyes narrowed, but he didn't respond.

"I used to get furious sometimes, when he'd push me-"

"I'm not angry at him."

Obi-Wan waited for a clarification, but none came. "It didn't look to me as though you were particularly pleased-"

"I'm angry at you."

"Me?"

Anakin swung his feet down either side of the wall and leaned forward. "You don't trust me. Last night, I thought..." He pressed his mouth shut, rocking back again and folding his arms.

"You're angry because I didn't sleep with him?" Obi-Wan fumbled for a response. "Anakin... believe it or not, there is more at issue than whether you want us to be a pair."

"Then you're still angry at him."

Obi-Wan felt his defences snap up. "I wasn't the one waving a lightsaber in his face."

"He was hardly in any danger from me."

"But that's not the point, is it?"

"I'm *trying*!" Anakin's voice wobbled, and he took a gasping breath to steady it. "I'm trying, but nobody trusts me." He swung his legs to the ground and stalked away.

Obi-Wan let his head crack against the column. Emptiness swept through him, an echo of last night's kiss. All he needed right now was a sixteen year-old meddling in his love life.

"Would *you* care to tell me what that was about?"

Qui-Gon stuck his head out of the spray to give his former padawan a wide-eyed stare. "Could this not wait until I've finished in the refresher, Obi-Wan?"

"How often does that happen? How often does Anakin lose his temper like that?"

"Rarely, but it happens." He pulled his head back under the water and slicked his hair back. "That's why we're here."

"You told me he has trouble controlling his emotions. You never mentioned violent tantrums."

"He is a teenager. I seem to remember that you could throw a rather spectacular tantrum in your day."

"I never attacked you in anger."

Qui-Gon flipped off the spray and held out his hand for a towel. Obi-Wan ignored it, so with a sigh he stepped out, dripping, to snatch it up himself.

Obi-Wan snorted in disgust. "How can you take this so casually?"

Qui-Gon sighed, exhaustion suddenly clear. "Is Anakin's anger not enough, Obi-Wan, that we must add our own?"

Obi-Wan's quick answer evaporated. At least anger was something. He shook his head, sadly. "When did you come to mistake passivity for serenity? This is something worth fearing."

"Do you want me to rage aswell?" Qui-Gon rubbed himself briskly with the towel, overcoming the need to look up. "I could rage that my padawan is a pawn, I could rage that my lover left me, but I am a Jedi, and I know that raging brings no peace."

Obi-Wan let the gentle reminder roll around in his mind a while. Wordlessly, he pressed Qui-Gon to sit on a chair and pulled the towel from his hands. He had always wanted to dry his master's hair, even before he understood any erotic intent. Gentle squeezes, a little Force-warmth, until Qui-Gon was sighing at the soft tugs on his scalp. "Soothe my fears, then. Tell me why the display I saw this afternoon can be dismissed so easily."

Qui-Gon grunted at Obi-Wan's administrations. "Not dismissed, my Pad- Obi-Wan. I know there are problems, that's why I asked for your help. I never claimed the Council's fears were unfounded, only self-fulfilling. Ani often chooses to bury his angers, rather than releasing them, and sometimes the only way to learn what bothers him is to provoke him. He always returns, when he is ready to tell me the problem."

Obi-Wan's hands stopped, and his skin prickled. "You're teaching him to give in to anger."

"I can't teach him to be wary of the Dark Side if he doesn't know how close it is."

Was the room spinning? "You are teaching him to give in to anger. Anger, Qui-Gon." Suddenly the Council's doubts crystallised into perfect clarity. He'd defended Qui-Gon to them, put the blame on them without question as though he didn't remember his own master's arrogance. Yet even for Qui-Gon... "You know how dangerous he is. Anakin isn't someone you can take chances with."

"I'm using what methods I-"

"The last time I visited the Temple it wasn't an accepted method to tempt padawans with the Dark Side."

Qui-Gon's eyes snapped, patience at an end. "It has been a long time since you stopped at the Temple. I'm surprised you remember what they teach there."

A moment, suspended, but Qui-Gon caught his temper and looked away.

Obi-Wan fumbled with the towel, stilled himself and said quietly, "Anakin's problem is that we did not share a bed last night."

Qui-Gon sank a little and looked up, questioning.

"He believes we don't trust him to control his jealousy."

Qui-Gon reached up to catch the towel, using it to draw Obi-Wan closer to his chair. "Is that what kept us apart last night?"

Obi-Wan studied their hands. "I don't know."

Qui-Gon looked up at him, weighing his answer, and then sighed. "We were supposed to fall into each other's arms, and then everything else would be all right."

"You really thought I would come back, and everything would be the same?"

"Didn't you?"

Of course he had. "We're not the same people we were seven years ago."

"Of course not. But I still love you."

As if it was that simple. If it were that simple, last night's kiss would have been everything he expected. Quietly, he added, "I thought you would move on."

"I'm still here. Are you?"

The towel was rough against his fingers, the smell of Qui-Gon's damp body settled in his chest. "I'm back." Obi-Wan sank to his knees, dropping the towel to grasp Qui-Gon's hands. "It has been a long time. Perhaps we need to find each other again." He pulled him in for a brush of lips and let him go, not wanting to tempt the emptiness again. He stood, and moved to the doorway. "Now may we discuss Anakin?"

"When he returns, I will talk to him."

"No more pushing his temper." He glared Qui-Gon into silence. "I'm telling you as a Jedi, Qui-Gon. It's not acceptable."

Obi-Wan grunted at the intrusion into his sleep, but the voice beckoned again. "Obi-Wan." Anakin. Obi-Wan opened his eyes, too comfortable to do more than send a mildly questioning gaze at the teenager sitting on the end of his bed. Obi-Wan had forgotten how easy it was to slip into a lazy vacation mood.

"Can I talk to you?"

Obi-Wan peered out the window. "It's barely past dawn."

"I can't sleep."

"I was doing rather well, myself."

Anakin flinched. "I'm sorry."

He slid off the bed, and Obi-Wan cursed himself. "No - don't." Obi-Wan forced the sleep away and sat up. "You may remember I'm not the most sociable person in the morning. If you want to have a discussion at dawn, the price is a few minutes of grumpiness."

Anakin hesitated, still looking guilty.

"If you were offering a cup of tea, I would be willing to call it even."

Anakin forced a small smile. "I think I can arrange that."

When he disappeared, Obi-Wan snagged his undertunic off a nearby chair and arranged himself on the pillows. Decorum or no, the bed was too comfortable to abandon.

Anakin returned minutes later, bearing two cups, and at Obi-Wan's wave he settled back on the end of the bed. "I saw Amidala after I left you, yesterday."

"Oh?"

He held Obi-Wan's gaze a moment, and then turned his attention to tracing the pattern on the blanket. "I'm going to marry her, one day."

"Oh?" Obi-Wan barely kept the cringe from his voice. A crush on Qui-Gon was complicated enough, but... "This is awfully sudden, isn't it?"

"No. I've known ever since she came into Watto's shop. I see things, you know?"

"I know." Obi-Wan wasn't sure whether to be relieved or more worried.

Anakin scratched at the blanket. "I don't want to." He looked up, guiltily. "I don't know her." He looked away.

"And you have feelings for Qui-Gon."

A shrug.

Obi-Wan rubbed a hand through his hair and scratched at his beard, not sure if he should be discussing these things while he was still half-asleep. "Anakin, don't think I'm dismissing how you feel about Qui-Gon, but feelings change."

"Yours didn't."

He had to think on that one. "Perhaps not who I felt them for, but my feelings did change. I don't love him in the same way now as I did when I was your age, or even the way I did when I was twenty five. There comes a time when you grow past the hero-worship."

"That's not-"

"You don't just see past the flaws; that's not what I mean. You realise he's nothing special. Except to you. He's not the best knight in the order or the most wise and sometimes he's not even terribly smart."

"But you still love him."

What could Obi-Wan say to that? "You said you spoke to Queen Amidala yesterday."

"We walked in the gardens." If Anakin was disappointed by the change in subject, it didn't show. "It was nothing exciting. She asked me how I liked the Temple. I told her Naboo looks like it has recovered well. We didn't have much to talk about."

Obi-Wan kept silent.

"She's really nice. And she's more beautiful than I remember. I think... I think she senses it, too, that we're going to be together."

"Do you think she minds?"

Anakin looked even more miserable. "I don't think so. But she's a Queen. She's probably used to putting duty first. It's like on some worlds, especially in the royalty, I've heard they arrange marriages."

Obi-Wan nodded; he'd seen it many times.

"It's not fair. It's like I don't even have a choice."

Obi-Wan took a long draught from his tea. He wasn't even sure whether he should be encouraging or discouraging this. Qui-Gon would... Qui-Gon would tell Anakin to live in the moment, and that would be of no use to anyone. Perhaps Obi-Wan did have his own strengths. "I have seen many cultures where arranged marriages were greeted with as much joy as couples joining for love. I've seen those unions grow into strong pairings."

Anakin's face eased slightly, conceding.

"However, I don't believe this is the same. Most of us don't see the future as you do. You may not have the same surprises in your future as the rest of us, but that does not mean you don't make the choices that lead there. Are you so sure you could not fall in love with the Queen before you married her?"

Anakin blushed. "I don't know."

Obi-Wan relaxed, glad to see something other than misery on the boy's face. "Then perhaps you should give yourself time to know her. If it turns out that she is truly unbearable, we can see about arguing with fate. In the meantime..."

Anakin smiled. "Live in the moment."

"For all we know, the future may be just as we would wish." Anakin bounced off the bed, and Obi-Wan caught his hand. "Anakin - I don't want you to think that Qui-Gon and I doubt you. If we are taking our time, perhaps it is because we must learn to know each other again, aswell."

"I know. I'm sorry. It must be hard for you to trust me when I act like a child, and it's none of my business."

"No, it isn't your business, but you care for him. I'm not going to resent you for that."

Anakin near-glowed with relief and pleasure, and Obi-Wan silently congratulated himself. Perhaps this could work as Qui-Gon hoped. "If you have nothing else to do with the... many hours until morning meal, perhaps we might meditate as I promised." Anakin nodded eagerly and Obi-Wan grinned. "May I shower first?"

"Better than any other, Obi-Wan, you understand our request."

There was knocking. "Come in." As Qui-Gon stepped in, Obi-Wan held up a hand to beckon him in silently, keeping his attention on the comm-panel. "No, Master. The situation resolved itself. Qui-Gon assures me that while such bouts of temper are not new, nor are they frequent. They are the reason we are here, are they not?"

Qui-Gon raised a brow as Yoda took his time answering. "True, it is. Acceptable, it is not."

"He's opening up to me, but he's been lonely for a long time. Things may get worse before they get better."

"Hmmm."

Obi-Wan met Qui-Gon's soft smile at the familiar sound of Yoda conceding a point.

"How fares my padawan?"

Obi-Wan smiled more deeply, with a sideways look. "He is well, Master Yoda."

"Know that is not my question, you do, Obi-Wan. How fare you *and* Qui-Gon?"

"We are taking our time."

A snort. "Two of my most impulsive students, and you dally in the most important of all. Keep me informed, you will, Knight Kenobi."

Obi-Wan switched off the channel and leaned back in his chair. "These reports would be much easier if you'd told me the truth about Anakin's temper in the beginning."

"I don't recall you keeping such easy company with Master Yoda."

"I tried to keep in touch whenever I was in range of Coruscant."

Qui-Gon's face went utterly neutral. "Oh."

Obi-Wan's mouth thinned a moment, and relaxed. "He's a good listener."

"I know. He's my master; I speak with him often. Where is Anakin?"

"He's gone to seek an audience with the Queen," Obi-Wan replied tightly. "Qui-Gon..." He bit off his comment and made an effort to calm himself before he continued. "I'm not going to apologise for seeking his counsel. I went to him because I was sure he would listen."

"I always listened when you approached me with a problem."

"You did," Obi-Wan took his hand to soothe his words, "but you stopped making yourself approachable."

"I didn't go anywhere."

"You still don't see it?"

Qui-Gon sighed. "Obi-Wan-"

"Master."

They swung to see Anakin in the doorway, hands on his hips. "Amidala can see me this evening. And I saw Chancellor Palpatine. He asked if I would like to tour the Air Barracks tomorrow; he said I might be allowed to fly a ship. May I?"

Qui-Gon nodded. "That will be fine, if our afternoon training session is more productive than yesterday's."

Anakin dropped his eyes. "Yes, Master." When he looked up at their clasped hands, he had a small smile. "Are you two going to bond?"

Obi-Wan felt a light burn on his cheeks, made worse when Qui-Gon squeezed his hand again and gave him a loving smile before looking back to Anakin. "A bonding is not an event, Anakin. It is a process; one that has been taking place since Obi-Wan and I met, and that will continue long after we join the Force. Every shared thought, every word of comfort that passes between us grows from the bond and returns to the bond. Do you understand?"

Briefly considered. "No."

Qui-Gon reluctantly let Obi-Wan go, and sat in a chair, indicating for Anakin to join him, as Obi-Wan stood back to watch. Something in him warmed to be discussed this way.

"Tell me when our bond formed, Ani."

"After Obi-Wan's trials."

"Was that the first you felt?"

Anakin flashed a guilty look at Obi-Wan. "No... There was something when you were still training Obi-Wan. A light bond."

"And is our bond the same as it was when you became my padawan?"

His face cleared as he understood. "It keeps getting stronger."

"That is bonding." Qui-Gon squeezed his shoulder and pulled a pad from the folds of his robe. "It would seem you have a free morning."

Anakin's face dropped. "Senate Proceedings for the last half-millennium. I thought this was a vacation."

"It is a break from Coruscant; you still have work to do. It might even provide some stimulating discussion for your tour with the Chancellor this afternoon."

Obi-Wan twisted and brought a foot out to break Qui-Gon's pivot and then his lightsaber was at the master's throat. A long look until the victory was conceded, and then Obi-Wan extinguished his saber and stepped back.

"Most impressive. Where did you learn that technique?"

"Laraal, a tiny moon I visited four years ago. It has proven useful."

Almost without pause, they began to spar again. Obi-Wan was still no equal of his master, but he was close enough to claim the occasional fair victory, particularly with the broad experience he'd picked up in the last seven years. He had a great deal more tricks than those he'd learned from Qui-Gon.

They'd been sparring for hours with sabers and bodies and bare feet, since Anakin had been dismissed to spend the evening with the Queen, and they were both exhausted, tunics drenched in sweat, but they pushed on, until Qui-Gon twisted under Obi-Wan's somersault and tripped him to pin him to the wall. "I still know a thing or two myself."

Qui-Gon scooped up Obi-Wan's saber to hand it back, and caught his fingers. "Can we move on, Obi-Wan? Can we go back to my bed, then kiss each other all over until we forget that I was the Jedi's worst master and that you disappeared for seven years?" The words echoed, harsh in Obi-Wan's ears, but his gaze was soft.

"I don't know."

Something like a spark of frustration, quickly gone and Qui-Gon pressed close, pushed his erection against Obi-Wan's hip, smiled, beseeching. "Can we try?"

Obi-Wan felt his worry crumbling under the warm weight, the eyes. Finally Qui-Gon was offering to fulfil all his adolescent dreams and Obi-Wan was worrying like the nervous padawan he used to be. He closed his eyes and inhaled. Sweat. Linen. Heat. All the smells his young mind had linked to sex. "It's what I want, but-"

"Shhh..." against his lips. "It is what we need." The hand slipped around to lift his head closer and Qui-Gon's lips were smiling gently as he took the kiss, guiding Obi-Wan's head in his palm, shifting his hips just slightly. Obi-Wan lay passive, letting Qui-Gon take what he wanted. It was what they both wanted.

Lips, only lips. Heat built in the touch, rolling through their skulls and down their nerves, and then Obi-Wan's head was rudely dropped in favour of tugging at his pants.

"Qui-Gon-"

Qui-Gon stilled, reluctantly. "Do you want this, or not?"

"Of course I want it." He wanted very much for this to be right.

Fingers skimmed over Obi-Wan's beard. "I need to know that you want this as much as I do. Have I confused everything? I know you wanted me all those years ago, but do you still?"

"Yes. I never stopped loving you. It's just... nerves."

Small hurt. "There should be no fear between us, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan smiled awkwardly. "What's a first time between lovers without a little nervousness?"

The air became warm under Qui-Gon's gaze. "I'm not nervous at all." Still he waited, gaze serious, and Obi-Wan wondered, and then he realised what Qui-Gon needed to know. He leaned up, levering against the wall to press hard into Qui-Gon's mouth, the deep, needy kiss he'd imagined on lonely nights.

Qui-Gon's breath escaped in a rush, and he was kissing back, hands slowly gathering Obi-Wan's shoulders, kneading the muscles of his arms, certainty in every touch. Hard, demanding kisses, filled with years of frustration, inhaling Obi-Wan's own breath.

The full weight of his body pinned Obi-Wan to the wall, chest and thighs and insistent, shocking arousal, and Obi-Wan was drowning.

A lifetime of fantasies, all shamefully juvenile and soft when Qui-Gon was hard and male and prodding his belly. This was better.

He pushed Qui-Gon back a step, planning to lead him to the nearest bed but Qui-Gon pressed him to the mats, covering him again and moving to chew at his throat as one hand tugged at his pants, loosing the string only far enough to yank them down his thighs, and then a fist, Qui-Gon's fist, squeezed his cock and Qui-Gon was muttering 'my Obi-Wan' over and over, Obi-Wan consumed by thick fingers that pulled at him.

He kicked away his pants, lifting his knees around Qui-Gon's body, arching against him to beg for more, for deeper.

Qui-Gon paused, looking about with a frown. "We need oil."

"Spit."

Concern. "Will that be enough?"

"Yes, it's all I need. I like it that way. I want to feel it."

Qui-Gon's eyes flared black, and then he spat in his hand and a moment later fingers pushed inside him, two at once and it burned but Obi-Wan pushed for more. A few twists and they were gone, and Obi-Wan was rolling onto his knees, pointing his ass at his lover. This was what they needed. Finally.

"Enough?"

"Yes."

A tongue down his spine, heat behind him, the tip of Qui-Gon's cock pressing inside and it was far too much but he was already rocking his way home and it wasn't enough. "More, Qui-Gon."

Qui-Gon's arms wrapped around his chest and pulled him back into his lap, so deep Obi-Wan's insides seemed to rearrange but that was good because his insides had no business being where Qui-Gon belonged.

They sat, Qui-Gon's breath blowing over Obi-Wan's sweat-damp shoulder, hands skimming over his body, searching for breaks of flesh around his tunic, touching, pinching, and Obi-Wan's nerves sparkled and flared. For a moment he regretted the rush that left them mostly dressed, but it didn't matter. Years, their bodies had waited, to find them just so. Joined as their hearts and minds had been, and something in Obi-Wan mourned for the sweet anticipation, mourned for the brevity of this moment.

Qui-Gon pulled off Obi-Wan's sash and tugged at his tunic, baring him with noises of wonder, and then pulled off his own. Gasps as their bodies came together, hot and damp, arms came around Obi-Wan to pull him tight and Qui-Gon rested his cheek to Obi-Wan's back. He squeezed, and Obi-Wan was shocked to feel the aching loneliness.

Slowly he opened his mind, sending blind reassurance and love, and was rewarded with a row of wet kisses across his shoulders. "It has been so long. Sometimes I wondered..."

"I know." Obi-Wan concentrated on the feel of Qui-Gon inside him, the solid reality of being stretched to the edge of pain, and shared it, felt Qui-Gon's heat, and then Qui-Gon pushed forward, pressing Obi-Wan onto his hands and knees again. The shift pulled him almost entirely out, but a single thrust forced him home, nearly knocking Obi-Wan to his elbows. Another thrust and Obi-Wan went down, ignoring the jar of his shoulders for the feel of Qui-Gon, bracing himself as the rhythm built, the arousal building in their bond. Qui-Gon pushed harder, and Obi-Wan felt a tingling in his lungs, almost a prickling that was suddenly matched behind his eyes. Burning in his nose, because it wasn't enough. He felt nothing.

Obi-Wan pushed back, trying to force away the wall that set him from his own feelings. Those were Qui-Gon's hands on his hips, Qui-Gon inside him but it might have been a stranger for all the connection he felt. A stranger whose hand was sliding down his belly. Obi-Wan caught the hand and wrapped it around his chest before it could find his flagging penis, hugging the arm as though it might lead him to the identity of the man who was fucking him and now yelling his release as his hips quivered against Obi-Wan's buttocks.

The body was heavy, dazed, and Obi-Wan twisted out to gather him into his arms, tucking Qui-Gon's head into his neck, patting his long hair. This was Qui-Gon. Master, friend, love. Obi-Wan knew every scar on his body, every quirk of his personality and he couldn't feel him as he should, couldn't bridge the bond. His breath shuddered, and he tried to still but Qui-Gon's head lifted.

"Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan just shook his head, trying to guide Qui-Gon's face back into his neck.

Qui-Gon resisted, pulled back. "Please, Obi-Wan."

"I don't know why." He pushed away the crowding emotions and touched Qui-Gon's face, tenderly. Whispered, "I don't feel anything."

Qui-Gon stared at him, frown line deepening as he felt and found nothing. No intimacy, no new strength, no proof that they'd just shared anything more than sex. "Perhaps we need time, like you-"

"You know that's not true."

Qui-Gon shook his head and then leaned in to kiss Obi-Wan, holding his head when he tried to turn away. "This is right."

Always so sure. Obi-Wan drew his strength from the other man, wishing he could draw on his certainty.

"Meditate with me. We will wash, and eat, and then search for answers together. I'm not going to give up now that you're finally here."

Obi-Wan sensed knocking and pulled his mind back to his body, glad to escape. It was late, and they were getting nowhere. Qui-Gon sat opposite, looking faintly curious at the interruption. "Come in."

A handmaiden stepped inside, not even blinking at their nakedness. "Jedi Knight Kenobi, please forgive my interruption, but the messenger insisted this was most urgent." She offered a small tin.

Obi-Wan stood and crossed to meet her halfway. "You are not intruding at all, Eirtae."

"She insisted that this be placed in your hands without delay, and so I have seen to it myself."

"I am grateful." Obi-Wan took the tin and flicked the latch. He lifted the lid, brow wrinkling in confusion, and then snapped it shut. A wide-eyed look at Qui-Gon, before he returned his attention to the handmaiden. "If I may trouble you for a favour, Eirtae..."

"Of course."

"Could you possibly arrange hire for a small interstellar ship? Nothing special, just fast, something I can pilot myself. And ready to leave as soon as possible."

"I shall see to it immediately, Knight Kenobi. There will be a vessel waiting for you at the main hanger of the military barracks in a half-hour." With a small bow, she left.

"You're leaving?" Qui-Gon caught the tin Obi-Wan threw to him, and looked inside. "Sand?"

"Those are the remains of the K'jeth treaty. They've gone to war."

A flash of sympathy, and then he frowned. "You have no orders from the Senate."

"I guided that treaty, Qui-Gon. It is my responsibility." He began yanking on his tunics, cursing at the number of layers.

Qui-Gon caught his shoulders, demanding attention. "You are needed here. You are breaking through to Anakin; we cannot afford to lose the trust you've gained."

Obi-Wan stared, amazed that Qui-Gon could believe he might stay. "This was the first peace the K'jeth have seen in centuries. If they lose their will now, it will not be regained."

"Then I shall go. A fresh perspective may be what they need. You stay here-"

"They gave their trust to me, Qui-Gon, not the Jedi. Only I can go. You and Anakin will be fine without me for a week."

"The Jedi are not in the habit of sending lone knights into war zones."

"It happens."

"Not when there are options." Qui-Gon turned over the decision in his mind, and then grabbed for his own tunic. "I will go with you."

"What about Anakin?"

"For a few days, he will be fine. He has Amidala. I'm sure Palpatine would be willing to spend some time teaching him about the Senate. He already works well on his own. I think it would be a good display of trust."

Obi-Wan shook his head as he pulled on his boots, jerking the buckles tight. "One minute you think he's dangling on the edge, the next you want to leave him alone, with no guidance at all? What do Palpatine and Queen Amidala know of keeping Jedi from the Dark-" Obi-Wan halted, and then moved to catch Qui-Gon's hands, distracting him from his dressing. "Are you afraid to be alone with him?"

"You are the key, Obi-Wan. He needs you."

"He needs to know that you trust him, Qui-Gon. That matters to him more than anything."

"I won't lose you again."

"I will be fine."

"But will you be back?" Qui-Gon's stare was hard. "I deal with Anakin every day. He will still be here tomorrow. I am not so certain about you."

Obi-Wan hesitated, barely, but when he spoke, his voice was cold. "If you do not believe I would return for you, at least know I would never abandon Anakin."

"And will this space between us be greater, or less?"

"I don't know!" Obi-Wan reined in his temper, surprised at his own curt words. "We can't weigh into this. Duty first."

He felt nothing from Qui-Gon as he snatched up his robe and lightsaber and headed out into the night.

He had almost reached the stairs when he heard Qui-Gon call.

"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon hurried up. "We shall all go."

"You can't be serious." He saw the decision in Qui-Gon's eyes. "We brought Anakin here to find security."

"We will display more faith in him by taking him with us than by leaving him behind."

"There is a war on K'jeth. He's never been on a mission before."

"Is he less ready than you were for that Corellian barge to Bandomeer?"

Obi-Wan let out his breath. "I doubt it's possible." A soft smile, remembering. "Qui-Gon, this isn't about preparation. I'm not sure I want a temper like that at my back if I must go into battle, and I won't want to be supervising him while I conduct delicate negotiations."

Qui-Gon would have none of it. "That is what being a master is about. Every master must balance their attention to guide their apprentices, as I did for you, as Yoda did for me. If we trust him here, Obi-Wan, it will be an important step."

Obi-Wan pulled a long breath. The image of Anakin swinging furiously at his master would not be damped, but they had agreed only days ago that the lack of missions was hindering Anakin's progress. A sigh and a nod. "He will have to hurry; the ship will be ready in ten minutes."

"Then we should not delay to wake him." Qui-Gon ducked back to his own room to grab his robe, and then headed into Anakin's room, Obi-Wan at his heels.

Anakin was curled around a pillow, looking more childish than ever. Obi-Wan felt a twinge of regret for agreeing. Surely he had not been this young when he boarded the Corellian barge for Agri-Corp?

Qui-Gon tossed back a tender smile, knowing just what was on Obi-Wan's mind. "You were younger. By more than three years."

He knelt beside the sleeping figure, and shook his shoulder lightly. "Anakin, wake up. We have to go."

Anakin woke quickly. "Is something wrong?"

"We have a mission. Pack your things."

Anakin jolted properly awake, glancing at them each once before leaping out of bed to pull on his clothes. "What mission?"

Obi-Wan folded his arms into his sleeves. "K'jeth has dissolved into war. I was responsible for guiding the treaty; it is my responsibility to repair it."

"I can come?"

Qui-Gon smiled. "There is one condition."

"Yes, Master?"

"No pacing."

Anakin clipped his lightsaber to his belt and straightened. "I'm ready."

Queen Amidala was waiting with Eirtae in the hangar, in a simple handmaiden's cloak. "You are leaving us?"

Obi-Wan winced. "I am sorry, your Highness. There is a war..."

"You came to Naboo when we were in need; I could not withhold you from doing the same for another world. I am only sorry that you will miss our festival."

"We will be back in time for the banquet."

She brightened considerably. "I will hold you to that, Obi-Wan." Amidala dropped a kiss on his cheek, and then pulled Anakin into a hug, which he bore only slightly more comfortably than the one he had received on arriving on Naboo. "I will miss you, Ani."

"Me too."

A clasp of hands and a good wish for Qui-Gon, and they climbed on board.

Obi-Wan headed straight to the helm to relieve the pilot, and began reviewing the pre-flight check. Anakin slid into the co-pilot's seat, and threw him a sceptical look. "The Council okayed this?"

Obi-Wan glanced back at Qui-Gon, who licked his lips. "We haven't time, Padawan. We will have to send the communication while en route."

"We are en route."

A long pause. "Later, en route."

This is still a wip, so I'd love to hear critical comments, or what interested you, or just that you haven't succumbed to the Shrift curse and left the fandom. Reassurance is appreciated here --> drsquidlove@virginqueen.com.

More Squidfic can be found at
The Lecherous Tentacles of Dr Squidlove
http://members.iinet.net.au/~tentacles/squidfic.html