Something to Talk About
by Susan Anthony (LdyGossamer@aol.com)
Pairing: Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon
Archive: Master_Apprentice and anyone else, just ask
Category: AU, Romance, First Time
Rating: R
Spoilers: None
Summary: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon become grist for the rumor
mill.
Feedback: Very welcome.
Notes: Inspired by Bonnie Raitt's song "Something To Talk
About" which follows at after the end of the story. I think
Ki-Adi is supposed to have several wives but for the purposes
of this story, he doesn't.
Warnings: M/M relationship, Gossip, Random Assumptions,
Conniving!Yoda makes an appearance.
"...Once the Prince and his consort were out of danger and the
kidnappers captured, the negotiations continued. At that point
it was just a matter of time until the agreement was reached."
Qui-Gon glanced around the Council chamber. "The details of the
agreement have been transferred to your archives if you wish to
look them over. When we left, the celebrations were just
beginning."
"Why did you not stay for the party, Master Jinn?" Master Mace
Windu asked, a smile curving his lips as he leaned back in his
chair. "We wouldn't have begrudged you the time. You and your
padawan certainly earned the rest."
"Obi-Wan and I chose to return to Coruscant primarily because
the Y'lathan's idea of celebration is a bit more exotic than
ours is," Qui-Gon responded with an amused look to his padawan.
Obi-Wan briefly grinned at his master before he smoothed his
expression again. The Jedi Master glanced back at Mace. "Some
down time here at the Temple, however, would not be unwelcome."
"Of course," the dark-skinned master noted with a nod. "We have
no mission waiting for you, Master Jinn. Use this time as you
will."
Qui-Gon gave his old friend a smile before he and Obi-Wan bowed
to the gathered Councilors and left the chamber. Mace watched
them go with a fond glance before he turned to Yoda.
"I'd like to give them more than a week this time before we
send them out again, Master," he said. The old Jedi turned his
green eyes speculatively in the direction the Master/Padawan
pair had disappeared in.
"Indeed. Time they need to work on their bond," he noted as he
turned his cane leisurely in his claws.
"Their bond seems strong enough," Knight Mundi noted in his
soft voice.
"One of the strongest in the Temple, Master," Mace added, "As
well as one of our strongest field teams, no matter that
Obi-Wan is years away from his Trials."
"Hummm," Yoda responded as he stood. "Time they need. Time we
will give them. No more assignments will the Jinn/Kenobi team
take for at least a month." The old Master glanced around the
room. "Nothing more have we to discuss today."
With that, the little master disappeared through the door,
followed by the other Councilors, leaving Mace in the Council
chamber with Ki-Adi-Mundi. The two glanced at each other
warily.
"He's up to something," Mace said thoughtfully.
"Of course," Ki-Adi said as he stood and moved to the windows.
"Jinn is his current favorite project." The Councilor turned
back to Mace with a serene expression. "Yoda likes nothing
better than to interfere in the lives of his former padawans.
Did you not know that?"
"Yes, I know that," the dark-skinned human said wearily as he
rubbed his forehead. "Has he bothered you lately?"
"Not since he saddled me with Saas-Li as a padawan six years
ago," Ki-Adi said, a bemused smile on his pale face. Mace tried
not to smirk. It was apparent to everyone but Ki that a
life-bond was forming between the Cerean and his highly
intelligent yet cuttingly sarcastic padawan. "What of you?"
"The little troll isn't satisfied if one of his padawans is
padawanless," Mace snorted as he stood. He pushed his hands
into the long black sleeves of his robe and sighed. "How I let
him talk me into Desrin, I'll never understand. The boy becomes
more of a trial every day." The Councilor glanced over and
caught an actual smirk on Ki-Adi's usually serene face. "What?"
"Boy?" Ki asked quietly. "Young man I should say. Desrin chased
Obi-Wan around the salle in last month's competitions, did he
not?"
Mace looked exceedingly pleased before he straightened his
expression. "My padawan is very skilled with the lightsaber,"
he finally replied in a mild tone.
"Indeed."
"But that still doesn't tell me what Master is up to with
Qui-Gon," Mace continued, glaring out at the afternoon traffic.
"It is a puzzle," Ki-Adi sighed beside him. "Perhaps we should
warn Jinn."
The two Councilors looked at each other and then back at the
teeming skyline.
"Nahhhh."
Mace returned to his apartments that evening with a
preoccupied air. The master entered to find his padawan
sprawled on the floor, nose deep in a text of some sort.
"Good evening, Desrin."
The young man glanced up with a smile as Mace entered.
"Master," he greeted as he stood and stretched his long limbs.
"Let me take your cloak."
"Thank you," Mace replied as he offered the garment to his
padawan. Were it up to the Jedi Master, his cloak would
perpetually sit in the chair beside the door. The padawan,
however, insisted that the cloak be hung up every evening.
His master wouldn't be seen out of their apartments in a
wrinkled robe.
Mace watched as the boy...no, the *young man*...hung the cloak
in the closet before returning to his textbook on the floor.
Then he moved to check his mail before settling on the couch
with a weary sigh. Council days always wore him out though all
he did was sit all day. He was very glad his term on the
Council would soon be up and he could take missions again. He
knew Desrin was counting the days until then as well.
"What is for dinner, my padawan?" the master asked absently.
Desrin glanced sideways at the man.
"My guess would be whatever is available in the dinning hall,"
he replied. Mace raised his brows at the cheeky answer but
Desrin merely moved himself into a sitting position and leaned
against his master's leg before picking his text up. "If you'll
recall, my master, the last time I attempted dinner, you
accused me of trying to burn down the Temple. It has completely
stifled my culinary creativity."
"Desrin, we did have to move to new quarters," Mace
pointed out as he touched his padawan's dark hair.
"You added the oloi oil, Master," Desrin noted without
looking up. "I told you not to add it but you insisted."
Mace leaned back and steepled his fingers. His padawan had an
answer to everything. Perhaps he should discourage the boy from
associating with Obi-Wan. Mace just knew Desrin was
picking up these bad habits from the older padawan.
However, Desrin and Obi-Wan were very close and if there
was something wrong with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's bond, Desrin
might be the first to see it. Not that Yoda's words from the
morning necessarily meant that there actually was a
problem. Mace was convinced that Yoda's pronouncements were
made mostly to stir up his frustrated padawans more than
anything else. Jinn was the smartest one among the three of
them, having made himself too ornery to be offered a Council
seat and thus keeping himself wide outside Yoda's interference
level.
"Did you know Obi-Wan was back in the Temple?" Mace finally
said after a several moments of thoughtful silence.
Desrin glanced up at him with a grin. "Yes, Master. We're
sparring together tomorrow."
"So you've seen him already today?"
"Yes, Master." The padawan glanced up curiously. After a
moment, he narrowed his golden eyes slightly. "Is there
something wrong?"
Mace checked his shields. Desrin was entirely too intuitive
sometimes. "No, nothing is wrong. I was just wondering if you'd
noticed anything...unusual about Obi-Wan."
"Unusual?" The young man looked thoughtful. "Not really. He
seemed glad to be home."
"What did you talk about?"
Desrin marked his placed in the text and closed the book before
he turned his entire attention to his master. "We just talked
about the parts of his mission he could speak of and then made
plans to meet tomorrow and spar."
"Did he speak of his master at all?"
The padawan snorted. "Well, that's a given. He talks about
Master Jinn all the time."
Mace gave the young man a half-smile. "The Master can do no
wrong?"
Desrin shook his head. "Actually, Obi-Wan vents about his
master's mistakes almost as much as he sings Master Jinn's
praises."
The Councilor glanced down at his padawan in surprise. "Master
Jinn makes mistakes?" he asked in mock amazement.
"Not really mistakes, per say," the young man corrected. "More
like things Obi-Wan would have done differently on a mission."
Desrin glanced down as he continued. "Master, I'd appreciate
your silence about that as I know you're close to Master Jinn.
I don't think Obi-Wan really vents with anyone else. I'm glad
he trusts me enough to share his real feelings."
Mace ran his fingers through his padawan's thick, spiky hair.
"Worry not, padawan. Your secret, and Obi-Wan's, is safe with
me." The man leaned back and looked thoughtful. Finally, he
glanced down to find Desrin's worried eyes on his face.
"Master, Obi-Wan is not in trouble is he?" the young man asked
with concern.
"Not at all!" Mace hurried to reassure his padawan, mostly
because he wasn't sure Desrin wouldn't rush off to find out for
himself what Obi-Wan's problem was. From Obi-Wan. "Not at all,
padawan." The Councilor gently ran his finger down the young
man's cheek before he stood with a bone popping stretch.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn seldom act as expected but
they always follow the Will of the Force."
"Of course," Desrin said, a bit confused. "Um, Master?"
Mace gave him an inquiring look.
"Did you happen to talk with Master Yoda today?"
"Yes, I did. Why do you ask?"
Desrin's features relaxed as he reached over and picked up his
text again. "You're just more confusing after you've spoken
with him than you normally are."
The Jedi Master chuckled. "I suppose I am, my padawan. Now,
however, I'm going to take a long hot shower and then go in
search of dinner," he said as he moved towards his bedroom.
"Care to join me for dinner, padawan?"
Desrin felt his heart jump. Too bad that sentence hadn't ended
with "Care to join me in the shower, padawan?"
"Dinner sounds good, Master," he replied, his gold eyes
unblinking. He watched as the man disappeared into his bedroom
before he thoughtfully set aside his biology text again.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon made a great team, one of the best in the
Temple, and Desrin had never seen them quarrel though Obi-Wan
had mentioned once or twice that they had disagreements. The
padawan couldn't imagine what had set his master to asking
questions about them. Whenever Desrin saw them together,
Obi-Wan always had a smile on his face and he could feel his
friend's quiet contentment. As for Qui-Gon Jinn - well, the big
Jedi never smiled but he looked less forbidding when he was
with Obi-Wan. When they were together.
Desrin's quick mind moved through several half-formed ideas and
as quickly discarded them before he came upon one idea that
stuck. His golden eyes widened.
Were Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon...? Surely not! Why would Master Mace
be concerned with that?
Desrin gnawed on a fingernail as he carefully considered his
friend's mating habits. Obi-Wan would have told him! Or he
*should* have told him! After all, he was Obi's was his best
friend!
The padawan stood quickly. He'd just have to go ask Bant. And
if Bant knew and he didn't, well, Obi-Wan was going to
be in BIG trouble!
Carefully, he schooled his thoughts into a semblance of
serenity before he reached along his training bond. *Master? I
forgot I'm supposed to meet Bant tonight. Dinner tomorrow
instead?*
*That's fine, Des,* Mace sent back. *Don't stay out too late.*
*Of course not, Master!* And the padawan practically ran out
the door.
The next day, Desrin stood with Bant, watching Obi-Wan shadow
his master through the closing movements of the level 15
Dragon's Breath kata he was learning from Qui-Gon. The two
padawans were watching the pair very closely.
"They are not!" Bant insisted. She had been appalled that such
a thing could happen without her knowledge.
"But what if they are?" Desrin hissed as his eyes followed
Master Jinn when the older Jedi stopped to correct his
apprentice's posture. "I mean, Obi talks about Master Jinn all
the time!"
"Well, you talk about Master Windu all the time!" Bant
pointed out with a huff. Desrin gave her a hard glance.
"That's different. We're talking about Obi-Wan here."
"Humph," the Calamarian disagreed but continued to watch as the
Jinn/Kenobi team finished the kata and bowed to each other. The
elder Jedi then leaned over and gripped his padawan's shoulder
tightly.
"Very well done, padawan," Desrin heard Qui-Gon say with that
less than ferocious expression that on anyone else would have
been a half-smile. Now that Des considered it, that expression
was only on Qui-Gon's face when Obi-Wan was around.
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan replied, flushed with his
exertions but obviously pleased with his master's praise. "I
will do better next time."
"I know you will," Master Jinn replied as they moved across the
room. The pair stopped near Desrin and Bant to pick up their
towels and Obi-Wan grinned up at his master. Qui-Gon returned
the look for a long, oblivious moment. Desrin elbowed Bant and
gave her a meaningful glance.
"Hum?"
"Shut up," she grumped under her breath as Obi-Wan finally
glanced their way.
"I'll be back in a moment to spar," he promised before he
turned to walk towards the showers with his Master, speaking to
Qui-Gon in a low tone.
"See how close they walk together?" Desrin asked as they
watched the pair move away. "And did you see how long they
stared at each other?"
Just then Qui-Gon stopped and stared down at his padawan in
surprise before he actually burst out laughing. Then he laid
his arm around a laughing Obi-Wan's shoulders as they moved on.
Almost everyone in the room stared at the Jedi Master in
surprise but Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were oblivious. Several
padawans looked the pair over intently before they turned to
make their way towards Bant and Desrin.
"Qui-Gon Jinn laughed!" Desrin insisted as two other
apprentices joined them. "Now tell me they aren't..."
"Oh shut up!" Bant grumbled as she fingered her light saber.
"Are you saying that Kenobi and Jinn are..." one of the
apprentices asked in amazement. Desrin shrugged his shoulders.
"You saw them together, Saas-Li. What do you think?"
"I don't think I have *ever* seen Master Jinn laugh before,"
the second padawan stated in awe as a few more apprentices
joined their little crowd.
"I can't believe he didn't tell me! *Me*!" Bant glared across
the room. "He is SO in trouble!"
"Who is in trouble, Padawan Bant?"
Desrin turned to find Master Mace just behind them.
"Obi-Wan is in trouble, Master!" he said with a wicked chuckle.
"Just wait until we corner him!" Desrin gave his master a long
look. "I can't believe you figured this out before we did."
Mace raised his brows. "Figured what out?"
"About Obi-Wan. And Master Jinn."
The dark-skinned master looked blank. "What about them?"
"I cannot believe he didn't tell me!" Bant wailed again as she
pouted. And a pouting Calamarian is a sight to behold. She
turned to Mace and growled. "Obi-Wan and Master Jinn. And I
didn't know!"
Mace stared at her, his mouth practically hanging open.
"Obi-Wan? And Qui-Gon?" He blinked at the padawans a few
times before he thoughtfully crossed his arms in his sleeves.
Was this what Yoda meant by working on their bond?
"Well, yes, Master," Desrin replied as he glanced over to where
Obi-Wan reappeared with his master. "Just watch them."
Mace glanced over at the pair as Qui-Gon reached out to gently
touch Obi-Wan's shoulder before he gave the young man a
half-smile. Then he turned and walked away, his face sliding
into its customarily serene expression. Obi-Wan watched him
move away before the padawan turned and made his way towards
Desrin and Bant.
"He actually smiled!" Saas-Li said in amazement.
"And he laughed earlier, Master," Desrin confided.
"Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon," Mace mused as he shook his head. "I
suppose it makes perfect sense. I don't know why it didn't
occur to me before."
Desrin gave his master a long hard look. "Sometimes Masters can
be oblivious about things," he said pointedly.
"Yes, I suppose you're right, my padawan," Mace said as he laid
his hand gently on his apprentice's shoulder though his eyes
followed Qui-Gon. "But now, I have a few things to take care
of." He gave his padawan a serious look. "Don't forget dinner,
Des," he reminded his apprentice.
"At the seventh hour, my master," he replied. Mace nodded and
walked away and Desrin absently watched his master cross the
room. The padawan turned back to find Bant's silver eyes on
him.
"What?" he asked a shade defensively.
"I am so glad my Master has no gender," she said flatly. Then
she reached out and grabbed his arm. "Come on. Let's go grill
Obi-Wan! I get to spar with him first!"
Desrin chuckled. "Be my guest, Bant."
The two apprentices chased their friend around the salle
several times that afternoon before they finally allowed him a
rest. Then they dragged him off to a garden so they could
interrogate him in private.
"I cannot believe you didn't tell me," Bant ranted as she paced
back and forth in front of Obi-Wan, whom they had seated on a
bench to receive his lecture. "ME! Your best
friend!"
Obi-Wan looked at her in complete confusion. "Tell you what?"
"You might as well fess up, Obi," Desrin said from where he
leaned against a near-by tree. "We know all about it." He gave
his friend a hurt look. "And I thought you trusted me."
"Des, I do trust you!" Obi-Wan stated emphatically.
"However, I don't know what the Sith you're talking about!"
"We're talking about you and Master Jinn!" Bant snapped
as she leaned over her friend. Obi-Wan looked up at her
seriously.
"What about us?" he asked in a confused tone.
"Well...you and Master Jinn. You're involved, right?" the
Calamarian asked in a less certain tone.
"Of course we are involved. He is my master. I am his padawan,"
the young man replied.
"Involved in a romantic relationship, Obi-Wan," Desrin
corrected as he watched his friend closely.
Obi-Wan stared at him, surprise evident on his face.
"Are you completely daft?" he finally sputtered as he stood.
"Me and Qui-Gon Jinn?" The padawan looked as if he couldn't
decide whether to laugh or knock Desrin's head off. "Me and
Qui-Gon? Even if I did - and I don't - at
all - Master would never look at me that way! He's got
more important things on his mind!" Obi-Wan looked at his
friends as if they'd grow separate heads. "Where did you get
such a snark-brained idea? Me and Qui-Gon? He never would!"
Bant stared at Obi-Wan, her large mouth hanging open, before
she turned and glared at Desrin. "Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon?" she
asked Des with a low growl. Desrin didn't react other than to
nod slowly.
"You saw them in the salle just as I did," the youth said as he
crossed his arms. He pinned Obi-Wan with a long look. The older
padawan hated when Desrin did that. Those steady golden eyes
raised the hairs on the back of Obi-Wan's neck.
"But Obi said he doesn't..."
"Obi-Wan," Desrin interrupted, "needs to take a long hard look
at his feelings for his master, I think."
"I know how I feel about my master, Des," Obi-Wan
replied testily.
"Do you?"
"YES!"
"Then I apologize for jumping to conclusions," Desrin said with
a formal bow. "I'm sure I didn't see you and Master Jinn
sharing a long, oblivious look this afternoon in the salle
before Qui-Gon went off to do whatever it is that masters do
when we're not watching. I'm sure its completely normal that
you walk so close to your master that your shadows blend into
one silhouette and I'm sure Master Jinn always laughs
out loud...in public...when his padawan whispers in his ear."
Obi-Wan plopped down on the bench and stared up at them,
looking somewhat like a fish with his mouth opening and
closing. Bant felt very close to him at that moment.
The young Calamarian sat down beside her oldest friend and
patted him on the knee. "You know, Obi, its not like it's
against the Code or Tradition or anything to have a
relationship with your Master," she pointed out. "You just need
to tell me about it, that's all."
"But...he doesn't...we haven't..."
"Its okay, Obi-Wan," Des said soothingly as he laid his hand on
the older padawan's shoulder. "You don't have to talk about
it."
Obi-Wan let loose an inarticulate scream. "There's
nothing to talk about!" he shouted as he jumped to his
feet. "I am not sleeping with Qui-Gon!"
Several pairs of sparring padawans on the other side of the
garden stopped and glanced curiously in their direction.
Obi-Wan flushed so hotly he thought he might spontaneously
combust. Finally, he grabbed hold of his frustration and
embarrassment before he turned back to his friends.
"I am leaving now." He backed away slowly, holding up his hands
when Des and Bant made to follow. "No! Just stay there. Stay.
There." A moment later, the padawan practically sprinted across
the garden before he disappeared into the Temple.
Bant glanced at Desrin who was slowly shaking his head.
"He'll figure it out, I guess," he said as he looked at his
friend. Bant rolled her eyes.
"I am so glad my master doesn't have a gender!" she
huffed.
Mace munched absently on his lunch as he read over the details
from Qui-Gon's latest mission. The kidnapping of the Y'lathan
royals had been far more dangerous than the Jedi Master had led
the Council to believe in his verbal report. Since that was
typical of Qui-Gon's reports, however, Mace always made a point
to read the written mission statement and this one was
definitely going into Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi's official
files.
He was shaking his head at the hair-raising - if he'd had hair,
that is - events described when Ki-Adi-Mundi sat down beside
him. Mace glanced up with a pleasant greeting that died on his
lips. Ki-Adi's pale face held a look that was most closely
described as smug serenity. Mace hated that expression. It was
the closest Ki ever came to gloating and Mace had seen it far
too often.
He laid the data pad down and prepared himself.
"Hello Ki," he said in a steady tone.
"Mace," the Cerean replied as he set his tray down. The older
Councilor nodded congenially at the other occupant at the table
before he returned an almost gleeful look to his dark-skinned
counterpart. "I have discovered what Yoda has been up to in the
Jinn/Kenobi matter."
"Oh?" The younger Jedi raised his brows. "About Qui-Gon and
Obi-Wan being involved?" Ki-Adi looked as if Mace had deflated
his favorite balloon and the dark Councilor grinned inside as
he casually picked up his drink. He *never* found out things
before Ki. He'd have to do something very nice for his Desrin.
"Yes, I'd heard about that."
"You have?" Ki-Adi asked in complete surprise. "But Saas-Li
only just told me."
"My padawan told me this morning," Mace said, trying not to
gloat. "It's quite obvious if you watch the pair of them.
Qui-Gon actually smiled at Obi-Wan this morning in the salle."
"You're joking," Adi Gallia gasped, her blue eyes narrowed.
"Qui-Gon doesn't know how to smile."
"I saw it with my own eyes," Mace assured his fellow Councilor
as he leaned forward. "Qui-Gon smiled. And Des said he laughed
as well."
"Laughed? Qui-Gon?" Adi gave him a long look before she turned
towards the door. A moment later, Qui-Gon appeared. He glanced
towards the masters' table and was surprised to find himself
the object of every pair of eyes there. His expression didn't
change, however, as he nodded briefly and went to retrieve a
tray of food. Adi turned back to Mace with a raised brow.
"I know it sounds preposterous but it happened. As far as I'm
concerned, the man is whipped."
"I suppose we should have seen it sooner." She sighed as she
sipped her hot chai. Then she smiled. "They are rather cute
together."
"How long do you think they have been involved?" Mace wondered
as he tapped his fingers on the table.
"Does it matter?" Ki-Adi replied. "They compliment each other
very well. And now we will not have to worry about talking them
into staying together as a team after Obi-Wan takes his
trials."
"True enough," Mace said with a smile as he picked up his data
pad.
"Do you think they will have a Bonding ceremony?" Adi asked as
she thoughtfully tapped her lower lip. "Perhaps I should start
thinking on a Bonding gift."
"Depends on how serious they are," Mace answered. "It may just
be a temporary fling for both of them."
The three masters glanced at each other and then at Qui-Gon,
weighing what they knew about the man and what they knew about
his padawan.
"Not likely," Adi said firmly.
"Quite doubtful," Ki-Adi agreed.
Mace grinned. "I don't think so either."
The trio was still beaming at Qui-Gon when the master arrived
at their table. He looked around at his oldest friends and
almost relocated to the nearest Initiate table.
"Mace, Adi, Ki," he said serenely as he settled across from
Mace and next to Master Gallia.
"Qui-Gon," they replied as one and then stared at him
expectantly. Qui-Gon looked back at them with a sinking
feeling.
"Is there something you need?" he finally asked.
"Yes, actually, Qui-Gon," Adi said as she placed her chin in
her hand and gave her yearmate a steady look. "We were just
wondering when the ceremony would be."
"Ceremony?" Qui-Gon looked a bit puzzled. The only ceremony he
knew of was the one for Obi-Wan's Knighting. And that was years
away. "I suppose after Obi-Wan passes his Trials."
Ki-Adi nodded with an approving look. "I must say you are very
wise to wait."
"Oh, Qui-Gon! I'm very happy for you!" Adi beamed as she
touched his arm gently. "Obi-Wan is such a wonderful person.
I'm glad you finally let yourself see it."
"Of course, I see it." Master Jinn gave her a surprised look.
"Obi-Wan will be a great Jedi Knight and an asset to the Order.
Since I took him as a padawan I have never doubted that."
"You'll make an exceptional team," she replied with a serene
nod before she stood and picked up her tray. "I expect an
invitation, of course."
"Of course," Qui-Gon replied faintly as he watched her walk
away. Invitation? Of course, she'd be there. She was on the
Council. Then the first part of her statement sunk in. He
turned to Mace and Ki-Adi. "The Council has decided to team
Obi-Wan and I after he is Knighted?"
"Of course, Qui-Gon," Ki said, his soft tones just as pleased
as Adi's had been. "We would never consider otherwise."
"Of course not," Mace reintegrated. "Though I still can't
believe you didn't tell me," he finished in a slightly hurt
tone.
Qui-Gon stared at his friends. Mace had the biggest grin on his
face while Ki-Adi had that smug look that so irritated Qui-Gon.
The Jedi Master wanted to ask...he knew he should ask
for further enlightenment. But whenever Ki and Mace looked at
him like that he just knew Yoda was involved somewhere
along the way and Qui-Gon didn't want to go there. At all. This
was exactly why he stayed off-planet so much.
Instead of asking what the Force they were talking about, he
picked up his fork. Lunch then meditation. And if he was lucky,
a mission might be coming his way soon. The Force only knew
what Yoda was up to and Qui-Gon thought being off-planet would
be a wonderful idea. Perhaps a quiet mission to the Outer Rim.
When Obi-Wan finally made it back to his quarters that
afternoon, he was relieved to find that his master was not
there. With a sharp sigh, he moved to the great windows that
allowed the late afternoon light into the room. Obi-Wan was
grateful Qui-Gon wasn't here to see him so off-center.
What under the sun was Desrin thinking of to say that he,
Obi-Wan, was involved with Qui-Gon in anything other than a
master/padawan relationship? Why would he think that? He could
hear his friend's words as clearly as if Des was right there
speaking.
*"Obi-Wan needs to take a long hard look at his feelings for
his master, I think."*
Obi-Wan dropped to his knees and tried to still his mind for
meditation. He needed to think, to understand why his friends
had assumed he was involved in a romantic relationship with
Qui-Gon.
Certainly, the man was a wonderful master, the epitome of a
Jedi, in his student's completely unbiased opinion. Obi-Wan
couldn't ask for a better teacher or a better friend for that
matter. He could tell Qui-Gon anything and his master would
listen quietly, offering advice if needed.
His friends had often commented that Qui-Gon was too serene,
too emotionless and they worried that steady serious Obi-Wan
might be following in those footsteps. The padawan merely shook
his head. He knew his master's expressions better than he knew
his own and Qui-Gon was far from the serene Jedi Master most
saw on the surface.
The padawan forced himself to breathe slowly, evenly as he
pushed himself deeper into his own thoughts. What had Desrin
and Bant seen that morning in the salle?
He and Qui-Gon had finally achieved a complete run though of
the Dragon's Breath, a very complex and demanding kata. Obi-Wan
had been so thrilled to finish it that Qui-Gon's praise on top
of that completion had made his entire week. His master rarely
gave praise but then it meant so much more. Then, when Qui-Gon
had laughed at the silly little joke Obi-Wan had told him, the
padawan knew just how very pleased his master was with the
kata. Even now, in the midst of his growing calm, Obi-Wan felt
the glow of his master's praise.
Desrin's words suddenly echoed through his meditation and the
padawan stiffened as he felt the truth winding through his
friend's observations.
*"I'm sure its completely normal that you walk so close to your
master that your shadows blend into one silhouette."*
Of course, he walked close to Qui-Gon! He was the man's
padawan, for sun's sake! What did Des expect?
*"I'm sure I didn't see you and Master Jinn sharing a long,
oblivious look this afternoon in the salle before Qui-Gon went
off to do whatever it is that masters do when we're not
watching."*
As to the long, oblivious look, well Obi-Wan couldn't help it
if his master was so very easy on the eyes, so very easy on the
soul. Obi-Wan had caught Desrin mooning after Master Mace a
number of times but had never teased him about his feelings for
his master. And *why* would that comparison come to mind?
Everyone knew Des had a major crush on Mace. Everyone except
Mace, of course.
*"...and I'm sure Master Jinn always laughs out
loud...in public...when his padawan whispers in his ear."*
He hadn't whispered in Qui-Gon's ear at all! He'd saved
that joke especially for his master and wanted to be sure
Qui-Gon heard it. That was all! But that didn't mean
that Obi-Wan had a crush on Qui-Gon, his master, his friend,
his teacher, his confidant. No, he certainly did not have a
crush on Qui-Gon. His feelings ran much deeper than that...
Obi-Wan's eyes popped open as that revelation washed over him
like a tidal wave.
Of course, Qui-Gon Jinn chose that exact moment to return home.
Master Jinn had had a trying day. After lunch, much to his
dismay, he had found that there were no urgent missions he and
his padawan could be sent on. What's more, he and Obi-Wan were
to be posted to the temple for at least a month courtesy of
Yoda's intervention. While it was nice to be able to spend some
time with his friends and catch up on his mail, Qui-Gon
definitely had no desire to spend a month in the same Temple
where Yoda was conspiring.
However, the Master Jedi released his anxieties into the Force
and made his weary way back to his apartment. Perhaps Obi-Wan
would be there and they could spend some time going over the
day's lessons. Qui-Gon was always easier when his padawan was
present. Somehow, between them, they would contrive a way to
stay out of his former master's path until they could vacate
the planet.
As Qui-Gon approached their apartments, he could indeed feel
his padawan's presence. With an absent smile, he keyed open
their door and was almost submerged by a wave of surprise and
amazement, followed by streams of flat out panic suddenly
crashing down the training bond he shared with his student.
"Obi-Wan!" the master called out as he moved into the room, his
eyes seeking out his apprentice instinctively.
"Master!" came his padawan's strangled reply. Qui-Gon was
beside him in a moment, leaning down to take his shoulders in a
firm grip.
"Obi-Wan, what is it?" the elder Jedi asked firmly as he
radiated calm into his student.
"I-I-I..." the young man stammered as he stared up at his
master, his eyes wide as though he'd never seen the man before.
"Calm down, padawan," the master said, looking straight into
his student's eyes. "Tell me." He laced his words with a hint
of the Force to keep Obi-Wan's attention. "What is wrong?"
"Bant! And Desrin!" the apprentice stuttered. "Afternoon. In
the garden. Talking to me. Wanted to know why I hadn't told
them."
No pronouns. This was bad. "Told them what?"
"My question exactly!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, his green eyes a bit
wild. "Didn't know what the Force they were talking about. Told
them that! They kept going on and on. Told them it wasn't true!
Told them they were crazy."
"What were they talking about, padawan?" Qui-Gon asked using
his Master voice. For some reason, he was getting an antsy
feeling. Obi-Wan looked up at him and the padawan's mouth
suddenly snapped shut. Qui-Gon started to get streams of panic
again. "Obi-Wan?"
"Master," the younger man began as he took a deep breath. His
eyes dropped to his hands, which were curled together in his
lap. "I don't know why they thought this. But..." the padawan
took another deep breath. "They thought we were involved."
Qui-Gon gave his student a long look. "We are involved,
Obi-Wan."
"As in romantically involved, Master," the padawan clarified
with a shaking tone.
"Oh," the Jedi master said calmly. Then his eyes widened as
this afternoon's lunch conversation clicked into place. "OH!"
He sat down hard on the floor and started chuckling, then
laughing outright. His fellow masters were in for something of
a shock when they started showing up with the Bonding gifts.
The master Jedi was so caught up in his humorous vision that he
completely missed his padawan's expression of hurt that was
quickly smoothed away.
"I'm glad you find it amusing, Master. I was worried you might
be upset," he said quietly.
Qui-Gon slowly stifled his laughter and shook his head. "Not at
all, my Obi-Wan. I didn't understand why Master Adi asked me
when the ceremony would be. I thought she meant your Knighting
ceremony but now I know she meant a bonding ceremony." The
master chuckled again. He reached out and cupped Obi-Wan's
cheek in his large hand. "Not to worry, my padawan," he said.
"Your old master won't be dragging you to the bonding alter
anytime soon."
Obi-Wan looked at his master, his eyes dark and serious as he
reached up to touch the back of Qui-Gon's hand. "You're not
old, master," he said firmly.
"Old enough, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon pointed out. "Old enough for
that rumor to be considered laughable."
"Why?"
"I'm old enough to be your father, Obi-Wan," the master said.
"Old enough to be your grandfather, if I had started early."
Obi-Wan crossed his arms stubbornly. "Qui-Gon, Yoda is
old enough to be my ancestor but people still have to jump to
keep out of the way of that gimer stick of his."
Qui-Gon looked at his padawan. "What are you saying, Obi-Wan?"
"Setting aside your habitual excuse of age, why else would that
rumor be laughable?"
"Because I never considered that you would be interested in
pursuing a romantic relationship with me, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon
said, his eyes intent. "Would you?"
In answer, Obi-Wan slowly leaned forward and placed a soft,
tentative kiss on Qui-Gon's mouth. His master inhaled in
surprise and Obi-Wan smiled against the man's lips. A moment
later, the padawan's fingertips caressed the master's chin as
the younger man took a longer kiss, gently exploring Qui-Gon's
lips, sucking gently on first the upper and then the lower lip
with tender patience. Hesitantly, he touched Qui-Gon's mouth
with his tongue, asking for entrance which his teacher
willingly gave. The older man allowed the kiss to deepen as
their tongues slowly explored and savored each other.
Finally, Obi-Wan gently pulled away, already wanting more
kisses from but needing reassurance that this was what Qui-Gon
also desired. His master was looking at him with an expression
of stunned amazement.
"Does that answer your question, Master?" Obi-Wan asked softly
as he caressed his master's cheek again.
"How long have you known you wanted this?" Qui-Gon asked, his
voice a bit rough.
"The feelings have been growing for a long time, Master. But I
have only realized since this afternoon," the younger man
answer with a quirky smile. "My meditations were most
revealing."
Master Jinn gave his padawan a narrow glare before he cleared
his throat. "And that revelation was what caused the panic you
were indulging in when I arrived?" he asked in a flat tone.
Obi-Wan's lips twitched. "Yes, Master."
"You were panicking?" Offended dignity was oozing off the
master.
"I didn't think you would want another entanglement with me,
Qui-Gon," the padawan explained slowly, his eyes shadowed. "We
work together, eat together, face down the Council together on
a regular basis. You're already my Master, my teacher, my best
friend. Would you want to add lover to that as well?"
Qui-Gon searched his student's face intently before he reached
out and touched his padawan's chin. "I would like to try, my
Obi-Wan."
A tremulous smile spread across Obi-Wan's face. "There is no
try, my master..."
Qui-Gon chuckled. "Only do or do not."
"I think we should do," Obi-Wan noted, his eyes glinting as he
scooted closer. "As a matter of fact, I think we should *do*
each other." Then he leaned up to kiss his master deeply as he
pressed his hands into his master's robes, pushing the dark
brown garment down Qui-Gon's arms.
Qui-Gon choked. He would never hear his master say that phrase
again without blushing. He reached out to take his padawan's
hands in a firm grip.
"Obi-Wan, I think we should start this slowly," he said in a
shaking tone.
Deprived of his hands, the apprentice leaned over and nibbled
Qui-Gon's neck. "So do I, master." Nibble. "Very slowly." Lick.
"Taking our sweet time." His lips moved up to gently suck on an
earlobe. Qui-Gon's breathing deepened. "Why we could be
here...All. Night. Long," Obi-Wan breathed into his master's
ear.
"Padawan, this is not something we should just jump into," the
Jedi Master tried again as he dropped Obi-Wan's hands and
pulled his apprentice closer. His hands were almost as busy as
Obi-Wan's.
"No, indeed master," his student agreed as he passed his hands
over smooth, warm skin. His master's breath hitched. "Jumping
each other comes after saber practice. When we're all riled
up."
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon suddenly said, his voice in the tone of
command that brought instant stillness to his student. Almost
guiltily, Obi-Wan glanced up into Qui-Gon's blue eyes.
"Yes, Master?"
"Are you certain this is what you want?"
Obi-Wan slowly released the breath he was holding. "Yes
master," he replied. "Are you?"
Qui-Gon gave his padawan a thoughtful look. "What were the
choices again? Do or do not or do each other?"
The Pounce was mutual.
The next morning Qui-Gon Jinn entered the dining hall with his
apprentice at his side. Eyes across the dining hall watched
carefully but neither master nor apprentice acted any
differently than before. With a pleasant nod, Master Jinn sent
his apprentice off to join the padawan table. He Master Jinn's
lips twitched ever so slightly as he turned towards the
master's table, well perhaps the his allergies were acting up.
Obi-Wan fetched his tray of food and headed nonchalantly
towards his favorite spot at the padawan table. Truth to tell
he was a bit sore this morning and probably would have soaked
in the tub for a bit if the morning's activities weren't
guaranteed to be so entertaining.
With a greeting for his friends, Obi-Wan sat down beside Desrin
and sent a smile across the table to Bant.
"Good morning, Obi-Wan," she said, as she looked him over
carefully. He merely gave her a smile and began eating his
breakfast. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Fine, thank you Bant," Obi-Wan replied. He glanced up at her.
"And you?"
Bant exchanged a look with Desrin before she nodded her head
slowly. "Just fine, thanks."
Obi-Wan nodded and returned to his breakfast while Desrin
propped his chin on his hand and stared at his friend. "You're
not going to tell us, are you?" he asked after a short time in
which usually his golden-eyed stare would prompt a confession.
The older padawan looked up guilelessly.
"Tell you what?"
Desrin cursed under his breath and turned back to his food. He
hated when Obi-Wan did guileless.
"I do have something to share though," Obi-Wan continued
with a growing grin. "Master told me the most amazing thing
this morning."
Bant and Desrin, along with the surrounding padawans at the
table paid attention. If Master Jinn said something, it was
guaranteed to be completely true.
"Did you know that Master Yoda once had a major crush on Master
Yaddle?" Obi-Wan asked, his green eyes bright with mischief.
"Master says he never quite got over it."
A sudden silence descended on the padawan table before the
whole group turned and stared at the ancient master in
question. The little Jedi immediately noticed their stares and
suddenly had a Force vision that made him choke on the muffin
he was currently stuffing in his mouth. Master Mace hurried to
slap him on the back. Muffin went flying.
The little Jedi coughed and choked but pushed aside further
assistance as turned to glare at Qui-Gon. "Alone you will leave
me!" he snapped. "Helpless I am not!" Then he jumped to
the floor and stamped from the room in a display of temper that
no one living in the Temple had ever seen. Except for his
padawans. Two of which turned to the third, who was quietly
chewing on a piece of red fruit.
"What was that about, Qui-Gon?" Mace asked in confusion. "Did I
miss something?"
Ki-Adi gave the younger master a long look. "You are the only
one who has ever inspired such a display in him," the Cerean
noted calmly.
Master Jinn merely smiled serenely and finished chewing his
fruit. "Let us just say I expect to be assigned a mission off
world before the day is over."
END
Something To Talk About
Bonnie Raitt
verse 1
People are talkin, talking 'bout people
I hear them whisper, you won't believe it
They think we're lovers kept under covers
I just ignore it, but they keep saying
We laugh just a little too loud
We stand just a little too close
We stare just a little too long
Maybe they're seeing, something we don't, Darlin'
chorus
Let's give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love?
verse 2
I feel so foolish, I never noticed
You'd act so nervous, could you be falling for me?
It took a rumor to make me wonder
Now I'm convinced I'm going under
Thinking 'bout you every day
Dreaming 'bout you every night
Hoping that you feel the same way
Now that we know it, let's really show it, Darlin'
chorus
bridge
Let's give them something to talk about
A little mystery to figure out
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love, love, love, love?
chorus
Let's give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love, love, love, love?
chorus
Archive