Master Apprentice Archive Together Apart Quick search:

Category: Hurt, Angst

Pairing: Q/O

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: None

Disclaimer: Not. Mine.

Summary: Distance makes the heart lament.

"Obi-wan?"

"Come in." Obi-wan called in frustration, nearly asleep in his bed. The last thing he heard was the door handle turning before he closed his eyes and rolled onto his side.

"Where am I, padawan?"

Obi-wan's eyes popped open. "I beg your pardon, Master?"

"Where am I?" Qui-Gon repeated patiently from his apprentice's doorway.

Oh force, he's gone crazy at last, Obi-wan thought as he sat up in irritation, wearily rubbing his tired eyes. "Master, I think you need to rest."

"I am rested, Padawan."

"I need to rest." Obi-wan glared at him through bleary eyes.

"Ah." His master's eyes twinkled. "Well answer my question and I will leave you to your relaxation immediately."

Leave it to my master to ask the enigmatic questions just as I'm trying to take a nap, Obi-wan groaned inwardly, lying upright against his pillows. "What was it?" He snapped rudely.

"Where am I, padawan." Qui-gon said smoothly, seemingly oblivious to his padawan's attitude.

Obi-wan's eyes narrowed in confusion as he tried unsuccessfully to make sense of what his master was asking him. The wisdom of it was lost on him. What kind of a question was that? Where was he? He was in Coruscant. He was in his padawan's quarters annoying the force out of him... no that couldn't be it, he was thinking too simply-

"Sometimes the answers to the unfathomable may lie in simplicity, padawan. Not everything has to be complex." Qui-gon explained gently. "All I want to know is where I am."

"You're...err..." Obi-wan stammered. "You're...you're......there." He gestured to where his master was standing.There. You couldn't get any simpler than that.

"And where are you?" Qui-gon asked quietly, all traces of humour leaving him.

Obi-wan frowned in bewilderment at the waves of hurt suddenly emanating from his master before something finally clicked, and understanding dawned on him with hateful force. His heart bled with guilt as he opened his mouth and closed it again, unable to speak.

"I'm......here." He whispered, tearing his gaze from his Qui-gon's face, suddenly unable to face him. Oh master, I'm sorry...

His master smiled sadly. "Goodnight, Obi-wan."

He closed the door behind him gently.

Obi-wan's eyes burned.

End.