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What Happened Next: Further Developments

by Susan Anthony (LdyGossamer@aol.com)

Pairing: Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Owen/Khamier

Archive: Master_Apprentice and anyone else just ask

Category: AU, Romance, Slight Angst, Humor

Rating: mild NC17

Series: Obi-Wan Kenobi: Jedi Action Hero - An AU spawned from Terri Hamill's most excellent Wheel of If, Episode 15

Spoilers: None unless you read Lukas H'ammil's brilliant (if I do say so myself) Obi-Wan Kenobi: Jedi Action Hero series.

Summary: The adventures of Chancellor Jinn and Benjamin Lars continue after the story "What Happened Next" ended....

Feedback: Very welcome.

Notes: This is dedicated to my phenomenal beta reader, Maig. Thank you for your help, suggestions and vast patience as Benjamin tries to figure things out. Qui-Gon, of course, knew what was what all along.

More Notes: Thank you thank you Terri for your wonderful Wheel of If series and giving me permission to play!

Even More Notes: The dates listed here are so I can keep track of when everyone is. It goes Year.Month.Date. The dates are from the Coruscant Calendar.

Warnings: M/M relationship. Another M/M relationship. If you haven't read the Wheel of If series, especially Wheel of If, Episode 15 and its sequel, "What Happens Next", you might want to before reading this or you'll be completely lost. Well, maybe not completely lost but you might miss some of the jokes.

Disclaimer: The boys belong to George and the initial AU plot inspiration belongs to Terry. I don't know who owns Khamier, if anyone. Knight Lars is mine and I think I'll keep him.

Vermani Territory, planet Callis
24968.05.13, late evening

Knight Owen Lars settled before the comm unit in his huge suite with a determined expression. He expertly made connections that would reroute the call so many times that anyone trying to track it would be driven into the Force with frustration. He didn't want anyone else picking up this conversation.

Finally, after several minutes, Owen connected to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. He requested an immediate link to the Assignments Master. The receptionist checked his file and then glanced up at him.

"I'm sorry, Knight Lars, but Master Iyolin is not available. However, there is a note here that indicates any calls from you should be transferred directly to the Council, should they be in session. Hold one moment please."

Owen had no chance to speak before the screen was filled with the blue and white signal of the Temple and soft soothing Alderaanian wind chimes began to play. He blinked once before he sat back. Now why would the Council wish to speak with him?

He had originally thought he'd been assigned to the Chancellor's educational tour as a way to wind down from a string of several high-stress, hazardous missions. Not that Owen considered serving Chancellor Jinn in any way stress-relieving but at least he wasn't being blown up, shot at, attacked or bored to death over the negotiation table. He had been surprised, however, that Jinn had not once called upon his service during the tour. The Chancellor was not one to deny himself the pleasures of the body but for all Owen could tell, the man hadn't indulged himself even once during the tour.

Then when Chancellor Jinn just 'happened' to stumble onto Owen's brother during the course of the final stop on Callis, Owen had reevaluated the reasons why he had been given this assignment. It had been an eye-opening experience for the Knight to watch the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic become enthralled - yes, that was the word he had to use - absolutely enthralled with Benjamin Lars. Owen's brother.

How convenient that Owen had been on the mission to facilitate these developments.

The Jedi rubbed his eyes thoughtfully. Looking at this mission with hindsight, as foolish as it sounded to him, Owen would have to say the whole educational tour was staged for the specific purpose of introducing Qui-Gon Jinn to Benjamin Lars. Now why would Qui-Gon Jinn, the most powerful man in the Republic, go through all this trouble just to meet Benjamin? And why would the Jedi Council go along with that? Since Owen had been recalled from his current mission to be reassigned to this tour, he had to believe that the Council was aware of more than they had shared with him.

Big surprise.

Before he could examine his thoughts any further, the screen lit with the receptionist's face.

"Just a moment more, Knight Lars, I'm transferring you now."

Owen sighed as he pushed back the chair he sat in and stood. Absently, he straightened his robes and ran his fingers through his hair. He hated speaking before the Council. His master used to make him address the Council for their team as an exercise because she knew how much he hated it. Owen grimaced at the memory and then smoothed the expression off his face as the screen lit with a view of the Council Chambers. Before him were the images of Masters Yoda, Ki-Adi-Mundi and his own Master Yinyan. Beyond them, he knew the rest of the Councilors hovered.

The Knight bowed. "Masters."

"News have you for us, Knight Lars?" Yoda asked with an almost smug expression. Owen blinked, his mind scrambling for what news he could have that would be important to the Council. Yoda must have sensed something of his confusion as he continued. "Concerning Chancellor Jinn and Benjamin Lars?"

Owen stared for a moment and then reached for his center. Dammit, why the Sith hells would the Jedi Council know about Ben? "Masters, I'm not sure what you would like to know." His tone was puzzled.

"Report on the situation, you should, " Yoda prompted almost impatiently, except that Yoda was never impatient.

"Chancellor Jinn completed his Educational Tour successfully and has decided to take some leisure time here on Callis," Owen reported dutifully.

"What of Benjamin Lars?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked softly.

"My brother is doing well, thank you for asking."

A loud sigh came from Master Yinyan. "Do not be so stubborn, Padawan," she said in a strict tone. "We wish to know how their relationship is progressing."

Owen struggled to maintain his serene expression. "Master, of what possible interest could my brother's relationship with Jinn be to the Jedi Council?" he asked suspiciously.

"We would not be asking without reason," the woman responded with an edge of censure.

"Important it is, Knight Lars," Yoda said as he tapped his gimer stick on the Council room floor. "Important to the Jedi is this union! Important to the Republic! Seen this I have." The Jedi Master considered Owen thoughtfully. "Perhaps seen this you have as well, hummm?"

Owen didn't reply as he shoved his hands into the voluminous brown sleeves of his robe. He had indeed seen images in his meditations that indicated a deeper relationship developing between his brother and Qui-Gon Jinn and Owen didn't know quite how to feel about it. When Qui-Gon had first maneuvered Ben into his bed, Owen's greatest worry had been that Benjamin would become just another affair that Jinn would leave behind on his way back to Coruscant. He knew his brother would be devastated if that were the case. Benjamin's feelings for Qui-Gon were obvious to anyone who knew him well and Qui-Gon had encouraged the belief that he wanted more from Ben than just a leisure time affair.

Now it seemed that Qui-Gon did want a permanent relationship with Benjamin, Owen wasn't certain that would not be worse than a short-time affair. Jinn was the most important person in the Republic and surrounded at all times by bodyguards not to mention the aides, senators and sycophants whirling in his orbit. Would Benjamin - private, solitary Benjamin - be happy in such a life?

"There is much at stake here, Owen," Yinyan said firmly, pulling her padawan's attention back to the Council, "a fact I think you are very well aware of though you would prefer not to think on it."

Owen stifled his sigh. His master knew him all too well.

"From what I can tell their relationship is serious." Owen glanced from Councilor to Councilor. "Other than the time Ben spends at school, Jinn and my brother are constantly together. Actually, this brings me to request a reassignment when Chancellor Jinn leaves the Callis system. I wish to remain behind when the Chancellor returns to Coruscant. With the guards he has with him, he hardly needs me."

"Accompany the Chancellor back to Coruscant, Benjamin will not?" Yoda asked, his eyes widening slightly.

"Chancellor Jinn has asked Ben to come to Coruscant and my brother has agreed." Owen replied. "However, Ben wishes to stay here and finish teaching his classes. Qui-Gon is planning to stay with Ben until then but will find he must return to Coruscant sooner than expected." The Knight looked directly at Yoda. "I wish to stay with Benjamin until he arrives at Coruscant."

"Have you Seen something, Owen?" Yinyan asked, her dark eyes watching her beloved padawan.

"Vague possibilities, my Master," the Knight replied. "The main vision continues to elude me but I feel strongly I should remain to protect my brother. Jinn's constant attentions over the past weeks will draw other attention as well."

"Could not the Chancellor provide security for the boy?" Ki-Adi-Mundi speculated.

"I feel that would only make the danger greater, Master," Owen said firmly. "Leaving behind his own guards would make Ben's importance to Jinn a certainty. While if I stay behind, it could be just a continuation of a family visit."

"And is he important to the Chancellor?" Yinyan asked.

The Knight hesitated for a long moment, considering his brother and Qui-Gon Jinn.

"Yes, my master," Owen finally said. "From what I have seen between them and from what I have Seen in the Force, I would have to say my brother is fast becoming the most important thing in the Chancellor's life. And the same thing could be said for Benjamin in regards to Jinn." The Knight glanced at his former Master, his mouth opening for a brief moment before he closed it again. Yinyan narrowed her eyes.

"What else, padawan?" she asked.

"Master, I...don't understand how this could be but I feel there is a bond developing between Qui-Gon Jinn and my brother."

"A bond?" Owen could hear the word echoed from Jedi to Jedi within the Council Chamber. "Between the Chancellor and Benjamin Lars?"

"What kind of bond, Knight Lars?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked.

"I can't quite pin it down, Master," Owen replied reluctantly. "I have seen nothing like it before. It seems to be forming completely on its own between them."

"Not entirely unexpected this is considering the circumstances," Yoda said thoughtfully as he turned to his fellow Councilors. The others were silent for a few moments as they mentally discussed Owen's words. Finally, the oldest Councilor speared Owen with a long look.

"Stay you will, Knight Lars," Yoda said. "Accompany Benjamin back to Coruscant. Keep watch on this bond. Any trouble with their separation must be attended to at once."

Owen let out a slow breath. "Thank you, master," he said with a bow.

"Keep us apprised of your whereabouts, my padawan," Yinyan said with a half-smile. "Let us know when you leave for Coruscant."

Owen bowed to his master. "I will."

"One thing more, Knight Lars," Yoda interjected to the surprise of the other Councilors.

"Yes Master?" Owen asked apprehensively.

"Instruct your brother that break with Chancellor Quinn, Obi-Wan should not." The little Jedi stamped his stick as he looked intently at the Knight. "Seen this I have."

Owen wasn't quite sure how to take that instruction so he merely bowed. "I will tell him, master."

The Jedi Master leaned back in his chair with a "Humph" as the other Councilors warily glanced at each other.

The screen went blank and Owen dropped back into his seat. Diligently, the Knight passed into the Force the exceedingly strong desire to beat his head against the communications console. Why, of all the people in the galaxy, did the Council have to stick their collective noses into Benjamin's, and thus his own, business? And what in the Force did Yoda have to do with all of this?

"Important it is, Knight Lars," Owen said in a sarcastic dead-on imitation of Yoda. "'Important to the Jedi is this union! Important to the Republic! Seen this I have. Perhaps seen this you have as well, hummm?'" The Jedi Knight growled under his breath as he rubbed his forehead briefly. "Dammit, its a good thing you can't see me right now, you little troll. Why do you always have to be right?"

"When 900 years old you are, right you will always be," an amused tone said from behind him. By the time the words were finished, Owen was on his feet with saber, unlit, in his hands.

Leaning idly on the door frame, Commander Khamier Sarin smirked at him.

Owen narrowed his eyes. "That door was locked, Commander Sarin," he said flatly as he reattached his saber to his belt.

Khamier raised his brows. "And?"

"That usually indicates a desire for privacy."

"Or an indication that something is going on that I should know about," the bodyguard pointed out as he stalked towards the Jedi. "That was a very enlightening conversation."

Owen crossed his arms into his sleeves as he tamped down on the frustration and anger that spiked with the zabrak's words. He met Khamier's golden eyes with a direct glare. "I'm sure it was nothing you weren't already aware of, Commander Sarin," the Knight said with an admirable try at serenity. "I seem to be the only uninformed one on this tour."

The Commander walked up to Owen and the Knight stomped down hard on the impulse to back up. Though he was slightly taller than Khamier, Owen felt the man's presence like a physical thing.

"How did you know that the Chancellor might be leaving sooner than planned?" the zabrak asked flatly, his eyes hard. Owen raised his brows, as if the question was rather stupid.

"I Saw it," the Jedi replied simply.

"It isn't definite yet," Khamier pointed out.

"Two days," Owen replied with no expression.

The commander glared at the taller man, his lips thin. Mentally, however, he was already making plans for the Chancellor to leave in two days time. As much as he hated to admit it, Knight Lars' file indicated quite strongly his talent with what the Jedi referred to as Prescience. Khamier merely thought of it as irritating.

"What is the Jedi Council's interest in this matter, Knight Lars?" Commander Sarin continued in his low, deadly tone.

"I have no doubt you heard the whole conversation, Commander," Owen replied in a steady voice. "You know as much as I. Probably more."

Khamier held the Knight's dark eyes as he considered Owen's words. "What have you Seen concerning Chancellor Jinn?"

"Only that he will be leaving soon." Owen's eyes narrowed for a moment before the expression smoothed out. "I have Seen nothing that would threaten Qui-Gon Jinn, Commander. If I had, be assured I would let you know immediately."

"And Benjamin Lars?"

"Chancellor Jinn is your concern, Commander," the Jedi replied in a hard tone. "Benjamin Lars is mine."

"Chancellor Jinn would disagree with you," Khamier said as he stepped closer, his eyes gleaming. He tilted his head slightly, as if listening to something faint. "And what of the bond?"

Owen's jaw clinched slightly. He had hoped that Khamier hadn't noted that. Of course, he would. "What of it?"

"What will it do to them?" the Commander asked flatly.

The Knight dropped his hands to his sides. "Honestly, I do not know." He held up his hand at Khamier's protest. "I can't tell what kind of bond it is. As neither is trained to use the Force, I don't understand how it could be happening in the first place."

Khamier let out a frustrated breath. "Is it dangerous?"

"Define dangerous."

"Jedi..." Khamier growled impatiently.

"Commander, I told you, I don't know what kind of bond it is."

The bodyguard growled something under his breath before he pinned Owen with a golden glare. "You will inform me the moment you have any information on this bond," he instructed Owen, who merely raised his brows slightly.

"If I deem it necessary."

There was only an angry flicker of gold eyes to warn the Jedi before he found himself slammed against the wall.

"Whatever information I asked for is necessary, Jedi, or I wouldn't ask for it!" the bodyguard hissed before he took a hard unexpected kiss. "And it's not polite to talk back to your elders. Didn't your master ever teach you that?"

Khamier took another kiss as his hands burrowed into the Jedi's robes looking for warm skin. Owen allowed his exploration for a few moments, enjoying the fierce kiss while exploring a bit on his own. The Knight found Khamier to taste as vividly sweet as he had imagined on the long trip to Callis.

Then his hands found the bodyguard's upper arms and pushed him back just enough to met the zabrak's gaze. Khamier's eyes were a savage, luminous gold that made the hairs on the back of Owen's neck stand up along with various parts of his anatomy. The smile that curved the Knight's lips had absolutely nothing to do with serenity.

"My master taught me many things, Khamier Sarin," the Knight said in a low tone. "The least of which was how to handle overly aggressive bodyguards."

A moment later, Khamier found himself slammed against the wall and pinned there by the Jedi Knight. Owen fastened his mouth to Khamier's and tasted, his tongue lunging in and around the commander's as his hands freely roamed the zabrak's body. His fingers roughly caressed the smooth skin of Sarin's chest as he undid the fastenings on the commander's tunic and pushed the cloth aside.

Khamier was stunned by the sudden aggressiveness and almost overwhelming passion that was consuming him in the form of Owen Lars. Then his hands were also searching for warm flesh as small sounds of amazement worked their way past his lips and into Owen's mouth.

Those sounds only increased Owen's arousal as his lips trailed down the zabrak's neck. His unexpectedly intense desire for Khamier spiraled too quickly for even his iron control to handle, something that had never happened before. But Khamier's taste in his mouth and the feel of him against Owen's hands brought out something wild and previously unknown in the Jedi, something he wasn't sure he could handle.

The Knight bit down hard on Khamier's throat as the guard's hands fisted in the taller man's loose tunic before they pulled even harder, searching, burrowing to the warmth of the Jedi's chest. The sudden contact of Khamier's hands gliding over hardened nipples pushed Owen past a certain level he normally would never have considered approaching outside the safety of the Temple. Pulling on the Force and shaping it within himself, Owen then funneled the power through his fingertips and directly into Khamier's body.

"GODS!" Khamier arched wildly against the Jedi and Owen pulled him even closer, grinding their groins together as the power he had called raced back and forth between them.

"YES!" Right here. Right now. Owen was going to take Khamier hearing the fierce sound of his name on the zabrak's lips as he screamed out his pleasure. Nothing and no one had ever effected him like this and, by the Force, he was not going to let it go!

The shrill scream of a comm unit went unnoticed as Owen ran his fingers down the covered length of Khamier's erection causing the zabrak to cry out. The insistent beeping, however, eventually worked its way over the sounds of passion produced by the two men.

"Ignore it!" Owen commanded between heavy gasps.

"I can't!" the bodyguard replied between heaving breaths, not yet releasing his tight grip on Owen's tunic.

"Destroy it!" the Jedi said unforgivingly as he nipped Khamier's throat.

"They'd give me another one," the zabrak hissed.

"Damn it!" Owen snapped as he pressed Khamier against the wall, his head on the zabrak's shoulder as he reached for control.

"Yesss!"

Slowly, the Jedi Knight pushed away and retreated to the other side of the small room. Khamier watched as the Knight pulled up his hood and glared at him from its shadows. A few moments more and the bodyguard had sufficiently controlled his breathing that he felt he could answer the call.

"Sarin," he snapped out as he returned the hot gaze across the room.

"That took long enough," the Chancellor's voice echoed across the room.

"Sorry, Sir," Khamier said, not sounding in the least bit apologetic. "How can I be of service?"

The voice on the comm hesitated for a moment before it continued. "I need information, Khamier," Jinn said firmly. "Whatever you can find on any dealings, legal or otherwise, between the Trade Federation and anyone in the Senate."

The Commander growled under his breath. "That's a lot of information to cover, Chancellor. How soon?"

"As soon as possible," Qui-Gon replied flatly. "You are aware of the situation growing in the Senate. You know what to look for."

"Yes, sir," Khamier said with an absent nod. "Sarin out."

Khamier snapped off the comm unit and attached it to his belt as his eyes bored into Owen's. His entire body was still tingling madly from whatever the Jedi had done to him. All he wanted was to burrow back into those layers of robes and find that hot smooth skin again. The Commander took a step towards the Jedi.

"I suggest you attend the Chancellor's request," Knight Lars said, his voice now smoothly controlled. Khamier's golden eyes narrowed.

"Do you?" he asked in the low tone.

Owen didn't acknowledge the question. "I...apologize for letting this get out of hand, Commander. I should never have allowed things to go so far."

"Allowed?" Khamier crossed his arms. He was seriously trying to contain his temper. Was the Jedi completely unaffected by this encounter? "Why did you, then?"

Knight Lars offered no reply. He only shifted slightly from one foot the to other and then was still. Commander Sarin watched him thoughtfully before his lips curved and his eyes darkened again.

"I see."

"I doubt it."

The bodyguard snickered. "I'll leave you to your meditations then, Jedi," the zabrak said, his smug satisfaction evident. "I'm sure they will be quite...intense. Good evening." With that, Khamier left the small room, flashing a grin at the silent Jedi.

As soon as the door shut, Owen started cursing.

24968.05.14
The next afternoon

Benjamin Lars absently tapped his electric stylus on his desk as he waited for his students to complete their test. There was a reminiscent smile tugging on his lips as he stared into space. His students, seniors all and quite fond of their instructor, smirked at each other as they finished their tests and then passed them forward without being instructed to do so. The young man who received the papers gathered them up and moved to stand in front of his teacher's desk.

"Master Lars?" he said and Benjamin jerked his attention to the here and now. He looked up at the young man and the papers he held out.

"Thank you, Sulin," he said as he hastily took them from his smirking student.

The student gave his teacher a wide grin before he turned back to his desk. Ben sighed inwardly and told himself again to pay attention. He would be seeing Qui-Gon again in just a short time. He should be able to keep his thoughts straight for at least that long.

"All right, class. I expect that all of you did quite well on that exam but does anyone have any questions? We are approaching finals within the next two weeks and I'd like everyone to be ready."

A student near the back raised his hand. "I have a question, Master Lars," he said innocently as he stood. "It's not exactly about the test though."

"Go ahead, Kindri," Ben said with a smile and a nod. "Every question honors the teacher."

The other members of the class glanced at Kindri and then turned attentively to their instructor. They couldn't wait to hear the answer to this question.

"We'd like to know who your new intemi is," the young man said with a wide smile. His teacher looked confused.

"Intemi?"

"Yeah, you know," Kindri answered. "Intemi. Amori. Significant Other. Lover." He grinned as he pinned his teacher with a wide gaze. "Who's been keeping you up late at night, Master Lars?"

Benjamin's mouth dropped open as he stared in shock.

"I think we have a right to know, Master Lars," a young woman said from the front row. "I mean the whole school wants to know but at least you could tell us. We are your class you know."

The teacher turned wide eyes on her. "What do you mean the whole school wants to know, Lania?"

"Well, duh, Master!" Kindri answered for his classmate. "Most of the teachers and half the students in the school have wanted to snag you since the first day you started here. And now they want to know who finally got the bone."

"Who got the..." Ben choked out as his face flushed.

"So tell!" another girl demanded. "Is it someone we know?"

Benjamin closed his mouth for a moment and took a deep breath. "Why would anyone even think I had an...intemi?" he finally asked weakly. The class gave a collective snort.

"Come on, Master Lars!" Lania said as she waved off his words. "It's SO obvious! You've been walking around on Cloud City for the past two weeks. You have this little smile on your face that says SOMEone is keeping you happy."

"Very happy," another girl smirked.

"You wore the same outfit two days in a row earlier this week," Kindri chimed in with an evil chuckle. "Didn't you make it home?"

If possible, Benjamin blushed a deeper shade of red.

"AND we saw that black skimmer that dropped you off at school this morning," Sulin pointed out. "VERY posh transport, there, Master Lars."

"And then there's that absolute MONSTER of a hickey..."

The teacher yanked at his collar. "All right," he said hastily. Then he looked into the bright eyes of his students. "It really isn't any of your business," he said with an attempt at sternness.

"Of course it's our business!" Kindri said flatly. "You are our teacher and you should at least have the decency to tell us about your private life."

"That's why its called a 'private' life, Kin," the teacher responded. "Because its private."

"Awwww, come on, Master Lars!" he said, trying to look hurt. "We won't tell anyone else."

Benjamin laughed outright. "So are there any language related questions I can answer for my inquisitive class?" A delicate little blond girl hesitantly raised her hand. "Yes Kaly?" he asked gently.

"In what language does your intemi whisper sweet nothings into your ear?" she asked, looking up at him with a demure expression.

"Kaly!" came the exasperated reply as the class laughed. Ben rubbed his forehead again, fighting to keep the grin off his face. "All right! His original language is Istani, his current language is Basic standard and he can speak six other languages that I am aware of."

"So we have confirmation!" Lania laughed. "Master Hythor is going to be SO mad! Let's not tell him until after exams."

Ben's eyes bugged out. Master Hythor?!? That promiscuous old...

"Oh yeah, and Master Yorinthe as well," Kaly chimed in. "She had her eyes on Master Lars to join her trio, I swear!"

Benjamin Lars was in the midst of being majorly squicked. "That is quite enough, I don't want to hear anything else!" he growled, looking a bit pale.

Kindri smirked. "Not even about the luscious Master Wek?"

"No!" Groaning, Ben leaned against his desk and took a deep breath. "Can we now get back to matters academic?"

"I suppose..."

"Thank you, Kindri," Ben said sarcastically.

"Although my original question has yet to be answered," the young man pointed out. "What about that 'Every question honors the teacher' thing?"

"It's a very true statement, Kindri, I just didn't quote the whole thing. 'Every question honors the teacher but the teacher doesn't have to honor every question with an answer'."

"Awww, come on, Master Lars..."

"Master Lars?" The instructor and his class glanced up and found Head Administrator Pomit entering the room. "If I might have a moment of your time?"

"Administrator Pomit," Ben said respectfully as he stood. "Of course." He waved the administrator towards the doorway leading into his small office. After the older man walked past him, Ben shot his class a warning look. "Please begin the section on Jendarin tenses. Especially focus on the private tenses," he said pointedly.

Most of the students responded with a smirk. Ben rolled his eyes before he followed the Head Administrator into his little office and shut the door. He narrowed his eyes when he found Pomit had made himself at home behind Ben's desk. 'This is going to be one of those visits, is it?' Ben thought as he took hold of his temper with both hands and seated himself in the chair across from him.

"How can I help you, Master Pomit?" Ben asked politely. The man across from him smiled.

"I just received some information and thought I'd pass it along to you as soon as possible. The Directorate will not be renewing your contract for the coming year."

Benjamin just stared at the man. "What?" he asked faintly.

"As you know, becoming tenured at this school is a five year process," Pomit said casually. If at any time during those five years, the Directors feel they have an inferior teacher in the school, they can legally let that teacher go with no explanation." "Inferior teacher?" Ben asked softly, as his eyes narrowed to slits.

Pomit sighed. "Perhaps inferior is the wrong word. Your work is at least standard I would say. But no where near the exacting level of proficiency required for this school."

The younger man stared at the administrator, his eyes a hard, slate green. "In my two years at this school I have not had a single student fail and all have attained their goals and higher. Within my class here, I have seven students awarded scholarships, one of whom will be going to Coruscant to study at the main University. I have already received requests by parents for their students to be placed in my class in the coming term!" Benjamin forced his tone to remain steady as he felt his anger rise. "I attained my Master's level before I even came to this school! How can you possibly say I am an inferior teacher?"

"Master Lars," the administrator said flatly, making the title an insult. "I don't know how you managed to pass your Masters' exams but we both know you never would have been given a class at this school if your father hadn't intervened."

There was a lengthy moment of silence as Pomit waited for his words to sink in.

"What did you say?"

"Your father, Benjamin," the man said, his eyebrows raised ever so slightly. "He's good friends with Councilman Jitlath." The administrator made a tch tch sound. "I know your father will be so disappointed to hear that you have been denied tenure."

The younger man stared at the man seated so casually behind his own desk. He consciously had to stop himself from grinding his teeth. Finally, he stood and looked down at the older man.

"You must be mistaken, Master Pomit," Benjamin said in a flat tone. "I take nothing from my father. Everything I have, I earned myself." Pomit made as if to interrupt but Ben cut him off. "My father and I have not been on speaking terms for many years. If you think he would lower himself to help me into a job - an educator's position, no less - you are very wrong."

The administrator glared up at the teacher. "Then I have no idea how you would have attained a position at this school."

"Possibly because my academic scores and linguistic abilities are better than anyone else in this school, including your own?" Benjamin offered in a scathing tone.

Pomit stood suddenly, his face flushed. "You have an overly high estimate of your own abilities, Benjamin Lars, especially for someone who is not going to make their tenure. Good luck on finding another position on this planet."

The man left without another word and after the door slid shut Ben rubbed his eyes for a moment before he leaned back and tried to steady his thoughts. It wasn't like he had planned on staying at the school past this term anyway, he told himself firmly. He didn't even need to work at all.

But he certainly hadn't planned on being cut from tenure.

"What's he saying, Kin?" a student asked from just behind Kindri, who was leaning his ear on the door to Ben's office.

"Shhh!" Kindri replied, waving the student silent. After a moment, he snorted. "Stupid plasteel. Can't hear a thing!" He stalked back to his desk and slumped into it. "I can't believe he won't tell us!"

"Well SOMEone is keeping him entertained, that's for sure," Sulin said with a smirk. "He's zoned out four times today."

"Who do you think it is?" Lania asked thoughtfully. "Someone from the school, do you think?"

"Nah," Kindri said as he waved off the possibility. "We'd know. Who can keep a secret here?"

"Master Lars, obviously," Lania grumped.

"Hey look," little Kaly said suddenly in total surprise. "There's Darth Maul." Kindri looked at her, his eyebrow raised curiously and she gestured towards the door. "Remember the guy from last week? The one that scared the snot out of the toddlers when Master Lars was watching them?"

The entire class of twenty students turned their eyes to find Darth Maul also known as Commander Khamier Sarin of the Chancellor's Security Group standing in the doorway. The zabrak had a brief, vivid moment of déjà vu as he stared back at the group of students. He had to sternly suppress the urge to scowl to see if they would bolt like Ben Lars' last class had.

His eyes moved over every person present before he motioned other agents through the door. Then he stepped outside for a moment, returning moments later accompanied by a taller man. The students watched in wide-eyed amazement as the Supreme Chancellor walked into the room.

Qui-Gon Jinn had been waiting patiently outside the school for his young lover rather than going inside to meet him, as he would have preferred. Ben still seemed uncomfortable with the notion that he was involved with the Supreme Chancellor and Qui-Gon was being careful not to push him too hard. The fact that he was unexpectedly leaving for Coruscant tomorrow made that even more difficult.

He'd wanted Benjamin to leave with him weeks ago but the teacher refused to leave his students until they had all taken their exams and passed. Qui-Gon wasn't used to people denying his wishes and they had argued at length about the separation. But Ben stood firm and Qui-Gon had finally accepted that his lover was not going to give in on this point. And so, amazing himself and his staff in the process, Qui-Gon extended his own leisure time until his lover could depart with him for Coruscant. Leaving Benjamin behind was not something the Chancellor wanted to consider since his heart and his instincts rebelled when the thought even passed through his mind.

Benjamin had stared at him when he had informed his lover of his change of plans in a casual tone and then the Chancellor could almost feel the younger man's amazed joy. Ben had spent that entire afternoon and well into the night expressing his pleasure in Qui-Gon's decision. It seemed the younger man had not looked forward to a separation either. Qui-Gon's attention wandered off the latest reports and files from Coruscant as he remembered that night. Benjamin could be amazingly inventive when he put his mind to it.

The Chancellor sighed as he rubbed his forehead. Now, however, he was going to have to return to Coruscant. There were matters in the Senate that needed his attention. And Qui-Gon wasn't looking forward to breaking the news to his young lover.

In the midst of considering the best way to tell Benjamin about this change of plans, Qui-Gon was distracted by a rising feeling that something was wrong. Specifically, that something was wrong with Ben. Without further consideration, Qui-Gon snapped out orders and a few moments later, the Supreme Chancellor walked into the school, intent on finding Benjamin as soon as possible.

Now, standing in the doorway of his lover's classroom, Qui-Gon reined back on his worry as he glanced over the students that Ben spoke with such high praise. Absently, he noted that more than half of the students had their mouths hanging open. After a moment, the big man smiled ever so slightly.

"I'm looking for Master Lars. I was told this was his class," he finally said, his voice deep and even. After a brief moment of shocked silence, the entire class pointed towards a closed door across the room. Qui-Gon raised his eyebrow slightly and his smiled widened a bit. "Thank you," he replied as he glanced at Khamier. The zabrak headed towards the little room.

Before the Commander could reach it, however, the door opened and Master Pomit walked out looking quite pleased with himself. A few moments later, Ben followed. Qui-Gon knew immediately the younger man was upset though Benjamin kept his face expressionless. The moment the teacher's gaze settled on Qui-Gon, however, the tension around his eyes eased and his lips curved slightly.

"Your Excellency," Pomit stammered as he moved towards Qui-Gon. "I had no idea you were in the building!"

"Head Administrator," the Chancellor replied, a sudden and inexplicable distaste for the man hidden completely by his years of public service. "How nice to see you again."

The man practically beamed. "I apologize for not being present when you arrived. I would have been in the office had I known."

Qui-Gon raised his brows. "Don't trouble yourself, Admin, I wasn't looking for you," he said, deliberately using a lesser title before he turned and smiled at Ben. "I have come to see Master Lars."

Benjamin returned the expression with a dreamy half-smile that the students in his class had grown quite familiar with over the past week. "Chancellor Jinn."

"Master Lars," Qui-Gon replied, with a gentle tone.

There was a silence as the pair shared a long oblivious moment while Head Administrator Pomit looked from one to the other in an almost amazed dread. The students around them stared as well, their eyes wide. Then they glanced at each other with growing smirks. No way was anyone in school going to believe this one. Master Lars and the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic!?!

After a few moments, Ben recalled where he was and he flushed. Then he realized that Pomit was still in his class. Qui-Gon watched with a growing anger as the younger man's eyes grew blank again, the quiet joy on his face sliding into nothing as he turned to the administrator.

"Was there something else, Master Pomit?" Ben asked quietly.

The administrator glanced from Benjamin to the Chancellor who now seemed to be looming somewhat closer than Pomit would prefer.

"No, Master Lars," he said, trying for a confident tone. "I believe we have finished our discussion."

"Then you have duties you should attend to," Qui-Gon interjected in a dismissive tone as he turned away from the man.

Ben's eyes widened slightly as he glanced sideways at his lover. He had never heard such a condescending tone from Qui-Gon though he knew the man was capable of it. Pomit flushed as he realized the dismissal for what it was but he merely bowed and left the room. Benjamin threw his lover a questioning look.

"Why did you do that?" he asked, curiosity sparking his eyes again. Qui-Gon raised his brows slightly.

"Do I need a reason?"

"Most people do, yes," Ben replied.

"Fortunately, I am not 'most people'," Qui-Gon said in a smug tone.

"So...Master Lars," a familiar voice interrupted their exchange and Benjamin finally remembered his class. He looked over to find Kindri almost beside himself with glee. "About our earlier discussion...."

Benjamin leaned back against his desk. "Kindri, did you know my brother is a Jedi?" he asked idly. The youth looked a bit confused but nodded.

"We'd heard that," he admitted carefully.

"I've been told the Force runs strong in my family," Benjamin explained darkly, raking his class with a narrow look. "And right now the Force is sending me an amazing vision of a pop quiz over Yothin poetry translations if this class isn't empty within one minute."

At forty-five seconds, the door closed on the last student. Qui-Gon looked at his lover with admiration in his blue eyes. "Does that work with Senators?"

"Probably not." Benjamin chuckled. "Students hate Yothin poetry with a passion. It's the worst, final threat I can pull out," the teacher replied as he leaned over and logged off the computer on his desk. He turned back at Qui-Gon with a smug look. "And they know I'm serious because I love translating Yothin poetry."

Qui-Gon smiled gently as he stepped closer to the younger man and reached out to cup Ben's cheek. "Only you would enjoy such a thing."

Benjamin gave his tall lover an ironic half-smile as he reached up and took Qui-Gon's hand. "Perhaps you would too, Qui-Gon," he said as he traced the lines in the large palm. A trickle of words flowed from his lips while he gently ran his fingertips along the line some would say represented Qui-Gon's heart.

Queli, Quelai,
Ami' qul alori rai,
Y'ta li sirai jorin,
Ji'nal li airi yorin.

After a moment, the younger man glanced up almost shyly as Qui-Gon stepped closer. "And the translation?" the big man asked.

Ben slowly ran his palm along Qui-Gon's as he gazed into blue eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again as Qui-Gon's zabrak bodyguard approached. Instead he twined his fingers with the Chancellor's and gave him a familiar dreamy half-smile.

"Ask me again tonight."

Qui-Gon's eyes darkened and he leaned forward just as Khamier stopped beside him.

"We should be moving, your Excellency," he pointed out. His face was expressionless but Qui-Gon could see his amusement in his eyes. "You have an appointment to meet Knight Lars and his cousin within two hours and there is a call waiting for you from Coruscant. From Thalla." The agent produced a small comm unit with its message light flashing urgently. Qui-Gon had to stifle his curse as he took the unit.

"I need to take this in the skimmer. I left my reports there." He glanced at Ben. "Ready to go?"

Looking around, the teacher said, "There are a few more things I need to lock up here. I'll meet you outside in a few minutes."

The Chancellor hesitated for a moment before he reached out and gripped Ben's shoulder. "Are you all right, Benjamin?" he asked softly and Ben looked up at him in surprise. An automatic 'of course' statement hovered on his lips but he could see in his lover's eyes that Qui-Gon wouldn't believe that for a moment. Was he so transparent?

"Its nothing for you to worry about, Qui-Gon," he finally said as he turned away towards his office. "Just some school issues. I'll meet you outside."

Chancellor Jinn narrowed his eyes as he watched Ben walked away. Nothing for him to worry about? When he could almost feel the anger and frustration bottled up in his lover and most of all, a pain that went deeper than anything else he was feeling? Nothing for him to worry about? Why wouldn't Benjamin trust him with his problem?

"Chancellor?" Khamier said. "The call?"

With a final glance towards the office where Ben had disappeared, Qui-Gon left the room. A few minutes later, he was again ensconced in the black skimmer, almost completely focused on matters of the Republic. Almost being the key word.

Ben packed the last of his papers in his shoulder-bag before he closed the door of his office and leaned against it. He couldn't decide just what kind of day this had been. On the one hand, his kids had given him unholy Sith about his alleged intemi and Qarlis Pomit had taken a great deal of pleasure informing Ben that his Contract was not to be renewed for the coming term. On the other hand, Qui-Gon was waiting just outside the school and Ben was fairly sure there was some excellent food and some steamy hot sex in his near future.

After a moment, Benjamin rubbed his eyes and headed for the doorway of his classroom. Who was he kidding? This day completely sucked. If Qui-Gon wasn't waiting for him, he'd probably be heading home right now to bury himself in Obi-Wan's next novel and stay there for a week.

As it was, he merely keyed the classroom door locked and moved down the hallway, deep in his own thoughts. He was completely oblivious to the speculative glances that were thrown his way as he waded through students and teachers on their way out of the building.

"Master Lars," a deep voice called and Benjamin stiffened as he turned and met a pair of glorious purple eyes. He groaned inwardly as Master Psaris Wek made his way across the hallway towards Ben. The man was tall, well built and one of the most handsome people Benjamin had ever seen but Ben had never considered him as anything more than a peer. Now his students' words were coming back to haunt him.

"Master Wek," Ben replied with a slight nod to his rank as a senior teaching master.

"I was wondering if you had a few minutes to spare," Master Wek said as he leaned close. Ben had to fight to keep himself from fidgeting.

"I'm sorry I don't, Master Wek," Ben replied, trying to keep the relief from permeating his tone. "I'm meeting someone."

"Are you?' the bigger man asked, his dark eyes flashing for a moment before he stepped to Ben's side. "I'll just walk along with you and we can talk."

Benjamin tried to figure out some way to leave the elder master behind but decided he couldn't without appearing rude. He finally settled for walking at a brisk pace as Master Wek chatted idly about various school functions. Finally, the pair reached the front hallway and Benjamin gave an inward sigh of relief.

"I won't be able to chaperon the seniors with you at their evening study session next week, Master Wek," he said firmly as he moved out into the afternoon sunlight. Absently, Benjamin noted that the grounds around the school seemed to have an inordinate number of loitering teachers and students for this time of the afternoon.

"You'll need to put in the extra time before the end of the term, Master Lars," Wek said, his handsome face set in an almost smug smile. "You know we all have to put in a certain number of hours towards volunteer work for the school and you have very few chances left to meet your quota."

Benjamin gave the larger man a sharp look. How did Wek know how many hours Ben had put in this term?

"Besides, its only an study session for the seniors," the man continued in a persuasive tone. He leaned closer with a gleaming smile. "I think you'd find it far more interesting than it sounds, Benjamin. Actually, the students rarely stay for the whole evening so we'd probably be at loose ends for most of the night." The meaning in his eyes was clear and Benjamin wondered why he'd never seen it in Wek's gaze before.

"Thalla, tell Palapatine I have already taken action on the Naboo situation," Qui-Gon said rather impatiently.

"I'll pass along the information, Chancellor, though I know the senator will want more details." Thalla said.

"He'll just have to wait until I return to Coruscant to get it."

"There is only one other matter, sir. About the Senator from Telos..."

Qui-Gon's attention was abruptly snapped away from the call as his eyes settled on the pair of teachers talking in front of the school. His eyes narrowed as a tall man he didn't recognize leaned towards the figure of a man Qui-Gon most certainly did recognize.

"...He would like you to contact him as soon as possible..." Thalla was saying. Qui-Gon ground his teeth.

"I'm sorry Thalla, but I'll need to call you back for the remaining issues." And with no more warning than that, the Chancellor disconnected the call and stepped from the skimmer, surprising his guards who moved to catch up him. Qui-Gon was oblivious to their movements, his entire focus on Benjamin and the poacher who was looming over him.

"I no longer have to worry about volunteering hours to the school and as I said, I have other things I need to see to," Ben was saying, "Now, if you'll excuse me..."

Master Wek looked at the younger teacher with a surprised gaze as his mind quickly worked through Ben's statement. There was no way Pomit would allow any of the teachers here to get away without volunteering hours to the school. So, Ben's statement could only mean one thing.

"Did Pomit have you Cut?" the elder teacher asked flatly. Ben raised his brows, surprised at how quickly Wek had figured out what had happened. The older man waved off Ben's questioning gaze. "I should have known he'd pull something like this. He's never been one to take defeat well and when you pulled that grant out from under his nose last year...and you a first year teacher..." The senior master grinned suddenly. "Lets just say he did not take it well."

Ben looked slightly uncomfortable. "I did have a few contacts that helped."

"Doesn't matter. You used it for your students. He would have redecorated his office." Wek shook his head as he laid his hand on Ben's shoulder. "Don't do anything rash, Ben. Pomit may think he's wrapped things up with the Directors about your contract but he hasn't counted on the support you have within the school. Anyone who could get Director Kisent's worthless brat through Yothin poetry deserves to be teaching here."

"But he said the Directors had decided not to renew my contract..."

Master Wek squeezed his shoulder gently and then dropped his hand. "Don't worry about it. The final decision has yet to be made. Pomit isn't the only one who knows people on the Directorate."

Ben was silent for a moment, completely surprised by the other man's support. "Thank you, Master Wek," he finally said as he re-evaluated his peer. "But please don't. I would be leaving at the end of this term anyway. Pomit just made it more official than it would have been."

"You're leaving?" Wek said surprised.

Benjamin nodded. "I'm returning to Coruscant."

"You've been offered a better position?"

"I think so," the younger man replied, his eyes coming alive with a spark Wek had never seen.

"Benjamin?" The deep voice brought both teachers' attention to the man striding up to them. Master Wek's eyes widened as he glanced up to find the Supreme Chancellor approaching with a retinue of guards. A moment later, Qui-Gon was standing next to Benjamin and the elder master found himself pinned by the Chancellor's hard gaze. There was no mistaking the message in those blue eyes. "Ready to go?"

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Chancellor," Ben said as he absently stepped closer to his lover, a smile lighting his features. "This is Master Wek. He just had some issues to discuss with me."

Qui-Gon gave the man a cursory nod before he turned his attention to Ben. "More school issues?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

"Something like that." Ben gave him a reassuring smile.

Master Wek watched the by-play between the two and realized almost immediately that if he'd ever had a chance with Benjamin Lars, it was long gone now. He wasn't going to even think about coming between Qui-Gon Jinn and what he wanted. And it was clear that he wanted Benjamin.

However, Wek could and would find Pomit and kick his tail right out of this school. Anyone stupid enough to get a first-rate teacher fired because of jealousy certainly didn't deserve the position of Head Administrator in this institution. Wek didn't often flaunt it but he had a certain amount of power in the school he'd taught at for so many years.

"Master Lars," Wek said, drawing Ben's attention and Qui-Gon's glare. "Please be sure to tender your resignation officially. I'll make sure your records show a voluntary resignation rather than your Contract being Cut."

Ben felt Qui-Gon stiffen beside him at Wek's words and sighed. He'd hoped not to bother Qui-Gon with that bit of news. "Thank you, Master Wek," Ben responded with a nod. "I appreciate that. I will need a clean record if I'm to get a position when I reach Coruscant."

The senior teacher gave Ben a smile. "I don't think you'll have a problem with that," Wek said with a wry chuckle. "Your teaching skills will see to that." With that, the older master bowed slightly. "Your Excellency, Master Lars, good day."

"Master Wek," Qui-Gon responded with a slightly softer tone than before he watched the man return to the school. Then he glanced down at Ben. "Your Contract was cut?" he asked with an inquiring tone. The teacher shrugged and nodded. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to talk about it," Ben replied as he glanced away. "It just makes me so angry! Pomit makes me so angry! I just wanted to take a brick and an electric poomba prod and..." Benjamin abruptly stifled his words and turned back to Qui-Gon. "I still don't want to talk about it."

The taller man gave his lover a long look. "But you will talk about it tonight," he stated firmly. Ben glanced up at him, looking surprised.

"Well, if you want to hear me rant about it..." said hesitantly. He wasn't used to sharing his problems. He had found in his experience that most people preferred it that way.

"I do," Qui-Gon responded quietly.

Benjamin looked into his blue eyes and felt the tension inside him that had been building since Pomit had dropped his little bomb ease some. He smiled at Qui-Gon as he rearranged his shoulder-bag yet again.

"All right. Tonight." The younger man smirked. "We're going to have a busy evening," he said as he leered at his lover.

"Don't worry, Benjamin. It'll be tight but we'll fit everything in," Qui-Gon responded mildly. Ben gave him a sharp look.

"Was that supposed to be funny?" he asked after a moment's contemplation.

The Chancellor raised his brows in an 'I don't know what you're talking about' expression. "The Supreme Chancellor does not make jokes," Qui-Gon pointed out seriously.

Ben snorted. "Not funny ones anyway," he muttered.

"Master Lars!" another voice called and Ben decided he wouldn't mind never being addressed by that title again. He turned to find Kindri moving towards them. Qui-Gon waved off the agent that had moved to intercept the boy and the student slowly walked up to Ben. Kindri glanced nervously at the Chancellor before he turned back to his teacher. "We...I mean the class...we were just wondering if you were serious about the Yothin poetry translations," he asked, his eyes again glancing at Qui-Gon curiously.

"I haven't decided yet," Ben replied in amusement as he watched his student size up Qui-Gon. "You should probably study just to be on the safe side."

"I'll be sure to pass that on," the boy said absently, no arguments, no attempt to talk him out of it. Kindri was obviously preoccupied. Ben tried not to laugh.

"Was there anything else?" the teacher asked.

"Well, now that you mention it..." Kindri said as he glanced at Chancellor Jinn again. Then he tilted his head and rattled off a question in a language that Qui-Gon didn't understand. The Chancellor watched as Benjamin blushed slightly but finally nodded before he answered in an equally foreign set of words.

"Now go home and study Yothin and the Jendarin private tenses," Ben finally instructed in Standard. The student gave his teacher a grin before he gave the Chancellor a respectful bow and bolted across the courtyard to where some of his friends waited. Benjamin groaned as the boy spoke with an excited air and then the entire group turned back to them and stared. "Ah, Stars! It'll be all over school tomorrow!"

Qui-Gon chuckled as he led Ben across the pavement to his waiting skimmer where an agent snapped to attention and opened the door. "Just as well," the Chancellor murmured. The sooner it got around that Ben wasn't available, the better Qui-Gon would feel.

As a matter of fact, he should probably do something further though just to make sure the message was sent.

He turned back to his lover and looked into his eyes. "Does it bother you for your co-workers to know you are involved with me?" Qui-Gon asked with an arch look.

"No, of course not," Ben said quickly. "It's just that..."

"Does it bother you for your friends to know?"

"You know it doesn't, Qui-Gon!" the teacher said heatedly. "I never said..."

"Good, then," the Chancellor said as he reached out and pulled his lover to him for a long, hot kiss involving lots of tongue action and a low possessive growl. Benjamin curled his fingers into Qui-Gon's dark tunic, instinctively burrowing closer while his mind short-circuited.

An eternity later, Qui-Gon set Ben back on his feet. Vaguely, the teacher noted the wolf calls and long whistles echoing across the yard.

After a long moment of trying to breathe normally again, Benjamin flushed angrily.

"Dammit, Qui-Gon! I have to teach those kids!" he seethed as his lover got into the back of the skimmer.

"I'm sure they learned a lot today," the Chancellor smirked as he moved across to make room for his lover. "Come, Benjamin. We're going to be late for dinner with your cousin and Knight Lars and you have to change."

With a pout that he would immediately deny having, Ben settled into the skimmer, crossed his arms and glared straight ahead. An agent immediately shut the door and the vehicle moved away from the school.

"If you didn't look so good in that outfit, I'd make you go by yourself," the younger man grumbled.

"I'm sure Vellen would be a lovely companion," Qui-Gon mildly pointed out. He was pleased at Ben's compliment, backhanded as it was.

"I can't believe you kissed me! In front of the school!" Ben continued ranting.

"What was wrong with that kiss, my Benjamin?" The taller man leaned close as his blue eyes darkened. "I, myself, wouldn't mind another."

"Nothing was wrong with the kiss, Qui-Gon," his lover said angrily. "It was typically wonderful! Its just that kisses are supposed to be private! Not just out for everyone to see!"

The big man leaned back against the cushion, as he looked at Ben in complete surprise. "You're shy," he said in a rather amazed tone.

"I am not!" Ben protested.

Qui-Gon started chuckling. "You can write erotic fiction the likes of which I can honestly say sends a person directly to a cold shower, yet in person, you are almost bashful."

The younger man sputtered for a moment as he glared at his lover. Then he crossed his arms and stuck out his chin defiantly. "Well, what of it!"

"Nothing at all, my Benjamin," Qui-Gon said, shaking his head. "Its just surprising, that's all. The way you write Obi-Wan in your stories...."

"Obi-Wan is meant for public consumption!" Ben interjected flatly. "I am not! There are some things I think are meant to be private and kissing is among them."

Qui-Gon looked at Ben for a long moment, his blue eyes dark with affection. Then he reached out and caressed his lover's cheek.

"I am sorry, Benjamin," he said softly. "But I wanted to show them that you are spoken for. I did not like how some of your peers were watching you and I wanted them to know you are off limits."

"Oh."

Ben looked up at his lover, honestly stunned that Qui-Gon was worried about such a thing. How could he be angry at Qui-Gon when the Chancellor explained his motivation so very tenderly? Certainly, it was an overly possessive sort of dominant way to behave that would have to be firmly discouraged but Qui-Gon couldn't know that Ben had hardly looked at another being in a sexual light since the teacher had first seen Qui-Gon years ago.

"You don't have to worry about that," Ben finally noted in a soft tone.

The Chancellor twined his fingers with Ben's. "Does it bother you that I feel this way?" he asked, watching his lover closely.

Ben's fingers tightened around Qui-Gon's for a moment before he gently traced the back of the larger man's hand thoughtfully. "No, it doesn't." The teacher glanced up and almost hesitantly traced his fingers along Qui-Gon's firm jaw. "But it doesn't seem real to me either," he continued. "You're sitting here beside me, allowing me to touch you, but I can't quite bring myself to believe that..."

"That I love you," Qui-Gon finished, his voice gentle. Slowly, Ben nodded and the Chancellor pulled the teacher's hand to his lips, laying a kiss on the palm of Ben's hand. "I do, my Benjamin, never doubt it for an instant," he stated, his voice firm and his eyes direct. "This is no passing affair for me. I have never said those words to another. You are the only one."

He pulled the younger man close to his side as he tipped up Ben's chin and kissed him, a light caress of his lips, a gentle touch of silky tongue. Benjamin's fingers twined in his lover's hair as Qui-Gon deepened his kiss, pulling Ben closer.

Before they could go any farther, however, the comm link chimed and Commander Sarin's voice interrupted.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Chancellor, but we're approaching the hotel and I didn't think Master Lars would like to arrive looking mussed."

Ben stiffened and pulled away even as Qui-Gon started to chuckle. The Chancellor leaned back and slowly traced the younger man's lips.

"I really don't like that man," Ben sniffed. "I can't understand what Owen sees in him."

Qui-Gon raised his brows at Ben's reference to his brother but said nothing. "Well you do look mussed, Master Lars," he noted instead.

Benjamin gifted him with a long, sensual smile. "I can't imagine why that might be, Chancellor Jinn," he said in a low tone.

Qui-Gon's eyes darkened. "Do you want to make it to dinner, Benjamin?" he asked in warning and Ben grinned.

"We've already canceled twice with Vellen," he said as he ran his fingers through his long hair. "She'd skin me if we stood her up again."

"We've always had a perfectly legitimate excuse," the Chancellor pointed out as the skimmer floated to a standstill before the hotel where Qui-Gon was staying.

"Not one that I could tell Vel," Ben sniffed.

Qui-Gon leaned over and whispered, "I'm sure she knows, my Benjamin."

Ben gave him a horrified glance then he took a deep breath. "Probably but I am not talking to her about it." The younger man gave Qui-Gon a flat look. "She's like my sister, Qui-Gon. You just don't talk about your sex life with your sister!"

The Chancellor was bland. "Well not with your sister but I can't guarantee that mine won't want to hear about it and will most likely ask you to make sure things are...coming along nicely." Then the man climbed out of the car, leaving Ben open-mouthed behind him.

"Oh gods!" he groaned as he followed his lover.

Vellen was smirking.

Benjamin had tried not to look at her. He tried to focus on his dinner, on his lover, on the fact that these damn pants were much too tight. He tried to focus on anything but his sweet little cousin's knowing smirk. Finally, when Qui-Gon was distracted by his security guard with a low comment, Ben put down his fork and leaned over to his cousin.

"Stop it. Right now."

The pretty blond blinked at him innocently. And smirked. "What?"

"You know what," Ben growled back. "Stop it right now."

"But Ben, I'm just so glad you finally made it to dinner," she said with gushing sincerity that Ben didn't believe for a minute. "Whatever came up..." Ben flushed and her eyes widened gleefully, "...must have been very important to cancel on me before. At the last minute. Twice."

Benjamin tried to stomp his blush down as he turned back to his soup. Vellen was bound and determined to punish him for standing her up and she knew exactly how to push his buttons. Maybe if he suffered more visibly, Vel would feel she had punished him enough.

"Ah, my beautiful Syn Lars, you know that nothing but the most important business could have kept us from your side," Qui-Gon noted gallantly as he glanced at Ben with laughing eyes. "While Benjamin has all my adoration, your beauty shines as brightly as any star in the galaxy. We could not stay away for long."

Vellen beamed and kicked Ben under the table. "Are you taking notes?" she asked.

"No, but I'm about to take medication for nausea," Ben replied and though his tone was sarcastic, there was a little half-smile playing at his lips as he pushed his salad around his plate. *While Benjamin has all my adoration...*

Vellen watched her cousin as he glanced sideways at the Chancellor. Benjamin was so whipped and from what she could tell, Qui-Gon was just as smitten. They were just so cute! She couldn't help it. She smirked.

"So Ben," she asked as her quiet servants removed their salads in preparation for the main course. "Has your realtor found anything for you on Coruscant?"

Qui-Gon glanced at her in surprise as Ben took a sip of wine.

"No, nothing I'm really wild about," he replied with a frustrated sigh. "Plenty of one bedroom boxes but nothing like what I'm looking for. And nothing at all seems to be available in the areas I requested."

"What are you looking for?" Qui-Gon asked quietly, his expression blank.

"A place with lots of space, lots of light, lots of rooms, lots of electrical and comm outlets," Ben replied with a grin. "Once I have the place, I'll put Vellen to work decorating it." He glanced at his cousin with a raised brow. "You wouldn't mind shopping around for me, would you?"

"I might have a hair appointment..." she began but finished acquisitively. "What's the budget?"

"Nothing too loud," Ben replied pointedly.

"You're too conservative," his cousin chuckled. "I mean credit wise. What's the limit? On Coruscant, prices will be twice what they are here."

"Don't worry about it," the writer waved his hand casually.

Vellen shook her head. "Honestly, Ben, you don't have any money sense at all. Don't tell me not to worry about a limit because I won't."

The teacher gave her a grin. "Don't worry about it. One of my investments went into hyperspace last month and I really don't want to invest any more into that company. Spend what you like, Vel. Just make sure I like what you spend it on."

"You invest your money, Benjamin?" Qui-Gon asked in surprise.

"No, I don't do it," Ben chuckled. "I have a broker on Coruscant. I just tell him which corporations I'm interested in and he does the footwork. They all seem to pay off quite well."

"What did you invest in that gained so much?"

"A Corporation I've watched for the past year or so called Offworld."

Qui-Gon choked on his wine as he looked sharply at his lover. "Offworld Corporation?"

"Yes. Do you know of it? Its very cutting edge," Ben pronounced the last statement as if he'd heard it from his broker. Which was exactly the case.

"Yes," the Chancellor said with a slow smile. "I know of it. How much did you invest?"

"Quite a bit, actually, which is why I have some extra cash to throw at Vel." Ben grinned at his cousin. "My broker didn't think it was a wise decision but I had a good feeling about it so I dumped a load of credits from my last book there."

"How much have you lost investing on your good feelings, though?" Vellen asked. "My mother doesn't even let my father near the portfolio anymore."

Ben looked thoughtful for a moment as he tapped his wineglass. "I don't think I've ever lost a credit on my investments," he replied as he idly tapped his wineglass. "I just pick good ones, I suppose."

Knight Lars, who had thus far been silently trying to avoid the knowing golden gaze of a certain intense bodyguard, suddenly found his attention caught by his brother's words. He leaned forward and entered the conversation. "Ben, how do you pick the companies you invest in?" he asked his brother.

Ben glanced over at him with a thoughtful look. "Oh, I read some, watch the financial news until I get bored with it. Now though, I go with whatever feels right."

"Whatever feels right?" For some reason, that seemed incredibly funny to Owen.

"Something amuses you, Knight Lars?" Qui-Gon asked coolly as Benjamin glanced at him in confusion.

"It does," the Knight replied, his eyes laughing.

After a long moment in which it was obvious the Jedi was not going to continue, Vellen growled. "Well, share, Owen!" she commanded. "Its rude to tease at the table."

Owen gave his brother another amused look. "It seems the Force runs strong in our family," he noted ambiguously as he took a sip of wine.

Chancellor Jinn stepped off the elevator into his suite after his agents had swept the rooms to make sure they were safe. Then he walked to the bar and thoughtfully poured himself some wine. Dinner this evening had been something of an illumination.

Once again, Qui-Gon had assumed things and Benjamin had not. The Chancellor had just assumed that Ben would be staying with him, in his quarters at the Senate or at his large family estate on one of the outer moons of Coruscant. Benjamin, however, had started looking for a place of his own, not even considering moving in with his lover. Was that because he preferred to be alone or because Qui-Gon hadn't asked?

The Chancellor glanced back at his lover as Benjamin slowly crossed the room. The young teacher had been quiet during the ride back to the hotel and now he chewed his lower lip thoughtfully. Qui-Gon watched for a moment. He hadn't known Ben very long but he had learned that whenever his young lover got that look on his face, inevitably the teacher had something on his mind that made the Chancellor reach for patience. Qui-Gon set his concerns aside for the moment and braced himself.

Finally, Ben leaned against the bar beside Qui-Gon and drummed his fingers on the wooden surface. "Qui-Gon, what if I am using the Force to direct my investments," he said in a worried tone as he glanced up. "Is that illegal?"

The Chancellor swirled the wine around in his glass as he struggled to keep the smile off his face. "I don't think so, Benjamin," he finally replied seriously. "I don't think there's a law about it."

"Do you suppose its cheating?" Ben asked. The Chancellor set his glass down on the bar and laid his arm around Ben's shoulders.

"I don't think so," he said as he led Ben across the room to a large couch. "Owen doesn't even know for sure if that's why you invest so well," the older man pointed out. "More than likely, you're just lucky in your investments."

Ben looked far from convinced but Qui-Gon had other things he wanted to discuss with Ben. For some reason, Qui-Gon knew he had to make sure his lover understood his commitment to him tonight.

So before Ben could continue with his questions, Qui-Gon pulled him down onto the couch. Slowly, the big man traced his lover's face with light fingertips, memorizing each plane, each feature all over again. Ben closed his eyes and leaned into the caresses with a sigh, forgetting his worries in the pleasure of Qui-Gon's touch.

"Benjamin?" the Chancellor asked as he leaned back. The younger man slowly opened his eyes in question. "Tonight at dinner, you spoke of finding an apartment on Coruscant."

The teacher nodded as he leaned against the cushions. "Yes. No luck as of yet." He smiled up at Qui-Gon. "But I'm not worried. It's a big planet. Something will come available."

Qui-Gon reached out and pulled his lover close. Benjamin gave a contented sigh as he wrapped his arms around the man's waist. The teacher grinned against Qui-Gon's chest. His intemi, as Kindri would say.

"Benjamin, I had assumed..." Qui-Gon hesitated a moment, "...I had hoped you would stay with me."

The younger man sat back in surprise. "You did?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Qui-Gon gave him a considering look before he responded. He reached out and tipped Ben's head back to look directly into the younger man's gaze. Ben's clear green eyes widened at the sudden proximity.

"Because, Benjamin Lars, I love you and want to be with you," Qui-Gon stated firmly. "How many times am I going to say that before you believe it?"

Ben's hands clenched on Qui-Gon's arms as he slowly closed his eyes and then opened them again to meet the Chancellor's intense blue gaze. "I don't know, Qui-Gon," he said softly. "I didn't want to assume anything."

The Chancellor leaned forward and rubbed his cheek against Ben's as he whispered, "Assume whatever you wish of me, Benjamin, as long as you believe that I love you."

Ben stared at his lover for a long time, reaching out slowly to touch Qui-Gon's face, tracing along the line of his lips. "I want to believe that, Qui-Gon," he said softly. "I'm trying to believe that."

The Chancellor remained still, watching Ben struggle with his thoughts. "Why can't you believe?" he asked. The younger man met his blue eyes briefly and then glanced away. "Benjamin?"

"Too good to be true, perhaps?" Ben finally questioned softly. "The minute I believe, it will disappear."

Qui-Gon reached out and took his lover's face in both his hands. He stared deeply into Ben's light eyes. "My feelings will not disappear, my Benjamin," he said in a no-nonsense tone. The teacher reached up to cover the back of one of his lover's hands with his own.

"I want to believe that, Qui-Gon, more than anything. But I have never been one to trust easily," he stated as he looked into the Chancellor's blue eyes. "This is happening so fast. Give me time to get used to the idea."

The Chancellor released a long breath as he took Ben's hands in his own. "I don't have time, Benjamin," he said softly. "I must return to Coruscant tomorrow."

"No! I don't want you to go!" The words exploded from the younger man's lips before he could stop them. His eyes widened as his hands jerked back, trying to move away. Qui-Gon refused to let go and eventually Benjamin stilled.

"Benjamin..."

"I'm sorry," Ben said as he refused to meet his lover's eyes. "I have no right to demand anything of you."

Qui-Gon glared as his hands tightened around Ben's. "Have you not been listening you me? You have more right than anyone," the Chancellor replied as he gave a Ben wry smile. "I'm glad to know you feel that strongly about it."

"Of course, I feel strongly about it!" Ben snapped before he could stop himself. Then he took a deep breath. "Why do you have to go?" he asked, trying desperately not to sound whiny.

"A situation in the Senate has escalated to the point where I need to be there in person to make sure things go no farther."

Benjamin suddenly looked concerned. "Is it dangerous?" he asked in a concerned tone.

"Not for me," Qui-Gon replied but his lover still looked worried. "It's a matter concerning a small planet some distance from Coruscant," he added. "I'll be nowhere near danger."

He was surprised to find Ben suddenly curled around him. "Please be careful, Qui-Gon," the younger man whispered. "I don't want you to go. I know you have to but...I have a bad feeling about this."

"Khamier will keep me safe, Benjamin," the Chancellor stated.

"And Owen. I'm glad he'll be going with you," Ben added as he curled his fingers into Qui-Gon's tunic. "Despite the fact that Khamier drives him up a wall. My brother has a talent for knowing when something dangerous is going to happen and how to best avoid it."

Qui-Gon looked down at his lover, thinking over what Khamier had told him of Knight Lars' conversation with the Jedi Council. If the Chancellor had any doubts about leaving the Jedi behind, Benjamin's own words convinced him.

"Knight Lars will be staying here, Benjamin, with you. Until he personally delivers you to Coruscant."

Ben leaned back quickly and gave the Chancellor a stunned look. "But why?"

Qui-Gon reached out and touched Ben's cheek. "As you say, he has a talent for knowing when something dangerous is going to happen and how to best avoid it."

"But...you're the one who needs protection, Qui-Gon," his lover stated in a no-nonsense tone that sounded vaguely familiar to the Chancellor.

"Knight Lars feels differently and I agree with him." Ben opened his mouth to argue but Qui-Gon interrupted. "Benjamin, you must understand that having a relationship with me could make you a target for those who would use you to get to me," he said as he reached out to trace his lover's cheek. His voice was deep and his eyes were intent on Benjamin's face. "Eventually, people will begin to realize that I would do anything to keep you safe. Absolutely anything."

The implications of the Chancellor's words stunned Benjamin more than anything else had that night. He could think of nothing to say as Qui-Gon took Ben's hands in his own again.

"I'm sorry to put you in such a position Benjamin," the big man continued, his eyes troubled. "Having bodyguards around you constantly will be part of being in my life, there is no getting around that fact. Khamier has already started to pick out guards he thinks would be suitable for you. If that is something you cannot accept...." Qui-Gon's voice faded as he stared into Benjamin's eyes. He couldn't bring himself to say the words that would separate him from his lover permanently but he would not allow any course of action that endangered the man he loved. "...you need to tell me now," he finished, his tone almost harsh.

Benjamin gripped Qui-Gon's hands tightly and shook his head. "I can accept anything to be with you Qui-Gon Jinn," he said in a quiet, firm voice. Then he scrunched his nose. "Even bodyguards, I suppose."

"Good." The single word was heartfelt and though the Chancellor didn't show the relief that rolled over him at Benjamin's words, the younger man felt it none the less. He brought Qui-Gon's hand to his lips and kissed it gently before he moved to lean against him.

"Just promise me you'll be careful," he said softly. "I do not like this."

Qui-Gon wrapped his arms around his lover and pulled him close. "I'm always careful, Benjamin," murmured into the younger man's tawny hair. "And now I have someone to be careful for."

Benjamin grinned up at his lover as he trailed his fingers along Qui-Gon's arm. "You certainly do," he said. "When I catch up with you on Coruscant, everything better be in one functioning piece!"

Qui-Gon smiled at the younger man's tone. Carefully, the Chancellor reached into a pocket and brought out the ring he'd had commissioned shortly after he'd arrived on Callis. It lay gleaming in his palm as he held it before his lover.

"Will you wear this, my Benjamin?" he asked, his voice calm though his arm tightened around his lover's waist. Ben stared the ring in complete surprise.

"A Commitment Ring?' he breathed as he turned his gaze to Qui-Gon's. The man watched him, his blue eyes intense.

"My Commitment to you, Benjamin Lars," he said formally. "I ask nothing in return but that you know that I am yours."

The younger man's mouth dropped open and Qui-Gon took the opportunity to lay his lips softly against Ben's, tasting, caressing, telling his lover without words how very much the man meant to him. Finally, he pulled back and stared into Ben's blue-green gaze.

Benjamin's eyes were suspiciously bright as he quickly looked away. He gazed at the ring that lay in Qui-Gon's hand. Carefully, he ran his fingertip along lines of the large man's palm as the words of the Yothin poem from earlier in the day fell from his lips.

Queli, Quelai,
Ami' qul alori rai,
Y'ta li sirai jorin,
Ji'nal li airi yorin.

He looked up at Qui-Gon shyly as his fingertip settled on the ring.

"And the translation?" the Chancellor breathed as he leaned close. Ben smiled gently.

"Within, Without,
My heart sings with joy
Of the one who holds my soul
In the palm of his hand."

Qui-Gon leaned forward to kiss his lover again as he slid the gold ring onto the middle finger of Benjamin's right hand. A moment later, the same hand was twining through the Chancellor's hair as Qui-Gon pushed him down onto the couch. Before the larger man could become too lost in his lover, however, Ben pulled back and searched his dark blue eyes.

"I don't have a ring for you, Qui-Gon," he said, his voice distressed.

"When you're ready, Benjamin," Qui-Gon returned as he kissed his way down that sensitive throat. "I only ask that you see no one else while you wear my Commitment."

Ben groaned as his lover's mouth fastened onto the exact spot on his neck that drove him crazy. "As if there was ever anyone else."

The Chancellor pressed his fingers against the warm skin underneath his lover's dark blue tunic. "Only you, my Benjamin," he growled.

Before Qui-Gon's fingers could rove any farther, however, Ben's hands snaked out to catch them in a firm grip. The Chancellor looked at him in surprise.

"Qui-Gon, I don't want to live at the Senate Building," Benjamin stated with a firm look that wasn't quite as effective since he was flushed and panting already.

"Why not?" Qui-Gon asked, his eyes narrowing at the drastic change of topic. "Its convenient, the quarters are quite large. More than large enough for us both."

Ben looked thoughtful. "Yes, but you're so loud, Qui-Gon. I wouldn't want people to look at us funny. We need a private place."

The Chancellor was flabbergasted. "I'm loud?"

Benjamin smirked. "Uh huh."

Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes and leaned forward again, covering Benjamin completely with his body. "Let us compare notes on that."

24968.05.15
early morning

Despite the early hour, the Vermani Spaceport was bustling with traffic. Members of the Callis media, finally let off the strict leash the Chancellor's Guard had confined them under, roamed around in the outer hangers, trying to get a final look at Qui-Gon as well as the young man who was reason the Chancellor had stayed so long on their planet.

One entire hanger, however, was completely blocked off from everyone as a large, official Republic transport settled majestically into its birth. Guards in the Republic dark blue of the Chancellor's Guard swarmed over the ship, assuring its security before the Chancellor himself boarded for the delayed trip back to Coruscant.

Qui-Gon watched the proceedings silently from a glass-enclosed hanger nearby. He was grateful for the one-way glass as he could watch without being seen. His eyes narrowed as he watched the media rancors circle the outlying bays. He wondered if he could talk his young lover into going with him rather than face the members of the Callis press who would, no doubt, be waiting for him just outside the spaceport.

Beside him, Benjamin stood silently, oblivious to everyone but Qui-Gon as his fingers absently rubbed against the gold circle around his middle finger. It seemed only a few moments before Commander Khamier Sarin approached the pair with a retinue of guards behind him.

"The ship is ready, Your Excellency," he stated with a bow.

Qui-Gon nodded. "A moment more, Khamier," he asked and the man nodded with a glance at the Chancellor's companion. His eyes moved across the hanger before his golden eyes settled once more on Ben.

"Where is your brother?" he asked, his voice expressionless.

Benjamin looked almost surprised. He'd been so caught up with his unhappiness at Qui-Gon's departure that he hadn't even noticed his brother's absence. "I don't know. He was here a moment ago."

Khamier's eyes narrowed dangerously. "He is supposed to be your guardian, Syr Lars," he stated. "Why is he not here?"

The teacher's eyes narrowed at the implied suggestion that Owen was not doing his job. Of course, Ben didn't want to point out it was probably Khamier's presence that had caused his brother to disappear. Though Owen had said nothing directly to him, Ben knew his brother and he could almost feel the currents that ran between the pair whenever Khamier and Owen were in the same place for too long a time. Owen, he had noticed, had made it a point to be no where near the security commander over the last day or so. Whatever had happened between the two must have been some blowout.

"I believe the Jedi has gone to secure an exit from the building as soon as my transport leaves, Commander," Qui-Gon said with a curious look at his guard. Khamier blatantly ignored the question in the Chancellor's eyes.

"He is certainly taking his time about it," Khamier noted flatly.

"Perhaps he is being more understanding than you, Commander, in giving me a last few moments with Qui-Gon," Ben finally noted.

The zabrak gave the younger man a slight smirk and bowed. "Perhaps," the guard agreed as he moved away. "Or perhaps he thinks to put off the inevitable."

Benjamin watched the Commander walk away. Beside him, Qui-Gon was thoughtful. "Benjamin, I don't believe anyone has ever caught Khamier's interest like your brother." The tall man looked at his lover. "You will warn him, won't you?"

The teacher smiled. "I don't think I have to, Qui-Gon," he said as he stepped closer. He reached up and shyly ran his fingers along the Chancellor's face. "Be careful, Chancellor," he stated. Qui-Gon reached up and took his hand in his own. Gently, he leaned down and kissed his lover.

"I will be, Benjamin."

"And take this," the writer continued as he pressed a datacube into Qui-Gon's palm. "If you get too lonely, read it."

"What is it?" Qui-Gon asked curiously.

"Oh, just this and that," Ben replied not meeting his lover's eyes. "Some poetry, a few essays, some other things I have written over the last few years."

The Chancellor raised his brows curiously but pocketed the cube without further questions. "You will be careful as well, Benjamin," he instructed. "Listen to your brother when he tells you something."

"Don't worry," Ben assured him. "Owen can be stubborn as you when he wants to be."

"I suspect he'll have to be to deal with you," came the Chancellor's reply. The big man glanced up as Khamier waved at him. "I have to go. I love you," he said softly with a final kiss. Ben tried to maintain the kiss as long as possible before his lover pulled away. Then Qui-Gon turned and walked to his transport without a backward glance. Benjamin might have been hurt if he hadn't felt his lover's anguish, equal to his own.

Later that morning, as Benjamin prepared for school, the comm unit in his room chimed. The teacher smirked before he placed an innocent look on his face. Then he opened the comm channel to the sight of Qui-Gon's rather flushed face.

"You are in a great deal of trouble when I get my hands on you again, Benjamin Lars," the Chancellor stated in no uncertain terms.

The younger man tried to maintain his air of innocence but the smirk was winning out. "You didn't like the data cube, Qui-Gon?" he asked.

"I've already had to take a shower thanks to your data cube," Qui-Gon growled across the lightyears.

Benjamin sighed sadly. "I wish I had been there."

"You're not the only one," the Chancellor agreed. "When did you have time to write those last scenes?"

"Oh, I've been inspired now and then over the last few weeks." Ben tilted his head slightly and sent the large man a wink. "Vel says that Quinn tends to be domineering and grumpy if Obi doesn't keep him happy." The teacher grinned at the communications console with a mischievous look. "And we can't have that, can we? While I kinda like the domineering part, I can do without the grumpy." Ben leaned back with a grin. "Actually, the grumpy part is even kinda cute."

The Chancellor looked offended at his lover's words. "I am never grumpy," he stated emphatically.

"Yeah and you don't snore either," Ben returned with a knowing chuckle as the picture of Qui-Gon became rather fuzzy. The teacher's look became serious as he realized Qui-Gon was about to move into hyperspace. "Take care, Qui-Gon," he said urgently. "Be careful."

"I will be, my Benjamin," the man replied as he touched the screen. "Stay near your brother."

"I will." The teacher merely looked across the vast space separating him from his intemi until the screen fuzzed completely and his lover was gone. Benjamin reached out to touch the blank screen. "I love you Qui-Gon Jinn," he whispered.

Tbc...