Pairing: Q/O
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Parts are set 2 yrs after TPM

Bend, stretch, spin, jump. Pivot, flip, duck, leap. Pause holding the last position and then the whole cycle begins again. How many times had I done the same exercise under my Master's watchful eyes and before him under the eyes of the teachers at the Temple? How many times had I watched in fascination the ease with which my Master had completed the same sequence, longing for the day when I too would move with such confidence, such knowledge of the self and the Force?

Though he hasn't moved other than in the proscribed patterns, I can sense the boy watching me, hoping for approval, a word of encouragement. When he has finished, I shall acknowledge his efforts for he is skilled but I know that in my heart I am wishing for the time when I was the student and my Master the teacher.

Bend, stretch, spin, jump. Pivot, flip, duck, leap. The present blurs into the past and for a moment I see myself, older than the boy is now but so much younger than the man I have become. Younger and more innocent in both the heart and the mind . . .

(10 years prior)

"You are learning, Padawan." Qui-Gon Jinn's rich, mellow voice slipped through the harsh sounds of the apprentice's breathing and Obi-Wan slowly turned his head to gaze at his Master. He wanted to ask what the Jedi meant by his comment but refrained, knowing from experience that answers were more freely given if not directly asked for.

Qui-Gon had not been in the room when Obi-Wan began his exercises but the younger man had known the exact moment his Master entered. The feel of the Jedi Knight's life Force was as identifiable to Obi-Wan as the sound of Qui-Gon's voice but the Padawan learner had not allowed his thoughts to stray from his movements, concentrating instead on the Force around him, using it to become one with the pattern.

Shedding his dark, heavy cloak and his belt, the older man stepped into the center of the room, settling himself in the opening position of the same sequence of moves his student had just completed. Obi-Wan moved to the side of the room, his whole being attuned to Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master centered himself, then closed his eyes. A split second of utter stillness then he was in motion, flowing through the movements with a fluidity and speed that still left his apprentice awestruck.

_One day . . ._ the younger Jedi promised himself. To the unpracticed eye it might appear that Obi-Wan was standing completely still, but a trained observer would be able to spot the slight twitches that indicated he was mirroring the other man's moves mentally.

Bend, stretch . . .

The apprentice's blue eyes tracked his Master's every movement, opening himself to the Force to study the way it resonated through the older man's being. Qui-Gon's dark hair hung loose around his face and his eyes remained shut as he spun gracefully through another progression, this one more rapid than the last. As his Master gave more of himself over to the moves, the tight lines etched around his eyes lessened and Obi-Wan's thoughts turned to the mission that had brought them here.

The two Jedi were on the planet Kuanara, their assignment to mediate discussions between two rival clans. The Kuan were a stocky, feline-looking race who's bodies were covered in thick mottled fur. Their violet colored eyes were protected from the planet's fierce winter storms by triple eyelids and their hands were three-fingered. As one clan tended toward mechanical products while the other was of a more agricultural bend it was the task of the Jedi to help them come to an agreement that would be beneficial to both.

After two weeks on the planet however, the negotiations were still moving at an agonizingly slow pace and frustration was high - even for the pair of humans.

Opening himself to the link he and his Master shared, Obi-Wan basked in the familiar warmth of their connection. Teacher to student, Master to Padawan, Jedi to Jedi. Sometimes he caught a faint sense of more but it always retreated before he could understand or even fully grasp its presence. He was not even sure if it came from himself or Qui-Gon, but only knew that the few instances of contact had left him more shaken than anything in his life.

A change in the Force emanating from the older man had his apprentice snapping back to the here and now. Qui-Gon studied Obi-Wan intently, as if aware of his lapse in concentration. In fact, the apprentice was sure his Master knew of it. It had always been such, there was nothing he could hide from the Jedi although the reverse could not be claimed as well.

Still breathing easily despite the fact that his exertions had brought a gleam of sweat to his tanned skin, Qui-Gon inclined his head, indicating he wished his apprentice to join him.

Bowing obediently, Obi-Wan gathered up their lightsabers and stepped into position, his back to his Master's. The faint hum of power from both weapons began at the exact same instant and, after a second of complete stillness, both men began the sequence again.

The green and blue columns of light moved in opposite yet identical paths, their tracks leaving a faint gleam in the air behind them. The only sound was the soft thumping of booted feet on the polished wood floor as the two Jedi wove around each other, never facing but still perfectly in sync.

Outside, wind-driven sleet hit the small oval windows, announcing the arrival of yet another storm. Inside, the two men felt rather than heard the change - a spiking of the Force surrounding them - but neither faltered in their rhythm.

Obi-Wan's gaze was unfocused, his concentration centered fully on his Master, alert for the small signals that showed him Qui-Gon's location as clearly as if there were a viewscreen in front of him. Four more passes through the patterns brought them back to their starting location, only this time facing each other, their lightsabers extended but not touching.

_A Jedi's most valuable tool patience is._ Obi-Wan heard Master Yoda's words echo through his mind and held his position. The weapon in his hand did not waver despite the exertions. Settling himself in to wait for his Master's signal to relax, the apprentice was therefore surprised to see the corner of Qui-Gon's mouth quirk up into a smile.

"And patience is it's own reward," the older Jedi added, letting the smile reach his eyes before straightening and deactivating his lightsaber.

Chagrined at the ease Qui-Gon could pick up his stray thoughts, Obi-Wan flushed. His normally sure fingers fumbled slightly as he shut down his weapon and he felt a warming in the Force around him as his Master soothed his suddenly turbulent emotions.

"Patience," Qui-Gon repeated, bending to retrieve his belt and robe. "All things come in their own time Obi-Wan."

"Yes, Master," the younger man repeated, feeling an unaccustomed tightness in his chest as he watched the muscles flex under the Jedi Master's heavy tunic.

From the very beginning of their time together Obi-Wan had taken great pleasure in watching his Master move. The quietly restrained power inherent in Qui-Gon's frame was such a contradiction to the grace of his motions yet blended together with such harmony that at times the apprentice had despaired, feeling he would never attain even half of the older man's ability.

Years added maturity to Obi-Wan's body as well as to his mental skills and now when he studied his Master something other than respect and awe flickered inside him. It was reminiscent of the feelings that lingered in the early morning after dreams that left him more drained than any practice session and the younger man drew in a quick breath as his body reacted to the truth his mind still danced around. The need to reach out and touch - not in healing or take comfort, but in a caress - nearly overwhelmed him.

"The storm will have them canceling this evening's round of negotiations, will it not?" Obi-Wan queried, walking over to the window and gazing out at the rapidly darkening landscape.

Qui-Gon moved over to stand behind his apprentice, resting one hand on the wall alongside the younger man's head as he leaned forward. "That may very well be Padawan, but until we hear from Councilor Cha-ata it is best not to operate under that belief." His hand dropped to Obi-Wan's shoulder and squeezed it through the sweat-soaked tunic. "The Kuan pride themselves on being a contrary people so it is quite possible they will continue."

Detecting a note of mirth in his Master's voice that many would have missed, Obi-Wan turned his head enough so that Qui-Gon could see his grin. "Especially to remind us that they are in control here?"

The older Jedi inclined his head noncommittally. "We are here to serve the Republic and help facilitate these matters as you know very well Obi-Wan - no matter how long it takes. Now, go clean up on the chance that they do decide to be contrary."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said, his voice steady though inside he was smiling. According to many of the other Jedi, his Master was believed to be as difficult to read as the people they were there to assist.

Ducking under the older man's arm, the apprentice was filled with the sudden hope that the negotiations would be called off for the day. A night of relaxation would be a welcome change from the hostile tension that marked the endless bickering between the two clans. Gathering up his cloak, Obi-Wan walked to the opening that led to the bathing room.

"Master?"

Qui-Gon looked away from the shadowed street beyond. "Yes, Obi-Wan?"

Not sure what he had been going to say, Obi-Wan shrugged, his motion an unconscious imitation of his Master's earlier one. "I promise not to use all of the hot water this time."

"That is what you said the last time."

A crimson flush heated the back of the apprentice's neck and grinned apologetically before ducking back through the archway. In his haste to go, he missed the way Qui-Gon's gaze remained on the doorway long after he had left.

Though the Kuan did not count immersing themselves in water as an acceptable form of bathing, their guest accommodations did not reflect this. The spacious room held not only a standard shower stall but also a tub that would have easily held several full-grown wookies with room to spare.

Casting a longing glance toward the dark gray enclosure, Obi-Wan sighed and headed for the shower, shedding his clothing as he went. Making use of that tub was exactly what had caused him to deplete the hot water store during their first week here. The thong that bound his short ponytail landed on the gold-flecked flooring, and was followed by the ties and beads that decorated his thin Padawan's braid.

Finger-combing through the longer strands that snaked down behind his right ear, Obi-Wan felt a prickle of chill bumps as the dark hair at the lower third of the braid brushed over his bare shoulder. In the tradition of all human master/apprentice pairs, a lock of the elder Jedi's hair had been grafted onto the Padawan's through the manipulation of the Force. The feat signified the bond between the two and their ability to work in conjunction as the exercise could not be completed without the full cooperation of both parties.

During the first years of their pairing the darkness of the braid had stood out in stark relief against Obi-Wan's sandy red hair but slowly the balance had tipped the other way. Now the majority of the braid was the apprentice's natural color, signifying among other things the growth of the student toward his destiny. When he was finally deemed ready to take his place as a full Jedi Knight, the adornment would be lopped off and he would be free to wear his hair as he chose. While a simple, short cut did have its advantages, Obi-Wan had no desire to continue looking like an apprentice and was determined to let his grow as his Master had.

The bathing room had filled with steam by the time Obi-Wan roused himself out of his reverie and realized that he was twining the darker part of his apprentice's lock through his fingers. _Damn and blast, if I use all the hot water again I will *never* hear the end of it!_ With a guilty chuckle, the Jedi student ducked inside the stall and under the stinging spray.

_Of course I could ask Qui-Gon if he wanted to join me . . ._ As startled by the random thought as by the fact that he thought of his Master by his name, Obi-Wan shook his head, turning his attention to bathing so as not to brood over the strange directions his thoughts seemed to be travelling in lately.

The buzz of the communication panel sounded as the apprentice was drying himself and he listened to the muffled sound of his Master's voice and the guttural interjections of one of the Kuan. The conversation was brief and Obi-Wan stuck his head out of the door when he heard it end.

"It seems we are to be allowed a night of respite," Qui-Gon said in answer to his Padawan's unasked question. " Councilor Cha-ata is sending one of his delegates with our evening meal. The storm is predicted to blow itself out tonight so the talks will resume in the morning barring any complications."

"I cannot honestly say I am sorry for this one evening's delay," Obi-Wan admitted ruefully and was rewarded with a chuckle from the older Jedi.

"Nor can I, nor can I. There are times I believe that these talks would try the patience of even Master Yoda himself." Pushing himself up from the chair next to the communications panel, Qui-Gon rolled his neck, generating several audible pops and cracks brought on by the tension of the past weeks. "Now then, Padawan, if you are done in there and you have left me at least a modicum of warm water I would like to avail myself of the facilities . . ."

Fighting the blush that once again threatened and flashing an apologetic smile at his teacher, Obi-Wan darted back into the bathing room and gathered up his clothing, carrying it to the smaller of the two bedrooms. The familiar touch of his Master's mind soothed him somewhat as did the older man's blissful sigh as the shower spray worked the tension from his shoulders and back.

After dropping his soiled clothing down the cleaning chute, the Jedi apprentice pulled on fresh tunics and leggings, securing the plain, layered shirts around his waist with his utility belt after tugging his boots on. It was considered impolite for a guest of the Kuan to carry a weapon within their rooms so Obi-Wan resisted the impulse to attach his lightsaber to his belt, instead bringing it with him to the common room. Setting the weapon on a nearby table where it would be in easy reach if he needed it, the Padawan busied himself straightening the furniture he had moved earlier when he had begun his exercises. The spacious room was looking as it had before when the soft tones of the door chime sounded. Qui-Gon had not emerged from the bathing room yet and so Obi-Wan moved to open it.

"Obi-Wan'le, fair weather to you." The young Kuan female's rumbled speech turned his name into a smooth purr.

The apprentice grinned, seeing who had come to deliver the meal and bowed,stepping back out of the way in the same smooth motion. "And to you, Kele-ata'na," he said smoothly. "It is indeed a pleasure to see you this evening."

As niece to the councilor, Kele-ata had been present at all the negotiations so far and the Jedi had struck up a warm friendship with her. "Is Qui-Gon'le not here?" she asked, her violet eyes moving from side to side and her slitted nostrils flaring as she searched for the older human's scent as she set the tray on the large dining table.

"He is readying himself for the evening meal, he will be out soon."

"Ahhh . . ." The Kuan's pointed ears flicked back and forth as she picked up the sounds coming from the bathing room. Rigidly controlling a shiver at the thought of bathing in water, the young female nodded.

His attention drawn to his friend's ears by their movement, Obi-Wan saw something that made his brow furrow. "Kele-ata'na, what happened?" Her right ear was partially shredded, three long slashes cutting clear through the fur and skin. The wound looked clean and wasn't bleeding but it still appeared raw and painful.

The brindled fur on the female's shoulders rippled and she blinked her eyelids rapidly - the equivalent of a Kuan blush. "It is not for you to be concerned about, Obi-Wan'le. Sar-eka claimed me as his mate, the marking is part of the ceremony."

The young Jedi's mind whirled with the implications of this. Sar-eka was the lead delegate for the rival clan and one of the most vocal opponents to the negotiations. "Did - did he hurt you?" Obi-Wan finally asked, working to separate his concern for his friend from the logical part of his mind so that he could try and understand what this might do to the already fragile peace that had prevailed during the talks.

Kele-ata looked shocked at that and her ears pricked forward as her eyes widened until a thin circle of white rimmed them. "To ask such a thing Obi-Wan'le! Did *your* mate hurt you when he claimed you? I think not!"

Confused beyond belief, Obi-Wan could only stare at his friend. "My mate?"

"You and Qui-Gon'le are mates, are you not?" she asked. "You may not be marked but you each bear the other's scent."

"No!" Obi-Wan winced as his denial was voiced much more loudly than he had meant to speak. "He is my Master, my teacher. We're not mates or anything like that!"

The Kuan studied him curiously, tilting her head to one side and flaring her nostril's slightly, letting Obi-Wan's scent speak to her as much as his words. "Please forgive me my ignorance of your customs, Obi-Wan'le," she said formally. One set of eyelids winked down, casting a shadowy pall over her violet eyes. "I meant no offence to either you or Qui-Gon'le. I shall go now so as to cause you no more discomfort."

The Kuan delegate turned to leave but was halted when the Jedi apprentice caught her arm. "Please Kele-ata, do not leave. I took no offense at what you said, it merely startled me. If you can forgive my ignorance of your custom in this case, I can certainly forgive you yours."

Visibly relaxing at the Jedi's earnest words, Kele-ata chuffed out a low cough, her version of a laugh. "Oh course you are forgiven, Obi-Wan, though as you said, there is in reality nothing to forgive. I am pleased that we can remain friends."

"May I wish you warm nights and many kits?" he asked, offering up a ritual Kuan blessing he had heard used before.

Kele-ata nodded at that and her lids flicked back, brightening her eyes once more. "I am honored by your words and when the time comes I hope that I may wish the same to you."

Obi-Wan could swear he heard a hint of another cough in her words but the Kuan's expression remained solemn. Kele-ata then excused herself, saying that her mate was waiting and departed, leaving a very perplexed apprentice behind.

"You handled that very well, Padawan." At the sound of Qui-Gon's voice behind him, Obi-Wan fought the urge to try to sink into the floor as he wondered just how much of the conversation his Master had overheard.

Summoning every bit of control that his teachings had given him, the apprentice turned to look at the elder Jedi. "Thank you, Master but I would agree with you more if I had not been the cause of the situation to begin with."

Qui-Gon's blue eyes revealed nothing of his thoughts, only a faint hint of curiosity. "Given all the cultures and races we meet in our travels, misunderstandings are inevitable no matter how careful we are. The important thing here was that you were able to ease the tension between Kele-ata'na and yourself, leaving no lingering repercussions."

Automatically folding his arms in front of him as if he was wearing his robes, Obi-Wan silently considered his Master's words for a moment then studied his own feelings, working to come to an understanding of his motivation. "I still feel that the whole situation could have been avoided if I had handled her assumptions in a better manner."

The Jedi Master inclined his head marginally, conceding the point. "Be that as it may, Padawan, it is resolved. Now we must turn our thoughts to what changes this occurrence may bring when next the clans meet."

Feeling relieved that his teacher was following this line of discussion, Obi-Wan took a seat next to his Master, and the two dissected the ramifications of this turn of events over their meal.

"The truth shall come with the rising of the sun." Qui-Gon murmured the Kuan proverb as he set his utensils on his plate, regarding his apprentice seriously, his hands folded on the tabletop.

"I only hope that the others take a lesson from Sar-eta and Kele-ata and put aside their differences as well." Taking a final drink of his juice, Obi-Wan wiped his mouth then set his napkin aside.

The elder Jedi made a soft noise of agreement though he looked as if he was distracted by something. "Master?" Obi-Wan asked, wondering if he had missed some vital piece of information earlier in the discussion.

Qui-Gon studied his intertwined fingers for a span of time that seemed - to his apprentice - to drag out immeasurably. Finally, he lifted his head to study the younger man, his expression calm and unreadable.

A jolt of nervousness sizzled through the apprentice's nervous system as those blue eyes held him pinned and Obi-Wan froze, his ears ringing with the resounding thumps of his heartbeat. _Recognize the truth when it is time you will._ It was another of Master Yoda's sayings and seemed somehow portentous now.

A ghost of a smile touched Qui-Gon's lips and he seemed to come to the end of some internal debate. "Obi-Wan, how did you feel when Kele-ata asked if we were mates?"

It was a common enough question. From an early age, Jedi students were taught to examine their emotions for the purpose of better understanding their own motivations. This time though Obi-Wan couldn't answer - not because he didn't want to, simply because he was unable to.

As Qui-Gon waited patiently, the apprentice searched for the words which would convey his reactions. Finally, after what seemed to Obi-Wan an eons long silence, he answered. "Confused."

"Confused?" the Jedi Master asked, hoping for more elaboration.

"Yes, Master." With difficulty Obi-Wan stopped himself from fidgeting with his napkin, then answered truthfully. "The question made me realize that I have been . . ." Pausing to take a deep breath, the apprentice felt a wave of warmth and support flowing from his teacher through their bond. "I have been having thoughts about you which are not proper for our relationship."

Having gotten it out, the younger Jedi fairly leapt from his chair and darted over to the window to stare out into the snowy darkness. If he could have he would have run from the suite of rooms, but that was not the way of the Code. _Stand and face your fears, only then shall you slay them._ Somehow the saying didn't cover telling your Master that you were attracted to him.

The chair creaked as Qui-Gon rose and slow even footsteps marked his approach. "Padawan," the elder Jedi said gently, placing a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and turning his apprentice to face him. "There is nothing wrong in admitting that you care for someone."

"But Master . . ." Obi-Wan began, struggling to form a coherent reply even as he noted that Qui-Gon's hand was still on his arm. "The Code . . ."

"Does the Code tell you to avoid love?" At Obi-Wan's negative headshake, Qui-Gon continued, his voice soothing and hypnotic. "I have done you a disservice, Obi-Wan. By seeking to protect you I have shielded you from more than I should have. At the time I thought it was best but now I see that I was wrong."

"You have never - " The younger man's outburst was hushed by the press of his teacher's finger against his lips.

"Yes I have. I have watched you grow from a hotheaded boy to a man sure in himself and the Force. During this time I have felt a teacher's pride in you but also more, much more. To protect you - and myself - I could not tell you."

Blue-green eyes widened with understanding and Obi-Wan gasped out a breath against Qui-Gon's finger. Raising his hand, he caught the elder Jedi's finger and placed a light kiss on the callused flesh. "I do not need protecting, Master, not from you."

A low groan vibrated the larger man's throat and Obi-Wan watched in fascination as his Master's pupils dilated and his breathing sped up. "Padawan, I do not want you to think that this is required of you . . ."

Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to silence his teacher by placing a finger on his lips. The short hairs of his mustache and beard tickled the apprentice's fingertip and he fought the urge to stroke the sleek hair and explore the square jawline.

"You have never asked anything of me but my trust, Master. Now I know that I want to give you more. My heart is yours if you desire it." As he said this, the Jedi apprentice lowered the last barriers in his mind, letting his newly discovered love flow from him like a newly hatched butterfly breaking free from it's cocoon.

Qui-Gon actually staggered as his apprentice's emotions rushed over him, shredding his final defenses as easily as if *he* was the student and Obi-Wan the teacher. The love long-hidden bloomed, pouring back into Obi-Wan's mind and causing the apprentice's whole face to light up as he basked in the knowledge that his feelings were returned.

"The Council . . ." Qui-Gon began, only to find himself pulled into his apprentice's arms, the move a bit awkward from lack of practice but all the more sweet for that reason.

"The Council is not here," Obi-Wan murmured, starting to grin as he felt the full length of his teacher's body pressed up against his as Qui-Gon's arms wrapped tightly around him.

The Jedi Master leaned closer. "A very good observation." he chuckled before silencing any other comments by covering his Padawan's lips with his own.

The conflagration of a Thallasian firestorm was nothing compared to the burning need that filled Obi-Wan at the pressure of his Master's mouth on his. The touch was still light, asking instead of making demands, exploring, savoring, imprinting the memory of this first kiss into their hearts and minds.

His hands moving up to tangle in the older man's loose hair, Obi-Wan let his lips fall open, inviting a more thorough exploration. The apprentice was rewarded with a rush of new sensations as Qui-Gon's tongue stroked him, running over his lips and teeth before sliding inside. The taste was reminiscent of the spices that had flavored their meal but beneath that was another, totally intoxicating flavor - that of his Master. Desperate for more, Obi-Wan's fingers tightened in the rough silk of the elder Jedi's hair, massaging his scalp with practiced dexterity as the all-consuming kiss continued.

In response, Qui-Gon's hands moved up his apprentice's back, stroking the firm flesh beneath the layers of tunics before settling in their final destination; one palm resting against the exposed skin of Obi-Wan's neck, the other caressing the short ponytail on the back of his head.

The Jedi Master's thumb rubbed small circles over the nape of the younger man's neck and Obi-Wan squirmed lightly as the sensation was ticklish as well as being highly erotic. There were very few places that he and Qui-Gon had not touched each other over their years together, either in training, healing or comfort, but this was one that had somehow been missed.

"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon pulled back enough to look into his apprentice's eyes, his own still darker than usual but lit with the fire of a thousand suns. The question was accompanied by the brush of his mind against the younger man's, a soft assurance to both as to their emotional state.

The barriers were still down completely between them and the all too evident rush of love and desire arced back and forth between the pair, with each leap growing stronger and more sure until it threatened to incinerate them where they stood with it's intensity.

"I never realized," Obi-Wan breathed, his arms remaining locked around the larger man.

Qui-Gon nodded at that and brushed a feather-light kiss over his Padawan's intoxicating mouth. "I am sorry for my deception, but I felt and still do feel that it was necessary. Emotions are like the ability to touch the Force, either they are there or they are not, nothing you or anyone else can do can coerce them into existence if they are absent."

Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to lean in for a kiss, this one a teasing brush of his lips over the softness of his Master's. "Then I for one am very glad that Kele-ata made me aware of mine, else who knows how long it would have been before I discovered them."

"As am I," the elder Jedi smiled, shifting one hand to stroke Obi-Wan's face. "We shall have to thank her when next we see her."

A dull red flush crept up the back of the apprentice's neck at that and he chuckled. "I fear that if she gets a good scent of us she will know without our saying one word, Master. You do not think this will damage our effectiveness here, do you?"

Qui-Gon silently considered the possibility, the lightning-fast pace of his thoughts sliding over the edges of Obi-Wan's mind like a swiftly running stream. Flashes of light illuminated random images, leaving the younger man with a vague impression of the whole process.

"Considering that she believed us to be mates before, I do not doubt that the rest of the Kuan think any differently. It has not affected our ability to act as mediators thus far so I cannot foresee it being detrimental in the future."

Obi-Wan relaxed at that but the Jedi Master continued speaking before he could say anything. "There may be future missions, however, that could be jeopardized by this and at such times . . ."

"The mission comes first." Obi-Wan nodded in understanding. They were Jedi, to act in a manner that would compromise their assignment would not only be unthinkable but also potentially dangerous, to both themselves and their brethren. "But not tonight?"

"Not tonight," Qui-Gon softly agreed, shielding the small portion of his mind that wondered what the Council would say about this development. Masters and apprentices had in the past become lovers and the situation was considered acceptable - as long as it did not interfere in the Padawan's training. Silently vowing to himself that this would not be the case here, the elder Jedi captured Obi-Wan's mouth again, savoring the other man's enthusiastic response as their minds meshed once again.

Hands shifted lower to smooth over the rough fabric of their outer garments, pressing the neutral hued cloth against the quivering muscles beneath, sparking new rounds of tremors as sensitive spots were found and catalogued.

Tearing his mouth from his apprentice's to feast on Obi-Wan's neck, Qui-Gon was rewarded with a hoarse moan and a sudden clutching of the younger man's fingers. Then it was his turn to groan as Obi-Wan slipped a hand between the folds of his tunic and his fingertips grazed over the Jedi Master's flesh.

"Should we move while we can still walk?" Obi-Wan gasped out even as he tilted his head to allow his Master access to more of his neck. As if in a daze, he continued to sweep his hand over the smooth warmth of the older man's chest, the ridged muscles contracting and releasing beneath his palm.

"A bed would be more comfortable than the couch or the floor," Qui-Gon murmured, his words causing the short hairs of his beard and mustache to glide over his Padawan's neck.

Obi-Wan nodded and leaned in to kiss the exposed shell of Qui-Gon's ear. "And warmer too."

A soft chuckle was the older man's only response as he pulled back enough to gaze at his student. "I do love you, Obi-Wan." The words were soft-spoken but sure.

"I know, Master." The apprentice slowly withdrew his hand from his Master's tunic only to twine his fingers with the elder Jedi's. "It is as clear to me as my feelings for you and I know how deeply I love you."

A slight tightening of Qui-Gon's fingers accompanied his smile and the two men turned as one to make the short journey to the larger of the bedrooms. They had barely gone three steps when a distant explosion rocked the complex.

Instantly the Jedi sprang apart, calling their weapons to their hands and searching the Force for the cause of the blast. The desire that had burned so brightly between them was instantly banked as body and mind concentrated on the current situation.

"The meeting hall," Obi-Wan breathed, identifying the area of the complex that had been destroyed.

Qui-Gon nodded tightly, sheathing his weapon and heading for the door. "I only hope that no one was inside."

Obi-Wan automatically fell into position at his Master's left side as they strode out of the door and into the wide corridor. Dazed looking members of both delegations mingled in the hallways, the numbers increasing as the Jedi neared the scene of the explosion.

Using his height to an advantage, Qui-Gon scanned the Kuan, then stopped one of the delegates. "Where are Councilor Cha-ata and Advocate Sar-eka?"

The dust-streaked male shook his head then gestured toward the meeting room. His ears were pressed flat to his head and his teeth were bared, causing his voice to emerge in a harsh hiss. "They were in the hall along with Kele-ata'na, I do not know if they left before the accident."

Obi-Wan felt a stab of worry lance through him at the thought of his friend being trapped in the now demolished room, but his face retained the same placid expression as his Master's. "Do you have a rescue team?" he asked, wondering why no one had attempted to determine if the two delegation leaders were in fact in the hall.

"The storm . . ." the Kuan began, gesturing toward the dark windows. "They will be some time in arriving."

The two Jedi shared a moment of wordless communication, acknowledging the one course of action that was available to them. "If any of your people have medical skills there will be a need for them," Qui-Gon stated, enforcing the words with a bit of the Force. "Have them set up a triage unit nearby, we shall see if there is anyone inside."

The young male nodded nervously, then scurried away, apparently to do as he was told. Not bothering to watch him any longer, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan started toward the massive entryway, straining to see through air clogged with smoke and dust. Huge supports had broken away from the ceiling, turning the massive room into a twisted maze bereft of any clear path through it.

"Padawan, you know Kele-ata best, can you feel her in there?"

Excruciatingly aware that seconds were ticking away, seconds that could mean the difference between life and death, Obi-Wan dropped into a light trance, sending tendrils of thought outward in search of the unique spark of the Force that was his friend. A faint glimmer of contact, enough to tell him that she was inside but injured and the apprentice broadened his awareness, searching for other life forms.

While Obi-Wan sought out the Kuan, Qui-Gon studied the heavy support beams, letting the Force guide him in determining which ones should be moved and how. "She is there," the younger Jedi said at last as he moved to stand at his Master's side once more. "And two others who are also injured. They're trapped near the bank of tables on the side of the hall nearest the murals.

There was no need to ask the younger man if he was ready and, after taking a deep breath of the relatively clean air outside the doorway, the Jedi moved into the hall, working with mental and physical strength to clear a path through the debris.

"So nice of the Kuan to offer to help us." Obi-Wan's voice was strained with the effort of holding one of the plasteel beams aloft while Qui-Gon maneuvered another under it to hold it in place. Rubble shifted and slid, threatening to create a deadly cascade and both men used their command of the Force to slow the motion of the broken rock until it settled into a precarious balance once more.

"We can worry about the reasons for that after, Padawan." Qui-Gon's voice held a mild rebuke that served to remind his apprentice that they did not know everything about the situation yet.

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan murmured, wiping his sleeve across his forehead and leaving a dirty smear behind.

"Obi-Wan'le?" Kele-ata's voice was weak and muffled by the debris still separating them but it was a welcome sound.

"We're almost there, Kele-ata," he called back, determination adding strength and maturity to his voice.

"Please hurry." The Kuan sounded distraught. "Cha-ata'le is badly injured."

"As is my mate." The two Jedi recognized the bass growl of Sar-eka's voice. "Should we dig through from this side?"

"No!" Qui-Gon's voice was sharp. "Stay where you are, we will come to you. If you start moving things I can't promise that we will be able to control the shifting."

"As you wish Qui-Gon'le." It was plain that the inactivity was eating at the Advocate but he understood the wisdom of the order.

Their minds meshing together, the Jedi went back to work, their power blending and overlapping as they continued to work their way through the rubble. Through careful and methodical use of the Force they opened a path to the three trapped Kuan.

Sar-eka was hovering protectively over Kele-ata, blood matting his dark fur from gashes to his head and back. The female was attempting to make her uncle comfortable but it was plain from her expression that he wasn't doing well. Her arm was pressed tightly to her side, it's unnatural angle a clear sign of a bad break.

Cha-ata was in the worst shape. The Councilor's eyes were glazed and his breathing was labored. Part of his skull seemed dented and blood was pooled under his body.

"Can you walk?" Qui-Gon asked, looking from Sar-eka to Kele-ata. They nodded and the Jedi Master turned his attention to the severely injured Cha-ata, communicating his instructions to Obi-Wan in the same instant.

Plainly not pleased with his orders, but not wanting to challenge his Master in public, Obi-Wan sent back his silent agreement. "We're going to get you out of here now. I need you to follow in my steps exactly, the route is unstable and a misstep could bring the ceiling in on us."

"The day I cannot follow a *human's* trail is the day I offer myself to the snows," Sar-Eka growled, his ears flattening then relaxing at the touch of his mate's hand on his arm.

"We will follow you, Obi-Wan," Kele-ata assured him, her voice still tight with pain but gentle.

Feeling somewhat assured by the fact that the Advocate was not going to do anything to jeopardize her, Obi-Wan cast a final look over his shoulder to where Qui-Gon was manipulating the Force to close as many of Cha-ata's wounds as possible before carrying him out.

"Master are you sure . . ."

"Go, Padawan. I will bring the Councilor out once he is stable."

Hating to leave Qui-Gon in this dangerous maze but knowing that it was the only way, Obi-Wan sent a thin tendril of strength and love toward the older man and felt a rush of happiness when it was acknowledged and returned.

The way back through the shattered hall was tortuous and several times Obi-Wan found himself supporting the two Kuan over obstacles in their path. Sweat dripped into his eyes, causing them to burn and his tunic rubbed over the numerous scrapes and cuts he had accumulated thus far. By the time they broke free of the disaster, the apprentice was helping Sar-eka support Kele-ata, the young female having passed out when a stumble slammed her injured arm into a sharp-edged rock.

Once he was sure that the two Kuan were in capable medical hands, Obi-Wan turned and headed back into the meeting hall, intent on one thing - finding his Master and getting him out of there. Using all his agility to scramble over the wreckage, the apprentice raced back over the path he had just traversed.

Less than a third of the way back into the hall he found the other two. Qui-Gon was picking his way through the ruins, his concentration focused on the Kuan in his arms and the debris around them. The Jedi Master's eyes narrowed when he saw his student but he remained silent except for a nod when Obi-Wan took over the task of weaving the Force around the looser blocks.

A plasteel strut drooped lower and Obi-Wan hefted it back out of th way, feeling the strain in his mind. Holding it high enough for Qui-Gon to duck under without jostling Cha-ata and himself to follow, Obi-Wan then let it fall back into place. The small concussion started a rumble deep within the ruined meeting hall and the wreckage shifted violently.

Qui-Gon propelled himself and the Councilor through the doorway and handed the injured Kuan over to the medical personnel for treatment. Before they had Cha-ata fully on the stretcher the Jedi was spinning and racing back to the entrance to drag his apprentice to safety.

The sight of his Master silhouetted on the opening ahead was like a beacon and Obi-Wan pressed his exhausted muscles harder, sprinting the final few meters. The rumble grew louder and the last thing he saw before everything went black was the look of horror on Qui-Gon's face.

Blackness. Emptiness. Agony. At least the last of the three could be dealt with and Obi-Wan turned his splintered concentration to accepting the pain so that his body could use the Force to heal itself. A brush of contact against his befuddled mind was followed by a steady outpouring of strength and love that was accompanied by the light touch of his Master's palm on his forehead.

"What?" he managed to croak out, struggling to open his eyes.

"Rest, Padawan," Qui-Gon murmured, the words echoing in Obi-Wan's mind and his ears and bringing with them a feeling of lassitude. "You need to heal more and there will be time for questions later. Now is the time for you to sleep."

Even though Obi-Wan was aware of what his Master was doing, he was unable to resist the compelling suggestion and he slipped back into the void, though this time the emptiness was banished by the soft glow of Qui-Gon's presence.

"If I try to open my eyes are you going to put me to sleep again?"

A relieved chuckle greeted the apprentice's somewhat petulant question and he took that as a sign that the answer was no. Wincing at the brightness of the light even though in reality it was very dim in the room, Obi-Wan turned his head in the direction of the soft sound then frowned as he saw how haggard his teacher looked. The fine lines at the corners of Qui-Gon's eyes were more deeply etched than the younger man had ever seen them and his complexion was pale beneath his tan.

"I believe that you should take your own advice, Master." As he spoke, Obi-Wan discovered that he could move without too much pain and reached out to take the elder Jedi's hand.

Shifting forward, Qui-Gon clasped his apprentice's hand between both of his palms, layering his flesh in warmth. "My own advice?" he asked, his control slipping enough to show a hint of the anguish he had felt at being unable to prevent his Padawan's injuries.

Obi-Wan nodded at that and rolled to his side, moving carefully so as not to dislodge his hand or awaken any of the lingering aches in his recently healed body. "I do not think the Kuan would like it if you fell asleep during the negotiations."

"The negotiations are over." Noting his apprentice's surprised look, Qui-Gon exerted all his formidable control on his roiling emotions and continued, though he did not release Obi-Wan's hand.

"The feud has been settled, the clans have come to an agreement." A heavy sadness entered the older man's voice as he continued. "The medics were unable to save Councilor Cha-ata. The Ata-nale voted and Kele-ata was named his successor. She and Sar-eka have managed to find compromises that have pleased both the Ata-nale and the Eka-nale."

"Perhaps being mates has given them more insight to the wants and needs of their former foes," Obi-Wan murmured, letting the familiar warmth of his Master's presence wash over him like a healing balm. "But what of the explosion?"

The Jedi Master's blue eyes hardened and his lips thinned. "It was not an accident," he stated flatly. "Dev-ata planted the explosives and then contacted the Advocate and the Councilor, telling each that the other wanted a meeting. Apparently he thought that if both were out of the way the talks would totally collapse."

"How unfortunate for him that we were there to help."

Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow at the blatant cynicism in his student's voice. "This also explains why we had no help. He told the other Kuan that we preferred to handle the rescue on our own, hoping our deaths would cause the rift to widen even further."

"But why?"

"Greed." The word was accompanied by a sigh. "It motivates people to act in inconceivable ways. It is no wonder it's one of the paths to the Dark Side."

Obi-Wan nodded then closed his eyes for a moment, letting his thoughts drift along the currents and eddies of the Force as he absorbed this news. His Master's mind lay open and unshielded before him and a light brush against one of the older man's memories made the apprentice gasp.

"Obi-Wan?" Concern evident in every line of his body, Qui-Gon shifted closer, moving one hand to stroke his Padawan's short hair.

Still shaken from the image, Obi-Wan tightened his fingers around Qui-Gon's, concentrating on the sensation and on keeping his voice even. "I hadn't realized how badly . . . How long was I out?"

"Three days," the older man replied quietly, his tone showing more clearly than any vision what that span of time had been like for him.

_Three days . . ._ For a Force-enhanced healing to take that long, especially when aided by medic droids, the injuries had to be grave indeed - and from the glimpse of himself that he had gotten from his teacher's mind, they had been. To ease both his own and his Master's thoughts, Obi-Wan brought Qui-Gon's hand to his lips and kissed his knuckles. "And you wondered what lengths I would go to to miss another round of those endless debates."

The Jedi Master tried his best to look stern but finally gave in and kissed his Padawan's hand in return, the small gesture doing much to restore the intimacy which had blossomed between them before the tragic events of three days prior. "Obi-Wan, I know that you tend to go overboard with your reactions at times but that is a bit much even for you."

_And I have never felt so helpless in all my life._ The thought rang clearly in Obi-Wan's head and it was then he understood the toll his accident had taken on the older man.

"Master - " he began, then stopped and sat up, ignoring the muted aches from his abused muscles. "Qui-Gon - " the word felt strange and seductive flowing across his tongue and lips and he couldn't wait to say it again. "There is nothing you could have done, and you did help." The apprentice's voice was low and earnest as he spoke and he found himself exerting a bit of pressure on his teacher's arm to pull him closer. "I was drowning in a sea of darkness and your strength, your love, was the light that led me to shore. Without that I fear I would still be flailing around, not knowing which way to turn."

The sound of the ragged breath Qui-Gon drew in rasped loudly in the silence that followed Obi-Wan's statement and then the younger man found himself folded in his Master's arms and his own wrapped around the other man as tightly as possible.

_I will always find you, beloved._ The certainty behind the Jedi Master's thoughts rolled over his apprentice, leaving a trail of warmth and conviction in it's wake. _Just as I know you will always find me should I lose my way._

_Always._ Obi-Wan agreed silently, leaning back just enough to look up into Qui-Gon's eyes and noting with some relief that the shadows which had haunted them were gone. "Though I could easily lose myself in you and not want to be found."

"You burn too brightly to ever be lost in my shadow, Obi-Wan. It draws people to you like moths to a candleflame, myself included."

"I would never burn you, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan whispered, feeling his body tighten as he drew his Master's face downward until their lips met in a blissful union once more. Reckless abandon on his part met with tightly leashed desire from the older man and Obi-Wan pulled back, frowning.

"You do burn me, beloved. Just looking at you sears my eyes and your touch, your taste is branded in my soul for all eternity. You burn Obi-Wan, but it is with a fire that wakens one that has lain long dormant within me. You burn and in the face of that I can do nothing other than join with your flames or be consumed by them."

"When two fires merge, they burn brighter than even before." With quick, decisive movements, Obi-Wan lay back on the mattress, pulling Qui-Gon along with him. Seeing that his teacher was resting all of his weight on his arms, Obi-Wan looked questioningly up at the older man.

Giving a soft sigh of regret, Qui-Gon shifted to the side, freeing one of his hands and running his palm over his apprentice's cheek, feeling the faint trace of stubble as he did so. "Do you doubt my feelings for you, Padawan?"

"Never, Master!"

Qui-Gon smiled at that and continued his hand's languid movements. "Then you will understand when I tell you that we must wait until you are fully recovered before carrying this to the next level."

"But - "

"No 'buts', Obi-Wan, but if it is of any help, the wait is hard for me also."

"That's not all that is," the younger man grumbled.

The elder Jedi looked sympathetic but his decision wasn't wavered by the hard evidence of his apprentice's arousal pressing against his thigh. "You are still weak, beloved, and I would rather our first time not end in you falling asleep or passing out."

Obi-Wan had to laugh at that, and much of the tension drained from him. Giving his teacher a soft mental nudge, he waited until Qui-Gon shifted so that he was lying next to him. Then, with a contented sigh, Obi-Wan curled up against the larger man, his head pillowed on his teacher's shoulder. "You are putting me to sleep again, aren't you?" the apprentice muttered, his tone accusatory.

"The more you rest and sleep, the sooner you will recover, Padawan," Qui-Gon murmured, cradling the smaller man close and immersing his senses in the unique scents and textures that made up Obi-Wan.

"And the sooner we can . . ." Another touch of the Force, and Obi-Wan gave up fighting, letting his Master lull him to sleep with his touch and the steady sound of his heartbeat.

"What did you think of the ceremony, Padawan?"

The two Jedi were returning from Cha-ata's funeral and snow clung to their robes and boots as they reentered the complex, having paid their respects to the Kuan delegations outside. The mission was now officially over and, as Obi-Wan had been cleared to return to active duty by both the medics and Qui-Gon, they would be leaving when the shuttle arrived in the morning.

The young man considered the question carefully as he walked through the corridors at his Master's side. "It was a lot like Kuan themselves. Serious and business-like, nothing extraneous to distract those in attendance from remembering what had brought them there today."

Qui-Gon nodded, pleased with his apprentice's grasp of the nuances of the Kuan culture. "They mourn for five days, then enact the Kav'lena, then life goes back to normal for them."

"Only now that normalcy will include peace between the Ata-nale and the Eka-nale."

"And hopefully more prosperity for both of them." They reached their rooms, shedding their robes as the door closed behind them and hanging them up so that the heavy fabric could dry.

Qui-Gon was silent for a long moment as he studied the large common room, his eyes taking on a distant look. Wondering what his Master was thinking, Obi-Wan sent a thin tendril of thought in the older man's direction. The image that greeted his soft probe brought a look of wonder to the apprentice's face - had he really looked like that at the end of their last training session?

"Are you questioning my memory, Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked, turning to gaze at the younger man, the vision in his mind changing to one of Obi-Wan as he looked now; formal tunic hanging a touch too loosely on his body due to the weight he had lost during his convalescence, sandy red hair darkened by the now melted snow, thin Padawan's braid trailing down beside the strong column of his neck, blue-green eyes lit with the feral knowledge that he was desired.

"Never, Master, but would you care to know how I see you?" At Qui-Gon's wordless nod, Obi-Wan took control of the vision, replacing his picture with his Master's, building the image layer by layer until it was perfect. The sculpted body hidden beneath the many layers of his clothes, the strands of gray mixed with the predominant brown of his hair, the lighter toned beard and mustache that framed mobile lips which were now quirked up in a grin, and the blue eyes - eyes that reflected the same emotion that burned in the younger man's.

At the touch of his teacher's hand on his face, Obi-Wan's concentration shattered and the image collapsed, leaving him staring into Qui-Gon's eyes.

"I see exercises in dealing with distractions are in order - but they can wait until tomorrow." The addition silenced any protest Obi-Wan had been considering and he threw himself into Qui-Gon's arms in a blur of motion.

Freed from the constraints of their official positions, the two men devoured each other's mouths hungrily, rediscovering the territory they had only begun to map before they had been interrupted what now seemed years ago. This time Obi-Wan was the aggressor, slipping his tongue past the lush barriers of the elder Jedi's lips then feeling the rough velvet slide as he explored the taste and feel of Qui-Gon's mouth.

Muscles tensed as white-hot desire tore through them, burning aside all thoughts of control and leaving only the aching need in each man to show the other how much he was loved and wanted. Utility belts dropped to the floor and hands pushed at layers of fabric that somehow seemed to have multiplied since the clothing had been put on earlier that day.

Soft murmurings of names and endearments accompanied the carnal sweep of hands over exposed flesh as the multiple tunics were stripped off, and Obi-Wan found himself pulled up against the solid wall of Qui-Gon's chest for another kiss. Losing himself in the heady sensation of the heat of his Master's skin pressing against his own, the younger man grabbed two handfuls of Qui-Gon's hair, yanking it in his attempts to get even closer.

"Easy, Obi-Wan." The elder Jedi's husky laughter had a pained sound to it and he tugged lightly at his apprentice's braid to get his attention. "If it is your intent to make me look like Master Windu, beloved, there are easier ways than pulling my hair out strand by strand."

"Master, I . . ."Obi-Wan began, before recognizing Qui-Gon's teasing for what it was and grinning as he rubbed his teacher's scalp. "Master Windu may be a handsome man but I much prefer you - hair and all." The thought of feeling the rough silk that was even now sliding between his fingers trailing over his body sent a jolt of electricity through the younger Jedi and he shivered in anticipation.

"Are you saying that if I didn't have any hair you would prefer Mace?" As Qui-Gon spoke, he began walking backwards, leading them toward the larger of the two bedrooms and the fur-covered bed that dominated the area. "And no you don't need to answer that," he added, grinning at his apprentice's outraged look.

"Maybe I would prefer Master Yoda," Obi-Wan shot back and found himself expertly flipped onto the bed for his trouble. "But then again, maybe not."

"Maybe?" the older man asked, prowling along the foot of the bed, his movements as predatory as those of the Kuan when they took part in one of their ritual hunts.

"Possibly." Obi-Wan's voice held a seductive mixture of laughter and yearning and his eyes tracked his Master's movements avidly. Sitting up, he pulled off his boots, tossing them toward the corner of the room with little thought as to where they landed.

"Possibly? I must admit Obi-Wan, you are beginning to worry me."

"Perhaps if you would come here you would not need to worry about me any longer." Raising himself up on his knees, the younger Jedi held out his hands, inviting his teacher to join him, scarcely able to believe that this moment had finally arrived.

Qui-Gon leisurely removed his own boots, then, in a series of fluid motions, pounced, gathering his apprentice to him. The two of them rolled across the width of the bed, mouths and minds coming together in a sparkling rush of lust and love that set every nerve ending in their bodies aflame. Every exposed inch of flesh was stroked and memorized before the same path was taken by kiss-swollen lips. Tongues flicked out to lave away beads of sweat that rolled down smooth skin and hoarse gasps for oxygen sent cooler air rushing over the damp trails, raising chillbumps in their wake.

Arching upward into the pressure of the older man's mouth against the tightly contracted flesh of his nipple, Obi-Wan moaned aloud as some hidden dam burst within him, filling his mind with images that had been until now reserved for his deepest dreams. His fingers dug into the larger man's back, then slipped lower, moving under the remaining layers of Qui-Gon's clothing to knead his tight buttocks.

A few swift movements, a judicious use of the Force, and their pants were gone and for the first time Obi-Wan felt the full length of his Master's body pressed to his. Desperate for more and seeing an echo of his frantic need in the elder Jedi's eyes, Obi-Wan combed his hands through Qui-Gon's loose hair, letting his fingers slide down the solid planes of the other man's back, over his ass and to the tops of his thighs.

The Jedi Master threw back his head, arching hard into the strong, lithe body beneath his and gave voice to a throaty purr that vibrated through both of them. _Show me, beloved. What will give you the most pleasure?_ Though his thoughts were colored with the need coiled deep within him, Obi-Wan could also sense the firm grip the other man was keeping on himself - as if he was afraid of scaring or injuring his apprentice in some way.

_Mas - Qui-Gon, I am not a child and I am certainly not as innocent as you are picturing me,_ the younger man sent, providing blatantly carnal images of his long repressed dreams to back up his thought. _I know what I want, and it is the same thing I realize now that I have always wanted: you. Over me, in me, filling me until we have lost all sense of where one of us begins and the other ends._

The open yearning and lush sensuality of his apprentice's thoughts proved to be the Jedi's undoing and, with a low groan, he surrendered control, driving his hips into Obi-Wan's. Their erections slid together, the flesh lubricated by their perspiration and the drops of preejaculate that were leaking from both of their cocks.

_You are everything to me, Obi-Wan, I can deny you nothing._ A tremor ran through Qui-Gon's body as he admitted this and he slanted his lips over his student's, claiming them as thoroughly as the younger man had pictured their bodies joining together.

Continuing the ravishing kiss that had somehow turned into a seductive battle for dominance as Obi-Wan greedily responded, wrapping his legs around the other man's hips, Qui-Gon sent out a tendril of the Force and called a small jar to his hand. Flicking the top off filled the air with the heavy scent of musk and Obi-Wan sniffed appreciatively, loosening his hold on his Master to allow Qui-Gon to sit up.

"You define the word hedonistic, Padawan," he chuckled, watching in delight as the younger man writhed sinuously, waiting for the first touch of his soon-to-be lover's hands.

"Was not it you who taught me to enjoy the pleasures life brings, Master?" Qbi-Wan's eyes were half-lidded and his gaze voracious as his gaze dropped from Qui-Gon's chest to his rampant erection and he licked his suddenly dry lips. The touch of the other man's large, callused hand on his aching flesh drew a low exclamation from him as well as a reflexive bucking into the slick grip.

"That is true, but I also taught you patience, did I not?" Using a touch as soft as moonlight, Qui-Gon trailed his fingers along his Padawan's shaft and down over the tightly drawn up sack beneath it. Once again clamping rigid control over his unruly body and mind, the elder Jedi slowly and carefully prepared his apprentice, bringing him to the brink time and again until Obi-Wan was babbling incoherently, lost in a whirlwind of passion that showed no signs of ending soon.

_Please . . ._ It was the one word Obi-Wan could manage to form and it was rewarded with a slow smile from his mentor.

"Now we will both be rewarded for our patience, beloved." Cradling the younger man's face in his hands, Qui-Gon pressed forward into the heated depths of his apprentice's body.

The bond the two men shared flared to new life, making both feel as if they were taking and being taken at once as the lines blurred between their consciousness. Shared pleasure was their only reality and they both gorged on it, feeling the power overrun their individual identities, leaving one being composed only of physical sensation behind.

Fire sheeted along Obi-Wan's nerves and he fought his impending climax, wanting this moment to go on eternally. _Let go, beloved, I will find you if you lose yourself._ The gentle caress of his Master's thought brought the younger man's consciousness crashing back just as Qui-Gon's hand closed over his straining erection, milking his orgasm from him. Even through the massive spasms shaking his body, he saw and felt the older man tense and then was rewarded with a throbbing heat deep inside him.

"Qui-Gon." The word was uttered lovingly after a time when the only sounds heard in the room were the harsh gasps of the two men and the thundering of their hearts.

"Obi-Wan?" Raising his head from his Padawan's shoulder, the Jedi looked down at his love, serenity and love showing plainly in the azure light of his eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you also, never forget that, no matter where the future takes us."

Bend, stretch, spin, jump. Pivot, flip, duck, leap.

This is where the future has taken us. A small room in the Jedi Temple where I watch my apprentice move through an exercise as old as the Code itself. He is almost done with his last repetition and I search for the words to both offer encouragement and correction. I am not a natural teacher as my Master was. I lack . . . I do not know, perhaps I lack confidence in myself in this matter but I persevere. It is our way and I will not fail in this, my last promise to the man who still holds my heart.

Would I have jumped so recklessly into love if I had known what the future held? The question is absurd. The seven years we had together as lovers is better than a lifetime of wondering and guessing - seven days or even seven hours would have been worth it.

Would things have changed any if we had not been lovers? I cannot torture myself with this question. The Force moves as it will and nothing we do can alter our destinies.

He has finished and is looking at me, those blue eyes seeming somehow so much like my Master's - eyes that can see into my very soul. Does he suspect that I doubt myself, doubt my ability to train him to be the Jedi he would have been if Qui-Gon had been the one standing here?

_There is no try, there is only do._ I know this and I will live by it. Nodding and giving Anakin a small smile, I step forward, shedding my robe as I do so. "You are doing well, I am pleased."

His brilliant smile lights up the training room and it is easy to see why others take to him so quickly. "Now, shall we try the exercise together?"

Elation turns to concentration and he gives a determined nod. "Yes, Master."

Exhaling and centering myself, I take up the starting position opposite him and our eyes meet. Then, on my silent signal, we begin. In the small part of my mind which is not given over to the exercise, a faint thought coalesces in a voice that is not mine. _You are learning, Padawan._

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