**************

 

Title:  The Tutor

 

 

Author:  AngelPhox

 

***************

 

Rating: NC-17 (actually this first part is PG)

 

Disclaimer:  I’m not making any money off this so please don’t sue me Mr.

Lucas.

 

Archive:  Jedihunks, all others please ask

 

Characters:  Qui-Gon, Queen Amidala, Adi Gallia, Yoda, Mace, Sabe

 

Summary:  Takes place four years after TPM.  Qui-Gon is sent on a "very

special mission" to Naboo in relation to a widely accepted custom in that

Galaxy far, far away.

 

Authors Notes:  Please let me know what you think ([email protected]). 

Constructive criticism is welcome.  This is only my second fanfic ever and my

first TPM fanfic.  Hope you like it.

 

THE TUTOR

By AngelPhox

 

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn stepped off the ramp of the Republic Cruiser onto

the number sixty seven landing pad in Coruscant.  It was midday and the sun

blazed in the sky.  He stood on the landing platform and closed his eyes

enjoying the warm breeze against his face and listened to the hum of traffic

on the city planet.  Since the battle with Darth Maul four standard years ago

he had been assigned to a secret mission on the outer rim.  Only the Jedi and

a few other people knew he had survived the battle with Darth Maul.  The

holographic image of him burning at his funeral insured that others outside

the Jedi circle thought him dead.  After four long years he had finally

accomplished what he set out to do on his mission.  Qui-Gon opened his eyes

and gazed at the blue sky for a moment then turned and strode to the air taxi

waiting for him.  Upon reporting the completion of his mission he had been

asked to report directly to Coruscant and meet with the Jedi Council.

 

Arriving at the Jedi Temple Qui-Gon went directly to the Council Chamber.  He

walked briskly through the doors and stopped in the middle of the room.  His

gaze was drawn to the view outside the large windows to one side of the

chamber.  It was cool and quiet here in sharp contrast to the blazing sun

glinting off the buildings outside.  The room was empty save for one council

member, Adi Gallia.  He turned to face her and bowed.

 

Adi Gallia studied Qui-Gon for a minute.  The Council had asked her to meet

briefly with Qui-Gon before sending him on to Naboo.  Qui-Gon was a large

man.  Probably one of the tallest Jedi in the Order.  He stood stoically in

the middle of the council chamber with his feet braced apart and one hand

hooked on his utility belt.  She studied his face, noting the expression in

his blue eyes.  So intense yet vulnerable at the same time.  A curious

combination.  He looked tired and a little pale but that didn’t detract from

his looks.  Her eyes rested on his full lower lip then traveled down to the

strong hand hooked on his utility.  Her gaze continued to travel down his

graceful body, past strong thighs to his feet.  Qui-Gon shifted his hip and

dropped his hand to his side.  A small imperceptible smile graced her lips

momentarily.  The man was absolutely gorgeous, but she didn’t think he

realized it.  Qui-Gon waited patiently for Adi Gallia to speak.

 

"Master Qui-Gon I am glad you have arrived so quickly.  An unusual request

was put to us from Theed Palace on Naboo.  After much discussion the Council

finally agreed with Yoda and I to send you to handle the matter".

 

Qui-Gon tilted his head slightly in curiosity.  "What does this unusual

request involve?", he asked.

 

"We will journey to Naboo to meet with Master Yoda and Master Mace.  They

will tell you what it entails", she answered him.  Adi rose from her seat. 

"Come our transport is waiting."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

As their transport approached the docking bay he noticed the vessel waiting

there.  It was the Queen’s Royal Star Ship.  She still looked as sleek and

shiny as the last time he had seen her.  He thought it odd that they would

send the Queen’s ship for him.

 

Adi wondered about Qui-Gon’s silence.  It was unlike him not to ask about the

mission to Naboo.  Once on the starship he had disappeared for a while and

then returned to stand quietly by her with his arms folded across his chest. 

She realized that he had probably spent many days and even months not talking

to anyone during his mission.  She sensed contentment radiating from him and

knew that given a little time and human contact he would start to talk more.

 

Qui-Gon was elated to be in familiar surroundings.  First Coruscant and now

the Royal Starship.  Granted he hadn’t spent much time on this vessel, but it

was one of the last places he had been before journeying to the Outer Rim.  

 

He was accustomed to heading off on missions without knowing the details till

he arrived, so he hadn’t questioned Adi Gallia too intensely.  The planets he

had been on were devoid of human life and teamed with aliens of every shape,

color and size.  Adi was the first human he had been in contact with in four

years.  He was more than happy to be going to Theed on Naboo where the

population was mostly human.  And the prospect of going to such a beautiful

sunny planet, after the cold dark planets he had been on lately, was a

welcome change.  So even though he was curious about this mission, he was

content to wait till he got to Naboo to find out. 

 

They were getting closer to Naboo.  Qui-Gon frowned as he stood at the ships

port window and watched the tiny fighter ships that escorted the Royal

Starship.   He suddenly turned from the port window his cloak billowing out

behind him.  The feeling that this mission was vastly different than any

mission he had ever been assigned was getting stronger.  He sensed an

emotional ripple in the Force which was confusing.  He began to pace like a

caged lion annoyed at being confined.  He suddenly stopped when he noticed

Adi watching him and sat in the middle of the floor to meditate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Chapter 2

 

Theed Palace, Naboo  -  Meeting with Yoda and Mace

 

After arriving in Theed Qui-Gon went straight to his meeting with Yoda and

Mace.  The meeting took place in a small room of Palace.  Qui-Gon bowed to

Yoda and Mace after entering the room. The room was simply decorated.  A

colorful hand-woven rug covered the marble floor and ancient tapestries

depicting life on Naboo hundreds of years ago hung from the walls.  The only

other furnishings were several comfortable chairs surrounding a low marble

table.  An informal room compared to the rest of the Palace.

 

"Please sit Qui-Gon", Mace said waving him to a chair.

 

Qui-Gon sat in a chair across from his mentors and leaned back waiting for

the two Jedis to speak.

 

Yoda and Mace looked at each other then back at Qui-Gon.

 

"Queen Amidala turned eighteen yesterday", Mace announced as if making casual

conversation.

 

"Is that what you brought me here for.  To discuss the Queen's birthday",

Qui-Gon asked impatiently.  He wished they would get to the point.  "Why am I

here?"

 

"As you know when a young man or woman reaches their eighteenth birthday a

tutor is chosen to teach them the ways of love and sex between men and

women", Mace explained.

 

"Yes, I remember well my eighteenth birthday", Qui-Gon stated.  "What does

that have to do with me being here now?", he questioned leaning forward and

resting his arms on his knees.

 

"You have been chosen as Queen Amidala's teacher", Mace answered.

 

Qui-Gon leaned back in his chair again and steepled his fingers in front of

him.  He looked from Yoda to Mace then stared blankly at the tapestry on the

wall behind them.  This was a surprising revelation.  It brought back

memories of his own teacher and an aspect of the Living Force in himself he

hadn't become aware of till he had reached puberty.  His master had told him

this aspect was very rare, a "gift" from the Force and that he should shield

it from others.  The only time he had let the shield down was with Neala his

teacher.   A warm, sensitive and beautiful woman in her forties.  To his

delight he had discovered that she had the same sensitivity.  He had learned

much from her.  Things he would never forget and sadly had never experienced

since that time.  He didn't think Yoda or Adi knew about his sensitivity, so

he wondered why they had picked him to be the Queen's teacher. 

 

"Don't you think she will object to having a teacher my age.  Perhaps someone

a little younger would be more appropriate and to her liking", Qui-Gon stated.

 

"Matters not age.  Old enough to be your mother was your teacher Qui-Gon",

Yoda stated.

 

"As awkward as it may seem, you are the most suitable match for her.  We

haven't been able to find anyone else and none of the teachers here on Naboo

meet the requirements.  She is a very strong and controlled young woman.  She

needs someone equally strong if not stronger to be her teacher.  It's a

delicate situation as I'm sure you understand", Mace said.

 

Qui-Gon shifted in his seat.  He felt uncomfortable with the whole situation.

 He remembered that the Queen and he hadn't exactly seen eye to eye during

the time they spent together on Tattoine.  And had even exchanged a few

heated words.  But at that time he had known her as Padme the Queens

handmaiden.  He knew that she was more like the handmaiden he had spent time

with on Tattoine.  As the Queen she presented a serene and reserved demeanor.

 He realized he probably knew the Queen a little better than most.

 

"Does the Queen know about this?  She might not be too happy with who you

have chosen to be her instructor", Qui-Gon informed them.

 

"The Queen knows a teacher has been chosen for her, but she doesn't know who

it is yet", Mace said.

 

"Known you, she has Qui-Gon.  At ease, around you she will be", Yoda stated.

 

"Yes she knows me a little, but I'm not so sure she will be at ease around

me.  We had our disagreements during the time spent on Tattoine", Qui-Gon

confided.

 

"A stranger to her you are not.  Better this way it will be.  This you will

do Qui-Gon.  None of your defiance I want to hear", Yoda replied.

 

Qui-Gon looked at Yoda and realized that the topic was no longer up for

discussion.  He knew he could argue more against their decision,  he felt

there was something more to this than they were telling him.  It would be up

to him to find out what it was.  He admitted to himself he was curious.  He

would just have to overcome his discomfort.

 

 

 

The Queen

 

Queen Amidala was wearing a path in the plush carpet beneath her feet.  She

had tried to sit calmly and wait for the meeting with her teacher, but she

was nervous and couldn't remain still.   So she paced, the weight of her

garments not hindering her at all.  She was strong and used to wearing them. 

Occasionally she would stop and gaze out the window to the garden.  She had

the garden put in shortly after becoming Queen.   She loved growing things

and the flowers in the garden reminded her of her parents home in the

mountains.  She tried thinking about her childhood, but her thoughts

continued to dwell on the present.  Through all her years as Queen and before

she'd never had time to think about the ritual of her eighteenth birthday and

all that would entail.  Now it struck her full force.  The not knowing was

the worst for her.  She was always privy to everything that went on in the

Palace.  But it was customary for the student not to know who the teacher

would be till they met.  She fought back the twinges of fear she was starting

to feel.  Fear and apprehension in wondering who her teacher would be, but

more so for what would take place in the teaching house.  Even though her

handmaidens had explained what took place between a man and woman, she sensed

there was a lot she still didn't know.  She, Queen Amidala who knew

everything about her planet and people, knew next to nothing about sex.  For

the first time she wasn't in control of her life and she didn't like the way

it felt. She realized she had to get a grip on herself.  This was the way it

was done throughout the Galaxy and it was accepted as a time of learning and

loving.

 

The knock on her door signaled the end of her curiosity.  Her handmaidens had

arrived to escort her to the meeting with her teacher.  Ami's shoes clicked

on the marble floor as she walked slowly down the hallway toward the throne

room.  All too soon they stood before the huge carved wood doors.  Ami took a

deep breath and signaled to the guard to open the doors.  She passed through

the doorway and walked proudly to her throne and sat down.  Ami was thankful

for the presence and support of her handmaidens as they arranged themselves

around her.

 

Adi Gallia entered the room from a side door and bowed before Ami.

 

"I trust you are feeling well this morning your highness?", she inquired.

 

"Yes thank you Master Adi", Amidala answered in her solemn voice.

 

Adi Gallia sensed the Queens apprehension.  "You have nothing to fear my

Queen.  We have chosen a special teacher for you.  He is a very sensitive and

gentle man.  I'm sure you'll be happy with him", Adi reassured her.

 

Amidala looked at the Jedi and nodded.  She realized that Adi understood her

feelings and was trying to reassure her.  She appreciated what Adi was trying

to do, but it didn't help much.  A special teacher.  Who could it be, she

asked herself for the hundredth time.  No matter she would soon find out.

 

Moments later the doors to the Queens meeting room opened again and three

Jedi entered their cloaks flowing behind them.  Ami knew two of them

instantly.  Master Yoda and Master Mace.  She thought something very

important must be happening for them to arrive at a time like this.  The

three Jedi stood before her and bowed.

 

Her eyes rested on the tall Jedi who entered between Yoda and Mace.  There

was something familiar about him.  When he got closer she finally recognized

Qui-Gon Jinn.  She was one of the few people besides the Jedi who knew he had

survived the battle with Darth Maul.  This was the first time she had seen

him since then.  He didn't have long hair anymore.  It was shorter now, with

bangs partially covering his temples and the rest was just long enough to

touch his collar and cover his ears.  He still had a beard, although it was

more closely cropped than she remembered.  She found herself admiring his

blue eyes and wondering at the vulnerable expression in them.  She let her

gaze drop to his lips, soft lips full of color.  That was the only thing

about him that looked soft and inviting.  He vibrated with power and

intensity and a certain aloofness.  The soft vulnerable look she had glimpsed

in his blue eyes was gone to be replaced by a piercing gaze as he watched her

appraise him.  Blushing under her white makeup she looked away.  Why hadn't

she noticed these things about him before.  Then she mentally shook herself,

she shouldn't be thinking about these things now.  He stood there tall, noble

and strong and so in control.  He was still hard to read.  She prided herself

on being able to read what people were feeling but with Qui-Gon she couldn't.

 Before when she had first known him, during her escape from Naboo and on

Tattoine, she couldn't even guess what he was thinking and she couldn't now. 

It was like he had an impenetrable wall up around him that was impossible to

break through.  Perhaps that was part of the reason she had been annoyed with

him all those years ago.  She hadn't known what he was thinking or feeling

and he was totally unpredictable.  Besides the fact that he had done whatever

he felt like without consulting her.  But then he had thought she was a

handmaiden so she couldn't really blame him for that.

 

Queen Amidala ignored the small crooked smile now on his lips.  "Qui-Gon, you

look well.  It's been a long time since we last met", Amidala said in

greeting.

 

"Yes it has your Highness.  I hope the past four years have treated you

well?", Qui-Gon replied.  With her formal attire and makeup she looked the

same as she had four years ago.  While he stood there before the Queen the

feeling came to his mind that he was a bantha up for stud.  Qui-Gon frowned

at the thought.

 

Ami ignored the frown also.  "Well enough, I have been very busy.  What

brings you to Naboo?", she asked.

 

Qui-Gon watched the Queens face as Yoda answered her question.

 

"Been assigned as your teacher Qui-Gon has", Yoda responded simply.

 

Qui-Gon winced inwardly at Yoda's directness and watched as dismay spread

across the Queens face.  Her dismay was quickly replaced by her usual solemn

demeanor. 

 

Years of training had taught her to hide her feelings also and something

else.  A little tremor of apprehension went through her as she realized that

the secret she kept hidden from everyone could possibly be discovered by this

Jedi standing before her.

 

"What can a Jedi Master teach me about sex?", Amidala questioned Yoda

bluntly.  She couldn't believe they had chosen him as her teacher.  Of all

the people in the Galaxy they had picked Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn.  This was

ludicrous.

 

Qui-Gon continued to frown.  But decided on silence and let Yoda do the

explaining.  Especially since he didn't fully understand their reasoning in

picking him as her teacher either. 

 

"Sensitive to the Living Force Qui-Gon is", Yoda answered unhelpfully.

 

Queen Amidala arched a questioning brow at Yoda.  She knew Qui-Gon was

sensitive to the Living Force.  Why was Yoda telling her this now she

wondered.  Then she looked at Qui-Gon.  He continued to stand there, looking

off into the distance now, with a frown still on his face.

 

Adi Gallia was standing off to the side watching in disgust.  This wasn't

going well at all.  She threw a disapproving glance at Qui-Gon.  He felt her

disapproval and wiped the frown off his face and replaced it with the

inscrutable look.  She stepped forward and addressed the Queen in a quiet

voice that no one else could hear.

 

"Your Highness this is a very delicate situation.  Perhaps it would be best

discussed between yourself and Qui-Gon at the Dome House.  He can explain it

better to you"

 

"But...........", Amidala started.

 

Adi interrupted her before she could protest.  "He really is the best choice

for you Highness.  I think you will see that, once you get to know each other

better", Adi smiled encouragingly.

 

"We shall see", was all Amidala said before she stood up and gathered her

handmaidens.

 

All four of the Jedi bowed and stepped aside as Queen Amidala and her

entourage swept past them.  Amidala was fuming.  Of all the people in the

Galaxy to choose from to be her teacher they had picked "him".  And to make

matters worse he didn't look very pleased with the situation either.  Well

she would honor her duty and go to the Dome House.  She didn't see this

working out at all.  As a matter of fact she thought it wouldn't last a day

and she would be out of there and they would have to pick another teacher for

her.  With that reassuring thought in her mind Amidala went to her chambers

and dressed in the simple white gown she would wear to the Dome House.  The

Dome House.....Amidala recalled the nick name the house had been given and

sighed audibly as she walked through the Palace back to her suite.  The

Pleasure Dome. 

 

~~~~~~

 

Amidala's handmaidens brushed her long dark hair and left it loose swirling

around her shoulders in a thick shiny mass.  All of them sensed her

reluctance and anger.

 

Sabe was the first to speak up.  "Are you not pleased with your teacher my

Queen?"

 

"Sabe, he's a Jedi.  What could he possibly know about sex?"

 

"But he is a man also my Queen.  And such a lovely masculine one at that" she

said with a sigh. "He seems so gentle and sensitive.  Yet there is something

very sexually alluring about him.  I only hope I am as lucky to have a

teacher like him when my time comes".

 

Amidala snorted in disgust.  "Sexually alluring?  Sabe the man is positively

stoic."  Ami decided to ignore her earlier thoughts about Qui-Gon.  "And what

about Jedi's not being passionate?  What about that?", she questioned.

 

Sabe chuckled at her friend.  "Ami, Jedi's aren't passionless, they just keep

their passions under control.  I think you'll be very surprised at what

Qui-Gon is capable of."

 

Amidala couldn't possibly imagine Qui-Gon being capable

of.................thoughts of what she would be doing with Qui-Gon suddenly

started racing through her mind.  The man was huge.  She felt the heat rise

to her face.  That was another thing, she had always felt so small around

him.  Add to that the fact that she had felt like he was probing into her

mind.  She remembered she had put up stronger defenses when she was around

him.  She wondered why that was.

 

"Ami.....Ami.....".  Suddenly Amidala realized that Sabe was talking to her. 

"Ami it's time for you to go.  Are you all right?"

 

"Yes I'm all right.  Thank you for talking to me my friend", Amidala said as

she smiled and hugged Sabe.  On the inside she was not smiling.  She

literally felt sick to her stomach with apprehension.

 

 

 

The Dome House

 

Qui-Gon was the first to arrive at the Dome House. It stood on a cliff

overlooking the Nubian Ocean.  A huge waterfall cascaded down the side of the

cliff next to the house.  The house itself was unusual.  Round in shape with

columns supporting the domed roof, it stood stark white against the blue sky.

 Through the arches Qui-Gon discovered a verandah ran the circumference of

the house.  Walking through the arched doorway Qui-Gon continued his

exploration inside the house.  It was plush to the extreme and included a

beautiful arboretum.  He quickly found the only bedroom in the house.  A huge

curtained bed dominated the room.  He pulled aside one of the curtains and

ran his hand over the soft comforter covering the bed which was piled high

with pillows and cushions in every shape and size.  The doors from the

bedroom leading out to the verandah were open and the sheer curtains billowed

in the wind.  Qui-Gon stepped out onto the verandah and admired the view

which looked out over ocean.  He could hear the waves crashing on the rocks

below and the occasional sharp call of a sea bird.  Qui-Gon sat down in a

dark corner on the cool verandah floor, closed his eyes and gathered the

Force around him to meditate.

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Chapter 3

 

Queen Amidala’s transport glided to a stop in front of the Dome House. 

Amidala hugged her handmaidens.  "I will see you in a few weeks", she said. 

She walked off the transport and up the steps into the house under the

watchful eyes of her handmaidens.  Once safely inside, the transport sped off

to return to the Palace.

 

Amidala wandered through the house in much the same way Qui-Gon did. She

would not have any responsibilities for her entire stay here.  For the first

time in years she was having a wonderful sense of freedom.  Then she thought

about the man who would be meeting her here.  Not just a man but a Jedi. 

Someone with the ability to probe her deepest thoughts and feelings.  It

seemed odd to her that the feeling of freedom didn’t leave her.  But there

was still the feeling of apprehension.  She told herself that she was strong

enough to hide her secret from him.  After all she had done it all her life

and it was like second nature.

 

Amidala found the bedroom and went immediately to the verandah.  She knew the

view would be lovely and she was right.  It was dusk and the sky and ocean

had come alive in hues of magenta, violet and gold.  She closed her eyes and

breathed in the fresh salty air, feeling the gentle breeze caress her body.

 

In the darkened corner of the verandah Qui-Gon opened his eyes and saw the

Queen standing at the railing.  The gentle ocean breeze caused her hair and

gown to swirl and flow softly around her like the curtains in the arch. 

Without her makeup he could see the changes in her now.  Gone was the little

girl look, this was a woman with all the curves to prove it.

 

"I didn’t think you would come", he said softly, as he rose from the floor.

 

Amidala started at the sound of Qui-Gon’s voice.  She turned to watch him

approach her.

 

"It is my duty to honor the tradition of the "coming of age" and set an

example for all the young people to follow me", she replied stiffly.  She

tensed as she felt Qui-Gon’s eyes on her.  Even when she was just fourteen

she’d felt edgy around him.  Her defenses went into hyperdrive.  Only now the

defenses were of a different sort and the way he was looking at her seemed to

add to her edginess.

 

"You are not pleased that I am to be your teacher", Qui-Gon asked as he

walked towards her.  He wanted to get a closer look at her.  He stopped when

he saw her take a step back.  He looked into her deep brown eyes, the

straight brows slanting up at the outer corners.  His gaze dropped to her

full rose colored lips.  She looked much more mature than she had at

fourteen.  The hallows in her cheeks were more pronounced and there were

other differences too.  Differences that didn’t escape Qui-Gon’s notice.  He

took another step toward her.

 

Amidala felt herself blush under his intense scrutiny.  She felt like running

but knew she would only make a fool of herself if she did.  So she turned

away from him toward the ocean again, her hands gripping the railing.  She

didn’t know how to respond to his statement.  She wasn’t sure how she felt. 

She knew she was annoyed that a Jedi had been picked as her teacher. 

Something she’d never thought of.  It threw her off balance and she had to

find a way to deal with it emotionally.  She had no problem hiding her secret

on a short term basis, but a day in day out psychic bombardment would be hard

to defend against.  Especially from this Jedi.  She could feel him trying to

read her right now.  She was sure he sensed the shield she put up and how

strong it was. He must be wondering about that by now.  His attention was

focused more intently on her now than it ever had been four years ago, so she

knew he must sense her shield.  She had to admit she found Qui-Gon very

attractive.  She liked the way he wore his hair now, with the stray locks of

hair falling over his forehead.  It made him look younger.  She remembered

her thoughts about him when he’d entered the throne room earlier today. 

Surprising herself she suddenly decided to except him as her teacher and come

to terms with who he was.  She took a deep breath and faced Qui-Gon.

 

"I’m hungry.  Perhaps while we eat you can explain to me what a man and woman

do together", Amidala suggested bravely.

 

Qui-Gon was taken aback at her suggestion and just a little surprised at her

directness.  "In my experience people learn quicker by actually doing a thing

than by being told how to do it", Qui-Gon explained.

 

"How am I going to know what to do if you don’t tell me", she asked

worriedly?  She hated the thought of going into this blind, not knowing what

to expect or what was expected of her.

 

"You don’t need to know what to do my Queen.  It’s not something you

intellectualize or think about, it’s something you feel", he explained.

 

"Oh", was all she could manage to say to that.  Of course she knew that, but

she at least thought she would get some kind of explanation of what she would

feel and why.

 

Qui-Gon was beginning to realize that she knew next to nothing about sex. 

But then why would she.  She had spent her whole life learning to be and

being Queen of Naboo.  She was a complete innocent.  To his surprise he found

the thought oddly stirring.

 

Qui-Gon was wearing his inscrutable look again.  She couldn’t tell what he

was thinking and it annoyed her and made her feel uncomfortable.

 

~~~~~~~~

 

Later after they ate Ami went to the bedroom to bathe.  She was curious to

see what clothes had been provided for her and began exploring the contents

of the dresser and wardrobe in the bedroom.  The first thing she looked for

was underwear.  She picked a pair made of black satin and slipped them on. 

She was shocked that the back was merely one thin strip of material that

nestled between her buttocks.  She twisted her head around to look at herself

in the mirror.  This would not do.   She rummaged around in the underwear

drawer for something that would cover more of her rear and found to her

disgust that all the underwear were the same style, differing only in color

and material.  She slammed the drawer shut and went to the wardrobe to find

something to sleep in.  She examined the sheer material of one gown after

another.  She was naïve but she wasn’t so naïve that she didn’t understand

why the underwear was so provocative and the gowns so sheer.  She sighed and

pulled out a gown of shimmering forest green silk.  A gown she thought wasn’t

as transparent as some of the lighter colors.  She just wasn’t prepared to go

parading around in front of Qui-Gon half naked.  After slipping the gown on

she climbed into bed.  She was tired but didn’t think she would sleep because

of the thoughts racing through her head.  But the second her head hit the

pillow she was asleep.

 

~~~~~~~~

For almost a week Qui-Gon spent most of his time sleeping, meditating or

laying in the sun on the verandah.  To her surprise he actually prepared all

their meals and even taught her how to make a few of the dishes.  They ate

together and he told her what had happened after the battle with Darth Maul. 

She discovered what an expressive face he had and enjoyed watching his eyes

and hands as he related tales about his time spent on the outer rim.  She was

starting to feel more relaxed around him and enjoyed his company.  Even

though they slept in the same bed he never touched her or made her feel

uncomfortable.  So far he hadn’t approached her in a sexual way but she knew

it would happen soon.  Now that she had gotten to know him a little better

the thought of having sex with him sent a tiny thrill through her.  But she

still avoided him at certain times.  Especially when he was on the verandah

sunning himself because he did it nude.  She knew her feelings and actions

were contradictory, but had yet to find a way to reconcile them. 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

One morning Ami woke up feeling deliciously warm.  Half asleep she rolled

over onto her back and stretched lazily.  She had never felt this warm and

cozy before.  She became aware of something heavy draped across her legs and

belly.  Opening her eyes she suddenly remembered where she was and stiffened.

 She looked down and discovered a large muscled arm wrapped around her waist.

 Turning her head she found Qui-Gon facing her sound asleep.  Carefully she

tried to slip out from beneath his arm and leg without waking him.  Suddenly

she felt his arm tighten around her as he pulled her closer and buried his

face into the side of her neck.  Ami lay perfectly still.  Warmth shot

through her body and a curious ache spread through her loins.  His beard

tickled her shoulder.  She was amazed at how soft and rough it felt at the

same time.   She became aware of other things too.  His scent surrounded her,

slightly musky and masculine.  The entire front of his body was pressed

intimately against the side of hers.  When he shifted slightly again she felt

something hot and hard press against her leg.  She didn’t waste anymore time.

 She threw his heavy arm off her, squirmed from beneath his leg and scrambled

quickly out of the bed.  She stood by the side of the bed panting, then

watched as he rolled over onto his stomach.  He wasn’t wearing the black

pajama bottoms he normally wore to bed.  Thankful she hadn’t woken him up,

she watched with interest as the sheet slid down to reveal his back and the

beginning rise of his buttocks.  His back was really quite stunning, but she

stared in fascination at the spot where his buttocks rose from the small of

his back.  She had an incredible desire to smooth her hand down that expanse

of naked skin.  She was reaching out her hand to do just that when she heard

him groan and start to roll over again.  She darted out of the room then not

wanting to be there when he woke up.

 

Ami went to the kitchen to make coffee and find something to eat.  She felt

confused about her reactions.  After eating she decided to go to the

arboretum to be alone and think.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Qui-Gon woke up and swung his long legs over the side of the bed.  He sat

there for a minute and ran one large hand through his hair.  He thought of

the arboretum and the small pool he had noticed there yesterday.  Rising

naked from the bed he started to make his way toward the door.  Then he

thought of Amidala and decided to put something on so as not to embarrass her

in case they ran into each other.  He slipped on the black silk pajama

bottoms and walked barefoot to the arboretum.

 

In the arboretum the stone floor was unexpectedly warm as he walked toward

the pool.  Qui-Gon stood at the edge of the beautiful stream fed pool.  It

was made completely of stone and looked natural.  The thought of bathing in

the cool water was a welcome one.  Qui-Gon removed the black silk pants and

stepped down into the water and stopped at the first step.  He had expected

the water to be cool, but this water was soft and warm, perfect body

temperature. He slipped into the warm water.  The water in the pool came from

a stream fed by a hot water spring that mixed with the cool water of the

river running next to the house.  The result was this luxurious warmth.  This

also explained why the stone floor was warm for the river ran beneath the

arboretum.  He glided through the sensuous water to the far end of the pool. 

It was darker back there, shaded by a huge tree dripping it’s long green

leaves toward the water.  Qui-Gon sat on a stone ledge jutting out beneath

the water and leaned his head back relaxing.

 

Qui-Gon felt a small ripple in the water just before he heard a soft sigh. 

He lifted his head and saw Ami sitting at the opposite end of the pool

swishing her feet in the water.  Her silk gown was bunched up beneath her

buttocks revealing two sleek tawny thighs.  He swam quietly beneath the

surface of the water toward Ami.  Wrapping one large hand around her ankle he

held on firmly.

 

Ami squealed in surprise and then screamed when Qui-Gon broke the surface of

the water and stood before her.  He shook the water from his hair scattering

droplets in every direction.

 

"You scared me", Ami breathed.  His hair fell in damp strands over his

forehead and droplets glistened on his smoothly muscled chest.  The surface

of the water came just to his hips and Ami stared in fascination at his naked

torso.  She watched the muscles ripple in his arm and across his chest as he

tugged slightly on her leg.

 

"Would you like to go for a swim?" Qui-Gon asked.  "The water is warm", he

added enticingly.  A small crooked smile tugged at his lips as he watched her

eyes travel across his chest and then down.

 

"I know it’s warm", Ami snapped.  Was he flirting with her?  She tore her

eyes away from the surface of the water when she realized he was naked.  "Let

go of my ankle", she demanded, trying to pull it from his grasp. 

 

"Come on, get in", Qui-Gon coaxed.  He kept his grip around her ankle and

slowly began pulling her towards him and closer to the edge of the pool.  Her

gown rode up higher and higher till the silky material slipped from beneath

her and her bare buttocks rested on the warm rocks at the edge of the pool. 

 

"I demand that you let me go now!" Ami shouted in outrage.  She tried to yank

her ankle out of his grasp.  She knew sooner or later she would have to

become more intimate with Qui-Gon, but she just wasn’t ready for it now.  The

intense feelings she’d experienced upon waking in his arms proved unsettling

for her and she needed more time to work them out in her mind. 

 

She was getting closer to the edge of the pool and suddenly she rolled onto

her stomach, grasping at the floor with her hands to keep from sliding into

the water.  Her hips were hanging off the edge of the pool making it more

difficult to pull herself forward. 

 

Qui-Gon let go of her ankle when she rolled over.  Ami’s bare bottom faced

him.  The white lace of the thong she wore disappeared between her small

rounded buttocks.  He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath until he saw

her struggling to lift one leg up to climb out of the pool.  He felt a

completely primitive surge of desire shoot through his body and center in his

groin at the view she was inadvertently giving him.  He dropped the shield on

his "gift" and felt the Living Force swirl around him as all his senses came

alive.  Impulsively he reached out and ran his fingers up the smooth skin of

her inner thigh, then stroked between her thighs firmly with two fingers.

 

Ami gasped and kicked out with her foot striking Qui-Gon square in the chest.

 He barely felt the kick but it got his attention and he dropped his hand and

put his shield back up.  She scrambled up from the edge of the pool and stood

facing Qui-Gon with a blush staining her cheeks.  She felt her blush deepen

as his eyes roamed from the small triangle of white lace on down her legs to

her feet.  All this with the "inscrutable look".  Warmth similar to what she

experienced earlier washed through her body.  The ache between her legs was

different.  She felt like holding herself.  She still managed to glare at

Qui-Gon before she tugged her gown down from around her hips.  And with a

small "humph" she turned and stalked away from the pool and out of the

arboretum.

 

The tips of Qui-Gon’s fingers still tingled from touching her.  He watched

her walk away.  Her now damp gown clinging to her firmly rounded bottom and

thighs.  Once she was out of sight he pushed himself away from the edge of

the pool and floated around on his back.  He probably shouldn’t have done

what he did, he needed to gain her trust and acting like a rutting bantha

wasn’t going to accomplish that.  But to his surprise the sight of her smooth

legs spread and struggling had aroused him.  It really wasn’t like him to

react in such a way.   On the other hand he knew that if he kept himself

under complete control he’d never get anything done here.  He needed to open

himself to the carnal side.  Which he found wasn’t hard to do especially

since it had been a long time since the last time he’d made love.  He needed

to keep a balance though.  At this moment he was fighting a really primitive

desire just to drag her to the bedroom and ravish her and that wouldn’t do at

all.  She was too alluring for her own good.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Ami lay in bed thinking.  She had taken to going to sleep and waking up

before Qui-Gon in an effort to avoid him in bed.  She wasn’t facing up to her

duty and she knew it.  Four days had passed since the embarrassing incident

in the arboretum.  To her further embarrassment Qui-Gon had apologized for it

and she hadn’t known what to say and couldn’t look him in the eyes.  And she

still couldn’t.  This was so unlike her.  She was normally so much more

direct and sure of herself.  The tension between her and Qui-Gon was at the

boiling point and she didn’t know what to do about it.  Their normally

relaxing meals together had become strained due to the incident in the

arboretum.  She was also getting restless in this house with nothing to keep

her mind occupied.  Finally with the confused thoughts swirling around in her

head she drifted off to sleep.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

tbc