.                      Bonds of Choice #1
                  Star Wars: TPM FanFic Series
                         by HiperBunny
                        (message 2 of 2)
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Two days later the Arata and her prize set down on the colony planet of
Renal Sejon.  It took another day of scouting to find an appropriate area
to establish the new colony, and the better part of another to get the five
thousand refugees settled.  Being a nomadic people in their own right, the
Kurasans wasted no time in laying the groundwork to re-establish their
accustomed lifestyle.  The five thousand separated into their respective
clans and worked under the direction of the ten surviving Nurians.  The
Nurians were a combination of tribal chiefs, spiritual leaders and civil
engineers.  Their plan was ready and orders issued before the Arata touched
down.  In the morning of their third day hunting parties were out, housing
was being seen to in a rudimentary sort of way, and noises were being made
to the effect that the Republic's people could be on their way now.  

Qui-Gon had awarded them anything they might want from the pirate ship, and
they took everything, except highly technological equipment that they could
not maintain on their own.  They sent a message to their Senator on
Coruscant, something to the effect of  'Having a nice time.  Wish you were
here.' Obi-Wan was at a loss to understand these people; the gift they had
given him had put his mind off-center.  He decided to go speak to La'Karata
before they left.

She was in one of the cone-shaped tents that had been cobbled together from
what looked to be very expensive cloth.  No doubt one of the items meant to
be sold along with the people now occupying it.  He waited outside, as he
had seen others do, and when she saw him standing there, she motioned for
him to enter.  She was seated on a flat cushion, with several more on the
floor around her.  He gestured towards one, and she nodded.  After a
moment's hesitation, Obi-Wan dropped into a cross-legged pose, one he knew
he could maintain for hours in comfort, if required.  "La'Karata Nurian, I
am afraid I must seek your advice," he began.

"You come to me, rather than to your Master?" she asked.

"It is difficult for an advisor to be objective when the matter at hand is
one's self," he clarified.

"Ah, yes.  This concerns the gift I gave you? You offered to him, and he
did not accept."

"No, not exactly.  He knows I may make the offer at some point, but now I
am unsure as to whether or not I want to."

She fixed him with a long, level gaze.  "Try again."

"I'm not sure that he will accept, so I'm afraid to offer."

Again, the Look.  "Closer.  Let's do that one more time."

Obi-Wan began to see why she was in such a high position amongst her
people.  Her way was much the same as Qui-Gon's when faced with a difficult
person.  Like himself.  "I don't know what you want me to say."

"The truth.  The pure and simple truth.  You know for a fact that your
master would accept the offer of a physical liaison with you.  What you do
not know is if he will accept the love you feel for him, and you are
frightened of his rejection.  Fear clouds your thinking, boy."

*She would have made an excellent Jedi, if the Force were strong with her,*
he thought.  Still, her words had merit.  He calmed his mind, with an
effort he was not used to putting forth any more.  Fear burned within him. 
Fear of being put away, unloved, perhaps sent to a new Master if the
offense was deep enough.  All baseless fears, really.  Qui-Gon had all but
raised him, seen him through his experimental stage with smiling eyes and
words of wisdom.  The one time Qui-Gon had flatly forbidden an association,
it had turned out for the better to such a degree that Obi-Wan had simply
ceased to question his master's guidance in such matters.  No such words of
condemnation had been voiced on this question.

Then again, the word 'Love' had never entered into the conversation.  

All the hurting and confusion around his heart and mind stemmed from this
one thing: Was he, Obi-Wan Kenobi, a person worthy of love?

He opened himself to the Force and let it all drain away.  Feel -- don't
think.  Go with your instincts.

He crossed the distance between himself and La'Karata on his knees.  Her
arms went around his shoulders as he drew her close for a long, hot kiss. 
Her mouth was soft, tender, willing, and his body reacted to the embrace
with a startling swiftness.  He stroked the soft fur on her arms before
reaching up to sink his fingers into the long, luxurious hair he had ached
for, night after night.

Hair that was not there.  Her skull was covered in the same blue fur as the
rest of her body.  He sat back on his heels.  "It's him, isn't it?" he
asked.

"Why else would you question yourself so deeply? What else could bring you
to this pass of uncertainty and doubt?" she smiled, letting her
understanding shine in her eyes.

"I thank you for this, and so much more."

"You have saved me and mine.  I could do no less than try to save you and
yours.  And from what I know of you Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn might be the only
family you can have." Taking his hand, she led him to the door.  They
stood, watching the activity around them.  "All of them, every one here,
could tell you how they are related to every one else.  We are all family,
through tribe, through clan, through love.  It is what sustains us.  Your
life will be long, much longer than you think possible.  It will be the
same with your master.  Time wears on a person, and it may be that only
your family can see you through the ordeal."

"My father was Cen-Ral Kenobi.  My mother was Ron Erala.  I was born on the
planet of ... " he stopped.  This was a recitation he had been through time
and again.  The names meant nothing to him; the holos of their faces meant
less.  They had never come to visit, although he knew others at the Temple
had regular visits from parents, siblings, on and on.  None had ever come
for him, and still he was made to learn the names, relationships.  "For all
I know, they are dead.  Qui-Gon, my master ... to lose that love over
nothing but lust would destroy me."

"To withhold that love out of nothing but fear will destroy you sooner.  I
must see to my duties.  I think perhaps it is time you see to yours."

***********

The room was darkened when Qui-Gon came in.  He had spent the day helping
the Kurasans in mapping water sources and had collected quite a bit of dirt
and mud on his person.  His eyes adjusted to the relative gloom, and he
realized there was a small amount of light from the area he and his Padawan
used for exercise and training.  Chip-lights were glowing-- little
pinpoints of soft amber light illuminating the form of his student, who sat
cross-legged, arms relaxed at his sides.  He was dressed in loose pants and
nothing more.  The calm demeanor and patient expression spoke volumes for
Obi-Wan's mental state.  

"May I see to you, Master?" Obi-Wan asked.

Qui-Gon nodded and came closer.  Obi-Wan rose and began helping his master
disrobe.  He folded the soiled clothes and put them aside, then picked up a
bowl of water and began cleaning the day's salt and dirt away.  The cool
water was a welcome change from the muggy heat of the planet's summer
days.  Qui-Gon began to relax under the ministrations.  The bowl was put
aside, and a thick cloth taken up to dry the clean skin.  "A massage,
perhaps?" 

Qui-Gon allowed himself to be arranged on the pile of cushions that now
occupied the floor-space nearby.  Obi-Wan selected a vial of oil from the
three standing on the low table, and poured a small amount in his hands. 
He waited for it to warm before he worked it into the stiff neck and
shoulder muscles.  The sensation was exquisite, and not until the strong
hands began working their magic on his back and sides did Qui-Gon speak.

"To what do I owe this honor?" he asked.

"To the fact that you have cared for me, raised me and never abandoned me
for any reason.  To the fact that I trust you," was the only reply. 
Obi-Wan continued his careful stroking along the long legs.  He took an
especially long time on the feet, being sure each muscle and digit was
totally relaxed and soothed.  Turning his master over, Obi-Wan drew
Qui-Gon's head into his lap.  The facial massage was given even more time
and care.

"Only this, and nothing more?" Qui-Gon asked.

"And to the fact that I love you."

Qui-Gon sat up to face his student, searched him with every power at his
command.  To his relief, there was no fear, no doubt.  Just the calm, sure,
rock-steady knowledge that this was true.  The two locked eyes for a long
moment before Obi-Wan looked away.  

"You do not need to return my feelings, Master.  Love is something I can
feel without reciprocation."

"I know, Obi-Wan.  You think you have done so for your whole life.  Know
this, as sure as you know yourself.  I love you, will love you, for as long
as love can be."

The words hit Obi-Wan in the gut.  No, actually, just above and to the left
of the gut.  He had prepared himself for the words of rejection he felt
would surely come, but had not been ready to hear an admission of love.

Love.  

No fear, though, just shock, surprise, and an overpowering sense of joy. 
He reached back and took up the Feathers of Heaven and offered them to
Qui-Gon.  With steady hand, his master accepted them, and laid them aside. 
He lifted his fingers to Obi-Wan's hair, stroking it back gently, focusing
all of his not inconsiderable attention on his student.

The touch brought Obi-Wan completely within the moment, his awareness
coming sharply to the now.  Qui-Gon leaned forward, pressing a warm, soft
kiss to the younger man's brow.  With his lips he traced a slow tour of his
soft cheek along the jawline and over the dimpled chin before planting a
smooch on the tip of his nose.  Then Qui-Gon's mouth was on his, arms tight
around him, lips strong and warm, beard tickling him gently as the kiss
traveled again, taking the scenic route across cheeks and eyes, forehead,
then back to the open wet mouth again.  Tongues explored and memorized,
laid claim and paid reverence in the long, infinite expanse of the moment. 
Obi-Wan filled his hands with the soft, long hair, the reality of that
long-cherished dream overwhelming him as he struggled for breath, for life,
for the touch and smell and feel of Qui-Gon Jinn.

The kiss was over all too soon, but the pleasures waiting would not be
denied.  Obi-Wan silently handed a different vial of oil to his master and
got another handful for himself.  They made a long, loving game of
massaging the oils into chest and stomach, mouths meeting and melding again
and again over the long moments before Qui-Gon gently turned Obi-Wan onto
his stomach.  Qui-Gon removed the loose pants and put them aside with his
own clothes.  Now the oil was spread over and massaged into the younger
man's back and legs, causing them to become tingly, and then to begin
amplifying each touch, each sensation.  Soon, his whole body was alive with
the warm touch of the strong, sure hands.

"Are you all right?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Yes, Master."

"Qui-Gon."

"Yes, Qui-Gon."

"Have you ever used Heaven Dust before?"

"No, Qui-Gon."

"Then we will begin with a very small amount.  

"I trust you."

The powder was sprinkled over his back and legs, and Qui-Gon took up the
fluffy blue plumes.  They swept from his scalp to the soles of his feet and
back, a touch so light he was unsure as to its reality.  Then a rain of
blows, light puffs of softness began at his shoulders, lightly working the
dust deeper into his skin.  He was sure he could feel it going into his
bloodstream, bringing his senses more clearly into focus.  He heard the
slow, calm breaths he and his master took, felt that they were now in
unison.  The scent of his partner was as clear as the lingering taste of
him.  Obi-Wan opened his eyes and saw the particle/waves of the light, how
it gathered on the golden, oiled skin of his master.

"What …" he began.

"Shh, no.  There is nothing wrong.  I haven't drugged you and you're not
imagining things.  This is as far as it goes.  It just makes it easier to
sense and control the energies around you.  The herbs you smoked onto the
feathers activates it.  A little help to the midi-chlorians," Qui-Gon's
reassuring smile calmed Obi-Wan, who lay down again.

Again the soft plumes worked his way down then back up his body.  The
process was repeated as Obi-Wan turned over on his back, with kisses
exchanged, and long lingering trails of sucks and licks interrupting from
time to time.  Finally, Qui-Gon set the plume aside, and stretched out
beside his young lover.  The trails his fingers traced along the willing
chest seemed to be etched in sound and fire.  When he began sucking the
hard, sensitized nipples, Obi-Wan arched up off the cushions, moaning.

"Tell me what you want, love," Qui-Gon whispered as he released the rosy
flesh.

"You.  I want you, inside me," Obi-Wan replied.  He took up the third
bottle of oil, and poured a generous amount into his master's hand.  With a
firm grip on the wrist, he drew it downwards and between his legs.

As the long fingers began pressing and petting the sensitive opening,
Obi-Wan sighed and rocked his hips minutely.  He steadied his breath and
focused on relaxing his whole being.  As his body responded to his desire,
his master filled him with one, then another exploring finger.  The
stretching sensation was peculiar, but he reminded himself to feel
pleasure, not pain and soon he was ready for a more intimate connection. 
He gently pushed his master's hand away and turned over on his stomach.

"Better this way," Obi-Wan explained.

"Then this is not your first time?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I didn't learn *everything* I know from you," he laughed.

Qui-Gon chuckled at that and moved to kneel inside his young partner's
legs.  He oiled his own cock and drew his lover's hips back and up.  With
one hand he guided his aching member towards the ready form beneath him. 
With the other, he began stroking the likewise ready cock that had waited
so patiently for his attention.

Obi-Wan sighed at the slow, gentle entry, then gasped and jerked suddenly
as Qui-Gon leaned closer.  The feel of their skin touching was unreal,
electric, hot and four-dimensional.  He could feel the arousal in every
inch of skin, as if his whole body had been transformed into an erogenous
zone of insane sensitivity.

"Shh, shh.  Now you know why Heaven Dust is so sought after," Qui-Gon
whispered, trying to soothe and still him.

In response, Obi-Wan planted his arms on the cushions and pushed up,
curving his back to mold himself along the length of his lover.  "More,
deeper," he demanded, wrapping his legs in and behind Qui-Gon's.  

The response was swift and strong.  Qui-Gon pumped hard and quick into the
hot, slick ass that flexed and squeezed around him.  He planted both hands
and locked his elbows, to give himself an anchor to his strong thrusting. 
Qui-Gon ground his chin into the top of Obi-Wan's head, enjoying the
wriggling motions added as his partner pleasured himself against the soft,
warm cushions.  Soon the slender hips were snapping upwards, and the
muscles clenched impossibly hard all around and under him.  

With a shout, Obi-Wan came, his arms collapsing from underneath him.  He
writhed and bucked as the sensations rippled and echoed along his body,
through every muscle and sinew.  He yelped as Qui-Gon sank his teeth into
his shoulder, then reached back and gripped his long hair, encouraging the
sucking, biting pleasure that rushed through him.  The sighs and moans
continued as the pleasure was fed back and back through his body.  Soon
they were chorused by the orgasmic release of his lover.  The sensation of
the final, powerful thrusts drove him to the limit of tactile input, and he
felt soft, pleasant darkness wash over him.

He opened his eyes, surprised to be standing.  Well, okay, he was propped
up between Qui-Gon and the wall of the fresher cubicle.  Qui-Gon was
patting his face, speaking to him softly.  "Wake up.  Come on, love, you're
giving me enough of an ego trip without this.  Come on, there you go! How
do you feel?"

"MMMMppphhhh," was the best he could do for a reply.

"You'll start to feel a little more control once we get the dust off of
you.  Just try to stand up, okay?" Qui-Gon reached over to turn the pulses
up a bit.  "That's good.  Now just stand right there.  I'll be back."

As the fresher did it's work, Obi-Wan found himself reviving.  By the time
Qui-Gon returned with his robe, he was able to walk all by himself. 
Qui-Gon guided him back to the pile of cushions in the workout area and
helped him lay down again.  "Since you seem to have moved our beds here
anyway, I'll just get us a blanket or two," he explained.  "But we should
talk in the morning, you understand.

Obi-Wan nodded, reaching up to pull his lover down beside him.  The
lassitude of sexual release was tugging at his mind again, and Obi-Wan
found it difficult to resist.  When he felt his master's arms around him,
drawing the warm blankets up to his chin, he gave up the battle.  He
steadied his breathing until it matched the one against his hair, and slid
into the welcome oblivion of sleep.

FIN--no, just the beginning