. Bonds of Choice #20 Star Wars: TPM FanFic Series by HiperBunny (message 2 of 4) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Obream Trydal was just wrapping up his report when Qui-Gon and Kourt entered the Council chamber. Obi-Wan noted the opening and closing of the Council doors, was peripherally aware of his master's presence, but kept himself focused on the report at hand. "It would be advisable to send a supply crew in before re-opening the Temple, but it is structurally sound and habitable to the standards required by Lrakin Rilka. Padawan Kenobi's report as to the local supply is more than favorable. While he believes the local elements leave something to be desired in the way of respectability, they represent no threat to a Jedi presence. Therefore, it is the opinion of this survey that the Jedi Temple at San Saloor in the Perrys Sector can be returned to service at the Council's will." Obream was every inch the Jedi Knight, calm, poised, relaxed and seemingly at ease. "Padawan Kenobi, what say you further on the locals?" Ki Adi Mundi asked. "There is definitely a thriving community of the criminal element in San Saloor proper. I had some contact with them, enough to evaluate their influence. They did not seem alarmed at the idea of a Jedi presence, which is worrisome to me. When the outlaws do not begrudge a governmental presence, something is seriously amiss. Unfortunately, my duties prevented any official investigation." Obi-Wan smoothly danced around truth and lies, imparting the needed information, withholding what he had been commanded to withhold. The Council had no final questions on the survey mission and Obream was dismissed from their presence. He gave Qui-Gon and Kourt an inquisitive glance, but bowed himself out without voicing whatever questions he might have had. Mace waited only long enough for the doors to close before intoning "Let the record be opened for Covert Record number one, Operative Padawan Kenobi reporting." Obi-Wan glanced around, looking at Qui-Gon and Kourt for the first time. He raised an eyebrow at Kourt, who nodded his approval. "Security prime, code Master Kourt Crowe, attending." "Security second, code Master Qui-Gon Jinn, attending," Qui-Gon added. Mace nodded his thanks to the others and turned to Obi-Wan. "Master Crowe told us of your… secondary operations in Perrys, specifically in the town of San Saloor. There was some indication that things went successfully. We need only your confirmation that this is so." Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "The orders I received to that quarter were carried out with no complications." "Very well. Can you tell us anything to which Master Crowe might not be privy at this time?" Master Gallia inquired. "No, Master. He is, to the best of my knowledge, informed of all I have done. If he has any further information, it has not been vouchsafed to me," Obi-Wan assured them. *Good boy,* Qui-Gon smiled to himself. *Covering them both from further questions.* "Master Poof, does this information resolve the situation you foretold to us?" Master Windu inquired. "It does not," the Councilor informed him. There was a long moment of silence in the Council chamber as they considered this. Obi-Wan held himself as still as possible, doing his best to not ask all the questions that leapt to the forefront of his mind. "Very well. Padawan Kenobi, you are expected to continue growing your hair," Master Gallia said. "Yes, Master," Obi-Wan replied. "If I may ask… why was I told to let it grow?" Mace steepled his fingers, letting a moment pass in thought. "We were given a sign, a directive, indicating that this should be done to produce a certain outcome during a certain period of time. That has not yet come to pass." "Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan did not press for information the Council did not want to give him. Qui-Gon frowned at him for that, but said nothing. "Well then, we shall turn you over to your Master once more. You are returned to adjunct status, Senior Padawan. This mission is declared a success. This meeting is adjourned," Mace smiled at the younger Jedi. "Well done." Obi-Wan blushed at the praise and bowed, saying "Thank you, Master." He turned to go, Kourt and Qui-Gon following close behind. They were quiet until they gained the lifts, where Kourt turned to him. "Any recommendations?" "Salvage that pirate ship. Learn some of that pilot language. Get someone out into Ero Phelian now, if not sooner," Obi-Wan replied without hesitation. "We have two people near there, just now," Kourt assured him. "Though, as to their location or… vitality… I couldn't tell you for sure. How the hell did you get pirates to go fetch Jedi, anyway?" "I didn't know that's what they were doing," Obi-Wan replied. "I thought they were just delivering a message." Kourt snorted. "Well, anyway… I made them think they were going to do what I said, for free, and like it. Then I paid them," Obi-Wan said. "How much?" Obi-Wan told him. Kourt took a moment to get his jaw back off his chest. "And they were okay with that?" "Well, considering they didn't think they'd be paid at all… yeah. They expect that much again, when they get back." "Absolutely no problem there," Kourt assured him. "Qui-Gon, you have one well-trained student here. Keep him close to you, if you can." Qui-Gon rested a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "I shall, if it is within my power." Kourt looked startled for a moment, then smiled at his friend. "I'll leave you to it, then." He got off on the next floor, though Qui-Gon was sure it was nowhere near his ultimate destination. Just as well. It saved Qui-Gon the problem of finding some place to put him while he welcomed Obi-Wan home. Some things were best kept between just a master and his apprentice. *************************** Obi-Wan held his questions until the door to their quarters closed, but no longer. "Master, why are you dressed… like that?" Qui-Gon turned and offered a rueful smile. "I have always dressed like this, my Padawan." "I beg to differ, Master," Obi-Wan protested. "Beg all you like, it doesn't change the fact that this has been my way of dressing for many years." Qui-Gon kicked his boots off near the sofa and headed for the kitchen. "Though you might want to consider the question of when I *stopped* dressing like this. Hungry?" Obi-Wan's eyes were glued to the boots, lying haphazardly in the middle of the common area. After a moment, he remembered to answer his master's question. "No… I'm fine… Master? Are you quite well?" Qui-Gon returned, glass of juice in hand. "Quite, I do assure you." Obi-Wan nodded slowly and headed for his own room to set his packs down. *Okay, there has to be a reason…* he began. Then he stopped. *Just how much attention have you paid to his habits since you came to live here?* he demanded of himself. None. He sighed and pulled his own boots off, stripped down to his undertunic and returned to the front room. Qui-Gon was lounging on the sofa, lightslate on his lap, headphones pumping music directly into his ears. His foot tapped absently while one hand kept rhythm on the sofa. His head was tipped back against the armrest, throat exposed to Obi-Wan's view. Obi-Wan swallowed, then returned to his room. That one glance at Qui-Gon, and his heart had begun to race. *He's the most lovely being...* He shifted his weight from foot to foot, acutely aware of the arousal that was beginning to spike through his body. *I can't... I... I should...* What? Meditate? Release to the Force? Neither seemed appropriate. Qui-Gon had shown no inclination towards a... physical welcome-home and Obi-Wan was loath to be so forward. *Ice Prince, that's me. I have to do... something!* A moment of aimless wandering led him to stand before Dauhge's tank, where he finally knelt. The little green turtle was meandering about his tank, a calm focus for Obi-Wan's suddenly confused mind. He let his eyes follow the reptile on its meandering travels, relaxing all his thoughts to peace and serenity with practiced ease. When calm was reinstated to his mind, he felt prepared to deal with his master once more. He went into the common room and straddled the arm of the sofa. "Master?" Qui-Gon's eyes drifted open, fixed Obi-Wan with a considering look, then lazily drooped closed once more. "Master... should I leave you alone?" Obi-Wan asked, tone apprehensive. Qui-Gon pulled the headphones away from his ears. "What?" "I asked if you wanted to be left alone..." Obi-Wan repeated, confused. "You... you don't seem very happy to see me..." "I am always happy to see you, my Padawan," Qui-Gon replied. "So, but... no kiss..." Obi-Wan winced, appalled at how pathetic he sounded. "Do you want a kiss?" Qui-Gon asked, tilting his head to one side. "Well of course I want a kiss!" Obi-Wan stood and wrapped his arms around himself. "I... wait. Do YOU want a kiss?" Qui-Gon closed his eyes and Obi-Wan stared, amazed, as he simply lay there, breathing for a long moment. "I suppose," Qui-Gon finally replied. "You *suppose*?" Obi-Wan demanded. "The fact is, I want a great deal more than a kiss, Koateleu. I just don't think you're inclined to give it to me. So I'm waiting for such an inclination to evidence itself," Qui-Gon explained. "Skies, Pan! If you wanted to fuck, why didn't you just SAY so?" Obi-Wan sighed, relieved. Qui-Gon closed his eyes again and murmured so quietly Obi-Wan missed what he said. "Pardon me?" "I said I didn't particularly want a fuck." Obi-Wan closed his eyes. He steadied his breathing and focused on the image of a perfect, white blossom. He released his various types of frustration to the Force and opened his eyes again. "Well, when you know what you *do* want, feel free to call upon me." He turned towards his room. "I know exactly what I want, Obi-Wan. It happens that this is the first time you've shown any interest in the subject," Qui-Gon said. "Is that so?" Obi-Wan turned back to his teacher. "Yes," Qui-Gon replied, his expression inscrutable. "You are making me insane," Obi-Wan informed him and continued into his room. Qui-Gon remained upon the sofa for a long time, eyes fixed on the closed door between himself and his partner. After a time, a tiny smile crept across his lips. He stood and stepped into his shoes, then went to knock on Obi-Wan's door. "I'm going to see Kourt. Comm me if you want me," he said. No reply was forthcoming. With a bounce in his step, he left his quarters. Halfway down the hall he began singing under his breath. "And the vine it winds around around, and the vine it winds around..." ************************* Obi-Wan lay face down on his bed and concentrated on his breathing. What was Qui-Gon DOING? He had barely spoken a WORD, barely... *I'm missing something,* Obi-Wan decided. *Something important. What... What does he want from me?* Qui-Gon's words came back to him. Was this really the first time Obi-Wan had expressed an interest in what Qui-Gon wanted? Surely not, but... but if he HAD shown interest, inquired, Qui-Gon certainly would have told him. Almost certainly. *I should have asked...* But now Qui-Gon was gone, and Obi-Wan certainly didn't feel up to launching an interrogation at this point. He didn't even know what questions to ask. *Okay, I'll start there. What is it I want to know?* He turned over onto his back and stretched, body arching up off the bed. *Oof. I need to be working out more...* he decided, feeling the complaint from several quarters. *Okay... good, that's... that's a good idea...* He stood up and stripped out of his uniform, dug through his packs and pulled out a set of workout clothes. He glanced at his lightsaber but decided combat drills weren't what he needed. *Maybe some poses...* Plan established, he left his room and headed towards the physical training center. This time of day was the most busy, with Trainees and junior Padawans in classes and groups, working with one another all through the complex. Obi-Wan entered one of the larger chambers, a mirror-lined room with hardwood floors. There was a group of about twenty students scattered about, each in various stages of the Mountain Pose. It took Obi-Wan a moment to realize he had intruded upon a formal class, rather than a casual gathering. He looked around and finally spotted the instructor. One of the Training Masters was working with a particular student, his hands guiding her shoulders to the proper position. With a start, Obi-Wan recognized Knight Rendian Elan. Obi-Wan cleared his throat and Elan looked around. He murmured something to his student and came over to meet Obi-Wan. "Greetings, Padawan Kenobi. Can I help you with something?" Obi-Wan looked away. "Would you believe I need help with my Mountain Pose?" "Not for a second, Obi. But let's see it anyway," Elan replied, stepping back. Obi-Wan bowed, then set his feet close together on the floor. He spread his toes and set his heels, drawing up from the ankles, lifting with the knees, inner rotation on the thighs, flex of belly and lift of chest. His shoulders settled back, back, shoulderblades touching just barely behind him. "You're holding your pose in your face, Padawan. Relax your tongue, let your eyes fall back in the sockets... better. Relax your arms, your hands... focus on the breath. Better, better. Now, do you want to tell me why you're down here?" Elan's tone was so familiar, the voice Obi-Wan had first learned to confide in. "It's Qui-Gon, I mean... Master Jinn..." Obi-Wan began, then stopped. "I don't know what he wants from me." "Have you asked him?" Rendian asked "I... I don't think I'm ready to," Obi-Wan admitted. "Really? Why is that?" "Um..." "I see. Well, mind your knees and think about that while I work with the others," Elan instructed with practiced ease. Obi-Wan did as he was told, pondering his reluctance as he followed the class through their exercises. From Mountain they progressed to Tree pose, left foot on the inside of the right knee, hands overhead. Obi-Wan relaxed into the familiarity of the basic poses, feeling more comfortable as his muscles warmed and his body strove. At the same time, his mind was doing laps, pursuing the reason for his unease with a singular focus. *Why am I not ready? I know the Force wants me with him. I know we have a lot of work to do before I'm even ready to...* "Obi-Wan, relax your face. You look like you just bit into a jubuke," Elan reprimanded from across the room. Obi-Wan shifted from right foot to left, being more mindful of his countenance. When Elan called for Downward Dog pose, Obi-Wan was more than ready for it. He pressed up into position, feet flat on the floor, palms pressing down firmly as he let his weight hang between them. Some part of him registered the various groans from his classmates. *I remember when this wasn't a resting pose,* Obi-Wan smiled, then schooled his mouth back to relaxation. He let his head fall forward and simply observed the pose, letting his thoughts still for the first time in days. Obi-Wan focused on his breath, letting the taste of it pool upon his tongue. As he relaxed further into his posture and observed his pose, he drew up the keto he had been recently translating. The taste of his breath reminded him of the Language keto: Ne, duc nata sersol, privaco du Esper See, hidden upon the air, the secrets of the Breath Sinking deeper into those keto, he drew up the Downward Dog keto: Between soil and sky is Air the Breath of all between. Draw in and hold it, warming Release and tell your secrets to the All Release and tell your secrets to Yourself Obi-Wan let his eyes drift closed and immersed himself in the Force. He let the eddy and flow of the Moment draw his thoughts toward contemplations that would lead him eventually to understanding. He drew air in through his nose, focusing on his questions and the source of his confusion. Releasing the breath, he sent those questions out of himself. Deeper and deeper he descended in meditation until all respiration tasted of one word in the Language of Great Mystery. His mouth was full of the flavor that meant Qui-Gon Jinn. *What if Qui-Gon thinks… believes I do not love him? Does that mean he would not love me?* Obi-Wan held the pose, letting his breath be his focus and catalyst for contemplation. Sex, he knew, was not specifically an indicator of love. That was a lesson he had learned early and taken to heart. *But does sex specifically mean there is NOT love?* This, he knew, was far from true. Qui-Gon had professed love often, clearly and without remorse. Obi-Wan thought back, then to the time when he began his explorations and experiments with his own sexuality. That learning had begun, of course, with Qui-Gon's blessing. They had been sharing a lunch when Qui-Gon brought the subject up.