Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was on a mission, a secret mission that not even his surrogate son, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, knew about. He was at Tatooine in search of one.
The bell dinged and Toydarian turned and nearly recoiled.
"You!"
A smirk played about the Jedi's bearded mouth.
"Yes, Watto. Me," the Jedi Master replied, keeping the laughter from his voice.
He dropped some money in front of Watto.
"To buy the freedom of Shmi Skywalker."
Watto frowned but waved his hand once.
"Take her. She's of no use to me now anyway."
Qui-Gon nodded his head in thanks, and walked the path he walked on many secret visits to the woman who had secretly captured his heart.
"Shmi!" he called as he entered the house, ducking to avoid hitting his head.
"Qui-Gon? Qui-Gon, are you back again?" came the teasing answer from the kitchen.
A low, affectionate chuckle came from the big man as he strode into the kitchen and swept Shmi into his powerful arms.
"Yes I'm back, and I just bought your freedom."
She looked at him in shock.
"Why?"
His handsome, smirking smile grew.
"For Ani. He misses you, and you deserve better than this."
"Anything else?"
His smile now touched his crystal blue eyes.
"A few other things. I'm sure C-3PO misses his creator and would like to be finished by Ani instead of me."
Shmi chuckled and nodded.
"I'm sure he would. I'll go turn him on and pack."
She turned to leave, but the Jedi's hands stopped her and turned her back around to face him.
"One more thing."
He leaned in closer, closing his eyes.
Shmi couldn't describe the shock as well as the joy and love that shot through the moment Qui-Gon's lips touched hers.
His kiss was gentle, soft, tender, and genuine, and she soon lost herself in it, kissing him back.