TITLE: It's a Man's World (Part 2 of a collaboration fic with B.L. Anderson)
AUTHOR: Obi the Kid
E-MAIL: hlnkid@aol.com
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: Pre-TPM, Humor. (Obi is 13) Qui gets bested in a sparring match and is unable to accept defeat.
FEEDBACK: Always appreciated.
ARCHIVE: Please ask first.
OBI'S WEBSITE: http://www.angelfire.com/movies/obithekid/
B.L.'S WEBSITE: http://www.angelfire.com/al2/lneeson
DISCLAIMER: The characters and venue of Star Wars are copyrighted to Lucas Films Limited. The characters not recognizable from this venue are copyrighted to Tracy C. Knight. The story is the intellectual property of Tracy C. Knight and is copyrighted to her. She makes no profit from the writing or distribution of this story.
NOTES: Part 1 of this story was written by B.L. Anderson and is the latest in our series of collaboration fics.
==========================
It's a Man's World (PART 2)
==========================
Obi-Wan had been making every attempt to avoid his friends since his master's humiliating sparring match the day before. He assumed that they knew what had happened. Master Qui-Gon, one of the Order's greatest swordsmen, was beaten in a sparring match. But he was bested by a woman, his close friend, Master Bren Anders. If that wasn't enough, Qui-Gon had been so cocky about a sure victory, that when he lost, he made a complete fool of himself by essentially saying that he was embarrassed to have lost to a 'mere woman.' There had been a large group of masters present to watch the duel, and they were quick to heckle the tall master about his loss. With Master Brazo's help, Qui-Gon had gotten back on Bren's good side, only to say something stupid once more, and was again rejected. The student wondered at his master's inability to keep his mouth shut about this. Usually it was Obi-Wan who had the flying lips problem.
**Maybe I am rubbing off on him. When the apprentice teaches the master...no wait, this is bad thing. The Council already hates him. If Master Bren hates him, then he'll take everything out on me. This is not good Kenobi. You have to do something.**
His thoughts were interrupted by giggles that turned into laughter. Voices from behind made him cringe.
"Beaten by a woman. I don't know, Obi, you might have a better chance to become a knight if you trained with Master Brazo. Sure, he'd hug you to death, but at least he'd never get beaten by a FEMALE!"
"The great Qui-Gon Jinn and his legendary apprentice. Can't even defeat a woman in sparring."
"Way to go, Kenobi! You know, MY master would never lose to...to...to...I can't say it...to a..."
Obi-Wan turned to face his so called friends, Reeft and Garen. They were shadowed by three other padawans. "Okay guys, that's really funny...ha ha ha. Master Bren is no slouch with a saber, and she just caught Master Qui-Gon off guard is all. And I know he wasn't doing his best. I've seen him perform moves that would leave most Jedi speechless. Just a bad day is all."
"Whatever, Kenobi," Reeft snickered. "He lost, fair and square. You'll have to deal with it the rest of your life. Every time you face him, you'll know that he is weak. That he got beat by a woman!" With that, the small group erupted into a laughing fit and couldn't stop. Several of them were holding their stomachs they were laughing so hard.
Obi-Wan frowned, and took one last look at them. "You guys go ahead and think what you want. My master is a great swordsman. I am proud to train with him." He stomped off leaving them to their hysterics.
********
Obi-Wan continued wandering the halls. Each time he heard a familiar voice, he would hide until that person had passed. Several older knights and masters made joking comments about Qui-Gon, just loud enough so that the boy could hear them. He was becoming so frustrated that he started running and didn't look back. Turning one blind corner as he glanced behind him, he ran head on into Master Bren.
"Obi, where you running to kid?"
"Oh, um, nowhere, Master Bren. Just getting a little exercise is all."
"Lying?"
He hung his head. "Yes. I'm sorry. I'm trying to avoid, uh...other Jedi right now."
"Why?"
His young eyes pleaded with her to understand without actually saying the words. She nodded.
"This is about Qui-Gon losing to me. You're friends are harassing you about it."
Once more, he nodded his silent answer.
"I'm sorry kid. I didn't mean for this to happen. He just lost. He left himself open for attack and I took advantage of it. I thought he was above all this 'it's a man's world' thinking. I guess not. He's just like all the others."
Obi-Wan tried to protest and defend his master. Despite Qui-Gon's ignorance during the past twenty -four hours, the boy felt that someone should stand up for him. "He's not really like that Master Bren. He's a very genuine and caring man. Just look at the way he treats me...wait, on second thought, don't do that."
"Exactly Obi! Look at how he treats you. Does he ever hug you? No. Tell you how proud he is of you? No. He just pats you on the shoulder and sends you on your way. The man is beyond help. It's been fun, but I think it's time we called an end to our relationship."
"NO! Please no. You'll crush him. It's true he doesn't hug me or take me on vacation, or spend quality time with me, or treat me with respect, but...um...oh, but he loves me, I know he does. I think."
But Bren was having none of it. "Sorry kid, you'd be better off with a new master. I gotta run, talk to ya soon."
"Master Bren, NO! Please come back." She kept walking. Obi-Wan found himself alone standing in the corridor, talking to himself. "Why do I always get caught in the middle of their domestic squabbles? I am just an apprentice. And only thirteen years old at that. I'm much to young for this type of stress. I have GOT to find Master Qui-Gon. If for no other reason, than to get me out of the hall, looking like a fool while I have this conversation with myself."
********
After searching almost the entire eleventh floor, he found his teacher. He was in the sparring gym, taking his aggression out on every padawan younger than twenty. One after another, he pinned them to the mat, gloating after each victory. Obi-Wan stood in puzzlement. What was Qui-Gon doing?
"Padawan Kreen, you are dead. Who's next? How about I take on three of you at once? Garen, Taj and Meris, come on, you're up. Let's go." When neither of the students moved forward, Qui-Gon taunted them. "Scared? Can't handle being embarrassed? Come on, show your master's what you've got."
Each of the masters approached their apprentice and led them away from the irritated Master Jinn. They all stopped to stare at him once they were a safe distance away.
"This is all because I got beat by a woman, isn't it? I'll have you know, I was just having a bad day. It happens. It..." He was stopped by a small hand taking his own. "Obi-Wan?"
"Master, you've got problems. I think I've been a bad influence on you lately. You shouldn't listen to your padawan so much. Let's go home. You need sleep, and to rest your mouth, it's been working overtime recently. Lips just a flying like mad."
"But, she beat me, I can't live with that."
"Perhaps you need to learn, Master. It's not the end of the world. Master Bren is good, what can you say? You didn't have a bad day, she just beat you. Tore you up. Smoked you. Made you look like an initiate. Sent you packin'. Crushed you into tiny bits and blasted you into oblivion. Kicked your butt..."
"OKAY! I GET THE POINT!" Qui-Gon yelled. "Maybe I have taken this to far. After all, she is a master, and I have taught her everything she knows."
"Right, and that is a reflection of you. Just like when I defeat you in a couple years, it will be the same thing."
The tall Jedi laughed at the image in his head. "You will never best me, Padawan. I know all your weaknesses. I will always be better than you."
Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, Obi-Wan was tempted to walk away, but he refused to give up. "Master, you are heading right down that same road. You are not better than others. Everyone has certain own talents and abilities. Even those pathetic life forms you insist on picking up all the time. But that's another story. Accept the fact that I might someday defeat you in sparring. Or, that Master Bren may do so again. It's gonna happen, so DEAL! Understand?"
"I guess you're right, but I can still beat..."
Obi-Wan held a hand up. "Stop and listen to yourself. You sound like a fool. If you ever want to cuddle with anything other than your pillow, I would knock that chip off your shoulder, and go talk to Master Bren. I will come with you for moral support. Okay?" **Geez, I sound like a parent. What is wrong with me?**
He was surprised when Qui-Gon actually agreed with him, and began walking in the direction of Bren's quarters. "It's okay, Master, I'll be here with you. She might haul off and smack the crap out of you, but at least you won't be alone."
"Okay," he replied hesitantly, "I guess. You think she's home?"
"Only one way to find out." He took his master's hand once more and dragged him as quickly as he could down the hall to their destination.
*********
Bren's apartment. They rang the chime and waited, and waited. They were just about to turn and leave when the door opened. Bren was cool in her greeting. "Qui-Gon. Can I help you?"
A kick in the knee from Obi-Wan was enough to get the big Jedi jumpstarted. "Hi Bren. I'm an idiot. Please forgive me?"
She raised her eyebrows, "You speak the truth. And why are you an idiot?"
"Because of the way I acted when you defeated me in sparring yesterday. I acted like a fool. Then I tried to make it up to you, and put my foot in my mouth again. I blame my apprentice."
Obi-Wan looked up in surprise. "Master, that is not how we rehearsed it on the way over."
"Don't pawn this off on the kid, Qui. He is a doll. You are a fool. There's a difference. Say something important before I slam the door in your face."
"If you'll forgive me, I promise that I will never be jealous of your abilities again. I would enjoy sparring with you, just for fun, whenever you are up to it."
"Should I believe his sincerity, kid?"
A crooked smile crossed the boy's face. "I don't' know, he still won't hug me."
"That's another thing. If you want my forgiveness, I want you to love this kid. Hug him once in a while, tell him you're proud of him."
"Yeah," Obi-Wan chimed in, "what she said."
Qui-Gon took Bren's and Obi-Wan's hands in his own, and held them tightly to his chest. "Forgive me. Let's start over. And if I start to act that way again, I give you both permission to never speak to me again. Okay? Give me another chance?" The sad pathetic eyes of the knight finally got to both Bren and Obi-Wan.
"You swear, this will never happen again?"
"Yes, Bren. I swear on my padawan's braid."
Obi-Wan immediately protested. "Hold it right there. You will swear on nothing of the sort. I love my braid, you can't have it."
"He's cute, Qui," Bren laughed. "Sometimes I look at him, and say to myself, I want one. Then other times he opens his mouth and I realize that I don't. No offense kid."
"Sure, okay. Anyway, back to the REAL subject here. Master, I think you need to show Master Bren how much you mean what you say. How about a sparring match? Followed by a hug for your padawan?"
Several deep breaths later, Qui-Gon agreed. "Yes, good idea." He held his hand out towards the direction of the gym. "After you, my dear."
A giggling Obi-Wan went first. "Thank you, Master, but lose the endearment. It's just not me."
"Not you, I am referring to my Bren-Bren."
The padawan rolled his eyes. "Oh no, not this again. My wittle Qui-Poo."
Bren tickled Qui-Gon's beard and repeated the words Obi-Wan had just said. "My wittle Qui-Poo. Mr. Sweet Knees. Let's go spar. You big Stud Jedi you."
"Master, I'll just run ahead. Wouldn't want to lose my lunch in the hall here."
"He's just the cutest wittle Jedi in the Order, yes he is."
As the master's continued their disgusting display, they wandered towards the gym. Entering, they found a group of Jedi hovering around the sparring area. Knight's and apprentice's of all ages. Many were the same that were there previously, when Bren first bested Qui-Gon, and this entire episode began. At first Qui-Gon was nervous, but he soon settled when his fellow master winked at him.
The match was over quickly. Bren wasted no time in putting her friend away. She held the blade at Qui-Gon's neck, and said only two words. "You're dead."
For a brief moment, Qui-Gon felt that flash of humiliation run through him. But this time, it didn't linger. He glanced quickly at his apprentice, and returned the smile that he was being given. Then he focused on his opponent. "Master Bren, I am most impressed."
Taunts and heckles from the watching crowd sounded, but Qui-Gon shut them out. He was simply beaten by a better swordsmen, or swordswoman? He accepted defeat graciously, bowing before her and exiting the ring to allow for the next sparring team.
Obi-Wan was overly happy. "MASTER! You did it! She beat you, yet again, and you handled it so well. You're not a male chauvinist after all! I am so proud of you. Hug me?"
When the knight hesitated, Bren encouraged him. "Go on now, you promised him. It won't hurt you."
Qui-Gon moved forward and folded his long arms around the smaller body of his apprentice. The boy buried his face in the beige tunics. "Thank you, Obi-Wan for setting me straight. And for showing me how much of an idiot I've been. I do love you very much."
"I love you too, Master, but you really need a bath." As if to exaggerate the point, Obi-Wan coughed as he backed away. "I know you and Master Bren are gonna do that cuddle/sickening nickname thing for the rest of the day, but you need to bathe first. Please. For my sake."
"Hmmm...and all-day cuddle? I will get that bath now."
*********
Two hours later, Bren entered the Jinn/Kenobi quarters. Qui-Gon was lecturing his apprentice on how he was to behave, Bren just smiled at them.
"I promised Obi-Wan he could sit with us until he fell asleep, and then he's confined to his bedroom until morning. And I will make sure he is in a very deep sleep. Right, Padawan?"
"Yes master." A huge smile covered his face. "I really get to cuddle with you guys?"
"Tonight, yes. But don't think this is a regular thing. Let me flip on the monitor and see what interesting holo-vid's are on."
Obi-Wan's eyes bugged out of his head when he saw the movie that was on. "Rogue Troll! YES! Lima is in this one! WOOHOO!"
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon tried to remain calm. "Cuddling is quiet time. One does not yell things like WOOHOO when cuddling. Okay?"
The boy's face flushing with embarrassment, he nodded. "Yes, Master. Sorry. Where should I sit?" As he said this, he eagerly looked at the small area on the couch between the two Jedi.
"Oh no you don't. You are not getting between us."
Putting on his most pitiful face, Obi-Wan stared at his master. "Please?"
"Oh, Qui, come on, it's just till he falls asleep. Besides, if not for him, we'd still be at each other's throats. Come on, Obi, sit right here next to me."
He wasted no time snuggling in between the pair, and before long was completely lost in the movie. When it finally became obvious that the young Jedi would not be falling asleep anytime soon, Qui-Gon placed a gentle hand on his forehead, sending the slightest of Force suggestions to him. It didn't take much, and he was out cold, leaning against the large Jedi beside him. "See? Sleeping like a baby. Let me put him to bed, and then you and I will have the house to ourselves."
Picking the teenager up, Qui-Gon was careful not to jostle him as he entered the bedroom. He tucked him in, yawning the entire time. A sudden feeling of exhaustion came over him as Obi-Wan stirred. The young blue/green eyes looked back at him. "Master, you look tired."
"I am, and you should be asleep. Close your eyes."
"Okay. Night, Master."
Another yawn. "Maybe if I just close my own eyes for a few minutes this feeling will pass. Bren is waiting for me, can't be to long." Before he knew it, Qui-Gon was pulling himself into the small bed next to his apprentice. Laying his head down next to Obi-Wan's, he let he eyes fall shut. "Just a few minutes Bren, then I'll be right out." He threw an arm over his student, and soon they were both in a deep and relaxing slumber.
Tapping her foot impatiently, Bren finally got up to see what was taking the man so long to put the kid to bed. She talked to herself as she padded into the bedroom. "Taking you long enough, Qui. What, you reading him a bedtime story or something? What happed to my...." She paused when she saw them resting so peacefully together. "Awwww, isn't that the sweetest thing? Gave me up for the kid, but that's okay. I'll just best your butt in sparring again tomorrow and again the next day, to see if you really are past your 'you got beat by a woman' thing. Only time will tell. Time and me wiping the floor with you in the gym match after match. You really are sad, Qui-Gon Jinn. But, I think I'll keep you. And your little apprentice too."
END
AUTHOR: Obi the Kid
E-MAIL: hlnkid@aol.com
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: Pre-TPM, Humor. (Obi is 13) Qui gets bested in a sparring match and is unable to accept defeat.
FEEDBACK: Always appreciated.
ARCHIVE: Please ask first.
OBI'S WEBSITE: http://www.angelfire.com/movies/obithekid/
B.L.'S WEBSITE: http://www.angelfire.com/al2/lneeson
DISCLAIMER: The characters and venue of Star Wars are copyrighted to Lucas Films Limited. The characters not recognizable from this venue are copyrighted to Tracy C. Knight. The story is the intellectual property of Tracy C. Knight and is copyrighted to her. She makes no profit from the writing or distribution of this story.
NOTES: Part 1 of this story was written by B.L. Anderson and is the latest in our series of collaboration fics.
==========================
It's a Man's World (PART 2)
==========================
Obi-Wan had been making every attempt to avoid his friends since his master's humiliating sparring match the day before. He assumed that they knew what had happened. Master Qui-Gon, one of the Order's greatest swordsmen, was beaten in a sparring match. But he was bested by a woman, his close friend, Master Bren Anders. If that wasn't enough, Qui-Gon had been so cocky about a sure victory, that when he lost, he made a complete fool of himself by essentially saying that he was embarrassed to have lost to a 'mere woman.' There had been a large group of masters present to watch the duel, and they were quick to heckle the tall master about his loss. With Master Brazo's help, Qui-Gon had gotten back on Bren's good side, only to say something stupid once more, and was again rejected. The student wondered at his master's inability to keep his mouth shut about this. Usually it was Obi-Wan who had the flying lips problem.
**Maybe I am rubbing off on him. When the apprentice teaches the master...no wait, this is bad thing. The Council already hates him. If Master Bren hates him, then he'll take everything out on me. This is not good Kenobi. You have to do something.**
His thoughts were interrupted by giggles that turned into laughter. Voices from behind made him cringe.
"Beaten by a woman. I don't know, Obi, you might have a better chance to become a knight if you trained with Master Brazo. Sure, he'd hug you to death, but at least he'd never get beaten by a FEMALE!"
"The great Qui-Gon Jinn and his legendary apprentice. Can't even defeat a woman in sparring."
"Way to go, Kenobi! You know, MY master would never lose to...to...to...I can't say it...to a..."
Obi-Wan turned to face his so called friends, Reeft and Garen. They were shadowed by three other padawans. "Okay guys, that's really funny...ha ha ha. Master Bren is no slouch with a saber, and she just caught Master Qui-Gon off guard is all. And I know he wasn't doing his best. I've seen him perform moves that would leave most Jedi speechless. Just a bad day is all."
"Whatever, Kenobi," Reeft snickered. "He lost, fair and square. You'll have to deal with it the rest of your life. Every time you face him, you'll know that he is weak. That he got beat by a woman!" With that, the small group erupted into a laughing fit and couldn't stop. Several of them were holding their stomachs they were laughing so hard.
Obi-Wan frowned, and took one last look at them. "You guys go ahead and think what you want. My master is a great swordsman. I am proud to train with him." He stomped off leaving them to their hysterics.
********
Obi-Wan continued wandering the halls. Each time he heard a familiar voice, he would hide until that person had passed. Several older knights and masters made joking comments about Qui-Gon, just loud enough so that the boy could hear them. He was becoming so frustrated that he started running and didn't look back. Turning one blind corner as he glanced behind him, he ran head on into Master Bren.
"Obi, where you running to kid?"
"Oh, um, nowhere, Master Bren. Just getting a little exercise is all."
"Lying?"
He hung his head. "Yes. I'm sorry. I'm trying to avoid, uh...other Jedi right now."
"Why?"
His young eyes pleaded with her to understand without actually saying the words. She nodded.
"This is about Qui-Gon losing to me. You're friends are harassing you about it."
Once more, he nodded his silent answer.
"I'm sorry kid. I didn't mean for this to happen. He just lost. He left himself open for attack and I took advantage of it. I thought he was above all this 'it's a man's world' thinking. I guess not. He's just like all the others."
Obi-Wan tried to protest and defend his master. Despite Qui-Gon's ignorance during the past twenty -four hours, the boy felt that someone should stand up for him. "He's not really like that Master Bren. He's a very genuine and caring man. Just look at the way he treats me...wait, on second thought, don't do that."
"Exactly Obi! Look at how he treats you. Does he ever hug you? No. Tell you how proud he is of you? No. He just pats you on the shoulder and sends you on your way. The man is beyond help. It's been fun, but I think it's time we called an end to our relationship."
"NO! Please no. You'll crush him. It's true he doesn't hug me or take me on vacation, or spend quality time with me, or treat me with respect, but...um...oh, but he loves me, I know he does. I think."
But Bren was having none of it. "Sorry kid, you'd be better off with a new master. I gotta run, talk to ya soon."
"Master Bren, NO! Please come back." She kept walking. Obi-Wan found himself alone standing in the corridor, talking to himself. "Why do I always get caught in the middle of their domestic squabbles? I am just an apprentice. And only thirteen years old at that. I'm much to young for this type of stress. I have GOT to find Master Qui-Gon. If for no other reason, than to get me out of the hall, looking like a fool while I have this conversation with myself."
********
After searching almost the entire eleventh floor, he found his teacher. He was in the sparring gym, taking his aggression out on every padawan younger than twenty. One after another, he pinned them to the mat, gloating after each victory. Obi-Wan stood in puzzlement. What was Qui-Gon doing?
"Padawan Kreen, you are dead. Who's next? How about I take on three of you at once? Garen, Taj and Meris, come on, you're up. Let's go." When neither of the students moved forward, Qui-Gon taunted them. "Scared? Can't handle being embarrassed? Come on, show your master's what you've got."
Each of the masters approached their apprentice and led them away from the irritated Master Jinn. They all stopped to stare at him once they were a safe distance away.
"This is all because I got beat by a woman, isn't it? I'll have you know, I was just having a bad day. It happens. It..." He was stopped by a small hand taking his own. "Obi-Wan?"
"Master, you've got problems. I think I've been a bad influence on you lately. You shouldn't listen to your padawan so much. Let's go home. You need sleep, and to rest your mouth, it's been working overtime recently. Lips just a flying like mad."
"But, she beat me, I can't live with that."
"Perhaps you need to learn, Master. It's not the end of the world. Master Bren is good, what can you say? You didn't have a bad day, she just beat you. Tore you up. Smoked you. Made you look like an initiate. Sent you packin'. Crushed you into tiny bits and blasted you into oblivion. Kicked your butt..."
"OKAY! I GET THE POINT!" Qui-Gon yelled. "Maybe I have taken this to far. After all, she is a master, and I have taught her everything she knows."
"Right, and that is a reflection of you. Just like when I defeat you in a couple years, it will be the same thing."
The tall Jedi laughed at the image in his head. "You will never best me, Padawan. I know all your weaknesses. I will always be better than you."
Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, Obi-Wan was tempted to walk away, but he refused to give up. "Master, you are heading right down that same road. You are not better than others. Everyone has certain own talents and abilities. Even those pathetic life forms you insist on picking up all the time. But that's another story. Accept the fact that I might someday defeat you in sparring. Or, that Master Bren may do so again. It's gonna happen, so DEAL! Understand?"
"I guess you're right, but I can still beat..."
Obi-Wan held a hand up. "Stop and listen to yourself. You sound like a fool. If you ever want to cuddle with anything other than your pillow, I would knock that chip off your shoulder, and go talk to Master Bren. I will come with you for moral support. Okay?" **Geez, I sound like a parent. What is wrong with me?**
He was surprised when Qui-Gon actually agreed with him, and began walking in the direction of Bren's quarters. "It's okay, Master, I'll be here with you. She might haul off and smack the crap out of you, but at least you won't be alone."
"Okay," he replied hesitantly, "I guess. You think she's home?"
"Only one way to find out." He took his master's hand once more and dragged him as quickly as he could down the hall to their destination.
*********
Bren's apartment. They rang the chime and waited, and waited. They were just about to turn and leave when the door opened. Bren was cool in her greeting. "Qui-Gon. Can I help you?"
A kick in the knee from Obi-Wan was enough to get the big Jedi jumpstarted. "Hi Bren. I'm an idiot. Please forgive me?"
She raised her eyebrows, "You speak the truth. And why are you an idiot?"
"Because of the way I acted when you defeated me in sparring yesterday. I acted like a fool. Then I tried to make it up to you, and put my foot in my mouth again. I blame my apprentice."
Obi-Wan looked up in surprise. "Master, that is not how we rehearsed it on the way over."
"Don't pawn this off on the kid, Qui. He is a doll. You are a fool. There's a difference. Say something important before I slam the door in your face."
"If you'll forgive me, I promise that I will never be jealous of your abilities again. I would enjoy sparring with you, just for fun, whenever you are up to it."
"Should I believe his sincerity, kid?"
A crooked smile crossed the boy's face. "I don't' know, he still won't hug me."
"That's another thing. If you want my forgiveness, I want you to love this kid. Hug him once in a while, tell him you're proud of him."
"Yeah," Obi-Wan chimed in, "what she said."
Qui-Gon took Bren's and Obi-Wan's hands in his own, and held them tightly to his chest. "Forgive me. Let's start over. And if I start to act that way again, I give you both permission to never speak to me again. Okay? Give me another chance?" The sad pathetic eyes of the knight finally got to both Bren and Obi-Wan.
"You swear, this will never happen again?"
"Yes, Bren. I swear on my padawan's braid."
Obi-Wan immediately protested. "Hold it right there. You will swear on nothing of the sort. I love my braid, you can't have it."
"He's cute, Qui," Bren laughed. "Sometimes I look at him, and say to myself, I want one. Then other times he opens his mouth and I realize that I don't. No offense kid."
"Sure, okay. Anyway, back to the REAL subject here. Master, I think you need to show Master Bren how much you mean what you say. How about a sparring match? Followed by a hug for your padawan?"
Several deep breaths later, Qui-Gon agreed. "Yes, good idea." He held his hand out towards the direction of the gym. "After you, my dear."
A giggling Obi-Wan went first. "Thank you, Master, but lose the endearment. It's just not me."
"Not you, I am referring to my Bren-Bren."
The padawan rolled his eyes. "Oh no, not this again. My wittle Qui-Poo."
Bren tickled Qui-Gon's beard and repeated the words Obi-Wan had just said. "My wittle Qui-Poo. Mr. Sweet Knees. Let's go spar. You big Stud Jedi you."
"Master, I'll just run ahead. Wouldn't want to lose my lunch in the hall here."
"He's just the cutest wittle Jedi in the Order, yes he is."
As the master's continued their disgusting display, they wandered towards the gym. Entering, they found a group of Jedi hovering around the sparring area. Knight's and apprentice's of all ages. Many were the same that were there previously, when Bren first bested Qui-Gon, and this entire episode began. At first Qui-Gon was nervous, but he soon settled when his fellow master winked at him.
The match was over quickly. Bren wasted no time in putting her friend away. She held the blade at Qui-Gon's neck, and said only two words. "You're dead."
For a brief moment, Qui-Gon felt that flash of humiliation run through him. But this time, it didn't linger. He glanced quickly at his apprentice, and returned the smile that he was being given. Then he focused on his opponent. "Master Bren, I am most impressed."
Taunts and heckles from the watching crowd sounded, but Qui-Gon shut them out. He was simply beaten by a better swordsmen, or swordswoman? He accepted defeat graciously, bowing before her and exiting the ring to allow for the next sparring team.
Obi-Wan was overly happy. "MASTER! You did it! She beat you, yet again, and you handled it so well. You're not a male chauvinist after all! I am so proud of you. Hug me?"
When the knight hesitated, Bren encouraged him. "Go on now, you promised him. It won't hurt you."
Qui-Gon moved forward and folded his long arms around the smaller body of his apprentice. The boy buried his face in the beige tunics. "Thank you, Obi-Wan for setting me straight. And for showing me how much of an idiot I've been. I do love you very much."
"I love you too, Master, but you really need a bath." As if to exaggerate the point, Obi-Wan coughed as he backed away. "I know you and Master Bren are gonna do that cuddle/sickening nickname thing for the rest of the day, but you need to bathe first. Please. For my sake."
"Hmmm...and all-day cuddle? I will get that bath now."
*********
Two hours later, Bren entered the Jinn/Kenobi quarters. Qui-Gon was lecturing his apprentice on how he was to behave, Bren just smiled at them.
"I promised Obi-Wan he could sit with us until he fell asleep, and then he's confined to his bedroom until morning. And I will make sure he is in a very deep sleep. Right, Padawan?"
"Yes master." A huge smile covered his face. "I really get to cuddle with you guys?"
"Tonight, yes. But don't think this is a regular thing. Let me flip on the monitor and see what interesting holo-vid's are on."
Obi-Wan's eyes bugged out of his head when he saw the movie that was on. "Rogue Troll! YES! Lima is in this one! WOOHOO!"
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon tried to remain calm. "Cuddling is quiet time. One does not yell things like WOOHOO when cuddling. Okay?"
The boy's face flushing with embarrassment, he nodded. "Yes, Master. Sorry. Where should I sit?" As he said this, he eagerly looked at the small area on the couch between the two Jedi.
"Oh no you don't. You are not getting between us."
Putting on his most pitiful face, Obi-Wan stared at his master. "Please?"
"Oh, Qui, come on, it's just till he falls asleep. Besides, if not for him, we'd still be at each other's throats. Come on, Obi, sit right here next to me."
He wasted no time snuggling in between the pair, and before long was completely lost in the movie. When it finally became obvious that the young Jedi would not be falling asleep anytime soon, Qui-Gon placed a gentle hand on his forehead, sending the slightest of Force suggestions to him. It didn't take much, and he was out cold, leaning against the large Jedi beside him. "See? Sleeping like a baby. Let me put him to bed, and then you and I will have the house to ourselves."
Picking the teenager up, Qui-Gon was careful not to jostle him as he entered the bedroom. He tucked him in, yawning the entire time. A sudden feeling of exhaustion came over him as Obi-Wan stirred. The young blue/green eyes looked back at him. "Master, you look tired."
"I am, and you should be asleep. Close your eyes."
"Okay. Night, Master."
Another yawn. "Maybe if I just close my own eyes for a few minutes this feeling will pass. Bren is waiting for me, can't be to long." Before he knew it, Qui-Gon was pulling himself into the small bed next to his apprentice. Laying his head down next to Obi-Wan's, he let he eyes fall shut. "Just a few minutes Bren, then I'll be right out." He threw an arm over his student, and soon they were both in a deep and relaxing slumber.
Tapping her foot impatiently, Bren finally got up to see what was taking the man so long to put the kid to bed. She talked to herself as she padded into the bedroom. "Taking you long enough, Qui. What, you reading him a bedtime story or something? What happed to my...." She paused when she saw them resting so peacefully together. "Awwww, isn't that the sweetest thing? Gave me up for the kid, but that's okay. I'll just best your butt in sparring again tomorrow and again the next day, to see if you really are past your 'you got beat by a woman' thing. Only time will tell. Time and me wiping the floor with you in the gym match after match. You really are sad, Qui-Gon Jinn. But, I think I'll keep you. And your little apprentice too."
END