Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Star Wars. They are the rightful property of one George Lucas, who fortunately decided to share them with the world through his films. I'm merely borrowing them in the most respectful way to have some more fun. That is all.
AN; Well, it seems my little series here is enjoyed by quite a lot of people! Good, it makes me happy so many people are entertained by my scribblings. And I hope you enjoy chapter seven. You all seemed to like Obi-wan as a youngster, so here you go! Oh and Sweet Christabel (The author of Fair Maiden, Shining Knight, a fic that deserves all your attention, I DO think Jedi's are allowed to have their birthdays.) Let me know what you think! OH! And tne points for the ones who can understand exactly what Obi-wan says to Qui-gon while somewhat ehh...speech impaired! Enjoy, and review please! Mu-san
Moments – series
Birthday party
Qui-gon was quietly reading a book from the jedi library on the couch in the apartment he shared with Obi-wan. He had cleaned the place from top to bottom this morning, and felt he earned a bit of relaxation.
He and Obi-wan had gotten a lot of training done in the past weeks and he was proud of him. It was still hard to express his feelings to the boy, but they were certainly comfortable around each other. When Qui-gon had been meditating in the gardens two days ago, naturally at the time the crèche leaders allowed a few of their groups to play outside, he had discovered Obi-wan's birthday was near. Well, no so much discovered as being reminded of it. Master Haldiri had addressed him the moment she saw him, and asked about little Obi-wan. He had chuckled and responded that little Obi-wan wasn't all that little anymore, but he was doing quite well. Then she had asked him if he intended to do something for his birthday. For a second Qui-gon had been dumbfounded. To be honest he hadn't even thought of his padawan's birthday. They hadn't ever had a birthday together before, seeing it was their first year, and Qui-gon didn't even know the exact date. He had softly confessed to master Haldiri. She had merely smiled benignly at him and told him the date.
Sitting on his couch Qui-gon thought of the birthday he had planned for his padawan tomorrow. He had told Obi-wan of it the moment he had come back from his meditation in the gardens that day, and Obi-wan had responded ecstatically. Qui-gon insisted that he should invite his friends, and they would have a little party at their apartment. Obi-wan had rushed off to invite his friends, leaving it up to Qui-gon to arrange a cake, some decorations and some drinks. He had gotten everything, including a little birthday present for his new apprentice. Qui-gon actually felt a little apprehensive, wondering if Obi-wan would like his gift.
He heard the door open and close behind him. But when he turned his head he only saw a glimpse of a white tunic and a swinging braid as they disappeared into their room. With a small frown he set down his book and stood up. Careful not to make a sound he slowly walked to Obi-wan's room. He cast a wave out through the Force to see if is padawan was alright. There seemed to be nothing physically wrong with him, but his mind was emitting loud signs of 'do not approach'. Qui-gon hesitated for a moment, debating whether he should go in and ask his padawan about whatever was bothering him or leave him alone. Then he remembered Obi-wan had some difficult classes today. With a soft smile he could remember his own frustration with a few subjects and he decided to leave his padawan alone. He turned and headed to the kitchen to make them a nice meal. That should definitely improve his mood, he thought. The kid is always hungry…
A little excited Qui-gon waited for his padawan to come back from his morning classes. He had arranged for them to have the afternoon off, so they could properly celebrate his birthday. Already brightly colored streamers adored their normally stoic apartment. Qui-gon had dug deep into himself and made a birthday cake. He was quite pleased how it had turned out. He could still remember that time he and Mace had been left alone by their masters and they had to make dinner for themselves. A shudder ran through him from top to bottom. He would never let Mace cook again, no matter how good his cooking skills had become over the years…
The door opened and Qui-gon spread his arms wide open. Fleetingly he had thought of buying one of those little party horns to welcome Obi-wan in, but had decided against it. He wanted to surprise Obi-wan, not embarrass him.
"Happy birthday, my padawan!"
He was met with a glum looking Obi-wan.
"Thank you, master."
Even his voice sounded down. Slowly Qui-gon let his arms drop and a frown appeared on his brow. Obi-wan dropped his books on the couch and sat down at the table, seemingly oblivious to the decorations on his chair. Qui-gon observed him with a careful eye. When he realized the door hadn't closed he turned his head. A twi'lek girl was standing on the threshold. His smile returned a little.
"Hello, Bant. Come in, come in. We have a birthday to celebrate."
Bant managed to give him a small smile, but looked a little depressed as well. She sat down next to Obi-wan, whose stare was boring a hole into the table. When the door closed Qui-gon's frown deepened. He had told Obi-wan to bring his friends along right after classes. He knew his padawan wouldn't take this duty lightly and gather all his friends before they came here. A sneaking suspicion entered his mind. Qui-gon walked around the couch and joined the two at the table.
"Obi-wan?"
His padawan refused to look up. Bant was giving him an uneasy look, telling him this wasn't the right time for it. But as his master Qui-gon knew there was no better time than the present.
"Obi-wan, where are the rest of your guests?"
Suddenly Obi-wan jumped up and ran to his room. With a sigh Qui-gon saw him go. The suspicion turned into a fact. He turned to face Bant.
"Tell me, young one."
Bant lowered her head a little. "No one wanted to come to Obi's party. Just me, Garen en Reeft. But they both left with their masters yesterday on a mission."
The girl's sadness was palpable to Qui-gon, and his heart went out to Obi-wan. He had know the boy was a little shy but was surprised none of the other padawans had seen past that to discover this wonderful, joyful and charming young man. No wonder Obi-wan had stormed off to his room just now, Qui-gon thought. He probably feels unwanted. Perhaps this birthday party was a bad idea…
'No' Qui-gon softly slammed his fist on the table, startling Bant a little. Obi-wan would have a wonderful birthday, the wonderful birthday he deserves, Qui-gon firmly decided.
"Bant?"
She looked up at him.
"Gather the decorations from Obi-wan's chair. We will have this party somewhere else."
A little wide-eyed she needed a moment to process his words, but then moved to get the decorations off the chair. Qui-gon headed to his apprentice's door. Again Obi-wan's mind was emitting loud warnings but he wasn't going to let them stop him. Determined Qui-gon opened the door and stepped into the room. Obi-wan was lying face down on his bed with his arms limply beside him. He had simply let himself drop, Qui-gon figured. He walked over to the bed and sat down next to his padawan. When no reaction came he placed his hand on Obi-wan's back. This time a long moan was audible.
"Come now, Obi-wan, this is no way to spend your birthday."
"Lkiwomakanydifrence"
Obi-wan was still lying with his face into the comforter, muffling his speech. But through their strong bond Qui-gon got the gist of it.
"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but lying in bed or celebrating your birthday with cake seems a big difference."
"Buthrisnoonecomintmparty"
"What do you mean? Bant is here, and I am here."
"YehbuBantssmybesfrenanyouronlyherbcusyurmymasseranitsyurdudytcome"
Qui-gon smiled at his response. "Bant is your best friend, and I'm glad she came. And you're right, it is my duty to come to your birthday party. You are my padawan after all."
He moved his hand from Obi-wan's back to his shoulder and gave it an encouraging squeeze.
"But regardless of motivation, we are here. And I would like us to have a nice birthday."
Qui-gon could sense Obi-wan was coming around, but was still feeling a little unsure. Alright, padawan mine, I didn't want to use this card but if it will get you moving I will, he thought.
"We are here for you and your birthday, Obi-wan. Do you want to cancel everything and leave us with nothing?"
If there was one thing Qui-gon had learned it was that responsibility was a gravely important concept to young Obi-wan. He took things a little too seriously sometimes and ended up with feelings of guilt quite often. Qui-gon hated to play this angle but he knew he needed to get Obi-wan to come with them, or he feared for all the coming birthdays. And as usual his padawan didn't let him down. Obi-wan rolled over and scooted himself to the edge of the bed.
"I'm sorry, master."
He was looking at the floor and his voice was hushed. Qui-gon wrapped his arm around his shoulders.
"I just want you to have a good time, Obi-wan. And it doesn't matter how many people come to your party. There are more than enough people who care for you, no matter what. Like Bant. She knew there would be nobody else from your classes here, but she still came. Because she is your friend. Don't focus on what you don't have, my young padawan. Cherish the things you do have."
Obi-wan nodded weakly.
"Good. Now come."
Qui-gon stood up. He knew Obi-wan would follow him now. Bant was waiting by the door with the decorations in her hands. Qui-gon grabbed his cloak and tossed Obi-wan his. He caught it and a little confused he put it on.
"Master?"
Qui-gon gave him one of his best smiles. "We're going out, padawan. I have something special in mind for us."
"A diner, master? That's your special thing?"
Qui-gon chuckled at his apprentice's slightly hurt tone of voice. To be honest he could admit going to a diner in the busy part of Coruscant didn't sound like a very special thing, but Obi-wan didn't know the whole truth. He was surprised the boy hadn't figured out the name of the place, displayed in a glowing red neon sign in one of the windows.
"Yes, now go in. I promise you'll understand in just a moment."
Muttering something under his breath to Bant Qui-gon couldn't really make out they entered the diner. Immediately a droid waitress approached them. Part of her outer casing was painted a bright red to act like a uniform. It seemed to have been recently done.
"Hello there! What can I get you folks?"
Qui-gon stepped up behind Obi-wan and Bant and put his hands on their shoulders.
"We would like celebrate this young man's birthday here, perhaps the owner could help us with that?"
Without hesitating the droid waitress turned around. "Honey! Someone here to see you! A jedi by the looks of him!"
From an opening in the back wall leading to the kitchen a monstrous head appeared, looking around to spot the customers who were looking for him. A look of caution and suspicion lingered in his eyes, until he saw Qui-gon. Instantly a smile formed in his face.
"Well, well, master Jinn! Have a seat, I'll be right with ya."
Qui-gon nodded and steered Obi-wan and Bant to one of the empty tables. He could literally feel his padawan's shock and surprise. Wisely he chose to slide into the booth first, leaving Obi-wan to sit anxiously on the tip of the bench. The moment the big man from the kitchen appeared in view Obi-wan took off. He ran as fast as he could past the tables and flung himself into the cook. For a split second the creature had no idea what was happening, but when he recognized the boy attached to his rather large waist he threw up all four his arms.
"Obi-wan!"
He lowered one set of hands and picked up Obi-wan to hold him up to eye height. The smile on his face grew impossibly wide and his eyes twinkled with amusement.
"My good friend Obi-wan!"
Obi-wan wrapped his arms around the creature's neck. "Dex!"
Sharing a mighty hug Dex carried Obi-wan to their table. Qui-gon had already scooted over to make room for the large man. The old gunrunner looked no different than he had four months ago when they had met him in a bar on Ord Sigatt. Qui-gon had been sent on a mission to apprehend an illegal slave trader, and due to some unforeseen circumstances he had to take Obi-wan with him. They had only been together a few months, but Qui-gon trusted his new padawan would not work himself into any trouble. How wrong he had been. Obi-wan had wondered into the bar Dexter Jettster had been working, and had almost been killed by a few anxious trigger-happy smugglers thinking the boy was there to arrest them. Qui-gon sighed with the memory. The jedi were forever subject to such reactions, he sadly thought, always met with fear and suspicion.
The smugglers might have been successful if Dex hadn't stepped in. Although Obi-wan had a lightsaber he wasn't skilled enough to defend himself from five heavily armed smugglers. Dex had simply shoved the boy behind his back and told the men to leave the bar. Nothing more than a few grunts were raised as objections and the smugglers had left. When Qui-gon had returned with the slave trader delivered to the local authorities he had been shocked to not find Obi-wan where he had left him. After a somewhat frantic search he found him sipping a blue milk with Dex, swapping stories about their lives. Amazed Qui-gon had watched them for a moment before making himself known.
That had been four months ago. He and Obi-wan had returned to Coruscant, after literally prying Obi-wan off Dex. He could now understand better why Obi-wan had been unwilling to leave. He had few friends, and those he had he didn't want to leave. And that is why Qui-gon had been pleasantly surprised when he heard Dex had quit his gun running days and started a little diner right here on Coruscant. He had planned to take Obi-wan here sooner, but both their busy schedules had prevented them from doing so. Silently Qui-gon wondered if it was the will of the Force they now visited the diner, on Obi-wan's birthday of all days. When he saw Obi-wan deeply immersed in a story about his saberclasses with Dex and Bant as his rapt audience he smiled widely. Yes, this has certainly been the will of the Force.
After seeing Bant off to her master Qui-gon and Obi-wan both flopped down on their couch, not bothering to take off their cloaks. All afternoon and evening they had spent in the diner with Dex. Qui-gon was still amazed his padawan had eaten three desserts. They truly had a great time. Bant and Obi-wan had endlessly talked with Dex. Qui-gon had heard tales of boring history classes intermingle with barroom brawls and gun running operations. He had chosen not to comment, simply enjoying the fact his apprentice was having the time of his life.
"Master?"
Obi-wan's voice brought Qui-gon back to the present.
"Mmm?" He was too tired to give a full reply.
"Thank you for the best birthday ever."
Qui-gon only turned his head, not wanting to move his body. "But we're not done yet, my padawan."
Obi-wan's eyes held a confusion and curiosity that charmed Qui-gon to no end, just like the first time they had met all those years ago. It made him smile.
"Just reach into my pocket, young one. Second on the right."
Obi-wan scooted over and searched his master's belt. Finally he found what he had been instructed to find. When he sat back on the couch he was holding two small bags made of simple cloth. Qui-gon pulled himself up a little to sit properly and pointed at one of the bags.
"Open that one first."
He could see the glitter in Obi-wan's eyes. The boy was overwhelmed by the fact his new master had bought him presents, Qui-gon was sure of it.
"It's alright, Obi-wan. You've earned them."
Qui-gon's words and smile seemed to convince him and he opened the first bag. It revealed a sturdy looking timepiece, one that would automatically adjust itself to every time zone and was waterproof. Obi-wan smiled widely and immediately attached it to his own belt.
"Thank you, master!"
"You're welcome little one. Now open the other one."
Obi-wan eagerly opened the other bag. A small blue crystal dropped into the palm of his hand. Curiously he looked at it in silence for a moment, before he looked up at Qui-gon.
"What is it, master?"
Qui-gon searched Obi-wan's face for a moment before explaining.
"This…is a saber crystal. I know that when you built your lightsaber you used a green crystal. But…"
"But what, master?" Obi-wan whispered.
He took a deep breath and continued. "Well I think that green is not your color. I think this blue crystal will be much better suited for you. It reminded me of your blue eyes the very first time we met, years ago in the crèche."
When Obi-wan said nothing but silently stared at the crystal in his hand Qui-gon began to feel a little uneasy. He had already been worried if he would like this gift, and obviously he didn't.
"If you don't like it I'll find something else for you, it's—"
Qui-gon's rapid words were cut off by a padawan jumping on him, attaching himself firmly around him and burying his face in his robes. He was completely taken by surprise, but he quickly recovered and put his own arms around his apprentice. Through the Force Qui-gon felt Obi-wan sending out waves of affection and gratitude. It warmed his heart and he held him a little tighter.
"Thankyumassertisisthebestpressenever"
Again Obi-wan's voice was muffled, but Qui-gon had never heard him so clearly.
"You're welcome, padawan mine."
