Master Jinn walked with his apprentice back to the Theed Palace, noting the buoyancy in his padawan's step and the grin that seemed to be pasted onto his face. He was happy for Obi-Wan, but he was wary as well.
Qui-Gon not only had the advantage of age and experience, but also of a better grasp of the Living Force. Where his student was more talented in foreseeing the future, Qui-Gon focused upon the present, and at the current time, he was receiving several conflicting readings from the Force. Something wasn't right. He wasn't sure if it was concerning their aborted investigation, the upcoming election, or his ongoing suspicions about the Naberrie sisters' innocence concerning the entire matter.
And now, apparently his padawan had become romantically involved with one of them. At least it was the younger one. That older sister reminded him of a mother rancor.
Qui-Gon chuckled to himself at the comparison and earned a curious sideways glance from Obi-Wan.
"What is it?"
"Nothing." The older man answered. "I'm just finding your mood to be rather enjoyable. You are radiating pleasure, padawan."
"Oh." Obi-Wan tightened his shields and fought down a blush. "She's wonderful, Master. I've never felt this way about anyone. Not even Siri."
"Ah." The Master replied. Five years ago, his charge had approached him all teary eyed about a blonde little wench-of-a-padawan at the Temple who had broken his heart. Obi-Wan was sixteen at the time, though, and the crush was soon forgotten, especially after he had effectively trounced Siri in the junior padawan lightsaber competition the following year, earning the respect of every other female padawan in the Temple. Following that day, Obi-Wan was not wanting for attention. However, his padawan never was one for spending time with those of the opposite sex. Obi-Wan had told him once that he was waiting for the 'right girl,' whomever that could be, and although Qui-Gon spouted the wisdom of enjoying his youth, Obi-Wan seemed satisfied to hang out with his friends and accompany his Master on missions.
At least until this particular one. The young man was practically glowing. And Qui-Gon was worried.
"She's a delicate little thing." He noted with a sly smile upon seeing Obi-Wan's disapproving glare.
"Delicate? I'm afraid you've been deceived, Master. Padmé has been trained in many forms of combat, weaponry, and self defense. She can take care of herself."
"I don't doubt that."
"She's very intelligent, knows all about Galactic History, can speak several languages," Obi-Wan continued as if his Master hadn't said a word. "And as you already know, is a pretty good cook. She loves children and is concerned about the welfare and quality of life for the people of Naboo."
"Obi-Wan."
"Yes, Master?"
Stopping in the middle of the street, the Jedi looked down at his student, one raised eyebrow expressing what he didn't need to say in words.
"Sorry, Master. I guess I'm a little….smitten."
"Are you sure?" Qui-Gon joked. He'd never seen Obi-Wan go on about a being so.
"Not really." The apprentice corrected. "I think I'm in love." The realization brightened his entire face and set a frown upon Qui-Gon's. "What's wrong?" Obi-Wan asked upon noticing the change of his Master's expression.
"I'm just concerned. It seems a little rushed."
Arms crossing, the young man eyed his Master critically. "Aren't you the one who always tells me to live in the moment? That my focus determines my reality?"
Qui-Gon wasn't answering that one. It was an obvious set-up. So instead of responding, he mirrored his student's actions and waited for Obi-Wan to continue on his own, which he did.
"Well, the reality here, at this moment is that I'm in love with Padmé Amidala. She's the one, Master. The one I've been waiting for. I just know it. I'm going to ask her to marry me. After I'm knighted, of course. I hope she doesn't mind long engagements."
"Not that long." Qui-Gon replied with a small smile. Obi-Wan was rapidly approaching his trials. Soon -- too soon, he would be off on his own, answering only to the council, free to pursue pleasures outside of the Order, including matrimony if he chose to do so.
Qui-Gon blinked rapidly. It was all happening too fast. His young padawan seemed to be growing up before his very eyes. But he wasn't young any more. He no longer was the thirteen-year-old boy Qui-Gon had met at the Temple and taken as his padawan learner. He was twenty-one, and old enough to know his own heart, knighted or not.
Chuckling softly, the Master placed a supportive hand on his apprentice's shoulder and squeezed gently. "Very well, Obi-Wan. Write your Engagement Proposal, and I shall present it to her tomorrow, if you wish."
A large grin crinkled the corners of the young man's eyes and Qui-Gon could not recall ever seeing Obi-Wan so happy. "Thank you, Master."