Walk Across the Stars
An AU Star Wars Fan Fiction
by Jedi Daystar (jedi_daystar@graffiti.net)
Rating: PG-13 for implied sex and situations
Disclaimer: I don't own any of this. The characters, places, etc belong to Lucas and his empire. I don't make money, I just spend what little I have renting Ewan films and drooling. I promise I'll put the toys back in the box when I'm done!
For everyone who bugged me about getting the next chapter up. If I write this in longhand, it sits in a notebook, untouched, until I get a typing fit, like I'm in right now. This chapter's been written for almost two months. Sorry!
Warning: Angst and mild sexuality ahead! Thou hast been warned!
~*~
Part 3 - Walking the Stars
~*~
Hidden in the shadows of the balcony, Obi-Wan watched the graceful figure below him on the practice mat. Barefoot and clad only in loose pants and a breastband, Brook ran through a series of stretches designed for noncombat situations. She was flawless, every move precise and fluid, and Obi found himself letting his eyes caress her lithe figure.
In the six years since becoming Qui-Gon's Padawan, Brook had gone from a gawky adolescent to a graceful woman. Still watching her with his eyes, he let his mind drift, as it often did, to the kiss they had shared two years before. She had still been a child then, but he found himself wondering what it would be like to kiss her again, or do more than kissing. He chuckled, amused that he was silly enough to wonder what sex with Brook would be like.
[Are you going to stare at me all day, Obi?]
He jumped, startled by the voice of his bondmate in his head. She was grinning up at him, obviously privy to his thoughts.
[Brook, you know better than that!]
[Oh, do I?] she taunted, grinning that wicked grin of hers. Obi-Wan frowned from above and she shrugged, pulling on her shirt. [So you're fantasizing about me, big deal. I fantasize about you all the time.]
[Brook!] he whispered, blushing fiercely. He wasn't used to having such blatant sexuality thrown in his face. He didn't want to think about Brook having sexual fantasies about him...or did he?
[See? It's not so bad. All we have to do is wait two more days, and then-]
[Brook, stop it right now.]
He felt a sharp stab of hurt from her, then she glanced up impassively at him.
"Fine. I'll see you at dinner." Without another word, she pulled on her boots and walked out of the training room.
[Brook, wait!] he called. But she didn't stop walking.
~*~
Brook pulled the brush through her damp hair viciously, eyes blazing. How dare he lead her on with those thoughts and then get angry when she played his game?
"Stupid, arrogant, self-centered pervert!" she yelled, throwing down her brush in a fit of frustration.
"I hope you're not talking about me."
Brook turned around and sighed, shaking her head. "No, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon frowned, seating himself on the edge of her bed. "Did something happen between you and Obi-Wan, Padawan?"
"Yes!" she spat, her temper rising again. "He's a hypocritical, perverted, scum-sucking ass and I hate him!"
Her master waited out the tirade, face expressionless. "No, you don't." he said after a moment's pause. "You're frustrated because he can't make up his mind about you."
She blinked, surprised by the answer, the surprise forcing her anger away. "Yes, that's exactly it..."
"Obi-Wan talked to me last night." Qui-Gon sighed, picking up the brush from the ground. "I was afraid this might happen."
"What might happen?" Brook asked, closing her eyes as Qui-Gon began to brush her hair, being far gentler than she had been.
"That Obi-Wan might have difficulty seeing you as anything but a child." he replied, setting down the brush. Separating the strands of hair for a braid, he continued. "It happens if potential bondmates know each other when one is much younger than the other."
"But it's only ten years. It's not like I'm bonded to you or something." Brook handed him a band to secure her braid with and sighed. "I thought he saw me as an equal."
"He does...just not a sexual equal."
She couldn't help the blush that colored her cheeks. "I can't believe I'm discussing my sex life with my master."
Qui-Gon laughed and finished tying the braid, patting her gently on the shoulder. "Believe me, I never thought I'd be discussing my Padawan's sex life at all."
Brook turned around, sticking her tongue out at her master. Qui-Gon only shrugged innocently and left her to her thoughts.
~*~
Brook's eighteenth birthday as a quiet affair. Small gifts were exchanged over dinner, as well as a bit of lighthearted teasing from Anakin, who would be eighteen in a few months, about being an adult.
"You're an old fart, Brook. No more late nights with the Padawans, eh?" he taunted, poking her with the handle of his fork.
"Old or not, I can still whip you." she retorted, grinning.
Obi-Wan watched the by-play, his mind not really paying attention. Qui-Gon had questioned him before the party about his intentions for Brook, and despite the fact that he'd assured Qui-Gon that he'd handle it, he hadn't the first idea of what he was going to do.
He loved her, there was no doubt of that, but he wasn't sure if either of them were truly ready for that next step in their relationship. Making love to Brook would be a wonderful thing, but as most wonderful things go, he wasn't willing to rush it. Brook still had at least a year to go before her Knighting, and he knew most Padawan-Knight pairs usually waited until the younger was knighted to consummate the relationship. As much as he wanted to, he knew deep in his heart that waiting until that time would be best for both of them.
While Qui-Gon and Anakin were deeply engrossed in a discussion of lightsaber techniques, Obi-Wan pulled Brook aside, into the small hallway that led to the sleeping quarters.
"Brook, we need to talk."
"Yes, Obi-mine?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair to calm himself. [I don't think I'm ready to make love to you tonight, Brook.]
She froze, looking shocked. [Oh...]
[It's not your fault, Brook. I'm just not ready to make that leap. I think it would be best if we waited until you're knighted.] Why did she always have to make him feel like the bad guy in these kinds of situations?
[I understand.] It was obvious that she didn't really understand, but she was trying for politeness sake. Turning away from him, she closed their bond to the bare minimum of contact and returned to the table, all but ignoring him for the rest of the night.
~*~
Later that night, Brook lay awake in her bed, staring up at the ceiling with tear-filled eyes. He'd said it wasn't, but was it really her fault? Or did he just not want her anymore? Whatever it was it hurt like hell to think about. She wanted him so badly...and he was just out of reach.
Sniffling, she turned over onto her side and fell into an uneasy sleep.
~*~
Brook and Obi-Wan did their best to go back to normal after her birthday. It was an unspoken agreement to not talk about a physical relationship between the two of them, and they rarely touched beyond an occasional hug.
It didn't take much to see that there was tension between the bondmates, but no one said anything, afraid of hurting the situation. Qui-Gon was the only one who mentioned it, but when he received furious glares from both, he wisely never mentioned the subject again but watched the growing tension with worry.
Finally, the situation came to a boiling point one evening shortly after Year's End. Obi-Wan was walking through he gardens, thinking about the lack of communication between him and his bondmate for the last week, when a sudden surge of desire raced through their bond, nearly causing Obi-Wan to lose his balance.
[Brook?] he called through the bond, ignoring his body's reaction to the spike of arousal. He received no verbal answer, just another surge of desire that made him stumble. Gritting his teeth against the urge to give into that desire, he reached through the Force, searching for his bondmate.
He found her just on the other side of the waterfall, the feelings of passion growing stronger as he neared. Pulling aside a large branch, he stopped dead in his tracks, a cry on his lips. Brook was wrapped in the arms of a brown-haired Padawan, engaged in a deeply passionate kiss.
[Brook!] he yelled over their bond, more hurt than angry. This time, he got through to her, as she looked up at him, startled by the wild look in his eyes. In the blink of an eye, she'd struggled out of the arms of her surprised beau and fled the gardens, leaving Obi-Wan and the Padawan behind. With a disgusted sigh, the Padawan threw Obi-Wan a dirty look and stalked off.
Obi-Wan stared in the direction Brook had fled, sighing. What had he done now?
~*~
He finally found her in the rock garden, sitting on a large, flat boulder. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and she looked absolutely miserable. When she saw him, she tried to get up and run again, but Obi-Wan caught her by the arms gently.
"Brook, I'm not going to hurt you."
She nodded, not looking up at him. Gently, he tipped her chin up and smiled at her. She blushed, her eyes filling with tears.
[I'm sorry Obi...I'm so sorry.]
He didn't trust his voice not to break, so he only pulled her into his arms and sat down on the rock with her.
[Why?] he asked after a moment. He felt Brook flinch in his arms and tightened his hold.
[I was frustrated,] she said quietly, miserable. [I wanted you, but you didn't want me.]
[I never said that, Brook.] he replied, just as quietly. [I only said I wasn't ready. I want you like no one else...but I think that waiting is a good idea. Can you accept that?]
She nodded, tucking her head under his chin. [Yes...I still love you, you know.]
[I know.] he whispered, kissing her hair softly. [Believe me, I know.]
~*~
Brook's relationship with that Padawan ended on that day. After their discussion, she threw herself into her training, working extra hard to achieve the ranking of Jedi Knight. When she wasn't studying or practicing, she spent time with Obi-Wan, jut talking or doing things with him. Their unwillingness to touch was gone, replaced with warm and loving affection from both of them. In front of her master and her bondmate, she blossomed into a beautiful, talented, vibrant young woman on the verge of becoming a full Jedi Knight.
When the Council deemed her ready for her Trials, Obi-Wan took her, Anakin, and Qui-Gon out for a celebratory dinner at one of Coruscant's posher restaurants, and as they ate, she questioned them thoroughly on what her trials could hold in store. None of them would answer, however, and Anakin in particular took great delight in taunting her with his knowledge. Cross and disappointed, she was only appeased by a second helping of desert, courtesy of Obi-Wan.
When the night of the Trials arrived, Obi-Wan stopped by her quarters on his way to the arena where the tests would take place. He found her brushing her hair, already dressed in the simple white robe she was required to wear.
Without a word, he took the brush from her hands and set it down then gently began to finger comb her hair until there were no more snarls. He picked up a tie to begin braiding it, but on second thought, he set the tie down and put his hands on her shoulders, staring into the mirror at her.
[Are you ready for this, love? Most Knights don't pass their first Trial.] His fingers gently kneaded her shoulders, tender. [And some die.]
[I know, Obi-Wan.] She reached up to still his hands, smiling weakly at him into the mirror. [Are you afraid I'll die a virgin?]
[No, you're too stubborn to do that.] Obi-Wan shook his head, turning her around so he could hold her properly. [You'll come back to me. I have the utmost faith in you.]
Startled, she blinked back tears, tightening her arms around him. No smart retort came to her mind as she simply let herself be held until Qui-Gon appeared in the doorway.
'It's time." was all he said, waiting patiently for the pair to part before he took Brook by the arm to lead her away.
~*~
The physical and academic parts of Brook's trials were not as hard as she'd thought they would be. The lightsaber master gave her full marks for her performance, as did the rest of her instructors. Even Master Yoda couldn't contest that she was in the running for the Order's best swordsman, just behind her master and Obi-Wan.
When the mental aspects of the test began, she was escorted into a room just off the Council's main chamber. She could feel that it was shielded, but she had no idea that when the door closed, her bonds with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would be almost completely cut off. She stumbled at the loss of contact, staring accusingly at Master Windu, who had closed the door.
"It's for your own protection, as well as theirs." he said simply, gesturing for her to sit down.
She did so, disoriented. Master Windu and Master Yoda sat across from her, their faces impassive.
"We are going to probe your mind now, Padawan. We will not hurt you, and if you have nothing to hide, you'll have nothing to worry about. Understood?"
"Yes, Masters."
Before Brook could even prepare herself, there was a sudden, searing pain in her head, and-
She was so cold, so tired, and so afraid.
"Brook, my love, where are you?"
That voice, so oily, so unlike her Obi-Wan's, and yet, his voice. Who was this stranger that spoke like her bondmate?
"Brook, my sweet, precious, come to me!"
She was walking towards the voice, against her will. There was a hand, wrinkled and covered in pus, reaching for her, and then-
Brook gasped, curling into a fetal position on the stone floor of the chamber. Her vision swam, and she heard the sound of the door cracking in two, then familiar arms were picking her up.
"What did you do to her?" her bondmate demanded, holding her limp body close.
"Harm your bondmate we did not!" Yoda's voice was sharp, fierce. "A vision she had. Thought we were the cause, and rejected our probe she did."
A voice, calling for the healers. Something about Master Windu being hurt...who had hurt them?
"Obi?" Was that her voice, so weak and cracked?
"Hush, Brook." Her master now, standing over her. She could faintly make out his face, blurred by something. Tears? "Master Windu is just unconscious. Your mind rejected him rather forcefully."
"Sorry..." A cough wracked her entire body, making her convulse slightly. There was a bitter, coppery taste in her mouth, and then her bondmate was shouting for the healers, then everything went black.
~*~
She awoke sometime later in a bed, feeling worse for the wear. Her head ached, and there was an odd feeling in her arms, as though someone had dipped them in a numbing solution.
[Ugh...Obi?] she whispered over the bond, unsure of where he was.
"Obi?" she repeated aloud, forcing herself to sit up in the bed. Sure enough, her bondmate lay sprawled across a small couch in the tiny room, snoring softly. At the sound of her voice, however, he turned over and blinked at her in the darkness.
"You're up." he croaked, rubbing his eyes with his fists. "Good."
"What happened?"
He stretched leisurely and got up to sit on the edge of her bed, reaching out to ruffle her hair gently. "Master Yoda's probe into the bond caused you to have a Seeing. Your mind rejected the probe, and you ended up throwing Master Windu into the wall and snapped Yoda's stick in two."
"I always did hate that stick..." she murmured, her face hot with embarrassment. "I take it they're not going to Knight me now?"
"Oh, on the contrary. As soon as the healers let you up, I'm supposed to take you to the Council so they can officially grant you the rank of Knight." Obi grinned at her stunned face, then leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Go back to sleep, Brook. In the morning, we'll talk more, okay?"
She nodded, but reached over to grab the edge of his tunic. [Stay with me, Obi?]
He looked at her for a long moment, then nodded as he stripped off his tunic and crawled under the blankets beside her. [Fine...but if you kick, I'll pinch you.] He smiled down at her, watching her drift off to sleep.
~*~
"Confer on you, the level of Jedi Knight, the Council does." Master Yoda stopped his pacing in front of Brook, who looked up from her kneeling position on the floor. "Accept the rank and responsibilities of a Knight, do you?"
"Yes, Master."
"Then welcome you, we do." Yoda stepped aside to let Qui-Gon step forward, Brook's lightsaber in his hands. Though he'd already done this twice before, she could see that her master's hands were shaking slightly as he turned the blade to it's thinnest setting, reaching for the braid that marked her as his apprentice, and severing it neatly. The severing of the bond she had expected did not come, however, and she stared at him, startled, but he only winked at her and stood up.
"I grant my Padawan the rank of Jedi Knight. She has learned all that I may teach her, and I look forward to knowing her now as a peer." The ceremonial words were dull, but the meaning behind them was clear. Qui-Gon reached down his hand, and she gratefully accepted it, climbing to her feet.
"Congratulations, Knight R'tarn. May you always walk in the Light and be faithful to the Order."
Anakin let out a celebratory whoop, and the group of Padawans and Knights that had been watching the ceremony converged on her with their good wishes, and she was soon lost in the crowd of brown and tan Jedi.
Obi-Wan stood off to the side of the chamber, watching Brook with an indulgent smile. She looked radiant, absolutely perfect in her new Knighthood, and he couldn't wait to get her alone.
A sharp blow across his shins made him look down in surprise at Master Yoda, who tapped his cane impatiently on the marble floor.
"Bonding ceremony you two should have. Soon, I think, yes?" The little master eyed him shrewdly. "Offer her a commitment ring, you should."
"Master Yoda, I think I can handle my bondmate on my own." Obi-Wan said, trying to hide his laugher with a cough. Another blow across his legs made him wince.
"Be pert with me you will not!"
"Yes, Master."
Yoda nodded, looking pleased with himself. "Go to her, you should. This night is hers. Ask her how she wishes to celebrate it, you should."
Obi-Wan didn't miss the wink in the old master's eyes, nor did he even want to think about why Yoda was winking at him like that. "Of course, Master." he murmured, already pushing his way through the crowd to get at Brook, who was being hugged soundly by Anakin at the moment.
"Knight Skywalker," Obi-Wan said severely, and Anakin immediately released Brook, looking sheepish.
"Sorry, Master. She's all yours." The tall young man winked at his master, who turned a solid shade of red, much to the delight of his bondmate.
[They all know what's going to happen, Obi-Wan. Besides, it's not like Ani's a blushing virgin or anything.]
[Brook, I didn't want to know that!] Laughing, he looped his arm around her shoulders and led her out of the chamber. Brook only smiled as she leaned against him, silent until they reached his quarters.
As he reached for the keypad, she looked up at him, her eyes serious. "Are you sure you want this now?"
He keyed in the code, then traced his finger across her cheek. "I've been waiting a long time for this, Brook. I think I know what I want."
Her gaze darkened and she grinned. "Then catch me if you can, Jedi boy!" Laughing, she darted into his quarters, letting Obi-Wan chase after her, grinning.
~*~
End
If any of you want to write about Brook and Obi, feel free to play in the sandbox, just ask first. All I ask is that you not kill them. Babies, sex, danger, romance...whatever you want, just let me know first, and give me some credit. ^_^
An AU Star Wars Fan Fiction
by Jedi Daystar (jedi_daystar@graffiti.net)
Rating: PG-13 for implied sex and situations
Disclaimer: I don't own any of this. The characters, places, etc belong to Lucas and his empire. I don't make money, I just spend what little I have renting Ewan films and drooling. I promise I'll put the toys back in the box when I'm done!
For everyone who bugged me about getting the next chapter up. If I write this in longhand, it sits in a notebook, untouched, until I get a typing fit, like I'm in right now. This chapter's been written for almost two months. Sorry!
Warning: Angst and mild sexuality ahead! Thou hast been warned!
~*~
Part 3 - Walking the Stars
~*~
Hidden in the shadows of the balcony, Obi-Wan watched the graceful figure below him on the practice mat. Barefoot and clad only in loose pants and a breastband, Brook ran through a series of stretches designed for noncombat situations. She was flawless, every move precise and fluid, and Obi found himself letting his eyes caress her lithe figure.
In the six years since becoming Qui-Gon's Padawan, Brook had gone from a gawky adolescent to a graceful woman. Still watching her with his eyes, he let his mind drift, as it often did, to the kiss they had shared two years before. She had still been a child then, but he found himself wondering what it would be like to kiss her again, or do more than kissing. He chuckled, amused that he was silly enough to wonder what sex with Brook would be like.
[Are you going to stare at me all day, Obi?]
He jumped, startled by the voice of his bondmate in his head. She was grinning up at him, obviously privy to his thoughts.
[Brook, you know better than that!]
[Oh, do I?] she taunted, grinning that wicked grin of hers. Obi-Wan frowned from above and she shrugged, pulling on her shirt. [So you're fantasizing about me, big deal. I fantasize about you all the time.]
[Brook!] he whispered, blushing fiercely. He wasn't used to having such blatant sexuality thrown in his face. He didn't want to think about Brook having sexual fantasies about him...or did he?
[See? It's not so bad. All we have to do is wait two more days, and then-]
[Brook, stop it right now.]
He felt a sharp stab of hurt from her, then she glanced up impassively at him.
"Fine. I'll see you at dinner." Without another word, she pulled on her boots and walked out of the training room.
[Brook, wait!] he called. But she didn't stop walking.
~*~
Brook pulled the brush through her damp hair viciously, eyes blazing. How dare he lead her on with those thoughts and then get angry when she played his game?
"Stupid, arrogant, self-centered pervert!" she yelled, throwing down her brush in a fit of frustration.
"I hope you're not talking about me."
Brook turned around and sighed, shaking her head. "No, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon frowned, seating himself on the edge of her bed. "Did something happen between you and Obi-Wan, Padawan?"
"Yes!" she spat, her temper rising again. "He's a hypocritical, perverted, scum-sucking ass and I hate him!"
Her master waited out the tirade, face expressionless. "No, you don't." he said after a moment's pause. "You're frustrated because he can't make up his mind about you."
She blinked, surprised by the answer, the surprise forcing her anger away. "Yes, that's exactly it..."
"Obi-Wan talked to me last night." Qui-Gon sighed, picking up the brush from the ground. "I was afraid this might happen."
"What might happen?" Brook asked, closing her eyes as Qui-Gon began to brush her hair, being far gentler than she had been.
"That Obi-Wan might have difficulty seeing you as anything but a child." he replied, setting down the brush. Separating the strands of hair for a braid, he continued. "It happens if potential bondmates know each other when one is much younger than the other."
"But it's only ten years. It's not like I'm bonded to you or something." Brook handed him a band to secure her braid with and sighed. "I thought he saw me as an equal."
"He does...just not a sexual equal."
She couldn't help the blush that colored her cheeks. "I can't believe I'm discussing my sex life with my master."
Qui-Gon laughed and finished tying the braid, patting her gently on the shoulder. "Believe me, I never thought I'd be discussing my Padawan's sex life at all."
Brook turned around, sticking her tongue out at her master. Qui-Gon only shrugged innocently and left her to her thoughts.
~*~
Brook's eighteenth birthday as a quiet affair. Small gifts were exchanged over dinner, as well as a bit of lighthearted teasing from Anakin, who would be eighteen in a few months, about being an adult.
"You're an old fart, Brook. No more late nights with the Padawans, eh?" he taunted, poking her with the handle of his fork.
"Old or not, I can still whip you." she retorted, grinning.
Obi-Wan watched the by-play, his mind not really paying attention. Qui-Gon had questioned him before the party about his intentions for Brook, and despite the fact that he'd assured Qui-Gon that he'd handle it, he hadn't the first idea of what he was going to do.
He loved her, there was no doubt of that, but he wasn't sure if either of them were truly ready for that next step in their relationship. Making love to Brook would be a wonderful thing, but as most wonderful things go, he wasn't willing to rush it. Brook still had at least a year to go before her Knighting, and he knew most Padawan-Knight pairs usually waited until the younger was knighted to consummate the relationship. As much as he wanted to, he knew deep in his heart that waiting until that time would be best for both of them.
While Qui-Gon and Anakin were deeply engrossed in a discussion of lightsaber techniques, Obi-Wan pulled Brook aside, into the small hallway that led to the sleeping quarters.
"Brook, we need to talk."
"Yes, Obi-mine?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair to calm himself. [I don't think I'm ready to make love to you tonight, Brook.]
She froze, looking shocked. [Oh...]
[It's not your fault, Brook. I'm just not ready to make that leap. I think it would be best if we waited until you're knighted.] Why did she always have to make him feel like the bad guy in these kinds of situations?
[I understand.] It was obvious that she didn't really understand, but she was trying for politeness sake. Turning away from him, she closed their bond to the bare minimum of contact and returned to the table, all but ignoring him for the rest of the night.
~*~
Later that night, Brook lay awake in her bed, staring up at the ceiling with tear-filled eyes. He'd said it wasn't, but was it really her fault? Or did he just not want her anymore? Whatever it was it hurt like hell to think about. She wanted him so badly...and he was just out of reach.
Sniffling, she turned over onto her side and fell into an uneasy sleep.
~*~
Brook and Obi-Wan did their best to go back to normal after her birthday. It was an unspoken agreement to not talk about a physical relationship between the two of them, and they rarely touched beyond an occasional hug.
It didn't take much to see that there was tension between the bondmates, but no one said anything, afraid of hurting the situation. Qui-Gon was the only one who mentioned it, but when he received furious glares from both, he wisely never mentioned the subject again but watched the growing tension with worry.
Finally, the situation came to a boiling point one evening shortly after Year's End. Obi-Wan was walking through he gardens, thinking about the lack of communication between him and his bondmate for the last week, when a sudden surge of desire raced through their bond, nearly causing Obi-Wan to lose his balance.
[Brook?] he called through the bond, ignoring his body's reaction to the spike of arousal. He received no verbal answer, just another surge of desire that made him stumble. Gritting his teeth against the urge to give into that desire, he reached through the Force, searching for his bondmate.
He found her just on the other side of the waterfall, the feelings of passion growing stronger as he neared. Pulling aside a large branch, he stopped dead in his tracks, a cry on his lips. Brook was wrapped in the arms of a brown-haired Padawan, engaged in a deeply passionate kiss.
[Brook!] he yelled over their bond, more hurt than angry. This time, he got through to her, as she looked up at him, startled by the wild look in his eyes. In the blink of an eye, she'd struggled out of the arms of her surprised beau and fled the gardens, leaving Obi-Wan and the Padawan behind. With a disgusted sigh, the Padawan threw Obi-Wan a dirty look and stalked off.
Obi-Wan stared in the direction Brook had fled, sighing. What had he done now?
~*~
He finally found her in the rock garden, sitting on a large, flat boulder. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and she looked absolutely miserable. When she saw him, she tried to get up and run again, but Obi-Wan caught her by the arms gently.
"Brook, I'm not going to hurt you."
She nodded, not looking up at him. Gently, he tipped her chin up and smiled at her. She blushed, her eyes filling with tears.
[I'm sorry Obi...I'm so sorry.]
He didn't trust his voice not to break, so he only pulled her into his arms and sat down on the rock with her.
[Why?] he asked after a moment. He felt Brook flinch in his arms and tightened his hold.
[I was frustrated,] she said quietly, miserable. [I wanted you, but you didn't want me.]
[I never said that, Brook.] he replied, just as quietly. [I only said I wasn't ready. I want you like no one else...but I think that waiting is a good idea. Can you accept that?]
She nodded, tucking her head under his chin. [Yes...I still love you, you know.]
[I know.] he whispered, kissing her hair softly. [Believe me, I know.]
~*~
Brook's relationship with that Padawan ended on that day. After their discussion, she threw herself into her training, working extra hard to achieve the ranking of Jedi Knight. When she wasn't studying or practicing, she spent time with Obi-Wan, jut talking or doing things with him. Their unwillingness to touch was gone, replaced with warm and loving affection from both of them. In front of her master and her bondmate, she blossomed into a beautiful, talented, vibrant young woman on the verge of becoming a full Jedi Knight.
When the Council deemed her ready for her Trials, Obi-Wan took her, Anakin, and Qui-Gon out for a celebratory dinner at one of Coruscant's posher restaurants, and as they ate, she questioned them thoroughly on what her trials could hold in store. None of them would answer, however, and Anakin in particular took great delight in taunting her with his knowledge. Cross and disappointed, she was only appeased by a second helping of desert, courtesy of Obi-Wan.
When the night of the Trials arrived, Obi-Wan stopped by her quarters on his way to the arena where the tests would take place. He found her brushing her hair, already dressed in the simple white robe she was required to wear.
Without a word, he took the brush from her hands and set it down then gently began to finger comb her hair until there were no more snarls. He picked up a tie to begin braiding it, but on second thought, he set the tie down and put his hands on her shoulders, staring into the mirror at her.
[Are you ready for this, love? Most Knights don't pass their first Trial.] His fingers gently kneaded her shoulders, tender. [And some die.]
[I know, Obi-Wan.] She reached up to still his hands, smiling weakly at him into the mirror. [Are you afraid I'll die a virgin?]
[No, you're too stubborn to do that.] Obi-Wan shook his head, turning her around so he could hold her properly. [You'll come back to me. I have the utmost faith in you.]
Startled, she blinked back tears, tightening her arms around him. No smart retort came to her mind as she simply let herself be held until Qui-Gon appeared in the doorway.
'It's time." was all he said, waiting patiently for the pair to part before he took Brook by the arm to lead her away.
~*~
The physical and academic parts of Brook's trials were not as hard as she'd thought they would be. The lightsaber master gave her full marks for her performance, as did the rest of her instructors. Even Master Yoda couldn't contest that she was in the running for the Order's best swordsman, just behind her master and Obi-Wan.
When the mental aspects of the test began, she was escorted into a room just off the Council's main chamber. She could feel that it was shielded, but she had no idea that when the door closed, her bonds with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would be almost completely cut off. She stumbled at the loss of contact, staring accusingly at Master Windu, who had closed the door.
"It's for your own protection, as well as theirs." he said simply, gesturing for her to sit down.
She did so, disoriented. Master Windu and Master Yoda sat across from her, their faces impassive.
"We are going to probe your mind now, Padawan. We will not hurt you, and if you have nothing to hide, you'll have nothing to worry about. Understood?"
"Yes, Masters."
Before Brook could even prepare herself, there was a sudden, searing pain in her head, and-
She was so cold, so tired, and so afraid.
"Brook, my love, where are you?"
That voice, so oily, so unlike her Obi-Wan's, and yet, his voice. Who was this stranger that spoke like her bondmate?
"Brook, my sweet, precious, come to me!"
She was walking towards the voice, against her will. There was a hand, wrinkled and covered in pus, reaching for her, and then-
Brook gasped, curling into a fetal position on the stone floor of the chamber. Her vision swam, and she heard the sound of the door cracking in two, then familiar arms were picking her up.
"What did you do to her?" her bondmate demanded, holding her limp body close.
"Harm your bondmate we did not!" Yoda's voice was sharp, fierce. "A vision she had. Thought we were the cause, and rejected our probe she did."
A voice, calling for the healers. Something about Master Windu being hurt...who had hurt them?
"Obi?" Was that her voice, so weak and cracked?
"Hush, Brook." Her master now, standing over her. She could faintly make out his face, blurred by something. Tears? "Master Windu is just unconscious. Your mind rejected him rather forcefully."
"Sorry..." A cough wracked her entire body, making her convulse slightly. There was a bitter, coppery taste in her mouth, and then her bondmate was shouting for the healers, then everything went black.
~*~
She awoke sometime later in a bed, feeling worse for the wear. Her head ached, and there was an odd feeling in her arms, as though someone had dipped them in a numbing solution.
[Ugh...Obi?] she whispered over the bond, unsure of where he was.
"Obi?" she repeated aloud, forcing herself to sit up in the bed. Sure enough, her bondmate lay sprawled across a small couch in the tiny room, snoring softly. At the sound of her voice, however, he turned over and blinked at her in the darkness.
"You're up." he croaked, rubbing his eyes with his fists. "Good."
"What happened?"
He stretched leisurely and got up to sit on the edge of her bed, reaching out to ruffle her hair gently. "Master Yoda's probe into the bond caused you to have a Seeing. Your mind rejected the probe, and you ended up throwing Master Windu into the wall and snapped Yoda's stick in two."
"I always did hate that stick..." she murmured, her face hot with embarrassment. "I take it they're not going to Knight me now?"
"Oh, on the contrary. As soon as the healers let you up, I'm supposed to take you to the Council so they can officially grant you the rank of Knight." Obi grinned at her stunned face, then leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Go back to sleep, Brook. In the morning, we'll talk more, okay?"
She nodded, but reached over to grab the edge of his tunic. [Stay with me, Obi?]
He looked at her for a long moment, then nodded as he stripped off his tunic and crawled under the blankets beside her. [Fine...but if you kick, I'll pinch you.] He smiled down at her, watching her drift off to sleep.
~*~
"Confer on you, the level of Jedi Knight, the Council does." Master Yoda stopped his pacing in front of Brook, who looked up from her kneeling position on the floor. "Accept the rank and responsibilities of a Knight, do you?"
"Yes, Master."
"Then welcome you, we do." Yoda stepped aside to let Qui-Gon step forward, Brook's lightsaber in his hands. Though he'd already done this twice before, she could see that her master's hands were shaking slightly as he turned the blade to it's thinnest setting, reaching for the braid that marked her as his apprentice, and severing it neatly. The severing of the bond she had expected did not come, however, and she stared at him, startled, but he only winked at her and stood up.
"I grant my Padawan the rank of Jedi Knight. She has learned all that I may teach her, and I look forward to knowing her now as a peer." The ceremonial words were dull, but the meaning behind them was clear. Qui-Gon reached down his hand, and she gratefully accepted it, climbing to her feet.
"Congratulations, Knight R'tarn. May you always walk in the Light and be faithful to the Order."
Anakin let out a celebratory whoop, and the group of Padawans and Knights that had been watching the ceremony converged on her with their good wishes, and she was soon lost in the crowd of brown and tan Jedi.
Obi-Wan stood off to the side of the chamber, watching Brook with an indulgent smile. She looked radiant, absolutely perfect in her new Knighthood, and he couldn't wait to get her alone.
A sharp blow across his shins made him look down in surprise at Master Yoda, who tapped his cane impatiently on the marble floor.
"Bonding ceremony you two should have. Soon, I think, yes?" The little master eyed him shrewdly. "Offer her a commitment ring, you should."
"Master Yoda, I think I can handle my bondmate on my own." Obi-Wan said, trying to hide his laugher with a cough. Another blow across his legs made him wince.
"Be pert with me you will not!"
"Yes, Master."
Yoda nodded, looking pleased with himself. "Go to her, you should. This night is hers. Ask her how she wishes to celebrate it, you should."
Obi-Wan didn't miss the wink in the old master's eyes, nor did he even want to think about why Yoda was winking at him like that. "Of course, Master." he murmured, already pushing his way through the crowd to get at Brook, who was being hugged soundly by Anakin at the moment.
"Knight Skywalker," Obi-Wan said severely, and Anakin immediately released Brook, looking sheepish.
"Sorry, Master. She's all yours." The tall young man winked at his master, who turned a solid shade of red, much to the delight of his bondmate.
[They all know what's going to happen, Obi-Wan. Besides, it's not like Ani's a blushing virgin or anything.]
[Brook, I didn't want to know that!] Laughing, he looped his arm around her shoulders and led her out of the chamber. Brook only smiled as she leaned against him, silent until they reached his quarters.
As he reached for the keypad, she looked up at him, her eyes serious. "Are you sure you want this now?"
He keyed in the code, then traced his finger across her cheek. "I've been waiting a long time for this, Brook. I think I know what I want."
Her gaze darkened and she grinned. "Then catch me if you can, Jedi boy!" Laughing, she darted into his quarters, letting Obi-Wan chase after her, grinning.
~*~
End
If any of you want to write about Brook and Obi, feel free to play in the sandbox, just ask first. All I ask is that you not kill them. Babies, sex, danger, romance...whatever you want, just let me know first, and give me some credit. ^_^
