[One Day Earlier]
Qui-Gon looked up when Obi-Wan emerged from the 'fresher, dressed, thankfully, in everything but his outer tunic. No temptations for either of them today. Too many responsibilities and meetings. Later though...
"What's on the agenda, Master?" He said before he kissed Qui-Gon, wrapping his arms around his master, a morning tradition that they had started on board the Prolac. The only variation in this new tradition occurred when they parted reluctantly. Any longer in that embrace and Qui-Gon knew they would not leave their apartment until the next morning.
Not today.
Obi-Wan pulled himself up onto the kitchen bench and watched Qui-Gon prepare breakfast.
"Well, you need to requisition some more clothes to replace the ones you lost." Qui-Gon said his expression bland.
They stared at each other for a long blissful moment before they each broke into huge grins.
'Lost' was not usually what it was called when clothing was shredded as it was removed with a little to much haste.
Obi-Wan laughed clearly remembering the incident judging by the bulge in his pants and his closed eyes. His wicked smile indicated to Qui-Gon that he was remembering the best bits.
Straining to ignoring his apprentice, Qui-Gon ticked off Obi-Wan's tasks on his hand. "I believe there was a message from Healer T'Kath, probably wants to check up on that knee of yours and to assure herself that you don't come back from every mission battered and bruised."
More smiles this time - Obi-Wan was covered in all sorts of bruises. There were a couple of bite marks too. "And you have to sign yourself up for classes, I have a feeling we'll be spending some time here under Council supervision."
"As long as they don't ask to watch, Master."
"Indeed. And I have a meeting with Mace in about an hour."
Obi-Wan accepted a bowl of cereal handed to him, "No fruit?"
Laughing, Qui-Gon stole a long, lingering kiss before he replied. "No fruit."
Sighing, Obi-Wan squirmed where he sat, looking uncomfortable. "What is your meeting with Master Windu about, Master?"
Qui-Gon decided to take pity on Obi-Wan and he took away the cereal and stood between his apprentice's legs. He shrugged and began to fondle Obi-Wan's arousal through the coarse cloth.
"No idea, love. But I'm sure it can't be anything too important."
As he raced down the corridor and towards the Council chamber, Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan at his heels as clearly as he could feel the young man's puzzlement through the training bond. Surprised that he could sense Obi-Wan again, Qui-Gon stumbled, turning his ankle.
He recovered and sent reassurance through the bond, concerned that he had frightened Obi-Wan with his sudden, inexplicable mad dash. He sensed as he ran, using the Force to propel him, that Obi-Wan was testing the Force for signs of danger as he tried to understand where they were going and why.
Qui-Gon couldn't spare his breath to tell him so he just ran hoping to get to the chamber before Bant ruined her life.
Too many lives ruined already.
Dodging and weaving through the crowds in the hall, they arrived at the chambers less than a minute after they had left his quarters.
Two Jedi guards stood to block the entrance to the large circular room as they slid around the final corner. The ornate doors were shut; Council was in session. And Bant wasn't in the waiting area.
Sith's Hell!
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn?" Cel-a Levar, a Teaching Master, approached them from an elevator. "Are you here about Bant?"
He nodded in reply. Not bothering to ask how she knew or what she was doing there; Qui-Gon instead turned his head back to the closed doors and the two Jedi who guarded it, wondering how to get in.
Levar followed his gaze and nodded her blue head in understanding.
"Come with me then." She took Qui-Gon's arm and led him to the doors.
Obi-Wan looked at the two of them, confused, before he followed.
Just metres from the doors they were stopped by the guards.
"The Council is in session." The tallest said, folding her arms and glaring at them.
Levar glared back. "I know. I am Master Levar. I bring with me Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi. I have been called here to act as a surrogate Master to Padawan Bant Eryn. Her master is not at Temple."
The tall guard turned away to check her claim with the members inside. Her partner eyed them warily, his yellow hand on the hilt of his sabre. A moment later, he received a nod from his companion, a confirmation of 'all clear' and the party of three were admitted into the chamber.
Qui-Gon knew the instant that he entered that it was too late to stop Bant.
She stood in the center of the ornate room, her arms crossed and her face set in a savage glare as she followed the movements of Mace Windu.
And Windu... The Senior Council member was once again pacing, looking foreboding and grim, a multitude of other negative expressions flittering across his dark features, while several of the Council members looked at Bant and then Master Windu, stunned.
Depa Billaba greeted them as they joined Bant before the council.
"Master Levar, thank you for your haste."
Her eyes ran over Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. "Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi you were not summoned, but your presence is certainly appreciated given the nature of Padawan Eryn's complaint."
They both bowed.
"Now," Depa said, looking to Bant, "Padawan, you have come before the Council with a complaint that could be considered slanderous in its nature. Do you wish to proceed or will you withdraw now, without reprimand?"
Bant cast a glance at Master Levar and then Qui-Gon. "I wish to proceed with my complaint, Master Billaba. I mean no slander, but I feel that it is too important not to be addressed. If my claim is unfounded I will accept whatever punishment the Council decided to give."
"Master Levar, have you anything to say?"
"No, Master. Bant is at an age now where she can make her own decisions and accept their consequences. I know her master would agree with me if she were here." Levar said as she moved to stand beside Bant, gripping the Mon Calamarian's shoulder in a show of support.
More than anything, Qui-Gon wished that he were a telepath. If he were, he would tell Bant a thing or two about the time and the place for such complaints to be aired. The Council chamber was not the ideal place.
There was still time for Bant to retract her accusation. After her initial glance in his direction Qui-Gon knew she would not look his way again. The glare that he had given her, accompanied by a sharp shake of his head had not been what she wanted to see. She wanted his support, but he could not give it. Hadn't he hurt enough people already? One was enough when that one was Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Don't do it, he chanted in his mind. No chance that she would hear him but it was the only thing he would do. The Code stated that only the petitioner could retract a complaint. It did not matter whether or not the complaint directly involved the party making the petition or not. They had a right to be heard and no master, padawan or other could revoke that right.
Qui-Gon could only watch while Bant hung herself with the generous amount of rope the Code had given her.
Adi gestured to Bant. "Padawan, you may proceed."
"I wish to lodge a formal complaint against Master Windu." Bant said, her voice clear and confident as it rung through the chamber. "I charge him for his interference in the matter of the relationship between Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi."
"What?" Obi-Wan exclaimed, clearly stunned. He cast a wild glance at Bant and then his green eyes settled on Qui-Gon, searching his master's face.
Qui-Gon held that gaze for a moment. Those eyes he loved were crinkled with confusion and betrayal. Qui-Gon could imagine the questions that were flying around in Obi-Wan's mind. Why hadn't he been told? Was it not his decision too?
He felt ill at the fact that Obi-Wan had to learn of this in front of the entire Council. If Bant had not decided to interfere, Qui-Gon knew he would never have had to see that look in Obi-Wan's eyes.
His padawan's gaze fell back to Bant when she began to speak her case.
"It came to my attention that Master Windu approached Master Jinn in the Temple gardens and offered an ultimatum. Padawan Kenobi's relationship or his Knighthood. Master Jinn chose the latter because he loved Obi-Wan and wanted to see him succeed." Turning her head, she glanced at Qui-Gon. She understood his sacrifice and now she was going to fix it.
Qui-Gon wanted her to. And he didn't. He couldn't decide which he wanted any more. He could not have Obi-Wan if it meant that Obi-Wan could not realise his dream and become a Knight. That was unacceptable.
Bant redirected her eyes to Adi. "I believe that Master Windu harbours feelings for Padawan Kenobi and that his judgement on this matter was clouded." Bant looked at each Councillor in turn as she spoke her conviction in her words obvious.
"I do not believe that Master Windu set out to intentionally break this couple up because of his feelings for Padawan Kenobi. I believe that his judgement was clouded though and his interference has caused much distress for Master Jinn and his padawan. If my claim proves true, then his actions can not be ignored and Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi should be free to pursue a relationship if it is their wish." Bant concluded her petition and bowed.
The chamber erupted with talk when Bant concluded her complaint, Council members turned to one another in shock at the suggestion that one of their own could have succumbed to such a dark temptation. Only master's Yoda and Yaddle remained silent, each gazing thoughtfully at the players in the drama before them.
Qui-Gon stared straight ahead thinking, something he felt he had done a little too much lately. Obi-Wan knew now. Despite his every intention to keep this knowledge from his padawan, the truth had been revealed. Perhaps it would have been a relief now that there was no more to hide. But now that the truth was known, how would Obi-Wan react? Would he still want Qui-Gon? And would Qui-Gon be able to risk Obi-Wan's Knighthood? He hadn't been able to when Mace asked him in the gardens. What made now any different?
Master Depa Billaba turned to Mace. "Master Windu, have you a reply to this complaint against you?"
Mace shook his head fiercely. "I refuse to explain myself to a padawan! This is a travesty. That she was even allowed to lodge a complaint at all is a mockery of the system."
"To have their grievances heard, the right of all Jedi it is." Master Yoda said, his gimmer stick twitching. Qui-Gon stifled a smile. His old master was not above hitting council members on the shins if he felt a sharp whack would benefit them.
"If answer you will not, then answer Qui-Gon will." Yoda added after a pause.
Qui-Gon's smile was erased immediately. He should have realised that he would have to testify to his conversations with Mace. But he hadn't wanted to think that far ahead.
"Yes," Adi Gallia said in agreement. "Master Jinn, did such a conversation occur between yourself and Master Windu?"
All eyes turned to him but the only eyes he was interested in were gazing up at him their magnificent green clouded in confusion.
"Yes." He replied looking directly at Obi-Wan. His apprentice was the only one in the room who he felt deserved an explanation, now that he was being forced to give one. Maybe, after this was over and everything had been said and done... Maybe Obi-Wan would forgive him.
"Would you tell us what was said Qui-Gon?"
He nodded and reluctantly turned his head to the owner of the voice, Plo Kloon.
He told them. Recalling for their grim fascination every detail of the hurt-filled conversation, leaving nothing out. When he finished he turned to Obi-Wan, needing to see his reaction. His apprentice would not meet his searching look, his green eyes staring steadfastly at his boots. His ears were pink and his jaw was set.
Obi-Wan was fuming.
Saddened, the small ray of hope that had started to form again at the thought that it just might work out, died.
"Only conversation with Master Windu this was?"
"No, my master."
"No?" Bant exclaimed whirling around to face him. "You mean there's more?"
He smiled. At least he was keeping with his tradition of surprising people.
Plo Kloon addressed Bant's outburst. "Padawan, you have not been addressed. Please refrain from speaking until you are asked to."
Bant turned away, looking properly chastised.
"Master Jinn?" Plo prompted.
"No, that was not the only conversation I had with Master Windu." He recalled the conversation and took a deep breath, fighting away the emotion that was woven into each memory, releasing it all to the Force. Suitably calm, he began to testify.
"He came to my apartment earlier today and intimated to me that Master's Mundi and Poof supported his conclusion that I could not train Obi-Wan and have a relationship with him at the same time. He also said that Mundi and Poof would push to separate Obi-Wan and I if I did not end the relationship."
"True is this, Master Poof? Master Mundi?" Yaddle said after conferring with Master Yoda.
The two members nodded.
Murmurs and whispers greeted this admission. Never before had three councillors conspired to deliberately break up a relationship between two Jedi. It was outrageous.
"Speak of this later, we will." Yoda said, waving his gimmer stick about. "For now, discuss the charge against Master Windu, we will."
Eight council members bobbed their heads in agreement.
"Mace," Adi said as she moved to stand beside him, "will you not say something to defend yourself? This charge is serious. Another Jedi Master has confirmed that you had an involvement in this. Two of your fellows have agreed in their complicity. Will you not speak?"
Mace shook his head and glanced up at Obi-Wan before his eyes fell on Qui-Gon, an undefinable emotion in them.
Qui-Gon looked at his friend, trying to read his emotions, but his breath caught when he felt Obi-Wan's hand slip into his. There was a murmur at this action, but no one protested the deviation from decorum.
Mace looked away from the pair. "I never gave him an ultimatum. I simply asked him to examine his own past behaviours. For Force's sake, the man was blinded to Xanatos' faults because he was too close__"
"And because Obi-Wan is not just a cherished student, but also a lover, you believed that history would repeat itself. So you stepped in." Adi finished for him.
"Yes! We can't afford to loose apprentice's to the Dark or to have them failing their trials because their master's encourage infatuations."
"I see," said Adi. She cocked her head slightly; a movement long associated with the telepathic communication the council members were capable of. The room was silent as the various masters glanced at one another, gesticulating into the air, faces taking on many expressions as they 'talked'.
Qui-Gon felt the currents of the Force swirling around the room while the matter of Mace's interference was discussed. Now that he was here, Qui-Gon was desperate for the master's to rule in Bant's favour. She would make a good Knight some day and make her master proud. She stood up for what she believed in, ignoring the consequences to herself for the sake of the greater good. Following Qui-Gon into heresy.
Bant's future wasn't his only concern either. His also had a question mark next to it. He would walk out of this room a Jedi, which had never been in doubt. But to walk out with Obi-Wan as a part of his life again - that was the only future that Qui-Gon could see himself living in.
And he might just get to have a future after all, thanks to the meddlesome Bant. The comforting grip of Obi-Wan's hand in his had not just sparked hope, it had set it alight in a brilliant fire that was burning its way through Qui-Gon's soul.
He allowed the hope to flourish.
The Force eddies slowed and finally stopped. The session was ready to proceed.
"We have some more questions before we will rule in this matter." Master Kloon said. He gestured to Mace. "Master Windu, your personal feelings for Padawan Kenobi have been questioned. Is Padawan Eryn correct in assuming that you do harbour these intimate feelings?"
Mace sank into his chair. "I don't see how this is relevant to the issue."
"Tell us then, what is relevant you will?" Yoda's ears were dipped low.
"Qui-Gon should not be allowed to have a relationship with Obi-Wan and be allowed to train him! It's just not right." He sprang out of the chair, pacing again his agitation shining off him. Ignoring the looks he was receiving for his tone, Mace continued to rant. "One or the other. There has to be a balance. It's just__ it's not right!" He threw his hands up in the air.
"Ah," said Yoda, leaning forward in his chair. "Not right, it is, for Qui-Gon to have Obi-Wan as lover and student, when means this does that neither you can have?"
"Yes!" Mace exclaimed. Too late he realised what he had just said.
"I mean that, I never meant to imply__"
"Imply nothing you did. Told us with your own words, your reasons for your actions."
Qui-Gon's eyes darkened. It was all true. Mace had unknowingly set about destroying his relationship with Obi-Wan because he wanted the young man for himself. But that didn't mean that there wasn't an issue at hand. Thanks to Mace's intervention, Qui-Gon questioned his ability to train Obi-Wan while having an intimate relationship with him.
Could he do it and succeed?
"Padawan Eryn." Adi said, her voice calling everyone's attention to her, "your complaint has been heard. A more detailed investigation will be conducted. You will not be reprimanded for your actions."
To the rest of their little group, she said, "Master's Levar, Jinn and Padawan Kenobi, I thank you for your presence. I should not need to remind you that the contents of this petition are sealed until a judgement has been made?"
They all shook their heads.
Adi nodded her approval and looked to Master Yoda.
"Free to pursue a relationship with your padawan, you are Qui-Gon. On occasion, observe Obi-Wan's training we will." Yoda beckoned to him and Qui-Gon stepped forward until he was in front of his master, kneeling.
"All will be well, my padawan. Wrong this was and sorry I am. Hope I do that these," he poked the space above Qui-Gon's heart with his stick, "hurts will be healed." "I hope so, my Master, but I feel the pain is too great. I__ Ow!"
Yoda's gimmer stick hit Qui-Gon's knee with a mighty whack.
"Give up so easily, my Padawan does not. Trained him to be better than that, I did. Fix this you will or whack you again, I shall."
"Yes, my Master." Qui-Gon scooted out of range before Yoda could give him another bruise.
They were dismissed mere seconds later.
No one spoke until they were out in the hall, the doors to the council room sealed shut behind them.
"Oh, Obi-Wan, Master Qui-Gon, I am so happy that this has been sorted out!" She hugged them each. She jumped about the hall, her excitement drawing frowns from the guards.
Qui-Gon smiled at her happiness. He too was pleased. Bant had escaped with her apprenticeship unharmed and no punishments or admonishments marked on her record. Her obvious conclusion that everything was now solved was dubious, however.
Master Levar came forward and squeezed Qui-Gon's arm, offering an encouraging smile. Her arm then caught a whirling Bant and held her still.
"Come Padawan Eryn," she commanded, the effect spoiled by her happy smile, "we must discuss your problem solving methods. I'm sure that you can celebrate with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan later." She gave a half bow, "Mater Jinn, Padawan Kenobi. Good day to you." In a flurry of robes she turned and headed to the elevators, tugging a struggling, over-excited Mon Calamarian behind her.
"I think we should go home and talk," Qui-Gon said, looking at their intertwined fingers.
Obi-Wan nodded, looking at his feet.
They walked in silence, both in body and mind. The training bond was muted; they were both shielding, needing their space as they digested the events of the past few days.
Qui-Gon mused about his fears, wondering how one determined woman could fix something that seemed so big and unsolvable in less than an hour. What was it that he had feared so much?
The answer struck him as they reached their own hallway. His control had been taken away. By Obi-Wan when he completely surrendered himself to his apprentice on board the Prolac and by Mace, Mundi and Poof who had threatened him into following a path he would never had considered two days ago.
Stripped of his control, his shield of armour for a larger part of his life, had done more damage than he would have thought possible. And he had lost Obi-Wan to boot.
They arrived after much thought and Obi-Wan palmed open the door to the apartment, letting go of Qui-Gon's hand as he stepped inside.
Qui-Gon followed him just inside the threshold, but went no further. The door shut and he rested his forehead against the cold metal.
Home at last after the ordeal before the Council, he found that he couldn't hide behind his 'I'm the Master and I know best' facade any longer. Now that the truth was known, he had a lot of explaining to do and a lot of ground to make up with Obi-Wan.
But he was puzzled as to where to draw the line in their relationship. Mace's words still caused a burning ache inside him. Teacher and lover? Could it be done and by him? Would Obi-Wan want him, despite his show of support in the chambers?
"Obi-Wan," he said his voice muffled slightly by the door pressed against his lips, "I think we should_ ahh!" he gasped as he was grabbed roughly from behind and whirled around, his body pushed into the door. Obi-Wan pinned Qui-Gon against the cold metal, his hands pushing deep into Qui-Gon's shoulders in a strong, almost unbreakable grip.
Baring his teeth, Obi-Wan looked like a man possessed. He released one shoulder and pulled Qui-Gon's head down for a rough, punishing kiss.
Stepping back, letting go of Qui-Gon completely, Obi-Wan growled, "I'll talk, you listen. You are mine, Qui-Gon Jinn. Don't you dare do that to me again."
"Obi-Wan_"
"No. No more excuses. No more Xanatos and ghosts from years past. This is just you and me. You. Me." Two fingers jabbed at Qui-Gon's chest and then his own.
"Your Knighthood_" Qui-Gon protested.
"Means nothing to me if I don't have you to share it with me. Not as a companion, not just as a teacher, but in everyway that I need you." He leaned forward and captured Qui-Gon's lips again. "I. Need. You." He gasped between kisses.
"You promised me forever, Qui-Gon," he said as he moved backwards, breaking the kiss and giving them both space. "Are you a man of your word?"
"Obi-Wan, I hurt you, I_"
"Because you love me, I understand that now. And we can deal with all that later. The past day has made me realise many things, and the most important one is that I can't function without you. I won't do it. I am yours just as much as you are mine. Regardless of the slip ups, the mistakes. I am yours. If you want me." The fire in his eyes and the desire that fuelled it struck Qui-Gon a stinging blow. Obi-Wan still loved him and wanted him.
"So, what's it going to be Qui-Gon? What do you want?"
Qui-Gon took it all back; their time on the Prolac was not the pivotal moment of their lives.
It was now.
"Let go of your fears, Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan pleaded softly. "I don't care about Mace, I just don't care. I love you and I want you. Come live in the moment with me." Obi-Wan held out his hand, green eyes misty now with unshed tears.
Qui-Gon looked into those eyes, remembering their shared happiness when they had found everything they needed and wanted in the arms of the other, and decided.
No more fear, no doubts.
He would live in the moment. With his Obi-Wan.
Forever.
[Two days later.]
Qui-Gon answered the door dressed only in his robe, hair mussed and a love bite in plain visibility on his neck. He was startled to see Mace Windu standing in the hallway.
"My friend." Mace said bowing, but coming no closer.
"Mace_ I_ what are you doing here?"
"I've come to apologise. I said and did things that were wrong and I wanted to tell you how sorry I was. I never meant to cause so much hurt. I just didn't want to believe that it was love between you two. Because..."
"Because then you wouldn't have a chance with Obi-Wan, Mace?"
"No, Qui-Gon. Not Obi-Wan. It was you. I'm in love with you."
