Hello all, I'm posting this for my dear friend Shanobi! I just wanted to say a few things first – I want you all to please be kind and REVIEW for her! She has worked hard on this and I want her to know that her work is always appreciated! She posted this on my Yahoo group and I am adding it here with her permission. It's a lovely piece and I'm extremely flattered to know I helped inspire it! Thanks, Shan! You are the best! One more note before I go, I am upping the rating on these ficlets for sake of prudence. Thanks again for all your support! Now go enjoy this tender moment!

Title: The Beginning of More – Meant to be a companion piece to Arldetta's 'The Briefest Touch.'

Genre: Slash
Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi/Garen Muln

Author: Shanobi (shanobi02 at yahoo dot com)
Timeframe: Takes place within days of 'Touch.'

Feedback: Always very welcome. No flames please. You've been warned. If slash is not your cup of tea – then I'd exit the premises now. While in my opinion this is still pretty mild, things get a bit more involved than they did in 'Touch.'

Note: I have a new appreciation for slash writers. It's harder than it looks. While I'm an avid slash reader – this is my first attempt at writing it. It shows – so please be kind :)

Dedication: To Arldetta - for inspiring me to step outside my comfort zone. Not sure if that's a good thing yet or not ;)

XIXI

Taking one last look in the mirror Obi-Wan adjusted the collar of his shirt and ran his hands thru the short rust colored spikes of his hair, the tips of which were still slightly damp from his shower. Eying the top button of the shirt, he debated the best course of action – to button or not to button. After a slight moment of indecision, he undid the top clasp.

The reflection he stood facing certainly didn't appear to be nervous – or housing the tiny winged creatures that were currently fluttering so anxiously about his stomach. But he knew they were there. Smiling, he admitted to himself that he was nervous. But it was of a good sort - full of sweet anticipation.

Placing the last of his amenities into his overnight bag he couldn't help but wonder if he would look any different the next time he faced his mirror image. One would think so, after all it wasn't everyday that one lost his virginity. That tiny little fluttery feeling returned full force at that thought, and he released a deep measured breath into the Force. He was ready.

"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon's voice startled him from his reverie. He exited the fresher, bag in tow and made his way to the common room.

"Yes, master?"

"Just wondering if you were still alive in there." Qui-Gon teased and the padawan reddened ever so slightly.

"Sorry, Master." Something about his demeanor gave the master pause and his gaze turned more critical. The young man was dressed in Temple casuals, brown leggings and a lighter beige button up shirt. Well within code guidelines, but something was different.

"Will Bant be joining you and Garen this evening?" The master asked. It wasn't at all uncommon for the three to spend the night together watching old holovids and just enjoying the pleasure of each other's company.

"No." He answered. "She and Master Tahl have plans of their own."

Qui-Gon nodded but did not remove his gaze from his young padawan. Obi-Wan for his part tried not to squirm under that penetrating gaze. For as long as he could remember, whenever Qui-Gon looked at him it felt as if the man could see into his very soul. His shields tightened minutely, reflexively. While the training bond remained open, it simply indicated he wished to keep his inner most thoughts private.

The master raised a curious eyebrow but refrained from commenting, respecting the boy's right to privacy. It did not stop Obi-Wan's mind from racing however. All he could think was, Oh Force – please, please don't let him ask what we're planning to do. There was no option save for the truth. If Qui-Gon asked, he would simply have to tell him. Sex. I plan on having sex with Padawan Muln tonight, Master. Oh, please don't ask.

Easily picking up on the faint broadcast of anxiety, Qui-Gon's eyes softened. While he didn't know for sure what the source of the distress was, he had his suspicions. He was nothing if not observant, and while he thought to say more – in the end he held his tongue. Obi-Wan was old enough to attend to matters of the heart and of the body on his own. He'd given him 'the talk' well over a year ago and had done his best to prepare the youth for the eventual sexual awakening his teenage body was likely to experience.

"Don't stay up too late." His tone was tender and full of his own mixed emotions, but it was his words that put the youth at ease.

"I won't." A relieved smile at his dismissal and the youth turned to leave, his steps light.

Qui-Gon, for his part, stood staring at the spot his still very seemingly innocent padawan had just departed. He could only be thankful that Obi-Wan had chosen a trusted childhood friend for his first time. He could recall on more than one occasion he'd seen a sparkle of more than friendship in Garen's eyes whenever they touched upon his padawan. With a soft sigh, he returned to his datapad. Oh, to be young again.

XIXI

Garen had just lit the last of the dozen or so candles placed about the common room when the chime sounded, alerting him to his visitor. With a deep cleansing breath he released his own nervous excitement into the Force and went to greet his best friend. Taking the overnight bag, he set it aside and led the way to the living area, watching as Obi-Wan scanned the room, taking in the candles, the small sofa pushed back against the wall, the various cushions placed about the floor to make it as comfortable as possible. He'd debated on his own room, but decided it was much too small – and his master's chamber, well – it was her personal space. So he'd done his best to set up the common area and make it as inviting and romantic as possible.

Eyes that he'd always though of as beautiful were down right captivating in the low lighting as Obi-Wan finally turned to meet his gaze. Small smiles graced their features as they stood staring at each other, both a little in awe of what was to come. Neither of them was quite sure what to say, and thankfully, the silence was a comfortable one. While this aspect of their relationship was entirely new, they'd known each other for far too long to feel awkward in the presence of the other.

Taking the lead, Garen interlaced his hand with Obi-Wan's. The smaller hand curled comfortably and trustingly around his, and together they made their way into the welcoming nest of pillows and candlelight. Facing each other, they sank to the floor, hands still joined.

"Was Master Clee terribly disappointed?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Surprised, maybe. But not disappointed." Garen answered. His master took an annual sabbatical to her home world whenever a break in their schedule allowed. This was the first time in their years together that he'd declined to accompany her.

"I'm glad you stayed." Shy, but sincere, knowing that it had been a sacrifice for his friend.

"Me too." A slight squeeze to the hand he still held, meeting the aquamarine gaze. Neither of them could seem to stop smiling – both so charmingly enchanted with the prospect of what this eve would bring.

There really was no need for small talk. They knew all there was to know about each other. And this new frontier – they were only too eager to begin exploring.

Leaning forward slightly, Garen let his eyes slide to Obi-Wan's lips, remembering how they felt beneath his that night on the balcony. Obi-Wan's breath quickened in anticipation as Garen paused momentarily, running the pad of his thumb over the full lower lip, enjoying its silken texture.

As he moved in to complete the kiss, Garen met the jewel-toned eyes of his best friend – amazed to see the same wonder and desire that he felt mirrored within their depths. Obi-Wan closed the distance with a soft, warm melding of mouths, lips gently pursing and relaxing as both boys lost themselves in the simple yet very intimate contact.

Garen's hand lingered, caressing Obi-Wan's jaw line and finally settling lightly on the side of his throat. Moving closer, he sought to deepen the kiss. Obi-Wan apparently had the same idea as his mouth automatically opened to allow Garen's tongue access. They dueled timidly at first, experimenting with the taste and texture of the other, this exploration slower than that first exhilarating kiss that had been understandably overshadowed by the very sweet realization of mutual attraction.

Unaware that he'd been softly stroking the tender skin beneath his fingertips, Garen's hand tightened minutely at the small pleasurable noise the other padawan was making. Oblivious to the sound or its effect, Obi-Wan let his tongue sweep through the moist cavern of Garen's mouth, savoring the faint hint of cinna spice and the wonderful warm feeling beginning to spread throughout his body.

Urging the smaller padawan backwards, Garen moved closer still, until both were laying side by side on the carpet with Obi-Wan partially beneath him – their lips never parting.

And while Garen could easily spend hours just enjoying the pleasures of Obi-Wan's mouth, he ached to touch the heated skin beneath his fingertips. His hand went to the top button of Obi-Wan's shirt and he broke the kiss, searching the beautifully flushed face for permission.

Mild confusion was evident in cascading depths of emerald and sapphire. Feeling an unexpected surge of tenderness, Garen's hand stroked back up the smooth column of throat and cupped the dimpled chin.

"I want to undress you." Low soothing voice, his thumb stroking the smooth skin. Understanding dawned, and Obi-Wan nodded minutely, catching his lower lip between his teeth as Garen undid the clasp.

Drawn to the fullness of kiss-swollen lips, Garen reclaimed his friend's mouth as his fingers continued their nimble work. Reaching the last clasp he gave a slight tug, pulling the material free of the leggings and exposing a golden expanse of skin.

The first touch of skin on skin was electrifying for both of them and Garen felt himself hardening as Obi-Wan gasped up into his mouth. Feather light fingertips trailing a tantalizing path over muscles that quivered and danced beneath his touch. The kiss continued to deepen, bodily desire beginning to overtake innocent curiosity.

Soon however, the need for air forced them to part and Garen once again found himself gazing down into familiar features flushed with arousal. Golden skin beginning to glisten, lips parted as if patiently waiting for another soft, tongue swirling kiss, eyes half lidded and filled with obvious desire – the bare chest rising and falling – their previous kiss having left them both softly panting for air.

Beautiful

He couldn't have said it aloud if he'd wanted to, so enthralled with the site before him and with the startling, but not unwelcome realization that he was quite possibly falling in love with his best friend.

"Garen . . ." A breathless inquiry, wanting . . . waiting, not sure what came next, but needing something more.

Only too happy to oblige, Garen lowered his head to lap experimentally at the dark rose-colored nipple he'd exposed. It hardened instantly at his touch and he was immediately rewarded with a low deep-throated moan as the padawan arched ever so slightly into his touch. The sound an electrical currently straight to his cock, Garen needed no further encouragement. Pressing his now full-fledged erection into Obi-Wan's thigh, he latched onto the pebbled flesh and suckled gently.

Surprised at the amazing sensation, Obi-Wan cried out, arching his back up off the floor, his hand balling into a fist in one of the nearby pillows. A blessedly warm tingling sensation spread from his nipples forming a lifeline that stretched downward to pool in his groin.

With his free hand, Garen reached for the other nipple, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger as he nipped lightly with his teeth at the other. Completely lost within the overwhelming sensations, all Obi-Wan could do was whimper, his body beginning to writhe under Garen's ministrations.

Aware that neither of them could last much longer, Garen released the peaked bud between his fingers and flattened his palm against the trembling flesh. Slowly, he let his splayed hand travel downward, pausing only long enough to appreciate the now needy little noises coming from his friend. That alone was almost enough to push him over the edge, yet he resisted - desperately wanting them to come together.

At the same time he released the sensitive nipple from his mouth, Garen ran his palm along the length of Obi-Wan's erection. The padawan bucked his hips in surprise and grunted softly into his mouth as Garen squeezed the base of his cock through the thin leggings. It was enough to tumble Obi-Wan into the welcoming ecstasy of orgasm, Garen swallowing his cries with a soft opened mouth kiss as he too found his release.

Both were so caught up in the moment and in each other to care about how quickly they had found release or even that they were still fully clothed for the most part. They clung to each other through the gentle waves of after shocks and only when their bodies began to relax did they ease their hold.

Letting himself fall backwards, flat on this back, Garen was a bit surprised when Obi-Wan curled into him, placing his head on his shoulder. Instinctively, his arm curled around the smaller padawan.

"That was . . ." Garen seemed at a loss for words. "It was just . . ." Amazing seemed like an understatement, so he searched for a more fitting word. " . . . wonderful."

His body still tingling from his completion, it took him a few moments to register Obi-Wan's silence. He turned to his friend, suddenly concerned.

Obi-Wan's eyes were lowered, so he reached for the dimpled chin and tilted his friend's face until they were eye to eye.

"What's wrong?" Trying not to feel or sound worried, pushing away thoughts that they may have damaged their
friendship beyond repair.

A small smile eased his doubts. "Nothing." Snuggling deeper into his embrace the slightly younger padawan continued. "It was perfect."

And in his very limited experience – it was perfect. While he'd brought himself to orgasm on his own, nothing could have ever prepared him for the intense explosion of overwhelming emotion that another's touch could inspire. Aside from the physical release that continued to spread a warm glow throughout him – he was also overwhelmed with affection and more than just a little aware of his own vulnerability.

Sensing that Obi-Wan wanted and needed to be held, Garen turned and wrapped his other arm around the padawan. Obi-Wan settled into his embrace, head resting in the hollow between shoulder and neck. The silence continued as their breathing returned to normal and both became aware of the rather cold and sticky evidence of their pleasure.

Upon mutual agreement, they finally parted. Garen rose to his feet first and held a hand down to assist his friend up. Not quite sure what came next, Obi-Wan let Garen continue to take the lead. Luckily, his friend was only too willing.

"Join me in the shower?" Garen asked.

While he was surprised at the request, his interest was evident. In answer, he reached for Garen's hand. Immediately, his friend's hand interlaced once more with his and they shared another smile. This was just the beginning – of the evening and of so much more between them.

END

XIXI

I know - it'a a bit of a teaser to end here isn't it? Believe me, I was tempted to write the shower scene too. But I didn't want to get carried away. Just getting my feet wet here :) Hope you enjoyed anyways.

--shan

Now don't forget to review! Or if you prefer, please e-mail Shan directly and let her know what you thought. Thanks again for reading!

.-Ari :D