Chapter 5
The Soulbond remained incomplete; it hummed between them like a living thing, but with their decision made and their certainty of direction, the bond settled into patience, its completion growing ever nearer as the two Jedi renewed old friendship and kindled new passions. They said nothing of their plans to the Council, their friends or Anakin, although it was clear to see by those who cared for the pair the growing strength of the bond. Friendship bloomed and it had always been this companionship that had been at the root of their love.
"Obi-Wan."
"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan greeted in return upon finding Qui-Gon at his door for midday bell, as he had done so for the last cycle.
"I have come to collect you for lunch, I thought today a picnic in one of the gardens," Qui-Gon said, holding up a basket of food for Obi-Wan to see. The younger Jedi smiled.
"Give me two moments."
Obi-Wan disappeared back into his quarters only to return a moment later with his cloak and his own carrier.
"What's in there?" the master asked, trying to see into the basket without much success.
"You'll find out soon enough," Obi-Wan said as he stepped into the corridor allowing the door to his quarters to close. "Shall we go?"
The two Jedi strolled through the temple, occasionally stopping to greet friends that they passed and slowly they made their way to the Harmony Garden; they passed silently beneath the arching trees and over the wild grass that were wrapped in the living Force. They walked a good distance from the path, in a secluded part of the garden that they had come to think of as their spot. In the last cycle the couple had gone there often to eat, meditate or simply be together.
Obi-Wan watched now with some amusement as Qui-Gon spread out a blanket and then started to set out the food.
"Aren't you going to sit, Obi-Wan?" the master asked, glancing up.
"Yes," Obi-Wan replied a little distractedly as he slowly sat, crossing his legs, his faint smile lingering on his face.
It was not until he had finished his task that Qui-Gon noticed the smile.
"Obi-Wan?" he asked. "What makes you smile so?"
"Apologies, Qui-Gon, but I think my brain his having trouble with your romantic side." Qui-Gon looked a little hurt and Obi-Wan's hand shot out in order to take his master's hand in his own before the older man could retreat. "No, no, no, please do not take offence at my words, I did not mean them how they sounded. Force, it seems that my years away have robbed me of my diplomacy."
"The little amount I was able to instil in you perhaps," Qui-Gon teased lightly "How did you mean them, my love?" Qui-Gon asked, willing to listen to his love's explanation. He removed one of his hands from Obi-Wan's grasp and cupped the younger Jedi's face, stroking his thumb along beautifully pouted lips. With the caress, Obi-Wan sighed heavily, relaxing into the touch.
"I did not expect… I don't know." He smiled, somehow managing to look both happy and sad in the same moment. "I am just used to you as my master, I think. I've wanted this so long, Qui-Gon, imagined it for years, but all my memories of you are as my master."
"I know, my own, but I haven't been your master for a long time and you have been your own man for all that time, besides I thought that was the point of our patience," he said with a smile. "To make new memories."
"I know that, but this 'new' us…" Obi-Wan trailed off.
"Yes?" Qui-Gon prompted, allowing his hand to roam into Obi-Wan's thick hair.
"I like it," Obi-Wan whispered, his eyes dark with desire, unsure if he meant the caress or the new relationship.
"Good," Qui-Gon removed his hands, all too aware of his effect on his companion. "Shall we eat?"
Obi-Wan managed to hold in the less than complementary name, but Qui-Gon was sure he caught a whisper of it through the faint tethers of the bond and the look on Obi-Wan's eyes was enough to convince him he had heard right.
"Now, my Shadow"," Qui-Gon ignored the look, choosing to continue to tease his bondmate instead. "You must have patience, we have a plan, remembe?."
Obi-Wan smiled, but Qui-Gon did not see the glint of revenge in the younger man's eye. The picnic progressed and Obi-Wan more than got his own back as the two Jedi flirted, both enjoying every moment of it.
"Are you going to tell me what you brought?" Qui-Gon asked after they had finished their meal and packed the remains away.
"Of course, but first you must lie down." Qui-Gon looked puzzled, but did as he was asked. They moved around so that Qui-Gon lay flat with his head on Obi-Wan's lap, Obi-Wan's hands playing lazily in his master's hair. "Now close your eyes."
There was silence for a moment and Qui-Gon waited patiently for what ever it was Obi-Wan wished to say. When his old apprentice began to speak, his voice was soft and wistful.
"When I was away, living alone in the coldness of shadows and death, I had dreams, or perhaps fantasies. I dreamed of the sun, Qui-Gon, high in the sky, its radiant heat beating down upon me, warming my skin and my heart. I dreamed of the tranquillity of the Force when it is restful and undisturbed by the hatred I pursued. I dreamed of the temple as I remembered it as a child, not as I would see it upon my eventual return with the new eyes of the Shadow. Now, Qui-Gon, I see every Jedi's tenuous link to life, I see the fragility of mortality, but then Qui-Gon, when I was a child, alive with innocence, the temple was so different."
Qui-Gon opened his eyes to look up at Obi-Wan to see that he, too, had closed his eyes. The master took a moment to study his love, seeing the few lines of worry he had acquired in his five year absence, but ultimately the beloved face remained unchanged. Qui-Gon sank further into the moment, soothed by Obi-Wan's voice.
"Close your eyes, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan whispered with an exhale of breath. Qui-Gon obeyed, being drawn into Obi-Wan's dream, seeing the temple as he had as a youth.
"Do you remember the temple as a child? The walls were alive, Qui-Gon, with possibilities and excitement, with joy, laughter and love. The children of the Jedi lead charmed lives, surrounded by people who care for them greatly. When I was young I felt so safe, so much so that I used to wander off exploring. It used to drive my caretakers to distraction."
Qui-Gon chuckled a little to hear of such an adventurous young Obi-Wan, knowing that the trait had not left the man the boy had grown up to be.
"I was restless, even then it seems.
"It took a very wise and ancient master to find a cure for my roving heart. Master Yoda began to take me with him whenever he visited the gardens. He, like you my love, despaired at my lack with the living Force, so one day he took me to the Garden of Blossoms and far in the back he placed a tiny young sapling in my hands.
'There young one,' he said. 'Plant this you will, care for it, then find a connection to the living Force you might, and this place as well.'
"Dutifully, I obeyed. I poured myself into that tree, Qui-Gon, and it has grown with me and although from thereafter when I wandered from the crèche, the masters knew where to find me. But I found no connection and the tree did not flower.
"On my thirteenth birthday, when I swore my loyalty to a Jedi master who agreed to take me as his padawan learner, the tree blossomed, for I had finally found my link to the Temple and the Order.
"Years passed and although the tree grew and blossomed every year it bore no fruit and it remained so, even as I was knighted five years ago.
"I have found my path, Qui-Gon, I've returned to my home and found the one I love, so this morning I went to my tree and found the ripest berries I have ever seen."
Qui-Gon felt something soft brush against his lips, a drop of juice fell into his slightly parted lips onto his tongue and he instinctively opened his lips further, allowing Obi-Wan to place the berry into his mouth. It was sweet and wonderfully juicy. Qui-Gon savoured every moment of the morsel before opening his eyes to look at Obi-Wan once more, who was smiling down at him.
"It seems that I have found my connection to the living Force, learning how to live in the moment while in the darkest places of the world."
"Indeed you have. I am very proud of you my padawan, and thank you for sharing this with me. I had no idea about the tree."
Obi-Wan smiled wider and bobbed his head in acknowledgment.
"May I have another berry, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked, drawing them both into the moment, enjoying their time together.
The other Jedi laughed.
"Yes, beloved. You can have as many as you wish."
The day moved on and both men knew they must go their separate ways. As they gathered up their belongings, Qui-Gon wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan's waist and brought him towards him.
"I cannot resist," he said before kissing Obi-Wan, forcing his tongue between pliant lips. He could taste the berries still upon Obi-Wan's lips. The couple had exchanged light kisses throughout the afternoon, but this kiss left them breathless and with passions aflame.
"Qui-Gon, Qui-Gon, wait," Obi-Wan managed to groan out, pushing the older man away. "Slow, we said slowly."
"I know, Obi-Wan, I apologise," Qui-Gon said stepping back, although he looked anything but sorry.
"It would seem neither of us can help ourselves. And we call ourselves Jedi."
They sighed and stepped further away from each other, taking a moment to regain their centres and control of their emotions.
"There is a film on tonight I would like to see. Go with me?" Obi-Wan tentatively asked.
"I would be delighted," Qui-Gon answered, once more the perfect image of a Jedi master. He watched Obi-Wan walk away. "It's only ourselves we are torturing, Obi-Wan," he said to a man no longer close enough to hear. "Only ourselves."
After leaving Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan did not return to his quarters. Instead he left the Temple and wandered out into the city. The day was growing short and he had no destination in mind, strolling instead among the crowds as though he had no care in the world. For a time he allowed himself to be Obi-Wan Kenobi, smiling at the memories of the past cycle and the promise of the evening. It was an indulgence and one he did not allow for long. From one step to the next, Obi-Wan became someone else, his stride became longer, more graceful, almost cat like; the gait of a hunter. From one step to the next he went from being a man in love to a man of shadows. His alternate self consumed him until he was fully immersed into the Force. His random wanderings became a sure path as he followed where the Force led.
"To the Senate again," he said to no one when he reached his apparent destination. Every time he had tried to find the taint within Coruscant's air he had ended up at the Senate building. Once he had tried to follow the trail inside, but had become lost in its echoes that flowed through every corridor. It was inescapable in the building, but with no real source.
"I wish I knew what this meant."
"Found something you have?"
"No," Obi-Wan said, emerging from the shadows that dusk had created in the Council chamber.
"Been waiting for you I have, expected you I did," Yoda said, however he added nothing more.
"Why?" Obi-Wan asked, at once suspicious.
"We have sensed things, Knight Kenobi." Mace Windu stepped forward, also coming out of the concealing shadows.
Both Council members saw their Warrior start at his sudden appearance, apparently surprised by his presence. Briefly, memories of Obi-Wan doing the same to the Council flitted across Mace's mind, before he, like Yoda, became concerned by Obi-Wan's distraction.
"What is it Obi-Wan?" Mace asked. Usually it was Yaddle that spoke for the heart of the Warrior, however she was not there. Mace had always allowed the ancient master to speak to Obi-Wan of personal things within the Council chamber, falling back on his duty and role as a Council member, but the part of him that was Obi-Wan's friend was sad that there was this distance between them now. For the first time it seemed, he was able to be the one to aid his friend.
"I cannot explain. I do not know if it is Qui-Gon that distracts me or the danger I sense." The Warrior looked troubled as he spoke. "I become lost within my own mind and the things that only I can perceive."
"Perhaps it is both these things, Obi-Wan," Mace offered. "This is the first time that you have had to face both your roles at once, finding balance will be difficult."
"Yes." Obi-Wan still seemed distracted as he once again melted into shadow.
"Time is running out."
"Ready he will be, grasp what is needed of him he will. Time for the bond there still is, allow this love to be completed the Force will."
"You look awfully pleased with yourself, what's going on?" Bant asked her friend as he helped her move some of her furniture around. She had decided it was time to take on a padawan learner and needed to clean out the second bedroom. Since he arrived, Obi-Wan had been smiling and humming faintly to himself, his aura glowed with joy and Bant was sure she was not imagining the bounce in his step.
"Nothing, or at least nothing different." After leaving Yoda and Mace to their own worries, Obi-Wan had released his own fears to the Force, thinking on memories of his afternoon with Qui-Gon and the picnic they had shared. By the time he reached Bant's quarters he was abuzz with anticipation for their evening date.
"Uh huh," was all she said, choosing instead to glare at him until he confessed what ever it was that had caused his good mood. Obi-Wan continued to pack away books and other odds and ends, seemingly oblivious to her glare.
"Do you want this?" he waved an ugly vase that some king or other had given her. He did not even look up as he asked.
"Obi-Wan!"
Startled, Obi-Wan looked up, surprise clearly written on his face. Bant could tell his oblivious act was genuine, he really was not fully with her in the here and now. Bant did not bother asking again, she continued to stare at him, knowing now that he could see her displeased look he would quickly talk.
Obi-Wan went back over the brief conversation that he had not really been paying attention to in his mind. The annoyed and expectant look on his friend's face told him he was not going to get away with a vague remark.
"Honestly, Bant, nothing is different. But I guess for the first time I think Qui-Gon and I are doing the right thing."
"For the first time? Honestly, Obi-Wan you both over think things. Get with the program and realise what the rest of the Temple realised years ago." She grinned, taking any sting out of her words. "So, are you going to complete the bond then?"
"Soon," was all Obi-Wan would say.
"Obi-Wan, that was without doubt the worst film I have ever seen," Qui-Gon moaned, good naturedly as he and Obi-Wan made their way back to his quarters. The master was suddenly reminded of earlier times when Obi-Wan had still been his apprentice, but old enough to be more of an equal, when they had become friends and Obi-Wan had become confident enough to argue with his master.
"How can you say that? It was… cool."
Qui-Gon stopped dead in the corridor.
"You've been spending too much time with Anakin."
"Ha ha." Obi-Wan had not stopped when Qui-Gon had and continued down the corridor with obvious amusement. Qui-Gon began walking again, lengthening his stride to catch up with his companion.
"I have enjoyed this evening." The Jedi master's tone was filled with contentment.
"So did I; more and more it feels like old times."
Qui-Gon was unsurprised to hear that Obi-Wan's thoughts matched his own. While they disagreed, often passionately, about many things, they each fit into each other's thoughts and minds with ease.
"Not just like old times," Qui-Gon reminded him, ducking in to give Obi-Wan a brief brush of lips against his cheek.
"No, not quite," Obi-Wan agreed, pleased by his master's playful nature.
They reached the master's door and both stood awkwardly for a moment, but only for a moment.
"Come in for coffee, Obi-Wan."
"Yes," was the answer without pause for hesitant thoughts.
The lights were off in the apartment, but there was enough light streaming though the windows to see by. Qui-Gon reached out to take Obi-Wan's cloak for him, but as he did so their hands brushed. Obi-Wan let out a moan laden with desire. Qui-Gon, hearing the moan, abandoned his own self control and swept up the smaller man into an enflaming kiss, pushing him back until Obi-Wan's back connected with the wall.
"Force, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan managed to get out before once again his mouth was claimed. "Qui-Gon, please."
"Don't ask me to stop, Obi-Wan, we have been patient enough."
"I had no intention, beloved. I was going to say, take me to bed," Obi-Wan told his soulmate, showing all his hunger within his eyes and cast out along the gossamer threats of the incomplete bond, finding Qui-Gon's matching hunger at the other end. Obi-Wan slid around Qui-Gon's greater frame, he walked backwards, further into the apartment, all the while gazing at his companion, sending waves of desire to him through the bond. Qui-Gon followed so closely that they never lost contact for a moment. They kissed and fumbled their way to the master bedroom.
Once the door was shut between them and the living area there was no hesitation. Control was abandoned, clothes were shed and the two men fell into the bed together, exploring the fully revealed flesh for the first time. Words of love were uttered between kisses and through the growing bond. They could feel it growing within them, gaining strength, insistent for its completion. There was no time for slow and gentle as years of denial spilled over into breathless moans and desperate hands. Qui-Gon climaxed inside Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan following shortly after. The bond snapped into place, fully formed, complete and immovable.
The hum in the Force that had been a song to their ears reached a crescendo before dying down and becoming part of the greater whole of the Force, forever sung within it, but no longer a distraction or an urgent message. The Force rippled out from them as they slept and those powerful and knowledgeable enough to feel it knew what it meant. The Force was celebrating a joining made in love. The Temple slept peacefully that night; most not realising that their contentment was given to them by the Light.
Although night had long since fallen, there remained at the back of the Garden of Blossoms a lone figure, meditating under a tree resplendent with the Living Force and amply bestowed with ripening fruit. In the Temple and in the surrounding city, beings slept, played, fought and love, then quietly at first, a song reached the figure's ears, buried deep with the tides of the Force. It lapped around her, carrying with it the stirring of a Light stronger than any Dark.
Like a star gone nova, the song exploded around the lone Jedi, weaving in and around the living things of the garden. Great joy and contentment eased into all the souls who dwelt within the Temple. As the song faded back to where it had come, the lingering joy did not, it permeated everything as the Force rejoiced at the final conclusion of its intent. Most could not hear the song, even those attuned to the Force, but they did feel its effects. None ever learnt where the blanket of well-being that fell upon them came from, however they all slept peacefully.
Deep within the Garden of Blossoms, Master Yaddle smiled, knowing the heart of the Shadowed Warrior was filled, even if it would only last for the briefest of moments. Duty beckoned, to all Jedi, but she, more than most, understood the turmoil and longing that had dwelt within the Warrior's heart, for it had been nearly a decade since he had discovered the uncompleted bond.
"Pleased you look," a voice said from the darkness.
"Master Yoda," she said by way of greeting.
"Pleased we should all be." Yoda slowly made his way over to the other Council member. "But last it will not."
"No, but longed for this moment Obi-Wan has. Have tonight at least he does."
"Sure of this I am not," Yoda looked at Yaddle's curious face. "Restless he already is."
Elsewhere, away from the tranquillity of the Jedi Temple, another stirred, awoken by the change within the currents of the Force. For the Force was transformed, so minutely that it was almost undetectable, except to those waiting for change. The man awoke and did not know what it was that he felt, but knew one thing, it was of the Light side of the Force; it was his enemy. The Darkness swept around him, but no longer did he feel as safe has he had, for the Light felt stronger. In the chambers of the Chancellor, deep within the most malevolent of hearts, the first stirrings of fear were felt.