Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.
Full summary: When Qui-Gon Jinn is spared from his death the future begins to unravel down a different path. A strong relationship of love grows between Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker, while a different seed of darkness begins to grow. Slash.
Warnings: Slash, future shota, JA reference.
Pairing(s): Eventual Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)
Fic type: AU, romance
Aubrey's crap: Puk, vielen Dank für die Uhr! Wir schätzen es wirklich. , daß jemand unsere wirklich liest, Geschichte zu wissen ist Anregung. Wir würden Berichte auch schätzen. Bitte würde es wirklich Art von zu wiederholen sein Ihnen. Ich spreche etwas Deutsches offensichtlich also wissen wir was Sie sagen, in den meisten Fällen. Danke wieder!
Bizarre speaks: I noticed we got more watchers... so, here's a message to Ghosthic Satane! Bonjour! Je parle un petit peu du Français! Je lis mieux que j'écris, si vous voudriez laisser une revue Français. Je sais que vous pouvez parler Anglais, mais ce serait amusement pour que je le lise. Of course, I don't claim to speak French well, as I've only had two highschool classes on the subject. But at least I actually knew how to say that unlike Aubrey. -looks accusingly at Aubrey for cheating.-
Chosen
Volume One
Sooner or Later
Chapter V: Celebratory
Anakin did not get lost on his way home that day and in the days that followed he slowly became more comfortable at the Temple. He also became more comfortable with Obi-Wan. By the time his tenth birthday rolled around he could honestly describe the Jedi Knight as the closest thing he had to a friend. In fact, he was so confident in this notion, that the night before his birthday he had a request for Master Jinn.
"Can I invite Obi-Wan to dinner tomorrow, Master?" Though never having much to offer, his mom always let him invite a friend for his birthday. Well, if Watto let him off early enough. It seemed the normal custom to him.
"If you like," the Master replied. He could humor a birthday request from his Padawan just as well as anyone else.
"Thank you!" Anakin chirped, a pleased smile on his face.
The next morning Anakin hurried to Obi-Wan's classroom a bit early. He wanted to make sure the Jedi could come! Throughout the year together Obi-Wan became progressively more comfortable with Ani. It was mostly thanks to the therapy sessions he'd been having almost daily with Garen. Now he was rather fond of the boy and they were friends. He was no longer so painfully awkward with the child and even managed to make the lessons more interesting for Anakin. Today's plan was to have class in one of the gardens for a change. That was forgotten when the Padawan asked him to dinner.
"Uh…" No actual words would form.
"It's my birthday," the kid explained, shuffling one foot nervously. "And you're the only friend I have here, so…I was just wondering,"
"That's…I would love to Anakin, but I do not believe it is entirely…." Obi-Wan struggled for a safe word, "appropriate."
Ani blinked at him in confusion. "How come?"
"Well, I am not your Master or an age-mate," Obi-Wan said slowly. "You should spend time with…you know…them, on your birthday."
"I am going to be with my Master," Anakin failed to see the problem. For someone so intelligent he could be dense at times. "I don't really know any of my age mates," he added honestly.
This was truer than most of the adults at the Temple were comfortable with. Anakin had gone straight to an apprenticeship and spent all his time with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. He hadn't had a chance to meet any of the children his own age.
His teacher couldn't just say he didn't want to attend. Besides, it wasn't entirely true. Obi-Wan forced up a smile. "I am quite sure Master Jinn will be horribly insulted to have to share you on your birthday," he joked.
"He said you could come," Ani countered, frowning a little, "I asked him last night."
Obi-Wan swallowed tightly. "Well then, I suppose I shall come."
"Yay" the little boy cheered. For a moment he looked happy enough to hug the man. He didn't though. Scrambling for his seat instead, so they could start class.
Contrary to Obi-Wan's earlier plans they had class indoors. They made it through several hours of geography and history before the Knight shooed Ani off for lunch. Obi-Wan started off for his own quarters feeling sorry for himself. It was a feeling he disliked immensely.
"Obi-Wan said yes!" Anakin announced happily.
"Alright," the Master answered smiling. He would have to stock the pantry. As he remembered Obi-Wan ate a lot.
"I am soooo looking forward to tonight!" Anakin bounded over and gave the big fellow a tight hug around the waist. It was his first birthday with Qui-Gon and it was important. Ani was excited enough about it not to notice that it would also be his first birthday without his mother.
Qui-Gon ruffled the kid's hair, chuckling. "I am glad to hear it."
They still had lessons to get through first. Only then could birthday fun happen. No matter how excited Anakin felt, he was careful to follow Master Qui-Gon's favorite piece of advice.
"Focus on the moment."
The Master mercifully cut the lesson a little short in honor of the occasion. Then he shooed his apprentice off to the 'fresher, while he set about arranging for his little Padawan's favorite foods. Ani hurried to wash and was into the kitchen as soon as he'd showered and donned fresh robes. It was still awhile before Obi-Wan would come. He saw no reason not to hang out with Qui-Gon, unless the Master said otherwise. Qui-Gon gratefully accepted his company and they waited for Obi-Wan to appear.
"He should be here soon," Anakin promised, glancing idly at the chrono. It was almost time for Obi-Wan to arrive and the Knight had struck him as the punctual sort. In truth, Kenobi usually was. But that night he arrived late. He'd almost not gone at all. Then ran up to Qui-Gon's quarters.
The Master had long since sent Anakin over to the table, promising he would wait for Obi-Wan to arrive. The boy started to protest, his tummy made a grumbling counterpoint, and he agreed. Enjoying the meal. When at last their guest appeared Qui-Gon greeted him stiffly. It was not friendly, but it was polite. Obi-Wan said nothing, just acknowledging with a short-lived bow. He then followed his former Master to the table where he greeted Anakin. Wished him happy birthday and all that.
"You came!" Anakin grinned at him. "When you were late I was afraid you weren't going to."
"I am here," his teacher nodded carefully as he found a chair. "Would not…ah… miss it."
The evening went pleasantly enough, though Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were tense. Anakin happily chattered enough to make up for their silence. Telling both what the other had been teaching him.
Somewhere in the middle of this 'fantastic' birthday dinner, Obi-Wan had a stray, bitter thought. He desperately wanted to ask Qui-Gon if he had given Anakin a pretty rock for his birthday. The only thing he'd ever received from Master Jinn was a rock…
With a heavy sigh Obi-Wan bowed his head, then excused himself. Little Anakin watched in confusion as the Knight left the room. Qui-Gon murmured an assuring word to the child. The Jedi Master wasn't too concerned whether Obi-Wan would come back or not. He was fairly certain the man would. And who knows Obi-Wan better.
The Jedi Knight did return. He was itching to leave, though and could only stay by forcefully reminding himself that it was Anakin's birthday. Fortunately he was spared too much more 'birthday fun'. After another half hour or so, Qui-Gon hinted that it was getting late. Anakin needed to get to bed.
This time Obi-Wan was the recipient of a hug from the small boy as Ani thanked the Knight for coming.
"No trouble, Anakin," Obi-Wan muttered, patting Ani's back gently. "I shall see you tomorrow. Happy birthday."
"Thanks!" the blonde squeezed briefly before letting go and backing up. "Bye."
"Did you have a good time," Qui-Gon wondered after Obi-Wan had vacated.
"Uh-huh," Anakin nodded several times in quick succession. "Yep! Sure did. It was great. Thank you, Master!"
"I am glad," Qui-Gon told him.
The Padawan hugged one arm tightly and slipped his small hand into the Master's. "I don't think it would have been a very good day at all without you, though," Ani admitted.
"Oh?" Qui-Gon chuckled a little. "I don't know about that…"
"I do, Master," the smile was gone from Ani's youthful face. "This is the first time being away from my mother, on my birthday." They sat down on the couch, the old man watching thoughtfully. "I am grateful you've been here for me," Anakin continued, curling up against the Jedi. "I'd be lonely here without you."
"I don't think so, Anakin," Qui-Gon told him. "There are many others here at the Temple who would happily befriend you."
"But I don't know any of them." It was as he'd told Obi-Wan. Anakin laid his head to rest on Qui-Gon's lap. "Besides, I like being with you."
Old Qui-Gon enjoyed having Anakin as his Padawan as well, but he didn't talk about feelings. "Well then, it's a good thing I am here."
"Mmhmm," Anakin squirmed closer to his Master, eyes drooping. He was tired after the day's events and was asleep soon after. Qui-Gon carried him to bed. The big Jedi paused a moment, idly turning a small box in his hands. He ended up placing the gift next to Ani's bed and going to his own room, certain Anakin would sleep soundly tonight.
The next morning Qui-Gon found himself with a lapful of Anakin. The child had discovered the box, opened it and now wore the brown leather necklace. With a renewed grin he spewed out muffled thanks.
"Ah, I see you found my meager gift," Qui-Gon snorted.
"Thank you, Master!" His mother had tried, but it wasn't as if slaves got wages. She never had money to buy him a real luxury. This present was a greater gift than Qui-Gon could imagine.
"You are welcome, Padawan," the old man assured him, "but come now, we had best be getting up," he urged the boy off.
"Yes, Master," the little fellow hopped off gleefully. He wondered if it was against the Jedi code to show his newest possession to Obi-Wan. Was it even his possession? Didn't the Code forbid possession? Thoroughly confused, Anakin trotted into the kitchen on Qui-Gon's heels. The Code forbids possession, but a birthday gift… Master Qui-Gon had given it to him. It must be all right. Anakin kept telling himself that all through breakfast, and then headed to class eagerly.
Obi –Wan was not there.
Well, Anakin was stunned. He couldn't ever recall arriving for class before Obi-Wan. His friend had also been late the night before. Perhaps he was just late again? Rather than leave, the child merely took his seat and waited nervously.
Obi-Wan finally came sprinting into the room. He did not look much like a dignified Jedi Knight. He certainly did not feel like one. The Code forbids possession, yes, it also requires denial of several other things, which Obi-Wan had disregarded the previous night.
The memory of coming home from the horrible evening with Qui-Gon… Getting comfort from Garen…arguing with Garen in the morning…late for class…Anakin. He was not going to explain any of that to Anakin!
"Hi," Anakin greeted him curiously.
"Hello, Anakin," Obi-Wan replied evenly. "Have a good birthday?"
"Uh-huh," the boy nodded, hopping down from his desk and scurrying over to show his necklace to the Knight. "Master gave me a present!" Now for most, receiving such a humble present wouldn't be the source of such jubilee, but Anakin is not like most, he was ecstatic.
Obi-Wan opened his mouth and just closed it again. He nodded, finally and shooed Ani to go sit. They had to start the daily lesson.
Anakin was completely oblivious to the discomfort his teacher was feeling. He was also oblivious to whatever the lesson was that day. He couldn't wait to get home and back to Qui-Gon. The lesson started late and ended early. After less than a tick Garen appeared in the doorway.
"Garen, I am teaching," Obi-Wan motioned to Anakin without looking up.
"Hello, Anakin," Garen waved. "I'm sure Anakin doesn't mind if his lesson is cut short today. Do you, Anakin?"
"Hello, Knight Muln," Anakin bowed before turning to Obi-Wan. "I don't mind, sir."
"There, you see," Garen nodded.
"It can wait," Obi-Wan replied, shooting Garen and annoyed glance. "You should leave now."
"Do you want me to?" the other Knight asked, ignoring Anakin completely.
Obi-Wan just blinked at him. "I… guess you can go, Anakin," he finally stammered. "I will see you tomorrow!" he called after the boy.
"Right!" replied Anakin as he hurried out the door. He was sure Master Qui-Gon wouldn't mind him coming home a bit early.
As soon as Ani was gone Garen ambled over to Obi-Wan. "You really that upset?"
Obi-Wan stared at him again. "It was a serious breach of the Code, Garen."
"Not really."
"How do you figure?" Obi inquired dryly.
"You haven't suddenly fallen in love with me have you?" Garen raised a bemused eyebrow.
"No. You are my best friend, Garen. Do not act like such a Nerf herder."
"Same to you. See? No problem."
Obi-Wan sighed. Garen's kiss cut him off. "You worry too much, Obi-Wan. I was just there for you when you needed me, don't make it into anything else."
To Be Continued...