Qui-Gon had known all along.
But he'd stood back and watched from a distance, keeping his hands clean of the affair.
He had hoped his Padawan would be able to set his feelings aside, to take his teachings and apply them, but his young charge only grew more and more conflicted as time waned on.
And so he had gently reminded him of his duties, of the Code. Things only grew worse from there. But Qui-Gon had merely observed, keeping an eye on the two teenagers and waiting for his Padawan to come to him on the matter on his own terms.
That never came.
A small part of him feared Obi-Wan would leave the Jedi Order a second time. That led to a lot of meditation as he tried to let the fear and dread flow through and out of him. The boy had grown and learned plenty. He was not the young child he'd left behind on the war-ridden planet of Melida-Daan. But Obi-Wan still had much to learn. And tricky, passionate emotions such as love could cripple the strongest of Jedi. He would know. For too long he'd let his attachment to Tahl, a fellow Jedi knight, feed and feed, and that had erupted into something dangerous. He'd nearly lost control, but Obi-Wan had helped him through. Obi-Wan was a faithful Padawan. Qui-Gon believed in him. All he had to do was wait, gently prod, and instruct.
And Qui-Gon was right. Scissors of relief cut loose the subtle apprehension hanging in the back of his mind as he watched Obi-Wan bid goodbye to the Duchess Satine and follow after him. There were none of the smiles, playful banter, and silly bickering that had developed between the two. Merely an extremely formal Obi-Wan and a closed-off, passive-aggressive "thank you for your service, Kenobi" from the Duchess. He noted the stiffness in Obi-Wan's stature and he couldn't sense Obi-Wan's emotions, meaning the boy had his mental shields up. Something had gone down between them, that much was clear. But Qui-Gon was glad his Padawan could fend off the emotions to think things through and make a logical, wise decision.
Silent, the two Jedi powered the ship with Qui-Gon in the pilot's seat and Obi-Wan in the co-pilot's. It felt pleasant to be returning to the Jedi Temple after all this time. Almost surreal. Sure, Qui-Gon had his share of extended missions, but even a year of constantly being on the run would have some toll on even the best of Jedi Masters. But if he was feeling weary, how badly was Obi-Wan spent?
Qui-Gon glanced over at Obi-Wan as he steered the ship out of Mandalore's atmosphere. He still couldn't sense Obi-Wan's state through the Force. Not alarming, but troubling.
"Are you looking forward to our return to the Temple, Obi-Wan?" he asked. Surely that was subtle enough.
Obi-Wan blinked blankly for a moment before looking away. He inhaled sharply and nodded. The snap and click of flipping controls and buttons accompanied the response as Obi-Wan began to punch in the coordinates. "Of course, Master. It's always a treat to return there after a mission," he said.
The response felt rather automatic to Qui-Gon. But he nodded and didn't say anything.
Once out of the planet's atmosphere, he eased the ship into hyperspace. With a sigh, he leaned back against his seat, running a hand over his face. His beard had become rather unruly and his robes were an absolute mess, hardly presentable to report back to the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan, in his preferred lighter attire, looked even worse. Hopefully they would have enough time to freshen up when they landed.
"You should get some rest," Qui-Gon suggested after a moment.
"Mmm. Are you sure, Master? I can take the first watch, if you'd like."
Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow. Apparently normalcy would take some time to get used to for Obi-Wan. As normal as a Jedi's life could be, that is. Qui-Gon shook his head.
"No, no, that isn't necessary. And I think you deserve some rest. It was quite the mission."
"But what if something happens to—"
"Obi-Wan, it's over."
Obi-Wan reddened slightly, but didn't let it drop.
"I know, but—"
"Padawan." Qui-Gon interrupted in a low, warning tone. "Get some rest." Obi-Wan reluctantly closed his mouth and exhaled through his nose. "Yes, Master," he muttered. He hesitated, but rose to his feet moments later.
CLICK-CLANK.
Something fell to the floor. Obi-Wan paled and patted his robes and belt. "Sorry, Master, I just…," he grimaced as he bent over and picked up the item. "Dropped something. I'll be off now." Qui-Gon leaned over curiously. "Wait a minute, Obi-Wan. What is that?"
Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably, staring down at the item in his hand. With a clenched jaw, he extended the palm of his hand toward him, revealing a rather crude piece of wooden artwork. It was of Mandalorian culture and very familiar.
"A jai galaar carving?" Qui-Gon asked, both brows raising. "I didn't know you enjoyed carving."
Obi-Wan shrugged. "It's a fine pastime. Though, I can't take the credit. This isn't my handiwork."
Qui-Gon nodded and crossed his arms, disapproval sharpening his tone. "Satine's then."
Obi-Wan winced. "Yes, I'm afraid so. She must've left it on the ship."
"Don't lie to me, Obi-Wan. Did you take it from her?"
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in horror at the blunt question. Qui-Gon, of course, didn't truly believe Obi-Wan would or could do such a thing, but he wanted to see his Padawan's reaction. And Qui-Gon smirked.
"What? No! Master, I would never steal it. She gave it to me as a parting gift. A token of thanks," Obi-Wan explained.
"Then why, pre tell, did I see her hand it to you far before she knew our service was coming to an end?" Qui-Gon challenged, a playful twinkle in his eye.
Obi-Wan pursed his lips, his brows furrowing.
"She did? I don't recall—"
"Padawan."
Obi-Wan threw his hands up in mock surrender.
"Alright, alright, yes, she gave it to me long before any of us knew we were leaving. Does it matter?"
"Yes, it does."
Obi-Wan waited for an explanation, but Qui-Gon merely smirked.
"Well, if you don't mind me being so frank…why, Master?"
Qui-Gon sighed and gestured for him to sit back into the co-pilot's seat. Hands clenched, Obi-Wan obeyed, sinking into the hardened cushions.
"I know what went on between you and Satine," Qui-Gon began, gazing out the cockpit window. "Or so I have my suspicions." He glanced at him gently. "Would you care to enlighten me?"
Obi-Wan's heart gave a little jumpstart. He swallowed.
"We were friends, Master. We are friends. Nothing more—"
"Do you remember Tahl, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon interrupted.
Obi-Wan blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. His defensiveness froze, slowly replaced by slight wariness.
"Yes, she was a brilliant Jedi. It would be quite a feat to forget her."
Qui-Gon nodded, stroking his beard, his eyes elsewhere.
"Indeed. Then I'm sure you remember her death? And the events that followed?"
Obi-Wan's expression saddened, his jaw tightening.
"I do."
"And I'm sure you don't need a reminder about my exceptional talks on attachment…."
Obi-Wan smiled weakly. He probably already knew what was coming, assuming the incoming lecture he'd heard over the past few months.
"However, what I'm trying to tell you, Padawan, is that attachment is not just a weakness for padawans, but a struggle for all Jedi. Masters and all. You've seen it up close with me and Master Tahl."
Obi-Wan nodded, his gaze pinned to the floor.
"So you can tell me if you have any other love interests aside from the Duchess. I'll understand," Qui-Gon said emphatically.
It wasn't often Obi-Wan saw his usually stoic and quiet master look at him so earnestly. He was still trying to muscle down his embarrassment of Qui-Gon knowing in the first place, blast it.
He fought the urge to squirm. He was much too old for that.
"Okay, Master. I will," he promised, ducking his head slightly. "Thank you."
"Of course."
The two fell silent for a moment.
"I'll just head off then?" Obi-Wan asked, pointing toward the bunks in the back.
Qui-Gon smiled tiredly.
"By all means."
Awkwardly, Obi-Wan started making his way to the comfort and privacy of the bunks. But he paused in the doorway. He tapped the metal rapidly, biting his lip.
As patient as ever, Qui-Gon waited.
"I'll miss her, Master. I almost…," Obi-Wan swallowed. "I could've left the Order."
And there it was. The honest truth at last. Qui-Gon smiled again and closed his eyes, leaning his head against the headrest of the pilot's seat.
"But you didn't, Obi-Wan. You resisted temptation until the very end. And I am exceedingly proud of you."
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully, his head tilted to one side. Slowly, Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's shields coming down. But Obi-Wan frowned.
"But…if you knew…why didn't you just correct me outright? Or confront me at all?"
Qui-Gon chuckled.
"I wanted you to come to me about the matter, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan processed that for a moment.
"Oh, I see."
There was another period of silence. And, again, Qui-Gon waited patiently.
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan decided at last. He accompanied the words with a bow.
Qui-Gon noticed the subtle tremor in Obi-Wan's fatigued stature.
"You're very welcome, Padawan."
A cautious smile tugged at the corners of Obi-Wan's lips. Then, shuffling slightly, he turned and retreated to the bunks.
Qui-Gon watched quietly, feeling rather pleased with how that went down. The boy would make a fine Jedi knight. He was sure of it.
Edited:
Qui-Gon had known all along.
But he'd stood back and watched from a distance, keeping his hands clean of the affair.
He had hoped his Padawan would be able to set his feelings aside, to take his teachings and apply them, but his young charge only grew more and more conflicted as time waned on.
And so he had gently reminded him of his duties, of the Code. Things only grew worse from there. But Qui-Gon had merely observed, keeping an eye on the two teenagers and waiting for his Padawan to come to him on the matter on his own terms.
That never came.
A small part of him feared Obi-Wan would leave the Jedi Order a second time. That led to a lot of meditation as he tried to let the fear and dread flow through and out of him. The boy had grown and learned plenty. He was not the young child he'd left behind on the war-ridden planet of Melida-Daan. But Obi-Wan still had much to learn. And tricky, passionate emotions such as love could cripple the strongest of Jedi. He would know. For too long he'd let his attachment to Tahl, a fellow Jedi knight, feed and feed, and that had erupted into something dangerous. He'd nearly lost control, but Obi-Wan had helped him through. Obi-Wan was a faithful Padawan. Qui-Gon believed in him. All he had to do was wait, gently prod, and instruct.
And Qui-Gon was right. Scissors of relief cut loose the subtle apprehension hanging in the back of his mind as he watched Obi-Wan bid goodbye to the Duchess Satine and follow after him. There were none of the smiles, playful banter, and silly bickering that had developed between the two. Merely an extremely formal Obi-Wan and a closed-off, passive-aggressive "thank you for your service, Kenobi" from the Duchess. He noted the stiffness in Obi-Wan's stature and he couldn't sense Obi-Wan's emotions, meaning the boy had his mental shields up. Something had gone down between them, that much was clear. But Qui-Gon was glad his Padawan could fend off the emotions to think things through and make a logical, wise decision.
Silent, the two Jedi powered the ship with Qui-Gon in the pilot's seat and Obi-Wan in the co-pilot's. It felt pleasant to be returning to the Jedi Temple after all this time. Almost surreal. Sure, Qui-Gon had his share of extended missions, but even a year of constantly being on the run would have some toll on even the best of Jedi Masters. But if he was feeling weary, how badly was Obi-Wan spent?
Qui-Gon glanced over at Obi-Wan as he steered the ship out of Mandalore's atmosphere. He still couldn't sense Obi-Wan's state through the Force. Not alarming, but troubling.
"Are you looking forward to our return to the Temple, Obi-Wan?" he asked. Surely that was subtle enough.
Obi-Wan blinked blankly for a moment before looking away. He inhaled sharply and nodded. The snap and click of flipping controls and buttons accompanied the response as Obi-Wan began to punch in the coordinates. "Of course, Master. It's always a treat to return there after a mission," he said.
The response felt rather automatic to Qui-Gon. But he nodded and didn't say anything.
Once out of the planet's atmosphere, he eased the ship into hyperspace. With a sigh, he leaned back against his seat, running a hand over his face. His beard had become rather unruly and his robes were an absolute mess, hardly presentable to report back to the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan, in his preferred lighter attire, looked even worse. Hopefully they would have enough time to freshen up when they landed.
"You should get some rest," Qui-Gon suggested after a moment.
"Mmm. Are you sure, Master? I can take the first watch, if you'd like."
Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow. Apparently normalcy would take some time to get used to for Obi-Wan. As normal as a Jedi's life could be, that is. Qui-Gon shook his head.
"No, no, that isn't necessary. And I think you deserve some rest. It was quite the mission."
"But what if something happens to—"
"Obi-Wan, it's over."
Obi-Wan reddened slightly, but didn't let it drop.
"I know, but—"
"Padawan." Qui-Gon interrupted in a low, warning tone. "Get some rest." Obi-Wan reluctantly closed his mouth and exhaled through his nose.
"Yes, Master," he muttered. He hesitated, but rose to his feet moments later.
CLICK-CLANK.
Something fell to the floor. Obi-Wan paled and patted his robes and belt. "Sorry, Master, I just…," he grimaced as he bent over and picked up the item, "dropped something. I'll be off now." Qui-Gon leaned over curiously. "Wait a minute, Obi-Wan. What is that?"
Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably, staring down at the item in his hand. With a clenched jaw, he extended the palm of his hand toward him, revealing a rather crude piece of wooden artwork. It was of Mandalorian culture and very familiar.
"A jai galaar carving?" Qui-Gon questioned, both brows raising. "I didn't know you enjoyed carving."
Obi-Wan shrugged. "It's a fine pastime. Though, I can't take the credit. This isn't my handiwork."
Qui-Gon nodded and crossed his arms, disapproval sharpening his tone. "Satine's then."
Obi-Wan winced. "Yes, I'm afraid so. She must've left it on the ship."
"Don't lie to me, Obi-Wan. Did you take it from her?"
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in horror at the blunt, accusatory question. Qui-Gon, of course, didn't truly believe Obi-Wan would or could do such a thing, but he wanted to see his Padawan's reaction.
"What? No! Master, I would never steal it. She gave it to me as a parting gift. A token of thanks," Obi-Wan explained.
"Then why, pre tell , did I see her hand it to you far before she knew our service was coming to an end?" Qui-Gon challenged, a playful twinkle in his eye.
Obi-Wan pursed his lips, his brows furrowing.
"She did? I don't recall—"
" Padawan ."
Obi-Wan threw his hands up in mock surrender.
"Alright, alright, yes , she gave it to me long before any of us knew we were leaving. Does it matter?"
"Yes, it does."
Obi-Wan waited for an explanation, but Qui-Gon merely smirked.
"Well, if you don't mind me being so frank…why, Master?"
Qui-Gon sighed and gestured for him to sit back into the co-pilot's seat. Hands clenched, Obi-Wan obeyed, sinking into the hardened cushions.
"I know what went on between you and Satine," Qui-Gon began, gazing out the cockpit window. "Or so I have my suspicions." He glanced at him gently. "Would you care to enlighten me?"
Obi-Wan's heart gave a little jumpstart. He swallowed.
"We were friends, Master. We are friends. Nothing more—"
"Do you remember Tahl, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon interrupted.
Obi-Wan blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. His defensiveness froze, slowly replaced by slight wariness.
"Yes, she was a brilliant Jedi. It would be quite a feat to forget her."
Qui-Gon nodded, stroking his beard, his eyes elsewhere.
"Indeed. Then I'm sure you remember her death? And the events that followed?"
Obi-Wan's expression saddened, his jaw tightening.
"I do."
"Then I'm sure you don't need a reminder about my exceptional talks on attachment…."
Obi-Wan smiled weakly. He probably already knew what was coming, assuming the incoming lecture he'd heard over the past few months.
"However, what I'm trying to tell you, Padawan, is that attachment is not just a weakness for padawans, but a struggle for all Jedi. Masters and all. You've seen it up close with me and Master Tahl."
Obi-Wan nodded, his gaze pinned to the floor.
"So you can tell me if you have any other love interests aside from the Duchess. I'll understand," Qui-Gon said sincerely.
It wasn't often Obi-Wan saw his usually stoic and quiet master look at him so earnestly.
He fought the urge to squirm. He was much too old for that.
"Okay, Master. I will," he promised, ducking his head slightly. "Thank you."
"Of course."
The two fell silent for a moment.
"I'll just head off then?" Obi-Wan asked, pointing toward the bunks in the back.
Qui-Gon smiled tiredly.
"By all means."
Awkwardly, Obi-Wan started making his way to the comfort and privacy of the bunks. But he paused in the doorway. He tapped the metal rapidly, biting his lip.
As patient as ever, Qui-Gon waited.
"I'll miss her, Master. I almost…," Obi-Wan swallowed. "I could've left the Order."
And there it was. The honest truth at last. Qui-Gon smiled again and closed his eyes, leaning his head against the headrest of the pilot's seat.
"But you didn't, Obi-Wan. You resisted temptation until the very end. And I am exceedingly proud of you."
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully, his head tilted to one side. Slowly, Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's shields coming down. But Obi-Wan frowned.
"But if you knew…why didn't you just correct me outright? Or confront me at all?"
Qui-Gon chuckled.
"I wanted you to come to me about the matter, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan processed that for a moment.
"I see."
There was another period of silence. And, again, Qui-Gon waited patiently.
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan decided at last. He accompanied the words with a bow.
Qui-Gon noticed the subtle tremor in Obi-Wan's fatigued stature.
"You're very welcome, Padawan. Now off to sleep with you," he said, waving him off.
A cautious smile tugged at the corners of Obi-Wan's lips. Then, shuffling slightly, he turned and retreated to the bunks.
Qui-Gon watched quietly, feeling rather pleased with how that went down. The boy would make a fine Jedi knight. He was sure of it. And he looked forward to seeing it through.