Summary : Qui-Gon confesses to a moment of weakness and Obi-Wan
is devastated
Disclaimer : George Lucas owns everyone and everything in this
story. Can't forgive him for what he did to my beloved master
on TPM, though. I did the story purely for fun and my all
consuming love for Qui-Gon Jinn. I wrote and display this story
absolutely for free.
Spoilers : slight reference to TPM
Feedback : yes, please
Note : <Obi-Wan's thoughts>, " dialogue", <<mental
link between Q/O>>
Acknowledgement : Many thanks to my beta reader, Louisa F. for
her unfailing support, and to Anita, Angelina, Arthur and Betty
for their kind encouragement.
In the small but well equipped kitchen of the quarters that he
and Qui-Gon shared, Obi-Wan moved with authority and purpose.
He had done this a million times. He knew what he was doing.
He was making stewed aooli with dandenuum leaf, a local
Coruscant dish that brought together a native foul and a rare
spice from Aldaraan.
It was also the favourite dish of Qui-Gon Jinn, lover and
former master, who was due back any time now from a grueling
diplomatic mission to the Planet Veja 7.
<Now just remember to bring the heat down five minutes
before serving. Master doesn't like his bird stringy.>
Obi-Wan made a mental note in his mind.
He had been a full Jedi Knight for a year now. Still, he
insisted on calling Qui-Gon "master". Qui-Gon hadn't liked it
too much at first. He had wanted his padawan to take pride in
becoming an equal of his former mentor. But the older Jedi
relented somewhat as Obi-Wan pleaded a case of the title being
a term of love and endearment and that it carried no
connotation of debasing servitude, whatsoever. Deep down,
Qui-Gon just knew that he had been too much of a hero to the
young Knight and it would be a while before Obi-Wan could step
out of his shadow.
"Don't you crumble on me this time, be a good boy, rise nice
and fluffy for papa." Obi-Wan muttered to the shiratama souffle
as he sent it into the photon oven.
It wasn't like he HAD to do all this cooking himself. The Jedi
Temple provided hospitality droids on request. But Obi-Wan
wanted the evening to be perfect. And the first commandment for
a perfect evening was for him to be alone with Qui-Gon. He
couldn't share the Jedi Master with anyone that evening, not
even a couple of mindless droids, no, not after they'd been
seperated for 2 long weeks, during which they got to talk only
over the comlink and the holoprojector --- their mental link
had to be suspended because of the hyperspace jump of Qui-Gon's
ship to Veja 7.
Besides, he really wanted to pamper Qui-Gon. He'd like to
believe that no one could cook to the Jedi Master's taste quite
like he could. He knew the mission to Veja 7 was an especially
tough one. He could imagine the toll that it would take on
Qui-Gon. Endless bickering among self-serving politicians by
day and silly and stodgy socializing by night. Two weeks of
that and even the most venerable Jedi Master would be ready to
fall apart. Knowing how dedicated Qui-Gon was to the Jedi
Order, Obi-Wan could picture his lover putting in every last
ounce of efforts to make the mission a success, which, of
course, would entail throwing himself into each segment of it
tirelessly and selflessly until he was well and truly worn out.
Obi-Wan's heart ached every time he thought of how much Qui-Gon
gave to the Republic and received so little in return
materially. A decent meal cooked with love was the least he
could do to redress, however minimally, that imbalance.
Of course, there's the guilt, as well. The fact that the
mission promised to be a tough one from the outset and yet he
hadn't been by his lover's side supporting him throughout
saddled Obi-Wan with abundant guilt.
<Damn that Nuancha fever. What are the odds of me catching
it on the eve of such an important mission with Master. Thank
the Force the Council managed to get hold of Knight Minook to
take my place. He must have been a great help if Master is able
to return home as scheduled. I will make it up to Master,
beginning with the aooli and ending with a night he will
remember for a long time to come> Obi-Wan cursed his
untimely ailment for the eightieth time as a naughty smirk came
to his face.
The slightly pungent aroma of shiratama souffle began to
permeate the room. Obi-Wan checked the desert through the view
port and breathed a sigh of relief as he witnessed the
impeccable inflation of the tricky batter.
< Right, everything set and done, I just hope Master won't
be caught in traffic at this hour> Obi-Wan knew what a bitch
the Coruscant traffic could be during early evening.
With nothing left to be done but wait, Obi-Wan allowed himself
the luxury of a moment of inaction as he sank into the comfort
of the lounger. He looked around the quarters and couldn't help
but admired the work he had done for the evening. Candle
lights, plain but sparking clean table cloth, inchonica flowers
on the dinner table, cozy lighting, a fire crackling at the
tiny fireplace, homecooked dishes sending out alluring aroma, a
spiced sonic bath warming in the bath tub.
< Hey, I have become quite the homey type, haven't I>
Obi-Wan mused with a bit of a rueful smile.
But it would be a rare, rare day indeed that Obi-Wan got to
play home sweet home. To begin with, he and Qui-Gon were hardly
home at all.
They had declared their love for each other a year ago just
before Obi-Wan's ascension to Knighthood. Yet, Obi-Wan didn't
move in with his Master until the Knighthood was bestowed upon
him lest the Council started with them. But the Council had
been quick to give the union it's blessing seeing the potent
team that it had created. Difficult missions began to rain on
them one after another. And the pair had been leading a
never-ending life of journeyman ever since.
During the meager time that they were home, the two made the
most of it. They stayed in as much as possible to rest and to
take care of their much neglected quarters. They split the
housework after heated argument where Qui-Gon vehemently
insisted that he shared half of the chores instead of laying
them all on Obi-Wan as the young Knight initially proposed.
Culinarily challenged, Qui-Gon was responsible for laundry and
grocery while Obi-Wan took up cooking and cleaning. That's how
Obi-Wan perfected the skill of fixing aooli with dandenuum
leaf. The young Jedi enjoyed such homey time tremendously. He
relished each second that he spent with his former Master in
the setting of their quarters, where Qui-Gon was completely at
ease and free from pressures and worries. He just loved seeing
Qui-Gon laugh, doze off, sleep soundly, watch holovision glued
to the couch, read brainless thrillers into the small hours in
bed, eat breakfast over morning newspad, clean up their
underused fireplace------ things denied to his Master while
they were on the road.
And sex was always more pleasurable and fulfilling at home. Not
that they didn't do it while on mission. Both men were strong,
very well conditioned and at the height of their sexual
prowess, Qui-Gon's age not withstanding. Their urgings demanded
that even when distracted and fatigued by the difficult
missions at hand, they would seek release frequently with their
mate. Besides, the two were so much in love that forgoing
lovemaking for work was completely out of the question. Yet in
terms of intimacy, the intensity of emotional joining, the
explosiveness of physical gratification, loving on the road
just didn't compare.
< If only the Council would grant us a longish vacation>
Obi-Wan gave in to wishful thinking,
But he knew he had a lot to be thankful for inspite of all that
work and no play.
All in all, it had been a very good year for Obi-Wan, a very
good year indeed.
The Force had been kind to him.
His Master had a close brush with death on Naboo but emerged
triumphant and unscathed saved for a permenant scar on the Jedi
Master's left chest. He was awarded Knighthood. He secured the
love of his life. He had pined after his Master for years to
the point of hopelessness and desperation and he was now
sharing his life with him. The fact that they were both Jedi
and two members of a team meant that even in their work and
careers, they never had to be apart, except, of course when one
of them came down with something nasty like the Nuancha fever.
< As if there was a way for us to be apart. No way, I can't
bear to be away from Master. Even if the Council breaks us up
as a team, I would fight tooth and nail until I am back with
Master again>Obi-Wan spared a defiant thought as he
reflected on the year that he and Qui-Gon had together.
He was absolutely certain that Qui-Gon would have felt the same
towards him. He had the ever deepening bond between them as
proof of his Master's undying love for him. As time went by,
their passion didn't wane, instead, it became more potent as
living together created ample opportunities for the two to care
for and treasure each other day in and day out. Their bond
started with passion and grew into something much larger,
something firmly rooted in two inseparable lives joined
together against the backdrop of life.
But such faith came with time.
Obi-Wan did have his moments of insecurity at the beginning of
their love. He had worshipped Qui-Gon for so long that he had
put the Jedi Master on a very high pedestal. When he looked at
Qui-Gon, he saw a mangod. He saw a man whose dedication,
kindness, wisdom, intelligence, grace, valor, skills in the
Force, stature as a highly revered Jedi Master and sheer
masculine beauty had made him an object of desire to countless
men and women in the Jedi Order as well as on off worlds. His
reputation as some sort of a rebel and maverick only added to
his charisma. Obi-Wan should know as throughout his years as a
Padawan, he lost track of the times he heard from the gossip
mill that another Jedi Master, or Knight, or Padawan was having
a crush on the magnificent Qui-Gon Jinn. He had to be the most
mooned after Jedi in the history of the Order. While they never
discussed it in details, Obi-Wan could only believe that his
galactic hunk of a Master was propositioned all the time.
Obi-Wan himself was no underachiever in the attraction
department. He had been praised for his physical attractiveness
all his life and had his own long list of suitors of both sexes
for his impressive credential. Still, he couldn't help nursing
a small thought deep in his subconscious that his Master was
just too good for him.
Qui-Gon's all embracing love for Obi-Wan melted his doubts and
insecurity away bit by bit. It was a kind of love that was
expressed in lovemaking with heat and intensity that could melt
rock, in the vigils that the Jedi Master kept when Obi-Wan was
ill, in the incessant care and concern for Obi-Wan's mental and
physical well-bing both on mission and at home, and above all,
in the chasteness of thoughts and mind---Obi-Wan never caught
his Master with stray thoughts or eyes. He was unspeakably
grateful to Qui-Gon and a bit ashamed of himself for this as he
occasionally found his own imagination stirred by a pretty
stranger and his eyes did wicked things.
Qui-Gon's faithfulness helped Obi-Wan's faith grow to be the
sturdy belief that it was now.
<There just couldn't be a better year. Everything works out
splendid. The Force willing, Master and I may soon be ready for
a soul bond. When that happens, nothing, not even death will
separate us. I have the Force to thank for this> Obi-Wan's
gratitude was heartfelt although a tiny voice at the back of
his mind cautioned him against taking the Force for granted.
<It could be fickle, it could throw a curve ball at you when
you least expect it or could least afford to miss the ball.>
The tiny voice whispered.
Obi-Wan knew it was true. What nearly happened on Naboo proved
that.
Now that he had been granted and tasted love from his Master,
he did possess that something that he couldn't afford to lose.
When it came to Qui-Gon, he found out to his dismay that he
could trust no one, not even the Force. He would die before he
would let Qui-Gon go. Not even the Force had the right to take
Qui-Gon from him. He wouldn't have any of the nonsense that
there's no death, there's no departure, there's no grief and
stuff. He could only settle for Qui-Gon being anchored here and
now together with him right by his side. Nothing less.
Absolutely not. If the Force had another Naboo in store for
him, he wouldn't take it lying down. He would fight the Force
til Qui-Gon was safely back in his life, here and now, with
him, by his side.
<Or I'll die trying> Obi-Wan squinted and gritted his
teeth subconsciously as the determined but very un-Jedi thought
crossed his mind.
He heard the door open and promptly jumped out of the lounger.
The tall frame of Qui-Gon was just crossing the door as Obi-Wan
shrieked "Master! Welcome home" , boundless joy spilling from
his voice.
"Ah, it's good to be back. There's no place like home. I missed
you so much, my Obi-Wan. How's your fever? You really had me
worried." Qui-Gon's deep voice rang with love, concern and just
a hint of weariness.
The two men looked deeply into each other's eyes for a second,
saw passion and love, then hugged and kissed for many more
before Obi-Wan broke free to drink in the noble, handsome face
of his beloved. What he saw pained him.
" Neve mind me, you look haggard, Master! And you have lost
weight. You didn't eat right or sleep enough, did you? Or did
those stupid politicians give you a hard time? They have no
right to treat you like that. What are they, slave drivers?"
Obi-Wan's protectiveness in full swing now.
The young Knight's heart went out to his lover. He noticed the
dark circles under the older Jedi's eyes and his cheekbones
which were more pronounced than two weeks ago. He was hurting
for Qui-Gon and that made him mad. He hurriedly reach out with
the Force and tried to pour as much healing energy into
Qui-Gon's body as possible.
"I'm fine, Obi-Wan, I really am, just a little tired from work
and travelling. You know these things. It wouldn't be normal if
they don't take a bit out of you. What matters is I am now home
with you, my love. That makes everything all right." Qui-Gon
took Obi-Wan into his arms again and planted a gentle kiss on
his former student's forehead as he felt the tendril of force
from Obi-Wan wrapping around him. The Jedi Master was
profoundly touched by Obi-Wan's urge to look out for him.
" Ok, fine, but you have to let me pamper you tonight. I don't
want you to lift a finger all evening. And I won't take no for
an answer." Obi-Wan commanded.
" Yes, Master." Qui-Gon did an impression of how his former
Padawan used to answer to his instructions.
Seeing that Qui-Gon at least had enough left in him to attempt
humour, Obi-Wan turned and headed for the kitchen with a sigh.
" And you can stop sending me your energy. I am just a little
beat, not infirm, nothing good old homecooking and a hot bath
can't fix. You were the sick one not so long ago. You need to
conserve your strength." Qui-Gon said after him.
" We'll see." Obi-Wan said gleefully.
" Hmm, that smells good. Let me guess, aooli and shiratama
souffle?"
" Both your favourite. I made sure the the bird isn't stringy
this time. But we have to speak softly, the souffle may fall."
Obi-Wan delivered the oneliner with a deadpan expression.
That drew a laughter from Qui-Gon.
< O Force, how I love to see him laugh.> Obi-Wan smiled
along with Qui-Gon's laughter but felt tears stinging at the
back of his eyes.
The main dish was consumed with gusto. Qui-Gon had always had a
healthy appetite. His large muscular frame and hectic work
necessitated sizable meal portions. Obi-Wan watched with
satisfaction as his former Master finished everything on his
plate, even the aooli gravy, which he soaked up with panjiib
loaf. Somehow, the sight of Qui-Gon's devouring the food
touched another soft spot in Obi-Wan's heart. Such a noble hero
who gave so much for so little in return and treated nicely by
so few and so rarely. Tears threatened again. Obi-Wan blinked
them back as he vowed he would love and take care of the big
Jedi Master every way he possibly could.
" Oh, That was fantastic, Obi-Wan, I think you outdid even
yourself this time. This was without question the best aooli
I've ever had." Qui-Gon said with hearty appreciation.
" You ain't see nothing yet, Master. Want to hear the rest of
this evening's line up? First there'll be your favourite
desert, followed by a warm sonic soak with 5 spices ,then a
Galaxy famous massage Obi-Wan style, and to top everything off,
all the snuggling and cuddling you ever wanted before bed. I
had something naughtier planned, but you need rest, not
rigorous indoor sparrin......." Obi-Wan had wanted to sound
flippant to light up his Master's mood, but his voice trailed
off as he suddenly caught Qui-Gon's blue soulful eyes turning
watery soft.
"O, Obi-Wan, what would I do without you. You are so good to
me. I love you, I love you more than anything in the
Univese.Whatever happens, I love you, don't ever doubt it"
Qui-Gon extended his large hand to cup Obi-Wan's cheek as the
love-charged words came out.
<Doubt?> Obi-Wan went <what?> for a second but let
it pass. Obi-Wan turned his lips and kissed Qui-Gon's palm
without saying a word, his heart overflowing with love for his
former master.
They lost in each other's gaze and touch for a long while
before Qui-Gon said softly " I think I am ready for desert."
They both reined in their emotions over desert not wanting to
overcharge the homecoming with sentimentatiliy.
" Tell me about Knight Minook. I never met him in person. What
does he look like? Was he any good as your second in command? I
hear that he's an up and coming star among the newly Knighted"
Obi-Wan tried to change the subject to something less
emotional.
<What was that? Did Master's eyes grow a bit dim?>
Obi-Wan wasn't sure it happened or was only his imagination.
" Minook was a lot of help. Master Pomu did a good job on that
young man. He's smart, hardworking and very efficient. I
couldn't have closed it out without him. But, of course, if it
had been up to me, I'd much rather having you by my side,
Obi-Wan, anytime" Qui-Gon said affectionately.
"And I'd much rather it had been me who was by your side,
Master."Obi-Wan didn't notice the Jedi Master hadn't answered
the question on the looks of Minook.
" Well, I'd better start sparring with you tomorrow, Obi-Wan.
That souffle alone is going to put 2 stones on me." Qui-Gon
stood up and started clearing the table.
"Sit! Not a finger, I mean it. Just go on to you bath. It's
waiting for you in the tub, all warmed and spiced. I 'll be
right in giving you the massage after I am done out here. "
After the bath and the massage, the two went to bed with hands
entwined.
Obi-Wan already gave up on lovemaking tonight as the weariness
of the Jedi Master was written all over his face. Obi-Wan
planned to save it for the following night when the Jedi Master
would have rested and regained his vitality.
That explained his surprise when Qui-Gon began to rain kisses
all over his face and slowly strip away his tunic. The Jedi
Master's calloused hands fondled gently Obi-Wan's manhood
through the leggings. Obi-Wan found himself aroused and ready
in no time.
" Mmmm, Master, aren't you tired...oooo, I love you so much,
but this can waiiiit,Ooooo.... til morning when you'll be
res...." Obi-Wan's remaining words were stifled by Qui-Gon's
probing, burning kiss.
Breaking free to catch his breath, Qui-Gon said hoarsely " No,
Obi-Wan, I want you tonight. I want to make love to you here,
now. I waited for two damn weeks. I won't wait another second.
"
"Master!" Obi-Wan's voice was laced with passion. All cautions
thrown to the winds, Obi-Wan grabbed the nape of his Master's
neck and pulled him close for a fiery kiss, his hands tearing
at Qui-Gon's tunic hungrily seeking the broad muscled chest
lying underneath.
They went on for sometime before Obi-Wan found something
missing. Something that he had taken for granted as it normally
happened so effortlessly.
His lover's arousal.
Qui-Gon was a fine specimen of pristine physical condition. He
was also a powerful and skilled lover. Attaining an erection
had never been even a hint of a problem to him. He was always
ready in a second, no matter how tired. Obi-Wan had thought he
would be lucky to maintain such sexual vitality when he reached
Qui-Gon's age.
< Poor Master's just exhausted.>Obi-Wan put it down to
fatigue and tried patiently to work his lover into readiness.
After an unusually long stretch, Qui-Gon's arousal finally
happened and they made intense love culminating in Qui-Gon's
release inside of Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan came just a second later
spilling his warm seeds on the Jedi Master's chest. They were
both totally spent, Qui-Gon especially. The two of them drifted
into deep slumber almost instantly.
Obi-Wan woke up with a start. His lover no longer in his arms.
Fighting back sleepiness, he instinctively reached over to
Qui-Gon's side of the bed and found it empty.
That was enough to make him wide awake. Not bothering to search
for Qui-Gon in the dark, Obi-Wan reached out into the force and
opened a mental link to the Jedi Master.
<< Master, is everything all right? Why aren't you in bed
sleeping?>>
" I am all right, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon's voice came from the
window behind their bed.
Obi-Wan turned his head and saw his former Master standing by
the body length window with only his pants on staring out into
the moonlit midnight scene of Coruscant. His long hair
cascading freely about his broad shoulders.
<Force, Master's beautiful> Obi-Wan couldn't help admire
Qui-Gon's sculpted body under the light of Coruscant's binary
moons as he clothed himself and went to his lovers side.
Qui-Gon turned around and said gravely " Obi-Wan, we need to
talk."
Maybe it was Qui-Gon's tone of voice or maybe it was the look
of his eyes which spoke of secrets witheld or maybe it was just
the moonlight, but Obi-Wan suddenly felt a chill up his spine.
" What is it, Master? You are scarring me."
" Something happened on the mission. It's Minook." Qui-Gon's
voice was calm and levelled. But Obi-Wan could tell it was so
only with the help of the Force.
"What about him?"Obi-Wan asked without emotion but he already
guessed the answer. He knew where this was going. He could
already smell the impending disaster.
" Obi-Wan, before I go on, I want you to remember this very
carefully. There's no excuse for what I did but you have to
believe that at the end of it, you're the only person I love in
the whole Universe. I swear by the Force."
"Ok," <O Force help me, with an opener like that, this is
going to be a real big one> Obi-Wan braced himself against
the Force and prepared for the worst.
Qui-Gon swallowed hard and went on " Minook and I slept
together one night. We were out celebrating the signing of the
pre-agreement. We had a bit too much to drink. One thing led to
another and it happened. But it was only one night. I don't
love him." The Jedi Master finished the account as cursorily as
possible leaving out the parts where Minook had been infatuated
with him right from the start of the mission and had tried his
very best to seduce him. Forever the honourable one, Qui-Gon
was prepared to take full responsibility for what happened and
refused to lay blame on others.
His voice beginning to break now, Qui-Gon continued " I failed
you terribly. I thought about keeping it to myself. But I love
you too much to hold any secrets from you. You'd be doubly
devastated if you found out any other way."
Obi-Wan listened with glassy eyes. Before he knew it, tears
streamed down his face uncontrollably. But strangely, he found
himself unable to make a sound or move.
< So much for Master's chasteness, huh, , what a curve ball
from the Force. So it was guilt that cost Master his hardon
> Obi-Wan broke into a fit of giggles when that thought hit
his mind. But right away the giggles became strangled crying as
Obi-Wan stooped and curled into a tight ball. Voice and
movement came back as his world was caving in on him.
Unable to bear this any longer, Qui-Gon rushed forward and took
his broken lover into his arms not caring whether Obi-Wan would
shove him away with the Force.
" I am so sorry, my love. It kills me to see you so hurt and
broken. It kills me twice to know that I am the one who did
this to you." Qui-Gon's face was distorted with pain and guilt,
and tears were welling up in his eyes.
Obi-Wan didn't fight Qui-Gon's embrace. He didn't hold the Jedi
Master back, either. He just went all numb and limp in
Qui-Gon's arms while he continued to weep silently. He felt an
inexplicable absence of hate or anger, not towards Qui-Gon, or
even Minook, for that matter. He just felt a dull pang deep in
his guts. Maybe deep down, he always knew his lover was telling
the truth. Maybe his subconscious was at work and convinced him
that this was only to be expected when he went with someone the
whole Universe was pining after. Obi-Wan didn't know the
answer.
" I don't know how I could ever make this up to you. But if
it'd make you feel better, I'll lower my shields and let you in
on what happened on Veja 7. I have nothing to hide. I mean
every word when I said you're the only one I love, then, now
and forever." Qui-Gon's anguished voice rang true.
Obi-Wan didn't move as Qui-Gon slowly opened his mental link to
the young Knight and started filling him with images of his
memories of the mission.
Obi-Wan saw the evening.
He saw Qui-Gon and Minook celebrated the fruit of a days work
over food and wine with a group of friends. Minook was good
looking. He was tall, dark and gracefully built. And he was
very flirtatious. He fairly screamed I was infatuated with
Qui-Gon Jinn. He touched Qui-Gon for the lamest excuses and
openly seduced the Jedi Master with thinly disguised looks and
verbal overtures. Qui-Gon maintained a polite distance until
the effect of potent spirit kicked in. Qui-Gon did lust after
the young man towards the end. Minook didn't force himself on
Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master was just under the influence and lost
his control. He felt no love towards Minook before or
afterwards. Only limitless guilt, pain and anguish because of
Obi-Wan. From beginning to the end, Qui-Gon's thoughts were
with Obi-Wan.
But to Obi-Wan' horror, he did sense love through Qui-Gon's
projection. Not from Qui-Gon, but from Minook. The young man
had fallen in love with the Jedi Master after that night, head
over heels. And when Qui-Gon told him gently the next morning
that what happened between them was only for one night and
would not develop any further, the young Knight was first
devastated and then enraged. He stormed out and acted
vindictively towards Qui-Gon during the rest of the mission.
Mercifully, the mission was winding up anyway.
He had to appreciate the honesty of Qui-Gon's mental
projection. It gave him the whole picture, warts and all. If
that's what happened, he couldn't stay angry at his former
master for long, not that there was much anger to begin with.
He even managed to feel a little sorry for Minook. To have
tasted intimacy from a mangod like Qui-Gon once only to lose
that forever was a cruel cruel fate to bestow on anyone, even
an interloper. The pang in his guts began to subside. Obi-Wan
didn't realize when his tears had stopped falling. He found
himself still in his lover's strong arms and was suddenly aware
of Qui-Gon's musky manly smell and bare muscular chest. He
raised his head and looked at Qui-Gon with swollen eyes. He saw
anxiety, hurt, guilt, pain, remorse all woven into the Jedi
Master's wearied face. He sighed softly not knowing what to
think next.
"Obi-Wan, are you all right?" Gingerly, Qui-Gon asked in a
whisper.
" I don't know. You hurt me badly. You really did." Obi-Wan
said weakly.
" I know and I'll have to live with that guilt for the rest of
my life." Qui-Gon said. " There's just one thing I need to
know. Do you love him at all?" Obi-Wan asked in the gravest
possible manner.
" See for yourself, Obi-Wan" Qui-Gon laid bare his thoughts
again for Obi-Wan to see.
" All right, what should we do now?" Obi-Wan said with just a
hint of purring signifying that he was willing to let the thing
pass, at least for now.
" May be sleep on it?" Qui-Gon proposed.
" We'll have to draw all the curtains close. It's already day
break" Obi-Wan said with a wry smile.
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