Gooey-Moon

by MrsHamill (thamill@cox.net)

Archive: MA, WWOMB, and my site, Mom's Kitchen (www.squidge.org/~foxsden)
Category: Romance; humor, mush
Pairing: Q/O
Rating: Oh, I dunno. PG-13?
Summary: The Wheel boyz go back to Naboo, voluntarily this time.
Disclaimer: What, you think I own these guys? Do I even look like George Lucas? If this is not what you expected, please alter your expectations. No such thing as random coincidence. No such thing as too much lubricant. (Thank you, Mark Morford.)
Warning: A certain level (to the eyebrows, mostly -- okay, a LOT) of schmoop.
Series: Yes, a short snippet in the post-Wheel series, which started with "Sometimes, You Fly"
Notes: A pleasant and fluffy interlude for the boys, who deserve it, doncha think? This is a brief 'filler' story -- one among several that I'm planning -- which fits between the longer, plottier ones in this series. There's one coming up shortly, I promise. If you like it, bless Claude and Fox, for without their help, it would have sucked. Herewith is my attempt to put the list into insulin shock -- you wanted fluff... I'll give you fluff! MWAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

"You know, Naboo is really quite a beautiful world."

"I guess it is at that... I don't think I've ever had a chance to really look at it before."

"Well, now you do."

"Now... I'd rather look at you."

Despite their wishes to the contrary, Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi will forever be remembered among the heroes of Naboo, for the part they played in saving our world. It was not a lovely time for any of us, though I could have wished that the stupid Trade Federation would have waited another six months for their blockade, so that my successor would have been chosen and would have had to deal with them. As it was, the elections were put off until after restoration was complete, which meant nearly another year of reign for me. I was ready to be relieved... it had been a long term of office.

When I heard my favorite Jedi were to marry, I naturally extended them the best Naboo had to offer for their wedding and honeymoon, and was delighted when they took me up on it. Meeting them and talking to them before sending them along to the cabin was a good way for me to avoid the whole election frenzy, which is tiresome at the best of times.

They arrived on-planet early in the morning, and agreed to meet me for breakfast in the palace. They looked tired, Jedi Kenobi especially, but also relieved to be away from Coruscant. I managed to keep the breakfast small and intimate, with only the three of us and three others from my court who could not be ignored due to protocol.

Protocol. Another thing I wasn't going to miss.

They were obviously very much in love. They sat together and touched constantly, and Jedi Jinn was just so terribly attentive to Jedi Kenobi. I watched them with increasing delight as our meal continued and they told us the latest gossip from the Senate. They explained they were only able to stay for a month, which was less than they would like, but there were missions waiting for them. I told them of the cottage I had chosen for them up in the lake country, and waved away their offers of payment.

"This is something that you must let the citizens of Naboo do for you," I said. "The cabin is fully furnished--" Yes, it was, with a bed the size of a small city and a bathtub even Master Jinn could take laps in-- "and stocked with food. A speeder will be at your disposal, and should you need anything, you only have to ask via dataset and it will be delivered, if you like. All charges come back to the palace."

"Oh, your Highness," Jedi Kenobi protested. "That's really beyond..."

"I won't hear any objections," I said, raising my hand and smiling at them. "It will be my last official action as Queen, so you really must let me have my way."

They looked at each other and then at me, no doubt feeling helpless. Good. I wanted them to enjoy themselves -- they'd earned a respite, if any of the stories I'd heard were true. "After our breakfast, I can have Sabe show you where your speeder is -- the positioner is programmed for the cabin. It takes about two hours to get there by skimmer, so please feel free to walk around Theed before you leave. We are all so pleased and honored that you decided to come here for your marriage celebration."

I could tell they had just about given up, so I brought out the big guns. "It's my understanding that the nuptials haven't actually occurred... is that right?"

With a slight sigh, they nodded. "There is a wonderful man, a cleric in the local Universal Life congregation, who has been my family's attendant for years now. He's in semi-retirement at the summer palace, which is near your cabin. I'm sure he would be pleased to officiate over a quiet, private ceremony for you."

Their faces, which had been taking on a suspicious look as I spoke, suddenly cleared -- it was like watching the sun come out from behind a cloud. "Shall I comm him and tell him to expect your call?" I continued guilelessly.

"Thank you, your Highness," Master Jinn said. My, the man's voice was beautiful. "That would be a kindness."

"Consider it done," I said. I knew Reverend Buddard would be thrilled to officiate at their wedding, and the gentle old man would be just right for these Jedi. Then a thought struck me... "What do you plan to exchange? Rings? Bracelets?"

The looked at each other in confusion, and I thought to myself, men. "You have thought about something, haven't you? On Naboo, we generally exchange rings -- either finger or ear."

"I don't think... I mean..." Jedi Kenobi looked quite endearingly flustered over the whole idea.

"Actually, your Highness," Jedi Jinn said, looking at Kenobi, "the Jedi don't really go for ornamentation. I think we'll probably bypass the whole exchange thing."

"Ah," I said, realizing that what he said was undoubtedly true. "I understand. It does seem a shame, however." They glanced at each other in some sort of silent communication, and then smiled at me.

My goodness, they were just so adorable together.

"There's some more! What are those things?"

"I have no idea -- but they are, by far, the ugliest quadrupeds I've ever seen."

"Do you know what they remind me of?"

"What?"

"Those tiny, blood-sucking insects that you have to pull off yourself whenever you go to Dagobah. The little brown things. You know what I mean."

"Little gods. You're right. Don't stop the speeder."

Her Highness had asked me to prepare her family's cabin for some visiting dignitaries, and I was happy to oblige even before I found out it was those two Jedi who had done so much to help her and us during the Trouble. I remembered seeing them -- a tall one and one who was not so tall; nice looking fellows. But all those Jedi are -- well, maybe not the ones who aren't human-looking.

I made sure to be there when they showed up so that I could let them into the cabin and show them how to call out for supplies and things. She had told me it was a special time for them, and I think I knew what it was -- I can recognize newly-weds when I see them. It's been many years since I was a newly-wed, but I can remember the feeling.

They got there in the speeder the Queen had lent them and they just looked around in a daze... they all do that the first time they come up here. The cabin is kind of nestled against the trees at the beginning of the foothills -- though I wouldn't call it a cabin. That sort of implies roughing it, you know, and this place is anything but rough. More like a palace than anything. Better than my house, for certain.

So I let them in, and gave them the keycard, and showed them where the power packs were and all that -- not that they'd need to change them, since I had when I got there. The kitchen was all stocked with food and stuff, and there was everything anybody could ever need inside that cabin. They wouldn't need to come out for a whole month, if that's what they wanted, and I told them that.

"Are there any neighbors to the cabin?" the tall one asked as the smaller one looked around like he was in a dream or something.

"Well, I'd be your nearest neighbor," I told them, "I'm about three klicks that way." I pointed off down the mountain, towards the summer palace. "There's nobody else up here at all, 'cepting some animals. And there's no large predators in this part of the country neither."

"Is the lake good for swimming?" the shorter one asked, and I grinned at him.

"For me? Nah. It's a mite cold -- spring-fed, you know. But for you Jedi, you're a bit hardier than I am. It is good for fishing, though. The Naberries keep it stocked." Before they could say anything, I added, "There's fishing gear in the shed out back, the key to the lock is in the first cupboard."

"Her Highness said this place was near the summer palace; was that what we passed on the way up?" the tall one asked. "There's someone we're supposed to meet there later in the week."

"Yep," I said. "The entrance is on the lake side. There's nobody much there when the Queen isn't in residence, but who's there is probably expecting you. They'll let you in."

So, we finished up the tour, and I showed them where the clean linens were (like I said, I do remember being a newly-wed) and asked them if they had any questions. The shorter one came over to the taller one and darned if they didn't wrap their arms around each other and smile like... well, like they were on their gooey-moon. I mentioned that to them, and they laughed.

"Gooey-moon?" the tall one said, and I laughed back.

"Yeah, it's what my granddaughter calls it," I said with a grin. "My husband's been dead these past two years, but I remember what it was like to be newly-wed. You two have a good time, and just be by yourself for a while. There's enough trouble in the universe -- 'specially for you Jedi -- and you can leave it be for this time. You got to love while you can, you know."

Well, it was the shorter one who got all serious at that, and he held out his hand. "Thank you, Ser Douet," he said, very solemnly.

"Ah, it's just Emday, and if you need anything, you comm me for it, now."

I shook their hands and went out to my skimmer. They closed the door behind me and I bet they were already in each others' arms, doing that 'gooey' stuff like Lorea calls it.

It's nice to be able to give something back to those that helped us.

"This is..."

"I know. It almost feels wrong to accept it..."

"We can't insult the Queen, now. Just keep thinking that."

"I'd rather think about that huge bathtub in there. I think... I think I saw water jets in it."

"You did? Oh."

"Yeah."

"Bath?"

"Bath. Both of us."

"Oh, definitely. Race you to the 'fresher."

When I was younger, I presided over Padme Naberrie's naming, just as I had done for her mother and her aunts and cousins. I know the girl very well -- the Naberrie family has been giving Naboo queens for many, many generations and I knew when I held her as a babe that she was destined for great things.

I was pleased to help when she commed me and told me about the Jedi. They are not members of our religion, but that was hardly important. The Jedi are a religion unto themselves, in many ways, and I was at least appreciative for the help they had given us during the Trouble, as we've come to call it.

They commed me within a few days, and I set up a meeting with them the following afternoon. I wanted to know what to expect, what they would want in the way of a ceremony -- if they were all the way out here alone, then it was obvious that they weren't interested in something grand and ridiculous. Since I was in semi-retirement, that suited me. Grand and ridiculous was for youngsters.

These two were certainly not youngsters. I met them at the gate of the palace and took them to the terrace where I often had tea, inviting them to join me, asking their names and requesting they call me Imj. It was a lovely day, as it often was this time of year, and the sun felt wonderful on me.

"I was quite pleased at sweet Padme's request, you know," I told them, pouring tea. "I would do anything for the dear girl, but this also gives me a chance to thank you for your help."

"We were only doing our duty," the older one, Qui-Gon, protested mildly, but I waved him off.

"Of course, you're Jedi," I said. "But it doesn't preclude our feeling grateful." I smiled at them -- they sat across the small table from me, holding hands, so obviously in love. "Tell me, then, do you have anything specific planned? Padme told me you were interested in something small and intimate."

"Yes, that would suit us well," Obi-Wan replied. "We've already been feted and partied over until we're quite sick of it."

I smiled at them. "That usually comes after the wedding," I said, and they chuckled.

"We seem to be doing just about everything backwards," Qui-Gon said ruefully, and Obi-Wan snorted.

"I think that's fairly normal for us," he added.

"Well, then, let's see what we can do to continue your streak," I said. "Do you have vows you'd prefer? I can show you the text of what I normally use, or we can use your own."

We discussed the particulars of the ceremony for a good while, and they were pleased with the wording of my usual short ceremony, but made a few small adjustments. We agreed on a time -- at noon -- and a place -- here at the palace, on the terrace overlooking the lake. They were quite taken with the old place, something I understood. I loved it too. I was a bit surprised that they weren't exchanging any tokens, but that wasn't strictly necessary. Vows were vows, after all, and a token was simply that, a token.

As for a date, they were amenable. "We're here for a bit less than a month," Qui-Gon said. "Whenever you have time would be fine with us." It's always so good to work with older folk, who understand there's never a hurry for such things. Youngsters can get so impatient at times.

Since I have no real set schedule, I suggested the next day. "The weather should hold, and since you want it outside, that's a consideration." They nodded. "We'll need a witness, and I suggest Eitae, the chatelaine here. She's a lovely woman -- if a bit on the overbearing side at times -- and she'll have to be notified of the ceremony in any event."

"That would be fine," Qui-Gon says, after a quick glance to his intended. "We don't want to cause a fuss."

"Oh, we won't go that far," I said, smiling at them. "I'm sure Eitae will want to provide you with a wedding lunch, but it'll be just for the few of us here. The summer palace is generally busy this time of year, but with it being an election year..." I shrugged. "It's a bit lonely, to be truthful. Your wedding will be the high spot of the season for us."

They laughed at that, and we talked some more about them, their lives, and what it meant to be a Jedi. I knew precious little about our saviors, and what they shared with me was amazing. I'm impressed that they actually had time to fall in love, much less get married.

I'm a pretty good judge of character, and I would say that this couple was in it for the long haul. They were obviously in love, but it was the kind of love that wouldn't burn itself out in a few years. They would be together until death parted them -- literally. And with what they told me about their Force... why, I could see them together even after that.

It was lovely, and reminded me of my own love, dead these many years. You get to be my age and you say many more goodbyes than hellos. I felt that they probably knew that too, though.

"You've been very quiet all the way back, love. Thinking?"

"I guess."

"Tomorrow... it is all right for you, isn't it?"

"Oh, gods yes. I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to think..."

"I was just a little worried."

"Don't be -- not about that. It's just that... this whole thing has taken on overtures of a dream to me. It... it doesn't feel real at all."

"I know."

"You do?"

"Certainly; you think you're the only one who is finding all his dreams coming true to be something of a shock?"

"I... you... "

"Yes?"

"I... I... I love you, you know."

"Yes, I do. I love you too. Let me show you how much..."

"Oh, yes. Yes, please. Oh... OH! QUI-GON!"

That Imj Buddard is really a useless old man. Scheduling something like a wedding -- a wedding for the two most important Jedi ever to visit Naboo no less! -- in less than a day! I mean really. How could I be expected to get everything ready in just an afternoon, evening and morning?

He went to great pains to explain to me that they didn't want to be fussed over, and I can understand that. After all, they're Jedi, and I imagine they have to go through more formal folderol time-wasting than even the Queen does. But my stars, there was just no way I was going to do absolutely nothing for them! Even if it was just the six of us -- them, Imj and me, Doulae the cook and Pom the steward -- attending.

Doulae, bless her soul, came through with a splendid wedding cake for them -- small, of course, but simply beautiful and luscious-looking, filled with a fruit compote. I helped a little with the luncheon, and of course we kept it simple. Pom and I decorated the terrace where they wanted the ceremony, keeping it simple there too... lots of flowers, of course, and some pretty streamers in blue, white and gold. There was a gentle breeze off the lake that helped, and by the time we were done -- too close to noon for my taste! -- it looked just lovely.

This time, I insisted on meeting them when they came into the palace -- I could not believe Imj had bypassed me the day before. My, such handsome men... the older one, Qui-Gon, was a tall man with long, silvered hair and a neat beard, while the shorter, Obi-Wan, was very nearly a red-head -- longish ginger hair and beard to match. They were like all the Jedi I've met -- well, all right, I haven't met that many Jedi, but still -- calm, restrained, poised, polite to the point of insanity almost. And their voices... oh, my. I think I'm going to have dreams about those voices of theirs.

They were wearing white clothing, which I think was their formal gear. It was very nice, layers of very comfortable-looking cloth and tall, strong boots. Imj told me they were spending their vacation at the Naberries' cabin further up in the mountains. Nice of her Highness to lend that place to them.

I was happy that they were pleased with the arrangements and the decorations on the terrace, and it was obvious they were. They just stopped dead at the doorway to the terrace and goggled, and the younger one, Obi-Wan, well I could swear I saw tears in those gorgeous eyes of his.

They were just all over each other, the whole time they were with us, both before and after the ceremony. It was too cute for words... they were either holding hands or embracing in one way or another all the time. Pom, who hasn't got a romantic bone in his entire body, just shook his head and rolled his eyes, but Doulae was like me, and we kept sighing and smiling sappily at each other whenever we noticed them.

I have to admit that the ceremony, while short, was very special. Old Imj can at least do that well. He had them stand facing each other, in front of him, while he stood at the balustrade with his back to the lake. The wind had died down to just a tiny breeze, one that was cooling in the hot sun. The sky was purely cloudless, a beautiful day.

"We are gathered here today," Imj began, "to witness the life vows of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. These two beings have come together and have been joined, soul-to-soul, and wish to declare to all their intent to remain bonded in matrimony for the rest of their lives and beyond.

"Marriage is a sacred rite, and not one to be entered into lightly. It requires work on both parts to keep it sound and happy. There will be times when the bond between you is strained, by factors which today may seem far, far away. Always remember: while troubles may come and go, your love for each other remains, as long as you let it do so. Do not settle for the bright, hot flame of lust; but rather, let your love burn between you, low and warm, so that it can be a comfort to you when you must be apart from each other."

I always cry at weddings, there's just something about them. I made sure to have a hankie with me, and brought an extra just in case. I heard Doulae sniffing beside me as well, though we kept it quiet in deference to their ceremony.

"Please join hands," Imj told them, and they did. I don't think they looked away from each other's eyes for the whole time they stood there. "Do you, Qui-Gon Jinn, join with this man, Obi-Wan Kenobi, in the bond of matrimony; do you pledge to cherish him, to honor him, to love and share with him all that life may bring to you together; the good and the bad, the Light and the Darkness?"

"I do," Qui-Gon said, and his voice just barely cracked. I sniffed and swallowed a big lump in my throat.

"Do you, Obi-Wan Kenobi, join with this man, Qui-Gon Jinn, in the bond of matrimony; do you pledge to cherish him, to honor him, to love and share with him all that life may bring to you together; the good and the bad, the Light and the Darkness?"

"Oh, I do, I do with all my heart," Obi-Wan breathed, just barely loud enough for us to hear. I heard Doulae sniffing again and passed her my spare hankie.

"Then I say to ye, go now, in peace," Imj said, switching to formal language for his benediction. That always makes me choke up, too. "Your lives have been pledged to one another, as your souls have been joined. What the Force hath brought together, let none put asunder; not even death, for there is no death, there is the Force. Blessed be your path, and may you walk together in the ways of the Light forever.

"So mote it be."

"So mote it be," we all repeated, some of us a little more thickly than others.

"You can kiss, now," Imj added with twinkle in his eye, and they did, kissing each other with such a tender sweetness and love that it just took my breath away. Their hands were still joined, and the sun shone down on them almost in benediction.

We gave them a nice free moment of silence, then began to applaud and toss the confetti we'd come prepared with. They broke their kiss and looked at us, stunned it almost seemed, until their faces just melted into sweet happiness. My stars, such a handsome couple.

They liked the cake, too, and took a big chunk of it back with them when they left. I was glad none of it went to waste.

"What the...?"

"Oh, good, it got here! I was worried."

"What is it?"

"It's a present."

"A present? For who, me?"

"No, for the fishes. Silly man, of course for you."

"What is it?"

"Why don't you open it and find out?"

"Little gods, I don't know... oh! Obi-Wan! This is..."

"It's Nubian silk. I just fell in love with it when I saw it in Theed, but they didn't have your size, so I had to order it. I am not used to having all this credit around."

"It's magnificent!"

"I'm glad you like it."

"Like it? I love it! And... it fits perfectly. It's so soft... it almost feels like water... oh, so very soft..."

"Feels like your skin does to me."

"Oh, my love..."

"And I was right... the color does match your eyes."

"But I didn't get you anything..."

"Are you joking? You've made all my dreams come true. And bought me a case of root beer. I think that's enough."

"I love you."

"I know."

It was a month almost to the day that the Jedi returned to Theed in the speeder the Queen had made available to them. When they left, I remember thinking how stressed-out they appeared, especially Knight Kenobi, and how tired they seemed to be. Their return brought two completely different men to me -- they were smiling, rested, tanned (I wondered if they were tanned everywhere and mentally smacked myself for that thought) and had a light in their eyes I've not seen very often. I think it was joy.

I was glad. They deserved happiness. And... well... I just liked them. They were likeable men.

They commed me the night before they left the cabin, so I was waiting for them at the palace. The elections were at their frenzied height, and I was secretly glad that I had a duty that took me away from it all. Being a handmaiden and a bodyguard was a tiring, draining job.

"I won't ask you if you've had a good time," I told them when they pulled to a stop before me. "I can see it from here."

Jedi Kenobi, the younger one, blushed quite fetchingly at my words, and I smiled. His companion -- his husband now, according to the Queen -- grinned back. "We most certainly did, thank you for saying so, young handmaiden," he replied, and it was my turn to blush. Young handmaiden indeed. That man could make a little old granny feel warm inside.

"The Queen has requested your presence at dinner, if it is possible, tonight," I told them, but actually, I knew they couldn't. Being assigned as I am, I know many things that I don't really know, if you understand.

"I wish we could," Jedi Kenobi said with sincere regret. He was piling their baggage -- a bit more than when they arrived! -- next to the speeder. "We've received a message from the Council recalling us. There's a mission waiting."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," I said, and was almost surprised to realize I genuinely was sorry. I would miss them. "I'll be sure to pass on your regrets. May I give you a lift to the port?"

"No, that's fine, but thank you for the offer," Jedi Jinn said. He hefted half their bags over his huge shoulder, and wrapped his free arm around his husband. "Since this is the last we'll see of your beautiful world for a while, I think we'd rather walk and enjoy it."

I smiled at them. "Well then, don't let me impede you. Have a safe journey. I know I speak for myself as well as the Queen when I say, please come back sometime. The cabin will always be open for you." We bowed and smiled, and I watched as they walked away, hand-in-hand.

They were just too adorable together.

I wish I could find someone to love me like that.

"Everything stowed?"

"Uh-huh. Ready for liftoff. We've been given clearance."

"Go ahead, then, I'm ready."

"..."

"I'll miss this place."

"I will too. It was good to exchange good memories for bad."

"Yes, it was. Perhaps we can take the Queen up on her offer someday."

"Perhaps we can. But I know one thing."

"And that is, oh husband mine?"

"I'll always carry a bit of our gooey-moon with me, no matter where we are."

"And you call me overly romantic."

"Oh, just shut up and kiss me."

end