Spoilers: Only for the series this has evolved into.
(Damnation, I actually have a series going.)
Archive: Master and Apprentice, yes; Anyone else who wants it,
sure, absolutely! Please leave my name on there.
Rating: Some parts PG-13, some parts God knows what else.
Warnings: No actual sex, just some wishful thinking on
Obi-Wan's part. Not for lack of trying, but Qui-Gon isn't in
the mood. Amazing, huh?
Summary: Obi-Wan is out of the Infirmary, Qui-Gon is in serious
Coddle-mode, and it's annoying the pig snerv out of said
Padawan.
Disclaimer: (glances at the time on the clock and considers
crawling into a corner and pulling it in after self). It's way
too late for too much nonsense, so we'll just keep it short,
sweet, and simple. George Lucas owns Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan; I own
Hosko. Any references to living and or dead characters or
coincidental situations is purely accidental. Don't sue, I'd
have to rob a bank, and two wrongs make no right, just a hefty
jail term. On the other hand, I do need a college
education . . .
Author's note: As I mentioned above, wonder of wonders, this
has somehow grown into a series, although I define this term
loosely. If it's a series at all, it's a series of short-term
neuron failures as I hone my smart-assishness and indulge in
being a fun-loving sarcastic prankster. I don't know if I'll do
anything else along this ficline after this story, but if
anyone has seen anything in these stories that they wanna use,
feel free to do so, just mention your source. I'll be so happy,
you'll probably find me clinging to the ceiling, chittering
like a fruit bat high on fructose syrup! Well, either it's me,
or an exceptionally cranky termite. I'll leave it up to you to
decide which is the lesser of two evils.
Feedback: (flashes card proclaiming self as member of the
Psycho, Wacko-Stripey Union.) Insanity: You know it makes
sense! As does feedback. If you give me feedback, I promise to
do my best to continue to entertain you! There will be an
Obi-Wan in everyone's shower, a Qui-Gon in everyone's bed, and
a plot bunny to keep them motivated. And of course, no taxes.
Send your vote here: rogue10@hotmail.com This is a recording .
. .
"Kobi, I'm too young to die!"
Obi-Wan glared at his friend, Hosko. Obi-Wan had been released
from the Infirmary earlier that day -- finally -- and he
was under orders from his master to take it easy.
Unfortunately, his master had meant sitting on his butt in
their quarters all day. This was unacceptable to Obi-Wan. He'd
been inactive for a week and a half. If he had to take it easy,
fine, but he wasn't going to take it sitting down!
"Hosko, stop whining! You're entirely too worried about
Qui-Gon. I can handle him," Obi-Wan said heatedly.
The older Padawan snorted and said, "And I believe that like I
believe a Sith would waltz around in a pink tutu."
Obi-Wan started snickering at the mental image that came to
mind.
"Stop laughing! You know you're going to get into a
galaxy-load of trouble when Qui-Gon catches up to you. Why
don't you just behave yourself and go do as your Master
told you to do?" Hosko demanded.
"Because my Master promised me that when I got out of
the Infirmary he'd put me through a grueling physical workout.
I really am looking forward to it, compared to the sheer
boredom of staying in bed all day!"
"All by yourself, you mean?"
"Now you're catching on."
"No, I'm getting a bad feeling, is what I'm doing. You promised
you'd take it easy!"
"I am!"
"We're in a sparring ring!" Hosko shouted, losing his
patience.
Obi-Wan nodded, hefting his lit saber once more. "Very
observant. Now, are you going to spar with me, or not? We're
not doing anything more strenuous than first level practice
drills for beginning Padawans. That is taking it easy."
"You realize, of course, that your Master is most likely going
to have an entirely different point of view on what 'taking it
easy' means, don't you?" Hosko sighed, keeping his saber
pointed down.
"For the last time, I tell you, I can handle him!"
Obi-Wan snapped.
Hosko started to snap back, then clamped down on a grin when
the door behind Obi-Wan at the other end of the training hall
whooshed open and an irate Jedi Master came steaming through
it, stalking towards the two younger men. "Oh, yeah? Well, get
flexible, Force-boy, and kiss your ass goodbye." And with that,
he nodded over Obi-Wan's shoulder.
Before Obi-Wan could even turn to acknowledge the simmering
presence he felt bearing down on him, a roar blasted through
the training hall.
"Obi-Wan!!"
The Padawan in question cringed inwardly at the tone of voice
and decibel level. He hadn't heard Qui-Gon's voice get like
that since the younger man had thrown himself into the breach
of an attack that could have severely wounded or killed
Qui-Gon. Never mind the fact that he had defended himself and
his master adequately, allowing them to escape to safety. Of
course, that was back before they'd become lovers, and Obi-Wan
hadn't known the depth of Qui-Gon's feelings for him . . . But
still, the younger Jedi knew he'd seriously irritated the older
man.
Well, that makes the two of us, Obi-Wan grumbled to
himself as he turned to face his master.
Qui-Gon had come to a stop directly behind his apprentice, so
that when Obi-Wan turned, they were nearly nose to nose with
each other as the Master leaned over slightly, going for
outright intimidation where "Master's Order" hadn't seemed to
work.
Hosko took one look at the glinting dark blue eyes and
thunderstorm expression on the revered Jedi Master's face, and
decided that courage was the better part of valor. "I'll see
you around, Kobi. Eventually," he muttered, sketched a hasty
bow in Qui-Gon's direction, and walked swiftly out of the
sparring ring and out the doors of the training hall.
Qui-Gon never even acknowledged the other boy's presence. His
voice was hard as steel and cold as snow when he said softly,
"Padawan, I do believe I gave you a specific set of
instructions for today."
His blue-gray eyes roiling like storm clouds, Obi-Wan matched
his lover's tone and replied, "Yes, Master, you did."
"And what were those instructions, Padawan?"
"To take it easy, Master."
Qui-Gon nodded. Then he reached down quickly and snatched his
apprentice's lightsaber out of his hand, deactivated it, and
shook it in his fist. "That's right. And this does
not constitute taking it easy!" he bellowed. Force
help me, Qui-Gon thought. Nothing can make me lose my
cool faster than my Padawan taking chances with his continued
good health.
"Then you should have said so, Master!" Obi-Wan snapped
back. "To me, First Level Padawan Beginner's lessons is
taking it easy! It's a lot easier than the grueling workout you
promised me."
Qui-Gon's expression froze into severe displeasure. "Are you
accusing me of going back on my word, Padawan?"
Obi-Wan flushed slightly at his faux pas; he knew better than
to suggest such a thing, but Qui-Gon's attempts to continue to
coddle him were annoying him to hell and gone! "No, Master," he
said, though with a lot less anger. "But you did say that you
would-"
"And I will, apprentice. When I feel you are ready for it. As
the Master, I determine when you are ready for your lessons, or
have you forgotten that fact?" Qui-Gon said, relenting only
slightly in the face of Obi-Wan's acquiescence.
"Master, I feel fine!" the Padawan said, struggling to keep a
tighter reign on his words and anger. Force, but he loved this
man before him; he didn't want to say anything that might hurt
his beloved. The instinct to protect his Qui-Gon from all harm,
including his own, was instinctive reflex. That didn't mean he
wasn't willing to argue, though. "I really feel fit and capable
of resuming my physical routines." All of them, the
sudden warm expression in his eyes added silently.
Qui-Gon blew out a breath, releasing his annoyance and temper
into the Force. I wonder how much trouble a revered Jedi
Master would get into if he re-wrote the Code to a more
up-to-date phrasing? Qui-Gon wondered silently to himself.
Not that I think it would go over real well if I changed a
few things on the passion and anger parts, but a man can wish
sometimes, Jedi or no. Whoever wrote the Code obviously never
had an Obi-Wan in their life. He paused to consider that,
and suddenly felt extreme remorse for that long-dead writer.
That is truly a crying shame.
Returning his attention to said Padawan, he studiously ignored
the blatant invitation in Obi-Wan's
more-blue-than-gray-at-the-moment gaze and said, "I'm certain
you do, Obi-Wan. However, you also felt well enough while you
had the fever, even though it was obvious you were ill.
The Seradian Flu is dangerous in that it subtly saps your
strength, your energy, without you even realizing it. The only
warning anyone gets is the skin discoloration, which is why I
knew you needed the Healers' attentions. You need another day
or so to build your strength back up. Then you shall get the
physical activity you crave."
"That's fine," Obi-Wan purred, suddenly changing tactics as his
thoughts changed direction as well. He lifted his arms and
draped them around Qui-Gon's neck and leaned up so that his
mouth was barely touching the other man's. "But right now, what
I crave is you." With no other warning, he kissed his
lover deeply, lovingly.
Qui-Gon let out a low moan, his arms coming up automatically to
hold his young lover against him, kissing the younger man
hungrily. Oh, fuzzy gods, he had missed this . . . "No!"
He suddenly loosened his hold on Obi-Wan and pushed him away at
arm's length. "No, Obi-Wan!"
Obi-Wan blinked up at him in hurt confusion. What had he done .
. .?
The older man saw this, could feel his lover's self-doubt, and
reached up to stroke a smooth cheek. Looking into the blue-gray
eyes, he said softly, "You have done nothing wrong, my love.
Other than disobey my orders, that is, to be careful with
yourself. I simply do not want to tax your strength, and when
we come together, I'm going to make the most of it. Do you
understand?"
The younger man shook his head, frowning. "No, not really.
You're as hungry for me as I am for you and yet you
still insist on coddling me! Insist on believing that
I'm too frail to handle anything, even your love." His hurt and
feeling of insult was apparent as he glared up at his lover and
demanded, "Am I really so weak in your eyes that you don't
believe in me?"
Qui-Gon went rigid at the return insult his Padawan had just
given him. "If I thought that, Obi-Wan; if I did not
believe in you, then you would not be my Padawan. It is
you who seems to have neither faith in my reasons for
choosing a particular course of action, nor respect for my
wishes to remain on that path."
Obi-Wan's face went pale as his master's words slammed into
him. Qui-Gon had to fight hard to resist the urge to
immediately apologize and beg forgiveness. Now is not the
time for the lover to be in control, he ruthlessly
admonished himself. Now is the time for the Master persona.
No matter what I feel.
He would have been hurt, almost devastated, by his master's
verbal lashing, if it hadn't been for the slight tightening
around Qui-Gon's eyes and mouth, and the darkened color of his
blue eyes. Those magnificent eyes were the particular shade
that Obi-Wan had come to recognize as restraint combined with
inner remorse; the tightening of the skin meant that Qui-Gon
was holding back, trying to act in the capacity of Master when
the lover wanted free reign. As he recognized this, Obi-Wan
also recognized the truth of Qui-Gon's words. He had
been thinking selfishly, pressing Qui-Gon for loving when it
was clear the older man would not be entirely happy if they did
wind up in bed. At least that day. He still didn't agree with
his master's idea of "taking it easy," but he should have more
respect for the man he loved to take no for an answer in
certain cases.
His expression soft enough to imply understanding, Obi-Wan
bowed slightly and said quietly, "You're right, Master. I'm
sorry; I have been thinking selfishly, and that was not fair to
you, nor right. I still disagree with you wanting me to stay
sitting down all day, but I will respect your wishes." He gave
Qui-Gon a small smile. "You usually do have a good reason for
wanting something done a particular way, I must admit."
Qui-Gon could have wept at that moment, if he were not a man of
tight control. He knew that Obi-Wan was not cowed, was merely
stating his obedience and partial agreement. In that moment, he
was fiercely proud of the young man who stood before him. It
didn't help him any in trying to ignore the desire that ate at
him, but he'd deal with it as he went along.
Smiling, he replied, "Thank you, Padawan." He regarded Obi-Wan
for a moment, then sighed. "Perhaps it is not necessary for you
to sit down to take it easy. However!" He held up a hand to
forestall Obi-Wan's grin. "Neither are you to do any sort of
training today. I shall give you some light errands to run
today, providing you don't take that statement literally. Will
that suit you?"
Obi-Wan gave him a half-bow. "Perfectly, Master. I don't
believe it will tax my strength too badly, unlike more ...
strenuous ... activity." He couldn't resist giving his master's
body a long, heated look.
Qui-Gon stifled both a groan and his body's natural response to
the searing heat of that gaze. "Very well, then. You may get us
some lunch from the cafeteria, then return to our quarters.
I'll have drawn up a list for you by then."
"Yes, Master. Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan replied, bowing. He
followed Qui-Gon out of the training hall, then took his leave
of the older man, turning in the other direction to fetch their
lunch, as requested.
By the time he got back with a light lunch that they both
enjoyed, Qui-Gon had done as promised and drawn up a list for
him. Obi-Wan looked it over, noting that there were thirty
small odd jobs to take care of. He blinked as he noticed number
twenty-six. Feed the Scorian duckling?
He turned to Qui-Gon. "Oh, Master..."
"Yes, Obi-Wan?"
"If you wouldn't mind answering one teensy question for me..."
"And that would be...?"
"Scorian duckling? Since when did we pick up one of
those?"
Qui-Gon fought the urge to squirm. His apprentice had made it
clear that he was somewhat irritated of the Master's ability to
attract what he termed "pathetic lifeforms." "I almost stepped
on it down in the Pond Garden a couple of days ago. As it is, I
kicked it across the grass about six feet when I stumbled and
it waddled right in front of me. I couldn't very well just
leave it. I set it up in a nest down in the vet's
garden. Callana didn't mind in the least." He paused to
consider that. "Actually, she took one look at me and said that
she wasn't surprised."
Obi-Wan's face split into a wide grin. "I'm not either, Master.
Well, let me get on with my short list of chores. Although what
you would be doing with a stack of Corellian childrens' books
that I need to return for you is beyond me."
"Master Xenen asked me to drop them off at the Library for him
yesterday and I never got around to it," Qui-Gon explained.
"Ah. And here I thought you had them so you could read them to
that little puff duck you used as a kickball," Obi-Wan sassed,
then yelped and laughed when Qui-Gon caught him and yanked him
close enough to ruffle his hair.
He smiled up at his beloved master and then pressed a short,
singeing kiss to Qui-Gon's mouth. The older man pulled back in
a daze and Obi-Wan squirmed loose. "I'll see you around today,
Master," he said smugly, and then gathered up his list, his
cloak, and the books to return, and left their quarters.
And so it went, all through the day. Obi-Wan ran the errands
his master had drawn up for him, and every time he chanced
across the Master, he made it a point to give light caresses or
kisses to the older man. His plan was to at least drive
Qui-Gon's frustration levels nearly as high as his own. And
maybe, just maybe, by this evening, his master would have
decided that after a day of resting, such as it was, Obi-Wan
would be ready for a little loving.
Qui-Gon knew very well what his bratty imp's plan was and he
still found that it was remarkably effective. Every time he saw
the younger man after the last kiss or caress, his urge to haul
Obi-Wan into his arms and kiss him senseless was harder and
harder to conceal. By the time the younger man reached errand
number fifteen on his list, Qui-Gon had come up with a plan of
his own for later that evening. It made enduring his lover's
caresses slightly easier.
Obi-Wan trudged into the shared Master/Padawan quarters later
that evening, somewhat surprised and slightly disgruntled to
realize he was tired; as tired as his master had
predicted he would be.
No fair, he grumbled to himself as he shrugged off his
cloak and put it away. I'm so tired that I'll be doing good
to have more than a five minute cuddle with him before I zonk
out.
"Ah, welcome back, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon's voice purred at him.
"Did you finish the list of errands I gave you?"
Turning, the younger man found Qui-Gon already in his sleeping
pants and tunic, standing relaxed against his bedroom
doorframe. Obi-Wan's body made a half-hearted attempt at
appreciating the sight before him, but couldn't quite muster
the energy to do so. He bowed to his master and said, "Yes,
Master. Every item on the list has been taken care of."
Qui-Gon studied the younger man quietly, noting the tiredness
that pulled at his apprentice. Hiding a smug grin, he asked
calmly, "And how do you feel, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan grimaced. "As wrung out as you said I would be,
Master." His blue-gray eyes flashed a decidedly mulish
expression at the older man.
"Ah. Well, then, I suppose I'll forego having you cook and
clean up tonight. What would you like for dinner, Padawan?"
Qui-Gon stepped out into the living area and made for the
caterer.
Obi-Wan sighed. "I'm not really hungry, Master." It was the
truth. He didn't think he'd have enough energy to truly
appreciate the older man's efforts to feed him.
Qui-Gon paused and turned back, eyeing his student with
concern. "Are you truly alright, Padawan? Just merely tired?"
The apprentice gave his lover a small smile and nodded
slightly, stifling a yawn. "I'm fine, Master, just merely
tired. Relaxing for a few minutes with you before I head off to
bed would be a wonderful treat right now."
The Master considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Go sit on
the sofa, Obi-Wan. I'll bring us a light snack - yes, I expect
you to eat some of it - and we'll watch a holo-vid. Master
Dunjo lent me one he said would be highly entertaining. He said
it's a Corellian film, about a group of people who go around
chasing violent storms in order to scientifically study them.
Said there were some really funny comments in the vid."
"You're coddling again, Qui-Gon."
"And enjoying it immensely. Now I have an excuse to goof off
and watch the vid and keep you cuddled up beside me, as well.
Care to argue the point, Padawan?"
"Well, when you put it like that..." Obi-Wan teased with a
grin.
Qui-Gon snorted, and then motioned his lover to go to the
bedroom. "Go get changed into something more comfortable, then
park your bottom on the sofa."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan's mouth was definitely quirked in a
smirk.
"Brat."
"Duffer."
"What??"
"Going to change now, Qui-Gon. Back in a few," Obi-Wan called
out as he sailed into the bedroom to change.
When he came back out, he sank gratefully into the sofa as
Qui-Gon had ordered. A moment later, Qui-Gon came back carrying
a plate of mixed fruits and cheeses and settled beside Obi-Wan
after he had inserted the holo-vid. Obi-Wan happily snuggled up
against his lover when Qui-Gon held out an arm in invitation,
resting his head on the broad shoulder.
For the next little while, they ate their snack and watched the
holo-vid, Obi-Wan reviving enough to enjoy both. And once his
level of awareness had come back up, he began to notice
something else.
Specifically, the hand that was lazily tracing patterns over
the small of his back and the swell of his buttocks.
He stiffened and squirmed slightly as he glanced up at Qui-Gon.
He found dark blue eyes studying him, a small smile lingering
about that sensual mouth, and realized he was in for it.
Qui-Gon's words confirmed that feeling.
"What's the matter, Obi-Wan? Don't like being teased?"
Still too tired to actually play along, he groaned and hid his
face in Qui-Gon's sleep tunic. "No, Master. Not when I'm too
tired to reciprocate as you deserve."
"What have I done that deserves teasing?" Qui-Gon asked,
amused.
Obi-Wan lifted his head so that he could look into his lover's
eyes as he replied softly, "Not teasing, my Qui-Gon. Loving you
thoroughly."
The Master's breath caught on a surge of love so powerful, it
left him nearly dizzy. He decided then and there to abandon his
plan of teasing. Leaning down, he slowly kissed Obi-Wan's
mouth, then pulled back. "Tomorrow evening, love, you'll be
rested up enough to enjoy my ministrations. For now, I think it
would do us both some good to get some sleep. What do you say?"
Obi-Wan smiled and snuggled close again. "I say you're probably
right, Qui-Gon. But indulge me just a little further tonight
and let us stay here a bit longer. We don't get nearly enough
time to simply relax and spoil ourselves like this."
Qui-Gon smiled and kissed the top of his love's head, then
hugged him. He turned his attention back to the holo-vid, which
he found immensely enjoyable, as he said, "Alright, love. I'll
spoil you a bit more tonight." He felt an appreciative, loving
kiss pressed to his chest through his sleep tunic and let out a
low rumble of happiness. Then he settled down to relaxing
again.
By the time the vid was over, he realized his beloved was
decidedly asleep. He grinned down at the imp snuggled against
him, then used the Force to turn off the viewer and return the
plate to the kitchen. Carefully easing Obi-Wan upright, Qui-Gon
then stood and scooped the sleeping young man up in his arms
and carried him into their bedroom, where he settled them both
down to sleep for the evening.
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