Rebirth #06 - Happy Rebirthday!

by Angelica ( lilithschilde@roadrunner.com )

Archive: M_A, anyone else just ask

Category: Q/O, AU

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers/Warnings: None that I can think of

Series: Rebirth

Series Timeline: Begins a few weeks after AOTC

Summary: A day in the life of Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and the clone of Qui-Gon Jinn. In this chapter Qui-Gon comes of age.

Disclaimers: George owns it. I play with it. But I give all my money to Star Wars merchandising, so I have none to give him if he sues me.

Feedback: Please!? It really helps to know what folks liked or didn't.

Notes: Special thanks to my wonderful Master, Master Jenn. She's been ever so patient as I walked the path towards full blown (pardon the pun) slash. Also, big thanks to everyone who's been so kind and supportive towards these stories.

One major note: These stories are part of a series, but all stand alone. No cliff hangers, and you can read them all seperately and not be too lost. I suggest all 6 in order for maximum enjoyment though.

As his eighteenth birthday approached, Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn became more and more anxious. He had spent extra time meditating and in 'saber practice, and took more than a few cold showers. It seemed to be working, and he knew that his Master was proud of him for the restraint he'd shown in the past few months. In fact, he'd almost begun to think that Obi-Wan wasn't planning anything for his birthday. As much as Qui-Gon didn't like parties, and he knew it was impractical to have a birthday celebration every few months, he had hoped that this time would be different. He was going to be eighteen, legal as an adult according to Republic law. He would have all the rights of any adult, including the right to take a lover; the one thing he'd been waiting for since he'd reached puberty about a year ago. He had to admit, aging rapidly did have its benefits. After all, he only had a year to wait between the time he'd realized he *wanted* Obi-Wan, and the time he'd be able to have him. When Obi-Wan had been his Padawan, he had to wait years before he could do the things he'd been longing to do to his Master. So in reality, a year wasn't really so bad.

Lost in thought of his Master, Qui-Gon was shocked when a damp towel snapped his bare ass. He whipped around to find his friend Jarod with a huge grin on his face.

"You should be more careful, Jinn," the dark haired young man laughed. "What if I'd been dangerous?"

"With a wet towel, Jarod? I think I could take you." Qui-Gon shook his head and turned back to continue getting dressed.

Jarod had been a good friend for the last two years. Qui-Gon had only been about eight when they had met, and Jarod was fourteen, but unlike the other Padawans, Jarod didn't treat him differently because of his age. They'd become instant friends, and had only become closer as Qui-Gon grew older. If Qui-Gon hadn't already been in love with Obi-Wan, he certainly would have considered Jarod as his first lover. The boy was built like an athlete, with muscles in all the right places. Yet he could be gentle and graceful when needed. His black hair and eyes gave Jarod a touch of mystery, and his witty sense of humor was hard to escape.

"Tell me how much you love me and I'll tell you a secret."

Qui-Gon's brow rose at that, and he turned to see an even bigger grin forming on his friend's face.

"So now I have to bribe you for information? Since when?"

"Since your birthday is coming up. You're turning eighteen, if I remember correctly."

"You're my best friend in the whole world. Now spill it," Qui-Gon said excitedly.

Jarod laughed. "I just had duty at the hanger bay, where I had the honor of escorting a beautiful Senator to a Knight's quarters."

"And this has to do with my birthday how?"

"Patience, young Padawan, patience! Look past the obvious, and find what lies within!"

Sighing, Qui-Gon picked up the damp towel that had been dropped on a nearby bench.

"Ok, Ok." Jarod held up his hands in defense. "This Senator is the bondmate of Knight Anakin Skywalker. Normally he would escort her himself..."

"But he's off planet on a mission, as usual," Qui-Gon interrupted. "What's new about that?"

Clearing his throat, Jarod continued. "...but he was going to go and meet with his former Master, before Master Kenobi's Padawan returned from classes. At least that's what Senator Amidala said."

"Why would he want to meet with my Master before I got home? Unless they're planning something! That's it! Obi-Wan *is* planning something for my birthday!"

Jarod laughed as his friend grabbed his shoulders and hugged him.

"This is great news, Jarod. You're the best!"

"See, I told you it was worth it!"

Qui-Gon entered his quarters calmly, not allowing his feelings of excitement to betray him. Seeing his Master sitting with Knight Skywalker on the common room couch, Qui-Gon smiled, nothing more.

"Knight Skywalker, this is a pleasant surprise," Qui-Gon said with a bow.

Anakin stood and embraced the younger man in a brotherly hug. "It's good to see you Qui-Gon. You certainly have grown since the last time I was on Coruscant!"

They both laughed and Qui-Gon took a seat across from the two Knights.

"Anakin was just telling me about some problems they're having on Naboo. It seems that there are raids going on in the South, and the local authorities have asked for Jedi assistance. However, Anakin is escorting Senator Amidala while she is on Coruscant. He's asked that we be assigned to the mission, as we're familiar with the planet and it's people."

Qui-Gon looked to each of the Jedi in turn, noting the seriousness on their faces. "Oh, a mission. Of course," was all he could manage to get out in his shock.

"Is something wrong, Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked, obviously concerned.

"No, I'm fine. It's just sudden. When are we leaving?"

"Tonight. We should begin packing, if we're to make our transport."

Qui-Gon nodded and began walking to his room, when he remembered Anakin. Turning, he gave the man an affectionate smile. "It was good to see you again. Please tell Padme hello for me. I wish I could have gotten to see her while you were here."

"I will, Qui-Gon. I'm sure she would have very much liked to see you as well."

With a polite nod, Qui-Gon entered his room, closing the door behind him.

He heard his Master saying goodbye to Anakin, and wasn't surprised when the door to his bedroom opened. He felt the man's presence behind him, and knew Obi-Wan was standing at the doorway, watching him. For several minutes he just moved about his room, gathering what he would need for the mission, ignoring his Master completely. Finally, though, he had no choice. He'd packed everything he could, even a few things he didn't need, so he stood up and met his Master's gaze.

"Shouldn't you be packing, Master?"

Obi-Wan just looked at him with those pale blue eyes, staring a way through to his soul.

"Master, we have a mission. You need to pack. We're not going to get to Naboo with you standing there staring at me!"

Obi-Wan's face broke into a smile, then faded quickly as he took a few steps towards Qui-Gon.

"I'm sorry we'll be away for your birthday, Qui-Gon. I promise we'll celebrate it when we return."

Qui-Gon nodded. "It's fine. It happens. It's not as if tomorrow is technically my birthday anyway, it's just a guess, a date they gave me."

Obi-Wan's hand touched the side of the young man's face tenderly. "It is special, and it will not be forgotten."

With a smile, Qui-Gon nodded more convincingly this time and moved out the door to help Obi-Wan pack his things.

The space freighter the Jedi were assigned to was less than accommodating. There was only one room, with one small bed wedged against a wall. Qui-Gon sighed as he stowed their belongings in the overhead bin.

"You'd think they could at least give us a bigger bed if they're only going to give us one."

Holding back his amusement, Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.

Qui-Gon turned around, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "How many times have we been forced to cram ourselves onto a tiny cot in some broken down freighter? Twenty? Thirty?"

"Too many," Obi-Wan agreed. "More often than not, we're sleeping on the ground, wishing for a tiny cot."

"Point taken, Master. If wishes were banthas..."

Obi-Wan laughed. "...then beggars would ride. We'll make due, we always do. Now then, it's late. I'm going to go to sleep. Are you going to join me, or pout all night?"

"I am not pouting. Besides, I don't think we'll both fit on there anymore. I'm bigger than I used to be, you know."

"So I've noticed. I'll push back against the wall," Obi-Wan said, patting the space in front of him. "You can fit here in front of me."

Qui-Gon took a seat on the bed and lay down in front of his Master. They had to squeeze together, to avoid Qui-Gon falling to the floor, but after a few minutes he was actually beginning to find it comfortable. Obi-Wan was very warm behind him, and he could feel the man's breath tickling at the nape of his neck. Relaxing into the feelings, he almost didn't notice when Obi-Wan's arm wrapped around his waist. Reaching down, Qui-Gon entwined their fingers and pulled the hand to his chest, kissing the knuckles tenderly before putting the laced hands over his heart.

"I love you, Obi-Wan," he whispered to the man behind him.

"And I you, Qui-Gon, forever. Now rest. We're going to need our strength when we get to Naboo."

Closing his eyes, Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan's breath slowing, until finally he was sure the older man was asleep. Slowly, he drifted off into a peaceful sleep of his own, wrapped securely in his Master's arms.

When the Jedi landed on Naboo, they were escorted to Theed Palace. Queen Jamilla greeted them and arranged transport to the Southern continent, in the Lake Country, where the raids had been focused. Once there they would be given a cottage to work out of and any supplies they needed.

Heading to the hanger bay, Qui-Gon stopped suddenly in front of a door. His hand touched it, just barely, and a chill went down his spine.

"Qui-Gon?" He felt Obi-Wan's hand on his shoulder.

"This is where it happened, isn't it? It's strange. I can feel it."

"Please, Qui-Gon. Leave this place be," Obi-Wan said softly.

"I can't. I want to see it. Don't you think it's strange that we find ourselves here on my eighteenth birthday?"

There was a pause, then Obi-Wan reached out and touched the control panel, opening the door.

Qui-Gon took a step forward and stared at the generator in front of him. Off to his left, he could just make out the red glow of the shields turning on and off. Taking a deep breath, he walked aimlessly, letting the Force guide him. It wasn't until he stopped again that he realized where he was. He turned to find Obi-Wan behind him, tears filling his eyes.

Kneeling down, Qui-Gon ran a hand over the steel plating beneath him, memories coming unbidden to his mind. He saw Obi-Wan's face, so young, his Padawan braid trailing down his chest, tears falling down his soft cheeks. He heard the voice he loved so much in his mind telling him to hold on, and his own words, saying it was too late. Shaking himself out of the memory, he sat back, staring forward, but not focusing on anything.

Qui-Gon felt more than saw Obi-Wan kneel before him, watching him for some reaction. It took several minutes to gain his composure enough to speak, and when he did, it was almost a whisper. "I'm so sorry."

Qui-Gon closed his eyes, tears falling and being wiped away by his Master's hand.

"There is nothing to forgive, Qui-Gon."

Opening them again, he focused on Obi-Wan's eyes; so full of love and support, but also deeply buried grief. "I should have told you. I knew I was dying, and even then I couldn't tell you. I spoke of Anakin instead. How could I not tell you what you meant to me? My last words should have been that I loved you, that I'd always love you. I should have told you."

As Obi-Wan's arms wrapped around him, he was flooded by memories of his past, the past of the man he had been. The Force flowed around him, through him, giving back what he had though lost forever. He saw his childhood in the crèche, being taken as a Padawan by Dooku, all of his past missions, the first time he saw Obi-Wan, the first time he saw Obi-Wan as a man and not a boy, the first time Obi-Wan kissed him. All the memories of his past were suddenly his again, and Qui-Gon broke down in tears, pressing himself against Obi-Wan, burying his face in the other man's shoulder.

"Oh, my Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan soothed. "I knew. You never said it, but I could see it every time you looked at me. When you made love to me I knew. You never had to say the words."

Qui-Gon drew back slowly and lifted his hands to cup the older man's face. "No, I did. Can you tell me it didn't hurt, after I was gone, to know that I'd never told you what you meant to me?"

"Qui-Gon..."

"It did, I know it did. I'm so sorry, my precious Obi-Wan. Know that I loved you then, and I love you now. I love you more than anything in the world, my Obi-Wan."

Their lips met, at first softly, but as the pressure grew, so did the emotion behind it. Qui-Gon moved his hands back, running his hands through the soft golden hair, pulling Obi-Wan closer gently but insistently. Slowly the kiss slowed and the two pulled away to rest their foreheads together.

"Qui-Gon, we can't do this yet," Obi-Wan whispered.

"Yes, we can. I'm eighteen now. But not here, in this place."

Obi-Wan nodded and stood, holding out a hand and pulling Qui-Gon to his feet.

The younger man reached out and brushed a finger softly over his Master's swollen lips, smiling mischievously. "Once this mission is done I am going to sweep you off your feet and do the things to you I should have done before."

Ever the picture of Jedi serenity, the only sign that Obi-Wan was flustered was the deep breath he took. "I'll look forward to that. We should go. I'm sure our transport is wondering where we are."

Arriving in the Lake Region, the two Jedi were met by Captain Luc Devries of the Naboo Guard at the landing platform. The man was cordial as he escorted them to the house they'd be staying in during their mission, but said little of the mission itself. Qui-Gon sensed that the man was uncomfortable, and was obviously hiding something. Wondering if it affected their mission, Qui-Gon decided to mention it to his Master.

"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, Padawan. Though I sense his nervousness, I think you're exaggerating his deceit. You know that people get nervous around Jedi. He probably thinks we're reading his mind, and doesn't want us to find out about his crush on one of the Queen's Handmaidens." With a wink, Obi-Wan headed to a window to look over the terrain.

"I suppose you're right," Qui-Gon agreed. Looking out the window, he was surprised to find the area so lush and beautiful. The water in the nearby lake was so clear and peaceful it was able to reflected the surrounding mountains. "Master, how far are we from where the raids have taken place?"

"Not far. I've been told we'll have our choice of transportation once we arrive. I'm thinking speeder bikes. They're fast and easy to maneuver."

Qui-Gon nodded in agreement. "It's just strange. Everything here looks so serene! I wish we could come here for a vacation some time, and not on a mission. I'd like to see how warm that lake is."

Obi-Wan laughed heartily and pulled the younger man to him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders. "I hope for that as well. Maybe after this mission is completed we can ask Senator Amidala for a weeks stay; with the Council's approval of course."

"Of course," Qui-Gon replied with a grin. "I just want some time alone with you where we're not being shot at or chasing people. I want to explore you, and this," he paused, kissing Obi-Wan's lips gently. "I know it's like before, but at the same time it's not. I'm different and you're different, and this is new again. Does that make sense?"

"Perfect sense," Obi-Wan whispered. "Soon. This shouldn't take long, then we'll have time to do all that and more."

The house was on a peninsula, surrounded by the lake. The building itself was pure radiant white, with vines of Nubian roses covering the walls. Birds of nearly every color flew from tree to tree as the Jedi and their escort walked up the path to the house, the bird's twittering filling the air. When they reached the front door the Captain bowed to them both and excused himself, explaining that anything they needed was inside the building and wishing them well.

Qui-Gon looked to his Master, who had an equally perplexed look on his face, and pushed open the door slowly.

"We should use caution, Padawan. I sense something amiss," Obi-Wan said quietly, putting a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"Yes, Master. I sense it as well."

Taking a few steps into the building, Qui-Gon cast his senses out to try to find the source of the disturbance he felt. There was nobody else in the building besides a few birds on an upper balcony. Still, the lingering sense of something being wrong persisted.

"It's strange, Master. What are you feeling?"

He was shocked when he felt a warm mouth kissing the back of his neck, arms wrapping around his waist. He could feel the older man's arousal even through the layers of clothing.

"I'm feeling incredible desire at having the love of my life finally alone."

Spinning around and stepping back, Qui-Gon thought his heart had skipped a beat. Obi-Wan's face was alight with happiness, his eyes dilated with passion.

"Master, the mission? Shouldn't we look over the information first?"

Obi-Wan took a step forward and lightly brushed a finger down the side of Qui-Gon's face.

"My sole mission is to make you scream with pleasure and writhe with delight. Happy birthday, my Qui-Gon."

"You mean this..." he paused as a kiss brushed his lips. "...this was all a set-up?" Another kiss fell, stronger than the first.

"Yes, love. I can be quite devious when I want to be. Come see?"

He watched as Obi-Wan sauntered up the stairs, his brown robe billowing with a life of its own behind him. Following his Master, he found himself led to a huge bedchamber. Pale blue silk hung from the windows, casting a sapphire glow on the rooms white walls. The bed, large enough for six people, sat in the center of the room, covered in richly colored velvets, satins and silks. Before he had a chance to examine the rest of the room his eyes were drawn to Obi-Wan as he began to remove his robe.

"Please, let me?" Qui-Gon asked nervously.

Nodding, Obi-Wan stopped and put his hands down, his eyes never leaving the other man's.

Qui-Gon slowly removed his Master's robe, placing it neatly over a nearby chair, then began unfastening the large belt. Licking his lips enticingly, he placed the belt and lightsaber gently on top of the robe. Running his hands over the man's tunic, he lifted off the obi and folded it carefully, almost reverently.

"Qui, you're going to have to be faster than this or..." his words were cut off by Qui-Gon's lips.

"Hush, Master. It's a Padawan's duty to take care of their Master. Besides, I've waited too long to undress you with my hands instead of my eyes. I plan on enjoying this"

He heard Obi-Wan's shuddering sigh and smiled, slipping a hand between the tunics. "You know, I've often wondered whether the Order gave us so many layers to keep us celibate or to increase our foreplay?" He felt his Master shiver as he slid the outer and inner tunics off his shoulders, setting them aside.

For a few seconds Qui-Gon stood and appreciated the man before him, clad in only tight leggings. He had always loved to admire Obi-Wan's body. The young man had been all power and grace, and the man before him still had those qualities, to be sure, but now his body also spoke of many years of hard training. Running a finger lightly over Obi-Wan's stomach, he watched excitedly as the muscles rippled and contracted at the feathery touch. He glanced up to see the older man's eyes closed, his head tilted back. Not able to resist, Qui-Gon licked the exposed hollow of his lover's neck, rejoicing in the sweet taste that he had been longing for.

"Oh yes, Qui," Obi-Wan moaned as he tilted his head further back.

Qui-Gon laughed, suddenly remembering that his lover was always very vocal about his pleasure. "You like that, love?" he asked teasingly.

"Sweet Force, yes. More. I need you. It's been too long."

Smiling, Qui-Gon kissed his way up the man's throat, stopping to suck on the delicate ear that presented itself. The accompanying gasp from Obi-Wan went straight to his groin, making his own need all the more urgent. Pushing his body against his Master's, Qui-Gon whispered into the tantalizing ear. "Back to the bed, my love. Let me make love to you."

Obi-Wan's eyes opened, the desire written in every feature. "Yes," he sighed as he moved back and sat on the bed.

With casual finesse, Qui-Gon removed his own clothes and moved to straddle Obi-Wan's thighs. He placed a passionate kiss on the smooth lips, teasing with his tongue until they opened to him. The first touch of Obi-Wan's tongue on his was electric, and he nearly pulled away as the bond they shared snapped and tingled with renewed vigor. Instead he wrapped his arms around his Master's neck, delving further into the warm mouth to taste and explore. After a few minutes, he allowed the tongue moving against his into his mouth to explore as well. They explored as if they were new lovers, and in a way, it felt as if they were. Though they shared the memories of a past where they were intimate, the last few years had made them different people, with different needs.

Qui-Gon rocked against his partner's growing erection with his own, breaking the kiss with a groan of frustration. "Leggings. Off. Now," he demanded.

Obi-Wan simply smiled, answered "Yes, Master," and reached a hand down to untie the offending garment. Qui-Gon supported himself with a knee to each side of the older man, then watched as the leggings slid to the floor and the engorged cock of his Master sprung free of its confinement. He couldn't help but lean down to lick off the creamy fluid leaking from it's slit.

Obi-Wan writhed beneath him, his breathing becoming harsh with need and frustration. "Please, Qui-Gon," he pleaded, clenching his fists into the fabric on the bed.

"Patience," Qui-Gon soothed, taking a deep breath to calm his own raging need. "Haven't you learned serenity in the past ten years?"

Obi-Wan's head lifted from the bed. The glare in his eyes could make Hoth seem like a tropical oasis, but the small smile on his lips showed his amusement. "I've learned to live in the moment, and right now I want you to fuck me until I can't stand."

Never having heard his apprentice speak in such a manner, Qui-Gon found it erotic and exciting to hear the words from the older Obi-Wan. Reaching over to the bedside table, he found that his Master had thought of everything. He uncorked the small bottle of oil, the smell of musk and spice filling the air. Pouring some of the oil onto his lover's chest, Qui-Gon ran his hands through the slippery liquid, coating his fingers thoroughly. Reaching down, he found the opening he sought and slipped a finger into the tight passage, taking his time to coat the ring of muscle that surrounded the digit. Obi-Wan's desire and need surged through their bond to mingle with his own, making it harder to control himself. As he added a second finger, the need to be within his partner overwhelmed him. He pulled out, using the hand to liberally coat his throbbing erection. He looked down, marveling at the love and passion on Obi-Wan's face. "So beautiful, my Obi-Wan."

"Yes, yours. Always yours," Obi-Wan moaned, lifting and wrapping his legs around Qui-Gon's waist.

Reaching out, Qui-Gon placed his hands firmly on Obi-Wan's hips and pressed forward, sheathing himself in one long and agonizing stroke. He stayed there a few moments, giving his lover time to adjust. Bending down, he pressed his mouth to the lusciously swollen lips and ran his hands over the firming nipples. Soon the pressure was staggering, and he could feel Obi-Wan pressing into him, trying to increase the contact. He responded by pulling out halfway and thrusting back into the satin heat, causing his lover to scream something that might have been Qui-Gon's name as the contact hit his prostate. Obi-Wan's penis jutted out between them and he surrounded the needy flesh in his slick hand, matching the pace of his quickening thrusts.

It didn't take long before Obi-Wan was crying out and ropes of creamy fluid spurted over Qui-Gon's fist. The tightening of his lover's inner muscles around his shaft sent Qui-Gon rushing over the edge into orgasm, pulsing his release deep into Obi-Wan's body.

Obi-Wan awoke to a feeling of warmth, both inside and out. He could feel Qui-Gon beside him, one long arm slung over Obi-Wan's chest. But even more, he could feel Qui-Gon's presence in his mind. The man's Force signature was unique and very powerful. The bond between them thrummed with a new intensity. Reaching out with his mind, Obi-Wan found the new, more powerful bond, and sent a wave of love through it. He felt Qui-Gon snuggle closer to him and smiled as a kiss was placed on his shoulder.

"Good morning," Qui-Gon mumbled, still partially asleep.

"Morning, love."

Obi-Wan rolled over to look at the man beside him, running a hand through his long soft hair.

Slowly, Qui-Gon's eyes opened and met his, a smile forming on his face. "Was that you in my head?"

Laughing, Obi-Wan leaned in and placed a kiss on the younger man's mouth. "Who else would it be?"

"Oh, I don't know. Any number of people. Mace, Depa, Yaddle..."

"Yaddle?" Obi-Wan interrupted "If Master Yaddle is sending you loving thoughts through our soulbond again I'm going to have to have a long talk with her."

Qui-Gon's laughter filled the room, and Obi-Wan found himself pinned to the bed, being kissed forcefully. "I'll let her know not to do it again," Qui-Gon laughed as he broke the kiss. "There's only one person I want a soulbond with."

The kisses continued, becoming more sensual and less passionate. After several minutes they stopped. Obi-Wan laid his head on Qui-Gon's chest, listening to the familiar heartbeat.

"Qui? You remember everything now, don't you." The words were more of a statement than a question.

"Yes, I do. It's so strange, remembering two different lifetimes. They were so different, yet so much was the same. Take you for instance," he said with a gentle kiss to the older man's head. "I remember not wanting to take you as my Padawan. I remember being afraid I'd somehow fail you and you wouldn't become a knight. But of course I did, and you brought more joy and light into my life than I could have ever imagined. I remember all of our missions, and that you were the best Padawan a Master could ever hope for. I remember when you first told me you were in love with me, and the chaste kiss that followed the confession. I remember what you meant to me, how your love made me feel. That hasn't changed, not one bit. But now I have all these other memories. I remember you holding me at night when I had a bad dream. I remember loving you as a child loves a parent, and I remember the exact moment I realized I was in love with you as a man."

As he finished, Obi-Wan looked up and cupped Qui-Gon's face in his hands. "It's made us stronger. Now we've seen both sides of the bond, both points of view. You know how I felt as the Apprentice longing for their Master's touch, and I know how you felt as the Master not wanting to disrupt their Padawan's training."

Qui-Gon leaned into the touch and closed his eyes. "About longing for that touch..."

Sitting up, Obi-Wan kissed each closed eyelid, then the younger man's still swollen lips. "You may have my touch whenever you'd like, my love."

Smiling, Qui-Gon held his love close and kissed his neck. "How long do we have this place?"

"Padme arranged for it to be ours for a week, and the Council has given us leave."

Qui-Gon opened his eyes in surprise and pulled back to look him Master in the face. "A week? You and I, alone, on a beautiful island paradise, for a whole week with no missions to worry about?"

"I think Master Yoda might have had a little influence over the Council in the matter, and Padme and Anakin were all too happy to help. This place was her idea, actually. When she found out I wanted to take you away for a while she made all the arrangements and wouldn't hear another word about it."

"Remind me to thank them all when we get back. This is the greatest birthday present I could have asked for."

"For us both, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan agreed with another kiss. "How do you feel about sleeping in for once?"

Qui-Gon grinned. "In a cuddling mood, are you?" he laughed. "I'd be more than happy to go back to sleep like this. Then maybe a swim in the lake?"

"As you wish, my love. This is your birthday, after all."

Wrapping his arms around Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon drifted off into a peaceful sleep, thinking how much he had to be grateful for, and silently sending his thanks through the Force for each and every one.