Simple Gifts--Line Challenge

by Ali

Pairing: Qui/Obi

Category: Romance

Rated: PG

Spoilers: Not that I can think of.

Archive: Anywhere as long as you tell me.

Summary: Obi-Wan doesn't ask for much out of his Master. This is in response to Kari's line challenge.

"**" indicates thoughts, italics is telepathy.

"I ask for so little. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave," Obi-Wan whispered to himself as he watched his master sleep.

"I will take care of you for all of my days. I will never leave your side, not even after my Knighting. I found all I needed and ever wanted in you, my master." His voice trailed off. It was rather silly for him, a senior Padawan, to be pining after his Master like a lovestruck teenager. *Well, I was one at one time, wasn't I?* he thought ruefully to himself. *But I know that I love him. I love him with every fiber of my being and soul. If I could take away all his pain, I would...but he shuts me out.*

Some things are meant to be borne alone, my Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan gasped. "Master?" Did I wake you? If so, I apolo--

"No apologies are necessary. I shouldn't have been eavesdropping." Qui-Gon sat up, letting the coverlet slide halfway down his body. Obi-Wan tried valiantly to ignore how bewitching he looked in the combined lights of Coruscant.

The two men watched one another for several breaths. Emotions were highly charged between them, yet at the same time there was the simple serenity that had always guided their partnership. Obi-Wan finally dared to break the silence.

"What things must you bear, Master?"

Qui-Gon sighed and stared into space for many breaths. "The list is long, my friend, and grows longer every year. We all must live with our mistakes--"

"Aren't you the one who's always telling me to live in the moment?" Obi-Wan asked, a slight grin on his face.

Qui-Gon laughed. "Yes, that does sound like something I hve said on occasion."

*'On occasion' he says* Obi-Wan thought. "You really should consider taking your own advice. Life probably wouldn't seem so bleak--"

"And I wouldn't be carrying the universe on my shoulders. Yes, I know. But you, at least are my responsibility..." Qui-Gon trailed off. *What is wrong with me? I intended to respond with a reciprical declaration of love for Obi-Wan, yet this has deteriorated into a self-lamentation.*

Some say that a good cry is as good for the soul as a good laugh, Qui-Gon.

Eavesdropping on me, are you? Has anyone ever told you that it is rude to do so?

Mmmm. Nope, no one has. Rather careless of you to overlook that, Master.

Indeed. I shall have to correct that oversight.

Both men chuckled, relaxing a bit more with each other. Qui-Gon watched Obi-Wan thoughtfully. "Obi-Wan?"

"Yes?" Obi-Wan held his breath. There was a light in Qui-Gon's eyes that had been missing for far too long.

"Did you mean what you said..."

"Earlier? Yes. And I still do."

Qui-Gon nodded. He opened his arms and Obi-Wan flew into them. He sighed. "I love you too."

Obi-Wan smiled. "I know."

Qui-Gon laid his hand on Obi-Wan's head. "Sleep."

Obi-Wan reached up, tangling his fingers with Qui-Gon's. "Together?" Hope was clearly heard in his voice.

Never able to deny him anything, Qui-Gon nodded. "Together." They both fell asleep and shared each other's dreams.

//end//