Archive: Yes to Master_Apprentice & WWOMB, others please
ask!
Rating: PG
Warnings: alternate universe, no sex yet but they're getting
there!
Spoilers: slight ones for TPM, takes place afterwards in an
alternate universe
Summary: How will Obi-Wan adjust to both his new role of Master
and his changing relationship with Qui-Gon?
Series/Sequel: Sequel to "Alternative Destiny"
Feedback: Yes! All comments welcome.
I think the fates are conspiring against us. My master and I
haven't had a moment alone since that one amazing kiss in the
Council chamber. Despite what he said to me there, I can't help
thinking of him as Master. It has come to mean more to me than
just the traditional title of Master from a Padawan. As my
feelings for Qui-Gon have grown and changed over the years, so
has the meaning of "Master." For so long, it was my only way to
communicate my feelings for him. Depending on the situation it
could mean "I've missed you," "I'm glad you're not hurt," or
more recently "I love you." I always had the feeling that he
understood just what I meant each time I said it.
Now I am Master to a young Padawan. It's is quite an adjustment
-- one which seems to amuse Qui-Gon. After narrowly escaping
being caught embracing by an excited Anakin bursting into the
Council chambers, the three of us went off in search of dinner.
Despite all my years of training I was unable to focus my mind
on anything but the memory of Qui-Gon's kiss. The feel of his
lips on mine, his breath on my face...luckily Anakin was so
excited about his upcoming studies that he was talking enough
to fill my silence. I wasn't listening too closely to his words
as he was addressing Qui-Gon but my attention was caught by the
grin Master was aiming at me. He rarely expresses his feelings
in such an open way and I've found that I'm usually the one
that inspires it. Now though, I didn't have any idea what I'd
done.
"What?"
"Are you so filled with pride over being a Jedi Knight that you
do not answer others when they speak to you?"
"Of course not! What do you mean?"
"Anakin has being speaking to you, Obi-Wan."
"No, he hasn't -- he's been addressing you..." Suddenly it hits
me. I'd automatically assumed the boy was speaking to Qui-Gon
because he'd been saying "Master." But now, I am also Anakin's
Master and he is MY Padawan. I knew this, of course, but it is
still a shock to be addressed as such.
My surprise must show on my face for Qui-Gon takes one look at
me and begins laughing in amusement. "Quite a change isn't it,
Obi-Wan?"
I can't help but smile - Qui-Gon's happiness always makes me
feel good. Even when it's at my expense. I look down at young
Anakin who has been walking between us, swinging his head back
and forth to follow our conversation. He seems fascinated by
the way Qui-Gon and I relate to each other. I have to suppress
my own amusement at the look of hero worship on his face. I'm
sure I looked the same way the first time I saw Qui-Gon.
"I'm sorry Anakin. I didn't mean to ignore you. I'm still
getting used to everything, myself."
"That's okay, master. I was just wondering who I would be
staying with -- you or Master Qui-Gon?"
That question wipes away the last traces of my amusement. I've
been so focused on what would happen when master and I were
alone, I haven't even thought about what we would do with
Anakin. As his masters, seeing to his care is part of our
duties.
We exchange a look over Anakin's head but are fortunately saved
from answering by a droid notifying us that there is a personal
message coming in from Queen Amidala. The news sends Anakin
racing ahead of us. At least I won't have to worry about him
becoming too attached to Qui-Gon, I think wryly. It was obvious
to everyone who saw them together that Anakin and the young
Queen had formed a strong bond.
Qui-Gon and I follow behind him at a slower pace. I glance over
but master's face has gone back to it's usual impassive mask,
hiding his emotions. I try not to take advantage of the bond
between us to feel his emotions unless I know it's something he
wants me to know, so I decide to take the direct route.
"So...how should we handle Anakin's sleeping arrangements?"
"He has been taken away from everything and everyone he knows
-- it would not be right to leave him alone. He will need to
stay with at least one of us."
A surge of resentment flows through me at Anakin's intrusion in
what should be the most important night of my life. Realizing
it's not fair to the boy -- he is, after all, alone in the
world - I clear my mind of those thoughts. It is only then that
I realize what master said. "At least one of us?"
"Well, we could arrange for the three of us to share a
chamber." He looks over at me and gives me one of his half
smiles. "It might not be what either of us were planning this
night but we would still be together. Is that acceptable to
you?"
Together. Maybe not as I would have hoped, but I would settle
for being with my master in whatever way I could. "Yes, Master.
It is more than acceptable."
Once again, he turns and smiles at me. And this time he doesn't
correct my use of his title.
I wonder if smothering a small boy until he falls asleep would
be considered crossing over to the dark side? Not that I would,
of course, my master has taught me better control than that.
But if Anakin doesn't fall asleep soon, I will be sorely
tempted.
Speaking of temptation...I am living through the very
definition of it. We found a sleeping chamber for the three of
us without any problems. There were three sleep couches -- two
large ones side by side and a smaller one on the other side of
the room. Which quite naturally meant that Anakin would take
the smaller one and my master and I the larger ones. One of my
fondest dreams...lying side by side in the dark with my master,
feeling his body next to mine, and his warmth flowing into me.
Anakin tossing and turning on the other side of the room was
never part of those dreams! I know we cannot be truly together
with Anakin in the room with us, but if he would just fall
asleep I could at least touch Qui-Gon. I could feel his arms
around me and the pleasure of his kiss once again.
I am so lost in my thoughts, I don't notice when Anakin finally
falls asleep and am startled by the hand that gently touches my
face.
"Are you awake, Obi-Wan? Or should I leave you to your dreams?"
Archive 