An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Well, I'm at the end. There may be more playing in this AU, but for the over all story, this it. I started this about 6 months ago and I can't believe how far it went. I truly only meant this as a first fan fiction story and it became massive. It almost seems surreal that the main part is over and I can only say that what i'm feeling right now is grief. I'm sad that it is over. I have enjoyed the ride and the fact that so many of you have stayed with me through the journey means the world to me. I may play in this sandbox again with shorter stories, but thank you all for your support over some rough times.
May the Force always be with you, and our boys.
Obi-Wan stretched into the warmth that was settled next to him in the cozy sleep couch. The contentment that swept through him was hard to describe, but it felt like home. It was a residence that would always be there for him, no matter the circumstances. He would never again feel isolated and utterly alone in the galaxy.
He felt the breathing against his neck, their legs entangled together after a long night of thorough loving. “Never alone.” The sleepy voice almost startled Obi-Wan as he smiled widely. “You are right my love, never alone again.” Qui-Gon hummed his assent and started to press light kisses along Obi-Wan’s neck.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. I don’t know how to shield from you anymore.”
“M’not sorry. We’ve shielded enough of our emotions over the years. It’s nice to feel so open and free for a change.” Ben laughed as he felt his lover; yes he could call him that now, pressed their bodies together, enjoying the pleasurable friction. “I can’t seem to get enough of you now. I hope it won’t always be this way, or missions could get… difficult.” Qui pressed his Ben against the bed and straddled his body, looking down into the loving and ever changing grey eyes of his life-mate.
“I’m sure things will settle out, the bond is just like a newborn, we have to train, nurture, and teach it.” Obi-Wan moaned against the body pushing down into him, leaning up for a morning kiss. “I love you, Qui.”
“Always and forever my Ben.” Just as Qui-Gon pressed their bodies together they both heard the chime of the door. “Well, it looks like we have to let the inside world in now.” Qui-Gon pressed his lips gently to his other half and pushed himself off the bed, covering his body with a nearby robe to answer the door. Looking back at the bed area, he made sure that his love was also covered before he greeted their visitor.
As the door slid open he saw the wide, shadowed eyes of Shmi Skywalker. “My lady, I hope you slept well.”
“Thank you, I tried but I find that I’m too excited to see Ani again, to rest much. I thought I would let you both know that I made first meal…” She turned a beautiful pink color as she noticed the rumbled bed and the well-loved look on the two younger men. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you…I…”
Qui-Gon took her hand lightly in his considerable paw and grinned. “My lady, please don’t apologize. I know we didn’t really tell you, but you have a right to know. Obi-Wan and I are bonded, it is something new to us, but because of this bond we will both train your son.” He observed as the woman fidgeted with her hands and looked down. He knew on some planets, especially outer rim planets that same sex couples were frowned upon and hoped that this wouldn’t be an issue.
“I…” She looked at Qui-Gon and then Obi-Wan and back to Qui-Gon. “It is not my place to comment, but I have just never thought it was so open in other parts of the galaxy. On Tatooine it happens but mostly it is kept in the shadows and thought of as a perversion. Not that I agree, I’m sorry! My mouth is running away from me.”
Qui-Gon smiled at the flustered woman before him, knowing she meant nothing hurtful with her words. “Oh Shmi. I know you will see new things on Coruscant and elsewhere if you choose to travel the galaxy, but trust me that love between anyone is never a perversion. I can only hope this will not color your thoughts of us, because Obi-Wan, Anakin and myself will be a happy family together and we so hope to include you in that family.”
They both waited, patiently for Shmi to wrap her thoughts around a new belief system that was nothing like the one on that dusty planet. “Do you remember my master, Master Dooku?” Obi approached the woman, trying not to surprise her.
“Of course, he was such a gentleman and I trusted him with Anakin, my precious boy.”
“Would you then question his morals, his guidance of your son?”
“Of course not!” She came to her full height.
“Would you doubt him if I told you that his love is and has always been for Master Windu?”
The woman held her hand to her mouth and gasped slightly at the information. “I can see I have much to learn and unlearn on Coruscant. My heart tells me this is still the right path, but please be gentle with me as I learn your ways?”
She bowed her head, almost apologetically but the shorter man approached her and wrapped her in a tight hug. “We all have a new path, but we can travel together, yes?”
“Yes…” She beamed again and pulled both of them towards the door. “Come, first meal is going to grow cold!” They both followed, pulling their robes closer to their bodies. They knew Shmi was a wonderful person and could see beyond the prejudices of the outer rim, but they were glad that they were able to approach it without Anakin looking on. It could have confused the child who only looked on them both with pride and love.
After first meal, they got dressed and went through some exercises to keep them from being restless. They only had one more day until they reached the temple and probably another run in with the council. The two Jedi Knights took their meals with Shmi and got to know the remarkable woman who dared raise a force sensitive child among the Hutts and scum of the galaxy. Nothing would ever harm her child, as long as blood continued to pulse through her body.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon opened up about their past and shared many stories with their previous masters. It was odd to relate those stories when they included such phrases as “Our former masters,” it would definitely take a while to get used.
Finally after what seemed like eternity, the stars no longer shot by the transport. They had entered Coruscant space, they were home. “We should let Shmi know that we are here, she would enjoy the view from the space port.”
Obi-Wan came closer to his mate and wrapped his arms around the well-built body. “She’s with Ric Olie in the co-pilot’s chair. I’m not sure, but she seems to be a bit smitten with him. She will have a nice view from that seat.”
“Are you trying to play matchmaker?”
“Me?” Obi-Wan laughed and chuckled into the back of his lover. “I have no idea what you are talking about, I would never…”
“Brat, I know you better.”
“Ok, well maybe, but it doesn’t hurt to introduce her to new people. Coruscant is so huge and we won’t always be there for her.”
Qui-Gon turned in his arms and lightly kissed the pouting lips. “Always looking out for others, it is one of the best things about you.”
“Well at least my hobby is only playing matchmaker. Unlike your need to adopt every stray and pathetic stray animal we come across.”
“I do not adopt every stray, just those that can’t take care of themselves!”
“Qui, I refuse to share my bed with every pathetic creature that looks at you with sad eyes.”
“I promise to keep them out of the bed, but I won’t stop saving them. It’s who I am.”
Obi-Wan pulled his mate’s head down and gently nipped at the tip of Qui-Gon’s nose with his soft lips. “I wouldn’t want you any other way; let’s just keep the bed clear, ok?”
“Yes, dear one.” They both chuckled and suddenly startled as their comlinks went off at the same time.
“Kenobi.”
“Jinn.”
“Yes, sir.” They responded almost at the same time as the other.
“Council?” Obi-Wan just nodded. “We’ve been knights for exactly four days and we’re already going to be censured. Do you think that’s a record?”
Qui-Gon drew his Ben into his arms and just shut his eyes for the moment. They did the right thing and they would have to stand by their convictions, however it didn’t make it any easier to step within the council circle and have twelve pairs of eyes once again judging them.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan strode down the ramp of the transport, with Shmi walking behind them. This kept her basically hidden from those awaiting their arrival.
“Masters!” Anakin ran full speed ahead at the two knights, both grinning widely at their padawan.
“We were only gone for a few days, Ani.”
“Yeah, but I missed you. It’s just not the same without you in the temple. I felt…so lonely.” Qui-Gon swept the boy into his arms and felt the trembling body. It was going to be hard on the boy for a while, a new place, new people and a different culture.
“We brought you a surprise little one.” Obi-Wan smiled and moved from Anakin’s vision, allowing him to see the beaming image.
“Ani! My little Ani.” Shmi went down to one knee and immediately had an armful of little boy.
“Momma! I can’t believe it. You’re free. They freed you?” The tears that streamed from his cheeks were worth any censure that the council provided.
“Anakin, why don’t you show your mother to our quarters and get her settled in. We need to see the council.” Qui-Gon looked over to see the smiling faces of their former masters. Even though they were no longer their padawans, Mace and Jard had seen fit to be there for them.
“Masters.” They both spoke softly.
“You will not face the council alone. It was our help that allowed you to free that lovely woman. Once more into the fray?” Jard smiled at Mace and gently squeezed the dark-skinned hand.
“After you oh ancient master of mine!”
“Imp.”
“Old man.” Both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon laughed at the banter, knowing things would be ok. They were all finally together and the force willed it that way.
“Four days in to your knighthood and you are already rebelling against this council.” Master Piell had immediately started ranting without even a question to what had happened between Naboo and Coruscant. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood dead center of the chamber looking stoically at the twelve members before them.
“Say something for yourselves, you wish?” Yoda just nodded and hummed, his body language reflecting that he wasn’t as upset with their actions as the rest of the council.
“If I may, my old master.” Dooku stepped up to stand even with their two former padawan’s.
“Master Dooku and Master Windu, no longer padawans they are. Why here are you?”
“They may no longer be our responsibility, but they are still part of our line. I offered them the credits to pay for Shmi’s release. We all saw how attached Initiate Skywalker was to his mother. The future may always be in motion, but most paths I saw led to her death and to his fall. It is time the council understands that sometimes rules are made to be broken for the greater good.”
“You are speaking blasphemy, Master Dooku.” Master Mundi interrupted.
“You’ve become ridged in your views! I beg you to stop sitting in your tower and come down to earth with the rest of the Jedi.” Jard approached his old master, who sat in a chair before them. “I am proud to be Jedi and I do not enjoy arguing with the council, no matter what you may think. Please listen to us.”
Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon and then to the other two masters, and approached his former master. “Master Dooku, I understand your need to protect us, but please, this is something we must do on our own.” Jard’s face faltered for a moment, and looked like he would argue. The older man then looked back at Mace and saw the agreement in his eyes. This was the new generations fight, they could only stand silently and offer support. “Very well my young Knight.” Dooku nodded to Obi-Wan and backed off to stand silently with Master Windu.
“I know that we’ve stood before you quite a bit in the last few tens. We have had our differences and for better or naught, we need each other.” Obi-Wan turned to his life-mate and smiled reassuringly. “First of all, I would like to declare our bond before this council. Qui-Gon Jinn and I will never part again, in this life or the next.”
Master Yoda’s ears rose at this news and he hummed in approval. “Declared and accepted is your lifebond. There are no greater bonds than that of a lifebond and wish you both happiness we do. Until the bond is stable, together you will stay, discuss separate missions at a later date we can.” The rest of the council seemed to only nod and murmur their congratulations.
“That being said, in our previous visit before the council, my bondmate insinuated that he would take Anakin Skywalker as his padawan when the time was right. I would tell you now that I too wish to take Anakin Skywalker as my padawan. With our bond, it is the only logical choice.”
“Two masters is not the normal…” Piell started.
“Let Knight Kenobi finish we will.” Yoda smacked his stick on the floor, using his 800 years of experience to bring an argument to a halt. “Thank you Master Yoda. Two masters is not the normal training method, but the code only states that a master cannot have two padawans, nothing says the padawan cannot have two masters.” Obi-Wan smiled internally as he saw a few of the council members heads nod in agreement, if not approval. “Anakin Skywalker will be a powerful force user and he, as my bondmate once did, will have a long way to go in catching up to his peers. I can offer support and knowledge of the creche that Knight Jinn never quite understood. I would ask that you acknowledge our claim to Anakin, it is the will of the force.”
The councilors seemed to communicate amongst themselves. Both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan observed the faces for any clue as to how this request would turn out. “Padawan Skywalker, lucky he is to have two such masters that care and love for him as much as you do.” Yoda smiled.
“Padawan?” Qui-Gon interrupted, making sure he didn’t misunderstand the title.
“Padawan. Suggest a few missions under your belt before take the child you do, but Padawan he will be to both. However, speak on the issue of Shmi Skywalker now we must.”
“Yes Master. We understand that we are not supposed to interfere with the internal politics of those planets not within the Republic, but in this case it was needed. Both Master Dooku and I are strong in the unifying force and had a vision. In each and every one of those visions we saw a future were Shmi Skywalker’s death on Tatooine brought about the fall of Anakin Skywalker.”
“Saw the end of the Jedi, you did.” Yoda’s statement brought the room to utter silence.
“It all started with Shmi Skywalker. It may not have been within the code, but by freeing one slave, I believe we are on the right course to saving the Republic and the Jedi themselves.”
“The future is always in motion. I don’t believe that Anakin Skywalker is that important to change our whole system.” Ki-Adi-Mundi stood up and stared down at the newly titled Knight.
“Sometimes you have to see to the individual or the collective will fall, Master Mundi. I understand tradition, I understand that what I am asking will be hard to accept, but if we do not start to change then we will fall.” Obi-Wan was shining in the force, Qui-gon thought. His mate was meant for this, they were meant for this. The Jedi had become too rigid and they were meant change that fact.
Yoda nodded his head to Master Mundi and sat back down upon his council chair. “Knight Kenobi and Jinn, it is this council’s judgement that you were acting on behalf of Jedi and the force itself by freeing Shmi Skywalker. There will be no censure in this case, but we caution that this could set a precedent. If in the future, knights return with freed slaves, it will be your responsibility to assist with their acclimation into the temple.” Mundi almost smiled; perhaps they were finally coming around, Obi-Wan thought.
“Master Mundi, I do have another request.” Mace couldn’t help but almost laugh at the look on the councilors face.
“Of course you do, continue Kenobi.”
“I would request assignment to the creche for Shmi Skywalker. This will allow her employment, a place to stay and something to focus her new life on. She is a wonderful mother and can give our initiates the love and caring they require.”
“With her son in the creche, wouldn’t this contact allow your padawan an unhealthy attachment that is forbidden by the code?” Once more Piell was the one to speak out. “You are correct, it would allow an attachment, but I would say it is nothing but healthy and needed. It is time the Jedi realize that attachment is not against the force. Obsession, jealously and possession are of the dark side, but love, acceptance and belonging are of the light. I suggest the council start looking to revise the code.”
Yoda laughed and quickly raised his hand. “For another time this argument is. Perhaps on the council this young one should be.” Obi-Wan’s face paled at the words of the wise and ancient master. “I didn’t mean… I’m sorry master, I meant no offense.”
“Offense not given. I often thought our codes too strict, they were. Perhaps time for youth and new visions we need.” As the masters of the council seemed to argue amongst themselves, Qui-Gon came closer to Obi-Wan and held his hand tightly, hidden by their robes. He felt the need to connect and offer his other half support.
After about thirty minutes of silence, the air was thick with tension, but Yoda finally let out a grunt and started towards Obi-Wan. “Kneel you will.” Obi-Wan hastily felt the cold marble under his knees as he bowed in respect to the Grandmaster of the Jedi order. “Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi, bestow upon you the rank of Master this council does. Rise Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and take your place among us. Fight for the helpless, speak for the voiceless and bring about the future as a council member you shall.”
Mace, Jard and Qui-Gon couldn’t help the gasps that left their mouth with this surprise. He wouldn’t be the youngest councilor to ever grace the Jedi, but it was a near thing. Obi-Wan rose to his full height and smiled down at Yoda. “Are you sure, Master Yoda, as you’ve been so willing to point out, I am not going to go quietly with the consensus.”
“Sure we are. Needed this is, needed you are.” With those few words, the new Master wanted to weep. He had waited his entire life to feel wanted, to feel like he belonged within the Jedi halls. “Always belonged you have, Obi-Wan. Never apologize enough we can, but join us and help us change that you can.”
“Thank you Masters. I cannot say that I won’t be a handful, but I promise to work within the rules to ensure the Jedi avoid the bleak future I once saw.”
“May the force be with you, Master Kenobi.” Mundi spoke loudly, a smile coming to the always frowning face. All four Jedi turned from the council and quickly left the chamber. “Master Kenobi.” Jard whispered the words and suddenly wrapped the young man in his arms. “I have never been more proud to be your Master.”
“Congratulations young one. I guess I can’t call you that any longer, Congratulations Councilor Kenobi.” Mace laughed and pulled both Jard and Obi-Wan into his arms.
“I will call you many things, but I will not call you Master, my Ben.” Qui-Gon waggled his eyebrows at his mate and they all chuckled at the innuendo.
“While I do enjoy the group hug, if I’m going to be a respected Jedi Councilor, I probably shouldn’t look so uncivilized in public.” They all laughed as the four Jedi tightened their embrace on each other. “Deal with it, Padawan.” Jard finally felt the force around them ease. They had come a long way in the last cycle. From a group of four Jedi, to a family that would always be there for the other.
“Shall we go tell our new padawan the news?” Qui-Gon pulled his lover from Mace’s arms and tugged him against his own body. “You do know what this means, right?” Obi-Wan laughed at Qui-Gon’s confused look. “What?”
“This means, Master Jinn, that it’s time we see our Padawan.”
“Mast…Oh.” Qui-Gon hadn’t even realized that he himself was also a master now.
“And I find that I AM looking forward to calling you, Master…” the smoldering look he gave his companion left no doubt in its meaning.
“Brat.”
“Master Brat to you.”
“Let us go home, I find I want our family all together.” Obi-Wan spoke almost in a whisper as they all four left the council chambers and headed for their chambers. They had much to celebrate and share with both Shmi and Anakin Skywalker on this wonderful evening. It was an end of a mission but a beginning of a life time.
~The End, or the Beginning depending on your point of view.
