Several days later Obi-Wan was getting ready to leave the Healer's care. He just had to check with Healer Twian one last time and promise to come back every day for a week to check on his progress. He had not seen his master at all and it was driving him into a frantic frenzy of crazy. Healer Twian said Qui-Gon had awoken the other day and came to check on Obi-Wan while he was sleeping, but left rather quickly. Obi-Wan felt slightly crestfallen at hearing this. Why didn't Qui-Gon wake him? Or come back and see him?

He's probably too concerned about training Anakin, Obi-Wan thought bitterly. He swallowed his hurt and made his way slowly to the shared quarters with his master. He'll probably be waiting for me to move my few things out as quickly as possible so he can move the precious chosen one in! Obi-Wan could have screamed. Instead he entered the quarters and went straight to his room and passed out, barely getting to the bed. He was weaker than he thought.

This time when he awoke a pair of piercing blue eyes were staring straight at him.

"Master!" Obi-Wan said startled. He was overcome with a myriad of emotions at once, utter happiness at seeing his Master alive and well, confusion as to the apparent sad expression on Qui-Gon's face, and the slight anger that had been within him threatened to return as well. He tried to suppress these emotions and other ones. All he wanted to do was hug Qui-Gon, but he wasn't sure if he could move. Obi-Wan tried to sit up, but Qui-Gon gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Obi-Wan don't…you need to rest. I…just wanted to check on you. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'm sorry." There was something wrong, something hanging in the air between them and Obi-Wan wanted to figure out what. His Master made to leave, but Obi-Wan was not having it.

"Qui-Gon, please stay. I would like to talk to you," Obi-Wan said and scooted himself to the other side of the bed, making room for Qui-Gon and patting the mattress weakly. Qui-Gon gave the smallest of smiles and sat down on the bed next to his padawan, sitting straight up, back against the headboard. He thumped his head back against the board, turning to look into Obi-Wan's eyes.

Oh, Obi-Wan, could you ever possibly know the depths of my love for you? was what Qui-Gon thought to himself. He said to Obi-Wan,

"Padawan, wonderful, selfless, brave Padawan. I owe you my life. I owe you everything." Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, the words sinking into him. He couldn't hold back the tears of a hundred emotions as they swam around in his eyes, silent falling down his pale cheeks.

"Master…" Obi-Wan croaked, not knowing what to say. He knew he wanted to tell Qui-Gon he loved him, but how could he force his emotions onto his Master when said Master was surely to soon begin training the chosen one?

Better to love and let go then to never love at all, Obi-Wan thought. Qui-Gon gently wiped Obi-Wan's tears away, trying to give him a small smile.

"Why are you crying, my Padawan? I hate seeing you sad…"

"I…I guess I'm just exhausted, Master. It's been a rather trying few weeks," he replied with a half-hearted laugh.

"You should get some sleep, Obi-Wan. Tomorrow you are to be knighted."

"What? Knighted! But what about my—"

"Trials? Obi-Wan you saved my life and defeated a Sith Lord. You have done more than pass trials. Be happy, my Obi-Wan. And get some sleep," Qui-Gon said smiling softly. Obi-Wan's heart leapt at the gentle endearment and he nodded, trying to be happy about fulfilling his life's desire of being knighted, but knowing that it meant he was also closer to leaving Qui-Gon.

"Will you want me out by tomorrow?" Obi-Wan asked so softly Qui-Gon almost didn't hear him.

"What do you mean, Padawan?"

"Well, that's just it…I won't be your Padawan anymore. You'll need my room for him," Obi-Wan said scathingly, refusing to say the boy's name, to acknowledge his presence. He did not trust the young boy. Qui-Gon looked like someone slapped him across the face. Obvious shock in the azure eyes.

"Obi-Wan, weather you like it or not, you will always be my Padawan. You will be my equal, yes, but still my Padawan…still my best friend…" Qui-Gon trailed off and Obi-Wan's heart started beating furiously, desperate for Qui-Gon to say more.

"I'm not kicking you out, Obi-Wan. You of course are welcome to request your own quarters. Most knights do…but it will be awhile until I'm fully recovered enough to start training Anakin. Until then the council will see to it that the boy is well taken care of." Obi-Wan nodded slowly, his mind working furiously.

I don't think he wants me to leave. The look in his eyes says that clearly enough, but it doesn't tell me everything I need to know. Does he love me as I love him? Maybe he just wants to wait until I'm a knight…or maybe he just really does see me as a beloved best friend. Maybe I—

His thoughts were cut off as Qui-Gon lifted his chin with a gentle hand. He caressed Obi-Wan's cheek and told him to get some rest one more time before slowly, almost reluctantly, getting off the bed and standing up. Obi-Wan didn't want to be alone. Not tonight.

"Master…Qui-Gon, could you, erm…"

"Could I what, Obi-Wan?"

"Could you stay tonight…with me? Sometimes I can't sleep very well and…and…" Obi-Wan was stuttering like a school girl, a crimson blush spreading warmly across his face. Why oh why did he decide to ask this of Qui-Gon? He dared to peer up through his lashes at the tall Jedi Master looming over his bed. He saw a slight flicker of shock register in Qui-Gon's features but it quickly turned into the smallest of smiles, as if he was trying to hide it.

"Yes, Padawan. I can do that. Where –?" Obi-Wan once again patted the side of the bed next to him and tried to control his blushing. He watched as Qui-Gon removed his boots, sash, and outer tunic. He wouldn't have minded if Qui-Gon decided to remove his remaining tunic and leggings as well, but thought it best to keep such thoughts to himself. Qui-Gon looked a little unsure at first, but then just slowly crawled into the bed and with a wave of his hand the lights in the room were extinguished. He turned on his side to face Obi-Wan and thought he saw his Padawan grinning in the dark, but he couldn't be sure.

"Thank you, Master."

"Anytime, Padawan."

"Really?"

"…Yes, of course" Qui-Gon whispered, trying not to choke on the emotions swirling through his mind and body.

"Promise?" asked Obi-Wan.

"There is nothing I wouldn't promise for you Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon wondered if he was being too forward, hoping with all his heart he wouldn't end up scaring this man he loved so much away from him. He didn't want Obi-Wan to move out, but he had no right to make him stay. He was his Master, but only until tomorrow. After that he had no claim on this young man. Obi-Wan had to make his decisions without outside coercion. Right now all he felt was a strange peace flowing between their bond. He reached out toward Obi-Wan's mind and felt a slight unease. He was about to ask what was wrong when he realized Obi-Wan's breath was extremely close to his neck. The next moment his Padawan was curling against him, one hand grabbing on fiercely to the front of his tunic and the other hand wrapped around his waist.

Qui-Gon let out a sharp breath he didn't even realize he was holding and reached out to take his Padawan in his arms. He felt Obi-Wan's unease seep into contentment, and ran his hand through Obi-Wan's short hair. Obi-Wan practically purred at the touch. Qui-Gon chuckled, wanting to hold this wonderful man in his arms for eternity. But he didn't have eternity. He only had until tomorrow before the bond between them was severed.

"Good night Obi-Cat," Qui-Gon whispered to his Padawan who was falling asleep fast in his arms. He kissed the young man's forehead and fell into the most peaceful sleep he ever knew.

Obi-Wan woke up first, smiling lazily at the warm contentment filling his heart. He propped his head up with his hand and ran his fingers softly through Qui-Gon's hair. The older Jedi smiled sleepily and tightened his grip around Obi-Wan's waist.

"Master?" asked Obi-Wan tentatively.

"Please, Obi-Wan, call me Qui-Gon," he replied, watching Obi-Wan's sparkling eyes light up in simple happiness.

"Well, Qui-Gon, today when I am given my rank as Jedi…I know you wish to train the boy, but I do not wish to part from you," Obi-Wan said so quietly Qui-Gon wasn't sure if he heard him properly.

"To be honest Obi-Wan, I think it would be better for Anakin to be trained by a council member. He requires close supervision and I do not think I can grant him that…seeing as my eyes are much too busy watching your every move," the Jedi Master replied, eyes filled with hope.

"Master! I mean, Qui-Gon, do you mean that? Truly?"

"Yes, My Obi-Wan. Of course I do."

"Then…after the ceremony, would you be willing to, well, bond with me in the way that Jedi couples do?" Obi-Wan asked with a slight blush, unable to help himself from the rather detailed and intimate images working their way into his mind.

Qui-Gon smiled, fingers ghosting along Obi-Wan's jaw line. "Yes, Obi-Wan, if that is what you truly want." He watched the Padawan smile in a way that could only be described as mischievous and felt his heart skip a beat.

The ceremony was pleasant, but the two Jedi's could not be more anxious for it to be over since they longed to be in one another's arms. When they finally excused themselves from the evening's festivities and went back to their quarters, Obi-Wan could feel the new bond between them humming, begging to be completed. Once the door was safely shut behind them Obi-Wan turned around and nearly shoved Qui-Gon against the back of the door. Qui-Gon's eyes widened, but a smile graced his lips.

"Anxious?" he teased.

"Why waste time on foreplay? That's all we've been doing these past couple days," replied the younger Jedi.

"Touché," said Qui-Gon, pulling Obi-Wan closer. Obi-Wan crashed their lips together in a way that could never be classified as chaste. The fire there had been fueling for months, years even if they admitted it to themselves. Passion took over chivalry as their bodies slammed together, leaving no space between. Tongues shyly caressed, but soon were battling for dominance in the age old dance.

Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon and there was something electric in that gaze as Qui-Gon leaned down, his breath sending pleasant shivers through Obi-Wan's body, and whispered with a growl, "Bed." And that was where they made their way to, hurriedly taking off one another's layers of clothes, tripping over pants and boots, grapping at any expanse of skin they could reach. Eventually they collapsed on Qui-Gon's bed, kissing slower this time and taking the time to feel. Obi-Wan moaned quietly as Qui-Gon sucked on his lower lip and fingertips traced down his abdomen. Obi-Wan began to arch into the touch and felt his groin pressed against Qui-Gon's.

The hardness of Qui-Gon against Obi-Wan's own was almost overbearing. He looked up at Qui-Gon and kissed him fiercely as his hand traveled down, wrapping around both their achingly hard cocks. Obi-Wan decided that Qui-Gon's moan was the greatest noise to have ever graced his ears, and suddenly there was nothing as important as making his former masted make that sound again. He flipped them over and was soon leaving hot, wet kisses on Qui-Gon's collarbone, neck, and chest. Taking care to suck hard enough to leave a mark as Qui-Gon's hands deliberately grabbed Obi-Wan's ass and squeezed.

Obi-Wan started to come undone at that. He pressed his hardness against Qui-Gon's own and they began to rock together, finding a rhythm. Before the rocking became too intense, Obi-Wan found himself unable to contain his curiosity and slid his way down Qui-Gon's body, leaving kisses along his length. Qui-Gon's moan served as encouragement and Obi-Wan took the impressive length into his mouth, sucking intently at every inch he could get to.

"Oh, Obi-Wan, Obi…yes," panted Qui-Gon. After a few more glorious seconds Obi-Wan released his wicked mouth from Qui-Gon's cock and reclaimed Qui-Gon's mouth, allowing him to taste himself. Qui-Gon flipped them back over and as their hips rocked against one another both men let out a breathless moan. Qui-Gon guided his hand to wrap around both their cocks and they moved frantically against each other, moans and gasps becoming muffled as their mouths moved against each other, Obi-Wan's tongue thrusting into Qui-Gon's mouth seemed almost more intimate than what their lower bodies were doing. Fire bubbled in Obi-Wan's abdomen as he felt himself closer to release.

"Qui-Gon, don't stop," he panted, thrusting madly against the other body. The heat between them and those hot, mewling noises Qui-Gon was making broke Obi-Wan. He let himself go and saw a blind white light as his eyelids closed and he loudly groaned his release. Qui-Gon thrust against Obi-Wan one last, hard time and let himself go as well, clutching on to the younger man's shoulders before collapsing onto his side, legs still entwined with Obi-Wan's. Laying breathless with their sides pressed together, breathing in the strangely pleasant aroma of their lovemaking, their eyes met and they kissed softly.

Obi-Wan wrapped his arm around Qui-Gon's waist and nuzzled himself against the older man's neck. "I love you, Obi-Wan Kenobi," Qui-Gon whispered, running his fingers through the newly appointed Jedi's hair.

"And I love you, Qui-Gon," he said back softly, eyes starting to drift close, feeling more peaceful than he could ever remember. He was practically purring as Qui-Gon continued to run his fingers through his hair. Qui-Gon chuckled and murmured something about "his Obi-Cat" before drifting off to sleep himself.