Author's Note: This fits in Stacey's fourth instalment, at the fade-out, just before they meet with Chancellor Valorum. Thanks to Stacey for her brilliant piece and for allowing me to play with it!
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Lucas owns 'em. I just play...if I didn't, I'd never be able to get the two of them to quit yammering and let me get some sleep!
Feedback welcome, but try to be gentle. - avatar 01071999 _______________________________________________________________________________________________

As we finally started to make our way back to our quarters, I began to feel a tinge of tiredness. Still walking a step ahead, Obi-Wan turned to look at me. I felt a hint of amusement through the tenuous bond we now shared.

"Tired already?" he teased. "Perhaps it is just as well I didn't introduce you to the games," he said, referring to the conversation we had before we left for our walk.

I grinned back, trying to fight an urge to swat at his ponytail playfully. "Perhaps. But that doesn't mean we can't do it another time."

Obi-Wan chuckled in reply. Adopting a lecturing tone, he shot back, "Impatience benefits no one. Remember, a Jedi is forever patient..." he stopped abruptly, a look of surprise and shock spreading across his face as I lost my restraint and reached out to slap at his ponytail in retaliation. A second later, he broke down into laughter, my giggles a softer counterpoint to his humour.

We fought to subdue our amusement, knowing we were making far too much noise in the quiet Temple corridors. Just as I had my laughter under control, I looked up to see my barely contained amusement mirrored in Obi-Wan's sparkling blue eyes as he gasped out, "I can't believe you did that!"

I smirked back wickedly, secretly glad that he had not taken offense at my lack of self-control. I was beginning to like Obi-Wan a lot. Beneath his usual calm Jedi exterior, I sensed a playful, mischievous young man, who would no doubt be a very interesting person to get to know...if I got the chance. A flash of worry shot through me. I meant what I had said earlier about not wanting to go back...I wanted to stay here.

Obi-Wan must have sensed my sudden change in mood for he quickly stepped closer and put his arm comfortingly around me. "Don't worry about what will happen. As Master Qui-Gon keeps reminding me, we should keep our focus on the here and now."

I nodded in agreement, glad for the comfort but also slightly annoyed that he could read me this well. This bond, despite being something that I had always wished I could share with another, would take some getting used to.

Obi-Wan guided me the rest of the way to our quarters in silence, but with a comforting smile on his lips. Just as we reached the door, it opened and we saw Master Qui-Gon standing just inside. From the faintly amused expression on his face, I could tell he had been expecting us. We had probably even woken him up with all the racket we had been making.

I felt Obi-Wan groan inwardly and I struggled not to burst into helpless giggles at his chagrin. After a silent moment of studying us, Qui-Gon spoke up. "I trust you are both ready to get some rest now instead of waking the entire Temple up?" he inquired. The tone of his voice was slightly chiding but the amusement was evident in his eyes.

I tried to look regretful but had a strong feeling that I was failing completely at my attempt. Instead, I simply nodded respectfully and said, "Yes, Master," shooting Obi-Wan a quick, amused glance as I heard him say the words at the same time. He did not return my brief look and I had the distinct impression that he was fighting hard to keep a straight face.

"Mmmm," Qui-Gon acknowledged, then with a last glance at the both of us, he stalked to his bedroom and closed the door.

*********

With the door closed behind him, Qui-Gon allowed himself the wide smile which had been threatening to spread across his face. He chuckled to himself. It was good that the two of them were getting along so well, he thought. Not that he ha d doubted they would, it was just that it had been a long time since Obi-Wan had the chance to get close to someone else aside from his Master.

Qui-Gon sighed. It was only natural that his apprentice would spend so much time with him. The nature of the Master-Padawan relationship was such that the two spent very little time apart. When they were not on missions assigned by the Council, Qui-Gon would continue to further Obi-Wan's training in the Jedi arts. The Jedi Master loved his apprentice as much as any teacher could love his student and he enjoyed Obi-Wan's company and presence. Yet, there were times when Qui-Gon wished that his young Padawan had more friends his own age. It could only benefit Obi-Wan. After all, I'm not getting any younger, Qui-Gon thought to himself amusedly, and I couldn't possibly be the best company for an active young man. No, it was good that they were getting along, he told himself. As he lay down on his bed, Qui-Gon sensed the mirth that the two of them were sharing in the other room and allowed himself another contented chuckle as he drifted off to sleep.

*********

As soon as Qui-Gon was out of sight, Obi-Wan and I looked at each other and collapsed into hysterical giggles. When we finally recovered our composure, Obi-Wan muttered, "I could get used to having you around. Something tells me that if you had not been here, I would have gotten a lecture about my lack of self-control."

"If I had not been here, you would not have had a reason to lose your supposed self-control in the first place," I countered.

The apprentice was on the verge of agreeing with this assessment before he realized I was implying that he was not as restrained as he would have liked to think. His eyes narrowed as he glared at me in mock anger. He snorted, "Well, hanging around you obviously will not help in that regard."

I smiled indulgently and settled into a more comfortable position on the floor, leaning against the couch. I reached back and rubbed the back of my neck absently.

Obi-Wan was immediately concerned, all serious again. "Are you feeling alright?" Obviously, my close call earlier that day was still fresh in his mind.

Once again, I was touched by the young man's instant and heartfelt concern. "Yes, I'm fine," I assured him quickly.

He moved towards the couch and settled himself on it, sitting behind me. Reaching out, he gently pushed my hand away and began rubbing and massaging my neck and shoulders. The unexpected action made me gasp as I felt his fingers prod at the tense knots in my shoulders, knots that I had not realized were even there. Then I immediately relaxed and leaned back into him. My body went limp as I allowed my head to drop forward slightly, letting his hands prod freely at my shoulder blades. After a moment, Obi-Wan lightly pushed aside my short hair so his deft fingers could work unhindered at my nape. His actions raised goosebumps on my skin, making my entire body tingle with pleasure. I smiled as he worked his fingers playfully through my hair, ruffling it and rubbing soothingly at my scalp, reducing me to a state of utter bliss under his ministrations. "Mmmm..." I sighed. "That feels so good."

Obi-Wan chuckled quietly. "I don't know why you never said anything sooner...all your muscles are so tense."

"I didn't notice it till just now," I replied absently, my thoughts wandering as his strong fingers worked away the tension. "You're good at this," I added.

"Hmph. Flattery will get you nowhere. I expect you to return the favour." I could hear the smile in his voice.

"It will be my pleasure, Obi-Wan," I said softly, as I rested my head on his knee and smiled up at his youthful face. Then, unable to resist, I reached up to tug gently at his thin Padawan braid which was dangling down and tickling my ear. My move brought an instant grin to his face.

If only I could stay here with him and Qui-Gon, I thought idly as I toyed with his braid. It would be a dream come true to be part of this bond, perhaps even become Qui-Gon's Padawan. No, that would never happen - a Jedi Master only had one Padawan at a time and besides, even though I had Qui-Gon's midi-chlorians, that didn't mean I would make a good Jedi.

Obi-Wan's eyes shone with amusement. "You want to be his Padawan!" he exclaimed.

I twisted round and glared at him. "I thought you couldn't read minds!" I retorted indignantly, attempting to hide my embarrassment.

"I can't! It was just a guess!" he laughed.

I blushed, realizing that I had just incriminated myself. I looked at him helplessly. For a moment, we just stared at each other. Then I asked concernedly, "You're not jealous are you? That I want to be part of what the both of you share?" I paused for a long moment, studying his features, trying to gain some insight into his thoughts.

"I don't think I could live with myself if you were," I continued, then stopped short. I knew from the look on his face that he sensed what I was thinking - that it would pain me far more if I were to hurt either one of them than it would not being part of the connection that he and Qui-Gon shared.

Obi-Wan looked down at his hands. Slowly, he shook his head. "No, I understand your longing. It is a wonderful thing, the bond I share with my Master. It is not something I would begrudge to anyone." I gazed at him, not saying anything, sensing that he was struggling to say something more.

I was not wrong. A moment later he added contemplatively, "I think I like having you share our bond...it's a different experience...an interesting feeling."

I let out a breath I had not realized I was holding. I wasn't sure what I would have done if he had said otherwise. Suddenly he grinned, flashing me a playful look. "Besides, if tonight was any indication, it would mean that I wouldn't get into trouble as often with you around. Master Qui-Gon seems more lenient when he thinks you are the cause of the mischief."

I glared at him, trying to keep a straight face. Then I broke down and let my relief show. "I'm glad. The last thing I would want is to hurt you, either of you." I finally allowed myself to say the words.

Obi-Wan reached out his hand to me. "I know," he said softly. "I know."

I smiled as I got up from the floor and settled myself next to him on the couch. "Something tells me we are going to be good friends, Obi-Wan Kenobi," I murmured, leaning against him.

The young Padawan said nothing for a moment, as he adjusted himself against the couch, trying to find a position that would be comfortable for the both of us. Then he breathed softly, "I sense that too, Stacey...I sense that too. I think we will be very good friends."

Back to part 4