Riding the Wheel of If: Wild Desire

by MJ Lee

Based on the idea by MrsHamill from a story by Mac

E-mail: mj.lee@chello.se

Pairing: Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan

Category: Alternate Universe

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I've always wondered if anybody ever reads this? - Or more pertinently if the lawyers ever comes after us, will this save us from mortgaging our souls for the next thousand years or so? In any case, I don't own anybody, Mac does ::points finger at Mac:: although I guess the initial concept of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan belongs to George Lucas <g>. In any case, I am most definitely not making any money out of this, so there.

Warning: None

Summary: What happened after Obi-Wan clicked his heels together and said 'there is no place like home!' AKA the continuing saga of the Overlord of Coruscant and Brother Kenobi, AKA love soothes the savage beast.

Notes: All hail the wondrous MrsHamill for coming up with the first idea, and the incomparable Mac for the High Lord and his Brother Kenobi that absolutely fascinated me. It's really all their fault (or credit) whichever way you want to view it :-)

This story represents a couple of firsts. It's my first TPM fic, and also the first time I've ever written anything not based on original canon.

Warm virtual hugs to Fox, Res and RavenD for swift and wonderful betaing.

Feedback: Yes please.

From Mac: I was honoured to have another writer want to explore my AU and characters and Mia's tender handling of these two lovers is a lovely work. Well done, Mia.

     Love, half angel and half bird
     And all a wonder and a wild desire

                  Robert Browning

When it first became known that the Overlord and Emperor of Coruscant had taken a young Brother of an obscure rustic order to his bed, it occasioned only mild interest. The general agreement was, once the novelty had worn off the little Jedi Brother would be on his way, though more than one courtier expressed curiosity and determination to sample what had the Overlord so fascinated.

The days stretched into weeks and still there was no sign that the High Lord Jinn would tire of his latest toy. Indeed, the rumor spread that since the young Jedi had first appeared, the Imperial concubines and dancing-girls and - boys had all languished in solitude. No more did the Overlord summon them to his chamber or preside at private gatherings with selected nobles. Instead he held court and then left, not being seen until the next morning. The court whispered and the court gossiped, and more than one lord calculated coldly how this could be turned to his advantage.

Moving smoothly down the marble halls of his vast palace, Qui-Gon Jinn, Emperor, High Lord and undisputed ruler of a planet-wide empire, was blind to the opulent surroundings and the silent guards stationed at intervals. All his mind and focus was on one young, stubborn, and very beautiful Jedi Brother. An unconsciously tender smile curved lips more used to thinning in curt commands, as he thought of what awaited him in his private apartments.

"Little Brother? Obi-Wan?" he called out as he walked through the doors held open to him by the Imperial guards stationed outside, impatience clawing at him.

"In here," the answer floated through the still air. He crossed the room and entered the joining suite of rooms very different from his own. Although he would not let Brother Obi-Wan Kenobi sleep anywhere but in the Imperial bed, pressed tightly against his lover's body, he had finally accepted the need for a separate place that the young Jedi could call his own. He frowned in slight irritation at the memory of Obi-Wan's quiet request. He had definitely not been pleased when his young lover first brought it up, since it implied that the Jedi Brother was not truly content with him. Yet in the end Obi-Wan's dejection at the curt refusal had forced the Overlord to reconsider.

Never before had Qui-Gon Jinn considered the wishes of another or placed another person's needs and desires above his own. It was a novel - and disconcerting - experience he could well have done without.

It was also more than a little frustrating he acknowledged, accustomed since birth as he was to consider nobody and nothing above his own pleasure. The lovers, or more accurately pleasurable diversions who before his Jedi Brother had shared his bed, had been only too willing to indulge his slightest whim. It would never have occurred to any of them, men or women to do anything but please their Emperor as best they knew. Obi-Wan Kenobi, he very soon discovered, was unlike anything he had ever experienced previously. Shy the young man may be, as well as innocent, but he possessed the heart of a lion and enough persistence to out-stubborn ten mules, as an exasperated Qui-Gon had more than once accused him.

The Emperor stepped through the door and stopped abruptly as a curious sight met his eyes. The room was very different from his own apartments, empty white walls starkly unadorned save for some simple, exquisite calligraphy and the polished floor bare apart from a woven prayer mat and in one corner a small heater for making tea. Or rather, that was how it usually looked.

Today the treasure of nations spilled across the bare tiles, jewels sparkled in the sunlight slanting in through the wide windows and reflected off gold and gemstones, turned priceless silk and brocade into living fire and gilded well-tempered and honed steel. Watching it all was a small dejected figure, distress written in every line of his body.

An affectionate smile unconsciously curved the austere lips of High Lord Jinn as he gazed at his young Jedi lover. It was as if the young Jedi was built of finer stuff than other people, Qui-Gon thought. And the smile widened as he thought that no matter how vigorously his young lover protested the pet name the High Lord used so often, 'little' described him perfectly.

The contrast between the slender, gracefully vulnerable young Brother in his simple robes and the opulent wealth struck the Emperor powerfully. As always the sight of Obi-Wan Kenobi left him torn between his need to protect and devour, balanced between the selfish desire to take and the poignant unfamiliar need to give.

Obi-Wan looked up at the Emperor through those ridiculous glasses of his that perched precariously on his nose and said helplessly, "I'm sorry, but no matter that I always refuse and return every gift, these," he waved a slender white hand at the treasure scattered across the room, "just keep arriving."

Qui-Gon threw his head back and roared with laugher. "Gods! Gods!" he finally gasped. "My nobles can be so predictable."

But noting Obi-Wan's genuine misery, he went to the young man he had come to love with a passion and tenderness he had not known he possessed. "What troubles you, little one?" he asked gently, unable to resist reaching out a hand and tugging lightly on the shining copper-gold hair confined in a thick braid. In response to the slight pressure the slender body flexed and yielded sweetly, curving against him. And High Lord Qui-Gon Jinn thought, as he had so many times before, that none of the riches on the floor could ever compare to the living, breathing treasure he held in his arms.

Ever since he had first seen the young Jedi, he had known that he must have the man. Initially it had been just hunger, easily sated, or so he had thought. But even before the strange wizard wearing the Jedi Brother's face had admonished him, he had known that this was no toy to be lightly used and then cast aside. Yet at the time he had not suspected what he now knew to be true: that Obi-Wan was truly the other part of his soul.

Watching the expressive, delicate face beside him, Qui-Gon Jinn smiled, recalling the gossip. For once rumour did not lie; there was almost nothing he would refuse his lover. But, and it had amused and frustrated him in equal measures, it was not so easy as it seemed to gift Obi-Wan Kenobi. Despite offerings of the most costly silks and velvets, the young Jedi Brother persisted in wearing his simple home-spun robes in brown and cream. Gold and jewels interested him as little as did well-crafted weapons, blooded stallions, fierce hawks or sprawling estates. As for the power of being the Overlord's lover, which most men and women would kill and die for - the first time a gift arrived along with a obsequious note, couched in flowery terms suggesting a meeting, Obi-Wan had handed it to Qui-Gon in obvious bewilderment. "I do not know this man. What does he want with me?"

Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow, recognizing the name. "He wants you to intercede for him. He is disputing the eastern border of his estate with another lord."

Obi-Wan still looked confused. "What does that have to do with me?"

A strange smile played on Qui-Gon's lips. "Because, my innocent one, I am the one who will decide in the dispute and he thinks that you may persuade me to rule in his favour."

"That is foolishness," Obi-Wan said calmly. "You would never let such a thing as a lover sway your decision. Nor would I ever ask you to. You will make your ruling according to what is right, not to please yourself or anyone else."

Qui-Gon smiled again, wryly this time. "If you truly think so love, then Lord Raid knows me better than you do." He caught Obi-Wan around the waist, pulling his young lover up against himself, looking down into the lovely, innocent face of the young Jedi. "My Obi-Wan, you really do not understand the enormous power you wield, do you? A word from you, a frown, a smile, and lives as well as fortunes will be saved or lost." He bent his head and kissed the trembling lips. "Ask me anything, my love," he murmured, "anything in my power is yours."

Arching, melting against the hard body, Obi-Wan shook his head. "I want nothing Qui-Gon, nothing but you."

And so it was that all the Jedi Brother would ever accept was the occasional living plant or rare book. Thus, Qui-Gon had had his men scouring all the boundless lands of the empire for unusual flowers and saplings. And he was repaid a thousand times over seeing the innocent joy as Obi-Wan bent over a new plant, stroking its leaves gently.

But there was no joy now, just a terrible sadness in the crystal-clear eyes as Obi-Wan knelt and picked up a small necklace of gold, encrusted with jewels. "This could feed two villages for many years," he said softly, fingers sliding across the sparkling surface of the gems. "Each of these small stones is the life of a hungry child, a mother too poor to feed, clothe, or shelter her family."

In answer, Qui-Gon enfolded him in his strong arms, warm lips scattering light kisses on his temple and cheek. "Ah, my Obi-Wan, do not grieve over what you cannot change. Come," he whispered nuzzling the tender curve of a slender white neck, feeling the responding shiver as he nipped lightly. "Come to bed, my love."

Gracefully Obi-Wan melted into the embrace, tilting his head, willing to forget for a brief while in the arms of his lover, the reality of rapaciousness and corruption, and the poverty and suffering he had sworn his life to lessen.

It was as the season changed and time passed, that Qui-Gon watched with growing concern how Obi-Wan's face grew thinner and paler until it seemed only to consist of two enormous blue-green eyes. Even the silky copper hair no longer flew buoyantly, but lay sedated in its thick braid. The young Jedi also seemed to require more and more sleep. Frequently when the Emperor returned at night it was to find Obi-Wan curled up in a chair or a sofa, a forgotten book on the floor where it had slipped from his fingers, thick dark-gold lashes fanning over skin so pale it shone translucent.

Dropping to his knees beside Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon gently removed the pair of glasses that for some reason always made him both laugh and melted his soul. The High Lord suddenly felt a terrible fear squeezing his heart. For the first time in his life he truly loved another person, and that love told him something was very, very wrong.

Bending, the Emperor kissed the soft tempting lips. "Wake up, little love," he whispered and watched almost breathlessly as the lashes trembled and lifted revealing the smile that lit the sea-green depths.

"Qui-Gon..." The lips opened pliantly beneath the light pressure, a small pink tongue darted out, pulling him inside, stroking and twining around his. "I was dreaming of you, my love."

Smiling to hide his fear, Qui-Gon tenderly caressed the elegant, aristocratic lines of the supple body in his hands. "Was it a pleasant dream?"

Obi-Wan laughed softly and twined his arms around his lover's neck. "We were making love in the forest, the sun shining down on our bodies."

The breath hissed out, as blue eyes darkened to the colour of midnight and Qui-Gon was once again spellbound by the artless desire of his beloved.

Since that first night, when Obi-Wan had given himself with an innocent sensuality and trust that had shaken Qui-Gon's soul, he had proved a more than apt pupil. As Qui-Gon had slowly, gently and very patiently taught him of pleasure, the Emperor had through the artless ardour of his young lover re-discovered in himself things he had thought forever lost; a passion that cleansed and refreshed not cloyed like guttered candles, heavy perfume and too-sweet wine. Above all else he had found in the arms of Obi-Wan Kenobi something he had never truly believed in before; love.

It had startled as well as amused the jaded High Lord, how the slightest gesture of his oh-so-innocent little Jedi could be so unwittingly seductive. Since he had childhood been used to sating himself with the most accomplished and beautiful concubines, male and female. In the silken seduction of the dancing-boys and - girls, and with the aristocratic debauchery of the court; he had thought himself completely surfeited with bodily pleasure. Yet Qui-Gon Jinn discovered had found himself trembling with helpless need at the sight of a turned head, a mischievous smile, a slender hand braiding long gold-copper hair.

Withdrawing slightly, Obi-Wan rubbed his eyes, looking like a small child. "Is it already so late?" He cast a look at the last rays of the sun painting the marble floor rose and gold and sat up yawning and stretching with the boneless grace of a small feline. The sight made Qui-Gon's breath hitch in his throat and set up a renewed throb in his body. But seeing the mauve shadows beneath the sea-green eyes and the slenderness of the body that even the thick robes could not hide, he suppressed his impulse.

"It is time for dinner, sleepyhead," Qui-Gon laughed, concealing his anxiety. "Come." He held out his hand and watched how Obi-Wan trustingly put his small white ones in his and let himself be pulled along. "Tonight we will have Alderaanian sweet-pears for dessert; they only grow in the orchards planted along the eastern sea and are considered a great delicacy." He did not mention that he had had the first harvest brought to Coruscant by a relay of the fastest heralds in the empire to tempt Obi-Wan's appetite.

At dinner he watched as the young Jedi only toyed with his sweet-pear, having refused the succulent dishes set before him, apparently more than content with a piece of bread and a small wedge of cheese.

"You should eat," he said, trying to hide his concern. "If this is not to your liking then please order something else."

Obi-Wan smiled sweetly and shook his head, "Truly, I am not very hungry, Qui-Gon," he admitted. But after a stern look from dark-blue eyes, he obediently took another bite of the sweet-pear. Yet only moments later, Qui-Gon noticed how the fruit lay half-eaten and forgotten on his plate.

In bed that night, Qui-Gon lightly circled a slender arm, the wrist thin enough that he was sure he could break it with the slightest pressure. "What is wrong, little love?" he asked softly, brushing strands of red-gold hair from the thin graceful face.

Obi-Wan looked up at him, sleepy and a little puzzled. "There is nothing wrong," he said quietly, and yawned, cuddling up against the body beside him. "I am just tired."

Settling Obi-Wan's head against his shoulder and wrapping himself tightly around his young lover, Qui-Gon whispered, "Then sleep, my Obi-Wan, sleep and be well."

But the next morning as he awoke and arose, the small figure did not wake as it usually did to bid him good-bye, but lay sprawled in deep sleep so still that only the faint rise and fall of a chest bore evidence that he was alive. The young Jedi Brother looked no bigger than a child in the enormous carved bed and the sight shouted at the Emperor that it was past time to call for a healer.

Dressing in another room so as not to disturb his sleeping love, he did not even notice the body-servants swarming around him and efficiently assisting him, all his thoughts on the young man in his bed. With a wry smile, Qui-Gon suddenly remembered his arrogant boast when they had first met, "...I will show you what it is to be taken and pleasured. I will teach you how to give me satisfaction." Instead he was the one who had been taught and seduced and pleasured beyond his wildest imagination.

"Majesty." A dark-robed Master Healer bowed deeply before him. The man flinched, a glimmer of fear in his eyes at the sight of the frowning Emperor.

The Overlord looked at him with cold, dark eyes as an efficient body-servant laid the heavy velvet and ermine mantle across broad shoulders and arranged the folds, while another man knelt, slipping jeweled rings on his fingers. More gems sparkled at his throat and around his waist. "I have sent for you because I want you to heal the Jedi Brother."

"Yes, Majesty." It was said impassively, although the Master Healer was secretly alive with curiosity. Court was rife with gossip about the young man who graced Emperor Jinn's bed, and, or so rumour whispered, had captured a heart that had never before been touched. It was said that the Emperor guarded him so jealously that few had ever seen, much less spoken to, the young Jedi Brother.

As the day progressed, Qui-Gon could hardly contain his impatience - or the growing fear that froze his heart. His temper grew progressively shorter as he began imagining Obi-Wan sick and dying; though as he stalked through the palace, a small part of him was coldly amused by the sudden discreet melting away of everyone as word spread of his ill-temper. In the end, he had to content himself with dictating harsh terms of surrender to a princeling who had been foolish enough to rebel against the Empire. Yet, even as he signed his name to the letter ordering the general to hang everyone involved and burn the city, he knew that the order would not be sent. Not because he would regret the punishment of rebels who richly deserved their fate, but because a certain small stubborn Jedi would no doubt draw the truth of what he had done from him, and then set himself to patiently explain why Qui-Gon was a better man than that. And as usual he would find himself unable to deny his Obi-Wan anything.

A deep laugh broke from his lips, startling the young page by his side. The Emperor's harsh features lit up in genuine amusement as he recalled the day when the court finally realised that Brother Kenobi was far from being a helpless pawn or simple pleasure toy.

Qui-Gon Jinn had been seated in the Council Chambers, listening impassively to his Councilors arguing about the fate of Tatooine. Long a small independent duchy, it had recently been conquered by Imperial forces, and, with its ducal family dead, its army defeated and its people starving, it had surrendered unconditionally. The majority of the Council were of the opinion that stern measures should be taken and a punishing tribute exacted. The Emperor, already irritated and impatient, had suddenly declared that he wanted the Dukedom obliterated, the people enslaved and scattered to the winds, the towns torn down and destroyed.

There was a stunned silence, although none was brave enough to gainsay him. Everyone knew that the former duke had been an old enemy of the Emperor's. However, few had expected the High Lord to take out his ire on the people of a dead man. The necessary letters were duly written and signed, and a herald called to bring them to the general commanding the army, when the large heavy doors to the Council chamber opened, and standing there, dwarfed by the immense expanses of carved ebony and silver, was a slender figure dressed in simple flowing robes.

Brother Kenobi, looking serene and self-contained, as though unaware of the curious eyes that followed him and scrutinized every detail of his appearance, moved to stand before the Emperor, who gave him a searching, curious look.

"Majesty." Brother Kenobi bowed deeply, hands hidden in the wide sleeves of his robes. "May I speak?" At the Emperor's nod, he paused and gathered himself, then continued in soft and refined voice. "I have come to appeal to your justice on behalf of the people of the dukedom of Tatooine." There were soft gasps in the background. "I know that Your Majesty will not refuse to listen to the cries of innocents."

There was a faint snicker or two, quickly muffled as Brother Kenobi looked straight at the Emperor, the sunlight creating a halo of living fire where it struck his hair. "I ask that Your Majesty show mercy and compassion. The people are innocent of their ruler's crime, and they do not deserve to be treated harshly."

The silence was absolute as everyone gazed at an Emperor who had seldom showed compassion and never mercy.

Qui-Gon Jinn looked for a long time at the young man he had taken to his bed and his heart. "Do you wish me to do this?" he asked quietly.

Brother Kenobi nodded, "Yes, Majesty," he smiled radiantly, "because it is the right thing to do."

A pause. "Then it is done." Qui-Gon ignored the stares and muttered comments of a Council watching in stunned fascination as a small, insignificant Jedi Brother with a few quiet words and a sweet smile tamed the Overlord of all Coruscant. Qui-Gon grinned, reaching out and tugging gently on the thick braid, bringing Obi-Wan to his side. Once the slender Jedi was where he wished him to be, the Emperor looked at his Council. "It is my will that all measures against the people of Tatooine be repealed forthwith. Also, there will be no tribute paid, and - " he turned and arched an eyebrow - "anything else, Brother Kenobi?"

A slight flush and then the young man whispered something softly in the ear of the Emperor. Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow again but his blue eyes danced with amusement as he added, "And that a compensation be paid to those rendered homeless and destitute in the war, to help them rebuild their homes. This to be taken from the Imperial Treasury."

Once again the High Lord ignored the whispers and mutters, looking at Obi-Wan, drinking in the ardent love and devotion written so clearly on the small exquisite face so close to his. "Do not look at me like that, my love," he murmured.

"Like what?" Obi-Wan whispered. Lips parted softly and the small mischievous smile that curved them, told Qui-Gon his little Jedi knew exactly what the Emperor was thinking.

Qui-Gon laughed softly, "As though you wouldn't mind if I took you here and now on the floor of the Council chamber with half the court watching."

Obi-Wan flushed, and his eyes dropped, his body stiffening. "Is that what you desire?" he asked in a small voice.

Sudden icy remorse twisted Qui-Gon's stomach and turned him cold. "No, oh no, love," he said, and then in sudden urgency, "look at me, Obi-Wan!"

Slowly, reluctantly, wide blue-green eyes lifted and met his. The uncertainty in them was like a dagger through the heart. "Forgive me, belissa," he breathed tenderly, cursing himself for allowing his court-bred tongue to overtake his brains. Words that would elicit no more than a coy smile and lascivious invitation from most at court had the power to deeply hurt and frighten his young Jedi.

He wanted badly to take Obi-Wan in his arms and erase the sudden wary distance that clouded the usually so crystal clear depths. But he knew that to do so now would only reinforce Obi-Wan's fear. All he allowed himself was a single caress down the curve of a smooth cheek and even that caused a further tensing. "Sometimes I forget how truly innocent you are, my Obi-Wan," he said slowly, feeling guilt twist his heart at the knowledge that he was what had brought the young Jedi Brother to Court, and that his selfish desire was what had forced his love to remain.

And then the Emperor almost jumped at the feel of a slender body sliding against him, a butterfly light touch on his knee, as Obi-Wan knelt, taking his large hands in small slender fingers. "No, I am the one begging forgiveness." He looked at the Emperor, his eyes unclouded once more, his mouth smiling. "I know here," he lifted a big hand and placed it above his heart, covering it with both of his, "that you will never willingly hurt or humiliate me. And if," he swallowed once, "you so wish, I will joyfully give myself to you on the floor of the Great Hall."

Qui-Gon felt something burn deep inside him, and to his faint shock realised there was moisture gathering in his eyes. He had to blink twice to clear them. Then he said, in a soft, rough voice, "Ah, but you see, I am a very jealous and possessive man, and I would not want anyone but me to see you and to watch your face when you lose yourself in passion." He stood up, pulling Obi-Wan with him. "You are mine, little Jedi, always and forever."

Ignoring everyone else, he stalked from the Council chamber, a blushing, laughing Obi-Wan at his side.

A polite cough awoke him from his memories although the smile still lingered on his lips. It died swiftly, however, at the sight of the tall, thin Master Healer in his dark robes. "Speak," he ordered curtly, steeling himself for whatever the man would say.

Bowing deeply, the Master Healer murmured, "Majesty, if I may speak plainly?" An impatient nod, as he paused and gathered his thoughts. "While there is nothing physically wrong with Brother Kenobi as such, I have spoken to him for a long time and I believe I know where the problem is rooted. All his life he has been taught to think nothing of himself or his needs, just of those he serves. Now, he has lost his focus in life. There is little here for him to do but read and await your arrival and since he came to Coruscant he has been largely confined to his apartments, seeing few people apart from yourself. While not exactly unhappy, he is, if you will forgive the metaphor, a bird used to the freedom of the skies suddenly confined to a gilded cage."

"And if he is not let free, he will die," Qui-Gon finished the thought, his heart suddenly heavy. Was this then his choice? To lose Obi-Wan to death or watch him ride away never to return. "If necessary, I will send him away," he said, hearing the aching loss in his own voice. Yet he did not hesitate even as he knew that the action would tear him apart. He would indeed rather know that Obi-Wan lived content in Leisland than watch him slowly wither and die here in Coruscant.

Qui-Gon almost smiled even as anguish twisted his insides. He recollected the arrogant and selfish High Lord who had thought nothing of demanding the body of an innocent Jedi Brother to warm his bed in lieu of a year's tithe from a famine-stricken land. That man was gone forever, and the man who faced the Master Healer today knew that he would do whatever was necessary to ensure the well-being and life of Obi-Wan, no matter the cost.

Perhaps he should not have kept the young Jedi so isolated in his apartments, he realised now, but he had been unable to overcome his reluctance to share Obi-Wan Kenobi with anyone, least of all the decadent, debauched and corrupt court. The hours they spent together had been too precious to share with anyone else, much less the powerful lords he ruled with an iron hand.

He had to admit a part of him had even been coldly amused by the turmoil his 'infatuation' with the Jedi Brother had caused as the courtiers all scrambled to take advantage of his preoccupation. It had entertained him to see their increasing desperation as their usual ways to his ear and favour were obliterated.

Yet the primary reason for his decision was an aversion to watching his Obi-Wan walk among the hungry sharks that made up his court, or to watch them slaver like a pack of starving wolves at the sight of his lovely, innocent, beautiful love. And, a small voice whispered at the back of his mind, you do not want Obi-Wan to know what you have done in the past, something busy tongues would no doubt soon inform him of - the depths to which you have plummeted and the dark excesses you have sought to alleviate your boredom.

"Majesty, I do not think that will be necessary," the Master Healer said respectfully.

He frowned at the man, cursing the sudden hope that blossomed within his heart. "Explain yourself."

"I have discussed with Brother Kenobi the need to establish a chapter of the Jedi Order here in Coruscant. None such exist at the present, and..." a small pause, "there is much poverty and misery that mars our magnificent city. The establishment of a House of the Jedi Order would provide Brother Kenobi not only with familiar tasks and responsibilities, but also with the companionship and friends I believe he is missing sorely."

Qui-Gon's face suddenly brightened. "Of course! Truly an excellent idea, Master Healer. Brother Kenobi was agreeable?"

A small smile warmed the austere face, "He was surprised and then delighted. I believe he will soon approach you for assistance to finance the purchase of a house and the means to bring a sufficient number of Jedi Brothers to the city."

Qui-Gon almost laughed aloud, relief and happiness joining to make him feel light-headed. He knew that the Master Healer was utterly aware that not only would the High Lord willingly pay the cost, but the Jedi order would soon find itself inundated with gifts and donations from every noble at court who desired something from the Emperor. "And where is Brother Kenobi now?" he asked.

The Master Healer replied, "He has gone into the city to discuss the founding with other religious orders and to see the need with his own eyes."

Qui-Gon abruptly frowned darkly. "Alone?"

The Master Healer coughed politely, "Ah, I took the liberty of ordering a detachment of guards to follow him closely."

They shared a look of perfect understanding. In the vicious, intrigue-ridden world of the Court, Brother Kenobi was a prize worth a king's ransom. There was more than one ruthless lord who would not hesitate to abduct and use him against the Emperor - just as there were those who would kill him for the Emperor's sins, real and imagined.

That night when Qui-Gon returned to his apartments, he was met by an excited and glowing Obi-Wan. During dinner he listened in silence, watching the new light in aquamarine eyes, the smile that shaped the lips he loved kissing. He watched as Obi-Wan absently ate more than he had done for weeks, and his heart sang inside.

Obi-Wan laughed. "You have not heard a word I was saying," he suddenly accused.

Qui-Gon grasped the hand beside him, gently placing the palm of it against the side of his face. "I am just pleased you are so happy, my Obi-Wan," he said gently, suppressing the fierce jealousy that something besides him had caused the incandescent joy in the expressive sea-coloured eyes.

Obi-Wan smiled, slipping into his lover's lap and curling into the large body, twining slender arms around his neck. "Do you know," he said softly, "for the first time in too long I feel as though I have a direction again." His face turned serious. "We are taught that the Allmother has chosen us for a purpose, to serve those in need." Leaning his head against a broad shoulder, he murmured shyly. "And lately, I had begun to feel as if I was denying Her. When I prayed to Her, She did not answer. I have so much," he raised his head and smiled into deep-blue eyes - "and there are so many that have nothing. It made me feel terribly selfish."

A large hand gently smoothed the elegant arch of red-gold eyebrows. "You are the least selfish person I have ever met, Obi-Wan." A finger tilted his chin so Qui-Gon could look into his eyes. "I was wrong to keep you so secluded; forgive me, please? I will not keep you confined here any longer." He could not resist kissing the trembling, pliant lips. "I am your lover, not your jailer, but when you venture out into the city I want you to take a guard with you at all times."

A rebellious light entered Obi-Wan's eyes. "No, absolutely not," he said firmly. "That would be ridiculous. I cannot go among the poor followed by Imperial soldiers."

Qui-Gon frowned at him. "I did not ask. This is how it will be."

"But why?" Obi-Wan demanded. "Why would I want or need a guard?"

Almost the Emperor shook his head, amazed by the innocence of his lover, and his voice was very gentle when he said, "Little one, you hold my heart in your hands, and there is not a person at court who does not know this. Do you not know yet that I would do anything, pay any price if you were ever taken from me?"

"Oh, Qui-Gon..." Obi-Wan melted into his embrace, pulling down his head to kiss him long and passionately. "I am sorry," he whispered. "If you truly do not want me to go, I will not leave the palace again," he offered.

Qui-Gon shook his head. "No, love." He pulled Obi-Wan close, settling him against his shoulder, "I will not deny that if I could I would keep you forever with me." A wry, rueful smile, "I have discovered in myself a startling possessiveness. If I had my way you would never see, never smile, never speak to anyone but me. Your every thought, your entire consciousness focused on me alone."

Obi-Wan shivered listening to the deep, rough voice; instinctively, he pulled away, fear vibrating through him at the sound of the words. But Qui-Gon would not let him move.

"I said, if I had my will." He looked down at the elegant, delicate features. "But I know that if I were ever to give in to temptation, it would mean our mutual destruction." He stroked slowly down the slender body. "You would die, and with you, so would my soul."

He suddenly stood up and, carrying Obi-Wan in his arms, placed him on their bed before pulling off his own shirt and trousers. All the time Obi-Wan's wide-eyed gaze never wavered from him. The slight body trembled in passion and need, and there was nothing but steady trust and love in the crystalline eyes as slim arms were held out to him and lithe limbs bathed in moonlight offered themselves in complete faith and surrender.

Looking down at the pale, exquisite face, resting against the softness of the pillows, Qui-Gon said deeply, "You were born to aid and succor those in need, just as I was born to rule." He felt the shudder travel through Obi-Wan's body at his words. "So go, my love, and do what you must, but swear that you will come back to me, always."

"I swear." Obi-Wan raised adoring eyes to the large bronze and gold body of his lover. He pulled Qui-Gon down, feeling the silky softness of hair sweep across his face and then mingle and pool with his, just as their mouths, their breaths and soon their bodies would join, creating a thing of wondrous beauty.

"I love you," he whispered, raising himself and kissing his way down the taut arch of a bared throat...

"I love you," as he ran his hands down a muscular back, feeling the ripples beneath the skin...

"I love you," as he knelt between two massive thighs wrapping his lips around the velvet hardness of his lover...

"I love you," a soft moan of need and passion as he felt Qui-Gon with one smooth thrust, slide himself into the oh-so-willing heat of his own body...

"I love you," a sobbing gasp as he felt himself being taken and molded and reborn in the passion of the man who held him.

And finally, "I love you," a soft drowsy whisper as Qui-Gon cradled him in the comforting warm haven of strong arms.

"As I love you, my heart, my soul," Qui-Gon murmured, covering the damp hot skin of a pale shoulder with gentle kisses, soothing the marks his earlier passion had left on the fine skin.

At peace, they slept wrapped around each other.

And unknown and unseen by either of them, a tall man, standing within a nimbus of blue light smiled tenderly down at the two lovers, and an ethereal hand reached out and gently smoothed a silky strand of red-gold hair, "Be well, my Obi-Wan, always."

The smile widened as the man watched himself stir and mutter something, powerful arms tightening around the body within their circle, even in sleep aware of his lover. The shade whispered, "Care for him as he deserves, brother-self, and be joyful the Force granted you the time to love him, as I was too blind to do." A shadow of sorrow crossed the strong features, as the man turned and walked to the window.

A last long look, a deep, quiet voice murmured, "May the Force be with you both," and then there was only the light summer wind fluttering the gossamer-thin silk curtains.

THE END