TITLE: Impus Interruptus.
AUTHOR: Tatsu.
FEEDBACK: yes please. My email address is : cjcooper@hotmail.com
ARCHIVES: Padawan Punishment - all others, please ask.
RATING: R - there’s a sex scene (not too explicit) between Qui-Gon and a female. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then turn away now.
SUMMARY: Qui-Gon meets up with an old friend, and Obi-Wan feels left out. This is a companion piece to "Why?".
DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to George. The universe belongs to Anne Higgins. The character of Master Aronna can be found in Athea’s story "Qualla Frost". The pathetic bank balance (read $0.0) belongs to me.
ARCHIVIST'S NOTE: In this story '/.../' refers to private inner thoughts, while '//...//' refers to telepathic communication between two beings.
ARCHIVIST'S WARNING: This story Contains Heterosexual Sexual Situations between Qui-Gon and an original female character when Obi-Wan is five years old! Do not read if you can't handle non-Slash! {wide grin}
******
Qui-Gon Jinn pondered briefly on the adage "You don’t miss it until it’s gone".
/Quite true/ he concurred.
Simple things like going from point A to point B by the quickest route with few, if any, deviations. Or walking through the long corridors of the Temple without having to stop every third step or so to examine an interesting brick, or the view from a window (which was almost exactly the same as the view from the previous window three steps back). And yet, given the chance, he wouldn’t wish his life to be any different than it was at that precise moment.
The reason behind this current train of thought was currently leaning precariously over the balcony, waving to a friend in the gardens below.
"M’Ne! M’Ne! Up here! Hi!"
Qui-Gon set the child back on firm ground.
"Quiet, imp. We are in the Temple – behave accordingly."
Obi-Wan bit his lip. "I was only saying hi to M’Ne." he pouted.
"You will be seeing her in a few moments as we are returning to the crèche. There is no need to disturb the peace of the Temple."
The child fell quietly in step beside the tall Jedi, his eyes downcast.
//Sorry, Quigee.//
Qui-Gon smiled and placed his hand gently on the child’s head.
//Apology accepted, imp.// He sent reassurance through the link, and Obi-Wan looked up at him and smiled shyly.
"Well, if it isn’t the renowned Master Diplomat Qui-Gon Jinn."
Qui-Gon stopped dead in his tracks and turned around quickly. "T’Lara? When did you get back?" His face showed little change, but the surprise in his voice was evident to anyone within earshot.
The dark skinned female smiled broadly. "You’re slipping, Qui-Gon. I detected emotion in your voice."
The Jedi allowed himself a small smile. "Merely surprise, I assure you. I was not aware that you had returned."
Obi-Wan, not realising at first that Qui-Gon had stopped, ran back and hid behind the man’s legs, peeking at the woman he was talking to.
"I only returned this morning. I was actually on my way to see you."
Obi-Wan nudged Qui-Gon’s leg.
"Oh, my apologies, little one." He guided the child to stand in front of him. "Master Healer T’Lara, may I introduce Obi-Wan Kenobi."
T’Lara knelt down and smiled at the child. "Hello, Obi-Wan. I have heard a lot about you."
Obi-Wan blushed and clutched Qui-Gon’s legs. "Hello." he said, shyly.
"News travels fast, I see."
The woman laughed and straightened up. "You know Temple gossip! I’d caught up on six years of news before I’d unpacked. Plus, some friends know how to use a commslate, so I’ve been receiving updates."
Obi-Wan swore Qui-Gon blushed.
"Well, I never was any good at writing letters."
"Just as well you excel in other areas, my friend."
Now Obi-Wan was sure Qui-Gon was blushing.
"Yes, well…" He looked down at the child who was staring, open mouthed at T’Lara. "I really should be getting this little one back to the crèche. Perhaps we can meet later?"
"Certainly. I’ll look forward to it." She smiled and patted Obi-Wan on the cheek. "I hope we meet again, young one."
Qui-Gon watched as she walked away, memories flooding back. He had known T’Lara since they were padawans. For nearly a year before she was sent offworld on her last mission, they had become lovers. Qui-Gon had never known such passion before, and the memory of it caused a twinge of longing deep within him. They had communicated for a while after she had left, but – as often happened – the letters became few and far between and eventually stopped.
"Quigee? Quigee?" Obi-Wan tugged at the man’s tunic.
"Hmm? Oh, I’m sorry, little one. What is it?"
"She’s pretty."
"Yes, she is. Very pretty." /I’d forgotten just how beautiful she was./
With a sigh, Qui-Gon pulled himself back to the present and resumed walking.
"Don’t want to go back to the crèche, Quigee." Obi-Wan whined for the umpteenth time.
"I…remember to say I." Qui-Gon repeated the all too frequent grammar lesson. "As for going back to the crèche, you can not always have what you want, little one. Master Aronna gave us permission to spend some time in the gardens together, but only until lunch. Then you were to return for your afternoon nap."
"Don’t want a nap…not tired."
/Tired? Maybe be not. Grumpy? Definitely./ He skipped the grammar lesson – obviously the child was too busy being grumpy to pay heed to it.
"Then that is something you can discuss with Master Aronna when…" Qui-Gon suddenly realised that he was talking to thin air. He stopped and looked behind him. Obi-Wan stood a few yards back, his little arms firmly folded across his chest, his face set in a deep frown. Qui-Gon struggled to keep a smile off his face.
/If the wind changes, his face will stick like that./
"You have two choices, imp. Either you can walk beside me to the crèche, or I will carry you there like a baby. Which do you choose?"
Obi-Wan ‘humphed’ loudly. He didn’t want to go back, but he certainly didn’t want to be carried back. He set his mouth into a grim line and ran to catch up to the Jedi.
//Not fair.//
Qui-Gon kept his silence and resumed walking. Through the link he could feel the child’s annoyance, but also a tinge of something else. Fear? No, not fear. Apprehension perhaps. He had sensed this before, but usually when he was about to go offworld on a mission. This time was different – the child knew that Qui-Gon was staying at the Temple for at least a month, so his feelings were ungrounded. He sent another wave of reassurance through the link, but Obi-Wan’s face was still scrunched up in a frown.
Master Aronna greeted them as they entered the crèche.
"Ah, just in time." She smiled, pushing her long white hair out of her face. She noted Obi-Wan’s frown and gave Qui-Gon a querying look. He shrugged his shoulders in reply.
"Obi-Wan, why don’t you say goodbye to Master Jinn and go and join your friends at the table? Lunch is about to be served."
"Bye." Obi-Wan grumped and stomped over to the table.
"Oh my, someone’s in a mood."
Qui-Gon sighed. "Yes. He didn’t want to come back."
Aronna laid a hand on Qui-Gon’s arm. "And you can stop feeling guilty about that right now, young man."
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow and then smiled. Master Aronna had been in charge of the crèche when he had been an Initiate, and she still had the knack of seeing right through him.
"Yes Master." He bowed in mock seriousness.
Aronna slapped his arm. "Don’t start with me, Qui-Gon Jinn…I know you too well. Jedi Master you may be, but here in the crèche, I’m in charge, and don’t you forget it." Her old face creased into a smile.
It was certainly a day of memories for the Jedi. First T’Lara and now Aronna. He remembered how safe he used to feel enveloped in the crèche Master’s strong arms when fear or a nightmare overtook him. He also remembered the hands attached to those strong arms…hands that could wipe away a tear with the softness of a feather touch, or give a swat that would bring immediate obedience.
"…don’t you agree?."
"What? My apologies, Master, my concentration lapsed for a moment. You were saying?"
Aronna eyed him suspiciously. "I was saying that Obi-Wan is becoming quite demanding where you are concerned."
"Yes. We have spoken about the times I must be apart from him, but this possessiveness is a relatively new occurrence."
Aronna looked over to where the boy was eating. "A bond such as the one you share is highly unusual, I know, but we must never lose sight of the fact that we are dealing with a 5 year old child here. He is of an age where limits need to be set…firmly. It could prove a difficult stage for both of you."
"More difficult than toilet training?" Qui-Gon asked, only half joking.
"Oh indeed it will be. And this time it won’t be sheets and clothes you’ll need to attend to – it’ll be feelings, actions, consequences. On both sides." She gave the Jedi a reassuring pat. "Now don’t faint on me…we’ll get through this together."
/Faint indeed! Now there’s a thought./
*_*_*
The comm unit was buzzing as Qui-Gon entered his quarters. He flicked the switch and T’Lara’s face come into view.
"Ah, caught you."
"So it would appear."
T’Lara shot him a look that equated to ‘smart ass’ and Qui-Gon smiled.
"I was just wondering if you’d like to join me in my quarters for lunch?"
"I’d be delighted. Shall we say…in an hour?"
"Don’t be too long…I’m feeling rather hungry." She gave him a smile that could only be described as lecherous and signed off.
*_*_*
Qui-Gon stood under the shower and let the hot water rain down on his face. He knew it was a luxury – and a Jedi should not seek luxury – but sometimes a sonic shower just didn’t hit the right spot. As he soaped himself down, his thoughts wandered between Obi-Wan and T’Lara.
He pondered on what the crèche Master had said about setting firmer limits for the child. Their bond was unusual, and only with the initial help and guidance of Master Yoda and Master Aronna had Qui-Gon found confidence when dealing with the child. Now he was faced with another hurdle, albeit one Master Aronna had said was a natural part of a child’s development. Raising the imp was proving to be quite a learning curve.
/And there’s the teenage years to come yet./ He didn’t even want to think that far ahead, and he shut the thought down as quickly as it had appeared.
He centered on the link and found that the child was still a little angry. The Jedi went no further, but sent a wave of reassurance to the imp and also a hint of sleepiness. He raised a small shield in his mind as he felt the child try to fight the tiredness.
Qui-Gon reminded himself to live in the now…which brought him to T’Lara. He rinsed himself off quickly and shut off the water. Toweling himself dry, he wondered if there was an etiquette involved when dealing with ex lovers? Qui-Gon certainly hadn’t lived a monk’s existence since T’Lara had left, and he would be very surprised if she had. He also knew her to be a woman of high morals, so the lecherous smile (and that was the only way to describe it) could only be interpreted one way – she was unattached. He decided to allow her the first move, considering it a gallant gesture. Others might see it as cowardice.
*_*_*
"Come in."
Qui-Gon entered T’Lara’s quarters and was immediately stunned into silence by her appearance. She was wearing a long, silky, flowing gown, held up only by two clasps at the shoulders. The colours of the gown were the colours of the earth and desert – reminiscent of her homeworld. In her short, black hair she wore a simple jewel that rested on her forehead, just above her eyes.
"Well don’t just stand there, Qui. Close the door." She knew precisely what effect her appearance had had on him.
Qui-Gon managed to close the door and walk over to her without stumbling like a pre-pubescent teenager.
"You look wonderful." He smiled and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand.
"As do you, my tall Jedi." She kissed his hand softly and then turned away, her body’s movements accentuated by the almost transparent material of her gown. "Shall we eat?"
They sat on cushions at a low table and ate as they caught up on the six years they had been apart. T’Lara had been sent to Ornala to help with an epidemic which had raged across the entire planet. She had stayed, finding a home for herself on the beautiful world, and had come to share her healing skills with the Ornalan people.
"I’ve brought four of them back with me to Coruscant so that they can learn more from the Healers here." She popped a small grape into his mouth. "So many died during the plague, Qui. In many ways, it was worse than war. At least in a war, you can rage against the enemy for the death and destruction - a virus is a silent, invisible enemy, impervious to your anger and frustration."
Qui-Gon leaned forward and stroked a finger along her jaw line. "And if I know you at all, T’Lara, you raged anyway, and then found a way to turn your rage into an ally. An ally that would – and did - find a cure."
She smiled at him, leaning slightly into his touch.
"Ah, so you did read some of the reports? I was not completely forgotten." she teased.
"Never. I rejoiced in your success." His finger traced a slow line from her jaw to her throat and back again.
"So tell me about this child you have allowed into your life. Hardly another one of your pathetic life forms."
Qui-Gon laughed. "He was no stray. He came into my life by the will of the Force."
He told her all about his little imp, and she watched as Qui-Gon’s eyes shone with pride and love as he spoke. She was particularly interested in the bond they shared, and questioned him about it in detail.
"He has won your heart, Qui." she said finally.
"And my soul. We are bound together, our destinies entwined."
She captured his hand and brought it to her lips. Slowly, she placed a soft kiss on each finger. "Does he have all of your heart, my Jedi, or is there room for another for a short while?"
Qui-Gon leaned forward, his hand sliding behind T’Lara’s neck, and brought her face close to his. "There will always be room for you, my beautiful one." He kissed her slowly at first, their lips barely meeting, then – as desire grew within both of them – the kiss became more urgent. Their tongues explored the other’s mouth, and T’Lara moved into Qui-Gon’s embrace. She finally broke free and rested her hand on his chest.
"Are Temple beds still as hard as rock…or has progress finally caught up with the Jedi?" She stood and looked down at him, her dark eyes filled with passion. Not breaking the contact, she slowly undid the clasps at her shoulders. The dress slipped away from her body, ending up in a pool around her feet.
Qui-Gon rose in one fluid motion and scooped her up into his arms. "Perhaps we should test it?" he teased, and she laughed softly against his shoulder as he carried her into the bedroom.
T’Lara lay on the bed, one arm behind her head, and watched appreciatively as Qui-Gon undressed. He sat on the end of the bed to remove his boots, and she ran her toes along his back.
"If memory serves…" she turned her foot and caught him under the ribs, her toes tickling the vulnerable spot. To her delight, Qui-Gon jerked and let out a muffled cry. "A ticklish Jedi…such an unexpected delight!"
Qui-Gon pulled off his tunic and undershirt and crawled up the bed towards her. His blue eyes sparkling, a grin dancing on his lips, he bent down and nipped at her hip. T’Lara squealed and tried to move away, but the Jedi held her waist and continued to nibble at the sensitive skin around her hip.
T’Lara’s laughter filled the room. "Enough…you win."
"I do? And what is my prize?"
She gently raised her knee and parted his legs, his arousal obvious even through his leggings. Her expression was one of pure passion.
"Come claim your prize, Jedi." she said, her voice heavy with lust.
Qui-Gon rolled to one side, slid quickly out of his leggings, and rolled back so that his body covered hers. T’Lara arched up to meet him, her hips slowly undulating against him. He leant forward and traced the outline of her ear with his tongue. She moaned, softly, and moved her head to one side. Laying gentle kisses down her throat, Qui-Gon worked his way around to her other ear. He reveled in the smell of her: her perfume, her arousal. His hips moved in time with hers, and the heat shot though his body in waves.
//Quigee, I can’t sleep.//
It took all of Qui-Gon’s willpower not to react outwardly to the child’s intrusion.
//Try, little one.// He found T’Lara’s mouth and kissed her deeply. She raised her head and met his kiss, pressing her mouth hard against his.
//But I don’t want to sleep.//
Qui-Gon jerked a little, breaking the kiss. Thankfully, T’Lara didn’t notice, and he began to kiss her shoulder blades.
//You need sleep, imp. Now try. I am busy.// /Oh Sith, am I busy./ He sent a strong suggestion of sleep down through the link and raised a slighter stronger shield.
//What are you doing Quigee?//
/Oh Force help me./ Qui-Gon pleaded.
//I am with Master T’Lara. Now go to sleep. No more interruptions, do you understand?// His voice was stern, at least as stern as possible under the circumstances.
//’kay.//
Qui-Gon could hear the pout as clearly as if the child had been standing in front of him.
He parted T’Lara’s legs with his own and positioned himself, but not before the woman raised her legs and rested them on his shoulders. Qui-Gon placed his hands on her thighs and slowly moved forward, nudging against her wetness. T’Lara raised her hips slightly and he entered her slowly. He moaned as he felt himself being enveloped by her warmth and tightness.
//I bored.//
//I’m bored.// Qui-Gon corrected, automatically.
//You too, huh? Can I come and play with you and the pretty lady?//
"No! Stop this!"
"Me?" T’Lara looked confused.
"Not you…him."
She looked around the room for an intruder, and then realisation dawned. She put a hand over her mouth to hide the smile.
//Obi-Wan, I am warning you. Go to sleep this instant. You know I am shielding, yet you are ignoring my shields…my request for privacy. If you do so again, I shall come to the crèche immediately and deal with you. Do you understand me?//
Obi-Wan snapped an abrupt //OK!// and retreated.
"Qui?" She had both hands covering her face now.
"Oh Sith, I’m sorry, T’Lara. T’Lara?"
Her body heaved beneath him. He pulled her hands away and was greeted by the most mischievous grin. Her eyes were sparkling with tears.
"He’s…he’s…talking to you, isn’t he?" she managed between giggles.
"I’m pleased you find this amusing." Qui-Gon struggled to keep the smile from his own face.
T’Lara collapsed into a fit of giggles. Qui-Gon groaned.
"I seem to have lost my…momentum."
That was the breaking point for T’Lara. Tears streamed down her face, her whole body wracked with laughter.
"Oh Qui…I’m…sorry…." she gasped.
Qui-Gon moved and lay by her side, running a hand through his hair.
"This really is unacceptable." he moaned.
"Who? Him or me?" she wiped the tears from her face, but her smile remained.
"Him…and you." He shot her what he hoped was a stern look and received a snort for his efforts. "I’m surrounded by brats."
T’Lara tried to compose herself. "Do you want to go to him? I’d understand." she asked sincerely.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "He is respecting the shields now, although I can feel his anger. It might serve a purpose for him to deal with those feelings for a while. I’ll talk with him later."
"In that case," T’Lara sat up and straddled Qui-Gon’s hips. "Perhaps we could try and find your…momentum?"
He laughed in resignation and pulled her down for a kiss. "I believe you are well on the way to achieving that end."
*_*_*
~~TBC~~
[Archivist's Note: Tatsu has written a long sequel to this story, Impus Interruptus, Part 2!]
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Authors love feedback! Write to Tatsu at cjcooper@hotmail.com
Posted January 20, 2000
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