TITLE: Why?
AUTHOR : Tatsu
FEEDBACK : Yes please. My email address is : cjcooper@hotmail.com
ARCHIVE : Padawan Punishment and Anne Higgins’ Bonding Universe. All others, please ask.
RATING : General, I guess. PG 13?
SPOILERS : none.
SUMMARY : Ever had a child ask you ‘why?’ - over and over again? Qui-Gon is having one of those days.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is A/U, set in the time frame of Anne Higgins’ ‘Bonding Universe’ - I’m just playing there for a while. ‘Quigee’ and ‘imp’ are terms used by Anne, and it is understood that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have had a link since the child’s birth. You should go visit her site - it’s a wonderful place.
DISCLAIMER : The characters belong to George. The universe belongs to Anne. The pathetic bank balance (read $0.00) belongs to me!
ARCHIVIST'S NOTE: In this story '/.../' refers to private inner thoughts, while '//...//' refers to telepathic communication between two beings.
******
Qui-Gon Jinn wondered how one small boy could possibly attract so much dirt in so short a time.
"Keep still, child." he admonished gently as he tried to wash the boy’s hair.
Obi-Wan was as slippery as an Alterian eel. He squirmed and wriggled under Qui-Gon’s hands, sending water splashing all over the floor.
"Tilt your head back, I don’t want the soap getting in your eyes."
"Why?"
"Because it will sting, little one." he explained patiently.
"Why?"
"Because there are chemicals in the soap. Now try and keep still whilst I rinse you off."
The child tilted his head back obediently and squeezed his eyes shut. Keeping still was another matter - it was an art the 5 year old had yet to master.
Qui-Gon finally managed to rinse the boy’s hair without too much trouble, but the sight of the bath water made him wince.
"Move away from the plug, Obi-Wan, I need to empty the water."
"Why?"
"Why do you have to move, or why am I changing the water?"
Obi-Wan thought for a moment. "Both."
"You need to move so that your toes don’t get caught in the plug as the water drains..." he held up his hand to cut short another question. "and I need to change this water - it’s filthy."
"OK." Obi-Wan dutifully slid up to the other end of the bath as Qui-Gon emptied and refilled it with fresh water.
"Now, stand up and we’ll see if we can’t get some of this dirt off you."
The boy stood and watched cheerfully as Qui-Gon rubbed him down with a soapy cloth.
"Obi-Wan, explain to me again how you came to get so dirty." He smiled at the boy and shook his head.
"I fell over...a lot." The child giggled, the enchanting sound twinkling through the link he had with the Jedi.
Qui-Gon delighted in the sound. How this child had found his way into his heart, he would never be able to explain. But found the way he had, and the joy of it healed wounds in ways the man never thought possible.
"Is there any dirt left in the garden?" he asked as he scrubbed the boy’s knees.
"A bit...I think." Obi-Wan squirmed and chuckled as Qui-Gon washed under his arms, a fact that did not escape the Jedi.
Finally the boy looked clean. Qui-Gon took a large towel from the rack and wrapped it around the child, coccooning him like a tiny insect. He lifted him gently from the bath and carried him into the living area. He sat down, settled the child on his lap, and began to rub him dry. Obi-Wan squirmed in an attempt to get away.
/Is there no limit to the child’s energy?/
"Keep still, little one."
"Why?"
Qui-Gon sighed. "Because it will make my task easier."
Obi-Wan was in no mood to make life easier for anyone, especially not Qui-Gon Jinn. He took great delight in teasing him. Even though he was only 5 years old, the link between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had developed to the extent that the boy could sense the man’s moods, and right now he knew that Qui-Gon was in a good mood. And that meant fun.
With a laugh, Obi-Wan jumped down and ran to the couch, the towel trailing after him. Green eyes twinkled mischievously from his flushed little face.
"Imp! Get back here!" Qui-Gon’s attempt at a serious tone was undermined by the boy’s cheeky smile.
"Why?"
"Because Master Yoda will be here at any moment and I do not wish him to find you running around, naked and dripping wet. He will think I am delinquent in my duties."
"Huh?"
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes. "Because I said so." he translated.
Obi-Wan understood that and allowed himself to be caught and dried.
"Quigee, why do you use such big words?" the boy’s head disappeared for a moment as he wriggled into his tunic.
"I apologise, little one. Sometimes I forget you are so young. I will attempt to adjust my vocabulary accordingly."
"Huh?" the little head popped out from the top of the tunic, crowned by a wet, tangled mass of auburn hair.
Qui-Gon sighed. "I’ll use smaller words."
"’kay. Why do I have to wear my good clothes?"
"Because Master Yoda is coming to visit, and we should endeavour to present ourselves as best we can."
Obi-Wan tilted his head and shrugged his shoulders. He really did understand what Quigee had said, but he took an impish delight in making him repeat himself.
"We should look nice for our visitor. Now stand still whilst I comb your hair into some semblance of order."
The child hopped from foot to foot, squealing as Qui-Gon ran the comb through his tangled hair.
"Quiet imp, I’m not hurting you."
"Are too."
"There." Qui-Gon held the boy at arms length and studied him. "You look most handsome."
Obi-Wan smiled shyly.
"Now, I had better tidy up and get changed myself."
The child stood in the bathroom doorway fiddling with the belt of his tunic and watched as Qui-Gon wiped the floor with a towel.
"Why are you using the towel, Quigee? Shouldn’t you use a cleaning cloth?"
"Perhaps, but as the towel is already dirty and wet, it will serve the purpose well enough."
He stood and threw the towel and Obi-Wan’s dirty clothes into the laundry ‘fresher.
"Now, the bath." He winced. There was a definite ring around the tub. He grabbed a cloth and began scrubbing.
"Why is Master Yoda coming, Quigee?"
"Just to visit."
"Why?"
"Because he is fond of you imp."
"Why does he like me?"
Qui-Gon sat back on his heels and looked at the child. "Force only knows." He smiled and resumed his task.
"Why does the dirt stick on the tub? Why doesn’t it go down the drain with the water?"
Qui-Gon mentally debated explaining the scientific reason to the child, and decided against it. "Because it does."
"Why?"
/Oh save me from an inquisitive child./
"Can you not accept that it does and leave it at that?" he said, hopefully.
Obi-Wan shrugged. "OK."
"Thank you."
The last remnants of dirt swirled away down the drain.
"Why is Master Yoda so small, Quigee?"
"It is inherent of his race." He threw the dirty cloth into the ‘fresher.
"Why is Master Windu bald?"
Qui-Gon ran a hand through his hair. /Why are you asking so many questions?/
Obi-Wan smiled. He was having fun.
"Is it inhe..he..herent of his race?"
"No, little one. It’s because he was asked too many questions."
"Why?"
Qui-Gon knelt in front of the boy. "No more questions, imp. Do you understand? If I hear the word ‘why’ pass your lips again in the next hour I shall put you across my knee." He gently poked the boy in the stomach, making him smile. "Now go and do something useful whilst I change."
As he stood up and turned toward the shower, he heard a little voice, heavily laced with giggles ask :
"Why?"
The element of surprise gave Obi-Wan a slight advantage. He was off and running as soon as the word left his mouth. Unfortunately, his advantage was short lived. With a roar, Qui-Gon chased after him, and after a short circuit around the couch, he merely stood still and the child ran straight into his legs.
Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Qui-Gon’s long legs, laughing gleefully.
Qui-Gon bent forward, raised the boy’s tunic and landed three gentle swats on his behind.
Obi-Wan squealed in protest. The swats hadn’t hurt, of course, it was just part of the game. Qui-Gon knelt down on one knee in front of him.
"That is why." he said, the sterness in his voice betrayed by his smile.
The boy grinned at him. As Qui-Gon moved to stand up, Obi-Wan let out a fierce "Grrrrrr" and threw himself at the Jedi, knocking him off balance. They ended up in a pile on the floor, with Obi-Wan triumphantly sitting on Qui-Gon’s chest.
"Gotcha!" he crowed.
"I think not, imp." The Jedi grabbed the child around the waist and raised him up at arms’ length.
Obi-Wan wriggled to get free. "No fair!"
"Then perhaps you should choose a more compatible opponent."
"Why?"
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes. "Because they wouldn’t be able to do this." Still holding the child aloft, he started to tickle him under the arms.
Obi-Wan laughed and squealed, trying in vain to get away, but Qui-Gon’s large hands held him fast.
"No Quigee...nooooo...stop...stop...."
The Jedi shook his head. "Not until you promise to stop asking me ‘why’ every two seconds."
The child shook his head stubbornly, his little face red from laughing so hard.
"Quigee...stop...I’m gonna wet myself...noooooooo..."
"It’s a chance I’m prepared to take-now promise."
"A Jedi never takes chances." A familiar voice said from the doorway.
Qui-Gon immediately set the child down and stood up. "Master." He bowed to Master Yoda , who stood at the entrance, leaning on his gimer stick.
Obi-Wan bowed also, brushing away the tears of laughter from his cheeks.
"Hello Master Yoda."
Yoda hobbled into the room. "Door unlocked it was. Heard screams I did. Found a new method of training, you have, Qui-Gon Jinn?"
The tall Jedi suppressed a smile. "Shall we say an unusual one, Master."
Yoda ‘humphed’, but Qui-Gon knew his former Master well enough to know that he was amused.
Obi-Wan ran and tried to hide behind the little Master, even though he was taller than him.
"Save me, Master Yoda, he’s being mean to me." He pointed an accusatory finger at Qui-Gon.
"Mean, is he?"
"Oh yes, Master, he beat me." The child tried valiantly to sound sincere and affronted at the same time.
"Brat. Perhaps I should give you an example of a beating." Qui-Gon took a step forward and Obi-Wan squealed.
"Enough." Yoda demanded, his ears twitching with delight. "Brats you both are."
Qui-Gon tried his best ‘who me?’ expression and Obi-Wan sniggered.
"He started it." Qui-Gon dead-panned.
"And finish it, I will." He stamped his gimer stick on the floor and both Jedi and child reacted simultaneously - both became the picture of innocence and decorum. "Hmmm, much better. Now, to matters more important. Invited for lunch, I was."
Qui-Gon looked down at his clothes and Obi-Wan’s and sighed - in the tussle some of the dirt from his own clothes had rubbed off onto the boy’s.
"If you could give us a moment, Master, we will change."
"No need there is. A long time it is since I had a meal with two scruffy boys. Enjoy it I will." His ears twitched in amusement, especially as his comments brought a faint blush to Qui-Gon’s cheeks.
Obi-Wan stifled a giggle.
Qui-Gon looked over at Obi-Wan. "Little one, would you like to be the host for our honoured guest?"
The child’s face fairly shone with pride. All his impishness disappeared as he took on the responsibility given to him.
"Master Yoda, would you like to sit here?" he indicated a cushion on the floor beside the low table.
Yoda nodded and settled himself comfortably.
"Master Jinn?"
He pointed to a larger cushion, and Qui-Gon sat down gracefully, his legs crossed.
Both men watched as Obi-Wan went back and forth into the kitchen area, each time bringing with him a plate of delicacies. His young face was set in a frown of concentration, and Qui-Gon could feel the child’s effort through their bond.
//Very good, little one.// he offered in encouragement.
Obi-Wan blushed slightly and ducked his head.
When all the food and a pitcher of juice had been laid on the table, Obi-Wan sat down on his cushion between Master Yoda and Qui-Gon.
"Mmmm..many treats, I see. Where to begin?"
"Try these, Master Yoda." The child proffered a plate of Galian meat balls. "I love them."
"Imp, you would eat whatever did not move on your plate."
Obi-Wan chose to ignore the comment, and gave his full attention to Master Yoda.
/I think I’ve just been put in my place./ Qui-Gon smiled to himself.
All through the meal, Obi-Wan and Yoda chatted - or rather, Obi-Wan chatted and Yoda listened. The old Master’s patience was endless, especially when it came to this particular child.
//You never allowed me to prattle so much.// Qui-Gon sent through the bond he still shared with his old Master.
//Prattled you never did - argue you always did.//
/Hmmm...score one for the gnome./
When Obi-Wan had run out of things to tell Yoda, the old Master decided it was time to share a few secrets with the boy about his Padawan, Qui-Gon. The Jedi moaned.
//Do you have to?//
//Of course. My revenge, it is.//
//Revenge is not a path chosen by a Jedi.// Qui-Gon intoned seriously.
//And tickling a child into obedience? This a chosen Jedi path, is it?//
/OK..two for the gnome./
*_*
By the end of the meal, Obi-Wan was showing signs of tiredness, trying in vain to stifle a yawn.
"Time for little ones to sleep, it is."
"Aw...I’m OK. Can I stay up a bit longer?" he implored, his green eyes wide.
Qui-Gon shook his head and smiled. "Come here, imp, you have Qualla frost all over your face."
After all the offending food was wiped away, Obi-Wan snuggled onto Qui-Gon’s lap. Yoda took immense delight in the scene before him for many reasons. His former Padawan had softened under the love of this special child. He accepted his affection and closeness without question. Here, in the privacy of his quarters, Qui-Gon Jinn was allowing himself to love and be loved in return. Yoda’s little eyes sparkled with pleasure.
//Good for you, he is.//
Qui-Gon gently stroked the child’s hair. //In so many ways, Master. In so many ways.//
Yoda nodded. "Delicious meal, my scruffy boys. More Galian meatballs there will be next time?"
Obi-Wan’s giggle turned into a yawn. "OK Master Yoda."
Qui-Gon made to stand up, but Yoda raised his hand. "Stay there. A guide to the front door I do not need. Be well, my Padawan."
"And you, my Master."
*_*
Qui-Gon’s long legs were beginning to cramp. "Come little one, time for a nap." He stood, cradling the child in his arms.
"Not yet..wanna talk."
"And this is unusual because...?"
Obi-Wan chose to ignore the sarcasm and snuggled into Qui-Gon’s chest. "Just for a little while...promise."
The Jedi relented and repositioned himself on the couch, holding the child close. Obi-Wan resettled himself, his little head resting on Qui-Gon’s chest, one small arm across the man’s waist.
"Quigee?"
"Yes imp?"
"I was only joking before - you’re not mean." His voice was thick with oncoming sleep.
"I know that, little one. Do not concern yourself." He gently stroked the soft, auburn hair.
"You won’t beat me, will you?" The little face looked up, green eyes questioning.
"Imp, I will never beat you - on that you have my word as a Jedi. However..."
Obi-Wan suddenly had a tiny feeling of fear. Qui-Gon felt this through their bond, and he shifted the child so that he was sitting facing him.
"Child I will never beat you. But I foresee a time when perhaps a spanking will be in order." His voice was gentle, softening the news. He wanted no fear in the child - at least not of him.
"But what’s the difference?"
"A beating is often given in anger, little one and I will not raise my hand to you in anger. But should I have cause to spank you, it will be because you have misbehaved and need to be taught a lesson."
Obi-Wan chewed his lip and thought over the semantics of what Qui-Gon had just said.
"Will it hurt?"
"Your bottom will sting for a while, yes. But it will hopefully teach you a lesson." He tapped his finger on the boy’s nose. "And I hope it will not be necessary too often."
"Me too."
Qui-Gon laughed. "Then the solution to that is in your hands, little one."
"OK." Obi-Wan snuggled down again, and gave Qui-Gon a squeeze.
//I love you, Quigee.// he sent through the link, his voice trailing off into sleep.
//And I you, my imp.// /More than you know./
//Why?//
Qui-Gon chuckled and rested his chin on the top of the child’s head.
//Because I do.//
THE END
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Authors love feedback! Write to Tatsu at cjcooper@hotmail.com
Posted January 13, 2000
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