Tattooed Heart
By Judy
Part One


Pairing: O/Q, Q/M implied,
Rating: R m/m sex.
Warnings: Mild dominance/submission. Voyeurism discussed.
Category: Angst. First Time.
Archive: M_A, anybody else you want it you got it.
Disclaimer: As always the Jedi belong to George Lucas.
Spoilers: None. Obi-Wan is 21
Summary: Sequel to Tattoo. Qui-Gon makes amends.
Notes: Thanks to Amber for her beta and ADM for her efforts. Any
remaining mistakes belong to me alone. I may have bitten off more than
I can chew. I hope it does not prove indigestible.
Feedback: Yes please! Reply to OldToxicHd@aol.com


"We decided that because the people we loved owned our hearts we
should have their names tattooed on us. Showing that they owned our
bodies as well."- Bant 'Tattoo'


     Obi-Wan's cock hung limply inches from his face. Gingerly he grasped
the penis before him and lifted it gently. There along the sensitive
underside were letters picked out in green calligraphy.  It took a moment
before his brain was willing to process the name. Qui-Gon Jinn was the
name of Obi-Wan's secret love.

     Stunned Qui-Gon dropped his apprentice's penis as if it was a red-hot
brand. Struggling to breathe to think he fell back on his heels. Trying to
school his features the Master watched helplessly as his Padawan's face
crumbled from resignation to hurt. From one aching breath to another
the young man fled to his room, the door slamming behind him.
     'What have I done', his mind screamed. He leapt to his feet and ran
to Obi-Wan's door. Quiet sobbing could clearly be heard. Laying his
forehead against the cold hard surface of the door his mind raced along
the training bond he shared with his Padawan to find it blocked. Not just
blocked, nearly severed! Despair and panic rose in equal measure almost
overwhelming him before he could disperse them into the Force.
    "Obi-Wan, Padawan, open the door" he pleaded. "It was not what it
seemed. Please let me in." Qui-Gon strained to hear an answer. The
sobbing continued unabated.
    Centering himself he considered his options. One option was patience.
He could wait until his apprentice opened the door on his own. He feared
Obi-Wan would have irrevocably come to a decision by then and be
tightly shielded before the door opened. He dreaded seeing the features
he knew so well set along stubborn, willful lines shutting him out.
Another course would be to force the door and make the younger man
listen to him. Hadn't he forced things enough already, his conscience
screamed. He had handled this very badly letting his jealousy rule his
actions. Closing his eyes he immersed himself in the Force seeking
guidance.
     Determination showed in his eyes as he opened them moments later.
Reaching out with the Force he tripped the locking mechanism of the
door. His beloved Padawan lay before him on the narrow student sleep-
couch. Still naked Obi-Wan was pressed tightly into the join between the
wall and the bed. Sobs continued to wrack the lithe form. Kneeling
silently beside the crying man he leaned forward and brushed his lips
against the nape of his Apprentice's neck. Obi-Wan's back stiffened. A
tendril of thought along their bond was ruthlessly repelled.
     "Go away Master." Bitterness filled the young man's voice.
     "No" the Master murmured sighing, "I will never leave you my love."
Carefully, his body trembling, he planted soft kisses along Obi-Wan's
shoulder. Kissing the delicate outer curve of the ear before him he spoke
softly, "I love you my beautiful Padawan." Qui-Gon continued kissing
outlining a shoulder blade. Kissing was too shallow a word for his
obeisance. Taking his time the Master nuzzled the soft skin over his
love's spine. His tongue darted out to taste the tender flesh. A shudder
passed through the skin beneath his lips.
      Obi-Wan had begun to slowly relax under Qui-Gon's attentions. The
shuddering sobs had ceased. Heartened he moved to nibble the edge of
his Apprentice's ribcage concentrating on the areas that elicited the
greatest response. Still the slim body stayed resolutely turned away from
him.
      Setting aside his own desires he cleared his mind focusing only on
that which his lips touched. It became as a meditative trance. His world
shrunk to ascertaining and fulfilling the needs of every square unit of the
young man's back.
      Forgotten were his own tears as their saltiness blended with the
taste of the skin he worshiped. He was erect. How could he not be
aroused finally kissing the shell that contained the bright spirit he loved.
The responses of his own body were immaterial. He had delayed the
gratification of his flesh for so long it no longer seemed necessary.
Implacably the Master covered Obi-wan with kisses and nips tracing
bone, sinew and muscle. Diligent, he thought no further than the next
portion of his Padawan's succulent tissue he needed to soothe.
       It was with surprise that he reached the soft rise of Obi-Wan's
buttocks. Overcome he lay his cheek gently against the small of his
Apprentice's back. Closing his eyes he basked in the living warmth.
Nothing had ever felt so right as this skin next to his own. Surely Obi-
Wan could sense this too. He poured the love and concern that filled his
heart through the bond between them hoping that his love would accept
some of it. A soft moan escaped the supple body.
       Qui-Gon pledged his love quietly, his lips pressed into his Padawan's
flesh. Inhaling deeply he let the scent of his beloved lend him strength.
With the help of the Force this will work. It must work. He would not
give-up after waiting so long. He would make amends, make things right
with Obi-Wan. Fresh tears leaked from beneath his lids to trickle down
the smooth skin against his face.
       Touching his Padawan with his hand for the first time since entering
the room Qui-Gon's trembling finger softly slid along the cleft in the
young man's behind. The muscles on either side clenched, denying him
access. Heedless of the wrench in his gut at the exclusion he followed
the path of his finger with his tongue. Muscles still clenched Obi-Wan
nevertheless quaked at the intimate caress. Determined, the Master
slowly licked the valley again and again until he felt the muscles on both
sides relax. He nuzzled the tender flesh for moment fighting for
composure.  Planting small kisses down towards the ring of puckered
tissue his heart leapt when he felt Obi-Wan pushing back into his kisses.
Restraining himself he merely brushed his lips over the entrance to his
love's body. He promised himself that there would be time for more
intensive exploration later after he had won his Padawan back.
       Moving to explore the young man's legs he let himself smile at the
faint moan from Obi-Wan. Using both hands as well as his mouth he
made sure that the strong thighs and calves received the attention they
deserved. He was about to begin on the young man's feet when they
were swiftly pulled from his grasp.
      "Enough, Master please." Obi-Wan blurted turning and raising
himself to sit on the edge of the bed. He visibly trembled his eyes closed
his hands white-knuckled gripping the bedding. Distress and arousal
warred over his features.
       Qui-Gon shifted and sat back on his heels before his Padawan's
knees. Flushed, tear-streaked and lips parted Obi-Wan's face was the
most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He permitted himself to drink in
the sight of his beloved. Muscles jumped and twitched beneath the
smooth skin as if the young man was ready to explode. The Master
wanted to gather the rigidly held body in his arms but dare not. His eyes
drifted down of their own accord to the upright penis.  Green letters
danced livid against the angry flesh bobbing up between Obi-Wan's
thighs.


     Obi-Wan strove to achieve some measure of control within his self-
imposed darkness. In all the fantasies he had of revealing his feelings to
Qui-Gon he never came close to envisioning the events of today. He had
had pleasant daydreams of seducing his Master. Overcoming his
objections with his love. Other scenarios featured the older man crazed
with lust just taking him. Humiliated before his Master had never been
part of his dreams.
      It would be easy to blame Bant for telling about the tattoo. Facing
three masters, one of them on the Council he knew he couldn't have
done better than his friend and no doubt would have done worse. Part of
him wished that the Calamarian had told all. Then maybe he could've
talked to his Master. Instead things had gotten bad so quickly he was
sure Qui-Gon would've sent him away if he knew.
     If he was honest with himself he had to admit that things had been
going downhill for months by the time Bant had coughed up her egg-
sack about the tattoo. He knew the exact day when his Master had
changed towards him. It was the day of his astrophysics exam. Elated
with his performance he had hurried back to their quarters to share his
good news. His happy words died on his lips when he saw his Master.
The man had looked stricken, his eyes bright with unshed tears.
     Obi-Wan had waited for Qui-Gon to tell him of the tragedy that had
brought the sorrowful mien. He had seen that expression or at least its
kin a few times on the Master's face and composed himself to bear the
bad news. However the older man had told him nothing and had
forcefully rebuffed his questions. Over the next few days he had seen
the unexplained sadness replaced by chilly disapproval.
      Soon he could do nothing right. The warm comradery he had
enjoyed at his Master's side was gone. Every time he turned around he
found his teacher staring at him as if he wanted to thrash him.
Commands and lectures were the only words he received from the other
man. Obi-Wan wracked his brain for what he had done to offend his
Master so.
      Then he had found his poem missing. It had been stupid to carry it
around but the childish scribble had made his unrequited love more
bearable somehow. If his Master had found it, read it and realized it was
about him. Obi-Wan's heart had sunk further sure that the older man
had been insulted by his composition and the audacity of his feelings.
Steeling himself he had gone to his Master and asked if he had seen it.
Qui-Gon had denied seeing anything like it and that was that. Masters do
not lie. They might withhold information if they thought it was
appropriate but lie, no.
      Feeling more composed Obi-Wan dared to let himself consider his
Master's words and actions since the older man had forced the lock on
the door. Qui-Gon whispering of love into his ear, into his skin. The
words he had dreamed of for so many lonely nights. Those lips making
love to his skin. He had wanted to turn into that touch, that warmth so
badly. There was a time when he thought he would accept any
relationship his Master offered on any terms. After the tyranny of the last
months he wasn't sure.
      Submission, so much of his life had come down to submission. Obey
the will of the Force was the cornerstone, and in his mind it had become
synonymous with following Qui-Gon. Willingly he had served his Master
and the Order, striving for perfect compliance. Acceding to quaint
customs and ugly prejudices on every mission. Deferential to master and
knight alike. Everyone's wishes took precedence over his own. He had
been happy in his surrender, his duty.
      That changed just as his Master had. The man had been so ruthless
and severe that Obi-Wan had instinctively sought escape. Qui-Gon hadn't
desired to bend him but to break him to wrest all the secrets of his soul.
It seemed that keeping his tattoo private had become a fight for the
integrity of his spirit. As if in yielding, a part of him would ceases to
exist. He had not openly defied his Master but he had resisted as much
as he dared. If he acquiesced to the large man now would he find
himself helplessly dominated more of a slave than a partner? Would Qui-
Gon expect him to submit? Could he agree to such subjugation, could he
refuse?
      He knew that his Master was waiting patiently for him to respond.
That Qui-Gon had stopped when he had asked him was a good sign he
decided. He could not test the other man's mood without dropping his
shields and he was not going to do that if he wasn't sure.
      Opening his eyes at last he beheld the man he loved and had
learned to fear seated before him fully clothed, legs folded beneath him.
Oblivious to his gaze the Jedi Master was staring at his cock.

“Forgive me for staring Padawan” the Master murmured. “For me to see my name on your precious flesh, especially there. . .” Licking his lips Qui-Gon swallowed convulsively.

Qui-Gon was scraping his Padawan’s seed from skin and cloth with delicate sweeps of his fingers. Stunned Obi-Wan watched as the Master brought each captured droplet to his mouth sucking his fingers clean.

Obi-Wan lingered outside his room afraid that he would find a very 
angry Jedi Master inside. Sighing deeply he released his anxiety. There 
was no way to tell how Qui-Gon had reacted. He wasn’t sure himself why 
he'd felt compelled to take this course but it felt right. Another deep 
breath to calm his racing pulse and he stepped into the room.
Hips raised, his Master knelt before him on the narrow bed, his head 
pillowed on his forearms, face averted. Setting the cup of oil he’d 
brought from the kitchen alcove on the bedside table he eased behind 
the trembling form. Draping himself over Qui-Gon’s back he felt the older 
man stiffen. Kissing the shallow hollow between shoulder blades he 
wrapped his arms around sleekly muscled chest.

“You are so beautiful my Master” he nuzzled the surprisingly soft 
skin.

“Just do it Padawan. I accept your punishment” Qui-Gon hissed 
between clenched teeth.

Straightening he reached for some of the oil and started to slowly 
caress the Master’s buttocks and the cleft which divided them. “Years 
ago I used to watch you when you brought your lovers home to your 
bed. I could see everything through the vent over my desk.” He felt the 
tension in the flesh beneath his hands increase. “Watched as you 
prepared them and then thrust into them. I’d wanted to be the one 
receiving the pounding of your cock. I fantasized about it all the time. 
You stopped bringing lovers home. Why was that Master? Did you find 
out I was watching? You never said anything. No matter.”

Obi-Wan’s oil-slicked finger circled the other man’s anus. “I never 
saw you taken this way. All the times I witnessed, you were on top as it 
were. Why was that?” His voice was silky. The other man remained 
silent.

“I’ve never done this you know. I’ve read about it and watched you 
do it of course. Always my teacher whether you meant to be or not.” 
Chuckling he trapped Qui-Gon’s hips against him with one arm and the 
assistance of the Force as the bigger man tried to pull away. The Master 
could’ve used the Force and his superior size to free himself but he 
didn’t. One finger wormed its way into the tight ring of muscle. “How do 
I do it? Tell me how to fuck you my beautiful Master.” Leisurely he 
pumped the single digit in and out twisting it to spread the oil more.

“Obi-Wan. . . “ Qui-Gon grunted as the invading finger found his 
sweet spot. “You seem. . . to be doing a fine job on your own.”

“Thank you my Master. But I do need you guidance.” He again 
stroked the spot that had caused such a satisfying response. “Is this 
correct?” The older man jerked in his grasp. “I’ve no desire to hurt you 
my love indeed I wish to give you pleasure. Tell me when you’re ready 
for the next finger.” He kissed Qui-Gon’s shoulder and laid his cheek 
against the sweat slicked skin. While he found this incredibly arousing he 
had no urge to hurry things. He wouldn’t enter the man till he begged. 

Begged for him.

Removing his finger he ignored Qui-Gon’s moan and coated it once 
again with oil. Reinserting it he assumed a torpid rhythm hitting the 
Master’s prostate with each slow thrust. Hips reluctantly started to push 
against the intruder. Obi-Wan submerged into the sensations 
surrounding his finger and the play of muscles across the older Jedi’s 
back.

“Another” Qui-Gon ground out finally.

“Another?” He queried absently.

“Put another finger in.”

“Are you sure? There’s no rush I could do this all day. Are you sure 
you are ready?”

“Yes! Damn it put another finger in. Please.”

“Of course my Master.” Withdrawing his finger languidly, he dipped 
two fingers into the oil. Dripping he pressed them into the Master’s most 
intimate spot. Qui-Gon pushed back eagerly groaning with this new 
trespass. “There, does that feel better?” Sluggishly he resumed thrusting 
rhythmically. With his other hand he gently petted the heavy erection 
hanging between the other man’s thighs.

Grunting loudly the Master thrust hard into Obi-Wan’s hand and 
immediately after pushed back forcefully burying the fingers deep in his 
ass. Obi-Wan held him tightly stilling his movements. “Are you all right 
my love? We can stop.” A small smile visited the young Jedi’s face briefly 
but he kept his voice serious, concerned. He bent and kissed the over-
heated skin of the man beneath him.

“No! Yes! Don’t stop” Qui-Gon panted sweat dripping from him.

“No? Yes? Which is it my Master?” he started slowly pumping his 
fingers again but removed his hand from the older man’s cock.

“Don’t stop. . . .I’m all right. . .More!” The Master growled 
between 
thrusts.

“More? More what? More fingers, more thrusting? Tell me what you 
want?”

Qui-Gon threw his head back desperately trying to see his 
Padawan’s face. “All of it. .more fingers. . Harder fuck me harder.” His 
voice vacillated between a whimper and a shout.

“Yes my Master.” A third oiled finger joined the other two 
stretching Qui-Gon’s opening further. The Master sighed luxuriantly. 
Muscle resistance melted as he thrust harder, faster into the willing ass. 
He could feel and hear the other man’s rock hard penis slap against his 
belly with each thrust. The hips were pushing back hard to meet his 
fingers.

Abruptly he stopped and withdrew his fingers. Draping himself over 
the sweat-soaked back once again he let his own hard-on nestle into 
Qui-Gon’s cleft. The Master writhed under him rubbing his backside 
against Obi-Wan’s shaft. The moment stretched. He could feel his 
Master’s movements getting more frantic with each passing second.

“Fuck me! Obi-Wan. . .I want your cock in me! Please. . .Now . . 
Please. . Fuck me!”

“Yes, Love. It’s all right. You are mine, my Master.” He stroked the 
well-muscled back gentling the big man as he would a spooked animal. 
Leaning back he poured more oil into his hand and coated his erection. 
Qui-Gon watched him hungrily over his shoulder.

“Please!”

“Say it. If you want me to fuck you, say it.”

“What. . . What do you want me to say? Fuck me?”

“Say you are mine, my Master, and I will fuck you as hard as you 
want.”

The Master hung his head no longer wishing to meet his lover’s 
gaze. “I .am . yours. . .Yours. . Fuck me. . please.”
Placing the head of his cock at the stretched muscular ring he 
slowly slid it home. “So hot! So perfect, my Master.”
Bucking his hips Qui-Gon started a fast, hard rhythm. “Fuck Me! 
Fuck Me Harder!”

Holding his Master’s hips in a punishing grip Obi-Wan complied, 
thrusting into the other man as hard as he could. Checking the older 
man for pain through their bond and finding none he gave himself over 
to the moment.

They grunted their pleasure together with each thrust. He wanted 
to reach and grab his Master’s cock but he couldn’t make himself let go 
of the other Jedi’s hips. Then he realized Qui-Gon’s own hand was 
furiously working the erection. The sight wrung an even more frenzied 
rhythm from Obi-Wan.

With surprise he felt a trickle then a torrent of emotion thunder 
down their bond. Love, lust, shame and guilt all were overwhelming him 
battering against his shields. It was too much. He arched every muscle 
straining intent on driving his cock ever deeper into the man under him. 
His shields broke with his release. Distantly he heard shouting.
Qui-Gon reeled from the backlash of his Padawan’s broken shields 
and his own climax. His body convulsed nearly throwing Obi-Wan from 
his back. Helpless he collapsed into the narrow bed, Obi-Wan’s breath 
harsh on his back.

******************

He had volunteered for this Mace Windu reminded himself for the 
thousandth time. Thinking to spare Master and Padawan further 
embarrassment he had offered to meet with the men and report his 
findings to the High Council. Rubbing his face he released his feelings of 
guilt over the matter, again. Dread was a leaden weight in his gut. They 
had been such a good team he thought sadly. No use anticipating, if 
master and apprentice needed to be separated so be it. He’d know soon 
enough.

It had given him some small measure of hope when he had talked 
to Qui-Gon this morning. Sounding weary but calm the Master had 
suggested the luncheon date. A public versus private meeting argued 
that they had managed to settle things. He hoped so it pained him to 
see his friend in such distress. Not to mention the boy, almost ready for 
knighthood, it would be more than a pity if they lost him over this. 
Sighing, he watched for the pair to enter the dining hall.

Qui-Gon appeared at the entrance his Padawan one pace behind 
and to the side just as was proper. Opening himself to the Force he 
watched the two approach trying to glean as much information as he 
could before they reached him. They were both tightly shielded but that 
was to be expected. There was something. He relaxed further letting his 
intuition have free rein. Understanding dawned the Padawan led the 
Master. One pace behind and to the side he may be but he led his 
Master to the table regardless. Reserving judgement he smiled and stood 
in greeting.

“Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi I’m pleased you were able to meet 
with me so soon.”

“It is our pleasure Master Windu. Padawan?”

The boy bowed. “With your permission, my Master, I will fetch our 
trays. Would you like me to bring you one as well Master Windu?”
Shaking his head he resumed his seat. “That won’t be necessary 
Padawan, thank you.” 

The Apprentice nodded and after exchanging a look with his Master 
left moving towards the food lines. Mace took the opportunity to study 
the master seated across from him. Qui-Gon’s eyes remained trained on 
the youth’s retreating form for the space of several heartbeats before he 
turned back to face him.

With great deliberation Qui-Gon presented himself to his friend for 
closer examination. 

Mace searched his friend’s face letting the Force guide him. 
Serenity glowed from the other man’s features. Then again Jedi Masters 
were supposed to be serene. However there was serene and serene. 
Recently he had seen his old friend wear his serenity like a hair shirt 
stiffly and with an air, which bespoke long hours of meditation. This was 
different. Only a long time companion or one gifted in the Force would 
be able to see it. There was a dreamy quality to his face a softening of 
lines usually set. He looked younger. The anger and despair that had 
been lurking behind his eyes was gone.

“Well Qui-Gon?” Mace asked at last.

“Well what?”

“Qui don’t make this harder than it needs to be. Did the boy show 
you his tattoo? The High Council doesn’t need to know the name as long 
no abuse took place and the matter has been resolved between the two 
of you.”

“He is a man Mace not a boy. I’m sorry I had forgotten about the 
Council.”

“Man, I stand corrected. I can believe you forgot the Council you 
ignore them most of the time anyway.” The Council Member couldn’t 
keep a small smirk from his face.

“That’s an exaggeration and you know it.” Qui-Gon returned the 
smile. “The matter is resolved between my apprentice and I. There was 
no abuse.”

"That is well my friend but I need to know if he showed it to you. 
It's an issue of compliance as you should know."

"Yes he did willingly" the master blushed deeply as he spoke.

Grin broadening he clasped the other Jedi's hand. "I don't think you 
need to tell me who's name you read on that man's genitalia. Imagine 
seeing one's name on such an intimate part of another's body." It was 
interesting to watch his friend and former lover's skin turn an even more 
fiery shade.

"You have no idea Mace. No idea at all." Qui-Gon suddenly pinched 
the bridge of his nose his eyes closing, struggling against a surge of 
emotion.
"

Qui? . .Are you all right? As a friend tell me what is going on. 
Frankly I'm worried about you. Should we take this somewhere more 
private?" 

"Like last time Mace?" He snorted looking up at the man across 
from him his eyes too bright, his smile lopsided. "I'm perfectly fine really. 
It's just that so much has happened in such a brief time I haven't been 
able to totally assimilate it."

"You know I'm sorry about that but you weren't exactly doing great 
on your own if you recall. I'm still waiting for you to tell me what is going 
on between you two."

Mace watched as Qui-Gon’s expression turned a little distant. His 
Padawan calling he recognized and scanned the dining hall for the young 
Jedi in mind-touch with his friend. There he was loaded down with two 
food trays talking to that Calamarian Padawan and her master but he 
was looking at Qui-Gon. The intensity of this youth’s gaze was startling 
and the Council Member found himself trying not to squirm as that 
predatory stare raked over him. ‘Oh sweet Force now what’ he wondered 
as he shared his attention between the master and apprentice.
Full focus returning the master nevertheless let himself enjoy the 
afterglow of his mental exchange with Obi-Wan. “‘Mace do you 
remember the games we used to play shortly after we were knighted? 
When we were still together.”

Relief flooding Windu at the sudden change of subject made him 
laugh out loud. “Of course I remember. Being on the Council doesn’t 
cause amnesia you know.”

“Pity” he replied dryly. “I learned a lot from those games. I was so 
unsure of myself when I was knighted and that role-playing helped give 
me confidence.”

“You made such a good dominant Qui but you hated it at first. 
Once you got the idea though you ran with it. Even now when 
disagreements between the Council and you heat up it I keep expecting 
you to have a quirt in your hands. I have to remind myself that it will not 
end like it used to.” Mace teased.

“It is no joke. I believe I learned those lessons in dominance too 
well. When I’m stressed I find myself falling back into the role far too 
easily without thought. Using the techniques against Obi-Wan. I tried to 
break him to my will out of jealousy. It was unconscionable of me to 
abuse him and my authority so. He hadn’t any means to stop me Mace.” 
“Let it go. It’s over.” He gave the large hand under his a squeeze.

“Not for Obi-Wan. It will take some time for me to regain his trust 
to repair some of the damage I’ve caused. He needs reclaim a measure 
of freedom and control over his life.”

"And apparently over you as well. I sensed something of that when 
you entered the dining hall. Near to knighthood or not 'A Padawan must 
follow the leadership of his master'."

"When does it cease to be leadership and become control for 
control's sake. We are striving for a new equilibrium. What harm is there 
to defer to him here on Coruscant during our private time. It will not 
disturb our training and working relationship. I believe it is essential for 
restoring much needed balance."

Before he could voice his skepticism Qui-Gon’s Apprentice had 
appeared beside his master. Mace once again felt the heat of the 
younger man’s gaze. There was no anger or insolence in it just that 
disconcerting intensity.

“I apologize for my delay Master. I have your tray.” Obi-Wan spoke 
quietly but it galvanized the other man. 

Qui-Gon quickly looked up at the youth and blushing anew snatched 
his hand from Mace’s grasp. A flicker of guilt crossed the Master’s face. 

“Obi-Wan. Master Windu and I were just discussing the wishes of the 
High Council.”

“Indeed my Master.” Setting the trays down he seated himself next 
to Qui-Gon.

“Yes. Your Master was just telling me that all is settled between 
you. Do you agree? Can I infer from this that you think you will once 
more be able to work with each other effectively?”

“Oh yes Master Windu. I believe or bond is stronger than before.” 

The Apprentice impressed him as both calm and sincere. The letter 
of the law had been upheld he didn’t have to know what these two men 
did in private Mace reasoned with himself. Patience and time were 
needed to evaluate this ‘equilibrium’.

“Master we will have to eat swiftly if we are to complete our errand 
before our scheduled time in the training room.”

“Yes Padawan” answered Qui-Gon smiling.

“Errand” the Council Member inquired?

The dreamy cast to the Master’s face was back. “Yes, we are going 
to visit a tattoo establishment my Apprentice is familiar with.”

“Another tattoo Padawan Kenobi? Have you learned nothing?” 
Disbelief colored Mace’s words.

Qui-Gon cleared his throat. “Master Windu I am the one who is 
procuring a tattoo” he said serenely.

END