Work Text:
Kriff!
Obi-Wan had just gone to bed, already a bit groggy and almost half asleep, when suddenly a very disconcerting thought came into his head.
The history test! Tomorrow!
Promptly the young padawan was very awake, feeling nervous energy floating through his body.
This was bad. Qui-Gon would have his hide if he failed this kriffing test. He was all about good grades and keeping up with all of his classes whenever they were on Coruscant.
Pushing his blanket away and sitting up, Obi-Wan immediately pulled out his data-pad. He had a good short term memory and if he studied a few hours now the chance of getting a good grade wasn’t that unlikely.
It was almost midnight, which meant he would be a bit tired in the morning, only able to sleep three hours or so, at least if he wanted to work through all of his notes, but he could handle that.
Closing his eyes in concentration he carefully reached out in the force to assert if his master was already asleep.
He was not.
But he also wasn’t paying any particular attention to Obi-Wan either, most likely reading something.
Not exactly ideal but it was worth the shot.
The young padawan opened the first page of his notes on his data-pad, determined to learn as much as possible in the short time he got left.
Unfortunately though he got interrupted after not even an hour.
Obi-Wan was so deeply fixated on the words in front of him he only noticed Qui-Gun approaching his bedroom when there was a soft knock on the door. A second later his master stepped into his room.
„Obi-Wan? Why are you still awake? Is something wrong?
Qui-Gons voice sounded more confused than anything else.
Quickly setting the data-pad aside, Obi-Wan gave his master an apologetic look.
„Everything's fine, master. I was just studying a bit.“
„At one o’clock in the morning?“
When Obi-Wan nodded, a slight frown appeared on his master face, „I don’t think so.“
„I was trying to sleep but I just couldn’t stop thinking about the history test I have tomorrow. I thought if I would study a bit more, I would feel better prepared and could go to sleep more easily."
Technically this wasn’t even a lie, Obi-Wan thought to himself, he just didn’t mention he hadn’t studied before at all.
His master crossed his room and sat down on the edge of his bed.
„I see. Still, my young padawan, this is not the time for any more studying. I'm certain you re properly prepared for that test. A reasonable amount of sleep will do you a lot more good, trust me.“ Qui-Gon squeezed his shoulder in a comforting manner, a warm look in his eyes, „Try to get some sleep now, alright?“
„Yes, master.“ Obi-Wan answered innocently, settling down more comfortably and pulling the blanket up to his chin.
Qui-Got smiled softly at him, reaching out to brush some of his hear from his face before he left him alone again.
After fifteen minutes Obi-Wan was finally brave enough to reach for his data-pad again to continue his late night studying. He surely didn’t want to get caught a second time. Because that would be a lot worse.
Reaching out for Qui-Gon he frowned a little when he found his masters shields firmly in place this time not able to recognize if he was awake or asleep.
Obi-Wan hesitated a moment. On one hand this was a little suspicious, on the other hand he really needed to study if he didn’t want to earn Qui-Gons displeasure for failing that test.
Making sure he was more aware of his surroundings this time Obi-Wan continued to read through his notes.
He couldn’t even finish two sentences when he heard familiar steps advancing his door.
Basically throwing the data-pad away, he quickly turned to the wall and pulled the blanket over his face. Keeping his eyes firmly closed he heard his door crack open, followed by the noise of Qui-Gon entering his room.
„I know you re not asleep, padawan.“
Obi-Wan didn’t move, trying to keep his breathing as regular as possible.
„Obi-Wan.“ His masters voice was a little sharper now and the young Jedi apprentice just couldn’t bring himself to ignore him any longer.
Turning around and eyeing his master warily he winced when he saw the displeased look on the older ones face.
„I-“
Qui-Gon held one of his hands up, effectively silencing him.
„Give it to me.“ He said calmly, gesturing towards the data-pad, „We re gonna discuss this in the morning.“
Obi-Wan really didn’t want to do any of those things.
Squirming a little under his master gaze, he tried to sooth things over with him: „I'm sorry about disobeying you, master. I really am. But I…I can't do that. I really need to study for that test or I'm gonna fail it badly.“
„How come?“
Qui-Gons face was neutral and his voice sounded mildly curious but Obi-Wan wasn’t fooled a second by this outward appearance. Dropping his gaze to the blanket he admitted slightly embarrassed:
„I kinda forget about the test so I didn’t really study for it…But I'm more than willing to do so now.“ He promised eagerly, „Just one more hour. Please, Master. I'm gonna go to sleep right after.“
Qui-Gon watched him for a moment, before he slowly shook his head, „No. You had plenty of time to study for that test in the past few weeks. But apparently you chose to spend your time otherwise so now you ll have to face the consequences for that decision.“
He took a step forward, holding out his hand.
„Give me your data-pad.“
„I don't want to.“ Obi-Wan answered, an obvious pout on his face.
„That’s not what I asked.“
„But master!“
„Now.“ Qui-Gon said firmly before pointing to a spot on the floor, „And while you re at it, you can come right over here.“
Oh no, this wasn’t a good sign. Qui-Gon only demanded that to either hug or to swat him. And somehow Obi-Wan didn’t feel like his master intended to do the first one.
So he gave him a pleading look, very keen on not leaving his bed and getting anywhere near his masters unnervingly big hands, „No need. I ll give it to you.“
„Yes, you will.“ Qui-Gon said, „when you re standing right in front me.“
With slumped shoulders Obi-Wan reached for his data-pad when he suddenly felt himself struck by anger.
He kinda was used to this sudden waves of emotions since they had started to appear a few month ago. Qui-Gon had called them „typical mood swings of teenagers“ and advised him to meditate if he should find himself overwhelmed by his feelings but it rarely helped Obi-Wan in situations like this. Right now meditating was one of the farthest things on his mind and he felt himself glaring at his master accusingly.
Why did Qui-Gon have to make such a big scene because of some nightly studying? On missions they also had to survive with less than eight hours of sleep. So why couldn’t he just leave him be?
Straightening his shoulders, his chin set with determination the young padawan remained right where he was.
„You know what? No. I'm old enough to decide if and when I want to study. Right now I want to prepare for that test and you certainly won't stop me from it.“
Qui-Gon quirked an eyebrow at him. „Try that again, young one.“
Crossing his arms in front of his chest, Obi-Wan stubbornly shook his head, „Just leave me alone already!“
Qui-Gons eyebrows went up even higher.
„I strongly advise you to get that attitude of yours in check and to watch your tone. You already lied and disobeyed me tonight, do you really want to add more to that list?“
His masters words only made Obi-Wan feel even more irritated and he got to his feet without even realizing it.
„We wouldn’t even need to have this whole conversation if you would just stay out of my kriffing personal business! There is no harm in losing a few hours of sleep every and now then. And I only disobeyed you because you weren’t listening to me. So just let me study for this stupid test or do you actually want to make my life miserable?!“
On any other day Obi-Wan would wince at the stern expression on his masters face. Right now though his judgement was pretty clouded by the hot anger floating through him.
„You would do well to mind your emotions.“ His master said quietly, „I obviously don’t wish to see you fail and although it might not seem to you that way I always have in mind what’s best for you. In fact I think being grounded for a week with some extra mediation and an earlier bedtime will help you to remember to keep your temper in check in the future.“
For a moment no words came out of Obi-Wans mouth. This was outrageous!
First Qui-Gon didn't let him stay up to study, then he wanted to spank him and now on top of that he was also grounding him?
„You re…you re grounding me?“ He finally asked incredulously.
„I most definitely do, my ill-behaved padawan.“
„You can't do that! I'm not a child!“
„You are and I think you ll find I can.“ Qui-Gon replied in a tone that made Obi-Wan feel chills running up his spine. That didn’t stop him from further arguing though.
„But Quin and I planned to watch the saber competition of the senior padawans this weekend. Everyone’s going!“ He almost yelled at his master, feeling angry tears pressing against his eyes.
Qui-Gon raised one of his fingers warningly.
„Do not raise your voice to me. My patience is not endless so I’d really advise you to stop throwing a tantrum.“
„This is so unfair! What is your problem?“
Qui-Gon quickly crossed the distance between them, taking Obi-Wans arm in a firm grip to spin him around and delivered three searing swats to the seat of his pants.
„That will be enough.“
Instead of finally showing some obedience Qui-Gon found a rather nasty huttese curse flung at him.
„Very well.“
Moving so fast Obi-Wan almost didn’t see it coming, the Jedi-Master pulled him forward, took a seat on his bed and maneuvered him over his knee within a few seconds. The young padawan started to struggle immediately, trying to get up but Qui-Gon wasn’t having any of it.
Pulling down his pants and underwear in a swift move, he quickly wrapped one of his arms around his waist, pulling him close to his stomach, while putting one of his legs over the younger ones. Secured like that Obi-Wan could scarcely move not that it stopped it from trying.
A moment later his masters palm crushed down on his upturned bottom. Qui-Gon quickly settled into a fast rhythm, covering every inch of his padawans rear with heavy swats.
"This doesn’t even make sense!“ Obi-Wan yelled, trying to keep the pain out of his voice at the rapidly building sting in his backside „If it’s too late for me to study it should also be too late for me to get spanked.“
Qui-Gon just snorted not dignifying this comment with a verbal response. Instead he lifted his right leg, tipping Obi-Wan forward to address his sit spots. At this new, way worse sensation Obi-Wans first tears spilled over. Feeling very sorry for himself the young one reached for his blanket and buried his face in it.
"Just to be clear," Qui-Gon spoke to him quietly, "This is not a part of the punishment you ve still got coming."
Obi-Wan started to cry even harder at that.
But to his surprise and immediate relieve the spanking stopped a second later. Suddenly soft hands helped him to his feet, taking Obi-Wans own hands into a light grip when he mad aments to pull his pants back up.
„You won't be needing them for the rest of our discussion.“
His cheeks slightly flushed, Obi-Wan was very glad his sleeping tunic was long enough to give him at least some kind of modesty. His masters next word didn’t really came as a surprise.
„I want you to go and stand in the corner to calm down a bit.“
Obi-Wan didn’t answer nor did he move, starring at the ground with a grim expression.
„Eyes on me.“ Qui-Gon commanded quietly. Obi-Wan reluctantly lifted his gaze. His masters eyes were calm but there was also a steely gleam in them, „Are you ready to behave or do I have to put you back over my knee first?“
„I’ll behave.“ Obi-Wan mumbled sullenly.
„Alright. Then go ahead please.“
The young padawan hesitated but when his masters face darkened considerably his sense of self-preservation finally kicked in and he shuffled into one of the corners of his room with a sniffle.
„Thank you. I suggest you use the time to get a hold of your emotions and think about everything you did wrong tonight."
Left with nothing else to do, Obi-Wan actually did what his master wanted him to.
He was well aware that he had been a little…difficult. But that was only because his master was being unreasonably strict, doling out unjustified punishment!
Well…mostly unjustified punishment.
He didn't like being angry with his master but he couldn’t help it and it got worse with every passing second.
Closing his eyes he tried to release his emotions into the force without much success.
After ten minutes his master spoke to him again.
„Turn around and come here please.“
Qui-Gon was sitting on his bed, watching him as he slowly came closer.
Looking very unhappy Obi-Wan waited for further instructions.
„Fetch me the hairbrush from the refresher please.“ Qui-Gon said quietly.
The scowl on Obi-Wans face faltered a little, his eyes going wide for a second before his defiant expression returned.
„Go, get it yourself.“ He blurred out before he could stop himself.
A second later the world spun as his master took him over his knee again and started to rain down sharp swats all over his backside.
„I don't know what has gotten into you but it will stop now.“ Qui-Gon told him firmly.
Under his hand the skin rapidly changed into a dusty pink. Obi-Wan hissed and closed his eyes. He wasn’t going to win this battle of wills, he finally concluded. His backside could never outlive his masters hand. „I'm sorry,“ He ground out between clenched teeth although he didn’t really mean it, „I'm going to get the brush.“
„I agree.“ Qui-Gon replied but didn’t stop much too Obi-Wans dismay.
Instead he started targeting his sit spots and upper tights, spanking them until Obi-Wan couldn’t remain silent anymore. Loud yelps escaped him every time his masters palm connected with the most sensitive part of his behind.
Relieved he noticed that his master went back upwards, beginning yet another circuit of swats but it only lasted for a moment. No part of his already seriously stinging backside was untouched by now so every smack Qui-Gon delivered met already warm and tender skin. Gasping at a particularly hard swat, Obi-Wan had trouble keeping still, squirming around as much as his master let him. Then it was over and he was placed on his feet again.
„Hairbrush. Now.“
Obi-Wan didn’t need to be told twice. Spinning around he hastily went to the refresher to get the cursed object. He really didn’t want to get spanked anymore, especially not with the hairbrush. It stung so much more than his master hand. And if he wasn’t mistaken his actual punishment for disobeying his master hadn’t even started. This thought alone was enough to make his tears spill over again as he got back to his room. Qui-Gon just gave him an even look, taking the implement without a word before he helped Obi-Wan back into position.
Crack!
Obi-Wan got propelled forward by the strength of the swat, hissing at the burning sting.
It didn’t take him long to start crying in earnest as Qui-Gon continued to deepen the color of his backside with oval shaped marks until it was painfully looking red. Obi-Wan started to wiggle around vigorously to somehow escape the next swat. But his master tightened the grip around his waist, not losing his rhythm once.
„Why are you receiving this spanking, Obi-Wan?“ He finally asked.
The young padawan couldn’t explain why but somehow the question ignited his fury once more. So he remained silently.
Instant regret filled him as Qui-Gon „tsked“ before raising his left knee.
He tipped his padawan forward started to smack down on his upper tights.
Obi-Wan howled at the treatment, bursting into heartfelt sobs as Qui-Gon continued to focus on this area.
„Take all the time you need, little one. Just tell me whenever you re ready to have a civilized conversation.“
„I am!“
The hairbrush crushed down again and again.
„I'm afraid I'm not very convinced, padawan.“
Sobbing into his blanket Obi-Wan was sure he wouldn’t be able to sit for days after his master was through with him. The pain seemed almost unbearable now but a strange feeling inside him was even more upsetting. Normally after the first few minutes of a spanking, Obi-Wan always started to regret this actions, feeling guilty and remorseful and very sorry. This time though none of this happened.
It was confusing and distressing and send him into an instant panic. His heartbeat got faster and he started to get the feeling he couldn’t get enough air into his lungs.
He opened his mouth to tell his master that something was wrong but no words came out. All of a sudden the spanking stopped and Obi-Wan found himself cradled on his masters lap.
Qui-Gon hugged him tightly, „Sssh, just breath. That’s good. I've got you. Everything’s alright, little one.“
Obi-Wan pressed his face into his masters tunic but didn’t really return the embrace. When his sobs turned into sniffles Qui-Gon pulled back so he was able to look at his padawan, brushing a few of his tears away with his thumb.
„Whats all this about, dear one? I can sense the inner turmoil in you…“
Obi-Wan blinked at him with big, red rimmed eyes, his light brown hair a mess, which made him look a lot younger than his fifteen years. Then his soft features turned into a frown.
„You re setting my backside on fire of course there is an inner turmoil in me.“
Qui-Gon let out a weary sigh, warningly tapping his back. „Thats not what I meant and you know it.“
There was a moment of tense silence before his master spoke up again.
„You re upset with me, aren’t you?“ he said, his voice low but gentle, „You think I'm being too harsh with you and that me giving you such a severe punishment is unjust.“
Sniffling a few times, Obi-Wan nodded slowly.
„I tried to release my anger into the force but it didn’t help.“
„Hmm. I guess you were still too worked up and couldn’t focus properly. Or you didn’t really want to let go of your emotions, because you felt justified in feeling this way.“
Obi-Wan shrugged, „I don’t like being angry with you but you were-“
„I think you have already told me in no uncertain terms what you think about my involvement in your “personal business“ and the punishments I chose for you.“ Qui-Gon interrupted him dryly, „Believe me, I am well aware of your feelings concerning this matter, dear one.“
Obi-Wan looked a bit surprised for a moment before he turned an incredulous frown upon his master.
„And you still followed through without a moment of consideration?“
His master had the audacity to chuckle at that, quickly schooling his features back into a serious expression when he saw how offended Obi-Wan looked at him.
„You re still very young and you’ve got a lot to learn.“ He said calmly, sending a wave of reassurance and affection through their shared bond, „Being the one who can teach you and take care of you is a privilege and one of the biggest joys in my life. But it’s not always an easy job and sometimes I have to be strict with you so a lesson can be learned. You don't have to like me all the time. It’s the normal way of growing up. You ll disagree with me, disobey me because you think you know better and probably feel like I'm the most annoying person in the whole galaxy from time to time. But all of this is a necessary step in the relationship between a parent and a child. Still at the end of the day your answerable to me. And I love you way too dearly to let you get away with this kind of ill-mannered, self-destructive behavior.“
Obi-Wan had listened to his monologue, new tears glistering in his eyes.
He wanted to hide his face in Qui-Gons chest again too confused and overwhelmed to deal with his emotions or his masters words. But the older one gently laid his hands on his shoulders, keeping him in place.
"I want you to answer me a question.“
Obi-Wan nodded.
„Do you trust me?“
„Of course I do!“ He replied immediately with such force Qui-Gon couldn’t help but smile warmly at him.
„I'm glad to hear. Then trust me to never punish you without a good reason. It might take some time until you realize the reasoning behind it but I know you are a very intelligent and self-reflected boy who will see the truth eventually.“
Obi-Wan was quiet for a moment before he whispered: „I’m sorry, master. I'm still upset but I'm sorry for all the things I've said. You don’t deserve to be treated in such an awful way.“
Qui-Gon nodded once in acknowledgment, „Alright then. I think we still have some unfinished matters to attend to.“
Obi-Wans eyes went wide at that. „But I - You already - We just-“
The raised eyebrow of his master stopped him in mid-sentence. The young one let out a heavy sigh before settling himself over his masters knee again.
Taking the hairbrush Qui-Gon swatted hard down on the heat radiating rear, covering every inch of the already well punished skin.
It didn’t even take a minute before Obi-Wan started sobbing, desperately throwing his hand back to somehow stop the endless swats.
„None of that.“ Qui-Gon chided lightly before taking his wrist in a firm grip, holding it to the small of his back.
The hairbrush merciless snapped down again and again.
„Master!"
„I'm here.“
„I'm ready to talk!“
Qui-Gon hummed lowly in his throat, his swats slowing down a bit. „Alright. Tell me then, my young padawan, why are you getting this punishment?“
„Because I - ow! - was r-rude and dis-disobedient.“ He managed to choke out, „ I-I cursed at you - ah! - and I was having a- a temper - ouch! -And I'm sorry master. So so sorry.“
„Anything else?“ Qui-Gon just asked mildly.
Obi-Wan thought about it. „I lied to you?“
„Was that an answer or a question?“
„Well technically I didn’t exactly lie when I…“
His voice broke when his master smacked several times in a row on one of his spots.
„Try again.“
„Alright!“ Obi-Wan quickly sobbed out, „I also lied. Please, master. I'm sorry.“
„I hope you are.“ Qui-Gon replied in a serious tone, „The repeated disobedience and disrespect you have shown me earlier are more than unacceptable. Throwing tempter tantrums and cursing at me when not getting your way are very childish, my dear padawan, and two things I certainly won't put up with. And they re most assuredly not behavior becoming a jedi.“
„Soooorry!“ Obi-Wan practically howled as his master moved down to top of his tights to drive this particular point home with some extra strong swats. He was sure his backside must have been gone crimson by now.
„Oooow! I'm sorry, master! Please stop! Please! I'll be good, I promise.“
„ We re almost done.“ Qui-Gon assured him slowing down recognizable this time,
„I understand that you were anxious about the test but refusing to go to sleep because you didn’t study enough or not at all in this particular case is not the solution. Next time you make a mistake like this I expect you take the responsibility for it and accept the consequences of your actions.“
„I will.“ Obi-Wan promised, although he probably would have agreed to everything at this point.
His loud sobs turned into quieter ones, shaking his whole body as he went limp over his masters knee, too exhausted to do anything else.
Knowing he had enough Qui-Gon ended the punishment with two more swats to the center of his backside, before he started to rub gentle circles on his padawans back.
Obi-Wan didn’t even realize the swats had stopped for a few seconds, just laying limp across his masters lap crying his heart out.
When his sobs started too fade out a bit, Qui-Gon readjusted his clothes and helped him up. He gathered him on his lap and pulled him into a tight embrace, murmuring soothing words into his Obi-Wans ears who threw his arms around his neck, quietly crying into his shoulder.
„Ssh, it’s alright. All is forgiven now. You did very well, little one.“ Qui-Gon whispered, stroking his back until most of his tears had dried.
Obi-Wan really did enjoy the closeness and the feeling of love and affection that his master was sending to him through the force. Pulling a bit back he found Qui-Gon smiling at him reassuringly before he pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.
Letting his body relax Obi-Wan leaned back against his master. Being in his arms felt save and good and as if everything was going to be alright.
Besides he was way too exhausted and tired to be upset about anything right now. No wonder, it was probably almost two o clock in the morning by now.
Qui-Gon seemed to have the same thought und gently helped him settle into his bed.
Obi-Wan let himself get tugged in by his master, too tired to be embarrassed about it.
„Night master.“ He mumbled his eye already drifting shut.
„Sleep well, dearest. I’ll see you tomorrow.“
*
The next morning came way too fast.
Obi-Wan could have sworn he had only closed his eyes for a minute when his alarm clock went off.
Groaning he rolled over on his back to the turn it off.A sharp hiss escaped his mouth as his sore backside met the surface of his bed.
Cursing he quickly got to his feet while everything that had happened last night came back to him.
Suddenly the urge to just get back into bed, pulling his blanket up all the way over his head seemed very tempting.
Not so tempting however was the imagination of what his master would do to him if he would find him like that when he should get ready for a day full of classes.
The kriffing history test loomed heavily over his head and the prospect of spending his entire afternoon and evening at the apartment because of his grounding wasn't improving his already bad mood either.
A few minutes later he was dressed and entered the living room, where his master was sitting at the already set up breakfast table.
Qui-Gon apparently already had finished eating and worked on something on his datapad, a cup of steaming tea next to him. He looked up with a warm smile which faltered when Obi-Wan sullenly took a seat across of him without word.
„A good morning to you too, padawan.“ Qui-Gon greeted him dryly.
"I m not hungry." Obi-Wan announced, pushing his plate away demonstratively.
His master sighed before focusing his attention back on the data-pad in his hands.
„You should try to eat something nonetheless. You've got a busy day ahead of you and lunch break will only be in several hours."
"I know when lunch break is." Obi-Wan snapped at him.
How his master was able to make the gesture of putting down his data-pad seeming so threateningly was beyond him.
„Is this really how you want to start the day?" He asked quietly.
Trying very hard not to glare at his master, Obi-Wan shook his head.
"Thats what I thought."
Then his master did something even more annoying. He put a slice of bread, some nuts and a meiloorun fruit on Obi-Wans plate.
"I expect you to finish this before you go off to class."
The young padawan crossed his arms over his chest.
„Guess I'm gonna miss all of my classes then.“
This time Qui-Gon didn't even bother looking up from his datapad.
„If I would be you I would stop testing me and start eating.“
Huffing in annoyance Obi-Wan began to shift the food on his plate around halfheartedly.
He wasn't hungry for forces sake! He was tired and sore. And sitting on the hard kitchen chair was everything but comfortable. Instead it made him realize once more exactly how unpleasant it would be to attend five different classes today.
How was he supposed to concentrate on the test when all he wanted to do was lay down somewhere and sleep… preferably on his stomach. This was all Qui-Gons fault, he thought to himself, scowling darkly at his master.
„Keep it up.“ Qui-Gon suddenly said calmly, his gaze still fixed on the data-pad in his hands, „Just keep it up and see what happens.“
The young padawan immediately stopped glaring after this rather ominous warning.
A few minutes past and he was already thinking Qui-Gon would let him get away with not eating anything when he spoke up again.
„Very well. If you re not going to eat you don’t have to sit at the table. Go and do some meditating in the corner. I want you to find the answer to the question if this kind of attitude is appropriate to display.“
"Fine!" Obi-Wan snapped and stood up so abruptly his chair fell backwards, crashing to the ground.
The noise made him flinch but it didn’t stop him from basically stomping in the direction of the corner, when his master voice suddenly stopped him.
„Hold.“
Obi-Wan turned around, his stomach dropping at the grave expression on Qui-Gon face.
„Come here.“
Obi-Wan really didn’t want to. Now his anger was also partly directed towards himself. How could he be so stupid and provoke such a reaction from his master this early in the morning?
„Now.“
This time Qui-Gon voice so full of expecting authority, Obi-Wan moved automatically to his masters side.
Tears started to form in his eyes when his master reached out, pulling him over his knee. To his surprise he was allowed to keep his pants up but the few stinging swats he received still burned terribly on his already well punished behind. Qui-Gon helped him to his feet before pointing towards the corner.
Sniffling Obi-Wan shuffled over to the assigned spot, pressing his nose against the cool wall.
What a horrible day…And it hadn’t even really begun yet.
He tried to meditate but found himself too upset to enter the trance like state. So he just waited in silence until his master called him back to the table only two minutes later. Obi-Wan had expected to stand in the corner a bit longer but then a quick look at the clock told him, he had to leave shortly if he didn't want to be late to his first class.
Apparently this lack of time kept his master from punishing him any further. It gave Obi-Wan a rush of smug satisfaction. Even though he knew that wasn't the appropriate attitude his master had been talking about he felt a slight grin appear on his face. It was gone rather quickly as he his masters next words:
"Yes, you will have to leave very soon. But let me assure you that won't stop me from discipling you if necessary. Not right now of course. If you should chose to continue to act like a petulant toddler, you ll be coming home while lunch break so we can continue this discussion right before you go to your afternoon classes. Did I make myself abundantly clear about this?"
So much about that…Obi-Wan nodded, picking up his chair to sit down again. Since this horrible prospect he accepted his fate with a long sigh and started eating under Qui-Gons watchful eyes.
"Is there anything you d like to say to me, padawan?"
Not very keen on getting anymore swats, Obi-Wan quickly mumbled a „Sorry, master.“
Qui-Gon nodded curtly. „Now there is one more thing I wanted to discuss with you about your punishment…“
Obi-Wan couldn’t believe it. There was going to be even more punishment?
„But master,“ he started to protest immediately, although he tried to keep his tone as respectfully as he could„You already spanked me so much yesterday and you grounded me for a week which is why I m gonna miss the saber competition!“
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow at him while Obi-Wan started to squirm around in his seat nervously.
„I mean…surely that’s plenty enough.“ He finished off weakly.
„Thanks for your condolence.“ His master said in a wry tone, „But I already made up my mind about this.“ He took a sip of his tea, „Besides I wouldn’t have taken you over my knee for nearly so long if you hadn’t been so willfully disrespectful. Same goes for the grounding. In fact I only planned to make you write an essay as a punishment for disobeying me, maybe give you a few swats at the most. But the behavior you've shown me last night clearly needed some serious addressing of other kind. So writing said essay on how you re planning to improve your time management, including the effects of sleep deprivation is still what you re gonna do. I hope this will help you to avoid ending up in a situation like this again.“
Obi-Wan didn’t dare glaring at his master again although he wanted to do so very badly.
Seething inside he finished his breakfast in silence, his eyes firmly fixed on his plate. When the food was finally gone, he stood up in relieve. Grabbing his back from his room he planned to make a hasty retreat but a warm hand on his shoulder stopped him right before he could open the door. Turning around he looked up at his master in question.
„I wish you a pleasant day, padawan.“
Obi-Wan couldn’t help snorting at this ridiculous statement quickly trying to cover it up with a cough.
His master wasn’t fooled by it of course but continued anyway, „ I expect you to come home after your classes without any detours. I’d be happy if we could meditate together later.“
„Yes, master.“ He answered monotonously,„May I go now?“
„You may.“
Obi-Wan gladly left their shared apartment, although he wasn’t looking forward to his first class which was of course history. All of this was just so unfair.
He walked down the hallways of the temple already almost there, when a sudden thought struck him. He couldn’t fail the test if he didn’t participate. His master would be displeased with him either way. Making a decision he turned around and bumped straight into Qui-Gon.
„M-master.“ Obi-Wan stumbled, „I just-“
„Don't. Don ´t make this worse by lying to me.“
His face held an unreadable expression as he settled one of his hands on the young padawans shoulder.
„I know exactly what you were doing and now I'm gonna make sure you ll attend that history class of yours. March.“
Feeling his face burn in embarrassment as his master kept leading him through the temple with his hand firmly remaining on his shoulder, Obi-Wan prayed to the force that no other padawans would cross their way. They met a few other jedi knights and masters who nodded at his master while passing by but they weren’t paying much attention to Obi-Wan.
Much to the young padawans relieve Qui-Gon didn't escort him into the classroom.
He stopped shortly in front of the door, leveling a serious look at him.
"Meet me at our quarters at lunch."
Obi-Wans stomach dropped and he had a hard time holding back the tears that formed in his eyes. Since he didn't trust himself to speak he just nodded before entering the classroom.
He was so engrossed in his dark thoughts he didn’t even realize when Quin scooted on the seat right next to him.
„Hey, Obi.“ His friend greeted him with a smile. „Whats up with the long face?“
„Well, I…It’s just- …Last night…It’s about the history test…“ Obi-Wan finally said with a dramatic sigh, „It’s going to be bad. Very bad.“
Quin chuckled slightly, „Of course it will be bad. How could it not be? This class is soo boring! It doesn’t even matter if you re smart. You just have to memorize stuff nobody cares about.“
„I doubt our masters will see it that way.“
„Well, at least my master can’t say I didn’t try to study. I did. But I always fell asleep after reading only one page. So am I really to blame here?“
Despite his foul mood, Obi-Wan felt himself smile a bit at that typical Quin-logic.
It faltered when he realized he yet had to tell his best friend about his grounding. Quin would be crushed about Obi-Wan missing out the saber competition. They had been talking about it for weeks now, betting on different senior padawans, getting more excited the closer that event got.
He opened his mouth to just get it over with, when their history teacher cleared his throat, demanding silence as he started to hand out the tests.
*
In which year did Andara join the galactic republic?
… Hm, probably a long time ago…?
Not a very sufficient answer Obi-Wan thought to himself glaring at the history test in front of him, wishing the piece of paper in front of him would just catch on fire if he only starred long enough at it.
He shifted in his seat, trying to find a more comfortable position. It was a hopeless effort. His master had spanked him way too thoroughly for that not even a mere twelve hours ago. If only the time wouldn’t move that slow. He felt like he had been sitting here for an eternity already. Suppressing a sigh Obi-Wan tried to get a hold of his emotions and turned his attention back to the test.
How long did the Mandalorian War last and what were some long-reaching consequences of the war?
Again Obi-Wan wasn’t able to answer. He wasn’t used to feeling this way. It was maddening.
He had always been a bright and eager student, well prepared for upcoming tests or exams, almost never struggling with any of his classes. In the last few month though he somehow found it hard to concentrate on some of his subjects, especially the more boring ones like history. He was more interested in his light saber training, which seemed much more useful to him than knowing the dates of some long forgotten war.
He also really enjoyed spending time with his friends lately. Not that he didn’t before but he reached the conclusion that time spend with friends was so much more worth it than sitting home alone studying for some test.
Nevertheless he still liked getting good grades. He knew a good education was kinda important not only for his future but also for his master, who’s approval mattered to Obi-Wan like no others. Still somehow he had managed to forget about this history test completely. A mistake he didn’t plan on repeating any time soon.
Huffing Obi-Wan dropped his pencil. Why should he even try to answer any of this questions? He didn’t study and history was definitely a class where improvising or being smart as Quin had stated previously weren’t of any great advantage. Letting his thoughts wander off, he tried to come up with a plan to get out of his afternoon meditation with his master.
„Time´s up, children. Please put down your pencils.“
The voice of his history teacher abruptly brought him back to the present. His classmates did what they were told before handing their papers to their teacher. Glad that he could get up, Obi-Wan followed their example, turning in his not even half finished test.
Their next class was meditation, which was definitely good news. In meditation they alway sat on rather soft mats, which sounded a lot more appealing to Obi-Wan than sitting on a hard wooden chair.
Quinlan appeared next to him, clamping a hand on his shoulder and stirring him out of the classroom.
„Having trouble sitting, are we?“ He asked him with a grin as they walked down to the temple gardens where their meditation class would be.
Obi-Wan scowled at him, slightly nudging him with his elbow, „This isn’t funny, Quin.“
„Never said it was.“ His friend retorted, the grin still on his face although his gaze held some sympathy.
„I hope you didn’t do anything fun without me…?“
„Not if you count studying as a fun activity.“
Quin gave him a bewildered look. „You got in trouble for studying? How is that even possible?“
„Well…“
„What’s the matter with Master Qui-Gon? I thought he was all about keeping up with classes and getting good grades just like my master is.“
„Oh yeah, that’s definitely the case.“ Obi-Wan answered grimly.
„So what was the problem then?“
Obi-Wan quickly checked if anyone was close enough to hear him but the hallways of the temple were mostly empty right now. „Alright, I'm gonna tell you.“ He therefore gave in with a sigh, giving his friend the short version of everything that had happened the night before. Quin listened to him, a bit amused and oddly delighted by some of the things Obi-Wan had said to his master. When Obi-Wan got to the part where he had told his master to get the hairbrush himself, his best friend made a noise that sounded like a mixture of a groan and a laughter.
"How are you still alive?“
Obi-Wan shrugged, „It definitely wasn’t worth it.“
„I bet it wasn’t.“ Quin said with a wince.
Anyway there is another thing I have to tell you…Master…he grounded me, Quin. For a whole week.“
"What?! But this weekend is the saber competition of the senior padawans!“ His friend said disappointment heavy in his voice.
I know.“ Obi-Wan replied crestfallen.
"Master Jinn can't do that! We have been looking forward this event for weeks now!“ Quin looked very displeased with Qui-Gons decision, „How can he do that you? You didn’t even do something that bad! I mean it’s not like you have been risking your life or something…“
"I know!“ Obi-Wan agreed, feeling his own anger from yesterday returning with full force „He doesn’t even care! It’s just so kriffing unfair! Honestly, we shouldn’t get grounded anymore. We re way too old for that!“
"Thank you!“ Quin replied whole heartedly, „Our masters don’t seem to understand that we re not little children anymore. They should have more trust in our decision making and in our abilities.“
"Exactly!“
Quin leaned in a bit even though no one was around. „Do you think there’s any chance you might get out of that grounding until the weekend?“
With sinking shoulders, Obi-Wan shook his head. „I don't think so.“
He knew the sudden mischievous spark entering Quins eyes wasn’t a good sign.
"Alright, we need a plan.“
"A plan?“
„Yes. If you aren’t allowed to go, you have to sneak out.“
„That won't be easy. Master will be expecting something like this.“ Obi-Wan replied with a skeptical frown, „He probably will try to keep me busy on Saturday…“
„True. My master might also suspect something. We need a distraction…“
„It had to be a long distraction though. And a good one.“
They discussed different ideas until they’ve reached the temple gardens and mediation class started. Till now none of their ideas seemed very promising, so they decided to continue planning Obi-Wans escape while lunch break. After all they only had four more days until the competition would take place…
*
Qui-Gon couldn't believe his boy had the actual audacity to ditch him.
Lunch break had started fifteen minutes ago but Obi-Wan was still nowhere to be seen.
Sitting on the couch he looked expectingly at the door, certain his padawan would show up any moment.
Qui-Gon closed his eyes, trying to suppress the anger and disappointment at this blatant disobedience.
He had actually planned to free his padawan from his grounding on Saturday so he could go to the saber competition. When he had decided to dole out the punishment he had actually forgotten the competition was about to take place the upcoming weekend.
Knowing how excited his boy had been about it, he couldn’t help but feeling a bit bad about grounding him and had decided to make an exception. Even though Obi-Wan didn’t really deserved it after the scene he had made this morning.
But this right now was one step too far.
Another ten minutes had passed and Qui-Gon realized the child wasn't going to show up.
So he left their shared quarters to fetch his naughty padawan.
It didn't take him long to find Obi-Wan. He was sitting in the refectory, chatting with Quin as if he had nowhere else to be. Reminding himself that Obi-Wan was usually a very sweet, mostly well-behaved boy who was very dear to him, Qui-Gon walked over to him.
Obi-Wan must have felt his presence since his body posture got very stiff. He didn’t bother turning around though. Quin saw him before he reached the table, stopping in mid-sence and cringed in sympathy for his friend.
Qui-Gon came to a hold right behind Obi-Wan and put a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"I believe we had an appointment, padawan." He said, carefully trying to sound as calm as he could manage at the moment.
Obi-Wan shrugged with a scowl while Quin seemed to be rather uncomfortable.
Qui-Gon leaned in closer, speaking in such a low voice that only his padawan could hear him.
"Two options here. You can rise and leave this place with dignity or you can remain where you are and get a taste of whats to come before we go to our quarters."
Blushing brightly Obi-Wan spluttered out: "You wouldn't!"
"Better don t test me on this. My patience with you is nearly gone."
Getting on his feet instantly, Obi-Wan turned to Quin.
"I gotta go."
Quin nodded eagerly, "Yup, I think so too. See you in class.“
With that Qui-Gon lead his padawan out of the refectory and right into their apartment.
Pointing at one of the corners he went to the kitchen after throwing a quick look over his shoulder to make sure Obi-Wan for once did what he was told.
The familiar process of making tea calmed him down enough to deal with the errant child. Yes, his behavior had been far from acceptable in the last 48 hours but Qui-Gon had once been young too. He vaguely remembered how different his view on certain things had been and how he often fought with keeping all of his emotions in check when he was in a certain age. He had definitely tested his boundaries too, curious if they were still the same as he grew older.
Back then he would never have guessed how hard it was to be on the other side. Parenting was not easy and really exhausting at times. But it was worth it a hundredth time, he thought to himself, pictures of Obi-Wan growing up under his care floating through his mind. He could already see the noble young man and the excellent jedi knight he was going to become in the future and it filled him with proud but there was still a long a way to go.
He sighed, getting out two cups of tea.
It's in his best interested, he reminded himself, as he stepped out in the living room.
He put the two cups on the table and took a seat on the coach.
„Come over here, please.“
When Obi-Wan turned around and walked over to him slowly, he gestured to the seat next to him.
As soon as he sat down, Qui-Gon locked his eyes with him.
"Skipping class?" He chided softly, not trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice, "You know better than this."
Obi-Wan winced before mumbling: „It wasn't going to make a difference anyway.“
"There is definitely a difference between avoiding something unpleasant and taking it with as much grace as possible no matter the outcome. I thought I made myself clear yesterday when I told you about my expectations of accepting the consequences for the decisions you made, did I not?"
"You did, master." Obi-Wan answered with a sigh.
"But you still chose to ignore them." Qui-Gon stated calmly.
"I-" Obi-Wan seemed to search for the right words before a dark frown settled on his face, "All of this is so stupid!“
Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows. He slowly got the feeling he was talking to a wall instead of his usually bright padawan.
He rubbed at his eyes exasperatedly.
„This is getting old. Actually I was planning to let you out of your grounding for one night so you could watch the saber competition on Saturday since I knew how much you were looking forward to it. But you can forget about it now. It seems you have to learn yet another lesson about acting in a respectful, jedi like manner.“
Qui-Gon knew it was rather harsh to tell Obi-Wan he just messed up the opportunity to watch the saber competition despite his grounding. He hated doing this to the boy but it seemed nothing he did or said was getting through to him.
Obi-Wan starred at him for a moment, opening his mouth without any words coming out.
„I…I didn't know…“ He eventually stammered, tears of frustration filling his eyes.
„Would it have made a difference?“
„Yes!“ Obi-Wan yelled at him.
Qui-Gon frowned at him warningly, „Do not raise your voice to me.“
He fixed his padawan with a stern look, „You re old enough to act in a mature way without expecting a reward for it.“
Obi-Wan looked ready to throw another tantrum, so Qui-Gon quickly decided to speed up things a bit.
„Now about not heeding my warning at breakfast, trying to skip class and not coming home when I specifically told you to do so…“
Taking Obi-Wans upper arm in a firm grip, he pulled him sideways and over his knee. Qui-Gon pulled his trousers and underwear down, examining the backside over his lap with a trained eye. The skin had a dusty pink look to it and Qui-Gon didn’t doubt for a second that his padawan could still feel yesterdays punishment whenever he sat down. He cringed inwardly. Getting a spanking on an already sore behind, even if it was going to be a short one, felt way worse, something Obi-Wan had hardly experienced by now since he was usually merciful well-behaved for at least a week after receiving any kind of discipline.
His assumption was confirmed when Obi-Wan let out a surprised yelp at his first swat on bare skin.
He went quiet after that, involuntary clenching the muscles of his backside as Qui-Gon began his first circle of heavy smacks, quickly reigniting the fire in his padawans behind from last night.
It wasn't even two minutes until Obi-Wan started crying, wriggling over his knee in order to somehow escape the next swat.
"Ow- it hurts!" Obi-Wan told him in a rather accusing tone.
"It's supposed to..." The older one replied calmly.
"No - ah - It h-hurts more than- than usually.“
"I m sure it does, dear one. You re still sore and your skin is more tender. Let this be a lesson to you, my young insolent padawan."
Obi-Wan buried his head in one of the cushions with a groan, mumbling something about his master needing a lesson in spanking him less often.
If his padawan hadn't been so difficult in these last few hours Qui-Gon might have been amused by that comment. Right now though he only shook his head and continued working his way down to the still very tender sit spots. When he rained a few swats on this particular area, Obi-Wans struggle became so violent he managed to slid halfway of his knee.
Qui-Gon calmly hauled him back into position, tightening the grip around his waist while pulling him closer to his stomach.
"No. Please not...Please not there." Obi-Wan whispered, desperately kicking legs.
His please pulled on Qui-Gons heartstrings but he knew giving in would only be counter productive in the long run.
"Stop kicking or I ll have to restrain you completely. Would you like to hold my hand?"
Obi-Wan took a shaky breath, before shaking his head "N-No."
"Alright. We re almost done." Qui-Gon replied gently before aiming at the tops of his tights again.
Now every swat was accompanied by a loud yelp of his padawan though his kicking went back to a tolerable level. When he started another cycle, Obi-Wan released his first sobs as his backside reddened quickly under Qui-Gons unforgiving hand.
"Tell me why you re in this position again." The older jedi asked while slowing down the pace considerably.
"I tried to skip class and I was rude and I didn't come home at lunch break."
Relieved that his padawan had chosen to answer the question, Qui-Gon hummed lowly in throat, "Mmh, thats right. Very good, little one.“
Stiffening his resolve he swatted down a little harder, "Remember this the next time you think about throwing a fit. You ll gain nothing from it but more punishment."
He stopped the spanking after this sentence and started to rub soothing circles on Obi-Wans lower back. When his sobs became softer he gently pulled his pants back up and helped him to his feet. Opening his arms he took a step forward and pulled Obi-Wan closely to his chest.
Confusion and worry slammed into Qui-Gon when his padawan didn't return the embrace at all. He only stood there rather stiffly. Qui-Gon reached out in the force and could feel distress and anxiety radiating of his padawan.
"Whats the matter, dear one?" He asked softly, unsure what had triggered this reaction.
Obi-Wan didn't lift his gaze, sniffling a few times.
"I don t know. I just don t feel like getting hugged right now." He finally said quietly before pulling back.
Qui-Gon watched him with raised brows. Deeply inside he knew that in truth Obi-Wan was longing for that comfort but couldn't accept it since he was still blaming Qui-Gon for every unpleasant thing that had happened to him in the last 24 hours. It certainly was the easier way than admitting that only he himself was responsible for all the punishment he had received.
"I m sorry to hear that, dearest." He said softly, "But being comforted is a very necessary part of your discipline and I won't have you refuse it just to prove a point. A point which is based on a false believe born out of anger and fear of the truth.“
Hoping to really get through the boy this time he lowered his shields a little, just enough for his padawan to be able to catch some of his emotions on this matter.
Obi-Wan looked at him with big, shiny eyes, taking in his masters feelings before bursting into tears. A second later he wrapped his arms so tightly around Qui-Gon it was almost uncomfortable. Sobbing into his chest, he apologized over and over again, mumbling incoherent sentences.
Qui-Gon returned the embrace just as fiercely.
„Everything will be fine. We re gonna talk in a moment, dearest. Just try to calm down right now. That's good, little one, breath."
He sat down, pulling his padawan on his lap while doing so. Rocking him slightly he waited until Obi-Wan had settled down enough to make at least some sense again.
"I'm sorry, master. Sorry for hurting you and sorry for treating you the way I did."
„It’s alright.“ Qui-Gon said, wiping a few tears of Obi-Wans cheeks with his thumb, „And you didn’t hurt me, dear one.“
His padawan opened his mouth to protest but closed it when the older jedi shook his head.
„It saddened me that you chose a path that would lead to you being even more upset and angry, too tangled up in those negativ emotions to see it clearly. But I was never hurt by your words nor your actions. I understand. Sometimes it’s hard to accept the truth and even harder to admit to be in the wrong. It’s always easier to be angry at some one else especially if certain mistakes lead to certain consequences. Is that what happened here, little one?“
Obi-Wan nodded, clearly trying to avoid his gaze.
„Yes,“ He whispered shamefully, „And I think somewhere deep inside I knew what I was doing but I just didn’t seem to be able to stop myself. I was already feeling so bad about failing class and then I was so disappointed about missing the saber competition and…I just didn’t want to feel even more miserable by admitting to myself that I'm the only one who is to blame for that. Guess I'm nothing but a selfish coward.“
Frowning he cupped Obi-Wans face in his hands so he had to look at him.
„You re anything but. And I never want to hear you speak about yourself so lowly again. You've made a few mistakes and struggled to take responsibility for it. Thats nothing to be ashamed of.
It’s a normal and important step while growing up.“
His padawan seemed calmer at that, cuddling closer to him once again.
„Nevertheless you don't deserve to be treated like that, master. I was awful to you and I'm truly sorry.“
Qui-Gon pressed a light kiss to his forehead.
„
I forgive you. But I really do think we should concentrate our next meditation on how to deal with negative emotions and how to get rid of them, don’t you?“
Obi-Wan nodded, enjoying the closeness and feeling of safety he always had when his master held him in his arms.
They sat like this in content silence for a little while until Obi-Wan had to leave to get to this afternoon classes at time. Watching him leave the apartment with a fond expression Qui-Gon shook his head. Youth.