Stroking through Anakin’s hair slowly as he peered down at the sleeping child, Obi-Wan couldn’t help but smile. Clearly the day had been too much for the eleven year old but he had tried so much to keep awake and speak with Obi-Wan and it had been…

‘Adorable,’ Obi-Wan watched Anakin burrow more into his lap, sighing softly as his chest rose and fell steadily. ‘My son is adorable and sweet.’ Anakin had asked so many questions, from Obi-Wan’s missions to what Obi-Wan liked and even if Obi-Wan had a favorite color.

But he was just eleven.

And every eleven year old’s eventually got tired, slowly slumping against Obi-Wan until the knight had slowly and carefully slid the boy until he was laying on the couch with his head in Obi-Wan’s lap, stroking his hair slowly as Anakin blinked large, blue eyes at him until sleep claimed him.

“Better get him into bed,” Qui-Gon murmured quietly, settling his hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder when the other made to stand. “No, I’ll do it.” He smiled, Obi-Wan’s stomach fluttering at the sight as Qui-Gon stood and carefully lifted their son.

It was a sweet image and Obi-Wan’s hands itched to take a picture.

He resisted though, maybe he’d have the opportunity in the future.

For now he let Qui-Gon bring Anakin to bed, sitting back on the couch with a little sigh.

‘I didn’t know Anakin was so affectionate. I thought he might bow to me but…’ His mind flashed back to earlier, Anakin standing in the doorway, staring up at Obi-Wan with his wide eyes. ‘He came right over and hugged me.’

Honestly, it had taken all Obi-Wan had not to blush at the act.

Having had Anakin, regardless how much he trained, his stomach kept a slightly plush girdle and while he was as strong or maybe even stronger than the next Jedi, he knew that that little girdle of fat made it look like Obi-Wan was less in shape than for say Qui-Gon.

It was one of the reasons he tried to avoid communal showers of the salles.

That and the stretchmarks that was.

Anakin however didn’t seem to mind it.

No honestly, the child seemed to like that even more, burying himself into Obi-Wan’s stomach, pressing his face to it.

“I’d offer a credit for your thoughts but I imagine I could guess where they were.” Obi-Wan looked up quickly, finding Qui-Gon settling back down beside him.

Smiling wryly, Obi-Wan shrugged slightly. “If you’re thinking its about Anakin, you’d be right.” He murmured, leaning forward to press the back of his hand to the teapot.

Lukewarm.

Oh well, it was better than cold and it be a shame to waste good tea so Obi-Wan poured himself a full cup of the lukewarm tea and took a large sip.

“He’s a very affectionate child.” Qui-Gon suddenly stated and Obi-Wan paused, glancing at the other man as Qui-Gon rubbed his beard slowly, looking thoughtful.

“…I noticed too. Is… isn’t that how he’s always been?” Obi-Wan slowly settled back against the couch again, turning mostly to the other Jedi.

A low hum escaped Qui-Gon. “…Not until recently,” Qui-Gon stated quietly, glancing at Obi-Wan and then away to the caff table. “Until now, he’s been a regular creche child, as affectionate as another but after I took him on as a padawan…”

The room went silent except for the chrono quietly ticking away and Obi-Wan slowly sipping at his tea.

“You… think he knows?” Obi-Wan whispered, unsure what to think about that.

Or what to feel.

They had been planning to tell Anakin of course but not for years and years, when he wouldn’t let emotions rule him. He was just a young boy after all and Obi-Wan didn’t want to burden him more than he had to.

“There is a possibility, yes,” Qui-Gon stated, sighing quietly before smiling at Obi-Wan and shrugging. “Nothing we can do about it if he does, we can only continue forward and teach him well.” He settled on.

Nodding slowly, Obi-Wan finished off the cup only to jump when large fingers caught the tresses of his hair. “Ah?” He flustered a bit as Qui-Gon gave his hair a gentle tug.

“Your hair has gone quite long Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon was smiling more softly at him. “When you left, it was still so short but now…” He leaned in and carefully tucked the hair behind Obi-Wan’s ear. “It suits you.” Qui-Gon voice was a deep rumble, his fingers lingering for a moment.

Obi-Wan had to fight the urge to squirm and flush, staring at his former master. “…Thank you Qui-Gon.” He whispered, his insides fluttering as he swore he could still feel the warmth of the others touch.

He had known for a long time how he felt about Qui-Gon but his time away had given Obi-Wan some time to cool emotions down… yet now… his return and visitation only reaffirmed those emotions once more, his heart racing in his chest at the lingering warmth of his master’s hand. ‘…Could he return those feelings?’