+ ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ + ~ * ~ +

As one door gently closes on an old, constricted life another opens on a new
life that's been denied for far too long.

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I'm coming out. ^

A cheerful whistle echoes within the confines of the bedroom as a towel is
tossed away without a care. A smile curls the lips of the face in the mirror.

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ Got to let it show. ^

"Now this is the real me."

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ I got to let it show. ^

"Why did I wait so long to do this?"

^ There's a new me coming out, ^
^ And I just had to live, ^
^ And I wanna give. ^
^ I'm completely positive. ^

Blue eyeshadow is artfully applied, followed by a set of false eyelashes of
black and bright blue.

"Yes, I definitely like this new look."

^ I think this time around ^
^ I am gonna do it ^
^ Like you never do it, ^
^ Like you never knew it. ^
^ Ooh, I'll make it through. ^

A rosy blush is swiped over the cheekbones, followed by a dusting of glittery
powder across the cheeks, neck and along the collarbone. Red lipstick is
carefully applied and blotted to finish the new look.

"Wait 'til the Council gets a look at this!"

^ The time has come for me ^
^ To break out of the shell. ^
^ I have to shout ^
^ That I'm coming out. ^

Two hands reach up to carefully untangle the damp hair now streaked with dark,
coppery highlights. A paddle brush strokes the thick mane until it shimmers in
the ambient light. A gentle shake of the head causes the hair to fall
gracefully about the face.

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ Got to let it show. ^

"I must have been out of my mind to wait for so long."

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ I got to let it show. ^

"I look and feel...beautiful."

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ Got to let it show. ^

"Yes, this is the right choice for me; the only choice, really."

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ I got to let it show. ^

Out from the deepest part of the closet, a pair of black leather pants is pulled
on. Fitting like a second skin, they leave nothing left to the imagination.

^ I've got to show the world ^
^ All that I wanna be, ^
^ And all my abilities, ^
^ There's so much more to me. ^

A shiny, satin shirt of midnight blue is pulled on and left partially
unbuttoned.

^ Somehow, I have to make them ^
^ Just understand ^
^ I got it well in hand. ^
^ And, oh, how I've planned. ^

Soft, half-boots made of dark grey suede slip comfortably over the feet.

^ I'm spreadin' love. ^
^ There's no need to fear. ^
^ And I just feel so glad. ^

With a flourish, a blue feather boa is draped across the neck and shoulders as
the wearer strides with a newfound confidence into the common room.

^ Everytime I hear: ^
^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ Got to let it show. ^

"I've always done things my own way. Why should this be any different?"

^ I'm coming out. ^
^ I want the world to know. ^
^ I got to let it show. ^

"Look out world, 'cuz here I come!"

A soft swish heralds the entrance of the apartment's second occupant.

Data pads crash loudly to the floor.

"MASTER! What by the Force...?"

Qui-Gon reaches out for his stunned padawan and pulls him nearer. He takes full
advantage as Obi-Wan's jaw is still on the floor. He presses his lips against
his padawan's and smiles as he feels the younger man involuntarily jump in his
boots, and gasp with the shock of feeling his master's lips on his. Qui-Gon's
tongue makes a fill exploration of his padawan's mouth and exchanges his breath
as his apprentice has forgotten to breathe.

Obi-Wan feels a firm squeeze on his arse.

Humorously, Qui-Gon wonders if his padawan's eyes could possibly get any wider.
With a few nibbles across Obi-Wan's lower lip, he quickly releases him.
Obi-Wan, flustered, shocked, and out of breath staggers back a few steps into
the wall behind him. He simply stares, dumbfounded, at his master.

"After a lifetime of denying my true self, I've decided to come out." Qui-Gon
steps closer and plants both hands on either side of his padawan's head to trap
him. He gazes deeply into familiar eyes and grins. "By the way, Obi-Wan, did I
ever tell you what beautiful eyes you have?"

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