This story came into existence due to the concept art of the unreleased
Clone Wars episodes, in which Asajj wears an elegant black dress!
It is also totally the fault of Black Stormraven for she is an enabler of the worst kind. :P

Rated M for smut in later chapters!

Obi-Wan disliked formal events. There were so many rules and etiquette restrictions, it all seemed very unnecessary and a test to his patience. He understood why such events were important though, and he also understood that those many rules and etiquette restrictions would now help him to remain undercover; and that was exactly what he was doing tonight.

He was good at following etiquette, which was probably the reason the Council wanted him on the main ballroom floor. He would be the least conspicuous. It was probably also the reason why his former Padawan was assigned to keep watch outside and deal with problems there. Obi-Wan smiled. Yes, that was indeed for the best.

He sighed, looking around. Rah'eh Narsh sure knew how to throw a party.
The large, circular ballroom was filled with guests from all over the galaxy and from all layers of society, not just the rich and famous. This was intentional, Obi-Wan knew; Narsh was excessively flamboyant and had constantly been trying to gain approval among the people of the Republic since he joined and turned 'respectable'. It seemed to be working; everyone seemed to be talking about the ex-smuggler.

Respectable. Obi-Wan knew a little more than the average guest of Narsh's parties. The man had been a smuggler for years, getting his hands dirty for the Hutt cartel and had even worked closely with one of the Hutts before he'd smelled an opportunity (plus the money that came with it) and turned; selling sensitive information on the cartel in return for Republic protection and credits was apparently a lucrative business.

The Hutts, naturally, didn't just let this slide. They answered his betrayal promptly by putting a sizable price on his head and deploying as many bounty hunters on him as they could manage.

Rumors had started circulating that Narsh was planning to negotiate the price off that sensitive information with Chancellor Palpatine himself during tonight's gala event, rumors that were – regretfully – true. Despite the efforts to keep the negotiations secret, Obi-Wan knew it was hard (if not impossible) to keep something like this completely quiet. This did pose a threat to Narsh and Chancellor. A rumor like this would most definitely reach the ears of the Hutts as well, and knowing the tenacity of the Hutts when it came to vengeance and what they considered "justice"… This gala event might just blow up in their faces, literally.

Obi-Wan was on the ballroom floor. Troopers covered all exits. Mace guarded the Chancellor together with a special unit, in the upper foyer. Anakin and Ahsoka were outside with Luminara and Barris.
They were expecting trouble. It was still calm though, but that could change at any moment.

Narsh was excessively flamboyant and enjoyed riches many dreamed of, which was visible in the dressing of the ballroom and the attendees within it; Obi-Wan had never seen this many colors in one place. Mingling in the crowd was an interesting experience to say the least; it seemed like all the rich and famous had come out in their best (and sometimes craziest) outfits, it was an extravaganza of riches, fabric and glinting jewelry.
Obi-Wan missed his Jedi robes. He absent mindedly pulled on the collar of his suit; it was uncomfortably stiff - he was simply so used to his robes that by now, nothing compared to their comfort.

Scanning the crowd one last time for familiar faces and trouble, he walked around and passed the music stage where the musicians were taking their seats. Time to report in, everything seemed calm enough.
"I'm almost through my round. I haven't spotted-" his voice trailed off as a familiar figure appeared in the crowd before him, his eyes lingering on a woman in a black. He frowned and then recognized her- though barely. She was wearing a beautiful, elegant dress with an intricate and detailed corset that left her shoulders bare. Her poise was so different than the last time they met... He was surprised to see she even sported short platinum blonde hair.

Her eyes locked on his immediately, and he finished his sentence over the comlink with slight disbelief. How had he not sensed her presence?
"-Ventress?"

"Did you say Ventress? Anakin has spotted Cad Bane near the south exit, he and Ahsoka are in pursuit. Keep Ventress busy and away from Narsh and the Chancellor, Obi-Wan." Mace's voice crackled through the comlink before the line went dead.
Keep her busy... How in the Force's name was he going to keep her busy without blowing his cover?
The slow swell of music answered his question. This would be... Interesting. He approached her before she could be swept away in the crowd.

"Hello, my darling," Asajj spoke first, stepping towards him, making sure he got a good eyeful of the high splits in the skirt. She had sensed his presence before she had seen him and was delighted by the dumbfounded expression on his face as he took in her appearance.
"Fancy meeting you here..." She purred.
"This doesn't seem like your type of party, if there is a type of party you like." He smirked at that. Around them, people started to form couples for the dance.
Here we go...