Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting which occurred last Sunday (the 12th of June 2016) and was motivated largely by anti-gay attitudes. While this story will be filled with conflict and tragedy, my intention is to generally portray gay characters and relationships in a sympathetic manner, even while I do not always agree with the positions of the gay rights movement. If you have concerns about the way I address such issues please leave a review. Feel free to tell me you liked the story too. Any reviews are better than none.

I try to stick as close to the canon world as possible when I write fan fiction, though given the subject matter a certain amount of creative license has been taken with the characters. I do however believe that I have stayed true to the essence of the characters. As always, feel free to disagree.

Chapter 1: Promises

Anakin Skywalker packed his luggage in a hurry. To his relief, it did not take long since he owned few personal possessions. Though he often bemoaned the harshness of the Jedi Order and its rules, he admitted they had their advantages.

His task almost complete, he tried to stow the white roses he had picked for Padme Amidala such that they would not be quarantined upon their arrival in Naboo. He was contemplating hiding them under the dirty, pale cloak he wore in place of his regular robes, when a knock at the door startled him. Anakin dropped the roses onto his bed, dashed to the door and opened it to find Obi-wan Kenobi, looking back at him with a slight smile.

"You seem nervous," said the Jedi Master. He leaned to the right, as if hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever was behind Anakin, and laughed. "If you think you can get those past the scent detector droids you can forget it. I'm surprised the whole of Coruscant can't smell them."

"I was hoping to mask their scent with your dirty socks," said Anakin, flashing a cheeky grin.

"This is a serious matter, my Padawan," said Obi-wan, "You could tarnish the reputation of the whole Order if you're caught breaking the regulations of interplanetary travel. Our image is compromised enough thanks to the influence of the Separatists."

"Padme and I are travelling in secret, Master. If nobody knows who we are, I doubt the flowers will damage our fragile image."

"It's a risky move nonetheless. As you're aware, foreign organic matter must not be imported into Naboo. It could spread infections."

"Foreign organic matter," said Anakin, snorting, "is that an official term for roses or did you invent it?"

"It's the term used by the quarantine droids on Naboo and I did not create the laws of the planet, but I insist you adhere to them. Next time, I will not hesitate to report you to the Jedi Council."

"You mean you're not going to report me now?"

"No," he said, "I find it hard to do what I'm supposed to when the welfare of someone I care for is at stake. It's an unfortunate, but not unusual tendency."

"At least we have something in common. I thought I was the only member of the Order with feelings."

"Jedi are not without feelings, but we don't allow ourselves to be ruled by them. To love others is natural for us. Such sentiments become dangerous only if we let them to consume us. You shouldn't devote your entire life to fulfilling the needs and desires of a single person, no matter how important they are to you. To do so is no different from obsessing over your own wants and you know where such selfishness can lead. I don't want that for you, my Padawan."

Anakin returned to the bed, picked up the bundle of roses and admired them in the sunlight. "I understand. The Jedi Code forbids me from forming a strong attachment to Padme, but I can't choose how I feel."

"This isn't just a matter of obeying the Code. You must look after your own wellbeing and fulfill your duties. Be careful. Don't give away so much of your heart that there is none left for others."

Anakin turned his head to stare at Obi-wan. "What do you mean?"

"Isn't it clear? We must devote pieces of our hearts to every citizen of the Republic who relies on our help and, well, one member of the Order is greedy enough to want more from you. A prominent Jedi intends to ask permission from the Council to court you. I encourage you to make use of this opportunity."

"Court me? I thought Jedi weren't allowed to marry."

"For much of the galaxy, marriage means wasting scarce savings on fancy suits, towering cakes and absurd rituals to make an elaborate declaration of love or, in truth, crazed lust. We don't allow such silliness. We have our own way of celebrating genuine romantic unions, which form when compatible individuals interact and achieve a deep connection, with the assistance of the Force. No such ceremony has taken place for thousands of years, but you are a unique man and you're more than capable of forming such a bond."

"You taught me that Jedi shouldn't become bonded to anyone."

"What we teach young students is a simplified version of our worldview and norms. It's time you learned them in full. Obsessive attachments are not permitted, however, in rare circumstances, healthy, romantic relationships are, if they occur under the direction of the Council. If you decide to enter into the arrangement, you and your partner will swear to put your commitment to the Order first. Your bond must be balanced with the rest of your life."

"I don't think I can have such a controlled relationship," said Anakin, his breath quickening, "That's not the way I am, at least not with Padme. Her beauty overpowers me."

"Then it is unwise to be in a relationship with her, but if you married another Jedi you could work together to make sure you shared the right sort of love. Your partner would understand your predicament better than anyone outside the Order."

"Who is this Jedi who's interested in me?"

"Oh, someone familiar to you."

"Are you sure? I'm not popular with the women I've met here. As handsome as I am, most find me odd and frightening."

Obi-wan sighed. "I'm not sure how to say this without distressing you, my Padawan, but the Jedi who's after you isn't a woman."

"You mean a man wants to marry me? Does the Council allow that?"

"Why yes, despite our strictness, we aren't backwards. We never forbid anything without sound reasons. Marriages between men are permitted among Jedi, as are marriages between women."

Anakin raised his palm to his forehead. "I've never heard of such things."

"Where you come from they are banned, aren't they?"

"I have no idea what the laws of Tatooine are. I was nothing but a slave there."

Obi-wan approached Anakin and laid a hand on his shoulder. "You were always more, you know that."

"Either way, I can't tell you if it was illegal for men to marry each other. It just never happened. Can men even love each other that way?"

"Some do and just because you never expected something to happen doesn't mean it can't. As a child, you didn't think you would become a Jedi and look at you now. You've proven yourself to be a talented Jedi indeed."

Anakin sensed the hand upon his shoulder tremble. "This is different," he said. "No matter how improbable it was, I always wanted to travel the galaxy and become a hero, but being with another man is too strange. I've never met anyone who lives that way. I don't know how to, Master."

"I suspect you're clever enough to figure it out," said Obi-wan, smirking, "besides I'm sure you have come across men who love other men and women who love other women. They just never told you. These topics can make people uncomfortable, but I assure you, they aren't a cause for shame. Many great Jedi married other men. Such relationships are common given how few women make it into the Order."

"The Council never did have much respect for them," said Anakin, with a huff.

"Don't be too harsh on the Council, my Padawan. You can't expect us to change the rules just so you can find a suitable replacement for Senator Amidala."

"I meant it as a matter of principle, Master. Jedi are meant to promote fairness."

Obi-wan sniggered. "It's a matter of principle indeed, but have patience. The Order has high standards and it is noble to hold us to them, but thousands of years of tradition can't change overnight."

"Why not? If you were in control of the Council, you could make whatever changes you wanted."

"Me?" Obi-wan, his eyes wide, raised his chin to look at Anakin. "You believe I should be in charge of the Jedi Order?"

"Yes, you're a good man and you understand the Force better than anyone, even though you don't have the same natural abilities that I do. You worked hard to become as powerful as you are and I respect your efforts. Despite our disagreements, I've benefited from your guidance and the Council could too. You're an excellent leader, Master."

"I am flattered, Anakin," said Obi-wan, his cheeks turning red, "but the Order doesn't work that way. We're a democratic organisation. I can't govern it by force."

"I don't understand why the Jedi, or the Republic for that matter, settle for time wasting and corruption. If I had my way, you would run the Order, while Padme ruled the Republic alongside the Chancellor and made everyone act the way they should. It would be refreshing to live in a galaxy ruled by honest and capable people, rather than greedy, bickering morons."

"Leadership is not that simple, my Padawan, but I'm honoured you think so highly of me. I thought I had disappointed you. I overheard what you told Senator Amidala."

"You did?" Anakin lowered his head. "I apologise for getting angry and questioning your authority, but I fear you underestimate me. Do you really think I'll fail the trials?"

"If you did, it wouldn't be because of incompetence, but impulsiveness. You must learn self control, but it was selfish and wrong to make you wait so long before taking the trials. They will be challenging and somewhat gruesome, but I believe you'll pass. That's why I haven't permitted you to take them."

Anakin snarled. "How can you stop me from moving forward? As my mentor, you're meant to help me, not keep me weak." He jerked his shoulder back, forcing Obi-wan to let go of him.

"I am only human and I haven't always done the right thing, but I will now. When you return from Naboo, I'll allow you to face the trials, assuming you're alive and well."

"Why didn't you let me take them earlier?"

"The truth is I don't want to lose you. Once you pass the trials you'll no longer be my Padawan. We may still be assigned to some missions together, but we'll be separated most of the time."

"I understand," said Anakin, breathing out and smiling, "you are scared you might fall into another nest of gundarks and need someone to save you. Don't worry, you're much stronger now. You can manage without me."

"No, that's not it."

"Then what is it?"

Obi-wan, his face scarlet, opened his mouth but no words came.

Anakin let go of the roses, rushed towards him and placed a hand upon his quivering jaw. "Are you alright? Is something wrong? Answer me."

As his master relaxed his head against his hand, he felt a tug through the Force. At first it confused him, but then he remembered their prior conversation and realised its meaning.

"You're the Jedi," said Anakin, "the one who wants to court me."

Obi-wan nodded, his eyes twinkling.

Anakin slowed his breathes. "I should've guessed by now. Why didn't I?"

"You spent years looking for affection in the wrong places, my Padawan," said Obi-wan, his voice soft, "when for years, I've been here, ready to give you what you seek."

"Since I was a child!" Anakin tensed his hand, but kept it in place.

"Oh no, I swear I had no inappropriate feelings towards you when you were a boy, but you're no longer a boy. The closer you get to true adulthood and the more you become my equal, the more attractive I find you. I'm confident you'll be one of the most impressive Jedi Knights who ever lived."

"I am a powerful man and since you are well attuned to the Force, it makes sense that you're drawn to my strength."

"There is far more to you, and every renowned Jedi, than power, Anakin. You're caring, courageous and committed to serving the greater good, no matter how misguided your views sometimes are. Don't disregard your gentler side. Please, give me a chance to love you."

"You can't compel me to be with you. That would be a betrayal of your principles."

"You're right," said Obi-wan, "which is why I will not coerce you, but instead set you free in the hope that you'll return by your own volition. Though, if you no longer want associate with me once you pass the trials, I will accept your decision and contain my desires, as a Jedi must. I'll learn to live in peace without you, though it will be difficult."

"Master," said Anakin, releasing a deep breath. "You're my friend and I don't want us to separate, but I can't marry you. I'm not that kind of man."

"Oh really?" Obi-wan reached up and stroked his collarbone. "I suspect you are or at least you could be. I've seen how you look at Chancellor Palpatine. It makes me want to smack the smug grin off his pale face."

"You sound angry and possessive, everything you say I shouldn't be."

"Anger is indeed dangerous when not controlled. As your master, I'm tempted to chastise you for your outburst earlier, but it's time you learned to make such criticisms yourself. The key to handling dangerous emotions is to reflect on them. While that takes practice and discipline, it's not too difficult in the long run."

"Then control how you feel towards me. If what you say is true, you shouldn't care if I reject you."

"I am controlling my feelings," said Obi-wan, rubbing his hand back and forth, "that is why the Chancellor is still alive. It is also why my arm is not yet around your waist and my lips not upon yours."

Anakin chuckled. "You're too short to kiss me unless I bend my head."

"I can order you to bend your head and if I do, you'll have to obey me."

"That would be an abuse of your power, Master," said Anakin, dropping his hand from his cheek.

"Power is easy to abuse and as Jedi we are quite powerful, which is why we must control our urges, but we don't need to stop having them. Through meditation, I've examined my feelings and realised that they don't need to be in conflict with our duties. I promise to pursue my interest in a way that respects both you and the Order. Whatever we do together, I'll make sure you agree to it and enjoy it, but I doubt Palpatine will treat you the same way. I have a bad feeling about that man and can't understand what you see in him."

"Don't insult the Chancellor, Master. He is a charismatic and wise leader. He may not be as idealistic or inspirational as Padme, but he is the legitimate ruler of the Republic and has done a fine job. The Senate certainly thinks so."

"Just promise you'll be careful around him. I sense he wants something more from you."

"So do you."

"Yes, but I'm committed to using honest means to win you over, which is more than can be said for any politician. Men like that will stop at nothing to get their way. I fear for you and don't want you to make a decision you'll regret."

"The Chancellor is my friend and guardian, nothing more," said Anakin, "though I do admire his elegant movements and quiet, yet confident, words." A dreamy expression crossed his face.

Obi-wan grimaced. "He is forty years older than you."

"He looks dignified for his age."

"Looks can be deceiving. His youthful appearance strikes me as unnatural and it is irrelevant. His advanced age has given him life experience and political power. It is dangerous for you to be his close friend, let alone have a romantic interest in him. Use caution, I beg you."

"Your contempt for the Chancellor is hypocritical. You're older than me too, by sixteen years, I believe, and you've achieved the rank of Jedi Master."

"If I recall your earlier words, you claimed you were ahead of me. Do make your accusations consistent. I can't become both more and less powerful for your sake."

"I didn't ask you to do either. You're the one insisting I not get involved with someone older and more experienced. If you believe that, why are you so eager to court me? Isn't it wrong to have such a relationship with your Padawan?"

"It is. While you're under my control, I will restrain myself. You have my word."

"How do I know you'll keep it?"

"You know how patient I am. I spent years wanting you and you never noticed. If I can wait that long, I can wait a little longer, while encouraging your advancement within the Order. Soon you'll pass the trails and after that I expect you to become a Jedi Master too. You have a natural gift for using the Force, one I will never have. If you married someone your age, you would have the advantage over them. My experience balances your power. I am your best chance for a fair and equal relationship. Don't settle for less."

"Equality and balance aren't everything. What about love, Master? How can you ask me to marry someone I don't love?"

"You care for me, Anakin, don't deny it."

"Yes, but not in the way you want me to."

"You can learn to."

Anakin raised an eyebrow. "Learn to?"

"One aspect of controlling your emotions is summoning the more pleasant ones when you need them. It is far easier than stopping or preventing emotions. Given enough time, I can teach you to love me."

"You don't need to teach me to love. I just don't love you. I love Padme."

"Your infatuation with her will not end well and neither will your attraction to the Chancellor. If you allow me to court you and we marry, our lives will turn out much better. We will not need to hide our relationship or betray the Order. Picture it, Anakin, two talented Jedi Masters, two complete equals, enjoying their time together, growing in their knowledge of the Force and learning to love each other through it." Obi-wan laid his hands on his arms, just above his wrists, as if he hoped the loose connection would transfer the mental image.

The Force flowed into Anakin, helping him relax. "It is a beautiful vision," he said. "I only wish it could be real. It would be safer to love another Jedi, especially one I know so well. You always stand by me, no matter how much danger we're in and never give up on me, despite my stubbornness. You've guided me well and you'll make a fine husband one day, just not to me. Whoever marries you will be happy."

"Why deprive yourself of such happiness? Do you not appreciate my company? I can't be that unpleasant a partner." He strengthened his hold on his Padawan, who placed his own hands upon him in the same manner, allowing the Force to flow between them unrestricted.

"I can't change who I am, Master," said Anakin, choosing his words with care. "I will never be what you need me to be." He let go of Obi-wan, backed away from him and sank onto the bed. "I'm sorry you fell in love with the wrong man."

"I didn't. I fell in love with a kind and loyal friend, one who is more capable of love than any other Jedi. Promise you'll consider agreeing to our courtship."

"That is the third promise you've asked me to make today. The first two were challenging enough."

"Then this promise can be your last, and most important, one. It'll be easier to resist risky passions if you have an assigned partner."

"Do you think you can out compete the others?"

"This isn't a competition. I want to help you. You have great potential. Don't let it be wasted because you failed to obey our norms."

"Then I'll consider your offer, but I can't promise more."

He finished packing in silence, picked up his bags and headed for the door. As he reached it, Obi-wan caught his arm and pressed his lips to his ear. "Two out of three," he said.

Anakin meet his gaze and gulped the air caught in his throat. "What do you mean?" His master was taller than he had assumed and his face so close that he doubted Obi-wan could avoid acting on his desires.

"You don't always go along with my instructions, but you can keep at least two of those promises, can't you? You can decide which will be easiest for you."

"Fine," said Anakin, "when I return to Coruscant, I'll tell you my decision regarding our courtship, but don't get your hopes up. I would hate to see them crushed."

"I know you would," said Obi-wan, massaging his arm.

"Stop that! Don't touch me without my permission."

"What will happen if I do?"

His hands occupied by his luggage, Anakin gestured with his head at the light sabre attached to his belt.

"You wouldn't dare kill your master."

"You can't be my master forever, no matter how hard it is for you to let go of me."

"Oh, I don't believe you'll stab your husband either."

Anakin yanked his arm away, activated the fingerprint sensor on the wall and left without a second glance. Then, outside the room, he lowered his bags, dropped to the floor and rested his palms against the closed door.

My Star Wars related stories are based around the world portrayed in the film series, since those are the Star Wars materials I am most familiar with. They may not be fully consistent with other aspects of the Star Wars universe. Feel free to mention additional information about the world of Star Wars in your reviews if you feel they are relevant.