A/N: Sorry for the wait, guys! Originally, Chapter 9 and 10 were one never-ending chapter. Also, I just finished my first year of college. Woohoo! Hope you all enjoy these next two parts of the story. Leave a comment if you do!
Anakin knew a lot of things. He knew how to wield a lightsaber, and move large objects without touching them, and how to hurt or heal someone with the Force. He knew Obi-Wan was his father and he knew the shape of his eyes and nose and mouth like he knew his own. He did not know he was dreaming currently.
He was on the lakeshore again. He felt the sun on his cheeks as he stared into the lake water and saw his own reflection. A rippled version of Elan's face appeared beside Anakin's in the water. Elan smiled at him, teeth and all, and his reflection glimmered under the sunlight.
Anakin felt the grittiness of sand all over him as Elan tackled him to the ground and kissed his face again and again. Too good to be true, Anakin thought. He looked around to see if anyone was watching them as Elan helped Anakin out of his clothes, blissfully free of the same worries. Anakin was naked faster that humanly possible, but that only mildly concerned him because now he really did have sand everywhere, irritating every piece of him and making him hot, so strangely hot—Force, he wanted to fuck someone, now—he grabbed Elan and swiftly flipped their positions, so Elan would be on his back, on the sand, but it wasn't Elan anymore.
Obi-Wan took his place, as naked as Anakin was, heavy blush tainting the pale skin of his cheeks and neck and chest. He shined with sweat, but to Anakin he looked like an angel.
"Father?"
Obi-Wan placed his hands on either side of Anakin's face and pulled him down close to his own. Anakin could count each of his golden eyelashes, and he felt Obi-Wan's warm breath upon his cheeks as he begged, "Don't stop."
Anakin bit his lip hesitantly and rolled his hips forward, the motion causing such a feeling of fire that Anakin did it again, and again, and again, and Obi-Wan only encouraged him despite the nonsense of their situation, to the point where Anakin thought he'd finally put out the fire, but the burn only intensified after that. Suddenly he was afraid he'd done something wrong and he woke with a start.
Anakin sat up in his bed. The room was still dark. He looked over at the clock on his nightstand. The time glowed blue. It was still the middle of the night. Anakin felt a bead of sweat run down his back, and a downright painful sensation between his legs. "Oh," Anakin said to himself. That would make sense. Not enough friction to be gained from the sheets. Anakin was about to wrap a hand around himself when the memory of his dream, of Obi-Wan, came back to him fully. He sat forward and rubbed his eyes, and then he held his head in his hands, fingers tugging at his hair. He couldn't do it, not with Obi-Wan's image at the forefront of his mind. It was wrong. So wrong! He grabbed his pillow and threw it across the room in frustration.
Obi-Wan sat up in his bed, quiet and confused, his brain feeling like mud. Or sand, he thought, wet sand. The dream had left him speechless. Was he so egotistical that he had to dream about fucking himself? So wronged by his lovers that he only trusted himself? Obi-Wan shook his head, not knowing what he was saying no to, as more questions surfaced. He'd heard a voice that wasn't his own. Father? He squinted at the bedsheets, trying to rationalize it. Of course he worried what Anakin thought of him. But why was Elan there? He was just a boy, and Obi-Wan didn't view him as anything but Anakin's rebellious friend—Anakin. For a second, Obi-Wan remembered seeing Anakin's reflection in the lake water. Then he dismissed it completely. Anakin would never have a dream like this one. It had to have been some slip-up in their bond on Obi-Wan's part—too much time spent thinking about what Anakin did while Obi-Wan wasn't around, what he wanted, if he was alright… Obi-Wan sighed and lied back down, resolving to put the dream behind him.
Anakin couldn't explain why he was so mad. He wanted to blame Obi-Wan, somehow, so he wouldn't have to feel so guilty. It had to be a fluke—or else what did the dream say about him? I love him, Anakin thought, I love him, that's all, nothing more than what a son should feel... He repeated it over and over until sleep seemed like a friend.
In the morning, Anakin had nearly forgotten the dream. He dressed sluggishly and dragged himself to the bathroom where he brushed his teeth and washed his face and ran his fingers through his hair a couple times. He looked at himself in the mirror but was seized with such disgust that he turned away swiftly, jaw set, and went downstairs. Obi-Wan was in the kitchen, pouring caf into a round white mug, the table already set with two plates of eggs and toast. Anakin took a deep breath and fought the remnants of embarrassment in his body. "Good morning, Father," he said as he stepped into the room and took a seat at the kitchen table.
Obi-Wan turned from where he was facing the counter and smiled at him, saying, "Good morning, Anakin." Then his smile fell and he said, "You look exhausted."
Anakin nodded, eyes set on his plate. He picked up his fork and brought a piece of scrambled egg to his mouth. He was unsure if Obi-Wan had forgotten the cheese or if he just couldn't taste it.
Obi-Wan watched him carefully, wondering if, maybe, he'd been wrong and the dream did belong to Anakin. Then he felt sorry that Anakin's innocence was unraveling so quickly, and he could do nothing to stop it. "Would you like some caf?" Obi-Wan offered.
"Yes, please," Anakin said. He didn't normally have it. Obi-Wan took another white mug down from the cupboard and filled it with rich brown caf. "Cream and sugar?" Obi-Wan asked, glancing back at him.
Anakin hesitated, inexplicable anger bubbling up in his throat. Obi-Wan was too nice, smothering him all the time. Anakin stood up and replied, "Your food is getting cold," before reaching for the mug in Obi-Wan's hand.
Obi-Wan's lips parted, not sure what to say.
"I'll do it," Anakin said.
Obi-Wan held the mug a little closer. "You know I like doing things for you, don't you?"
"It's fine, just give it to me," Anakin insisted.
Obi-Wan did, a tinge of irritation in his brow, words about respecting your father on the tip of his tongue. But he didn't say anything. He sat down and cut into his eggs as Anakin made his caf. He chewed slowly, angry that Anakin was right. It was cold. He set his fork down with a clink and sipped from his caf.
Anakin took his seat again and ate quickly, anxious to leave. He didn't notice Obi-Wan wasn't eating his breakfast. Anakin was about to bring his plate to the sink when Obi-Wan spoke.
"Have I done something wrong?"
His voice lacked its usual melody. If Anakin didn't know better, he'd say Obi-Wan's blood was simmering just below the surface of his skin.
"No," Anakin replied quietly, "I'm sorry." Obi-Wan didn't respond, but took a long drink from his mug, savoring the sweetness it provided where Anakin was lacking.
Sensing his displeasure, Anakin got up and stood before Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan looked up at Anakin through his pretty eyelashes. Anakin pushed down the blush that threatened to consume him. He tucked Obi-Wan's hair behind his ear and said, "I love you." He kept smoothing Obi-Wan's hair back as he added, "I love everything you do for me."
Obi-Wan's expression softened until he looked down shyly.
Anakin couldn't stop admiring him. He sat across Obi-Wan's lap and hooked his arms behind the man's neck. "You love me, too?" he asked.
Obi-Wan met his eyes. "More than anything, Anakin." He was very serious. Obi-Wan curled an arm around Anakin's side and another under his leg, so Anakin wouldn't slide off. Then he leaned into him and listened to Anakin's heartbeat. They stayed like that until Obi-Wan's legs started to go numb and Anakin would be late for school if he stayed a moment longer.
Anakin braced himself as he opened the door to Mr. Clovis' English class, the events of the day before swirling in his brain. His teacher was already at his desk, preparing a presentation for projection. He turned at the sound of the door opening and saw Anakin. He stopped fiddling with the projector and beckoned to Anakin with a curl of his forefinger and a stern expression on his face.
Anakin couldn't ignore him, not in plain view of his classmates. He took a couple steps forward and stopped with some distance still between him and Clovis.
"You were welcome to stay, Anakin. Why did you run away?" asked Clovis.
So it had happened. At the very least, Anakin had gone to his house, and left early. The events in the middle, however...
"I decided I didn't want to publish my story." Thank the Force he could still think on his toes sometimes.
"Oh?" Clovis said. He didn't believe it.
Anakin stood a little taller. "Yeah. It's really more of a private story, anyway."
Clovis paused and regarded him from head to toe. "Maybe I can change your mind," he replied.
Anakin held his gaze, unable to determine the implications of what he'd said. He asked skeptically, "How?"
Clovis nearly laughed. The boy seemed to hang on his every word. In some ways, Anakin's new mistrust of him had upped the game, made it more arousing. He swiped a pen off his desk and clicked it against the wood a few times, willing his grin to appear more amiable as he watched the pen adjust to his whim. He looked at Anakin again and answered, "That's up to you."
Anakin imagined asking for the very thing Clovis wanted in the first place. He felt the manipulation as if a hand had reached inside of him and started pulling strings—like Anakin had done with the piano at home, but this felt wrong, more like distortion than synchronization. The real him didn't want that, not from Clovis, or anyone for that matter.
The bell rang and interrupted Anakin's thoughts. Clovis tipped his head towards the back of the classroom and Anakin wove through the desks to get to his seat.
Teacher's pet! he thought he heard.
Teacher's pet, again, from another corner.
Teacher's pet, teacher's pet...
He sat down, finally, and was glad to see Ahsoka next to him, though he was sure she couldn't pull him out of his deep, dirty lake of emotions. If he heard one more whisper about him...
Just then Anakin felt a tight grip on his shoulder as Maul leaned over to speak low in his ear.
"Teacher's slut!"
Then he shoved Anakin's shoulder forward and sat back, Savage laughing along with him.
"Fuck off, won't you?" The words were out of Anakin's mouth before he could stop them.
Maul's lips turned down, pulling at the black and red of his face. He seized Anakin by his neck and dragged him out of his seat. A collective gasp from his classmates. Maul picked up Anakin by his robes and had him against the wall in the next instant. Anakin couldn't breathe. Maul's hands were crushing his throat, and Ahsoka was shouting, and Clovis was ordering Maul to release him, while Anakin clawed at his hands furiously. Maul simply tightened his grip and pulled Anakin away from the wall just to slam his head back against it. Anakin saw stars, and Maul said something about getting even just as Ahsoka extended her hand and shoved Maul away with the Force. Anakin fell to the floor and struggled to get air as Maul crashed into Savage's desk.
Clovis stooped to check on him and instructed Ahsoka to take him to the nurse immediately. Then he turned to make sure Maul wouldn't try anything again. Savage was holding him up, and Maul was clutching at his side, scowling.
Ahsoka knelt next to Anakin, calling his name, but Anakin couldn't manage any words. She slipped her arm around him and he held onto her as they stood, almost falling over when Ahsoka took a step forward. "I've got you," she said, and Anakin had a weak sense of déjà vu as they walked down the hallway. He still couldn't get enough air and Ahsoka stopped walking to give him a chance to regain himself. He leaned against the wall as she looked at him with her bright blue eyes.
"Your ability to get into trouble never ceases to amaze me," she teased.
The flood of terror he felt started to subside and Anakin smiled meekly. He tried to say thank you but the words wouldn't manifest.
"Of course, Anakin. What else are friends for?" Ahsoka let him lean on her as they started their trip again. "You know, Barriss and I finally talked about the party."
You did?
She jumped at his thoughts in her head, but then she said, "Yeah. She said she was sorry. I told her she needed to tell you."
I don't care if she's sorry.
Ahsoka laughed slightly. "Look, I was mad, too. But you should know not everyone is against you."
They turned down another hallway as Anakin thought about it. The pain in his throat suggested otherwise. Ahsoka pushed open the door to the nurse's office and explained what had happened to the first available nurse. The dark-haired woman had Anakin sit where she could examine him, and Ahsoka stayed close by. The nurse reached for his neck and Anakin squeaked out, "Don't touch—"
"Try not to talk just yet, okay?" She had a sweet voice. "I need to find out the extent of your injuries."
Anakin was quiet as her fingers returned to his neck.
"I don't think you have any broken bones or cartilage," she determined, "But there will likely be bruising." Then she asked, "Have you been to the doctor recently, Anakin?"
He shook his head slowly.
"I'll give you a check-up, then." She went through some basic procedures before bringing a strangely shaped vial to his arm. Anakin recoiled from it, eyeing the needle on its end.
"It's just a blood test," the nurse said.
Anakin looked at Ahsoka, thinking it was odd for a school to give blood tests. Ahsoka reassured, "It's okay."
Anakin vaguely wondered about midi-chlorians as the nurse stuck the needle in his arm. She called another nurse over and handed him the vial to test, then turned to Anakin and said, "You better go home and get some rest. Can I call someone for you?"
Anakin gestured to Ahsoka. He didn't want Obi-Wan to know. His father had enough to worry about.
The nurse hesitated, but decided the circumstances would allow for a little rule-bending. It wasn't every day a student got strangled. "Alright. You're both dismissed from school today. But be careful." She said the last part while looking at Anakin. He felt a little resentful at that.
They left the office and headed for Ahsoka's car after she retrieved their backpacks from the classroom. "Why not call your dad?" she asked.
He'd be mad.
"I doubt that. Maul is the problem, not you."
Anakin opened the door to her orange car and sat down in the passenger seat. Ahsoka put the key in the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot. I don't want him to worry, Anakin thought.
Ahsoka pressed her lips together before taking a chance. She asked, "Is there something going on with him? I heard about the police knocking on your door, but I thought it was just a rumor."
Anakin looked out the window at the dark green forest. Just rumors.
Ahsoka didn't reply. She wouldn't push it now, but if she suspected him of lying again... She would have to be more persistent, Ahsoka decided, for the sake of their friendship. Soon, Ahsoka pulled into the motel's parking lot and asked Anakin if he wanted her to stay.
I'll be okay.
She smiled slightly. His thoughts ranged in tone, but they all seemed to have a certain warmth towards her. "Alright. I'll send you a text later to see how you're doing."
Anakin took her hand in his briefly and gave it a squeeze. Thanks again. It's dangerous, you know... To show you're Force sensitive. Be careful.
Ahsoka nodded. You too.
He grinned. Now you're catching on.
Ha ha, she thought sarcastically.
Anakin got out of the car and went up the stairs to the porch, unlocking the door to find no one was home. He felt tired, and slightly dizzy, so he flopped down on the couch in the family room, not in the mood to take any more stairs to his room. He slept without dreaming, and when he woke he was uncertain how much time had passed. He tested his voice and found it croaky and sore. The doorbell rang.
Hesitantly, Anakin got up and opened the door.
"Hey, Anakin," Elan said shyly, looking down at his boots, "I realized you didn't have my number, or anything, and you wouldn't know where to find me..." He met Anakin's eyes and saw him smiling. Elan concluded, "So here I am."
Anakin beckoned him inside and had Elan sit on the couch as he poured them both a glass of vitajuice. "I've lost my voice," Anakin warbled out as he went to locate a notebook and a red pen in his backpack. He wasn't sure how Elan would react to hearing his thoughts.
"Are you sick?" Elan asked as Anakin sat down next to him.
Anakin shook his head and wrote down, Talked too much yesterday. More than usual.
Elan read what he wrote and then took the pen from him. Anakin tried to peek at what he was writing just as Elan shielded the pen marks with his hand, smirk on his face. When he was ready he handed the notebook back to Anakin. It was just a sad face made out of a colon and a parenthesis.
Very funny, Anakin wrote. He skipped a line.
I'm glad to see you.
Sorry about the other day.
Elan took the notebook in his hands and scrawled out, It's fine. What happened afterwards?
The police left. Anakin was really starting to hate lying. They wanted to search the house because it used to be Grievous's.
Elan turned the idea over in his head as he tapped the pen against the paper. But you seemed so—the ink smeared—like you knew they were coming.
He did? Anakin couldn't remember exactly what he'd been thinking between leaving the lake and arriving at the house. He wrote, That wasn't actually the first time the police wanted to talk to my father and me.
But it's alright now. They're going to figure out who really did it.
Good, scribbled Elan, with a smiley face after. His own expression didn't quite match.
How have you been? Anakin asked.
I've been better, he wrote, with a real smile on his face this time, the apologetic kind that Anakin could never seem to muster. My friends keep saying they're busy. It's not like they've got anything important to do. And Dad called, just to tell me to get back home where I'd be useful. I hate him—
Anakin put his hand over Elan's, whose grip had threatened to tear the page over the last sentence. He dropped the pen and was met with Anakin's soft expression, and somehow he knew everything would be okay.
"If I want to kiss you, do I have to write it down first?" Elan joked.
"No," Anakin said, barely audible as he leaned in to meet Elan's lips. Elan closed his eyes, and tipped his head to the other side, and then he put a light hand on Anakin's chest so he'd lie back. Anakin complied easily, eager as he wrapped his arms around Elan, pulling him snug against his chest. His fingers found their way into Elan's hair, and he broke the kiss abruptly to ask, "Can I touch these?"
Elan followed Anakin's line of sight to his antennapalps. He laughed a little and answered, "Yeah, go ahead."
Anakin reached for them and then stopped. "What will it feel like?"
Elan could've sworn Anakin's blush was contagious. "About the same as this," he said, and rubbed one of Anakin's ears between two fingertips.
Anakin looked relieved. "You hear—" He tried to make his voice a little less harsh. "You hear such strange things about different species."
Elan wanted to laugh and roll his eyes at the same time. He explained, "They're more sensitive to sound than touch. And if you're wondering," Elan lowered his voice, "I look just the same as you underneath my clothes."
Anakin scrunched up his face as Elan returned to his mouth and robbed him of the opportunity to defend himself.
There was a sudden crash and the both of them turned towards the sound. Obi-Wan was standing there, mouth agape, the shattered remains of a vase he'd held in his hands now on the floor. He'd gotten a haircut.
"Father!" Anakin said, then with less alarm, "You're home."
Elan had moved into a vertical position, wiped his mouth, and straightened his clothes in the span of two seconds while Anakin had only managed to turn red. Obi-Wan directed his gaze to the shards of vase on the floor as he assessed the damage, then back to the boys with a more controlled countenance.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said lowly, "Can I speak to you in private?"
Anakin stood and followed him into the dining room with his head lowered. Elan stayed put, although he expected to be kicked out shortly.
Obi-Wan turned to Anakin and crossed his arms. "You need to ask me if you want to have company over."
Anakin didn't say anything, instead opting to memorize the pattern of stitches on Obi-Wan's boots.
"Did you hear me, Anakin?"
Yes, Father.
"I want to hear you say it."
Anakin could have died right there. "Yes, Father."
"I just bought that vase."
"I'm sorry."
Obi-Wan squinted at him. "Are you coming down with something?"
"I don't know." It was harder to lie to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan's frown mellowed out. "I'll make you some tea." He turned to leave the room, but stopped and said, "Anakin?"
Anakin met his eyes.
"I won't say no if you ask."
Did he hear that right?
Anakin demanded, "What?"
"If you want to have Elan over, I won't say no," he clarified.
"Oh."
Obi-Wan walked out of the dining room and saw Elan about to leave. He called his name. The boy stopped with his hand on the door and turned slowly.
"You don't have to go," Obi-Wan told him. He meant it.
"I think I've caused enough trouble," Elan replied, his air of confidence lost.
Anakin wasn't far behind Obi-Wan and ran to Elan's side when he saw him at the door. "Don't go," Anakin pleaded. He wasn't sure why he felt so bad all of the sudden.
Elan already made up his mind. If he stayed, it would only become harder to leave. "I'll see you again soon," he said, offering a sad smile for Anakin. "Just call me and tell me when."
"But—"
Elan kissed him quickly and was out the door. Anakin just stood still as the wooden door swung shut and left him alone.
Obi-Wan cleared his throat and said, "Help me clean this, won't you?"
Anakin turned mechanically and got a broom and dustpan from the pantry and swept up the broken vase. Obi-Wan stooped and picked up the bigger pieces with his hands, careful to avoid cutting himself. When Anakin was done, he leaned on the broom and found himself staring at the floor.
Obi-Wan stood up and caught Anakin's despondent look. "Anakin?"
Anakin felt a sob escape his throat and he didn't know why.
Obi-Wan set the shards on the table and enveloped Anakin in a tight hug. "Everything's alright," he said, "You haven't done anything wrong. Shh…" Anakin let go of the broom and heard it fall against the carpet. Obi-Wan whispered, "I just get sort of spooked when I don't know who's in the house—You can understand that, right?"
Anakin nodded against his shoulder, shaking a couple tears away from his skin.
"Elan isn't that bad. I'm... happy that you found someone to spend time with. I'm not trying to stop you."
"I know," he mumbled.
Obi-Wan squeezed him and kissed his ear. "My baby," he murmured, "You really aren't feeling well, are you?"
Anakin moaned in response.
"Will you let me take care of you?" His hands went up and down Anakin's back soothingly.
"'Course," Anakin said. He sniffled and raised his head to look at Obi-Wan. "Kiss me?"
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows. He held his hand to Anakin's forehead, then let it rest against his cheek. "I can't take care of you if you get me sick," he said matter-of-factly.
Anakin pouted, showing off his already puffy pink lips.
You make it hard to say no, Obi-Wan thought, but he didn't share it. He simply directed Anakin to lie down on the couch while he made him his tea. When Obi-Wan came back, tray of orange tea in his hands, he noticed something on the table. He set down the tray and said, "Look, Anakin."
Anakin sat up and Obi-Wan handed him the notebook. Elan's number was scrawled across the page diagonally, and the page they'd communicated with had been torn out. It was probably folded up and resting in Elan's inner coat pocket. Anakin smiled and set the notebook down in favor of bringing a teacup to his lips. Obi-Wan sat next to him and sighed at the relief it brought to his body. The tea made him feel even better.
"You got a haircut," Anakin said. He noticed earlier but now seemed like a better time to say something.
Obi-Wan forced a swallow of tea down his throat, the memory of Cody's hands in his hair testing his mental defenses again. He looked at Anakin and asked, "Do you like it?"
Anakin moved closer and had Obi-Wan turn his head from side to side as if he were a model. His hair didn't touch his shoulders anymore—not even close. It was short from the base of his head and up, but long enough on the top that he could tuck all but a few of the strands behind his ear. His beard had been trimmed neatly.
"I think it's lovely," Anakin replied. He refrained from messing up the perfectly combed hair by running his fingers through it, savoring instead the slight red in Obi-Wan's cheeks. "This style shows off your handsome face."
"You must have a fever," Obi-Wan said, dismissing the compliment.
"Even if I did, it would still be true."
"Lie back down, Anakin," he said bluntly, but Anakin could see him smiling against his will. "This tea must be too hot," he grumbled, a weak explanation for his warm cheeks.
Anakin reclined against the armrest and put his feet in Obi-Wan's lap just to annoy him. "What was the vase for?" he asked.
Gently, Obi-Wan rearranged Anakin's feet, knowing if he shoved them away they'd only return. "I suppose Padmé didn't tell you the plans for tomorrow."
"No, what are they?"
"Rush Clovis is coming over for dinner."
Anakin's face went pale. Surely Clovis would ruin the lie—he'd brag about saving Anakin, or complain about writing the incident report—something would give it away that Anakin wasn't actually sick.
"I wanted something nicer for the dining room centerpiece. But we'll make do."
Anakin nodded, mind stuck on Clovis is coming to dinner.
"I'm not sure what I should wear," Obi-Wan thought out loud as Anakin tuned in again.
"I could help you," Anakin offered.
Obi-Wan's face brightened. "Okay," he said, before finishing off his tea. "You wait here and rest," he stood, "I'll come back with a few outfits."
Anakin tried not to stare as Obi-Wan left the room. What was happening to him? Anakin felt guilty all over again.
There was a terrible scream and Anakin was off the couch and up the stairs faster than he thought possible. Obi-Wan was in the hallway just outside his bedroom, breathing erratically, his whole body shaking. With no one else in the hallway, Anakin was compelled to check the bedrooms. He took a step towards Obi-Wan's and heard him shout, "Don't look!"
Anakin was in the room before Obi-Wan could grab his arm and pull him back. He couldn't believe his eyes. The sopping wet mess of Grievous' corpse was laid out on Obi-Wan's bed. It seemed most of the pieces had been retrieved from the lake, and here they were now, spread out and dripping, stinking—Anakin pinched his nose—some tissue still attached to the skull, especially where his eyes had been. Anakin felt lightheaded. What was the word for this? De...decomposing. Decomposing. De...
Obi-Wan pulled Anakin out of the room and shut the door behind them. Obi-Wan hugged him hard, clinging to him for dear life. "Father," Anakin called. When he didn't respond, Anakin wiggled his arms free of the embrace and put his hands on either side of Obi-Wan's face, forcing him to make eye contact. "Father," he said again, "We need to call someone."
Obi-Wan shrunk at the suggestion, voice tremulous as he said, "No..."
"Yes," Anakin insisted, "Because someone else did this to make you look guilty. See?" He caressed Obi-Wan's face with his thumbs. "We can use it to our advantage."
"Cody will tell," Obi-Wan cried. "He has our lightsabers!"
Anakin ignored the hate he felt for Cody so he could focus and try to calm Obi-Wan. He spoke slowly and softly to him as he pressed their foreheads together. "We'll take them back. Together. Deep breaths, Father. It's just you and me."
Obi-Wan shuddered and exclaimed, "Grievous—!"
"Just you and me," repeated Anakin, "Breathe with me. You can do this. Watch." Anakin took a deep breath through his mouth and then released it slowly. Obi-Wan did the same.
Anakin smiled and told him, "Good. Do it again."
They breathed in time with each other for several minutes. Obi-Wan's grip on him began to loosen, and he stopped shaking after a while, rooted firmly by the sight of Anakin breathing and the sensation of Anakin's hands in his. He whispered Anakin's name.
"I'm here."
"I love you," Obi-Wan murmured, "I love you so, so much."
Anakin swallowed and took another deep breath, holding it in as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Obi-Wan's cheek, staying there a few moments before dropping Obi-Wan's hands and wrapping his arms around him. He exhaled as he rested his head on Obi-Wan's shoulder, the breath coming out a little unevenly. Obi-Wan didn't question it, Anakin's dream far from the present of his mind. He was only realizing how Anakin didn't have to tip his head up to kiss him—somehow he'd grown as tall as him without Obi-Wan's notice.
Anakin called the station and requested Deputy Rex, holding onto the hope that he would, at the very least, be interested in this strange development in their case, minus the knowledge Cody held over their heads. He had to assume Rex didn't know what Cody was up to, or else they'd be left without options. Anakin didn't want to give Grievous another grave.
Rex drove over and didn't bring the Sheriff with him. He had the body along with Obi-Wan's tainted mattress taken away in no time. When the other officers had left, Rex had a few questions. He and Obi-Wan stood facing each other by the front door. Anakin was in the family room, wrapped up in an orange blanket another officer had given him. There was such a buzz over Grievous that no one actually checked to see if he was showing signs of shock.
Rex kept his voice low as he asked, "Why did you ask for me specifically? Aren't you and Cody..."
Obi-Wan answered the first question before he had to give any details about the second. "I have reason to believe the Sheriff was involved in all this."
Rex's eyes narrowed for a second, but instead of dismissing it on the spot he asked, "And why is that?"
Obi-Wan had to be careful. "Who else has access to the evidence?" he offered.
"I do, for one," Rex replied. "What's the motive?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "I don't have all the answers. I can only tell you someone else did this—and that's proof you should be looking for another culprit."
Rex held his gaze a few moments, contemplating. He stepped closer. "Mister Kenobi..."
Obi-Wan straightened up a little.
"I want to help you. To do that, I need you to be honest with me."
Obi-Wan was silent.
"Do you know who did this?"
"No."
"Did you kill Grievous?"
"No."
"Why don't you trust Cody?"
Obi-Wan hesitated and almost looked away, but Rex put a hand on his arm.
"I know my brother," he said, in a voice much kinder than his interrogating one. "I know what he can be like. So if he's done something to you... Don't be afraid to tell me."
Obi-Wan didn't know how to respond. Rex looked just like Cody, only with blond hair and no scar on his face. They had the same warm amber eyes.
Slowly, Obi-Wan removed Rex's hand from his arm and said, "You look like him."
Rex's mouth parted, and then he set his jaw and looked at the floor, then the family room. He turned to Obi-Wan and asked, "Can I talk to Anakin?"
Obi-Wan nodded and started to follow him to the family room.
"Alone?" Rex added.
Obi-Wan nearly said no, but decided that wasn't going to gain anyone's trust. "Five minutes."
"Fine."
Obi-Wan walked ahead of him so he could check on Anakin and say, "I'll just be in the kitchen if you need me."
Anakin gave him a reassuring smile. Rex sat in the chair next to the couch where Anakin was sitting. Obi-Wan forced himself to leave the room and busy himself in the kitchen.
"Anakin," Rex said, leaning forward, "What can you tell me about your father?"
Anakin squinted at him. "What do you mean?"
"Is he alright? Is he... mentally stable?"
"Oh. Well," Anakin bit his lip, "I think he had a panic attack when he saw Grievous on his bed. But that's normal under the circumstances, isn't it?"
"That depends," Rex replied, his face creasing with concern, "Is he afraid of something? Like getting caught?"
Anakin's demeanor darkened. "I called you so you could help me, like you promised when we met. Not so you could accuse my father of murder."
"I am trying to help you," Rex insisted.
Anakin stared at him belligerently.
Rex decided to shift his questions. "Does your father have panic attacks often?"
"Sometimes," Anakin said, "But it's not like he's violent or... Or crazy. He's just under a lot of stress."
"What sort of stress?"
Anakin didn't like where this was going. The sarcasm rolled off his tongue as he said, "I'll try to name everything. There's the ongoing murder investigation, the motel, me—" He stopped suddenly and felt bad for all the trouble he'd gotten into lately.
"Anakin," Rex called, and Anakin raised his eyes off the carpet to meet Rex's. "What about Cody?" he asked.
"What about Cody?" Anakin retorted.
"Is he part of Obi-Wan's stress?"
"An understatement," Anakin mumbled, and pulled the blanket tight around himself.
Rex angled his chair to face Anakin better. "Tell me what's happened."
"I can't."
"Listen, kid, one of you has to come clean or else there's nothing I can do for you." He sounded exasperated, but his eyes seemed to plead with Anakin.
Quietly, Anakin said, "You asked my dad about Cody?"
"Yes."
"Don't ask him again."
Rex looked incredulous.
"Please, just—don't," Anakin revised. The day before had been hard enough.
Rex looked into his sad eyes as if he'd find an answer. Anakin fiddled with the edges of the orange blanket around his shoulders. Finally, Rex sat back and reviewed all that they had told him. It became increasingly clear who he needed to talk to. He stood and said, "I'm going to leave now, but..."
Anakin looked up at him, his brows coming together.
"Try to forget today. Just rest. You sound like you have a cold."
"Thanks, Rex," he replied, and he meant it.
Rex sort of liked Anakin's casual disregard for authority. He was used to people acting a little skittish around him. "Call again if something goes wrong," he told Anakin.
Anakin nodded. Rex found his way to the kitchen and said his goodbye to Obi-Wan. On his way out, he tapped the comlink on his wrist, hoping for an immediate reply from Cody. There was none. Rex scowled and got in his car. He turned onto Tosche Street and headed into town.
Cody tipped his head back as the last drops of bronze colored liquid burned down his throat. He set the glass on the black countertop and asked for another. He didn't notice when Rex sat at the barstool next to him.
"Cody," Rex said firmly.
Cody turned at the sound of his name. He replied slowly, "Hey, little brother."
"Don't start that again," Rex snapped. Technically, Cody was 22 minutes older.
Cody sipped from his fresh glass of Corellian brandy and shrugged. "'s true," he slurred.
Rex looked around at the dingy, dimly lit bar. "You shouldn't be seen like this. Especially here," he remarked. Truthfully, he was more worried about the likelihood that his questions would cause a scene.
"I can do whatever I want," Cody said, sounding like his ten year old self, "I'm Sheriff."
"Not for much longer."
Cody nearly slammed his glass against the counter, causing its contents to slosh messily. He leaned over and demanded, "What did you say?"
Rex didn't even flinch. He explained, "You won't be Sheriff much longer if you keep acting like this."
"Like what?" Cody mocked.
"Like an oversized child."
Cody stood suddenly and moved to strike him. Rex caught Cody's arm and swung him around before giving him a kick in the rear. Cody fell to his hands and knees with a grunt. The dark walls of the bar seemed to spin before his eyes. Rex grabbed a handful of Cody's black hair and leaned down by his ear. "You should know better," he threatened.
Cody scowled at him.
"Now," Rex said, voice just a low rumble, "I have some questions for you. Are you going to play nice?"
"Let go of me," Cody growled, finding himself too unsteady to stand, especially with Rex's hand in his hair keeping him in place.
Rex gave his hair a firm tug. "What was that?"
"Alright, alright!" yelled Cody. "Help me up." Rex did. He kept his hold on Cody's arm and started toward the bar's exit. Cody looked over his shoulder at his drink.
Rex shook him a little and said, "What's up with you?"
"'m head hurts," he mumbled.
Rex managed to pull him through the door and let him lean against the bar's brick wall. He crossed his arms as he stood in front of him. "I want to know what you've been doing today."
Cody rolled his eyes. "My little brother is checking up on me," he announced to no one in particular.
"Cody," Rex warned, "I need you to tell me."
"I've just been here."
"All day?"
Cody held his gaze. "Yeah."
Rex didn't buy it. He knew Cody didn't make a habit of drinking. He had a public image of heroism to protect.
"Okay," Rex said, in typical interrogating style, "I have another question for you."
Cody waited, felt Rex's eyes bore through him like he saw all his sins. "Shoot, Rex," he said angrily, "Say it already."
"What have you done to Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
There was silence for a moment. Rex watched Cody's expression morph from confusion to something less readable. "Why are you asking about him?" he demanded. Then, as a second thought, "Are you jealous?"
"What? No. You know my interests are not the same as yours. Answer the question, Cody."
Cody laughed once, eyes focusing on a flashing red street sign. He rolled his bottom lip between his teeth before meeting Rex's eyes and answering, "I fucked him."
Rex had to close his eyes to hold in his exasperation. "Yes, that's quite typical of your relationships," he began sarcastically, "But I didn't come here to learn about your sex life. What did you do to him?"
"I told you," Cody said.
Rex opened his mouth to argue, then shut it suddenly. You look like him, Obi-Wan had said. As he'd expressed not wanting to be touched. "Cody, you..." Rex heard himself say, as he uncrossed his arms and felt his hands curl in on themselves, "You fucked him?"
Cody nodded, grin eating up his face. "Twice."
"Without consent."
Cody quirked an eyebrow at him.
"Cody!" shouted Rex, "Stop messing with me!" He didn't want to believe it.
"Look," Cody finally piped up, no longer leaning on the wall behind him, "It was his choice—me or prison. He chose me."
Don't ask him again, Anakin had said.
Rex swung his fist through the space between them and made impact with Cody's cheek. Cody gave a shout and Rex caught him by the lapels of his leather jacket before he could lose his footing.
"You piece of shit!" Rex spat. "His son knows, did you know that?" Cody tried to wipe the blood from his face and Rex shook him, hard. "Do you know what that sort of thing does to a kid?"
"No," Cody said, cringing with the effort to get away from him.
Rex let go and let Cody fall against the dirty asphalt. He watched Cody try to stand for a moment, words refusing to make themselves heard, his whole body aching to punch Cody again. Cody didn't try to hit him back.
Rex forced himself to walk away and concentrate on each step. Cody watched him go, and then he ran his fingers across his cheek, smearing blood with gutter water.
"This is a terrible plan."
Obi-Wan was surprised to hear the words from Anakin's mouth instead of his own. "How so?"
"What if things go too far?" Anakin demanded.
"I'll fight back," Obi-Wan said simply.
Anakin didn't like it. Obi-Wan saw the muscles in his jaw flex.
"Relax," Obi-Wan said, sounding believably confident, "This is going to work."
Anakin stopped pacing around the family room and looked at Obi-Wan, features intense in a way Obi-Wan wasn't used to. "If he hurts you in any way—"
Obi-Wan stepped closer as he ordered, "Don't finish that sentence." Anakin opened his mouth to do so anyway. Obi-Wan pressed a finger to Anakin's lips. Anakin made a funny face between anger and confusion.
"You don't need to think like that," Obi-Wan said quietly, "It's not going to happen."
Anakin still wanted to protest as Obi-Wan replaced his index finger with his thumb and began moving it slowly from side to side.
"You are not a killer, Anakin," he said firmly, "And Cody is not going to give you a reason to become one."
Anakin closed his eyes as his imagination started to run in the opposite direction. Obi-Wan smiled and took Anakin's hand. "Let's go," he said.
Anakin frowned again, but he went with Obi-Wan to the car. He concentrated on Obi-Wan's Force signature as they drove to Cody's. He wanted to make sure he could feel what Obi-Wan felt. The plan be damned if it meant Obi-Wan had to suffer.
As they got closer to Cody's, Anakin climbed into the backseat and hid. Obi-Wan eased into a right turn and parked the car in the street.
He straightened his clothes as he walked up to Cody's door. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. Obi-Wan heard something break, and then there was shuffling, and Cody opened the door.
"Obi-Wan," he breathed. Obi-Wan tried to smile at him. "Come in," Cody said suddenly, as if he'd just remembered what to say. Obi-Wan stepped through the doorway, his shoulders already feeling tense.
Cody shut the door and looked Obi-Wan over as he walked towards the kitchen. "Careful!" he called, and Obi-Wan stopped dead. Cody caught up to him and said, "I dropped a bottle of wine. I don't want you to step on it."
"Thank you," Obi-Wan replied cautiously. Cody's cheek was dirty with blood and something else. Obi-Wan reached out to touch him, saying softly, "What happened to you?"
Cody looked the other way. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Alright," Obi-Wan said, dropping his hand. "Can I clean it for you?"
Cody was quiet as he took a seat at his kitchen table. Obi-Wan tip-toed around the broken glass and found a towel by the sink. He wet it and put a little soap on it before pulling a chair close to Cody's and bringing the towel to his face. Cody grimaced. Obi-Wan was as gentle as he could be. The grime came away gradually, leaving Cody with one dark red cut.
"You must be feeling better," Cody said, as Obi-Wan folded up the towel and wiped the rest of his face.
It took him a second. Tell him you're sick. "Oh, yes," Obi-Wan replied. "I thought I'd come see you as soon as I was up to it." He set the towel on the table and made himself meet Cody's eyes with a somewhat pleasant expression.
"That's good," said Cody, "You're the one person I wanted to see today."
Obi-Wan swallowed harshly. "I take it you had a bad day?"
"Yes." Cody stood suddenly, wavering from all the alcohol in his system. Obi-Wan jumped to his feet and after a second's indecision, supported Cody with an arm around his back.
Cody placed both hands on either side of Obi-Wan's face, his eyes seeming shiny, his brows drawn together fiercely. "I'm sorry," he whispered, and brought their lips together.
Obi-Wan tried to remember how to kiss. No sign yet from Anakin that he'd located their lightsabers. He needed more time.
Cody broke the connection and held Obi-Wan close as he walked them out of the kitchen, murmuring between kisses, "I'm sorry… I was mean… I'll be nice this time…"
Something made a loud sound upstairs and caught Cody's attention. "What was that?" he called out.
Obi-Wan made Cody face him and said, "I didn't hear anything," before claiming his mouth and helping him out of his jacket.
"But—"
"You want me to make you feel better?" He started unbuttoning Cody's shirt and sucked at his neck, causing Cody to moan.
There was another thud upstairs.
"You had to have heard that," Cody asserted, "Don't lie."
"You're just drunk," Obi-Wan said, "Don't worry about it." He tried to pull Cody's shirt off his shoulders, but Cody grabbed Obi-Wan's wrist and hauled him upstairs. He shoved Obi-Wan onto his bed, ordering, "Wait here." Then he stomped out of the room in search of the noise.
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan called in a hushed voice. Anakin, where are you?
Through the bedroom doorway, Obi-Wan saw Anakin sneak out of the bathroom, showing off the two lightsabers in his hand. Obi-Wan waved him away frantically. Go now!
Anakin turned and went down the stairs swiftly, and on down to the basement, where he ducked out a window and ran to the car. He tucked the lightsabers away in the glove compartment. Then he waited. Obi-Wan should be out any second now. But he wasn't.
"I didn't find anything," Cody said, returning to the bedroom.
"I told you," Obi-Wan replied, forcing a laugh.
Cody's eyes seemed to dissect Obi-Wan as he clambered onto the bed. "You're still dressed," he accused.
Obi-Wan propped himself up on his elbows and made his voice playful. "I thought you would want to do it."
Cody narrowed his eyes, not a trace of regret left in them. He moved to touch Obi-Wan and the man lurched away from him.
"I knew it," Cody derided as he pinned Obi-Wan underneath him, "You're afraid of me."
Someone was banging on the front door now. Cody scowled, his grip on Obi-Wan's wrists becoming hard enough to bruise.
"You better answer it," Obi-Wan said, the relief clear in his voice.
Now the doorbell was ringing and someone was shouting, "Sheriff!" over and over.
Cody released him and marched down the stairs, throwing the door open wildly. "What is it?" he demanded.
Anakin took several gulps of air. "Padmé's been in a car accident!" he declared. "Where's my father? We need to go to the hospital! Father!"
Obi-Wan wasn't far behind Cody. "Anakin?" he pretended.
Anakin stepped inside and took Obi-Wan's hand, saying, "It's Padmé!" He pulled him out of the house as Cody watched angrily. "We need to see if she's alright. Oh, Father, I'm so worried!"
"Come on, darling," he said, and looked back at Cody disapprovingly, "I'll drive us to the hospital."
Cody knew he'd been outmaneuvered. He slammed the door shut behind them. Anakin had gotten in the way again, and now Rex's words were echoing in his brain. Do you know what that sort of thing does to a kid?
As soon as Cody's house was out of sight, Obi-Wan pulled the car to the side of the road and kissed Anakin. The contact only lasted a second before Obi-Wan cheered, "We did it! Anakin, oh, thank you! We did it…" His smile didn't want to fade.
Anakin felt butterflies in his stomach, and he couldn't help but smile, too. He reached for Obi-Wan's hand again. "You sure you're alright?" he asked.
"Yes!" Obi-Wan replied excitably, caressing Anakin's cheek with his free hand, "My sweet Anakin. You did such a good job."
Anakin's insides turned to mush. He looked down at Obi-Wan's fingers intertwined with his. Quietly, he said, "Because I knew you were scared. I felt it. Why didn't you leave after you saw me?"
Obi-Wan mellowed then and answered seriously, "I wanted to give you enough time to escape. I couldn't risk Cody catching you."
Anakin didn't respond.
"I'm perfectly alright," Obi-Wan reiterated, "Nothing happened. Look at me."
Anakin did.
"Do you believe me?"
"I believe you," Anakin said, "Just wanted to make sure."
Obi-Wan smiled again and started the car. "What would I do without you?" he wondered.
