Chapter 25
Anakin woke the next morning to a warm feeling on his right side. He opened his eyes and looked down blearily. The shape beside him coalesced into Obi-Wan after a few more blinks. It took a few more moments before he realised they were skin on skin. Obi-Wan was sprawled out on his chest, head resting right over his heart. Anakin gently ran his fingers through the ginger hair, trying not to wake the older man. He studied the sleeping face, free of all stress lines. Obi-Wan carried so much stress these days and Anakin couldn't help but think he was the cause of most of it. He wanted to help but he had no idea how. All he could do was cook a bit of food.
He shook off the self pity for now, trying to enjoy simply lying next to Obi-Wan for a while. After a few more minutes Obi-Wan began to stir. Anakin watched as he blinked and then opened those stunningly blue eyes. It was something special to watch the recognition filter into his expression, eyes widening ever so slightly and then filling with adoration as he focused on Anakin. He wanted to see that expression every morning.
"Hello there." Obi-Wan said, his voice still heavy with sleep.
"Good morning." Anakin smiled fondly.
"It certainly is." Obi-Wan replied, a half smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"How are you feeling?" The older man seemed to consider this.
"Better." He admitted. "My innards seem more settled than yesterday."
"Not a sentence I really expected to ever hear but good to know." Anakin smirked. "I'm glad you're feeling better. You want some breakfast?"
"Nope. Well, yes but not right now. I want to stay here." Obi-Wan confessed quietly. Anakin smiled and squeezed him gently with the arm still wrapped around him. They lay quietly for a little while, soaking up each other's company. It was about half an hour before Anakin's stomach rumbled a little too loudly to ignore. He groaned.
"How about breakfast in bed?" He suggested.
"Works for me." Obi-Wan said. Anakin maneuvered him gently to the side and helped him to sit up against the headboard. Then he swiftly got up to get them both breakfast. He didn't want to waste time cooking for himself so he grabbed a glass of liquid pancakes for Obi-Wan and a ration bar for himself. He could eat properly later. Once he had clambered back into the nice, warm bed, he handed Obi-Wan his drink.
"You're only having that?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Didn't want to spend time cooking when I could be here with you." Anakin shrugged. Obi-Wan leaned over and gave him a chaste kiss. Then they ate in silence. It was a quick breakfast. Then they decided to get up and face the day. Obi-Wan couldn't do any lightsaber work or proper training so they decided to head out into Coruscant for the day. Anakin prayed that the Council didn't assign him anywhere, at least until tomorrow. Preferably longer.
Sadly they didn't even make it out of the apartment before the Council summoned them. They exchanged annoyed eye rolls.
"Rain check?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Of course." Anakin pulled him into a hug before they left the room. He held on as tightly as he could without hurting Obi-Wan before finally letting go. Obi-Wan gave him a smile and a kiss on the cheek before they left. The Council was already assembled and it was everything Anakin could do, not to scowl at Yoda and Windu. He noticed that Obi-Wan was clearly uncomfortable as he took his Council seat and he sent a wave of reassurance through their bond. Obi-Wan's lips quirked marginally and his shoulders slumped a little. The Council informed them that they thought Rush Clovis was working with the Separatists. Anakin briefly looked to Obi-Wan who looked concerned. If he was concerned then it was at least worth investigating. They had asked Padme to spy on him but she refused.
"Convince her, you must, young Skywalker." Yoda stated. Anakin bristled and bit down on his tongue to stop a sharp retort. Or maybe that's what Obi-Wan was worried about. Then he realised that Obi-Wan wouldn't have known they had planned to ask him unless it came up in the meeting yesterday and Anakin hoped he would have told him if that were the case.
"If Senator Amidala has already refused, I don't see how I can change her mind." He pointed out coldly.
"She trusts you." Ki-Adi Mundi reminded him.
"Why Padme?"
"She entered the Senate at the same time as Clovis. They sat on many of the same committees and they were friends." Windu informed him, equally coldly.
"So you want me to ask Padme to spy on her friend?" Anakin asked incredulously. Of course, Jedi don't believe in friendship, he scoffed to himself.
"We want you to ask her to reveal a Separatist spy." Windu replied angrily.
"Fine," Anakin said, refusing to be baited and give Windu an excuse to try and get him put back on probation. "But I make no promises she will listen to me."
"We appreciate your effort, Skywalker. You are dismissed." Shaak Ti spoke up. Anakin bowed to the Togruta Master. Then he departed from the Council room. He figured the meeting would go on for a while so he sent a message to Obi-Wan through their Force bond that he would speak to Padme now, while they were still in session. He sensed Obi-Wan's agreement and suggestion they meet back at the apartment later.
He decided to head down to meet Skarsuk first. He placed an order for two utility belts like his and a whole restock of his medical supplies, plus some extras for the other two. Skarsuk was delighted with such a large order and gave him a discount that could almost be considered friendly. Still Anakin knew his funds were getting a bit stretched. Still, he had a few jobs lined up to be done. He just needed some time to do them. First he had to speak with Padme. He wasn't comfortable trying to convince her to spy on a friend of hers.
Anakin made his way to the Senate building. He guessed that Padme would be in her office given the time of day so went straight there. Padme was indeed inside with Jar Jar. Anakin sighed. The Gungun was definitely better in small, possibly non existent, doses. He knocked on the door and walked inside.
"Anakin." Padme greeted him with a smile.
"Itsa good to see ya Ani." Jar Jar beamed.
"Padme. Jar Jar. How are you both?" He asked.
"I is wonderful." Jar Jar told him.
"I'm fine thank you. Jar Jar, could you leave us please?" Padme asked. Jar Jar nodded enthusiastically, almost knocking a vase of flowers off the desk before stumbling his way out of the office. "So what brings you here? I thought the Senate made you itch?" She grinned at him.
"It does." He laughed. "I need to speak to you." He grew grim.
"Oh don't tell me they sent you to ask me to spy on Clovis?" She groaned.
"Sorry." He shrugged. "I told them you probably wouldn't listen to me."
"Of course not." Padme smirked. Anakin rolled his eyes but smiled at her fondly.
"Did Yoda tell you why they want you to spy on Senator Clovis?" He asked.
"No." Anakin sighed. Of course not. He looked around the room, to make sure they were alone.
"They think that the Senator might be working with the Separatists."
"What?" Padme gasped. "Surely not." Anakin shrugged.
"I don't know how they came by the information but Obi-Wan seemed to think it could be true and I trust his instincts."
"Well, this changes things and I agree that someone needs to find out the truth." Padme stated firmly.
"It will be dangerous. If he realises you are tricking him…" Anakin trailed off.
"I can take care of myself." She told him.
"I know you can." He assured her. "I just want you to be careful and know what you are walking into. Can't have my favourite Senator getting hurt. You're one of the only ones I like." Anakin smirked at her.
"I'm honoured." She told him dryly.
"You should be." Padme shoved his shoulder. He stumbled backwards pretending to be hurt and accidentally tripped on the leg of a chair, which sent him tumbling to the floor. Padme was bent over double laughing at him. He pouted.
"If you're sure then we best go speak to the Council now and see if they have any further information for you." Anakin suggested. Padme quickly checked her calendar. "If you can possibly squeeze us into your busy schedule." He added mockingly. She mock glared at him.
"I'm free for the next couple of hours." Together they made their way to the Jedi Temple, chatting about various things they had done recently. By the time they reached the Council chambers, only Yoda, Windu and Obi-Wan were there. Anakin sighed but at least Obi-Wan was there. They went in and Padme told them she had changed her mind. Anakin was simply trying to stop himself staring at Obi-Wan the entire time. Though he was pleased to see a proud smile flash across his face at the news.
"Good news, this is." Yoda smiled.
"However, Clovis and I haven't spoken in a long time." Padme admitted.
"A surprise this is, given your past." Yoda said. Anakin hid a frown. Why did it matter as long as she could make contact without being suspicious now?
"Clovis and I were close but I told him we should return our relationship to a professional level and he wasn't too happy about it." She told them.
"Do you think you will be able to rekindle that friendship?" Windu asked.
"I'm sure I can regain Clovis' trust." Padme assured them.
"Good. The closer you can get to him, the more likely he is to let something slip." Obi-Wan stated.
"I understand." Padme said, sending Obi-Wan a slight smile. "I will do whatever is necessary to succeed in my mission." The phrasing suddenly made Anakin feel a little ill on his friend's behalf. He didn't want Padme to have to fake a relationship with a possible Separatist. Still it was her choice and he couldn't interfere. Maybe he could find a way to check in on her occasionally. Padme departed but Obi-Wan called for Anakin to stay.
"Anakin, we want you to keep a close eye on Senator Amidala. You will be her protection if anything goes wrong." Obi-Wan said.
"Yes, Master." Anakin replied, forcing himself not to smirk.
"Very well, dismissed you are." Yoda stated. Anakin bowed and left. He felt Obi-Wan coming after him a few moments later. Together they made their way back to their quarters. Once they were definitely alone and hidden from prying eyes, Anakin pulled Obi-Wan into a hug.
"That few hours felt like forever." He complained.
"At least you didn't have to sit through a Council meeting the entire time. Trust me, being on the Council is not all it's cracked up to be." Obi-Wan told him. Anakin laughed and pulled him down to the couch.
"You want some lunch?" He asked. Obi-Wan nodded. Anakin got up. "What do you fancy?"
"I'll have a nerf casserole please." Anakin grabbed the correct drink and fixed himself up some quick lunch. They ate together in comfortable silence. Once they were done, Anakin nervously turned to face Obi-Wan.
"What do you think about telling Ahsoka about us? I mean, she's probably already guessed but I would like to tell her properly at some point."
"You're sure she can keep her mouth shut?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Of course." Anakin said firmly.
"Then that's ok with me." Obi-Wan said. Anakin grinned happily and kissed him. Then he took the dishes away to clean them up. "Oh if only the public knew how domestic the 'Hero with No Fear really is." Obi-Wan snickered.
"I don't hear you complaining." Anakin told him.
"Oh I'm certainly not. Just impressed. I wasn't sure you could ever be house trained." Obi-Wan mocked.
"Oi! Watch it or I'll let you do your own dishes in future." Anakin warned.
"Na. You love me too much for that." Obi-Wan said jokingly. Then he froze like he wasn't sure he should have said that. Anakin turned to look at him and saw the nervousness in his face.
"Yeah. You're right. I do." He said gently. Obi-Wan let out a sigh and smiled widely. He stood up and came to stand behind Anakin, wrapping his arms around his waist. They stood like that for a while until Anakin was done. Then he turned around and hugged Obi-Wan in return. A few minutes later Anakin received a message from Padme saying that she had a meeting with Clovis that evening.
"You looking forward to watching over politicians all the time?" Obi-Wan asked with a smirk.
"It'll be so much fun." Anakin replied sarcastically. "I'll leave them to their meeting tonight and let Padme tell me how it went."
"It's still early, why don't we take that trip into Coruscant?" Obi-Wan suggested.
"Only if you promise to let me know if you're in pain or if you get too tired. I can have Artoo find a folding wheelchair for us to take."
"Absolutely not. I will tell you if I need to return but we are not taking a wheelchair." Obi-Wan pulled a disgusted face and Anakin laughed though he hadn't been completely joking. They disguised themselves before going out as their faces were plastered all over the holonet these days and they didn't want to be recognised while they were out as a couple. Anakin vowed that as soon as possible he would take Obi-Wan on a date where they didn't have to hide, or be ashamed, or worried someone might see them and report them, getting them thrown out of the Jedi Order. He wanted to take him on a date where they could be nothing but Anakin and Obi-Wan, another ordinary couple in love.
Apart from having to disguise themselves, the afternoon was wonderful. They saw many of the wonders of the city including making their way up to Monument Plaza and having a look around the Galactic Museum. The plaza gave a rather spectacular view. The museum Anakin found rather boring but Obi-Wan was in his element so he simply enjoyed watching his awed expression as he examined several old looking objects. He did tell Anakin random facts about everything he saw and Anakin tried very hard to pay attention.
After that they went to see a holofilm. It was some sappy romantic thing that Anakin found terribly cringy until he looked over at Obi-Wan and realised that he probably behaved as equally sappy as the main characters. The thought wasn't quite as horrifying as it should have been. Being sappy with Obi-Wan was actually quite lovely.
Once that had finished they had dinner at Dex's before heading back to the Temple. Dex had been quite happy to accommodate when Obi-Wan told him he was on a liquid diet. He also gave Anakin some recipes that he could make that also tasted nice in liquid form. Dex had also managed to be surprisingly gentle when he hugged Obi-Wan which confirmed Anakin's long held suspicion that Dex just enjoyed trying to crush their ribs.
On their way back through the Temple they ran into Ahsoka. Anakin invited her back to their quarters for a drink and a chat which she happily accepted. Once in the living area, Anakin got everyone their drinks and sat with Obi-Wan on the couch. Ahsoka sat opposite them on the floor. When she had protested, Anakin had smirked and told her that as the youngest she got the floor. She hadn't been particularly impressed by that but sat down with good grace.
"So, we wanted to talk to you about something." Anakin said cautiously.
"Ok." Ahsoka said cheerfully.
"It's another secret you cannot tell a single soul." He said sternly. Ahsoka looked at him curiously.
"More secrets? Wow."
"Yeah. Er...well...Obi-Wan and I are sort of, kinda...together. Like together together." Anakin said. Ahsoka blinked in surprise at his wording. Then she laughed.
"Well duh." Both of them stared at her in astonishment. Anakin's jaw actually dropped open slightly as he gaped at his Padawan.
"You knew? And you don't mind?" Obi-Wan asked. Ahsoka shrugged, still laughing at them.
"Of course I knew. I knew something was up between you two a while back but it was rather obvious once we found you after you were...missing." She said. "As for minding, I don't really. I mean, i really don't envy you putting up with Skyguy all the time but if you both are happy then I'm happy for you."
"Oi!" Anakin protested.
"Thank you, Ahsoka. That means a lot." Obi-Wan said, ignoring Anakin. "Though we really need to start being more careful." He said to Anakin.
"Yeah." Anakin agreed, not really meaning it. He would try because Obi-Wan wanted him to but if the Council found out he wasn't going to be too upset. In fact it would be a weight off his shoulders. He didn't like sneaking around like they should be ashamed. He wanted to proclaim to the whole universe that Obi-Wan was his.
"I'm glad you trust me enough to actually tell me." Ahsoka smiled happily.
"Thank you for keeping it a secret." Anakin smiled back. He really was the luckiest Master. Except Obi-Wan of course. They chatted into the late evening. Eventually Anakin received a message saying that Clovis had invited Padme to go with him to Cato Neimoidia to speak with the Trade Federation. They would be leaving the next day. Anakin sent a message back saying that if she organised the transport, he would get himself on as the pilot. He then relayed this idea to Obi-Wan who agreed it was a good one. Padme replied with the details. Captain Typho would meet Anakin at the ship in the morning. He agreed.
"I best get to bed then." Anakin sighed, not wanting this to end. He didn't want to leave Obi-Wan again but he couldn't leave Padme surrounded by Seperatist scum.
"I should get going." Ahsoka said, standing up. Anakin and Obi-Wan each gave her a quick hug before she darted awak. Once again, Anakin swept Obi-Wan up and carried him into what was rapidly becoming their bedroom. Ah well, it meant he could use his old room to keep all the mech parts that annoyed Obi-Wan so much. They got changed and climbed into bed, each bare chested again. Anakin pulled Obi-Wan to him and they kissed before going straight to sleep.
The next morning came far too quickly for Anakin's liking. When he opened his eyes he saw Obi-Wan was already awake, watching him while propped up on one elbow.
"Hello there." Obi-Wan said with a smile.
"Mornin'" Anakin yawned in reply. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and kissed him. Anakin was very aware of every cell of his skin that was touching the other man's bare chest. His hands slid through the ginger hair he adored so much as he deepened the kiss. Obi-Wan moaned approvingly. Aware of his still healing state, Anakin gently rolled them over so Obi-Wan was now on his back with Anakin hovering over him. He kept them touching all along their bodies but made sure his weight was not pressing down on the older Jedi. Obi-Wan tried to tug him closer and he allowed it to a certain extent, kissing him again, before moving down his neck slowly.
"I really need to go soon." Anakin groaned, pulling back to look into the wide blue eyes beneath him.
"I'm not stopping you." Obi-Wan said, his voice a little breathless.
"Oh but you are. You shouldn't look so kriffing gorgeous if you want me to go."
"Who says I want you to go. I only said I'm not stopping you." Obi-Wan pointed out, leaning up and sucking gently on Anakin's adams apple. Anakin moaned.
"Ok if you do that anymore I'm never leaving." He said. He took a deep breath and forced himself up. Looking down at Obi-Wan sprawled on the bed with messed up hair and slightly swollen lips was far too tempting and it took all of Anakin's willpower to look away. He grabbed a random assortment of clothes and pulled them on haphazardly. He was forced to pay more attention when he tried to put his tunic on upside down and then back to front. He could hear Obi-Wan snickering behind him. Finally he managed to make himself presentable.
"Are you joining me for breakfast?" He asked.
"Oh alright then." Obi-Wan said, slowly getting up himself. They ate together, holding hands the whole time and then it was time for Anakin to leave. With a final kiss and lingering hug, Anakin made his way reluctantly to the Senate building.
He met Captain Typho who gave him a pilot uniform to change into. Once they were ready, Typho led the way to the ship. He got on board to get it ready while Anakin waited for Padme and Clovis. Padme arrived not long after they did and greeted Anakin quite happily. They chatted quietly until Clovis finally arrived with two small droids carrying his stuff. He greeted Padme, kissing her on each cheek. They got on board and he rolled his eyes at Clovis' blatant attempt at flirting. Anakin decided he was going to have to keep a close eye to make sure nothing happened that Padme was not happy with. This guy seemed quite pushy.
He sat down next to Typho and took off. On the monitor he watched as Clovis sat right in Padme's personal space. She looked quite uncomfortable so with a smirk, Anakin jerked the ship to the side and watched as Clovis got thrown sideways. He jerked it once more and the annoying Senator was chucked into a seat and the rail came down, keeping him locked there. Thankfully the rest of the flight to Cato Neimoidia was quite simple and boring. They landed easily. Anakin watched reluctantly as Padme left with Clovis and Senator Dod. It was up to Padme now. He was just here for when it all went horribly wrong.
While he waited, Anakin occupied himself by doing some work on the ship. There was nothing particularly wrong with it but he hated doing nothing at all. At least he had Typho and Artoo to keep him company. As the evening slipped by, he felt a nudge in the Force that something was wrong. Annoyingly he couldn't place what. As he was thinking what to do he got a communication from Padme indicating she had found something. He set off inside the palace. He traced Padme's life force and found her hugging Clovis. She had something in her hand that she dropped when she saw him. Quickly, he used the Force to pull it to him. He hesitated, wanting to make sure Clovis wasn't pushing her. Then he watched as she fainted. He had to stop himself crying out her name. Clovis could help her for now.
Anakin ran back outside and gave the disk to Artoo. He told him to keep it safe and ready the ship for takeoff. He wondered if Senator Dod had realised Padme was a spy and poisoned her. He couldn't think of another reason for her to faint, especially with the feeling he had through the Force earlier. Thankfully, Anakin knew how to deal with Neimoidians. He rifled through his belt, cursing that he hadn't had time to get his restock of remedies from Skarsuk. He had a few things left but only the basics. He doubted he would have the correct antidote for whatever Padme had been poisoned with. He quickly ran through his knowledge of poisons, which he had researched quite a lot, and decided the most likely option was manax root poison as that was made from trees on Neimoidia. Yeah, he didn't have that particular antidote. He would need to add that to the list of stuff he had ordered from Skarsuk. This was unlikely to be the last time Neimoidians poisoned someone.
He made his way back inside and found Padme in the guest room with Clovis standing over her looking angry.
"I'd back away if you want to keep your head." Anakin told him.
"How dare you speak to me like that. I am a Senator." Clovis said indignantly as Anakin rushed to Padme's side.
"A Senator who has conspired to poison another Senator."
"No. I would never hurt her. She stole something from me. Get it back and I can convince Dod to give me the cure for her."
"So you don't want this Dod to know you lost whatever it is?" Anakin guessed. "I think I'll deal with him myself."
"No." Clovis protested.
"Fine. Help me get back to the ship before I personally tell him about your carelessness." Anakin stated. Clovis hesitated but nodded. Anakin picked up Padme and they made their way through the palace, eventually running into Senator Dod.
"Senator Clovis. What is going on?" He asked.
"Senator Amidala has taken ill. We are taking her to her ship." Clovis explained.
"If she is ill, surely she should not be moved." Dod said smoothly. Anakin was almost impressed except his friend was currently dying.
"I've contacted the authorities on Naboo. They suggested we take her back to Coruscant as the doctors are better equipped." Clovis replied, equally smoothly.
"You cannot leave." Dod stated, abandoning all pretense.
"Give me the antidote." Clovis demanded, pulling out a gun.
"Give Clovis the antidote." Dod ordered one of his minions. He took out the antidote. Clovis took it and handed it to Anakin who administered the injection immediately.
"Take her." Clovis told Anakin. He nodded and left, carrying Padme. He got her on board when Clovis came running up to them. "Give me my disk!" He demanded.
"I don't think so. Either you can come with us now and face what you have done or you can take your chances with Dod killing you." Anakin told him. Clovis hesitated, eyes falling to Padme.
"I'll take my chances." He sighed. Anakin nodded and turned around. He put Padme down and sat down next to Typho. They took off easily.