Obi-Wan couldn't stop himself eyeing the younger man out of concern. He hadn't realised Anakin was still so unsure about how much Obi-Wan really loved him. His actions with Merrik hadn't helped. Under any other circumstances, hearing that Anakin had killed him out of anger would have chilled him to the bone but the young Jedi had been so torn up about it that he had actually been sick. His regret could not have been any clearer. So, while it was a bit of a worrying sign, he wasn't going to panic. That wasn't what Anakin needed right now.
Still, he hadn't slept much the night before. Partly because he wanted to make sure he could help if Anakin had nightmares, which he did have. And partly because he didn't want his own nightmares. If Anakin got any hint that his actions had caused Obi-Wan nightmares he would beat himself up even more and that wouldn't help anyone.
He tightened his grip on the younger man and kissed his hair once more, trying to further assure him that he wasn't going anywhere. They freshened themselves up and spent the 'morning' in bed, cuddling. Obi-Wan made sure to constantly mutter assurances to Anakin, enjoying the awed delight that would grace his face each and every time. However soon they would be approaching Coruscant so they had to get up.
"Once we have dropped Vizsla and Satine off, we can head straight to our apartment and get right back to cuddling." Obi-Wan promised as Anakin made discontented sounds every time he tried to get up.
"Oh fine." He grumbled with an adorable pout. They got themselves dressed and joined the others, ready to depart. Satine was ignoring both of them. Cody and Rex were shooting them concerned looks but Obi-Wan shook his head slightly and they both pulled their helmets back on. Palpatine was waiting for them.
"A job well done, Master Jedi." He said to Obi-Wan.
"Thank you, Chancellor." Obi-Wan replied, forcing himself to incline his head. Then they stood to the side to allow him to greet Satine and the other Senators. Much to his annoyance, Satine walked over to them while the other Senators spoke to Palpatine. He felt Anakin stiffen beside him and sent waves of loving reassurance through their bond.
"How ironic we should meet again only to find ourselves on opposing sides." She said.
"Yes, well, I'd prefer your people to be prepared in case the Separatists attack. But you must do as you see fit. You always do." Obi-Wan replied in a cool voice. "The needs of your people are all that matter." Satine stared.
"Indeed." Was all she said. Then her expression softened. "You know, a beard really doesn't suit you." Obi-Wan blinked in surprise.
"What?" He asked as Anakin was practically growling beside him.
"It hides too much of your handsome face." She stretched out a hand towards him and he stepped backward so quickly he almost fell over Artoo. A hand grasped his arm and helped him to regain his balance.
"Thanks." He muttered to Anakin whose face was calm but his eyes were practically shooting sparks. Obi-Wan noticed that he had managed to move himself between Satine and Obi-Wan while also stopping him falling on his backside. He almost smirked at the possessiveness but it was probably not a good idea given Anakin's most recent spate of insecurity. "Goodbye Satine." He said, noticing Satine watching him in some surprise.
"Yes, goodbye Obi-Wan." She said, giving him one last smile before heading off after the other Senators. Nearby he could hear Rex and Cody trying to stifle their chuckles. He glared at them both and they stopped laughing. He tried to believe they were simply laughing at him almost falling over but he had a horrible suspicion they knew exactly why Anakin had behaved the way he had.
"Come on, I need a drink." Obi-Wan muttered. He led Anakin off towards the Temple. Ahsoka was waiting for them. She came bounding over and Obi-Wan smiled at the young Togruta.
"Welcome back. How was Mandalore?" She asked.
"Exhausting." Obi-Wan told her honestly.
"I rather hope not to have to return." Anakin stated. "The Duchess gets on my nerves." Obi-Wan had to hide his snort at that gross understatement. Ahsoka looked between them with narrowed eyes.
"Did something happen?" She asked. Obi-Wan glanced around. Thankfully there was nobody nearby.
"Satine and I may have had a thing, a long time ago." He told her. Her eyes went wide. Then she looked over at Anakin.
"Ah. I'm suddenly rather glad I wasn't there." She said. Anakin snorted but his lips twitched into a slight smile. "Well, I'll leave you two to enjoy being back. Are we going to spar tomorrow, Skyguy?"
"Sure thing, Snips. Can't have you getting rusty." Anakin replied. Ahsoka smirked and then bounded off again with her never ending energy. The other two Jedi headed straight for their apartment. They should probably debrief the Council but they silently agreed it could wait. Once inside, they both sank onto the couch, Obi-Wan pulling Anakin to him. They sat quietly for a while, until Anakin put a podrace on for them to watch. Obi-Wan would never admit that the sport was sort of growing on him. At the very least he almost enjoyed watching it, although he was perfectly sure he would have a heart attack if Anakin ever decided to race again.
When the race was over Anakin cooked up something to eat. Obi-Wan could sense him becoming more peaceful the longer they were back. Once they had eaten, Anakin asked if Obi-Wan would meditate with him to which he agreed instantly. The fact that he was actually asking to meditate proved how much the last day or so had shaken him. They sat on their bed, holding hands while they meditated. The familiar signature of Qui-Gon surrounded both of them which made Anakin relax even more.
It was hours before they came out of their meditative state. One glance at Anakin told him it had been very beneficial. His whole posture was lighter and he looked younger, without so many cares.
"Thank you." Anakin said softly.
"You're very welcome but what for?"
"Honestly, everything. Loving me, having faith in me, helping me. The list goes on." Anakin gave him a small smile.
"You deserve all of that, Ani. You deserve to be happy." Obi-Wan told him. They got themselves ready for bed despite it still being relatively early. Then he gathered Anakin to him and they lay down together. It didn't take long for Anakin's breathing to even out. Only once he was sure he was asleep, and not having a nightmare did Obi-Wan let himself follow suit and fall asleep.
When he woke the next morning his immediate thought was that he was incredibly warm. Opening his eyes, and squinting against the brightness, he saw the cause of the unexpected heat. In his sleep, Anakin had somehow moved and was sprawled right across him, practically lying on top of him, holding onto him tightly. There was absolutely no way he was moving without waking the other man which he had no intention of doing. One of his arms was pinned under Anakin so he used his free hand to just stroke the other man's hair softly. It wasn't long before he woke up as well. Surprise flashed across his face when he realised the position he was in and then he glanced up at Obi-Wan who wore an amused smirk.
"It's not my fault you make a good cuddle buddy." Anakin said a little defensively.
"I wasn't complaining." Obi-Wan told him. "In fact, I will be most displeased if you were to move." Anakin grinned.
"Oh alright. I suppose I can stay here." He agreed. "But I need to spar with Ahsoka today and you get to debrief the Council."
"Oh no. You are coming with me to the Council." Obi-Wan told him. "You left me to the Senator's dinner on the Coronet, you're not getting out of this too." Anakin pouted but he stood firm. "You can spar with Ahsoka afterwards."
"Fiiiine." Anakin let out an exaggerated sigh that made him smile. He shifted them slightly so he could kiss the younger man properly. His hands skimmed across Anakin's back and down to his sides. Anakin jerked. Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow.
"You're ticklish?" He asked in surprise. He wondered how in the Force he had not noticed that before. Although he supposed until the last few months he had had no reason to be touching Anakin in such a fashion.
"No." Anakin replied a little too quickly. Obi-Wan smirked. He moved his fingers lightly over his side once more and Anakin shuddered a little in his attempt to restrain his reaction.
"I think you're lying." Obi-Wan stated gleefully. Soon enough they were engaged in a full blown, well tickle fight may have been generous. Obi-Wan wasn't ticklish so all Anakin could do was avoid his attacks which was rather difficult given the confined space on the bed. Eventually he kicked out to avoid one particular attack and caught Obi-Wan off guard so he was forced backwards, falling unceremoniously onto the floor.
"Obi-Wan! You ok?" Anakin asked in what Obi-Wan guessed was supposed to be an anxious tone but the undercurrent of laughter rather dampened the concern.
"Just fine." He said dryly, picking himself up.
"Yes you are." Anakin replied and Obi-Wan looked over to see the other man watching him. Belatedly he realised he was only wearing underwear and he felt his face heat up a little. He also realised his embarrassment was rather pointless given they had previously showered together.
"Oh shut up." He said.
"You are." Anakin's voice was more insistent this time. "You're gorgeous Obi-Wan."
"I thought I was a decrepit old man?" He teased, raising an eyebrow. Anakin chuckled.
"Well that's true. You just happen to be a gorgeous, decrepit, old man."
"You're too kind." He replied sarcastically.
"I know." Anakin smirked. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
"Come on, we have a report to make."
"Must we?"
"Yes."
"Oh alright." Anakin dragged himself out of bed. Instead of getting dressed he pulled Obi-Wan into a hug. Obi-Wan kissed him softly before they got themselves ready for the day. After reporting to the Council he needed to think about what to do. He knew Satine's attempt to stop Republic involvement on Mandalore was going to be sabotaged. Despite her thinking being naive, Obi-Wan knew that Republic interference would make the situation worse. Thankfully, having captured Vizsla, the leader of Death Watch, it would give a good argument that the situation was under control. Truthfully he hoped Mandalore could remain neutral, he just wanted Satine to be prepared for the Separatists to get involved regardless. While she needed to know that she couldn't just will reality away, he did not want the Death Watch to take over Mandalore and kill innocent people just for her to learn that lesson.
"What are you thinking so hard about?" Anakin asked.
"Mandalore. Satine's attempt to reject Republic interference is going to be sabotaged."
"So?" Anakin shrugged.
"Ani, Palpatine wants the Republic to get involved so the Mandalorian public will be outraged and end up viewing the Death Watch as liberators instead of terrorists. If Palpatine wants that to occur, don't you think we should stop it?" Anakin sighed.
"I suppose." He muttered.
"Just think, the sooner this is sorted, the sooner Satine goes back to Mandalore. No Republic interference also means we won't have to go there and deal with her any further. Win win for us." Obi-Wan told him.
"Yeah. Ok." Anakin nodded. "What do you want us to do?"
"Let's report to the Council first. Then you go and spar with Ahsoka while I attend the Senate meeting. From there, we can find who has the proper copy of the doctored footage they will be showing."
"Alright. I'm not going to argue about not having to go to the Senate."
"I thought that might be the case." Obi-Wan told him. Anakin grinned. "Come on, let's get going." They each grabbed a ration bar to eat on the way and hugged once more before leaving for the Council chambers. They gave a full report of the events on Mandalore and the trip back to Coruscant. The Council agreed with Obi-Wan's assessment that Republic interference would indeed make the issue with the Death Watch bigger. However it was in the hands of the Senate so they instructed Obi-Wan to go to the Senate and see what was going on which had been his plan anyway.
"Also, in my investigation, I found this." Obi-Wan took out the darksaber hilt and showed the rest of the Council. There were some sharp intakes of breath. "Pre Vizsla had it."
"A wondrous find." Ki-Adi Mundi said.
"Keep it in the Temple, we will." Yoda said.
"Wasn't it stolen from here in the first place?" Shaak Ti asked.
"That is true but we shall keep its presence a secret." Windu said. "We cannot have this falling back into the hands of Death Watch."
"Agree I do." Yoda stated. Obi-Wan handed the darksaber to Windu.
Finally Anakin and Obi-Wan were dismissed. They went their separate ways and Obi-Wan reluctantly headed for the Senate building. The Senate was already in session by the time he arrived. They were watching the footage from the Deputy Minister. Satine protested that it wasn't true and she wanted to speak with Jerec. Palpatine informed her he had been killed in a Death Watch attack that morning. She was horrified but rallied and pointed out that they had now captured the leader of Death Watch which proved that they were on top of things.
"Ah but it was Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi who captured Pre Vizsla." Palpatine pointed out. "Clearly you do need help in these matters." Then he declared the vote would take place in the next session. Well that gave him some time to work with but not much. Suddenly he recalled that the Mandalorian assassin had rigged Satine's speeder. He needed to find it. And preferably summon Anakin who was much better with these things. He activated his commlink.
"Anakin?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan?" Came the immediate reply.
"I sort of forgot that someone tampers with Satine's speeder. It's going to crash. I need you to help me find it and fix it."
"Of course you did. I'll be right there." Anakin said, clearly at least trying not to sound amused. Obi-Wan made his way out, knowing it would take a little while for Satine to get out of the Senate. He knew where she would board the speeder, but it hadn't been there waiting for her so it must be in the hangar somewhere. It took longer than he would have liked to arrive at the correct place and a Mandalorian was getting ready to set off.
"Wait!" He called. The man turned around.
"Can I help you?"
"Duchess Satine is a high priority target for the Death Watch. I would like to check that her vehicle has not been tampered with." Obi-Wan said. The man frowned but stepped out of the speeder and gestured for him to go ahead. Thankfully Anakin arrived only a few moments later. Obi-Wan stepped back and let the other Jedi do his thing. It didn't take long before he found an explosive that could be triggered remotely, similar to on the Coronet. He disable it easily.
"I think we need to get this to the Senate." Anakin said.
"No. If the Senate find out the Death Watch has followed Satine all the way to Coruscant and made an assassination attempt they will take it as further proof that she cannot control the situation. We need to find the assassin before they try again." Obi-Wan said.
"Er, could you possibly fix the speeder first? I do need to fetch the Duchess." The driver asked, looking upset.
"Of course." Anakin told him. It was easy to put it back together. It was rather wonderful to watch the ease with which he dealt with machine parts. Once he was done, the Jedi left.
"Satine's next move will be to speak to someone about the footage. She will be going to the Ministry of Intelligence to meet someone. The assassin is likely to try again there." Obi-Wan said.
"Well we best get a move on then." Anakin said. They quickly made their way to the Ministry. Once they reached the main street they separated. Obi-Wan took the upper level while Anakin searched on the ground. Really, Obi-Wan did have to thank the Death Watch for wearing such obvious armour. It made them much easier to spot than an assassin in plain clothes. He wandered around cautiously, every so often making sure to cast an eye in Anakin's direction. The only way he could actually tell where Anakin was, was through his Force signature. He really could disguise himself and blend in very well. Though, he supposed that shouldn't really come as a surprise given his relatively frequent trips to the undercity.
"Anything?" He asked through the commlink.
"Nothing." Anakin replied.
"Nothing here either." Obi-Wan sighed. Then he spotted a very familiar helmet. "Wait, I think that's him. He's with me on the upper level with a sniper rifle."
"Got it. You want me up there or down here to find Satine?" Anakin asked.
"Try and find Satine." Obi-Wan told him.
"On it." Came the slightly unhappy reply. He returned his focus to the Mandalorian about forty feet in front of him. Obi-Wan made his way forwards. As he drew closer, the assassin suddenly aimed his rifle and took a shot. Obi-Wan jumped forwards, igniting his lightsaber and slashing through the gun before he could shoot again. The assassin then hit him in the gut with the remaining part of the gun. Air was forced from his lungs but Obi-Wan recovered quickly. They fought and at some point he was disarmed, his lightsaber falling to the floor before rolling away. Their fistfight was drawing attention and a powerful punch to the solar plexus meant Obi-Wan was thrown backwards. The assassin drew a small gun and aimed it at his heart. Then another lightsaber slashed through that gun too before destroying the man's jetpack as well.
"I wouldn't move, if I were you." Anakin said calmly, though Obi-Wan noticed that his eyes were blazing with fury, aiming his lightsaber at the assassin's throat. The man snarled angrily but didn't move. Anakin put him in cuffs and then tossed Obi-Wan's lightsaber back to him. "Careful Obi-Wan. That weapon is your life." He said with an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Yes, yes. Alright." Obi-Wan rolled his eyes but couldn't stop his amusement. He wondered how long Anakin had been waiting for that opportunity. "Where is the Duchess?"
"Safe, back down there." He gestured to the ground floor. "Now what do we do?"
"We allow the Coruscanti authorities to handle this as an attempted murder, doesn't matter on who. Then we escort Satine to the Senate, hopefully with the correct recording." Anakin nodded. Then he flagged down one of the guards who had been trying to disperse the crowd that had gathered to watch the fight. He handed over the assassin with a quick explanation. The guards took him away and the two Jedi leapt over the side and returned to where Anakin had left Satine.
"It would seem you saved my life." Satine said in a distinctly unhappy voice.
"Again." Anakin pointed out in a clearly fake innocent tone. She glared. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
"Did you get what you came here for?" He asked her. She raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Yes, I did. How did you know I would come here?" She asked.
"Lucky guess." Obi-Wan told her. "I saw the recording in the Senate today and suspected you would try to find the real thing."
"So you knew it was edited?"
"It was the likely explanation."
"You seem to do a lot of guesswork."
"Next time we'll leave it to you, assassins and all." Anakin stated, rolling his eyes. "I'm sure they would have left you alone had you asked them nicely enough."
"It's time we got your recording to the Senate." Obi-Wan cut in before Satine could reply. They both glared at each other but nodded. They took a speeder and arrived at the Senate quickly enough. As Satine had not had her speeder tampered with, the vote was still scheduled to be tomorrow. It would have to wait until then as Obi-Wan did not want to risk showing the footage to Palpatine and having something happen to it before then. Satine agreed it would be better to wait until the vote.
"Will you...will you stay and help me guard it?" Satine asked, for once sounding a little nervous.
"How do you propose we do that? Stand here and ask any thieves to please go away?" Anakin asked scornfully.
"I was hoping you would be more of a deterrent." Satine retorted.
"Of course we will. You will get that recording to the Senate." Obi-Wan promised.
"Thank you, Obi-Wan." She gave him a grateful smile and then disappeared into her rooms.
"You're not still concerned about Satine and I?" Obi-Wan asked Anakin, spotting the annoyance on his face.
"No. She just grates on my nerves anyway." Anakin shrugged. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes but could tell he was being truthful. Thankfully nothing happened overnight. The next morning Satine delivered the recording to the Senate and it was decided that the Republic would not interfere on Mandalore. With their job done, Obi-Wan and Anakin made their way back to the Temple. They made a quick report to the Council before heading to their apartment.
"Ah, freedom." Anakin sighed, sinking onto the couch. "The Council didn't even give us another assignment yet."
"I don't know about you, but I want some sleep." Obi-Wan said.
"Yeah, that's not a bad idea." Anakin agreed. They made their way into the bedroom, Anakin slipped into the fresher first so Obi-Wan got himself undressed. Then they swapped over before clambering into bed and promptly falling asleep.
The next morning, Obi-Wan woke up to the feeling of Anakin's fingers lightly running through the smattering of hair on his chest.
"Good morning." Obi-Wan said sleepily.
"Mornin'." Anakin replied. Opening his eyes, he saw that Anakin was propped up on one elbow beside him, hand still on his chest. Obi-Wan moved his own hand to the growing curls at the back of Anakin's neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Anakin kissed him back firmly, licking at his lip, asking for entry which was granted. Their tongues battle for dominance. Then Anakin shifted so he was lying on top of Obi-Wan, keeping his weight on his elbows but making sure their bodies were touching.
Then Anakin began kissing down his neck which made Obi-Wan shiver slightly and a moan of pleasure escaped him. He ran his hands over the younger man's back, dipping beneath his underwear to cup his ass. Then he pulled him tighter against his growing erection. One hand, keeping him in place, Obi-Wan used his free hand to pull up Anakin's chin, kissing him deeply once more. Then he pulled back, breathing hard.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked.
"I want you." Anakin replied, grinding against him to prove his point. Obi-Wan nodded. He used the Force to help him flip them over smoothly. Then he kissed his way down Anakin's neck and chest. He wanted to take his time and truly get to know his love's body. Obi-Wan explored the skin of his chest, slowly moving down to Anakin's stomach. When he sucked slightly on a particular spot, Anakin's hips jerked upwards slightly and he made note of that for future reference. As his lips trailed lower, Obi-Wan's fingers played with the edge of Anakin's boxers. He glanced up, looking for permission to continue. Anakin watched him but then realised what he was asking and nodded. With the interfering cloth out of the way, Anakin was left exposed. Obi-Wan took a few moments to simply admire him but Anakin let out a whine of impatience and he smiled.
He kept his eyes locked on Anakin's as he took him in his hand and slowly began moving. Anakin's mouth opened slightly and his hands lightly fisted the sheets as Obi-Wan kept his movements slow and deliberate. His eyes were half closed so Obi-Wan returned to kissing any available skin within reach while he kept working Anakin's cock. The sounds he made were delightful and Obi-Wan used the Force to remove his own boxers. He shifted his position slightly and increased the speed of his hand. Anakin let out a louder moan and his hips jerked.
"Obi. So good." Anakin breathed. Obi-Wan then stopped his movement and Anakin began to protest. All protests were silenced when Obi-Wan took him in his mouth. A strangled moan escaped the younger man and a hand fisted in his hair. He moved up and down slowly, pausing to lick a stripe up the underside of his cock. The hand in his hair flexed rapidly and Obi-Wan could feel Anakin struggling not to thrust his hips. He quickened his movements. Anakin's breathing increased as he continued to make little noises that went straight to Obi-Wan's own cock.
"C..close." Anakin panted. That knowledge spurred Obi-Wan on, moving his mouth quicker, moving his hand to cup Anakin's testicles. The younger Jedi writhed and then he stilled, hips thrusting up slightly and he let out a loud moan. "Obi-Wan!" Obi-Wan felt a warm, slightly salty liquid filling his mouth. It was unpleasant but tolerable and he swallowed before moving himself back up the bed. Anakin was still breathing hard but he gave him a dopey grin.
"Was that alright?" Obi-Wan asked slightly nervously. It had certainly been a while since he had done anything of the sort.
"Amazin'." Anakin said.
"We should probably get cleaned up."
"Wanna repay the favour." Anakin protested.
"Some other time. There are still plenty of things we need to be doing." Obi-Wan told him. They dragged themselves out of bed and then ended up showering together. There were more exploratory touches and soft kisses.
Anakin was just washing his back and then a hand snaked around and gripped his cock firmly. He shuddered slightly. The hand began moving and pleasure rushed through him. It had been so long. He let out a moan and rested his forehead against the shower wall. Anakin placed soft kisses along his shoulder blades as he continued to work his cock. Obi-Wan shivered in pleasure and then turned himself around. Anakin was smiling at him, wet hair plastered against his head. Obi-Wan pulled him in for a searing kiss as the hand on his cock sped up. He groaned, and let his head fall back against the wall. Immediately lips were on his throat, sucking and nipping. Waves of pleasure coursed through him.
"Ani." He whispered.
"Yes, love?" Obi-Wan couldn't form the words for what he wanted so settled for a moan instead. Anakin grinned and worked his hand even harder. He was not going to last much longer. His release was thundering closer and he looked into the crystal blue eyes of Anakin, blown wide with lust. His peak hit him and his eyes closed as all thought was wiped from his mind. His head fell forwards to Anakin's shoulder and he used the younger man to support himself, not completely sure he had the strength left to stand by himself. It was a quite a few more moments before he could collect himself and look up at Anakin who seemed rather proud of himself.
"Was that ok?"
"Definitely more than ok." Obi-Wan told him when he could speak coherently once more. He kissed Anakin deeply. They finished cleaning themselves up and then finally got out of the shower.
They got themselves dressed and Anakin made breakfast. As his sparring session with Ahsoka had been cut short the day before, they were going to try again. Obi-Wan decided to go along and watch as Anakin was going to give Ahsoka her life day present. Once they had got everything they needed, including the present, they made their way out of the apartment.