"Did you miss me?"

Maul stalked in front of Anakin, cracked teeth flashing as he bent down to grab the young Jedi by the front of his tunic. "Did you miss me, Jedi?" he spat, tightening his grip as Anakin cried out in pain.

"Obi-Wan will stop you," Anakin managed to choke out, "He'll stop you."

Maul shoved him back against the pole with both hands and Anakin saw stars swimming in his vision as his body shook in agony.

"You cannot stop the Sith," hissed Maul as his yellow eyes bore into Anakin's. "You will fail. Your Master will fail. The Jedi will end."

Maul hit the lever and Anakin screamed as the electricity struck again.

"Anakin? Anakin can you hear me?"

Anakin gasped as he shot forward in his bed, narrowly missing a collision with Obi-Wan's nose as his master jerked back. "What happened?" he asked frantically, looking around the room as Obi-Wan's hands came to rest on his shoulders. Grey eyes met blue ones as Anakin blinked, pushing the dregs of the nightmare from his mind. His heartrate gradually slowed as Obi-Wan guided Anakin back onto the bed.

"Anakin, you're fine," said Obi-Wan smiling at him though the concern on his face was obvious. "You were just waking up from your surgery."

"Oh," said Anakin raising his right arm. He flexed his fingers experimentally, hearing the soft sounds of the gears whirring as he moved. "Looks good. Seems like Dr. Bala did okay."

Watching Anakin, Obi-Wan frowned. "Are you sure? Is it supposed to be hurting like that?"

At Anakin's look of surprise Obi-Wan explained hastily. "Sorry. It's just since our Force signatures have blended together I've been more, ah, receptive to what you're feeling, without meaning to. I've been trying to block it out but it's taking some getting used to."

"Oh," said Anakin, "Makes sense."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms. "You didn't answer my question though. I think we should call the doctor back."

"No," said Anakin quickly, propping himself back onto his elbows. "Honestly, Obi-Wan, I'm used to it."

Obi-Wan blinked. "What do you mean you're used to it?"

Anakin shrugged, obviously uncomfortable with the turn this conversation was taking. "I don't know. I mean it's not that bad, and it doesn't hurt all the time. Just like after hard battles and stuff. Like all the other aches."

Obi-Wan could feel his gut clenching uncomfortably, becoming painfully aware that he may have missed something. For far too long. "Other aches?"

"It's not like you're not sore all the time," snapped Anakin.

"I am older than you Anakin—"

"You're not that old—"

"You've always implied otherwise—"

"I'm just kidding, Obi-Wan, mostly—"

Obi-Wan sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Anakin, there's a difference between wear and tear after battles and chronic pain. You do get electrocuted an awful lot…"

"So do you," Anakin shot back though he knew his record was likely far worse than Obi-Wan's in that particular arena. He crossed his arms and turned away from Obi-Wan. "Just leave it alone, okay? Just because we're melded or whatever doesn't mean you can keep shoving your face in my business."

Anakin immediately regretted his words as he saw the hurt pass through Obi-Wan's face. Kriff. He didn't mean to snap—it was just a sore point with him. Literally. He just hated taking any kind of medication. It made him feel like he wasn't capable of controlling his own body. And at this point, instinct led him to take any Obi-Wan's orders to visit the healers as another act of pulling rank or another reminder of Anakin's weaknesses. His failings.

"Anakin. Has your arm always bothered you?" Obi-Wan asked avoiding his eyes. He'd withdrawn back into himself, though Anakin could still feel the hints of worry and guilt leaking through the Force.

Anakin opened his mouth to deny it, to argue that he was fine, that he was no worse off than the clones or any other Jedi thrown into the pressure of the war. And honestly, the pain hadn't been so bad when he first lost the arm, the lingering discomfort a normal result of any new prosthetic. But after being pushed through battle after battle it never quite went away. And as his body kept facing new beatings, new eletrocutions, new injuries, Anakin had never really thought to question it.

Anakin looked at Obi-Wan knowing that his master would probably blame himself for not noticing. Ridiculous man. But he could also feel Obi-Wan's signature pushing against his, the worry, the desire to know what was going on with Anakin.

No more secrets.

"Yeah," admitted Anakin quietly. "Yeah, it kind of does. The other aches too."

Obi-Wan let out a breath beside him, worry over Anakin's pains swirling with relief at being told. "Then," he said hesitantly, "Maybe we should look into a permanent solution in the future. You deserve to live better than this, Anakin," said Obi-Wan looking at him earnestly.

"Yeah," muttered Anakin. "You're probably right." He looked back at Obi-Wan. "I'm sorry for snapping. I do appreciate it. You asking, I mean."

Obi-Wan smiled at him. "It's alright. I should have noticed a long time ago."

"Nope," said Anakin firmly. "You don't get to blame yourself for everything, Obi-Wan."

"I don't blame myself for everything—"

"Uh huh."

"Well, pardon me for a having a sense of accountability," said Obi-Wan raising an eyebrow at Anakin. "It's different. I'm happy to take responsibility for you. For Ahsoka. For my role as a general, as a Council member. For the things that I borrow, for that ship that we stole—"

"Whoa back up," said Anakin staring wide-eyed at Obi-Wan. "What ship?"

"Oh," said Obi-Wan flushing. He suddenly found something on his boots very interesting. "It is possible," he said slowly, "That the Council did not entirely approve of our rescue mission. And it is possible that Ahsoka and I may have borrowed a ship to come find you. Without permission. Which we will promptly return."

"You stole a ship—"

"Borrowed a ship, Anakin—"

"Against the Council's orders—"

"Bearing in mind the Council's disapproval—"

"Kidnapping a Padawan—"

"Enlisting the help of a talented young Jedi—"

"To save me," finished Anakin looking at Obi-Wan with a mix of awe, surprise and pure delight.

Obi-Wan looked up at the ceiling. "Yes," he said "I suppose that is something for which I am accountable. Do not think, however, that I am going to make it a habit of disobeying the Council, Anakin, because oomph-" he grunted as Anakin suddenly reached over to grip him in a tight hug, burying his neck in Obi-Wan's shoulder. Taken aback, Obi-Wan slowly wrapped his arms around Anakin in return.

"Thank you, Master," said Anakin against Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Thank you."

Obi-Wan hugged him a little tighter. "You have no need to thank me, Anakin, " he said softly. They stayed together for a long moment until Obi-Wan eventually broke the hug. Obi-Wan smiled at Anakin before fixing him with a stern glare. "I do mean it, Anakin, this is not an invitation to disobey the Council—"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Obi-Wan, you literally stole a ship, told the Council to shove its orders, touched the Dark Side, and are seeking refuge with your secret girlfriend. I have the moral high ground for the first time since—since ever, actually." He grinned. "I think I win a month without lectures."

Obi-Wan looked at him skeptically. "My two days of questionable decisions outweigh three years of forbidden marriage?"

"Surely you won't hold that against us, will you Obi-Wan?"

Both Jedi turned to face Padme as she appeared in the doorway, hands crossed in front of her and smile shining as she took in the two men before her.

"Padme!" exclaimed Anakin and Obi-Wan was nearly bowled over by the unbridled happiness he felt emanating from his old apprentice.

"Senator Amidala," said Obi-Wan politely bowing his head toward Padme.

"I think we're well past that Obi-Wan," said Padme warmly as she crossed the room to lay her hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "You can call me Padme. Thank you, so much, for keeping our secret. And for saving Anakin," she said reaching out to squeeze Anakin's hand tightly.

"Of course, Padme," said Obi-Wan smiling back. "I hope you know that I'm here to help you two however I can." And feeling the joy that shone from Padme and Anakin, hearing the Force hum in contentment around the pair, Obi-Wan felt safe in his decision to support his two young friends, no matter what lay ahead.

The reunion was interrupted by Zeria as she popped into the room. "Master Kenobi? The Duchess sent for you. She requests your help with a matter of state if you are available."

"The Duchess sent for me?" said Obi-Wan surprised. "Oh. Well, I will be with her shortly then," he said to Zeria who nodded and made her way out of the room.

"Well," said Obi-Wan turning to Padme and Anakin. "I will be on my way. Padme, despite whatever Anakin may tell you, he is still recovering and needs to rest," he said frowning at Anakin who was rolling his eyes. "So just no, um, strenuous activities."

"Strenuous activities?" said Anakin feeling like he was slowly sinking into a gaping hole in the floor. "Obi-Wan you're not talking about our sex life, right?"

"What? No-No!" sputtered Obi-Wan feeling the blood rush to his face. "Just—just take it easy, alright?" And with a slight bow to Padme he beat a hasty retreat out the door as Padme fought to control her laughter and Anakin buried his face in his hands.

"Oh gods," he moaned, "What have we done?"

"He just worries, that's all," said Padme still giggling as she threw her arms around Anakin who eagerly returned the embrace. He was secretly thrilled that he'd gotten his arm back in time for Padme's return. Though most days he had come to terms with his replacement, he always regretted never being able to embrace his wife with two warm hands, though Padme never made him feel self-conscious about it. At least he could give her proper hug now.

"But how are you doing though?" asked Padme as she pulled back to cup Anakin's face in her hands, stroking his cheeks and placing a soft kiss on his lips. "I've been so worried Ani."

"I'm okay, Angel," Anakin reaching up to lay his hands on her wrists. "I promise you."

"Good," said Padme. "You know I'd kill you if you died, right?"

"How could I ever leave the most amazing woman in the galaxy?" pouted Anakin and Padme felt her heart melt. She was used to hearing such broad praise, with politicians constantly scrabbling to shower her with empty compliments. But hearing them from Anakin, corny as they could be, always felt completely and utterly sincere. Anakin was the most earnest person she'd ever met, and she loved him for it.

"I have plenty of flaws," said Padme kissing him again before curling up on the hospital bed beside Anakin, who shifted to let her nestle against his chest.

"The snoring does get pretty bad, but I'll let it slide," said Anakin kissing the top of her head as she lightly smacked him.

"Watch it, Skywalker," she said, voice muffled against his side and Anakin laughed silently as the two fell into a comfortable silence, simply relishing being in the presence of the other, safe and sound

Anakin had nearly dozed off to sleep again when Padme spoke up. "I told Satine about us."

"Really?" said Anakin surprised.

"Yeah," she said looking up at him. "I hope that was ok?"

"Of course," he said kissing her, "I told Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, after all. It's just—I guess it feels a little weird that the Duchess of Mandalore knows about our marriage." He made a face. "I just hope she doesn't make any comments about our strenuous activities."

"I really doubt she will," laughed Padme as she glanced at the horrified look on Anakin's face. "She was having some thoughts on her relationship with Obi-Wan and it just felt right to open up about us."

"I see," nodded Anakin. He frowned. "You wouldn't have anything to do with this 'matter of state' she called Obi-Wan to, would you?"

Padme shrugged innocently. "I just thought Obi-Wan would be a great resource to solve her problem. I might have also suggested that it would be a good idea for them to spend some time together."

"And you call my plans reckless," teased Anakin. "Well, it looks like we're working together. I told Obi-Wan he should open up to her too."

"Who would have thought we'd ever end up playing matchmaker for the Duchess of Mandalore and Jedi Master Kenobi," said Padme shaking her head. "Let's just hope they both get over whatever's holding them back."

"He'd better invite us to the wedding," muttered Anakin as they fell into silence again, curled together in peace for the first time in weeks, falling into a serene sleep.

Obi-Wan and Satine rode in silence, dressed in plain clothes as they approached Pre Vizsla's warehouses. Satine had quickly explained the situation and her plan to Obi-Wan who had immediately agreed to aid Satine in her investigation. As any good Jedi would, he told himself. Not because he desperately wanted a moment alone with her. Anakin's snippets of wisdom sometimes seemed few and far between, but when they presented themselves they were powerful. I need to apologize for the Rako Hardeen incident. And… I need to be honest about how I feel.

Obi-Wan could do a great many things with ease, but talking about emotions, about attachments, was not one of them.

But talking to Anakin, admitting their attachments to each other- it hadn't been so horrible. If anything, it had saved them, saved Anakin from his thoughts, Obi-Wan from the Dark Side. But does Satine still feel attached to me?

Obi-Wan was pulled from his thoughts as they arrived at Vizsla's row of warehouses on the outskirts of the city. Wordlessly, they climbed down from their speeders and crept towards the first building.

"Supposedly, there should only be coal and mining equipment in these warehouses, correct?" whispered Obi-Wan.

"Yes," whispered Satine, "It's what his records show he's been investing in lately. However, if we find the food supplies, it will go a long way towards proving his involvement in the food shortages."

"It seems empty," murmured Obi-Wan as he peered through the windows. "I think we should stick together and examine the crates."

Satine shook her head. "No. We'll cover more ground if we split up to check the crates."

Obi-Wan frowned, unwilling to separate. "We only have one flashlight," he tried.

Satine held the light up. "Perfect. I'll use this one and you'll use your lightsaber. It's what the Jedi do best, isn't it?"

"As part of our pragmatic brand of peacekeeping, certainly," Obi-Wan shot back. He didn't feel like rehashing this argument again, though he could've sworn he saw Satine's lips twitching into a smile. "Satine, please. If Vizsla truly is behind these events, you are most definitely not his favorite person. If you were caught alone…"

Satine sighed. "Alright. But no hovering, alright Obi-Wan?"

"You offend me, my dear."

Satine scoffed and began making her way inside the warehouse, Obi-Wan close behind her. They worked quietly, peeking into the crates only to find the promised coal and mining equipment. They continued searching, so absorbed in their tasks they didn't realize they had both reached for the same crate, knocking it over with a spectacular crash. Obi-Wan pulled Satine to the ground, both holding their breath, listening for someone to come find them. But it appeared luck was on their side. The warehouse remained silent.

After several long moments, Obi-Wan released Satine, both sitting on the floor as they waited for their hearts to calm down. "My apologies, Satine," said Obi-wan quietly.

Satine shook her head. "No," she whispered back. "I should have been more mindful."

Obi-Wan waited for a moment, gathering his courage before he spoke again. This is it. Before your nerve fails you. "I must apologize for something else, Satine," he said hesitantly.

Satine frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"My funeral," said Obi-Wan looking anxiously at Satine for her reaction. She took in a sharp breath but said nothing, waiting for him to continue. "Satine," said Obi-Wan, "I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you what was happening. And I'm even more sorry that I never reached out to afterwards, to see how you were. I—well, I shouldn't have assumed that you would just find out it was a deception, that it would just be alright."

Satine sat quietly, thinking. "It broke my heart, Ben," she whispered, "It broke my heart to think I would never see you again. That I'd never be able to tell you—"

Obi-Wan reached out to take her hand when she didn't continue, gently cradling it in his. "Tell me what Satine?"

"To tell you that I still love you," said Satine reaching up to stroke his beard. "That I have never loved another man like I love you. And that I never will."

"Satine," whispered Obi-Wan grasping her hand. "I love you too," he said, "I don't think I have ever stopped."

They smiled shyly at each other, fingers entwined as they soaked in the truths their hearts had been aching to hear for far longer than the other realized. Obi-Wan could feel the Force alight with possibility, with hope. This can't be wrong. We can make this work. And work for the better.

"Obi-Wan," Satine began before catching sight of something beside them. "Obi-Wan!" she exclaimed, racing over to the shattered crate they had spilled. "Look!"

Obi-Wan was by her side in an instant, immediately recognizing what she had seen. "The food supplies," he breathed, "They were in a false bottom. That's how he's been hiding them."

"So it is Vizsla," said Satine, face hardening. "He is going to be a powerful opponent indeed."

"I'm afraid so," said Obi-Wan before yanking Satine down beside him again. "Someone just entered the warehouse," he said as quietly as he could. They quickly crept behind a larger tower of crates, close enough to hear the radio conversation of the warehouse's newest occupant.

He was a burly man, dressed in a rough brown jacket with a black radio clipped to front. "Yeah, yeah I'm here," he said, stopping in front of a line of long, wooden boxes. "You said seven, right?"

"Yeah," said a static voice over the radio. "Take the tops off all them to check. The boss'll be mad if he ends up with a corpse and not food supplies."

Satine looked over at Obi-Wan, horrified. "Corpse?" she mouthed to him.

Obi-Wan looked back helplessly, a cold pit settling in his stomach. I have a bad feeling about this…

The burly man finished his inspection. "Got 'em all," he said gruffly into the radio. "Going out to get the lift now," he said as he walked out of the warehouse.

"Satine!" hissed Obi-Wan as Satine leapt from their hiding spot and rushed over the long boxes. Following close behind her he reached the boxes. "Satine what-Oh my goodness," he said softly raising his lightsaber see the occupant of the box. "It's Dr. Brobuu," he whispered, shocked.

"You know Dr. Brobuu?" said Satine looking fearfully at him, color draining from her face.

"Yes," said Obi-Wan. "She was supposed to perform the surgery on Anakin's arm today. She was replaced by Dr. Bala because she was out sick."

"Dr. Bala?" said Satine. "I've never met him." She moved to the next box. "Oh no," she said. "It's Likah. One of my serving girls. She was out sick today too. All of these people," she said making her way down the line, "They work in the palace."

"Oi! What are you doing here?"

Satine and Obi-Wan turned to see the burly man watching them. "Oh kriff," said the man. "Jedi!"

He turned and sprinted down the warehouse and Obi-Wan immediately took off after him. "Satine!" he called.

"On it!"

Obi-Wan pursued the man, who nearly made it to the door before a stack of crates toppled in front of him, throwing the man to the ground. Obi-Wan instantly grabbed him and shoved him against the wall, holding the burly man securely.

"Who are you?" said Satine stomping over. "Why are those people dead?"

"Oh gods it's the Duchess—"

"Yes, it is," said Satine staring him squarely in the eye. "And if you know what's good for you," she said, voice deadly quiet, "You will answer my questions."

"Please," said the man, "I—it's not my fault. Vizsla put me up to it."

"Put you up to what?" growled Satine.

"The takeover," said the man. "Vizsla's going to take down the palace. Show you don't have any power."

"What?" said Satine. "When? How?"

"Tonight," babbled the man. "He replaced cooks, serving girls to get agents into the palace. When he heard there was a Jedi in the medical ward, he replaced a doctor too."

"What do you mean?" said Obi-Wan severely, fighting to keep his panic down.

"I dunno—I think it was to put an explosive on him. H—His arm I think. If he can prove the Duchess can't even protect her palace, protect the people in her care, how's she gonna protect the planet?"

Obi-Wan looked at Satine and saw his own fear mirrored in her eyes. "My servants," she whispered to him. "Korkie. Padme…"

"I know," said Obi-Wan. "We have to get back to the palace." He pressed his palm to the man's head, sending him to an instant sleep. He let him fall to the ground before turning to Satine, gently drawing her into an embrace.

"We're going to make it back in time. We're going to save them."