Chapter 7
Obi-Wan landed the speeder next to Anakin's. Unfortunately, he had found him at the place where he had hoped not to: the Chancellor's office. He thought about waiting in the speeder, but decided to get out and go looking for Anakin. If he sat in the speeder, Anakin might avoid going home if he saw him.
He rounded the corner only to find himself nearly nose-to-nose with his former Padawan.
"Anakin," he said calmly. "I'm sorry."
Anakin looked taken aback. His eyes had flashed upon seeing Obi-Wan, but his quick apology had left the young Jedi surprised. Obviously, he had been expecting another argument.
"Anakin, let me take you back to Padmé's." Anakin eyed him suspiciously. Obi-Wan forced back a sigh. "We need to talk."
Anakin begrudgingly followed Obi-Wan back to his speeder and settled into the seat silently, but the brooding look had not left his face. Obi-Wan started the speeder and it jumped into the air, in the direction of Senator Amidala's apartments. They sat there uncomfortably for almost an entire minute before Obi-Wan finally spoke. "Anakin, I'm sorry for what I said. This whole thing has just been one giant surprise after another and I just haven't entirely adjusted to the whole idea."
Anakin still sat there silently. Obi-Wan searched his friend's face for some sign of understanding, but found none. Anakin continued to stare at a spot slightly above his knees.
"Anakin, after you left, I made a promise," he continued. At this, Anakin blinked, the only indication that he had even heard Obi-Wan. "I promised Padmé that I would help the two of you no matter what."
Anakin absorbed this for a moment before speaking. "Does this mean not reporting me to the Council?" he asked.
Obi-Wan sighed. "Yes, Anakin, although you aren't going to be able to hide this forever. Eventually they will find out."
"Why are you doing this?" he asked. "You know it's wrong."
Obi-Wan really wanted to punch Anakin for that. As if what Anakin had done was not just as wrong?
Obi-Wan knew the truth. It was something that he had not admitted to anyone. Obi-Wan Kenobi had a secret. Anakin was not the only one with a forbidden attachment.
"Because you are like my brother, Anakin," Obi-Wan said sadly. "And even though it means defying the Order, you asked for my help. I can't abandon you."
Anakin stared at Obi-Wan in shock. Then, finally, he lowered his head. "I can't do this to you, Obi-Wan. I can't drag you down with me."
"Who else can you turn to, Anakin?"
Anakin sighed and cupped his chin with his mechanical hand. "Palpatine said I shouldn't have told you, but it was because he thought you would tell the Council."
"Anakin…" Obi-Wan sighed. "There's something I didn't have time to tell you."
The suspicious look returned to the young man's face. He wisely let Obi-Wan continue, holding back his usual impatience.
"The Council believes that Palpatine may be under control of a Sith Lord, Anakin."
"But I thought we killed Dooku!"
Obi-Wan looked at him sadly. "They think that he was merely the apprentice. The Master is in control of Palpatine now."
Anakin looked anguished. Obi-Wan understood that Anakin must be taking the news hard. After all, the Chancellor had taken Anakin under his wing and been a kind face in a sea of stoic Jedi. "What can I do for him, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan was touched, although he knew Anakin's trust was misplaced. It reminded him of the little boy he and Qui-Gonn had liberated from Tattooine, who would risk his life to help people that he barely knew. Even in his most desperate situation, Anakin wanted to help his friend. But Obi-Wan could not ask him to spy on the Chancellor. Anakin would never betray a friend.
"Unfortunately, Anakin, I would not trust him with any sensitive information. That includes your… situation." Obi-Wan still felt awkward talking about it. "The Council will watch over him," he tried to assure him.
Obi-Wan realized he was pulling up to Padmé's apartments, and he was glad to be able to change the subject. "I will do whatever I can to help you, my friend. I promise."
Anakin looked at him with tired blue eyes. "Thank you, Obi-Wan." He stood up and exited the speeder, stopping just outside. He turned around and bowed his head slightly. "You are truly my brother," he said with a hint of a smile in his eyes. Without another word from either of them, he turned towards the apartments and let himself inside.
Obi-Wan watched him silently. After a moment, the speeder lifted up once again and headed towards the Temple.
Padmé Amidala Skywalker looked up from her seat to see her husband entering the door. He stopped in front of her to take her hands. She let him tug her to her feet.
"Let's go to bed, love."
She looked up at him, her eyes full of questions. His cool blue eyes met her liquid brown ones, and some of the ice that appeared him them seemed to melt.
"Everything is going to be alright."
Without another word, he led her to their bedroom.
