Chapter Two

Obi-Wan entered the atmosphere of Coruscant in high spirits. The negotiations on Kintan had gone well and an ambassador had already arrived. Soon, Kintan would be a member of the Republic. The mission had been a success, and so much so, he had been able to leave the planet a day earlier than scheduled. He had chosen not to contact Padme of the change, wanting to surprise her instead.

He shortly entered the Jedi Temple in search of his padawan. Before rushing to the apartment he and Padme now shared, he felt it necessary to check on the progress of his apprentice's training. The training bond he shared with the young Jedi soon led him to the meditation chambers.

The sight before him stopped him dead in his tracks. There on a bench right outside of the chamber sat Padme in a tight embrace with Anakin. There was a large smile on the young man's face. He apparently was enjoying himself and Padme wasn't pulling away. A gasp from Anakin and a quick retreat and look of surprise on Padme's face confirmed his fear. Anakin was not out of the picture. A wedding apparently hadn't changed a thing. How could he be so stupid. Before even allowing them the chance to utter some lame excuse, he stormed away from them and headed for the training arena. He had the sudden urge to destroy something with his lightsaber.

Padme turned with a look of desperation to Anakin who still sat on the bench dumbfounded. Padme's retreat was halted by a firm grip on her arm.

"Anakin! Let me go! I have to go to him and explain!"

"Allow me." His voice was icy steel.

Anakin quickly caught up with Obi-Wan, who was storming toward the training arena, lightsaber in his hand.

"Master."

He didn't stop.

"Master!"

He still didn't stop.

"Obi-Wan!"

The blue glow of the lightsaber in his hand hummed to life and Anakin felt a sudden chill go up his spine. Obi-Wan still did not turn to face him.

"What are you going to do? Kill me?"

The lightsaber was turned off and Obi-Wan slowly turned to face his apprentice, jealous fury burning in his eyes, the training bond between them completely blocked.

"Maybe not. But you aren't going to allow me to communicate through our bond. Fine. You'll just have to listen to me and trust me."

"Trust you! How long Anakin? How long has this been going on behind my back? I know you've wanted her all along. How did you convince her to finally give in? Did you do it honestly or use the Force?"

Obi-Wan never saw it coming. He found himself flat on his back with a searing pain along his nose and left upper lip. He swiped his hand along his mouth and noted the blood smeared across it. Suddenly Anakin was in his face.

"Forgive me Master, but you are an idiot! I don't want Padme! I thought I did once, but that was a long time ago! I'm grown now. I have other things on my mind - other women. Well, one in particular as a matter of fact. But that's no business of yours!" He emphasized with a jabbing of his finger into Obi-Wan's chest.

Obi-wan had a sudden feeling of deja-vu.

"She came here to advice me on how to court Dorme! I'm in love with Dorme! Not Padme! Idiot...I mean, Master!"

Anakin felt the training bond slowly opening once more. He reached down and pulled Obi-wan back up to his feet.

"You love Dorme?"

"Yes, Master." Anakin proceeded to wipe the remaining blood off of Obi-Wan's face with the sleeve of his tunic. "I'm sorry about that Master."

"Apparently, I needed it. But couldn't you have used a Force push instead?"

"Not painful enough. You needed some sense knocked into you."

"You and Dorme are perfect for each other, padawan." Obi-Wan grasped the young Jedi's shoulder firmly.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing. If you'll excuse me, I have to go apologize to my...wife."