Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.

Full summary: Sequel to The Heir. QuiGon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker are once more being united with ObiWan. Much has changed over the past five years. Will they be able to work together with each of them harboring dark secrets? QuiAni

Warnings: Slash, JA reference, drug use, language

Pairing(s): Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)

Fic type: AU, romance

Bizarre speaks: I want to just upload Chapter III so badly...but I suppose...we'll all just have to wait until Friday.

Chosen
Volume Three
Reunion
Chapter II: Smoldering

Anakin came onboard searching for Obi-Wan. He intended to try spurring a conversation. Easier said than done. Obi-Wan was the only person Anakin had ever considered a true friend, so he was willing to make the effort. It had been a major blow to Ani when Obi-Wan left. Now it was time to catch up.

Obi-Wan was exactly where he said he would be. At the bar, sitting with a shot of some clear liquid and talking idly with a red-haired woman. Anakin raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything at first.

"Am I interrupting?" It was proceeded by a short cough to announce his presence.

The woman turned to face him, a smirk playing across her painted face. "Yes, you are."

Obi-Wan snorted from behind his drink.

"I was under the impression that Jedi were not supposed to flirt," Anakin said coolly.

"Flirt?" Obi-Wan repeated setting down his glass. "Who is flirting?" He put a solicitous hand on the woman's thigh. "Miss Catalin and I are having a very serious discussion, aren't we, dear?"

"Why yes," the redhead nodded, giving Anakin a smoldering look.

The Padawan merely stared back at her calmly. "Oh."

"I suppose I can make an exception for you, Anakin," Obi-Wan commented dryly. He reached into his pocket, pressed some credits into the woman's hand and leaned close to whisper, "Later."

Once the clicking sound of her shoes had faded Obi-Wan turned back to the bar. This time ordering something bright green.

For a moment Anakin didn't move. Then he strode over and took a seat. "I've missed you," he informed Obi-Wan plainly. "I heard you were busy."

"Yes, keeping the peace does keep me busy," the Knight replied.

"Yeah, I suppose." Well, this was more awkward than Anakin anticipated.

"How have you been, Ani?" Obi-Wan asked, sitting back.

Anakin never dwelt on how he was. It took him a moment to respond. "I'm alright, I guess," he finally decided.

Obi-Wan snorted again. "Oh?"

"And you? You're doing well?" Anakin asked, quickly changing the subject. He did not want to talk about his feelings.

"Oh, I've been just fabulous." Obi-Wan pulled back his sleeve as if looking at a chrono. But he didn't have one. Just some bandages around his wrist. He made an irritated noise and drained his glass.

Observing the wrappings Anakin asked if he was hurt.

Obi-Wan stared at the apprentice blankly for a moment. Then glanced down at his arm. "No."

Clearly Anakin would have liked a more thorough explanation, but he accepted what was given with a shrug. Then the young man lapsed back into an uncomfortable silence. He fidgeted nervously, unsure what to do next.

Obi-Wan seemed comfortable enough, drinking away. Never even offering Anakin anything. After nearly an hour he leaned over the counter to ask the barkeep for the time.

"Fabulous as this has been, Anakin, we have a mission coming up. Rest," Obi-Wan stood and stretched.

"Yeah," the Padawan agreed. He really should go and find Master Qui-Gon, anyhow.

"I'll see you when we land," Obi-Wan waved and headed out.

"See you," Anakin called back. He left the lounge and paused to focus in on his Master. The ship was only so big. It didn't take him long to find his way through the twisting corridors, following Qui-Gon's trail in the Force. He found the Jedi Master in a cramped berth looking over a datapad. They had been given background on the assignment, but it never hurt to review further.

"Hi," Anakin greeted him, dropping down onto the narrow bunk. He draped himself over Qui-Gon's broad shoulders so he could see the readout.

Ensaide was the planet they were heading to. Responding to an official hail for help from a member of the ruling family. It seems attempts were being made on the life of a royal princess. The Jedi were charged with protecting her. Royal assassination could lead to bloody feuding. A real threat to the peace.

"Where were you, Padawan?" Qui-Gon inquired once he finished scanning the report.

"With Obi-Wan," Anakin answered, kissing the side of his teacher's neck. "In the bar. Don't worry I had nothing," he added quickly.

"And how is Obi-Wan?"

"He seems fine, I guess." He and Obi-Wan hadn't said much, really. And Anakin had the impression that what Obi-Wan said had been sarcastic. But, Kenobi seemed healthy enough, for the most part. Very different, though.

"I have no predictions as to how this mission will go, Padawan. We best get some rest.

"Yes, Master," Anakin agreed, shifting aside so Qui-Gon could lie beside him.

Mission were pleasant for the two of them. Less prying eyes than the Temple. Qui-Gon kissed Ani and they settled for the night.

Qui-Gon hoped to speak with Obi-Wan after the morning meal and some routine exercises. When he arrived at the younger Jedi's quarters, however, he was greeted by a red-haired woman instead.

"Oh, excuse me. Is this not Obi-Wan Kenobi's room?" the tall fellow asked politely.

"Yes," the lady nodded. "He cleared out this morning."

"I see," Qui-Gon murmured in dissatisfaction.

"Can I help you, honey?" Catalin purred

"No. Thank you," the Jedi Master managed politely. Then he inclined his head and quickly fled.

To Be Continued...