A/N: Well, I here I am, squeezing in one more chapter before I pack up my computer. I won't have a computer till Monday. I'm glad you all like this new, darker Obi-Wan. Don't worry, we'll get to see him action. That is going to be a fun chapter to write. Hehehehe.

Ch. 23 The green-eyed monster called jealously.

The party trickled into the wee hours of the morning. Qui-Gon stood off the side with Mace and watched as Obi-Wan accepted his gift and danced the night away with every girl in the room. But Qui-Gon could tell Obi-Wan was not pleased. His eyes always roomed around as if searching for a certain person.

"I'm going to escort the senator back to her house," sighed Mace, "If anything exciting happens, let me know."

"I will," smiled Qui-Gon at Mace.

The dark-skinned Jedi Master rolled his eyes as the amazingly bubbling senator grabbed his arm and pulled him to the door, an endless stream of words pouring out of her mouth. When the pair was out of sight, Qui-Gon's shoulders sagged and he ran a hair through his graying hair. Turning his gaze back at the dance floor, the elder Jedi caught sight of the young woman who had glared at him earlier this evening.

Nyree stood off to the side, hands interlocked in front of her. Obi-Wan immediately excused himself from the woman he was dancing with and made his way to Nyree. Grasping her hands, Obi-Wan smiled warmly, "Nyree."

"Obi-Wan," whispered Nyree, relief shining in her eyes.

Obi-Wan guided Nyree out onto the floor, "I believe we both earn this dance."

Nyree nodded and leaned closer to Obi-Wan as the slow song began. Obi-Wan tilted his head and breathed in Nyree's scent. He could smell Xanatos on her and once again anger stirred in him.

"Nyree, please stay with me," whispered Obi-Wan, his plea present in the tone.

The girl tightened her grip on him, "Of course I'll stay. Xanatos and I—"

Obi-Wan tensed and his eyes grew darker, "Don't."

Nyree frowned at Obi-Wan's change in attitude. She locked her eyes with Obi-Wan's deep sea eyes. Understanding seeped into her mind, "Obi-Wan. Xanatos and I…we hate each other's guts. He's nothing more than an employer. Don't let jealously destroy your relationships, sir, that is the way to pure darkness and I'm not talking about the Dark Side of the Force." With that said, Nyree broke away from Obi-Wan and merged into the sea of people.

Obi-Wan stood still, his arm slightly outstretched, eyes wide. Lowering his arm, a word escaped his mouth, "Nyree."

Hearing a small chuckle, Obi-Wan gathered up his scattered thoughts and began to walk of the dance floor. The sith child followed next to him with a grin on his face.

"I guess I overestimated myself," groaned Obi-Wan mentally.

"Yes, you did. And see where it got you; Xanatos is taking away your woman. If you pretended to be ill, Nyree would be swooning over you. That and we wouldn't have to deal with the Jedi," accused the child.

"Since when did you speak?" questioned Obi-Wan.

"Since jealously took seed in your heart," smirked the child, "I'll always be here. You can't escape the Dark Side, you can't just use it whenever you want and then go back to Light Side. But don't worry, when every one you love is gone, I'll still be here."

Obi-Wan frowned as the child disappeared. Only when he looked up did he notice that Qui-Gon was standing in front of him. Summing up his disproval over the whole situation, Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes, "What do you want?"

"Let's talk, just talk," replied Qui-Gon, his voice soft with a fatherly affection.

"You're not my father," rebuked Obi-Wan. He didn't feel like playing these games anymore. He just wanted to fall asleep in a nice peaceful dream for once.

Qui-Gon frowned, his brow creasing with worry, "I know I am not your father, but I want to still think we are close friends. Besides, I saw how you and that girl looked at each other."

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

Relief spilt out on the elder's face, "You two are in love. The Force was wrapped around you two in such a gentle, loving manner."

"Really?"

"Yes," smiled Qui-Gon. He could hear in the boy's voice what sounded like a plea. Was Obi-Wan unaware of the attraction? Or did the boy believe that such a thing didn't exist?

Obi-Wan smiled, "The latter, Jinn."

Surprise twitched at Jinn's face, "You…"

"Your thoughts are an open book," smirked Obi-Wan.

Jinn smiled back, "Obi-Wan, why did you have to be so…dark earlier before? Just come back to us, it is time."

The teenager shook his head, "I can't. But, go to Tatooine and maybe I'll consider your offer. Now, go."

"No, Obi-Wan—" A blank look came across Qui-Gon's face.

Waving his hand, dark eyes locked with pale blue, Obi-Wan turned Qui-Gon's body around and told the body to leave the planet and go to Tatooine. Qui-Gon's mind tried to retaliate but the suggestion was too strong. So Qui-Gon watched as his body left the party. The last glance he saw of Obi-Wan was the boy looking down at the floor, guilt shimmering in his eyes.

"So, now can we play with Xanatos?" the child questioned, perched on the table, his legs swinging beneath him.

"No," sighed Obi-Wan. His mind, body and soul was tired.

"Obi-Wan, you ready to leave?"

Obi-Wan turned around. Behind him, Xanatos was standing, his arms crossed. Next to him was Nyree, her head hung down low. Jealously began to boil his mind and wash away his weariness.

"Sure."

Xanatos frowned slightly. The teenager's tone was harsh, abrupt and cold. Nodding, Xanatos lead the three out of the party. The ride back was as silent as a graveyard.

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A/N: I know it is short, but I promise the next chapter shall be longer. Confrontations will be made, new alliances formed and all will come to pass.