"Something on your mind, my dear Anakin?."
It took Anakin some time to register the question and when he finally did, he huffed. With everything going on that was the euphemism of the century. A war, a demanding Council, a repressing Code, battles to win, a Padawan to teach and most importantly a partner he couldn't stop worrying about.
Peace of mind became a rare thing these days, and even Ahsoka's attempts to keep his spirits ups when he and Obi-Wan were apart started to lose their effect. He tried to remain focused on his missions but a part of him was always set on the copper-haired Jedi, especially when he knew the other man faced dangers without Anakin at his side.
He had almost tamed the constant concern distracting him when the dart incident happened, sending his newfound balance tumbling down and Anakin had no idea if he had it in him to let his former master go on solo missions again after that.
"Is it something I could perhaps help with?" questioned his interlocutor when he saw no response would come from the young Jedi.
Frowning, Anakin thought about what kind of help he could receive and decided it could be worth a shot.
Opting for a careful approach, the young Jedi choose to assess his interlocutor's reaction before revealing too much. As much as he trusted his listener, he always opted for caution when Obi-Wan was involved in the topic.
"It's not a very concerning matter, I simply worry over my former master. The war is hard on everyone but he was recently injured in a fight."
The chuckle responding to his declaration picked Anakin's attention and he curiously waited to see what kind of answer his statement would get.
"Ah, an understandable concern, my dear Anakin." A pause. "Especially considering how fond you still are of Master Kenobi."
Suppressing a snort, the blonde Jedi opened his mouth to answer but was beaten to it.
"Although I can't help but wonder, Anakin, about the nature of your relationship. I mean no offense, of course, but as a trusted friend I would very much like to know. Especially since your attention seemed to be drifting more and more towards him. A peculiar phenomenon if you would agree after all aren't Padawan and Master supposed to grow apart once the teaching is over? "
Brows furrowing at the what the statement implied, Anakin decided to ignore the question in favor of asking another.
"What kind of relationship do you believe we share?"
This was a taunt, plain and simple. One he wouldn't have thought he would have to use with this person of all people, but he had to know if his secret would be kept.
"I believe you two are involved in a romantic relationship despite the Code."
To Anakin's surprise, the one sounded devoid of judgment.
"You didn't tell the Council," he stated, thinking about what this meant. "Why?"
Another chuckle echoed in the room, one that made Anakin feel like a child who asked obvious questions.
"My dear Anakin, I value your happiness more than centuries-old rules. If they knew they would have to separate you. Imagine how tarnished the Jedi's reputation would be if their Chosen One chose to blatantly ignore their very own Code?"
His smirk tugged at his lips as he replied. "So you don't think they know?"
"Why, of course not, do not worry, Anakin, with the ongoing war their attention is focused on more pressing matters."
There it was, the lie.
"You're probably right." scoffed Anakin, forcing a smile on his lips. "As I said, the matter wasn't very concerning."
Urging himself to endure some more small talk for the sake of appearances, Anakin finally took his leave after what felt like a long hour but was probably no more than fifteen minutes. He hastily the red office, eager to regain his quarters where he knew Obi-Wan was sound asleep after their earlier activities.
But in his hurry, Anakin failed to notice the angry frown on the Chancellor's face.