"This was such a mistake!"
Rex grumbled and rolled over on his side, eyes wanting to stick shut.
"A terrible, stupid mistake!"
Rex rubbed his eyes and saw Padmé pacing around his room, half-dressed, wringing her scarf in her hands anxiously. He suddenly comprehended her words and sat up in his bed. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked honestly.
"No, you were perfect!" she exclaimed.
"Perfect?" he repeated, smile forming in the corner of his lips.
Padmé held her head in her hands, fingers gripping pieces of her hair for a second. "Not perfect," she revised, "adequate." Her gaze scanned the floor and the furniture before she demanded, "Where is my bra?"
"Sweetheart," Rex said, slipping out of bed and walking over to her.
Padmé held out a finger at him. "Don't call me that. And put something on."
Rex held up his hands in surrender and tugged on some boxers. "My nudity didn't bother you last night," he mumbled.
Padmé took an exasperated breath as she looked around the room for her clothes.
"Here," he said, hooking his finger under the pink bra strap draped on the back of a picture frame. He handed the garment to her. She took it and put it on underneath her t-shirt. Rex was impressed.
"Now," Padmé said, slightly calmer, "My jeans?"
Rex found those halfway kicked underneath the bed. Padmé took them from him quietly and tugged them on. Rex slipped on an undershirt. Padmé arranged her scarf and left the room swiftly.
Rex turned to follow her. "Padmé," he called.
She grabbed her purse from a coffee table and headed for the door.
Rex ran through his house to cut her off at the front door. She made a face at him. He held his hands up once more and pleaded, "Padmé, please don't go."
"Why? Have I not embarrassed myself enough?" she returned.
Rex relaxed and told her, "You don't have to go. I'll make you some caf and we can talk about it."
Padme's expression softened. She looked around briefly, noting the organized, but somewhat bare state of his house. "What is there to talk about?" she asked.
He crossed his arms. "Well, I thought I was giving you what you came here for."
"You came onto me," Padmé said pointedly.
"No," Rex insisted, "You kissed me, and then you pretty much tore off my shirt—"
"I did not!"
Rex sighed. "Anyway, that's not the point. Would you rather have talked longer? Told me what was bothering you?"
Padmé sighed too. "I suppose not," she replied.
Rex leaned against the front door. "So you don't trust me," he stated.
"It's complicated. It's not you. Family stuff, you know how that is," Padmé said.
Rex thought of Cody and nodded reluctantly. Birds chirped outside. Padmé tipped her head towards the door.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Rex asked. "We can have breakfast. You can use my shower."
"And then what? We carpool to work and enjoy the judgment of our peers?"
Rex held his hand to the side of her face. "No one is going to know," he assured her.
Padmé relented, thinking of the chaos at home. "Alright," she said, and Rex smiled.
Anakin woke up and blinked slowly as yellow light flooded his vision. He felt the slide of the comforter on his bare skin as he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to regain his dreaming state. Then the previous day's memories flashed behind his eyelids and he flipped on his side. Obi-Wan's side of the bed was empty. Anakin sat up quickly, panic twisting his features. But there was a little note stuck to his pillow. Anakin snatched it up and read, Making breakfast. Don't come down! We'll eat in bed. There's a robe of yours on the bedpost if you'd like to get dressed.
There was a tiny little heart drawn at the end of the note that made Anakin smile, but Obi-Wan hadn't signed it. Anakin put the note in the bedside table next to him and slipped the robe off the bedpost as he got out of bed. There were leggings and boxers left there too, and Anakin couldn't wipe the smile from his face as he got dressed. He'd decided to leave the front of the robe open just as there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Anakin called.
Obi-Wan opened the door and quickly put his hand back under the breakfast tray he was carrying.
"Want some help?" Anakin said, dashing to his side.
"No," Obi-Wan said, smiling lightly, "You get back in bed so I can put this tray over your lap."
Anakin narrowed his eyes at the order.
"Now, Anakin," Obi-Wan said, equally teasing.
"Yes, Daddy," Anakin replied, and crawled over the bed to his spot.
Obi-Wan had turned bright red by the time Anakin sat down, his ass no longer in view. The leggings did nothing to disguise it, unfortunately. Anakin smirked.
"Seems like you're in a good mood," Obi-Wan remarked as he walked over to him. He set the tray in front of Anakin. There was enough food for both of them, probably more. Strawberries and Iktotch toast and caf and sausage...
Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan as he sat next to him, his father's blush nearly faded. "I am. This morning is just a little different than other mornings," he replied.
Obi-Wan understood the feeling. He gestured to the tray and announced, "Hence, breakfast in bed. Eat up, sweetheart." And he kissed Anakin's hair before grabbing a piece of toast for himself.
Anakin looked at the tray again and sipped on a mug of caf. He wondered if the reason for the breakfast was because Obi-Wan thought he was too skinny, but he didn't ask. He didn't want to think about that right now.
"Aren't you hungry?" Obi-Wan asked gently. He added, "I know I'm starving!" and dipped his toast in a plate of syrup, which dripped at the corner of his mouth. Anakin wanted to lick it off him. But he took a piece of egg-dipped toast for himself and repeated the gesture, humming contentedly at the flavors in his mouth. He was hungry, after all.
Obi-Wan watched Anakin eat, hoping some of it would stay with him. But he knew that if—when—Anakin was going to gain some weight, it would be with the help of a professional—someone who knew mental health better than Obi-Wan did—but he would find such a person later. Today was about him and Anakin.
Anakin stuck a sausage link with his fork and covered it in syrup, feeling Obi-Wan's eyes on him keenly. When he'd finished with the sausage, he picked a strawberry and held it up to Obi-Wan's lips, bringing him out of his thoughts. Obi-Wan leaned forward slightly, held Anakin's hand where it was and took a bite of the strawberry. "Mmm..."
Anakin watched pink strawberry juice drip down Obi-Wan's chin. Obi-Wan took another bite and Anakin leaned over and kissed him, enjoying the taste of him more than anything on the plate. Obi-Wan smiled and kissed him back, the piece of strawberry in his mouth finding its way into Anakin's.
Anakin pulled away and chewed the fruit angrily. He swallowed it and said, "You did that on purpose."
Obi-Wan feigned shock and said, "I distinctly felt you take it from me."
Anakin scoffed. "Whatever."
Obi-Wan's expression softened. He chose another strawberry and brought it to Anakin's lips. "But don't they taste delicious?"
Anakin turned his head away from him and crossed his arms.
Well, he hadn't done that in a while. Obi-Wan frowned. "Anakin, you know I think you're beautiful whether you eat or not. But you'll feel better if you eat, I promise." He brushed Anakin's cheekbone with his knuckles.
Anakin turned to him again. Obi-Wan looked sad. "I'm sorry," he muttered, "I don't know what's wrong with me." He took the strawberry from Obi-Wan and ate it while looking down at the tray.
Obi-Wan had Anakin face him. He replied, "It's not you, darling. It's what's going on in here." Obi-Wan tapped his temple, then reached over and put his hand over Anakin's heart. "This is still the same."
Anakin smiled a little. That made him feel better. He started eating again, and Obi-Wan followed suit.
"Hey, Anakin," Obi-Wan began.
"Yeah?"
"Why do you call me Daddy sometimes?"
Anakin smiled sheepishly. "I guess I like the sound of it."
Obi-Wan sipped his caf. "No other reasons?"
Anakin fiddled with his fork. "Sometimes it's to tease you. You blushed earlier, so I guess it worked. Other times it's to remind you how I see you."
"And that is?"
Anakin was the one blushing this time. Quietly, he said, "My hero. My protector. My best friend. My Daddy."
Obi-Wan's lips parted. He hadn't expected an answer so sweet.
"Do you not like it?" Anakin asked.
"I like it. A lot," Obi-Wan said.
"Do you want me to call you Obi-Wan instead?"
"I like Daddy, really. You can call me Obi-Wan if you want, but not in public."
"Of course."
"We can't tell anyone."
"I know," Anakin insisted.
"There would be real consequences if anyone found out," Obi-Wan said.
"We'll be careful," Anakin responded.
"Alright." Obi-Wan finished his caf and was happy to see they'd eaten almost all the food on the tray. "What do you want to do today?" he asked.
Anakin thought on it. "I have no idea."
"No? You wanna... watch a holovid? Go shopping?"
Anakin laughed. "What would we shop for?"
Obi-Wan smiled and rubbed the back of Anakin's neck. "Maybe some new clothes for you. Robes or... Night robes."
Anakin nearly gasped. "We can't do that! People will ask who they're for!"
"I'll say it's for my girlfriend," Obi-Wan said simply.
"I am not a girl," Anakin retorted. "Besides, I like Mother's robe just fine."
"Hmm," Obi-Wan replied, "Then maybe I'll buy some for me."
Anakin's jaw dropped. "You would?"
Obi-Wan lowered his voice. "Yes."
Anakin pulled his eyes away from Obi-Wan's serious expression, imagining him in Mother's night robe, and then in black lace, and then in red silk. He looked at Obi-Wan again. "Let's go shopping," he said.
"Sure thing, sweetheart. We can't buy everything, since the motel just started out, but I'll get something for each of us."
Anakin felt giddy.
"Let's get ready then. I'm going to take a shower." Obi-Wan got up from the bed and moved the tray off Anakin's lap. He started to leave the room and, sensing Anakin wasn't behind him, turned and said, "You're welcome to join me," his lips curling up in one corner.
Anakin jumped off the bed and scurried after him. Obi-Wan admired the way Anakin's robe flowed around him, the front of it open. He was simultaneously adorable and graceful. When they got to the bathroom, Obi-Wan pulled the curtain around the tub and started the water so it would be hot by the time they got in. He glanced at Anakin before disrobing, not really planning to put on a show, but finding Anakin's eyes glued to him as he undressed. He tried to act natural and not blush too much. Anakin's comment about modesty echoed in his mind, but it was true. When he stood naked before Anakin and his son hadn't moved an inch, Obi-Wan squeezed his shoulder and asked, "Everything alright?"
Anakin blinked and met his eyes, realizing he'd been staring. "I was just thinking about yesterday," he said, smiling shyly. "You're very handsome."
Obi-Wan grinned. "You want to shower with me?"
"Yeah," Anakin replied, and got undressed. They stepped into the tub with Obi-Wan closer to the shower head. He grimaced a little and faced the spray. Anakin's eyes ran down Obi-Wan's backside, noticing the scratches hadn't disappeared like he'd hoped. He stepped forward slightly and pressed a kiss to Obi-Wan's shoulder.
Obi-Wan looked back at him, small smile on his face. He'd gotten his hair wet and rubbed his face with his hands before picking up a light green loofa and drizzling shower gel on it. He began scrubbing it across his chest.
Anakin took a sponge and soaped it up before bringing it to Obi-Wan's back and smoothing it over the skin as gently as he could. Obi-Wan thought it felt quite good as the bubbles ran down his back. After Anakin had cleaned the scratches he let the sponge glide down Obi-Wan's back to the curve of his ass, and Obi-Wan jumped slightly.
Anakin asked, "Are you okay?"
Obi-Wan looked back at Anakin briefly and said, "Yeah, I'm okay. It's just been awhile."
"So it's okay if I touch you here?" Anakin asked, and palmed Obi-Wan's butt.
Obi-Wan laughed and turned around, pulling Anakin's wet body close to him. "Yes, that's perfectly alright," he said. Anakin dropped the sponge, letting his hands drift as he leaned in for a kiss, which Obi-Wan happily returned. It was slow and unrushed, seeming as if it would carry on forever as the water pitter-pattered around them. Anakin felt like he was melting.
Finally, Obi-Wan broke the kiss to breathe a little better, smiling as Anakin chased after his lips. Anakin liked the lightheadedness he got from drawing it out. Obi-Wan held Anakin's shoulders so they could switch places, allowing Anakin to get his hair wet. Anakin pouted as Obi-Wan went back to scrubbing his arms.
Noticing Anakin's extra plump bottom lip, Obi-Wan asked, "What's wrong, honey?"
"I want you," Anakin said.
"You have me," Obi-Wan returned. He picked up a bottle of shampoo and drizzled some in the palm of his hand, which he then snuck into Anakin's hair. "How's this?" he asked, massaging the shampoo into Anakin's scalp.
"S'okay," Anakin replied.
"Close your eyes," Obi-Wan said.
Anakin did and Obi-Wan held him steady as he tipped his head back, letting the water rinse his hair clean. It reminded him of how Obi-Wan used to give him baths, and as a child he'd cry that the soap was going to sting his eyes, right up until Obi-Wan poured a cup of water over his hair. Then he'd realize it was alright, and Obi-Wan wasn't going to let the shampoo run the wrong way.
Anakin sighed happily now. The continuous motion of Obi-Wan's hands in his hair gave him tingles reminiscent of the night before. When Obi-Wan was done with his hair, Anakin took the shampoo from him and did the same for him, and soon they were all clean. They stepped out of the shower and Obi-Wan wrapped Anakin in a towel, rubbing it wildly over his hair to make him laugh. Anakin did. Obi-Wan snuck some kisses into the curve of his shoulder, forcing more giggles out of Anakin, and then they were kissing again, really kissing, eager and warm and shameless—
"We're going to need another shower if we keep on like this," Obi-Wan said between touches.
"I don't see a problem with that," Anakin replied, his voice low.
Obi-Wan smiled a little, his cheeks red. He put some distance between them. "I promise, when we get back home…"
"Why not now?"
"I'm so full," Obi-Wan said, then patted his belly, "Can't you tell?"
Anakin snorted.
"I just want to wait. For a little while, that's all. Okay?"
Anakin chewed on his lip. "Okay," he said hesitantly.
Obi-Wan gave him another quick kiss before grabbing a towel for himself. He left the bathroom to get dressed and Anakin trotted behind him. They dressed in their own rooms before walking down the stairs together.
"Why do you want to wait?" Anakin asked.
Obi-Wan turned to him at the bottom of the staircase. "I need the time to think of some… oh, I don't know what to call them. Guidelines, for us. So that there's no doubt or dishonesty between us."
"Oh," Anakin said. "Such as?"
Obi-Wan pulled on his cloak and handed Anakin his. "Such as… How I might tell you to dress warmly, because it's in your best interest, which is easy to understand. But maybe I tell you to do something not as easy to understand. I don't want you to resent me because I'm making decisions as your father when what you want is a friend, or a lover."
"I'm not going to resent you," Anakin said.
"So if I tell you to take out the trash and all you want to do is sit on the couch?"
"I'll take out the trash."
"And if I tell you to go to school and you don't feel like you can?"
"Hm."
"What if I said it's best if we don't sleep together for a week? If you need to rest? If I caught the flu?"
Anakin smiled thinly. "I would trust that it was for the best."
Obi-Wan drew him near, hands clinging to his dark cloak. "You're so good, Anakin," he said softly.
Anakin hugged him back. "You're the one who's good," he murmured.
Obi-Wan pulled back to look at him, trying to decipher what he meant. "You don't think you're good?" he asked.
"I killed Ventress," Anakin said with a hard swallow.
Obi-Wan attempted to hide the hurt in his expression. Calmly, he said, "You were protecting me. You saved me. Do you remember what she was doing?"
Anakin balled his hands in the sleeves of his cloak. "I'm not sure," he answered.
"She was cutting me with a kitchen knife," Obi-Wan said, the words still failing to make the experience seem more real. He looked down and noticed Anakin's nervous hands, and held them in his own. "There's a reason you don't remember, Anakin. We both reached the end of what we could tolerate. You can't blame yourself for defending me. It was the right thing to do."
Anakin replayed Obi-Wan's words in his mind in an attempt to find a loophole, some reason he could grab onto to explain his guilt. He asked, "Why did you lie? Why'd you tell everyone it was an accident?"
"To protect you," Obi-Wan said firmly, "To shield you from what you're feeling now."
"Is that all?"
"You're implying that your feelings are not worth protecting," he said, much to Anakin's chagrin, "But I also had concerns about what the police would think. You couldn't remember. You didn't know what you were doing, not fully. How could they understand that?"
Anakin understood that. But he replied, "You did the same thing with Grievous."
"I didn't want them looking into our past," Obi-Wan explained. He tucked a damp piece of hair behind Anakin's ear. "I know that caused us a lot of trouble. But look, we're both still here, aren't we? Together?"
"Yes," Anakin said, leaning against Obi-Wan, "We're together."
Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around him snugly for a moment. He said, "Alright, let's get out of this house for a while." He took Anakin's hand again and headed for the door.
"It feels weird to leave," Anakin said.
"Yeah?" Obi-Wan checked that he had his wallet and pulled out his keys.
"So much has changed," he continued.
Obi-Wan held the house key between his thumb and forefinger and met Anakin's eyes. "Not that much," he said, smiling.
Anakin crossed his arms as they stepped through the doorway. "How do you figure that?"
"We're alive and we love each other. Same as yesterday morning."
Anakin rolled his eyes as Obi-Wan locked the house. "You know it will never be the same."
They drove through town to get to the shopping mall on its outskirts. As they walked through the parking lot, Obi-Wan asked Anakin to give Padmé a call.
"She didn't come home last night," Obi-Wan explained.
Anakin pulled out his cell phone, but before he dialed her number he asked, "Are you worried for her? Or for us? I was there when you were fighting…"
Obi-Wan hadn't forgotten Padmé's heavy accusations. "I don't know why she'd leave if she thought I'd hurt you."
"So you don't think she really believed what she said."
"It's hard to tell. But I want her to be safe just as I do with you," Obi-Wan replied.
Anakin called her. "Hi, Padmé," he said.
"Hi, Ani. What's up?" she answered. Anakin furrowed his brows.
"Nothing, just a little worried about you, is all. Where'd you stay last night?"
"Oh, sorry. I stayed with a friend."
"A friend?"
"Mhm."
"Do you even have friends?"
"Sheesh, Anakin—"
"I mean, here, do you have friends here?"
"I have one."
"Who?"
"Rex."
Anakin was quiet for a moment. Obi-Wan held open a door to one of the mall's shops for him.
"Anakin?"
"You're okay, right?" he asked, "Where are you now?"
"I'm fine, I'm working now. Are you alright? Is Obi-Wan there?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, too. Father's here. Did you want to talk to him?" Anakin asked.
"Not exactly," Padmé replied, but Anakin handed the phone to him anyway. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked at some of the clothes hanging nearby.
"Hi, Padmé," Obi-Wan said.
"Hi," she said weakly.
"Listen, I know you're angry at me. Maybe I'm not the father you wanted. Maybe we just don't get along. But I still believe Anakin needs you. He had your missing blaster."
"What?" Padmé blurted.
"It's a miracle he's with me today. So please, if you can't stay at home… Just answer his calls. Spend time with him."
"You mean—"
Obi-Wan watched Anakin run his fingers over a pair of studded jeans. "Yes," Obi-Wan replied, "I'm taking care of him, so don't worry too much."
"He needs a doctor," Padmé said.
"I'm going to get him one. Stay safe, Padmé. Let me know if you get the apartment."
"Okay."
Obi-Wan hung up and gave Anakin his phone back before taking his hand. Anakin tried to end his thoughts of Elan as they walked through the mall. Obi-Wan seemed to know what kind of store had what they were looking for. Anakin paled when they'd wandered into the women's lingerie section of a department store and an employee came over to them.
"Can I help you find something?" the employee asked, twist in her lips when she eyed up Obi-Wan. Anakin moved closer to him despite his rational thoughts.
"Yes, actually," Obi-Wan said, sparing a glance for Anakin, "I'm looking to buy something for my girlfriend, but I'm not sure where to start."
"What are her sizes?" asked the human woman. Anakin wondered if there was jealousy there or if it was his imagination.
"Well, she's quite tall, for a woman—Anakin, why don't you find something for that school dance of yours, and meet me in dressing room over there? This shouldn't take too long."
Anakin nodded hesitantly and stepped away from him to mosey through the tuxedos and suits not too far away. From a distance, he heard Obi-Wan continue about his girlfriend's sizes, and it almost made him laugh. He listened for the woman's voice too.
"Is that your son?"
"Yes, he couldn't get around shopping with me today, poor thing."
She laughed. "My son is the same way. So what colors does your girlfriend like? And does she prefer a certain style?"
Anakin weaved through the suits in an attempt to hear Obi-Wan's answers as they walked along the tables of lingerie. Obi-Wan gave smooth answers, but Anakin was barely keeping it together.
"She likes different colors, depending on her mood. Pastels work sometimes. Most of the time she'd prefer black, or red, or whatever this color is…"
"Emerald," replied the employee.
Anakin turned around and put a hand on his mouth. He knew Obi-Wan would have called it the exact same thing, not green or whatever color this is.
"And styles?"
"Something that flows," said Obi-Wan, "Nothing too structured on the top."
Anakin had to walk away from them for a while or he was going to lose it. He tried to actually look at the suits and avoid any employees who would question him. After a few minutes, it seemed Obi-Wan had found some options. He was coming Anakin's way and Anakin grabbed the nearest suit jacket and pants and dove into the dressing room.
"Can I wrap those up for you?" Anakin heard the employee ask.
"Not just yet," Obi-Wan answered, "I have to see if my son found something suitable for Homecoming, but thank you."
Anakin heard his footsteps coming closer and then a small, "Anakin?"
He stuck his foot under the door of the dressing room stall and wiggled it. "Here," he said.
Obi-Wan went over there and joined Anakin in the dressing room. "That was fun," he breathed, and set down the bundle in his arms. "Tell me what you like."
Anakin watched him undress with a grin. "I like this," he said.
Obi-Wan peeled off his pants and replied, "I haven't even put anything on yet—oh." Anakin laughed. Obi-Wan shushed him. "Put on that suit and stand there," Obi-Wan directed.
Anakin pulled on the suit pants and stood where prying eyes could see his feet under the door. He put on the jacket just for fun. Obi-Wan stood in the corner and held up one of the items he'd picked. A dainty black babydoll top.
"Nice," Anakin whispered. Obi-Wan put it on. Anakin stifled a giggle and shook his head. "Too silly," he determined. Obi-Wan smiled and took it off. Next he held up a lacey red teddy.
"Ooh," Anakin said.
Obi-Wan managed to put that one on, but just barely. Anakin put his hand on Obi-Wan's chest where the fabric divided into a V. "I like this one," he decided.
Obi-Wan sighed. "It's too tight."
"I'll rip it off of you," Anakin said, half-serious.
"Not for fifty dollars you won't," Obi-Wan retorted. Anakin sighed.
"Put on the next one," he said. Obi-Wan did. It was a satin robe with a large floral pattern, short on his legs to reveal his thighs, and wide in the arms so the sleeves had some flare. It tied in the back with a big wide ribbon that made a big fat bow. Anakin liked it. Obi-Wan set it to the side and picked up another bodysuit.
"I thought you said just one thing," Anakin said.
"Well, you liked the lacey one. This one is stretchier," Obi-Wan replied, and tugged the thing on before adjusting his own underwear. Anakin had him turn around. It had a similar V neck trailing nearly all the way to his bellybutton, and was dark blue in color, hugging Obi-Wan in all the right places, he thought. "This one is good, too," Anakin replied, "but is it very expensive?"
"The robe and this together are a splurge, but that's alright," Obi-Wan said. "You look handsome in that suit."
Anakin looked at himself in the mirror, then took off the suit jacket. "You don't need to buy me anything."
Obi-Wan pulled him close with an arm around his back and said, "Alright. But only because I have something better at home you can wear to the dance."
"How'd you know about that anyway?" Anakin asked.
"Ahsoka texted you as I was talking to Padmé."
Anakin narrowed his eyes playfully. Then he pulled out of Obi-Wan's grip and had him turn around one more time.
"I changed my mind," he said, "That one makes you look like an ice skater."
Obi-Wan laughed. "Are you sure?"
"Very. What's that?" he asked, pointing.
Obi-Wan wiggled out of the "ice skater" look and handed Anakin three pairs of lacey panties. Anakin smiled and examined them individually. "These two," he decided. Obi-Wan took them back and put the chosen two with the satin robe.
"That settles things, I think," Obi-Wan said, then added, "You want to try on what didn't work for me?"
Anakin's cheeks filled with color. "I said you didn't have to buy me anything—"
"Just try it, Anakin. No one's gonna see but me."
"Fine." Anakin tried on the red lace teddy and avoided looking in the mirror. Obi-Wan had him turn around this time, then announced, "We're getting that."
"Father—"
"No buts. Try this one."
Anakin put on the babydoll top.
"It's so much better on you, Anakin," Obi-Wan praised.
"Stop looking at me like that," Anakin replied, "You're gonna make me…" Hard, he thought.
Obi-Wan lowered his voice. "What a tragedy that would be."
Anakin groaned. "You're making it worse," he complained.
"Alright, my dear. Do you like what you're wearing?" Obi-Wan asked seriously.
Anakin glanced at himself in the mirror. "Not really."
Obi-Wan kept his disappointment to himself and asked about the red one.
"I want that one," Anakin said quietly.
Obi-Wan pulled the babydoll top off Anakin and gave him a quick kiss. Anakin wanted it to last longer. Obi-Wan said, "Come on, get dressed now."
Anakin did as he asked, still feeling a little guilty about it all. Obi-Wan got all his robes in order and tipped Anakin's chin up to meet his eyes.
"You deserve this, Anakin. Don't feel bad about it."
"Yes, Father," Anakin said hollowly.
Obi-Wan sighed. They left the dressing room, made their purchases, and then checked out some other stores in the mall until they grew hungry. Anakin saved a table while Obi-Wan bought them something from the food court. He sat down with a tray and handed Anakin a bowl of fried rice and sweet and sour chicken. His was similar but with savory beef. Anakin picked at his food at first before he realized it tasted pretty good. Obi-Wan ate brokenly with a fork in his left hand while the other typed away on his phone.
"Whatcha up to?" Anakin asked, mouth half full.
"Guidelines," Obi-Wan replied. It took him twenty minutes, five of which were spent making sure he had the most important stuff down. Anakin was done with his food when Obi-Wan handed him the phone to read.
Number 1: Consent will always be secured before sex.
Number 2: Sex will never be a punishment.
Number 3: Denial of sex won't be a punishment either.
Number 4: If at any time you feel uncomfortable, you'll tell me, and vice-versa.
Anakin stopped reading to comment, A lot of these are about sex.
"I want to make sure we get it right," Obi-Wan replied.
Anakin nodded and turned his attention to the phone again.
Number 5: We'll communicate openly and honestly about our decisions, emotions, problems, insecurities, and anything else that needs addressing.
Number 5 is not too much different from what we already do, right? Anakin thought.
The difference is that I know I can't always read your mind now, Obi-Wan thought back. If we're going to protect each other and make each other happy, we can't hide our feelings anymore. Not from each other.
Anakin held a small smile in agreement before he read the next one.
Number 6: We'll respect each other in all aspects.
"Respect as in authority?" Anakin asked.
"No," Obi-Wan said, "Respect as in listening to each other. As in not purposefully doing something to hurt the other. Make sense?"
"Yeah."
Number 7: We'll forgive each other's mistakes and work to move past them.
Number 8: We'll keep love in our hearts even when we're angry or hurt.
Number 9: Our relationship must be kept secret.
Number 10: If you desire to end our relationship, you may.
"Father!" Anakin exclaimed.
"Yes?"
"Why would I want to end it? How could I ever end it?" Anakin questioned, barely keeping his voice at an indoor level.
Obi-Wan wore a sad smile. "You're young, Anakin. There may come a time when you love another. You might come to view us as... Well, the way other people would."
"Never," Anakin swore, "Always you."
Obi-Wan nodded. Anakin handed the phone back to him. "We can add to the list if we discover there's something missing," Obi-Wan told him.
"Sounds good." He gathered his and Obi-Wan's trash but paused before going to throw it away.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I just wanted to say thank you. For everything," Anakin said, his eyes intensely fixed on Obi-Wan's. Obi-Wan fell in love with him all over again. Anakin turned and tossed the empty food bowls and napkins into one of the food court's trash cans. Obi-Wan gave his side a squeeze when he returned. "Ready to go home?" he asked.
"More than ready," Anakin replied.
Anakin was on Obi-Wan the second they got home from the mall. His hands pulled at Obi-Wan's waist while his mouth sought Obi-Wan's lips underneath all that beard, and Obi-Wan moaned deliciously when Anakin rubbed against his hips. Anakin pulled back enough to whisper, "Are you ready for round two?"
Obi-Wan laughed through his nose and nodded, wide smile on his face. He gestured to the bags still clutched in his hands, though he would have readily dropped them a second ago in favor of running his hands all over Anakin. "Should I change?" he asked.
Anakin tilted his head as his eyes dragged over Obi-Wan's features. "Actually," he started, then let out a breath, "I have other ideas."
Obi-Wan was intrigued. "Really, now?"
Anakin bit his lip and nodded as his hands drifted to Obi-Wan's belt. He managed to get it off with less fumbling this time and slipped the obi underneath it away from Obi-Wan's body. He folded the soft strip of fabric width-wise, wound it in one hand and then the other. "I was wondering if maybe I could... tie your hands?"
Obi-Wan set the bags down, considering it. "How so?"
Anakin held out his hand and Obi-Wan gave him his. Anakin tied the obi around his wrist loosely and then around the other one the same way before finishing it off with the most ordinary of knots.
"Hm," Obi-Wan said, testing the strength of the hold, or lack thereof. "I suppose so. I mean, I won't get to touch you as much—"
"But I'll get to touch you," Anakin replied, his cheeks a little red.
Obi-Wan smiled. A greater reversal of roles than simply who tops. "Okay," he said, "I'm willing to try it."
Anakin smiled back. Obi-Wan pulled at the obi with his teeth and freed himself to follow Anakin up the stairs. They left their boots by the door.
"Your bedroom?" Anakin asked.
"Yeah," Obi-Wan replied, "Your room is your room."
Anakin thought he wouldn't have minded either way, but perhaps Obi-Wan had a point. They went to Obi-Wan's room and closed the door behind them, grinning at each other. Obi-Wan let Anakin undress him, and to his surprise Anakin didn't strip him bare all at once. Off came his tunics. In between there were slow, appreciative touches from Anakin's warm hands through his undershirt, feeling for muscles and ribs and a heartbeat, Obi-Wan thought. Then Anakin pulled the undershirt off him and kissed him as he gathered Obi-Wan's hands together. He tied them the same way, far from a harsh hold, but enough to keep them together. Obi-Wan let his fingers relax and curl in on themselves, his hands reflecting each other as if there were a mirror between them. Anakin ducked down and pulled Obi-Wan's pants to his ankles. Obi-Wan started to step out of them but Anakin grabbed his leg and Obi-Wan stilled. He watched Anakin press a kiss to the side of his calf, then the front of his knee, then slowly up, lips tracing a line along Obi-Wan's thigh as Anakin kept a tight grip on his leg with both hands. It felt so possessive. Almost animal. Obi-Wan sucked in a breath as Anakin's mouth hovered over his underwear, teasing hot breath over his cock. Anakin looked up at Obi-Wan. "Spread your legs," he said.
Obi-Wan swallowed and did as Anakin asked, stretching the waistband of the pants around his feet.
Anakin made himself small underneath him and faced the other way before pressing his open mouth to Obi-Wan's balls.
"Ah–ah!" Obi-Wan blurted, not expecting that. Anakin smiled and did it again, wet tongue dragging over dry fabric. "Mmm, Anakin..." Obi-Wan mumbled.
Anakin continued mouthing at him, fingers gripping his thighs, and Obi-Wan said, as calmly as he could, "Anakin, I would really love it if you did that without my undies on."
One of Anakin's hands snaked up in between Obi-Wan's legs and stroked his cock though the fabric, and he took a deep breath before saying, "Patience, Father."
Obi-Wan groaned as he felt Anakin's mouth move away from him, and Anakin shifted out from under him and stood to face him, teasing smile on his lips. "Bed," he said, and held Obi-Wan's arms as he shuffled backwards, stubborn pants still hanging around his ankles. Obi-Wan sat on the edge of the bed and Anakin pushed him back, stripping the pants from him once and for all. Obi-Wan struggled a bit trying to position himself with his hands tied, so Anakin joined him on the bed, ducked his head underneath Obi-Wan's hands and kissed him, and Obi-Wan stilled, resting his arms around Anakin's shoulders as their lips moved together, slow, indulgent. Anakin let Obi-Wan take most of his weight as the kiss deepened, reminding him curiously of chocolate cake. Obi-Wan wrapped his legs around him, underwear still in place, and Anakin frustratingly still dressed from tabards to socks. Anakin ground his hips against Obi-Wan's, pulling another whining hum from him. "C'mon, Anakin," he said, breaking the kiss.
"What?" Anakin sassed.
"Give me more," Obi-Wan replied.
"More what?" he whispered.
Obi-Wan realized he was getting back at him for dragging it out last time. "More you, please."
"It just makes me shiver when you ask nicely."
Obi-Wan snorted. Anakin had to have heard that from a holovid. "You want me to ask not-nicely?"
"Nope," Anakin said, "The way you did it was perfect."
Obi-Wan's lips curled up at one end slowly. "Alright."
Anakin gave him a small smile back and slipped out from under his arms, bracing his weight on his knees. He took hold of Obi-Wan's waistband and Obi-Wan lifted his hips so Anakin could slide the garment off. Anakin tossed it to the side and tugged off his belt, then his tabards and his tunics, and Obi-Wan felt the constraint of the obi all that much more as Anakin's body was exposed, undershirt and pants and socks and boxers gone. His skin was like his mother's. Anakin ran his hands along Obi-Wan's thighs, then over his stomach and chest, pushing slightly so Obi-Wan would lie back. Anakin tucked a pillow under his head and Obi-Wan tested the feeling of putting his hands above his head. Anakin seized the opportunity to kiss the underside of Obi-Wan's upper arm, lips quickly moving apart to suck on a small area of skin. Obi-Wan let his neck relax and laid his head on the pillow, and Anakin licked a stripe from the dip between Obi-Wan's collarbones to his prickly, bearded jaw. Then he laid kiss after kiss down Obi-Wan's body, stopping at the curve of his hip and sucking the skin there, too.
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and tried to steady himself. He hadn't had something like this in ages. Hadn't had someone like this in ages. "Anakin," he murmured.
Anakin paused his hickey-making and raised his head. "Yeah?"
Obi-Wan brought his hands over his head and sat up. "I love you," he said.
Anakin beamed. "I love you too."
Obi-Wan gazed at him and said, "I like everything you've done so far."
Anakin's smile turned shy. "You still want me to...?"
Obi-Wan leaned forward, replying, "Yes. Yes, please. I want to feel you inside me."
Anakin covered his grin. "So dirty, Daddy."
Obi-Wan laughed softly and Anakin leaned in for another kiss, silently gearing himself up for what he had to do. He leaned forward more and put his arm around Obi-Wan, till Obi-Wan was on his back again and his knuckles pressed into Anakin's chest awkwardly. Anakin propped himself up and asked, "Comfy?"
Obi-Wan twisted his wrists clockwise and counter-clockwise, met Anakin's eyes again and replied, "Yes."
Anakin nodded and looked Obi-Wan over.
"Don't be nervous, honey," Obi-Wan said, "It's just me."
Anakin smiled. "Just you? I think you're forgetting how long I've wanted this."
Obi-Wan hummed and sat up again, then pulled the obi from his wrists with his teeth.
"Heyyy," Anakin whined.
"Relax, Anakin. Let me see your hands."
Anakin put his hands in Obi-Wan's. Obi-Wan held them and turned them over, palms up, his thumbs rubbing Anakin's skin gently. He held them before his eyes and examined them. "You have such nice, slender fingers," Obi-Wan said. Anakin smiled and looked away. Obi-Wan brought Anakin's fingers to his lips, kissing the tips of them, then the knuckles when Anakin closed his hand. "Anakin," Obi-Wan said.
Anakin met his eyes.
Obi-Wan uncurled Anakin's fingers and separated his forefinger from the rest. "Just like this, alright, sweetheart?" Obi-Wan directed, and put Anakin's finger in his mouth.
Anakin took a sharp breath as Obi-Wan's lips tightened around his finger, his tongue warm and wet.
Obi-Wan pulled Anakin's finger from his mouth and told him, "Curl your finger like this," and demonstrated with his free hand. "If I'm on my stomach, do it like this," he said, and turned his hand the other way. "Just like this." He put two of Anakin's fingers in his mouth and sucked on them.
"Father..."
Obi-Wan pulled his fingers out of his mouth with a pop. "You want something, honey?"
Anakin said, "M'ready."
Obi-Wan reached for the drawer of his nightstand and handed Anakin the bottle of lube. Anakin blushed and put some on his fingers, and Obi-Wan positioned himself on his back and closed his eyes.
Anakin touched Obi-Wan's knee hesitantly and asked, "Ready?"
Obi-Wan nodded.
Anakin gulped and slid his index finger inside of him. Obi-Wan's brows pinched just slightly.
"O-okay?" Anakin asked.
"Yeah," said Obi-Wan, his eyes still closed, "You're not going to make a mistake. I promise."
Anakin nodded and tried moving his finger out and in a bit.
"Mm."
Anakin curled his finger like Obi-Wan showed him.
"Ah—perfect, Anakin, that's it."
"Really?"
"Ah-h-h—yes—Anakin—"
Anakin grinned and added another finger before continuing to rub the same spot.
Obi-Wan bit his lip, trying to stay quiet.
Anakin spread his fingers apart and Obi-Wan made another sound, like pain.
"Father?"
Obi-Wan turned his head to the side.
Anakin pulled his fingers out of him and laid on his chest, hands cupping his cheeks. Obi-Wan met his eyes.
"Father, if you don't like this—"
Obi-Wan hugged him, saying, "It's not you, Anakin, it's just—you know I've never been good at relaxing."
"You want to stop?" Anakin asked.
"No," Obi-Wan said quickly, then quieter, "No. I meant what I said earlier."
Anakin caressed Obi-Wan's cheek a few times as he thought, looking down at Obi-Wan's worry lines and pretty lips. He moved his thumb over Obi-Wan's forehead and rubbed from side to side. "Deep breaths, Father."
Obi-Wan breathed in and out, expression settling under Anakin's thumb.
"Turn over," Anakin directed, and took his weight off of him.
Obi-Wan looked at him questioningly.
"Trust me," Anakin said, voice soft.
Obi-Wan turned onto his stomach and tucked his hands underneath his pillow. Anakin moved over him again and buried his fingers in his hair, scrunching up pieces of it here and there. Obi-Wan hummed.
Anakin took his shoulders in both hands and gave them a good squeeze. "Ahh..." Obi-Wan said. Anakin smiled and dug his thumbs into the tight muscles again, moving from where his shoulders met the base of his neck out to his arms. Obi-Wan sighed happily.
"Good, Daddy?"
Obi-Wan laughed a little. "Just perfect, baby."
Anakin smiled and kept working the muscles, moving down from his shoulders along his spine and out to his sides, till finally he was rubbing little circles at the small of Obi-Wan's back. He pressed his thumbs into the skin and moved all the way up to Obi-Wan's shoulders again, causing the man to shiver. He leaned down by his ear, a hand in his hair again. "Fingers okay, now?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan whispered back, loving the warm breath in his ear.
Anakin slicked up his fingers again and started with one, his other hand still making light circles across Obi-Wan's back. He wasn't so tense this time. Another finger and Obi-Wan took a deep breath, but let it out steadily as Anakin moved the hand on his back up and down, creating warmth along his spine. "Feels good," Obi-Wan murmured.
"Good," Anakin replied, the heat around his fingers getting more and more tempting. He let the nails of his hand drag across Obi-Wan's back just barely, to generate that tingly feeling he knew was sure to please as his fingers moved slowly in and out. "Keep breathing, Daddy," Anakin said.
Obi-Wan found his mouth slightly open, his lips wet, but he breathed against the pillow like he was accustomed to drooling when he was aroused.
Anakin watched his fingers move in and out of him, not curling just to be safe, and waiting for any sign that Obi-Wan wanted him to stop. But it was all smoothness and ease, heat and a moan as he added a third finger, and Anakin heard his heart beating in his ears, wanting more, but waiting, keeping a steady rhythm...
"Anakin," Obi-Wan called softly.
"Yes?"
"Now," he breathed, like a voice carried by wind.
Anakin stared at him a moment, imagination caught up in what Obi-Wan had just permitted. Then he was moving again, reaching for the bottle to the side of him, and then sitting back a little more, and pushing apart Obi-Wan's cheeks with his thumbs, then holding his eager cock as he lined himself up—
"Slowly," Obi-Wan advised, one eye looking back at him.
Anakin nodded, his mouth open, breathing, and he pushed into him slowly, mouth opening wider at the feeling—Force, what was this feeling—he could have never imagined—!
Obi-Wan groaned and put his face in the pillow again. The same sound escaped Anakin's mouth. He pushed in a bit more before the angle became too awkward, and he gripped Obi-Wan's hips so he'd stop lying flat against the mattress. Obi-Wan huffed and tucked his knees underneath him, Anakin scooting back to compensate for the change in position, and then he was all the way inside him, his hands on Obi-Wan's hips and keeping him still as he pulled back and pushed in again.
"Oh—" Obi-Wan mouthed.
Anakin repeated the action, and Obi-Wan repeated the sound from where his head was tucked against the pillow, his lovely ass in the air, and Anakin rubbed his palms against it, fucking in small increments as his fingers dug in and squeezed Obi-Wan's behind. Obi-Wan squawked.
"Anakin!"
"What?" he replied.
"Be gentle, please," he responded.
Anakin smiled and rubbed out where he'd gripped a little too hard, hips moving against Obi-Wan's body steadily. He felt so good. Anakin leaned over him and ran his hand underneath him, up his stomach to the center of his chest. He pulled Obi-Wan closer, and Obi-Wan sat up and leaned back against Anakin's chest, the hand on his chest moving to grasp his throat. "Anakin…"
Anakin kissed his hair and thrust into him, making Obi-Wan moan, the sound vibrating against Anakin's hand. Anakin's arm was around Obi-Wan's torso, keeping him close through the motion, and Obi-Wan overlapped his arm with Anakin's, their fingers linking as he reached back for Anakin's neck, turning his head to bring their mouths together. Anakin kissed him for as long as Obi-Wan could hold the twisted position, and then his lips were in Obi-Wan's hair, on his ear, against Obi-Wan's neck, sucking the skin into his mouth, then the same on his shoulder—
Obi-Wan whimpered, and Anakin felt himself getting higher. His hand tightened around Obi-Wan's throat, and Obi-Wan's hand flew to Anakin's, peeling it away, so Anakin sent it to Obi-Wan's cock, stroking him as he mouthed at Obi-Wan's shoulder, tongue and teeth and those wonderful lips—
"I want your mouth on my cock," Obi-Wan said, no longer able to keep the wish secret.
Anakin thrust into him with enough strength to make the bed bounce from the weight of them.
"Anakin, please!" called Obi-Wan.
Anakin pulled out of him and flipped him over with two hands on his shoulders, Obi-Wan's lower half following belatedly. Anakin pushed his hips between Obi-Wan's legs, cock heavy against Obi-Wan's, his hands pinning Obi-Wan's to the sheets. "What is it you want, Father?"
"Please, please, please, Anakin," Obi-Wan begged.
"My mouth here?" Anakin asked, Obi-Wan's wrists gathered in one hand as he pointed to Obi-Wan's bellybutton with the other. The muscles there seemed to quiver and Anakin flattened his hand and rubbed the area.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan repeated, words failing him.
Anakin smiled slyly and released his hands. He crawled backwards and lowered himself between Obi-Wan's legs, hand gripping Obi-Wan's cock as he ran his tongue along the side of it.
"Mm!" Obi-Wan sucked his lip into his mouth again, teeth biting down hard as his body tensed.
Anakin put his mouth around the head and moved his tongue from side to side, then sucked on it, and Obi-Wan seized the sheets with both hands. "Perfect, Anakin, just perfect—"
Anakin pulled off and put two fingers in his mouth, coating them with spit before slipping them inside Obi-Wan and rubbing slowly.
"Ohhh…"
Anakin relaxed his jaw and leaned down, taking more of Obi-Wan into his mouth this time, a slight stretch in his lips as he glided up and down. He carried on like that, taking Obi-Wan as deep as he could, fingers moving all the way in and all the way out of him before he increased their pace. Obi-Wan shook all over. "Anakin," he said, urgency in his voice. Anakin raised his head and took a moment to assess Obi-Wan, his sweat-drenched body, skin flushed, small purple places where Anakin had dedicated his mouth. He took his fingers away and placed them in his mouth again, adding a third, then pushed Obi-Wan's legs farther apart before he returned the fingers to him and fucked him fast despite Obi-Wan's little gasp. He ducked down and sucked on Obi-Wan's cock again, Obi-Wan's whining voice saying, "Ana-k-kin… C-close… Ow ow ow!"
Anakin pulled off him, eyes wide. "What? What's wrong?"
Obi-Wan gripped his leg, his face twisted in torment. "Cramp!" he said.
"Oh!" Anakin replied, then took Obi-Wan's lower leg in his hands and massaged out the betraying muscles.
Obi-Wan covered his face, his cheeks red.
Anakin smiled, still squeezing up and down his leg, "It's okay, Father," he said.
Obi-Wan shook his head.
"Father…" Anakin set his leg down and planted himself on Obi-Wan's chest. He pulled Obi-Wan's hands away from his face and smiled gently at him. "It's okay."
Obi-Wan wiped a bit of wetness away from his eye and smiled shakily back. "I was this close," he told him.
Anakin kissed him, still smiling. He pulled back and asked, "How should I finish you off?"
Obi-Wan let out a nervous laugh. "It's up to you. Everything feels so good."
Anakin gave him a quick peck on the cheek, scooted back, and pressed into him again, every craving to know Obi-Wan inside and out igniting. Obi-Wan looked up at him unshyingly, the sight of Anakin above him, rolling his hips into him too good to miss. The way his face changed when he was in, and out, and in again was mesmerizing—Anakin honestly showing his pleasure, plump lips parted, eyes dark—and in his thoughts, Obi-Wan found he was free, unchained, but still so eager to please, thoughts reading Father, Father, Father—
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan exclaimed.
Anakin could tell he still wasn't there yet, it was just for his benefit—so he licked his hand and pumped it up and down Obi-Wan's cock. Obi-Wan's body grew more rigid as he made an incoherent sound, the noise between their bodies endless, a thrill and an irritant to his ears, one after another a—slap—of—skin—and when he closed his eyes he saw what Anakin saw, his own body falling apart at Anakin's touch. Anakin closed his eyes and Obi-Wan saw the darkness of his eyelids, missing Anakin's neck arch backwards, his mouth open wide, his body racked to the edge, hips moving so fast—
They came within seconds of each other. For a while it was all heavy breaths and Anakin lying on top of Obi-Wan, their bodies weak.
"Fuck," Obi-Wan said under his breath.
Anakin gasped and looked at him briefly before laying his head on his chest again. "Father, you said a bad word," he teased.
Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Anakin. "I know," he said, "No one's ever fucked me like that before."
Anakin grinned and pressed a kiss to his skin, the golden hair on his chest tickling Anakin's lips.
"I mean, ever, Anakin. Not just the way you touched me."
Anakin brought his hand up to draw circles on Obi-Wan's chest with his index finger. "What do you mean?" he asked softly.
Obi-Wan gripped Anakin's sides and rolled them over so they could face each other. "You're just so—" Obi-Wan searched for the right word, "So passionate. And careful. And loving. I could see what you saw at one point."
"No way," Anakin breathed.
"Yes way," Obi-Wan replied, raising his hand to caress Anakin's cheek, "Like your mind was bleeding into mine. Just like a dream."
Anakin yawned. "Dreams sound good right now."
Obi-Wan ran his hand along Anakin's side, the skin smooth and warm, so pleasing to his eyes. "Are you tired, baby?"
Anakin smiled despite his sleepiness and answered, "Yeah."
"You know we slept for like, twelve hours last night," Obi-Wan said, some concern slipping in.
Anakin shrugged and snuggled closer to Obi-Wan, wrapping an arm around his side. Obi-Wan grabbed him and the blankets, enveloping them in soft fuzzy warmth. He said, "Go ahead and sleep then, Anakin. I'll be right here with you."
Anakin felt the last shred of tension leave his body and fell asleep, his body pressed impossibly close to Obi-Wan's.
Obi-Wan drifted in and out of sleep beside Anakin. At a certain point Anakin's snoring became so loud Obi-Wan gave up on sleeping and slipped out of bed to pull on some underwear. He went downstairs and rifled through the shopping bag by the front door until he found the satin robe they'd bought. He pulled the tag off, put it on, and tied the bow. It was smooth to the touch and made him smile. Anakin would be pleased. Obi-Wan grabbed his laptop and went back upstairs to sit up in bed next to the bundle of blankets that was Anakin. Anakin didn't stir when he turned on the laptop and started typing.
He searched for psychologists in the area. Kannon Dooku was one of the top results. Obi-Wan scrolled past him and kept looking. Most were your generic therapists. Obi-Wan looked through their holosites and discovered they were either not accepting new patients or had moved away from Coruscant. Obi-Wan tried to keep hopeful. He refreshed the search results and looked through them again. Here was one. A child and young adult psychologist by the name of Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi-Wan tapped on the link and saw exactly what he dreaded. I am not accepting new patients.
Obi-Wan read it twice and let his gaze fall to Anakin. His boy looked so worn out. Obi-Wan searched the holosite for a phone number and dialed it on his cell phone.
"Hello?" came a low, soft voice.
"Hello," Obi-Wan said quietly back, "I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi. Is this Doctor Jinn?"
"It is," he replied. "How can I help you?"
Obi-Wan took a breath and said, "I've just found your holosite and I was wondering if you could help my son."
There was a hesitant pause. "Unfortunately, I'm all booked up during the week. I can call you back if one of my patients drops," he offered.
"Please," Obi-Wan whispered, "He's suicidal."
"Has he attempted?"
"Yesterday," Obi-Wan replied. "I talked him out of it."
"Was this the first time?"
"Yes."
"Do you think he'll try again?"
Obi-Wan reached over and threaded his fingers through Anakin's hair. "I don't know," he said.
"Alright," said Dr. Jinn, "Be aware that he might. What else can you tell me about him?"
Obi-Wan felt tears prick in the corners of his eyes and desperately tried to keep his voice steady. "His name is Anakin, he's seventeen. He's been grieving the death of his boyfriend. I think he's depressed."
"What's his behavior like?"
"He isolates himself lately. He's upset easily, and he doesn't care for his wellbeing anymore. He doesn't eat much and he's lost weight. He sleeps a lot since Elan died."
"I see," Dr. Jinn said. Obi-Wan thought he heard pages turning. "Can you and Anakin stop by my office in the morning at six or in the evening at seven thirty?"
Obi-Wan couldn't believe his ears. "Yes! Thank you!" Anakin groaned. Obi-Wan lowered his voice and said, "We'll be there at six. Thank you so much."
"Of course," he replied, "I wish I could offer you a set time each week, but my schedule is full. I'll do what I can to fit you in."
"I really appreciate it," Obi-Wan cheered, his enthusiasm waking Anakin up fully. "I'm sure Anakin will appreciate it, too."
"Appreciate what?" Anakin mumbled.
"I'm happy to help. Keep an eye on him in the meantime," Dr. Jinn advised.
"I will. See you then." Obi-Wan hung up, set his laptop on his nightstand, and rolled over onto Anakin, leaving kisses everywhere he could. Anakin made an oomph sound at the weight of him. He hugged Obi-Wan to try to keep him still, fingers slipping over satin fabric. "Who was on the phone?" he asked.
Obi-Wan kissed Anakin's nose and said, "I made an appointment for you with a therapist."
"Oh." He didn't sound too happy.
"He's going to help you, Anakin. He didn't even have room in his schedule but he's making time for you. And I'll be with you as long as you want me to be with you."
"I don't want to talk to a therapist," Anakin said, "I can just talk to you."
"You can, that's true, but I don't have the expertise he does. This way you can feel better in the long-term, and not just during the times I comfort you."
"You think there's something wrong with me?"
"No, no, honey. You might not see it now, but you weren't always feeling like this. You can be happy again. You can really live again," Obi-Wan said.
Anakin was quiet for a moment, studying Obi-Wan above him. "I guess I just have to trust you, don't I?"
Obi-Wan smiled slightly. "Yes. That doesn't mean you can't complain about it. But we're going tomorrow morning."
Anakin sighed and pulled Obi-Wan down to him. "I'd hoped we might get one more chance before…" He silenced himself as he tipped his chin up to kiss Obi-Wan.
"Mmm." Obi-Wan stopped him before he could give in to Anakin's wishes. "I've exhausted you enough already," he said.
"Pfft," Anakin replied, "I'm not exhausted."
"Whatever you say," Obi-Wan replied, a smile on his face.
The doorbell rang and their faces fell.
Obi-Wan slipped out of Anakin's grasp, saying, "I'll answer it. You get dressed."
Anakin got out of bed as he watched Obi-Wan take off the satin robe, silently sad to see it go. Obi-Wan pulled on an undershirt and some leggings as the doorbell continued to ring. He rushed down the stairs, tugged on his cloak and opened the door. A strange face greeted him.
"Motel's open, isn't it?" said the bug-eyed stranger.
"Y-yes," Obi-Wan stuttered, "Sorry no one was in the office. I'll be right down to help you."
The stranger said a haughty "thanks" and turned to go down the stairs. Obi-Wan shut the door and called up to Anakin to get him some more clothes. Anakin came down dressed in attire similar to Obi-Wan's and handed him the clothes he'd taken off him earlier. "A guest?" he asked.
"A guest," Obi-Wan confirmed. His belt was on the floor where he'd left it. He pulled his outfit together and Anakin looked a little sad.
Obi-Wan hooked his hand behind Anakin's neck and had him meet his eyes. "I won't be gone more than twenty minutes. Probably not even that long. This is a good thing," he assured him.
Anakin mustered a smile, Obi-Wan's warm fingers tangling through the curls at the back of his neck. "You're right. I'll be here."
"Okay. I love you," Obi-Wan said.
Anakin's smile widened. "I love you too."
Obi-Wan walked out onto the porch, then down the stairs and over to the motel. There were more people gathered there. Obi-Wan remembered Padmé's mention of the hunters and waved them over to the office. The officer that was usually parked outside their house was gone. Obi-Wan wasn't sure exactly how long the officer had been missing without his notice. He unlocked the door, stood behind his desk and offered the guest book to the first hunter to follow him in.
"Just sign your name there, and pick a room number... Could I have your credit card for a moment? Cash? Cash is fine, but I still need to see your ID..."
They all checked in amid a whirlwind of faces and credits and Obi-Wan let out a deep sigh when they settled in their respective rooms. He turned the guest book around and read their names.
Aurra Sing
Cad Bane
Zam Wesell
Cato Parasitti
Embo
Sugi
Rumi Paramita
Seripas
Kiera Swan
Onca
Bulduga
Obi-Wan closed the guest book and locked the office door again before going back to Anakin. He was upstairs on Obi-Wan's bed, looking at Dr. Jinn's holosite. Obi-Wan sat beside him and put his arm around his shoulders.
"Everything will be okay," he said, fingers rubbing up and down Anakin's sleeve.
"I just want to stop thinking for a while," Anakin confided.
"You will," Obi-Wan said wholeheartedly, "Try to have patience."
Anakin was quiet, then he laughed softly. "You know I have zero patience."
Obi-Wan shut the laptop and guided Anakin into his own lap. Anakin looked down at him, but just barely. That didn't keep him from smiling and jutting his chin out.
"Just wait till I'm taller than you," Anakin said, "Then you won't have patience either."
"Let me guess, from all the teasing that will accompany the occasion?"
"Yes," Anakin replied, and let his forehead rest against Obi-Wan's. "Exactly."