Obi-Wan woke Anakin early to get ready for their appointment with Dr. Jinn. Anakin was reluctant to leave the warmth of their bed.
"I'll take you out to eat if you get up and take a shower," Obi-Wan offered.
Anakin rubbed at his face and said, "Are you bribing me now?"
Obi-Wan smiled. "Whatever it takes," he said.
Anakin bit his lip and asked, "Pasta?"
"Sure, sweetheart. Go take that shower now."
Anakin rolled out of bed and dragged himself to the bathroom. He started the water. Obi-Wan gave him ten minutes before he wondered what Anakin was up to. Then an image of a razor flashed in his mind and he ran to the bathroom and burst through the door. He barely stopped himself from ripping the curtain off the shower bar.
"Anakin," he called to the curtain.
"Yeah?"
"Can I... Can I see the razors, Anakin?"
"You can see them, but I'm using one," he replied.
Obi-Wan shifted a bit. "You are?" he asked, "For what?"
"You'll see," Anakin teased.
Obi-Wan breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry," he said.
"S'okay," Anakin called back. He finished shaving the hair on his legs and asked, "Want to join me?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan admitted.
"Okay, gimme one second," Anakin said. He did a check for any hair he'd missed, then called, "Alright, ready."
Obi-Wan stepped into the shower after undressing and looked Anakin over. "Very nice," he said.
Anakin put his leg on the side of the tub and gestured to it, saying, "Feel."
Obi-Wan laughed and ran his hand along Anakin's leg.
"Smooth, isn't it?" Anakin teased, a smile on his wet face.
"Perfectly," Obi-Wan replied, his hand now situated around Anakin's inner thigh.
Anakin's smile fell and he asked, "How much time do we have?"
"Not a lot," Obi-Wan said, "So let's be quick."
"Yes!"
Obi-Wan grinned as Anakin kissed him, eager and open-mouthed as he tangled his fingers through semi-wet hair. He tasted sweet. Obi-Wan curled one arm around Anakin while the other sought his cock, already hard and hot in his hand. Anakin moaned into Obi-Wan's mouth as he stroked him, his hands roaming down Obi-Wan's back, his focus mainly on moving his tongue against Obi-Wan's. Obi-Wan had enough with kissing and turned Anakin around, keeping a secure grip on him so he wouldn't slip. He stroked Anakin's cock again, his own pressed against Anakin's cheeks, rocking his hips just slightly to slide between them. Anakin pushed back against him, Obi-Wan's hand on him feeling like magic. Obi-Wan slipped his arm underneath Anakin's, pulling him tight against him before placing a hand on his throat and giving it a squeeze. Anakin came right then. Obi-Wan pumped his hand up and down until he was dry, and wrapped both arms around him when Anakin's knees went weak. Anakin moaned quietly and let Obi-Wan support him.
Obi-Wan turned him around slowly, Anakin looking like he was ready to curl up in bed again with his eyes half-hooded and dark to match his wet curls. Obi-Wan grabbed a fistful of his hair to keep the eye contact, his other arm holding Anakin against him. Anakin opened his mouth, that foreign look in his eyes as he took hold of Obi-Wan's cock. Obi-Wan planted his feet firmly in the tub, nerves making him want to shake until he sublimated as Anakin worked him over. All he could think when he looked into Anakin's eyes was that everything he felt was because of him, all Anakin, only Anakin. Anakin lurched forward despite Obi-Wan's fist in his hair and kissed him, his pace getting too fast for Obi-Wan to bear. Anakin let go of Obi-Wan just as he came, arms slipping underneath Obi-Wan's to pull him closer. Anakin could feel Obi-Wan's come on himself, and he grinned devilishly at how fast he'd made that happen. Obi-Wan just took shallow breaths, his head spinning. Anakin mouthed at a purple spot on his neck that he'd left the day before.
"I love you," Obi-Wan said.
Anakin faced him and said, "I love you."
"You know everything will be okay?" he asked.
Anakin raked his teeth over his bottom lip and replied, "I know you know everything will be okay. I'm trying."
"Okay. That's enough for me. Just keep trying," Obi-Wan told him. Anakin nodded. Obi-Wan puckered his lips and Anakin kissed him, however silly it was not making a difference for him. They finished cleaning themselves and got dressed, combed their hair, brushed their teeth, and skipped caf. Obi-Wan drove them to Dr. Jinn's office, which was located on the fourth floor of a health center. The door to office number 20 was left open a crack and Obi-Wan knocked on it.
Dr. Jinn was at the door in two strides and welcomed them in. "Hello, come in," he said.
Anakin looked him over briefly before he took in his surroundings. He looked like his pictures on the holosite. The office had two large windows overlooking the lush greenery of the forest below. Anakin was relieved to see no stereotypical couch that he'd be expected to lie down on. Instead there was a plush armchair and a sofa, and on the opposite side of the room there was a small counter with something brewing, a sink, and paper towels. Tissues were situated on the coffee table beside the sofa. The walls were painted a light green and there was a potted plant growing on the desk by the windows.
"My name is Qui-Gon Jinn," Anakin heard him say as he touched a leaf with his fingers, checking if it was real. It was.
"I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi," his father said. Anakin watched them shake hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you in person," Dr. Jinn replied, now turning to Anakin, "You must be Anakin."
Anakin shook his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said quietly.
Dr. Jinn closed the office door and said, "Go ahead and have a seat, you two." He picked up a steaming cup from the small counter and asked, "Would either of you like some tea?"
Obi-Wan smiled. "Certainly."
Dr. Jinn offered a smile back. "Anakin?" he asked.
Anakin eyed him and the tea. "What's in it?"
Dr. Jinn set his cup of tea on the table by the armchair and poured hot water into one for Obi-Wan, saying, "There's no truth-telling serum in it, I assure you." Anakin didn't laugh. Dr. Jinn waved Anakin over and let him watch as he made the tea. He rinsed out a silver tea ball and spooned in some leaves from a tub marked Earl Grey, then some from one marked Lavender. After the color seeped into the water, Dr. Jinn added a little honey and stirred it with a silver spoon. "Would you like one now?" he asked kindly.
Anakin nodded. It smelled delicious. He took the cup to Obi-Wan and Obi-Wan sighed after sipping it. Anakin rolled his eyes. "This is wonderful, Dr. Jinn," Obi-Wan said, "Thank you."
"You're very welcome," he replied, and brought Anakin his. They settled in their respective seats, Dr. Jinn in the arm chair, Anakin across from him, and Obi-Wan slightly distanced from Anakin on the same sofa. Anakin sipped his tea.
"So, Anakin," Dr. Jinn started, "Your father tells me you've been having a rough time lately. Can you tell me why?"
"I…" Anakin said, "I don't know where to begin."
"That's okay," he said. "I'll try to be more specific. How's life at home?"
"It's good," Anakin answered, with a hint of a smile.
"Who else lives with you and your father? Is it just you?"
"My sister Padmé was living with us, but she's moving out now."
"How do you feel about that?" Dr. Jinn asked.
Anakin hesitated. "I'm a little relieved. That sounds bad."
"Why are you relieved?"
"I love my sister, don't get me wrong. But she and my father would fight."
"I see. What would they fight about?"
"Me, sometimes," Anakin replied.
"Why?" Dr. Jinn asked. He wasn't impatient, but kept the same calming tone throughout. Still, Anakin wondered how many questions he'd have to answer.
"Padmé thinks she knows what's best for me, and that Father doesn't."
"What do you think?"
Anakin smiled. "I think I have the best father in the world."
Dr. Jinn sat back and sipped his tea. Anakin sounded as sincere as sincere could be. Obi-Wan reached over and gave Anakin's hand a squeeze. They separated and Anakin met Dr. Jinn's blue eyes. The doctor sat forward again and asked, "Is that all that your sister and father would fight about?"
Anakin bit his lip and shook his head.
"Can you tell me more?"
Anakin looked to Obi-Wan, who nodded. Anakin said, "They'd fight about Ventress."
"Who's Ventress?"
"My father's girlfriend, a few months back. She was really abusive."
"To you?"
"To Father, not me."
Dr. Jinn found Obi-Wan's eyes fixed on the sofa's leather. "Mister Kenobi," he said.
Obi-Wan met his eyes.
"Are you alright?"
Obi-Wan felt such a heaviness with that question that he almost replied no. He nodded, his jaw set.
Dr. Jinn made a mental note and focused on Anakin again. He asked, "What did your father do to get out of the relationship?"
"Ventress died. That ended it."
Dr. Jinn felt Anakin's mood change. It charged the air like electricity. He wouldn't probe further for now. "Alright, Anakin," he said, "You've done a great job answering my questions so far. I'd like you to talk about Elan, if that's alright with you."
Anakin's lips parted, and he turned to Obi-Wan questioningly.
"I told him on the phone. Not all of it, though. You should tell him everything," Obi-Wan said softly.
"I can't," Anakin uttered. He looked at Dr. Jinn. "I can't talk about him."
Dr. Jinn slowly laced his fingers together, thinking of the best way to help Anakin. He told him, "I know how it happened. It was in the papers. You were there when it happened, weren't you?"
Anakin nodded and picked at his fingernails. He pictured Obi-Wan scrubbing blood from underneath them.
"Is it like it's still happening, sometimes?"
Anakin nodded without making eye contact.
"Did you love him?"
Anakin took a ring out of his pocket and turned it over and over. "I still do. I've been trying to forget."
Obi-Wan had a moment of doubt. Anakin thought I love you too to him. It helped some.
Dr. Jinn asked, "When you remember him, are you sad?"
"Mhm. And angry. He didn't deserve any of it. He could still be here. Someone out there is responsible."
Dr. Jinn nodded. "Do you feel lost without him? Hopeless?"
"I did."
"Not anymore?"
Anakin thought awhile. "Sometimes I think I can't keep anything good around. My mother died. Elan died. Something always has control over my life."
"Why did you want to stop fighting?" Dr. Jinn asked.
"Stop living, you mean."
"Yes."
"I thought... I thought my father didn't love me."
It was the only time throughout their session that Dr. Jinn looked genuinely shocked. "Why?" he asked.
"I thought he loved me because he had to. Because I'm his son. But not because he wanted to. I didn't see how he could love me the way I am."
"Which is...?"
"I'm a mess. I'm unstable. I'm just like her."
"No," Obi-Wan blurted, "You're nothing like her."
"Anakin," Dr. Jinn called.
Anakin wiped tears from his eyes. "What?"
"You've been very brave telling me all these things. It's going to sound hard to believe, but things are going to get better from here. They are."
Anakin forced a smile. "So I've heard."
Dr. Jinn went to his desk and returned to the armchair with a pen and a notebook. He flipped to a blank page and drew a horizontal line through the center of it. "Now, Anakin," he said, and held the notebook out to face him, "Think creatively with me for a moment. This straight line represents a time when you're relaxed with no worries."
"Okay," Anakin said. Dr. Jinn drew a wavy line over the straight one, intersecting with the latter at several points. He showed Anakin the notebook and pointed to one of the hills.
"This is a moment when you're stressed. You might have an exam in math, for example."
Anakin watched him point to a valley.
"This is a low moment. You might have just ruined your favorite pair of shoes in the mud. Make sense?"
"Yeah."
"Now this…" Dr. Jinn said, as he drew an exaggerated, wiggly-wobbly line, "is what can happen when the chemicals in your brain are imbalanced. The stresses are more stressful, the lows feel like a bottomless pit. It can happen to anyone, or it can happen after a traumatic event, or because your parents were prone to it, too." Anakin watched him retrace the original wavy line. "I'm going to prescribe something for you to help you feel like this again. It can't eliminate all stress from your life, but it will help you function normally on a day-to-day basis."
"Really?"
"Yes," Dr. Jinn affirmed as he scribbled the prescription down, "Give it a couple weeks to kick in. Now, like all prescriptions it might have some side effects… You just let me know if one of them is really bugging you and we can try something else. And Anakin…"
Anakin turned to face him again, the smile he had for Obi-Wan still there.
"Don't be shy. Your chances of getting over this are much better with therapy, and not just pills alone. Okay?"
"Okay," Anakin replied firmly.
Dr. Jinn stood and Anakin and Obi-Wan followed. He shook both their hands and Anakin headed for the door. Dr. Jinn handed the prescription to Obi-Wan, who asked quietly, "How much do I owe you?"
"First visit's free," he said smoothly.
"Thank you," Obi-Wan said, voice overflowing with gratitude.
Dr. Jinn smiled before his seriousness took over again. "Have you ever had therapy yourself, Mister Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan stilled. "No," he said, "I haven't."
"If what Anakin said is true—" Dr. Jinn started.
"It is," Obi-Wan interrupted, "She was Dathomirian, a Force-user—"
Dr. Jinn held up his hand, then said, "It makes no difference to me whether she was stronger than you. I'm not here to judge, only to help."
Obi-Wan waited patiently.
"I can refer you to another therapist, if you'd like. Someone who specializes in aiding victims of domestic abuse."
"I'm not sure I could afford it," Obi-Wan replied, his eyes downcast. Anakin wondered if they could afford more appointments with Dr. Jinn.
Dr. Jinn nodded solemnly. "I'll let you know what I can work out for you. But I think it would be beneficial for Anakin to know you are going through the same kind of process he is."
Obi-Wan smiled and thanked him once more, and took Anakin's hand as they left the office.
They walked down the hallway to the elevators. Obi-Wan was quiet. Anakin asked, "Are you alright, Father?"
Obi-Wan stopped abruptly before they could turn the corner. He cupped his hands to Anakin's cheeks, and wiped the remnants of his tears away. "Of course I'm alright," he said, "Don't you worry about me."
"'kay."
Obi-Wan said, "You did so well, Anakin. I want you to know that I don't see you as a mess. You're my baby. You mean so much to me."
Anakin curled his arms around Obi-Wan and hugged him. "'m sorry if I hurt your feelings," he murmured.
Obi-Wan patted his back a few times. "I know you love Elan," he whispered. "I know you love me too. What hurts is that you thought I didn't love you."
"I know better now," Anakin replied.
Obi-Wan kissed his temple. "Good. Let's go pick up your prescription."
Anakin started taking one pill every night before bed. After the first few days without change, Anakin grew more and more frustrated, but Obi-Wan assured him it would work if he just gave it a little more time. Dr. Jinn hadn't called back yet with another appointment slot for them, and even that made Anakin feel undeserving. The hunters hadn't left the motel yet, thankfully, and that meant more money. But was it going to be enough? Anakin had a feeling they'd spent the rest of their savings on the house and the motel. Could he really ask Obi-Wan to spend more on mere conversations?
Obi-Wan noticed Anakin getting more distant from him and worked on a plan to counteract it. Well, it wasn't so much of a plan as it was a pair of the panties Anakin had picked out underneath his clothing. But maybe it would be enough to inspire something in him. Anakin hadn't responded to his touches so much in the past few days.
Obi-Wan went upstairs some time after lunch and brushed his teeth, then washed his face and brushed his hair, making sure not a hair on his head or his chin was out of place. He sprayed a little cologne on either side of his neck, then turned off the bathroom light and leaned over the staircase railing, calling, "Anakin!"
"What!" came from downstairs.
"Could you bring me glass of water?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yeah," Anakin answered.
Obi-Wan left the door to his bedroom open a crack before he undressed speedily, leaving on the barely-any-coverage panties as he tossed his clothes in a hamper and situated himself on the bed.
Anakin nearly dropped the glass of water when he saw him. One leg propped up, the other laying on its side, pink undies hardly containing a similarly colored part of Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan reached out to him with the hand that wasn't supporting his head.
Anakin had a swallow of the water before he turned and locked the door behind him. He approached Obi-Wan and Obi-Wan took the glass from him, drinking some before saying softly, "Thank you, Anakin."
Anakin's heart was fluttering at the possibilities from this point on, daydreams mixed with some doubt. "You really want me, Father?" he asked.
Obi-Wan pulled Anakin onto the bed gently. "I really do," he said.
Anakin leaned down and kissed Obi-Wan tentatively, little nips at his lips more than anything else. Obi-Wan locked eyes with him when they parted, fingers buried in his hair. "You want me, too?" he asked.
Anakin's eyes were dark. "Yes," he said. Obi-Wan sat up and pulled him close with both arms around his back, his mouth meeting Anakin's, his breath hot. Anakin closed his eyes.
"I'd hoped you say that," Obi-Wan muttered as he bent to nibble at Anakin's neck, hands working off his belt.
Anakin shed his tunics afterwards, leaning into Obi-Wan's mouth slightly, enjoying the heat it came with. Obi-Wan was glad to cover every inch of Anakin's neck with his tongue as Anakin slipped off his socks and tossed them across the room. He inched down his pants but really should have straightened out before attempting to take them off. Obi-Wan grinned and had him lie back, his head near the end of the bed as Obi-Wan pulled off his pants and boxers. Obi-Wan eyed him up and down, like he couldn't get enough.
"My baby's so perfect," Obi-Wan said, bringing out the color in Anakin's skin, "He's so impressive…"
Anakin dedicated his gaze to Obi-Wan in the same way as his fingers moved up and down over the pink satiny fabric he wore. "Daddy packs a punch too," Anakin determined.
Obi-Wan's bangs fell over his eye as he smiled at him. Anakin hooked a finger in the panties and pulled them down enough to bare Obi-Wan's cock.
"I think I want that again," Anakin said, tilting his head to get a better look at him.
Obi-Wan ran his hand along Anakin's side, soothing slowly over his hip. "You think?" he asked.
"I know," Anakin amended.
Obi-Wan lowered himself against Anakin's body and kissed him some more, hips rubbing against Anakin's at a steady pace, the only barrier between them the soft strip of fabric. At a certain point Anakin couldn't take it anymore. He gripped the lace on either side of Obi-Wan and pulled them down as far as he could. Obi-Wan adjusted and took them off, nearly tossing them to the side before Anakin reached for them. Obi-Wan handed him the panties and went wide-eyed when Anakin held them to his nose.
"Stars, Anakin," Obi-Wan whispered.
Anakin smiled shyly. "I was just curious."
"Right, just curious."
"They're warm, too," he teased.
Obi-Wan retrieved the bottle of lube from the nightstand drawer and replied, "What am I going to do with you?"
"I think you know already," Anakin said, and spun the panties around on his finger.
Obi-Wan snatched them from him and let them drop out over the side of the bed. Anakin pouted.
"Legs up," Obi-Wan said.
Anakin followed his order.
"Deep breath," he said, in the same tone.
Anakin did, but it only sent more butterflies through him.
"Another," Obi-Wan repeated, oh so quiet.
Anakin looked up at the ceiling for a moment, then closed his eyes. Obi-Wan's hands drifted up and down his thighs, smooth since Anakin had shaved again following the first time. Obi-Wan stroked lubed fingers over Anakin's cock.
"Oh, wow—" Anakin blurted, and resolved to put a hand over his mouth until Obi-Wan was done teasing him. Obi-Wan's hand slipped lower, making Anakin mmm, and lower still till finally his fingers were where Anakin wanted them. One finger in, alright, not a big deal. It wasn't like Anakin had wanted this again since the first time and didn't know how to ask. Well, maybe it was that—two fingers and Anakin balled his fists in the sheets, cursing himself for not trying to ask—but it was like he wasn't sure Obi-Wan wanted it, since the first time was to keep him alive, and he knew Obi-Wan would do anything to keep him alive. If that was the only reason…
Three fingers and a whine from Anakin as he rubbed that sweet spot over and over. It didn't matter if he deserved it or not, he was getting it, and that was what he should focus on, Anakin decided. Obi-Wan was getting better and better at anticipating his desires, it seemed. He grabbed Anakin's hands and pulled him forward so he'd sit up.
"You wanna sit in my lap, sweetheart?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin's jaw nearly dropped. He nodded and Obi-Wan scooted back, closer to the headboard, then motioned Anakin over. Anakin crawled over to him and moved to straddle him, Obi-Wan's hands around Anakin's waist keeping him suspended. He propped his legs up a bit and slowly lowered Anakin down, a smile and a little sweat on his face when he was in. "You alright, Anakin?" he asked.
"Uh huh," he said, and tested lifting himself up and down on Obi-Wan's cock.
"Oh," Obi-Wan said, "Do that again."
Anakin did, feeling so warm and full inside. It was unbearable.
"Ah, Anakin," Obi-Wan murmured, "Perfect, just like that—"
Anakin's movements became jolty and uneven.
"Here, let me help," Obi-Wan said, and gripped Anakin's hips to still him, then start a new rhythm. Anakin only lasted a few seconds of precise, rolling movements before he came. He hid his face in Obi-Wan's shoulder as it happened, and then he was crying and he couldn't stop it.
"Honey, honey, honey, what's wrong?" Obi-Wan asked, pushing at Anakin's shoulders to face him. "What's wrong, Anakin? Here." Obi-Wan lifted Anakin up one more time and pulled out of him, then let him sit in his lap again. "You can tell me, Anakin. Something hurt?"
"I came too fast," he blubbered, big tears rolling down his cheeks. There was the evidence on Obi-Wan's chest. Obi-Wan rubbed his back. "It's the second time," Anakin said between sharp breaths, "You barely touched me."
"Listen, Anakin," Obi-Wan said quietly, "Last time was meant to be quick. You're doing just fine for someone your age—better even. Besides, what makes it 'too fast' anyway? As long as it feels good to you, I don't care. This isn't meant to be a stressful experience for you. Don't cry."
"You don't care?" Anakin asked, hands wiping at his face.
"Nope," Obi-Wan replied, and took Anakin's hands and gave them kisses, rubbing at the shiny tears on them.
"But what about you?" he asked, glancing at his hard-on.
"I'm fine. We stop if that's what you want, remember?"
Anakin took one more uneven breath, tears no longer falling. "I don't want to stop."
"Are you sure?" Obi-Wan asked seriously.
"I'm sure."
"Tell me what you want then."
Anakin thought about it and moved off of Obi-Wan to lay down on his stomach beside him. Obi-Wan curled a hand around his side and pulled him to the center of the bed before hovering over him. He left feather-light trails over Anakin's back with his fingertips, soon swooping down over his ass and back up using his knuckles. Anakin let out a giggle. Obi-Wan smiled and leaned down to kiss the side of his face. "Tell me if you get uncomfortable, alright?" he whispered.
Anakin nodded.
Obi-Wan added more lube to himself and pressed into Anakin, drawing whimpers from him as he drew back and pushed in again. He took it very slow, his mind on Anakin's state of mind. It seemed clouded, uneasy. Burdened. Anakin muttered something.
"What's that, Anakin?"
Anakin turned his head to the side again. "I don't like this position," he said.
Obi-Wan pulled out of him and turned him over gently. He gathered Anakin into his arms. "I think we should stop," he announced.
Anakin looked tormented. "No, Father, I just couldn't breathe very well like that—"
"Shh," Obi-Wan said, and caressed his face, "It's okay. I don't want you worked up over pleasing me."
Anakin's chest rose and fell but he still felt like he couldn't breathe.
Obi-Wan got up and opened a window for him, and then another. He pulled on a robe and gave Anakin the glass of water as he sat on the bed again. Anakin drank the rest of it.
"I think you're feeling a little anxious," Obi-Wan told him, taking the glass back.
"Is this how you feel sometimes?" Anakin asked, his brows bent together, muscles tense. "Trapped?"
"Yes. But it will pass. Try to relax. Breathe."
Anakin frowned. He was breathing, but his chest felt tight. Obi-Wan retrieved a robe for him too and Anakin slipped it on before resting his head in Obi-Wan's lap. Obi-Wan ran his fingers through his hair repeatedly and hummed softly. Anakin gradually felt better. Then Obi-Wan's cell phone rang.
Anakin jumped. Obi-Wan's fingers trailed over Anakin's face one more time before he got up and dug through his hamper. He found his phone and told Anakin, "It's Rex."
Anakin stayed quiet as he answered it, glad when Obi-Wan joined him on the bed again and pulled him near.
"Come in today?" Obi-Wan said. He glanced at Anakin. "For lab work."
"Yes," Rex said, "This case is moving much too slowly for my liking. People are starting to compare me to Cody."
"Cody?" Obi-Wan repeated. Anakin looked concerned.
"Sorry," he replied, "It's just that he had more experience with this sort of thing. He could be intimidating, when he wanted to—"
"Yes, I am aware," Obi-Wan said.
"I only meant that he'd have more answers by now. Can you come in today? Preferably now?"
Obi-Wan sighed. "I told you Anakin is going through something."
"I know, poor kid. But it will only be harder on him if we drag this out longer."
Obi-Wan reached for Anakin's hand. "I see your point. We'll be there in half an hour."
"Thanks, Obi-Wan."
They hung up and Obi-Wan met Anakin's piercing stare. "What do we have to do? For the lab work?" Anakin asked.
"Just a cheek swab. So we better brush our teeth well."
"You think they'd be able to tell…?"
"Maybe. Probably if we'd done more with our mouths."
Anakin didn't like the idea.
"It's going to be alright," Obi-Wan said, for maybe the hundredth time.
"I love you," Anakin replied.
"I—" Obi-Wan's phone rang again. Love you, he mouthed, and answered the phone. "What is it, Rex?"
Someone cleared their throat. "Actually, it's Principal Palpatine. Is this Mister Kenobi speaking?"
Obi-Wan wanted to groan so badly. "It is. Why are you calling this number?"
"You didn't respond to the messages on your home phone, so I thought it necessary."
Obi-Wan palmed his forehead. The school. Always with the school. "I'm sorry, it slipped my mind to call in."
"Your son will be held accountable for his truancy if he misses any more school this year," said Principal Palpatine.
"But Anakin has been out for medical reasons. Can't you excuse him?"
"I need a doctor's note, which you've failed to provide."
"I can provide one. I understand how important an education is, Mister Palpatine. I wouldn't keep Anakin from school unless it was necessary."
"I have been quite concerned about Anakin's absence lately," Palpatine replied, "What exactly is wrong with him?"
Obi-Wan hoped the insight would help end the conversation sooner. "He's depressed," Obi-Wan said, "and when he's ready he will be at school."
"My, I am very sorry to hear that. Please have Anakin take his time. Have a good day, Mister Kenobi."
"You too," Obi-Wan said automatically. That was a bit strange for the principal to turn around like that. The line went dead and Obi-Wan hung up. Anakin got up from the bed and went to his room to get dressed. Obi-Wan hopped in the shower. In his office at Coruscant High, Principal Palpatine spun around in his chair. "We went too far," he said.
Dr. Dooku crossed his arms. "How so?"
"The boy's depressed! So much for a fighter."
Dooku leaned against the wall, almost taken aback. "Exactly what result were you expecting? We killed his boyfriend."
"We didn't," Palpatine reminded him, standing up at his desk. "To answer your question, I expected a little revenge. Bloodshed, at least. You don't just let a loved one die with powers like that."
"I'm not sure I knew what you were planning to begin with."
"I was hoping to separate the strong from the weak."
"For personal gain? Power over the young? Speak, my friend."
Palpatine advanced on him, forcing Dooku to look down his long nose at him. "Think bigger, my friend," said Palpatine, venom in his voice and a glint in his eyes, "How many students do we have here?"
"Three hundred, I believe," Dooku answered.
"And how many Force-sensitives?"
"A handful. Maybe more."
"More is right. And how many have formal Jedi training?"
"None."
"How many think life is awful because they're teenagers and they have no control?"
Dooku chuckled.
"Exactly. We could sway them to the Dark Side. With your expertise, and my position in this school…"
"And then what?" Dooku challenged.
"When the time comes… we shall see."
The lab test with Rex went smoothly and Obi-Wan and Anakin found a message from Dr. Jinn when they got home. He had a patient cancel their 10 o'clock appointment the next day and could have them come in at that time. Obi-Wan called him back to accept the offer.
"Hi, Doctor Jinn, it's Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Ah, hello, Mister Kenobi. Can Anakin come in tomorrow?"
"He can, thank you for calling."
"You're welcome. As for you, I contacted a few other therapists without much luck. If you would like, I can meet with you on the weekends, at my house."
Obi-Wan furrowed his brows. Anakin popped open a soda and Obi-Wan turned to him, saying, "Maybe lay off the caffeine for now, okay?"
Dr. Jinn laughed slightly. "Mister Kenobi?"
"I'm here, sorry. Why at your house?" Anakin took a sip of the soda and handed Obi-Wan the can.
"Well, the office is closed on the weekends," Dr. Jinn answered, "I can't ask you to pay me if we aren't at the office."
"Oh. Are you sure you want to do all that for me? For free?" he corrected.
"It would be for both you and Anakin. As long as he keeps coming to appointments, I don't mind. Think of it as a two-for-one deal."
Obi-Wan smiled and sipped from the soda. "Thank you, Doctor Jinn. What time should we meet? And what day?"
"What works for you?"
"I'm open."
"So am I. How about Saturday at five p.m.?"
"That sounds perfect. See you then."
"See you then."
Obi-Wan hung up and sat at the kitchen table with Anakin. He passed the soda to him and Anakin drank some more. They sat quietly for a while, not saying much.
"So you're going to the dance with Ahsoka," Obi-Wan started.
"Yeah," Anakin replied, "It's been forever since I've seen her. She asked me awhile back." He passed the soda to Obi-Wan and he sipped it.
"You think she likes you?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No, I think she wants to go as friends."
"When is the dance?"
Anakin thought about it, then checked his calendar. "This Saturday."
"That's exciting," Obi-Wan said, "Your first dance. You want to see what I was thinking you could wear?"
Anakin shrugged.
"Come on," Obi-Wan said, and waved him over.
Anakin stood and followed Obi-Wan upstairs. He opened his wardrobe and pulled out a few hangers. He laid them out on the bed. There was a long maroon-colored tunic of a sturdy material with sleeves, and a black vest surcoat that was uniquely cut, with a blueish hue. It would end at the top of Anakin's knees, with a split in the front and the back that would show the maroon tunic. Anakin smiled. "I'm starting to think you like dressing me up, Father."
Obi-Wan smiled back. "I do. This isn't even the best part though." He turned to his wardrobe and pulled out a royal blue velvet cloak. He took it off the hanger and let Anakin gather it in his arms.
"It's so soft," Anakin said, and rubbed it against his cheek.
"Will you try it on?" Obi-Wan asked, looking hopeful.
"Yes."
Obi-Wan smiled and took the hanger out of the maroon tunic. Anakin discarded his robes and put it on, and Obi-Wan tugged the surcoat over Anakin's head and smoothed it out. Obi-Wan held up a finger before Anakin could put on the cloak and went to his wardrobe to retrieve two black gloves from the bottom drawer. Anakin put them on over the sleeves of his tunic. Finally, Obi-Wan helped him into the heavy cloak and they stood before the mirror.
"Wow," Anakin mouthed.
"Wow, indeed. I didn't get to wear this too often. Special occasions only. It looks brand new, don't you think?"
Anakin turned around and watched the cloak whirl, the leather of his gloves creaking as he closed and opened his hands. "It's awesome. I just need a lightsaber," Anakin said. Obi-Wan laughed.
"I think there's a pocket in the cloak if you do take one," he said.
Anakin checked. Even the pocket was soft. "Thank you, Father. I'm... sorry about earlier."
"Don't be. This is all still new for you. It's new for me too, in a lot of ways."
"Do you think we should take a break?" he asked.
Obi-Wan tried to keep his frown under control. "If that is what you want."
Anakin hugged him and said, "I don't want a break."
Obi-Wan held him, silently relieved.
"It's important to me," Anakin told him.
"I know, sweetheart. I'll try to make the next time special."
"It's always special."
Obi-Wan smiled.
"I think we should do it in all the motel rooms," Anakin said.
Obi-Wan moved to face him. "That's a lot of sheets to clean," he teased.
Anakin grinned. "I'm serious."
"Most of them are occupied right now," Obi-Wan said.
"It doesn't have to be right now."
"We'd have to be sneaky. And quiet," Obi-Wan said, thinking of the windows on the outside of the rooms.
"You aren't saying no," Anakin pointed out.
"I'm not saying no," Obi-Wan responded. Anakin scoffed, his grin soon returning.
They went to bed a few hours later. Obi-Wan held Anakin close to him, Anakin's back to his chest, his mouth to Anakin's hair. He nuzzled in close and felt Anakin breathe in time with him. They fell asleep to darkness.
Anakin woke with a scream. Obi-Wan's eyes shot open and he turned on the lamp beside him. "Anakin?" he called.
Anakin was drenched in a cold sweat from head to toe. His chest rose and fell rapidly. He turned to Obi-Wan with fear in his eyes. An awful sense of foreboding overcame him and he moaned like death.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, clutching at his arm, "What is it? Was it a nightmare?"
He was unable to speak with his voice caught in his throat.
Obi-Wan pulled him into his arms. "It's okay now. You're safe. It wasn't real."
Anakin wrenched out of his grasp and cried, "It was!"
Obi-Wan moved Anakin's wet curls out of his eyes and told him, "Take a breath. I'm going to get you some water."
"No!" Anakin shrieked, "Don't leave me with him!"
Obi-Wan stilled and turned back to Anakin, one foot on the floor. Carefully, he said, "It was a dream. No one is here but me. Look." Anakin took heavy breaths as he looked around the room. "We're in our house, in our bedroom," Obi-Wan stated, "It's two a.m. and you're safe."
Anakin gave in to the tears, his body shivering. He felt helpless. Obi-Wan wrapped him in a blanket and sat with him on the bed.
"Why don't you tell me what happened in the dream?"
Anakin shook his head.
"Let me help you," Obi-Wan insisted, "Let's talk through it."
Anakin raised his gaze and met Obi-Wan's.
"Start at the beginning," Obi-Wan prompted.
He took an uneven breath, his fingers rigid around the blanket. "I was in the hospital," Anakin said.
Obi-Wan waited quietly.
"My arms were tied down with these thick leather straps…" Anakin looked at them now to see if the restraints had vanished. They had. "Like I was insane," he said.
"And then what happened?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I called for you," Anakin explained, "But you didn't come. I couldn't get free. I couldn't use the Force."
"I'm here now," Obi-Wan said.
"There was more."
Obi-Wan listened as Anakin recalled his dream.
"Mister Clovis came. And he—he—I—" Anakin looked away from Obi-Wan. "I couldn't stop him."
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, and cupped his hand to his cheek so he'd face him, "You are safe with me. It wasn't real."
"It felt real."
Obi-Wan's face crumpled. "Have you come into contact with him since last time?"
"No," Anakin said.
"Is there… Is there something you're not telling me?"
"No!"
"I wouldn't ever place the blame on you, Anakin. I just need to make sure."
"I haven't seen him since," Anakin swore.
Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "Have you had this dream before?" he asked.
"Not this dream," Anakin said. "But another like it."
"Hmm."
"Hmm?" Anakin repeated.
Obi-Wan held both of Anakin's hands. "I want you to tell Doctor Jinn about your dream."
"I couldn't," Anakin said, horrified.
"You can. Just tell him what you told me. He said your medication might have side effects. And if it's not that, maybe he can find a way to make the dreams stop."
Anakin took a shaky breath.
Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Anakin and laid down with him, his hands making soothing motions over Anakin's back. He whispered sweet words by his ear. "I love you, Anakin. You're safe with me. You know I wouldn't ever hurt you. I'd never want to hurt you… Loving you is a gift. I hope you know how much I love you. I'd do anything to protect you. Anything…"
Anakin fell asleep to the rumble of his voice. Obi-Wan's worry was only alleviated by the warmth of Anakin's body on top of him.
In the morning, the two had an average breakfast before getting ready for Anakin's appointment with Dr. Jinn. Obi-Wan didn't have the energy to make something special, although he wanted to bring a smile to Anakin's face. The boy had dark rings under his eyes. First too much sleep, now not enough…
Dr. Jinn welcomed them into his office once more, and they sat in the usual spots, but with Obi-Wan a little closer to Anakin on the sofa. They skipped the tea this time.
"It's nice to see you again, Anakin," Dr. Jinn said. "It's only been a few days since you've started taking your medication, but I wanted to ask if you've noticed any difference."
"Nothing, really," Anakin said. Obi-Wan gave him a nudge.
Dr. Jinn noticed. "If you've had any changes in your thoughts, please tell me. This kind of drug can sometimes be more detrimental than helpful in young people."
Anakin fidgeted with his fingers. "Well, I was feeling kind of anxious yesterday. Father helped me figure out what it was."
"That's good that your father helped you. Did it last for a long period of time?"
"No," Anakin said, "I only felt bad for a little while. But later I had a nightmare."
"I see," said Dr. Jinn, "Was it very vivid?"
"Yeah. It felt real to me."
Dr. Jinn's lips curled down at the edges for a moment, Anakin's unease palpable in the room. "Would you like to tell me about the dream, Anakin?"
Anakin rubbed his eyes till he saw spots. "I don't want to, but…" Obi-Wan put his hand at the back of Anakin's neck and rubbed slowly. Anakin took a breath. "In the dream I was insane, and I was strapped down. My English teacher came and… he used me."
Dr. Jinn stroked the hair on his chin, concern in his brow. He lowered his voice a fraction and asked, "Have you been raped?"
"No," Anakin said quickly, but he'd expected the question, more or less.
"Have you been touched without your consent?"
"Yes," Anakin admitted, his voice all tight. Obi-Wan's eyes trailed over him, full of worry.
"By your English teacher?" Dr. Jinn asked.
"Yes."
"By anyone else?"
"No."
"Mister Kenobi," Dr. Jinn started, then paused to gather his thoughts, "Did you know about this?"
Obi-Wan moved to hold Anakin's hand as he answered, "Yes. Mister Clovis was arrested at one point, but now he's back at Anakin's high school. The principal is aware, but for whatever reason, Mister Clovis continues to work at Coruscant High…"
Dr. Jinn nodded and turned to Anakin. "I think that your dream, while vivid, is not so much a result of the medication as it is a reaction to a real, reasonable fear you have. Have you had dreams like this before?"
"One."
"Was it also vivid?"
"Parts of it were. The edges of the dream were blurry, if that makes sense."
"Are you Force-sensitive, Anakin?"
Anakin tightened his grip around Obi-Wan's hand.
"I am," said Dr. Jinn. "I only ask because there's a possibility that the dream is not a dream, but a vision."
"A vision?" Anakin asked. He sounded like he was going to cry.
"Don't despair, Anakin. The future is always in motion. But with this knowledge, if it is a vision, you can prepare for such an attempt. Do you know any self-defense?"
"Some," Anakin replied, uneasy.
"And can you use the Force?"
Anakin raised his arms and lifted every object in the room, save the seats underneath them. Obi-Wan's eyes went a little wide. Anakin…
He set down the plants, teapot, and various desk items, including the desk. It made a loud thud.
Dr. Jinn cleared his throat awkwardly. "Very good," he said. "Use the Force when it is necessary. However, I think the surest end to your dreams would be to keep Mister Clovis far away from you."
"You think a restraining order would be enough?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Perhaps. It would likely keep him out of the school."
Anakin gave a sigh and leaned into Obi-Wan. Dr. Jinn held a small smile. After a moment, he said, "As for your anxiety, Anakin, it's possible it will go away as you get used to the medication. If it doesn't, or if it gets worse, let me know and we'll try something else. Okay?"
Anakin nodded. He had so much to think about. But at least there was some hope now.
"In the meantime, I'd suggest keeping your stress levels low, and talk to your father or me if something feels wrong."
"I will," Anakin said, "Thank you, Doctor Jinn."
"You're very welcome. Stay safe." He stood and they said their goodbyes. Obi-Wan caught Dr. Jinn's arm before walking through the door.
"Thank you," he said again, as appreciative as the first time.
Dr. Jinn smiled gently as Obi-Wan pulled his hand away. "I'll be seeing you on Saturday, correct?"
"Yes. Somehow it slipped my mind, but I don't have your address."
Dr. Jinn laughed. "Silly me. One second." He went to his desk and wrote his address on a sheet of notebook paper, before returning to Obi-Wan. Anakin watched them closely. "Here it is," Dr. Jinn said.
"Thanks. Oh, and I need a doctor's note for Anakin. I've been keeping him home since... Since I called you the first time."
"Of course. I'll be right back."
Anakin stepped back into the office and caught Obi-Wan's attention, his face showing his displeasure.
"What's wrong, Anakin?" Obi-Wan whispered.
"It's nothing," Anakin muttered.
"Tell me later."
Dr. Jinn came back with the doctor's note and handed it to Obi-Wan. They parted with the usual goodbyes and Obi-Wan held Anakin's hand again as they walked to the elevator. "Will you tell me what's wrong now?" he asked.
Anakin faced him as the elevator doors closed and held his other hand as well. "You're going to his house on Saturday," he said.
"And?"
"The dance is on Saturday. And I want you all to myself, before and after."
Obi-Wan smiled as Anakin played with their hands, his face all mopey. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't realize that before. But I'll help you get dressed, and then we can practice dancing…" Obi-Wan swayed a little, and Anakin dropped one hand in favor of Obi-Wan's waist. Obi-Wan curled an arm around his back and rested his head on Anakin's shoulder a moment before the elevator doors dinged and they separated. "Also…" Anakin said.
They left the elevator and headed for the health center's front doors. "Also?" Obi-Wan asked.
"You don't… like Doctor Jinn, do you?"
"I like him fine. He's helping you."
"That's not what I mean."
"Oh," Obi-Wan said, then, "No, honey, I love you. No one else. I'm thankful for Doctor Jinn because of what he's doing for you, but that doesn't mean I'm attracted to him."
"Alright," Anakin said.
"Believe me?" They got in their car just as the sky began to drizzle.
"Uh huh," Anakin replied, "but I want you to prove it to me."
Obi-Wan started driving towards home. "How, my dear?"
"Make love to me."
"When we get home?"
"No, now."
Obi-Wan slowed the car and pulled over. "This car has windows, Anakin," he said authoritatively.
"It has seats in the back, too."
Obi-Wan looked incredulous. "We can't risk getting caught. We can't."
Anakin looked at him with stubborn eyes.
"No," Obi-Wan said. "If you want me to when we get home, fine. But not here."
Anakin's face twisted into one that held back tears.
"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan spilled, "I wish things were different. It's been so hard for you lately. But try to be strong. I know you can. Come here."
Anakin leaned in and Obi-Wan gave him a kiss.
"Trust me," he said, "And trust my love for you. There's nothing that could pull us apart."
Anakin ran his fingers through Obi-Wan's beard. His eyes were sad. He nodded.
Obi-Wan nodded back and they drove home.
Anakin took some time to rest and watch a holovid while Obi-Wan looked into how to file a restraining order. It wasn't an instant process. He went to the court house and secured a temporary restraining order until they could have a court date, two weeks later. They would have to be patient.
When Obi-Wan got home, he supposed the motel guests needed attention again, and called Anakin out to help. They would change the sheets, take out the trash, and make sure the bathroom amenities were stocked. Obi-Wan had Anakin push the cart with the towels and various cleaning items as he knocked on Room 1. "Housekeeping," he called.
"Father," Anakin protested.
Obi-Wan smiled at him and unlocked the door, since there was no answer inside. They stripped the bed and made it again with fresh sheets. Anakin bagged up the small trash cans as Obi-Wan cleaned the bathroom. "Anakin," Obi-Wan called.
"Yeah?" Anakin was dusting the nightstands.
"Hand me two towels and some toilet paper, please," said Obi-Wan.
Anakin went to the cart and retrieved the requested items. Obi-Wan put them on their respective racks and soon the room was ready. They moved on to Room 2 and repeated the routine. Obi-Wan called for the bathroom supplies again.
Anakin returned with two towels and two toilet paper rolls. "These are the last ones," he said, holding out the rolls.
"They can't be. Did you check under the towels?"
Anakin went to the cart and came back to Obi-Wan, squatted by the sink and scrubbing at a weird stain. "There's none under the towels," he said.
Obi-Wan stood and took off his cleaning gloves. "Alright, I'll run to the store. Will you start the next room for me?"
"Sure," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan smiled and grabbed Anakin's waist before leaving nibbling kisses along his neck. Anakin giggled. Obi-Wan pulled back and said, "Here's the keys. I'll be back soon." He gave Anakin the room keys and left.
Anakin watched him drive off before gathering the cleaning supplies together, throwing them on the cart, and then heading to Room 3. He left the door ajar with the cart outside as he went to work. First, strip the sheets. Anakin tossed the pillows to the side of the room for washing. Then he pulled off the blankets and took a set of sheets from the cart to make the bed. He stretched the fitted sheet all around the bed without too much difficulty, since Obi-Wan showed him which corner the tag should go in. As he tucked the next sheet in, he felt something underneath the mattress. Anakin pulled it out.
It was a black band, a wide strip of synthleather with a clasp in the back. It was worn on the inside, and curled in a circle now that it was free of the confines of the mattress. An image flashed in Anakin's mind, and then it stayed there as Anakin's fingernails dug into the band. Elan in his arms, soaked in blood. But no band around his neck.
Anakin put the band around his own neck, something dark and dangerous burning like embers in his heart. He made the bed and took the cart back to the motel office, then turned around and entered Room 3. He closed the door and sat in the chair across from it, lightsaber in hand.
At the store, Obi-Wan gradually remembered everything they needed at the house and for the motel. Toilet paper, milk, bread, paper towels, pancake mix, shampoo, laundry detergent... The list went on and on.
Anakin waited. And waited. Finally, he heard a voice next door, in Room 2. The mattress creaked once, and there was another, higher voice before the door closed and there was silence. Anakin heard the key turning in the door before him. He stood and ignited his lightsaber as it opened. Zam Wesell's hand flew to her blaster.
"Drop it," Anakin said, his lightsaber raised.
She held up her hand and slowly set the blaster down. Anakin held out his hand and the blaster came to it. He put it in his belt and ordered, "Shut the door behind you."
Zam did, and held up her hands again. She wore a human face and rose-colored lipstick. "What do you want? And who are you?" she asked, the second question coming belatedly.
Anakin stepped closer, lightsaber pointed at her neck. "I think you know exactly who I am."
She shook her head, backing up against the door. Anakin only stepped closer.
"You're a changeling, aren't you?" he whispered.
"Clawdite is the word you're looking for," Zam said.
Anakin held the blade close to her face. "Same thing," he spat. "How did you get this?" He tucked his thumb underneath the band around his neck.
Zam paled. "I found it in the parking lot."
"Liar," Anakin accused, his voice still shockingly hushed. "Why would you keep it under your mattress? Why would you hide it? You killed him!"
Zam turned her head to shout and Anakin struck her over the head with his lightsaber hilt and shoved her to the floor. She tried to regain her footing and Anakin stood over her, the lightsaber pointed at her nose now. She froze.
"Show me how you did it," Anakin said.
"What?"
"How you killed Elan! How you got close enough to him! He could sense danger, you know! So how did you do it?" Anakin's arm shook.
Zam eyed the blaster on Anakin's belt. Anakin moved the blade and burned a hole through her hand. She shrieked, her body transforming back to its natural form for an instant.
Anakin leaned over her and demanded, "Show. Me."
In the next second, Anakin was looking at himself. A perfect rendition, from shape to color to clothes, except for the horrible red eyes that glared up at him and glowed unnaturally. Like red eyes in a photograph.
Anakin let out a cry and stabbed her again, in the shoulder. She yelled in pain and knocked him off his feet with a sweep of her legs. Anakin landed on his behind and Zam made a run for the door, but Anakin held out his hand and dragged her back with the Force. He pinned her to the wall and ignited his lightsaber once more. She still wore his face.
"You should die like he did," Anakin said, "A hundred stab wounds. No blood left in your body to keep you alive. It's too bad you'd die before I could do all that, with this." He sent his lightsaber through her other arm, leaving empty, bloody space in its place. Zam's face contorted in pain, fluttering between Anakin's and her own green, wide-eyed one.
"Stop," she begged, now wearing Elan's face. Anakin was only filled with more rage.
"Did you stop as Elan cried out? As he bled to death? While you used my face? He loved me! He loved me even afterwards!" Anakin slashed the blade across her mouth as she tried to say something.
"It wasn't personal," Zam slurred, green lips torn and bleeding, "I was hired!"
Anakin held her against the wall tighter. "By who?" he yelled.
A blaster bolt came through the window and shot Zam Wesell in the head. She slumped in Anakin's hold, then fell to the floor as he stepped back, eyes wide.
A blue-skinned, red-eyed man entered the room, a smoking blaster in his hand. Anakin adjusted his stance, fear mixing with his hate. "Drop the blaster," he said.
"I don't think so, kid," said the man in a voice thick like radio static. "You just cost me one of my best bounty hunters."
"Bounty hunters?" Anakin repeated. Who would pay to kill Elan? Was it this freak?
"This blaster ain't for killing deer," the man said, and stepped closer. Anakin shoved him back, his hand outstretched.
"A Jedi, are you? You look a bit young, kid. Why don't you power that down and have a chat with me?"
"No thanks," Anakin said, "Just tell me who she was working for."
"Can't. That's the whole point of the gig, and the whole point of this." He turned his blaster to the side so Anakin could see. His finger was still on the trigger.
"Tell me, and I won't kill you," Anakin advised.
"It's the other way around," the man drawled, and fired off several bolts. Anakin reflected them back with his lightsaber, but none of them hit their target. "Impressive," he said, stepping closer. "I think you might actually be worth something. Your daddy own this motel?"
Anakin grimaced and shifted the angle of his lightsaber. "No," he said.
"He does," the man declared, unafraid, a grin on his lips. "I've seen you before. What's your name?"
"Anakin Kenobi," he told him, emphasis on each syllable.
"Nice to meet you, Anakin Kenobi. I'm Cad Bane." And with that he grabbed Anakin's wrist and sent a shock through him. The lightsaber fell and Anakin blacked out.